---

---

The previous night...

The fight in the Citadel's back entrance probably had to be suddenly stopped when a beam of silvery light came once more from behind the old man, however, this time it was accompanied of a metallic clang, the heavy foot falls on one armored armored from head to toe. There on the underground chambers, the echo almost made it seem as if it was nothing but an armor devoid of any wearer that walked the musty tunnels.

"Oho! You're already here? Then it means Sachiko must have finished her public apparition, by now." As the old man said so, a being that would terrify anyone on the Imperium emerged from the shadows. It was no other than...

"Yggdrasil's here!? How da hell is this fair?" Sienna gasped in surprise, as the grip she had on her sword lost strength.

"Likewise, onee-sama. Surrender might be our only option." Linea complimented, while sheathing her rapier.

The old man lifted an eyebrow and smirked, "Smart girls, I like people who know when to fold. What about you, ladies?" he said to Meihou and Sierra, "Yggdrasil isn't half as much patient as I'm, I suggest making your choice fast."

Sierra's and Meihou's fates laid upon their decisions, be squashed by Yggdrasil's might, surrender, or take a third (unexpected) option? Whatever was it, they better do it fast.



Despite all hose events, a new day rose, as it always does and always will do, bringing bountiful blessings upon the lands touched by Imperium. Other places... might not have so much luck, though even now a pious soul knelt before the altar of the Academy's chapel, praying for this outcome:





The one who spoke such words was no one other than Anatolia, an acolyte of the clergy (unofficially known as the 5th division, working right under the religious guidance of the Imperator). She prayed as the sun rose, sending it's rays through the stained glass windows on the chapel, painting it's interior in a world of colors and shapes.

It's said that these same stained glass windows might hold a piece of a map that will lead to one of the Legend Relics. However, no one up to this day and age ever managed to decipher the code which conceals this information.

Anatolia continued to pray, unfazed by such earthly preoccupations. After all, what is the will of flesh, when treasure trove of one's soul was at stake?

Chen Chideta

Chen blinked as control of the escapees and was promptly yelled at. Syn disappeared and Chen shrugged. "Come. We will be heading to the hideout now." Chen turned away from Syn and headed to the nearest hideout through a series of alleyways, tunnels, and eventually through the sewers. After transporting everyone he decided to sit down and read a book. Or several. Hours passed and he decided to head to his own house to sleep until the next day.

Presently

Chen was back at headquarters waiting for orders. He had heard rumours that others had been captured but nothing was confirmed yet. It would appear as if another rescue mission was going to be in order soon. Maybe this time he would have to be actually involved with the breaking out aspect.

---

“Why hello there Miss Kor. How are you doing today?”

Mariette had appeared like a ghost, the Student President standing beside the green-skinned teacher in what seemed to be a heartbeat. She had her usual, almost smirk displayed on her face so it wasn’t like there was anything special going on today. She did raise an eye when she noticed Fei standing beside the teacher and her smirk almost seemed to grow wider.

“While I do appreciate the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and learning, might I remind you two that you are running short just late to class. I suggest you two refrain from dill dallying any further and make your over there effective immediately.”

Mariette kept a particular eye trained on Syn, Fei’s presence temporarily forgotten for the moment. Her smirk did not change but something in her eyes did. A twinkle, or perhaps it was a hidden message being imparted upon? Who knew but the Student President was known for her watchful eyes and of course being observant of the entire school.

“By the way Miss Kor, I do believe there is someone new lingering around our proud Academy Archives. While we as a school accept all being who seeks to educate themselves and learn, eye-witnesses have reported this man to be suspicious and strange-looking. Perhaps you should investigate the matter privately? With the events of last night being the student gossip, one can never be too paranoid of who they’re letting into the school.”

The Student President smiled warmly, titling her head at Syn before saying, “Don’t you think, Miss Kor? Anyway, I’ll see you around. Come along Fei,” continued Mariette, already dragging Fei back in the direction of class.

---

As Fei marched through the school, thoughts of her upcoming journey began swirling through her head. All of her training, schooling, everything, was leading up to this adventure. Countless stories of the relics were imprinted in her brain from the many hours of memorization for history class. Nothing was considered more honorable and brave than finding them. As to what happened when you found one? Fei had no clue and was only interested in bringing honor to her title and finally making her mother proud.

The only question was where she would look. No book or library could ever give her answers for the location of such creations. There we so many different places they could be, so many dangers, and if Fei was going to put her life at risk, she had to be sure. Without anywhere to research, there was only place left she could search to get answers. The Intelligence Division. Getting information from them should be a breeze, considering her status. Practically everyone in the world was terrified of the Asgard, judge of all, and her mother. You’d be asking for a death sentence if you so much as touched Fei. Everyone had something to hide, a secret no one knew about, something the judicial branch could find should they be pointed in the right direction.

Miss Kor appeared in the hallway and bowed her head to Fei, who nodded back in politeness. While it was clear Fei was well beyond the teacher’s status, Miss Kor specialized in teaching tomes and Fei loved training with her fire abilities more than anything. There was no way she’d risk upsetting the teacher of her favorite subject, even though there were other methods should something come up. Most of Fei’s teachers were terrified of her, but who could blame them?

Before Fei had a chance to reply to the teacher, an all too familiar voice made itself known. Taking a deep breath, Fei glanced to the student body president of the school, the source of the bogus rumor spreading through the halls. While she tried hard to prevent it, a small flame glowed at the tip of her head, barely visible to most eyes.

At the mention of a suspicious figure lurking the school, Fei raised her eyebrow. On top of the disgusting rumor of her and Acerbus, she also heard about the librarian attack she’d somehow missed last night. It was such a waste. If only Fei had been there! All of her life she’d been training but never had she fought in a real life battle, full of actual, corrupt librarians. It would have been an experience she needed now more than ever but alas, she’d been too busy getting worked up over her mission.

After dismissing Miss Kor, something Fei wouldn’t even attempt, Mariette began lugging her back to class, for once the exact opposite of where she wanted to be. There was so much to do! She had no time to waste on useless studying that be of no use to her in the future. Fei had it with being pulled around by such a petulant. little girl. Enough was enough. Fei ripped her arm from Mariette’s grip and stopped dead in the hallway. Most of it had been cleared up now, thankfully, and gave them plenty of privacy.

“I’d appreciate if you wouldn’t touch me,” Fei hissed. “Also, next time you want to go spreading such clearly fake rumors, don’t come begging for mercy to me when I do something you’ll truly regret,” Fei huffed and flipped her surprisingly calm hair. “Now, I’ll be leaving. I have far more important things to do today than waste away in that room. If you have any issues with it, feel free to talk it out with my mother.” Fei swirled around and strutted out of the school, never looking back. If she was lucky, maybe Mariette would just leave it alone although Fei was sure she wouldn’t. None of it mattered anyway. Should Mariette actually take the time to contact her mother, who barely had five minutes on the phone a month to spare, Fei would be long gone.

Syn was hoping to have a polite chat with Fei, but before they could even exchange greetings Student President Mariette Shej interrupted them. Syn knew Mariette as one of the top students at the school (One could not be the Student President with poor grades after all), but with a penchant for pranks and being a general annoyance. It's not that Syn disliked the girl, simply that she was very... Nosy. She had hoped to speak with Fei about some fairly important matters, but Mariette did inform Syn of a strange individual on campus. What concerned Syn more however was why the student president went to Syn instead of one of the school security officers. As the girl said herself, Syn was running a bit late for class, and while Syn was more than capable of handling herself in a fight, why ask a teacher when they had plenty of guards? Syn suspected that Mariette had an ulterior motive... Perhaps her subtle way of informing Syn of her alliances.

The teacher couldn't question the student president as she left with Fei shortly after. Sighing, Syn supposed that she should see what this stranger wanted. If he was with the Librarian than perhaps Syn could direct him to help somehow. If he was a spy however, she'd need to deal with him appropriately. Taking her Tome in staff form, Syn went to find this person at the Academy Archives. While Syn can't say she knows everyone at the academy, mostly the students, she's quite aware of the identities of all the staff members. Being with the Librarian, it was practically a requirement in order to make sure spies of the Imperium didn't infiltrate her operations. Students were a bit harder due to the vast amount at the Academy, but at least they were uniform and easy to do a check on. So when Syn was around the Academy Archive, she sunk into the shadows and kept an eye out for anyone who didn't belong. Hopefully she'd be finished soon, as she needed to head to class. She didn't want to cancel it because someone was wasting her time.

@FlameLord

Měihóu Niángniang

During Yggdrasil's arrival and the surprise over it, Měihóu had landed and picked up her staff, slinging it over her shoulder. The old man's smirk might change before he got to the line, "Yggdrasil isn't half as much patient as I am", as Měihóu's response to "What about you, ladies?" was a swift kick* to his balls. That said, Měihóu did make sure to keep the old man between her and Yggdrasil.

*and remember, she's stronger than she looks and the "no permanent damage" is only on her staff.

When the knight arrived, the tides surely changed, and for the worse. Yggdrasil bared ill for the battle and everyone engaged save the old sharpshooter. Sierra held her blade downwards and angled, the razored edge faced towards the old man and Platinum Knight. The sisters downright panicked, much to Sierra's dismay, and Mei seemed insistent to piss the men off as much as possible, by proceeding to attack with clear signs of not backing down. A battle would not ensue, however, as Sierra lifted her blade and pointed the tip in a staging line at the knight and now hunched over sharpshot. Then she tilted it down towards the ground and allowed it to rest on the floor. With both girls gone, and the only ally remaining being the monkey, defeat was inevitable.

Sierra spoke then, at the man, and the knight, and the monkey. However, her voice did not come out as her usual tone, nor the tone that had followed the activation of her tome. Instead, a dark, emotionless voice emerged from her mouth; a sinister, distant and deep sound - as if she had been possessed.
"We would severe you where you stood, Knight, but we have further use for you." it said, it's voice echoing down the hall and into every hole, crevice and opening around, "But understand it is for no reason than research. Not even you can escape the Void, Knight of Silver. Nor the Knight of Crimson, Aqua or Gold, or even the Imperator herself." it finished, glancing over the people present with distant, borrowed eyes. Then it lifted the sword, and it began to flow pure white, but no light emitted from it. The it vanished, shrinking away until it no longer existed. It brushed its hand across the watch dangling from its jacket, and in an instant the hand vanished, only to reappear again in a fraction of a second. Reaching towards the watch, it grabbed something out of the air and threw it against the ground. Seconds passed where nothing happened, but then, from the ground, a bolt of lightning rose up and struck the ceiling, before filling the hall with an acrid, burnt smell like no other.

After the smoke cleared, however, Sierra was not there. She was, instead, at home, where she had contracted some illness making her slightly sick. It was a new day - a day where she wouldn't leave the house unless Librarian called.

Any student that entered the academy library that morning wouldn’t have been able to find Tori without digging her out from under a large pile of papers at the front desk. It was here Tori had spent the rest of the night, working on her map of Arcadia. It was thankless work that satisfied no one but herself and she was fine with that. Truth be told, this was the third copy Tori had made so far. Past experience had taught her to make multiple back-up copies and store them separately.

Having finished the last copy, Tori stored the maps away and ignored the rest of her duties and went out, a comical amount of pages following her out of the library and down the hall. Taking out a pocket notebook Tori paused briefly to flip through her half complete, hastily scrawled, notes of the information she had gleaned from the treasure vault the night before and a few hypotheses about the nature or Arcadia. The whole mess involving last night and the reason she couldn’t relax was the fault of this Librarian and so Tori silently cursed the Librarian in her heart Goddamn madman! A disgrace to my profession! What self-respecting librarian add terrorism to their resume? Or for that matter be audacious enough to add “the” to their profession, as if any other were bellow respect! Bastard interrupted my studies! and so the true reason for her anger was revealed only to a mind reader.

Coldly glaring at any student or staff that crossed her path, Tori made a bee-line for the staffroom and liberated a teapot and water. Before returning back to her post, hoping the tea would calm her down

Getting inside the Academy Archives was relatively easy, as far as Alex was concerned. It was just a matter of psychology, acting like he belonged, and some convenient timing to slip past what would otherwise be locked door.s He wasn't sure why it hadn't worked before, but this time it went off without a hitch, and soon enough he was inside the Archives.

Unaware as he was of the fact that he was being observed, at least for the moment, he nonetheless proceeded inside the Archives. He had a job to do, to locate a map of the Citadel or to find some idea of the location of the Relics and such that they were supposed to find. If there was any place to do so, this would be it. The Archives might not have the same breadth of knowledge as the archives that had to be in the Citadel itself, but it would be good enough for his purposes.

The Archives were still impressive, after all. Multiple levels, shelves that ran on in rows for a dizzying distance. He was more impressed that people could even find anything in this place, even with the organizational system that had to exist. But it wasn't too bad, it just meant that he was less likely to be interrupted.

"Well, time to get to work," he said to himself with a grin, snapping as he headed off into the stacks. First he'd check the blueprints, see if he could find any for the Citadel. Then back to the history section, to look for news on those Relics and such. If that didn't work then it would be back to the really old stuff, to see what had gotten covered in cobwebs. And if that didn't work then, well, he wasn't sure what he would do. He'd think of something.

For now though, he had a goal, and he knew what to do. Nothing was going to stop him.

Just as Meihou's dirty attack was about to hit it's target, something seemed to flash in the otherwise dark chamber, the sound of the turbulent water was temporarily doused by a loud creak. The Aquarian twins turned their surprised faces only to see that Yggdrasil had raised his sword.

"Damn, Linea, get out of the way!" Sienna shouted as she tackled her sister out of the path of the sword. The two of the rolled on the ground, leaving behind their tomes and landing a couple meter away from Yggdrasil's feet.

"Onee-sama, I'm sorry, I guess this is where we..."

"Don't say that, things aren't over till the fat lady sings."

Just as Sienna said so, the ceiling began to collapse, eventually trapping them in the same side as Yggdrasil and old man, and Meihou on the opposite one. "Me and my mouth," was the last thing to be heard of the twins.

However, just before the whole place ruined, Meihou's eyes would be able to catch a glimpse of the murderous look that the Old Man threw towards her as he crouched on the floor, writhing in pain. As their gazes crossed, he let out a grin resembling a rabid dog, almost as if he were saying "If I ever get you... you'll see."



On the days following the grand announcement of the worldwide search for the Legend Relics, by Her Holiness, the Imperator, the news of the supposed locations of clues and blatant forgery took the land. People of ill faith tried their best to trick and benefit from the excitement of the populace… no doubt, much of this had been work of the vile Librarians, but this is another story.

Anyway, for those seeking the truth, eventually news of places that promised the real chance of recovering the relics and the showering rewards that came with it, could be filtered through the vast web of deception. Though, not of all of those places were pleasant, such as this:





A grand tournament, sponsored by the Fallen Princess Emilia Warov, will be held at the Blood Sand Colosseum, deep within the ever-shifting sands of Exilia. The Princess seeks to honor the memory of her long lost father through an event that he would certainly enjoy.



Those where the words of the princess herself as she beckoned only the finest warriors and mages to take part in a feast of violence worthy praises of any bard. On Exilia, where no law touches, all are equal, the only truth is blood. Come, if you dare partake on it.

To the one who claims the victory, the princess offer two rewards. First her hand in marriage and an equal share of Warovia’s hoard (more gold, gems and art than one can even count), regardless of race and even gender, for Emilia’s first and foremost love is for what lies I.N.S.I.D.E. The second boon, is a genuine Legend Relic which has been passed down the Warovia’s line since time immemorial.

Once her word is given, the princess never takes it back, rest assured of it. However, the true question is. Is your ambition worth dying for?

Měihóu Niángniang

"Alllright. Reeexicooorg." Měihóu cricked her neck, as she arrived at the borders of Rexicorg. This particular border was marked by a crumbling wall near a cracked pillar. Deeper in Rexicorg, there was a timeless air, where no matter the amount of weathering, the amount of jungle growth, it seemed as if the ruins refused to give further ground. As though they permitted the jungle, but only as a passing tennant, like the nomads who made it their home. But here, it seemed like it would not be long till the wall was but paving stones and the pillar gravel.

Měihóu unraveled her staff into the scroll that hid within it, spreading it along the wall unveiling the vast art that was upon it. Then, she turned away, towards the pillar. Gently peeling away moss, Měihóu examined the pillar carefully, until finally was revealed a small animal depiction, marred by a crack through it but mostly intelligible.

"Alright!" Měihóu smiled, before turning back to her scroll. Her eyes scanned down the animals depicted there, her outstretched finger sliding along to keep her pace. "Me, me, me meee, me me me, me... Me!" She smiled as she found the matching animal. She stopped, her finger over the animal, and concentrated, eyes closing and minutes passed.

"Ok, so, I've got a mission, relics are important, and.... uh... The fuck am I wearing?" Měihóu's eyes opened, and she began recapping to herself before noticing herself and promptly glaring at herself.

Chen walked through the labyrinth of the Rexicorg, leaving a trail of ice behind him to mark his path. He had been told to start searching for a Legend Relic in the mazes of the Rexicorg as they have the most connection to the Legendary Heroes. He had little information to go off of other than that someone affiliated with The Librarian was around and also searching for Legend Relics. Her name was Měihóu Niángniang and there was very little information on her from what he's found. No age, no history, no friends nor family, she was an enigma in every way.

After a few minutes of walking he had finally reached the border of the Rexicorg. If he was correct than this was likely where Měihóu Niángniang was or she had already moved forwards. Either way, he was going to find a Legend Relic here. It would tip the balance into The Librarians favor if they found the first one, the opening move was always the most important. Chen stopped near a cracked pillar and observed a red headed woman with little clothing and a large scroll. Definitely Měihóu Niángniang.

"Excuse me miss? Are you Měihóu Niángniang by any chance? I was told to look for you by my superiors, I am in search of a Legend Relic. As are you." Chen stated in a monotone voice. In all honesty, he had heard of a tournament in Exilia which promised a Legend Relic. However he would be useless there. His Tome required an average temperature for maximum effeciency and the desert was not known for average temperatures. So here he was, in an environment that suited him and a seemingly ageless companion.

Ever heard the phrase “No good deed goes unpunished.”? Well it summed up Jessi's situation perfectly.

After defending the second tower from whatever creatures were attacking, Jessi was given not only a promotion but a new assignment given to him by Asgard herself. What was this honorable mission he was tasked with? Babysitting. Technically it was acting as security for her daughter Fei while she searched for the legendary relics, but that didn’t fool anyone. He should be in Infinitum helping fight the Librarians like a real soldier! Instead he was out keeping an eye on a temperamental “Princess” who’s ego was only matched by the power of Yggdrasil.

Luckily he wasn’t alone in hating his current predicament, Fei herself seemed furious about he mothers orders. In fact he thought she was going to try and incinerator him when she found out, but surprisingly she had more restraint than he thought.

Now they were in Exilia, the most wretched hive of scum and villainy. When the death penalty wasn’t enough for someone, they were sent here to live the rest of their lives in hardship and misery. Ironically enough, those who couldn’t live in society, had made their own, ruling government and all. This of course was the worst place for a noble lady and a soldier of the Imperium to be as anyone of these crooks would probably love to get revenge on the Imperium in anyway. But word had gotten out that there was a tournament being held that promised a Legendary Relic as one of its prizes, thus it seemed the best place to start their search.

After crossing the barren desert and arriving in the city of Der Blutring, Jessi figured it would be wise to see if the fiery fighter knew what she was doing. ”So what exactly is our plan here? Even if you are good enough to get into this tournament, I highly doubt they’ll let the daughter of Asgard even have a chance at getting the relic. Not to mention you’d have to break their dear princesses heart when you turn her proposal down.”

@BlueAjah

Měihóu Niángniang

Měihóu turned at the sound of Chen's voice, "Měihóu Niángniang? Am I...?" Měihóu's eyes opened wider in dread as she turned back to the scroll. She scanned for a few moments, before yelling to the sky, "DAMN IT ME! YOU HAVE THE WORST TASTE!" She shook an impotent fist at.. herself?

"Anyway... Yes, I am Měi... Měi... thaaat person. One sec." Měihóu seemed quite unable to convince herself to say "her" name. And she twirled her scroll around her once, veiling herself from sight, and a moment later when the scroll began rolling up by itself into a gnarled wooden staff, she looked an entirely different woman.



"Sorry for the angst, I don't exactly feel myself at the moment, what's your name?" Měihóu extended a hand to shake, seemingly in less disagreement with herself. "Also, don't mean to be rude, but can you take care of yourself or will you need a hand if any critters show up?"

News of the Princess Emilia Warov holding a competition within her foreign lands soon reached the ears Fei. While she didn’t need such a foolish battle to tell her she was talented, the very thing she needed was one of the prizes, a legendary relic. Was there possibly a better sign of fate than that? The idea was practically created just for her. It was beyond perfect. The moment Fei heard, she had raced off to the sands of Exilia.

Of course she should have expected something to go wrong.

A dull, goodie two-shoes, lowly life guard had followed her with orders from her mother to ‘protect’ her. As if. Fei could easily burn the boy to cinders before he even had time to scream for help. While he might be a guard of the Imperium, she’d done more training than he would do in his life. This would be her opportunity to finally get the reward she deserved and a some wannabe knight wouldn’t keep her from it. The only thing that could make the situation worse would be if the bookworm or school president showed up. Fei shivered at the thought.

And so both Jessi and Fei were within the sweating city of exiles and thieves. They needed to find shelter for the night, something she’d just started to worry about. Perhaps she’d make Jessi stay up all night watching for enemies, it’d serve him right anyway. He couldn’t even learn to keep his tongue shut, a lesson Fei couldn’t wait to teach him.

“First of all, there is no question about ‘if’. I have been training my entire life to fight for something like this and when, not if, I enter and win this competition, I’ll show you just how capable I am,” She snapped, enraged that he would dare question her skills. “As far as the competition, there are no rules claiming I can’t participate. Plus, if we keep our heads down like everyone else, we probably won’t gain as much attention,” Fei said, specifically ignoring the part about marriage. While he was correct in the fact that she would refuse, it was none of his business what people of her status did. He had no right to even question her about it.

@Awesomoman64

”Sorry, ma'am. I didn’t mean to offend you.” he meant to a little. Even his apology, as sincere as it was, was meant to bug her a little by calling her “ma'am”. Jessi recognized that he would need to pull back a little though, even if he didn’t like this assignment Fei was still a noble and he had to respect that; even if he didn’t respect her personally.

The burning skyline turned to a shining red as the sun started to set. The day was nearing an end and their journey had began taking its toll on Jessi. His body ached and his armor got heavier by the second. If he was getting tired, there was no doubt Fei was as well ”Come on,” Jessi shook off the exhaustion. ”There’s gotta be some sort of lodging in this place.”

Sure enough, after a short walk they found themselves in what appeared to be the local tavern, but getting a room might prove to be hard than previously though. The place was packed! No doubt word of the tournament had brought them all here. People from all over were sitting around drinking eating and socializing with their own respective groups. There was even a band playing on a small stage off to the side. The biggest plus here was everyone was keeping to themselves and likely wouldn’t cause trouble for the two. Hell, there were a few people who looked as though they were from the military division as well so he didn’t stick out as bad as he had thought he would.

Pushing past the crowd they made their way to the counter. Jessi flagged down the bar tender, ”Excuse me. We’d like to get a room, preferably one with two beds. Anything available?”

@BlueAjah

Finishing her tea Tori looked over the copy of the map of Arcadia she was going to take with her. I need an airship, as a member of the Intelligence Division it should be simplicity itself to request one, but I better let the boss know I’m heading out. Leaving a notice on the library door that she was headed for Arcadia, so no one should expect to see her in the library, and went to the faculty office looking in at the staff and finding her direct superior.

"I'm feeling unwell. I'll be taking my accrued sick days and may use my holiday time for enough time off to last at least a month." without another word, Tori headed out to hopefully find Nifilhiem at his office.

~~~~~

The Intelligence Division, like all Divisions, wasn’t very difficult for anyone to find. The difficulty for Tori was whether she would find Nifilhiem in his office or if he would be out and about, roaming wherever and would have to go on a wild goose chase to find him. All for the requisition for an airship to Arcadia. Arriving outside Nifilhiem’s office, Tori tapped her chin and stared at the door knob It should be alright. I have saved up my sick days and haven’t taken any holiday time in preparation for such a situation. A month or three, I could stay there without having to worry for my job... sighing Tori knocked on Nifilhiem’s office door before walking through it with the power of her tome. "Sir, I want an airship so I can go explore Arcadia further"

@Lucius Cypher @TheWindel

@The 42nd Gecko

Chen raised an eyebrow at the strange woman but instead chalked it up to eccentricity. The strongest were often the craziest in his experiences, this just being another example. Everyone has their own way of coping really.

When she begun to twirl her scroll around herself, Chen mentally prepared for a battle. It was not usually a good thing when people did fancy things with their scrolls, he himself flicked the pin on his hood to attack. He was not prepared for her to change appearance however. While his face remained impassive, on the inside he was consulting his "mental library" on what was going on. He decided to file it away for later review.

"Apology accepted. I am Chen Chideta. I hope we can work well together." Chen reached out his own hand in a mechanical motion and shooker her hand stiffly. Her hand would feel cold for a second after he let go. "I can handle most combat situations below The Four Guardians themselves. If we were to run into one of them, I would suggest a retreat." His face remained stone cold and neutral throughout all of this.

Rexicorg. A seemingly endless labyrinth filled with creatures and treasures alike, most of which had yet to be discovered by the majority of the world’s populace. Of course, it was also a rife place for strange activity as well as the possibility of hidden riches and desires. In particular, there were rumors of a genuine Legend Relic lying somewhere in wait in one of the ruins.

Near Měihóu and Chen were several cracked walls with several scenes depicted on them in faded layers of paint and what was once vibrant color. The scene showed several figures that could be akin to that of man praising and kneeling what appeared to be a single eye floating in the sky.
The eye was surrounded on all sides by swirls of color, the artist having used a mixture of heavy and light brush strokes to convey their message. It seemed that whatever people had lived in Rexicorg long ago had gave worship to something, perhaps even creating their own civilization. Of course, that begged the question of what happened to them.

From beyond the corners of vision, something inhuman hissed in the shadows. The hissing immediately ceased as whatever it was sensed the two another travelers nearby. Remaining silent, it retracted into the shadows, waiting and watching until Měihóu and Chen came into its view. The hunt was on.

---

Exilia was honestly a no better place than Rexicorg. There was one main difference though. While the monster would most likely kill you in Rexicorg, it would be through human hands that one faces their demise in Exilia. The tavern Jessi and Fei would enter into was perhaps the only permanent settlement in the desert rife land and the bar tender gave Jessi a sour look.

“Awful far from home, aren’t you Imperium dog,” the man commented a little too loudly, gaining the attention of several others in the area. Even the music toned it down as nearly all eyes focused on the two newbies. Some of them whispered, commenting and wondering if that was really Asgard’s daughter standing before them.

“You know what this place is right? There’s no jurisdiction saying I have to give you shit,” the man spat at Jessi before his gaze flickered over to Fei, a smirk crossing his expression. “Hey, isn’t that the Crimson Guardian’s brat? Asgard’s daughter? What’s a princess like her doing in a place like this?”

At that moment it seemed like the number of people in the tavern had nearly doubled in size. One of two reached out to grab Fei and hold her down. After all, a chance like this was rare in this exiled parts. Already driven by their hatred of the Imperium, they saw opportunity in taking Asgard’s daughter hostage for ransom. As the ultimate judge of the land, she was the one guilty of putting them in this hell. Now then. It was time to test just how strong willed the Crimson Knight’s daughter was.

---

“Going off exploring again are you?”

The voice came from behind Tori as a girl was found leaning on a wall with arms crossed. She glared daggers at the scholar, gritting her fists in place. Almost everyone knew of the incredibly short temper Durga of the Military Division had.

“You know I’ve been keeping an eye on you Tori. Always trying to slip out of the job to discover that stupid flying rock of yours. You may have taken some time off to avoid suspicion now, but I know how you think. Let’s just hope you’re really going there for the sake of the Imperium,” said Durga in a dark manner, as if asking for a fight.

---

Oh how Fei wanted to blaze Jessie alive, especially after the word ‘ma'am’ blurted out of his mouth. If it was anyone but her mother who had sent him, she just might have. There were worse things that could happen though, at least Jessi remembered whose blood she had in her veins. Fei stared at the sun as it began to descend into the horizon, another reminder that the two needed to find shelter and quickly.

She kept silent, lost in her thoughts of glory and triumph, as Jessi lead them into a suspicious looking tavern. Savages and traitors held conversations and drank cheap ale, people Fei would rather rip her eyes out than talk to. Looking at them only reassured Fei’s trust in her mother’s decisions in banishing half of them. Eyes from all corners of the room followed the two the moment they entered. Fei kept her head held eye, everyone here was well beneath her and didn’t deserve her glance.

Jessi called for the bar tender, hoping to get a room within this dump. If this was the best they could offer visitors, Fei questioned what their princess lived in. Fei sighed, annoyed at all the trouble they had to go to just find a room. The moment the bartender opened his mouth, Fei’s head whipped toward him. He dare insult the Imperium? A piece of scum like him had no right to even speak of it. Fei’s hair began to slowly trickle with fire, the anger swelling within her. Something told her this wasn’t going to end well.

Then the next words that came out of his mouth lost any restraint she had left. Insulting the Imperium was more than enough to get burned alive but mocking the Crimson Knight, the Asgard, her mother would have everyone here rotting in the hell which they belonged. Before she could torch him, someone from behind grabbed for her. Oh how he would regret it.

Fei made no motion to block the creature’s revolting hands. Instead, she closed her eyes and let the energy within her grow until her entire body blazed with heat. The moment the man’s hands came in contact with Fei, his hand would pull back, scarring at the burn of her skin. She took the moment to kick him straight in the face, sending him flying into a nearby table. Fire glared in her eyes. She’d been saving up her fire and heat for the tournament but she’d gladly use all of her powers here. The locked chest between her breasts glowed brightly, roaring with anger and pride for her country. Everyone in here would regret the moment they set eyes on her.

Pulling out her beloved double swords, Fei grinned wickedly. Fire blazed relentlessly atop her head. She’d imagined moments like this her whole life. It didn’t matter if Jessi and her had to sleep outside, the whole tavern would go down in flames. She moved into a battle stance and stared at the rest of the citizens in the tavern, prepared to burn every one of them.

Fei turned her attention to the bartender, her eyes were dancing with flames now. No would insult her mother and walk away. She sent a wave of fire across the bar, hopefully silencing the entire tavern and pointed one of her swords at the bartender. Although she probably have kept her mouth shut, Fei’s pride for her people and mother was too much to let someone insult so easily.

“My name is Fei, daughter of the mighty Asgard, you filthy piece of scum. Unless you apologize for not only insulting the Imperium but my mother, I will burn both you and this pile of crap you call a tavern to the grounds.”

@TheWindel@Awesomoman64