^{@Restalaan@ShwiggityShwah@Stern Algorithm}

Still confused about what to do, Ada was looking to the zombies and then to Ozzy, the time she had to think growing shorter by the second. Fortunately, Ada heard Ozzy calling her in the distance, telling her of an information she didn't notice before... The large zombie, the one that was holding the map, had dropped it in the middle of the confusion. As Ozzy told her to grab the map, Ada nodded with a determined expression, knowing exactly what she had to do.

Using the distraction Ozzy was creating, Ada lowered her body, unsheathing her claws and talons as she touched the ground before she dashed away in an impressive burst of speed. Ozzy would realize that the expression on Ada's face wasn't the inoffensive, cute one she always had. Instead, for the first time she did look exactly what she really was, as dangerous as she really was... A predator.

Using her agility, speed and balance thanks to her long tail, Ada dashed, evading and dodging the zombies as she ran towards the map, still on the ground where the large zombie had dropped it. Ada would try to grab the map without even stopping to run, using her claws to grab it and keep it secure on her hand. Any zombie that dared to put herself between her and her objective would find her claws, talons or even teeth tearing, cutting and sinking into their flesh without much resistance or hesitation.

---

Freyr

Freyr listened to Kira as she spoke. Indeed, she had a point. No matter what, if someone knew that they did help in a smuggling operation, that could bring complications to the entire guild later. Especially since they were a public organization, it was a risk they couldn't take.

"You're right. If the word gets out, it will probably bring us and the guild a lot of problems." Freyr agreed before Kira flew away.

As the guards came to took George away, it left a bitter taste on Freyr's mouth. Even though George was doing something... 'bad', he wasn't a bad man. He might have taken bad decisions, but he was a gentle and good man, at least is what he showed to Freyr until now.

"I'm sorry, George... I truly am." Freyr said, with heavy words as George bid his farewells to them, saying that they would meet again for new jobs.

After the job was 'completed' it was already dusk as the sun set in the horizon.

"Kira... If you want you can go ahead back to the guild. I think I need to put my thoughts in order... Maybe try to find a high place for me to watch the sunset." Freyr said, with a half smile as he looked to Kira.

Not much was needed for Kira to know that Freyr indeed had a lot of things in his mouth. The outcome of this job wasn't one that he particularly enjoyed... Even though it might have been the correct one.

@PaulHaynek @13org

"Kira... If you want you can go ahead back to the guild. I think I need to put my thoughts in order... Maybe try to find a high place for me to watch the sunset."

Upon hearing that statement, Kira turned to the rabbit man and looked him in the eye. Seeing the warring conflict within, she didn't need to being a hakutaku to know that Freyr needed some time to figure out some things. Sighing, she hovered towards him and placed her clawed hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, don't think too hard on it, okay?", Kira began with a reassuring smile. "Even if George did it with good intentions, it's still better to have turn him in now than letting him go. It might not seem like it and it may not feel like it, but we did the right thing. So don't go beating yourself over it, yeah? I'll see you later."

With that said, Kira then took to the skies and resumed her flight path toward the Guild.

~@13org (FYR)~

You allowed the Beelzebub to head on off without you. Searching for a view to look at the beautiful setting sun, you found a tall hill in the outskirts of Ambran where the orange globe in the sky was absolutely gorgeous.

The sight was entrancing, the slow sinking of the orange sun gave way to the twinkling stars dotted across the darkness of night. "Mind if I join you, stranger?" You suddenly hear a female voice beside you.

You turn to your side and suddenly, there was a figure there in a concealing brown cloak. You never sensed her coming, as if she had just materialized out of nowhere. Either that, or she was very good at hiding her presence. "I enjoy sights like these too. You don't get many of these where I come from." Her voice was lovely, sweet like honey. You immediately imagine a beautiful person underneath the cloak.

"But I don't think you're here to enjoy the view..." She pointed out. "...I think you came here with trouble in your thoughts."

---

~@Rezod92~

You leave behind the bunny man and make your way to the guild headquarters, arriving there at nightfall.

In the middle of the grasslands was a large, stone building. Its overall design and theme remind you of the architecture of the Dwarves. In fact, its construction was so perfect and precise that no one save the Dwarves could have built the structure. Did Dwarves truly build the guild headquarters? What were they doing here?

Regardless, you see three people at the building's right side. They seem to be working on a new part of the building, an extension to the headquarters. On a closer look, you saw a typical-looking Cyclops, a blue-feathered Harpy and a blonde woman.

Perhaps it was time to say hello and begin your journey here.

---

~@Restalaan (YNG)~

"So what competition will this be?"

"Well, we're still discussing about it." Riñas sheepishly replied. "We're trying to plan for a big one, one that will involve going out to the water. But if we can't achieve that, we have smaller, but just as fun, competitions in mind."

------

You return to the guild without incident, arriving at nightfall.

There was nothing remarkable happening at the guild when you arrived, save for an extension under construction at its right side. It was barebones and it was clear it would take a while before it was finished. You did not know what was being constructed but you knew that Talia the Cyclops was probably the one working on it.

Indeed, investigating the site yielded Talia along with Haley who appeared to have assisted the Cyclops in the project.

"Hey Talia, I was wondering, if it's not too much of a trouble, can you make some clay jars for me? I kind of need them for training my disciple in the future when he gets strong enough. I'll help you make them as well. I want to keep this a surprise from my disciple as well if you can."

"Oh, sure! No problem, Yang." Talia replied. "Well, a bit of a problem. I'm gonna need to get some clay for that, then. Best way to do that, though, is to purchase some from a store and if we're going to do that, we might as well just purchase the clay jars outright."

"Clay, huh? Why don't we just get some mud from somewhere? There's a river near here, right?" Haley piped in.

"That's true, but then we'll need to go there and then haul the heavy mud back here so I can sculpt it." Talia said. "Or perhaps I can just get some soil here and then wet them to make mud." The Cyclops thought about it before continuing. "Mmm, I'll see what I can do, Yang."

"Speaking of, Yang you're the one who took that duel quest, right? So how'd it go? Did you fight someone?"

---

That's What Friends Do
~@Stern Algorithm, @Restalaan (DIT), @13org (ADA), @ShwiggityShwah~

"Ditzy was dragged by zombies before, needed dad help. This time, Ditzy help."

"Ditzy?! What are you doing?!"

Neil was in for a surprise when Ditzy's strength beat the combined might of the Zombie horde. He was yanked and pulled out of the undead's grasps but sent him and the Hobgoblin to the ground. But they recovered quickly and Neil had no time to thank Ditzy. "We need to go! We need to go now!" He was right, the Zombies continued to descend upon them.

But the party paused when a familiar sight dropped down the hole, Ada ducked and weaved through the Zombies and met up with them but also searching for something. "What the hell? Ada?" Neil quickly realized what she was looking for and grabbed her hand. "Ada, we got the map! We need to get out of here!" He told her before leading her and the rest of the party out of the tunnels and through the new hole that the Altissima sisters created.

"Ditzy, carry Sylvia and Vivian!" Neil commanded after they emerged from the hole.

Thanks to Ozzy's distractions, the group only met a few Zombies whom they easily evade.

The guild members have successfully escaped. They did not stop running, though, until they found the main road and they were sure the Zombies were not following them anymore. Night had already fallen but the darkness heralded no more danger. Not even from the city of Pravar in the distance, the entire territory had retired for the night.

"We did it... I can't believe we did it. Great job, you guys. Great job." Neil said through his panting. "Oh man, I wish I could've done more..."

@PaulHaynek

Yang Bethlehem

"Hmm, I could help out with you on that. It's part of my necessity as well." Yang offered to Talia as she was grateful that the latter was willing to help her out on this. She may be able to hand people their rear ends easily but was hardly a novice in making things like pottery.

"The duel, yea, I got some retired fighter to duel me. More like I invited him first though." Yang retold the story but left out that Nero was formerly an Order knight, then again, he wasn't exactly like those Varjo knights at least.

At the end of her exciting tale, Yang only sighed as she realized that the duel was probably in her favor from the beginning. "Nero was a retired fighter, he probably had his senses rusty and dull. I, on the other hand, got him at top form, and the most I could do was knock him out for a few seconds."

"I'm still green." She placed her hands at her hips, shaking her head at that before recalling Rinas. "But I did get an invitation from Rinas, she's this dark priest from port Boreal. Said something that there's gonna a competition or something. Might be fun and a way to earn some quick money."

She handed the flyer that Rinas gave to her to Haley and Talia to see.

---

@Stern Algorithm @13org @ShwiggityShwah @PaulHaynek

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy managed to pull Neil and the zombie together, by luck and sheer stubbornness, they managed to dislodge the zombie away from Neil. It, however, lead them to collapse to the ground. Neil managed to recover onto his feet a lot faster than Ditzy did, which the former quickly guided him upwards to the exit.

Plenty of things also happen at once, with Ada coming in looking for the map as well before Neil told her they got it.

When he was commanded to carry the plant sister, Ditzy didn't question it and lifted them easily before quickly moving out of the tunnels.

The group kept moving until they're well away from the zombies and graveyard, Ditzy noted that it was already night time by then as they finally came to a stop.

Ditzy only smiled at Neil when Neil said he could've done more, that wasn't true at all!

"Nah, Neil did good! Ditzy was too slow and you're much faster in thinking!" He said, Ditzy was envious that others could be so much faster than him at times. Sometimes he had to think awhile before acting.

Ozzy had expected things to continue to go poorly. Neil would be taken. Ada would get herself caught up. It was actually a real turn around. The map taken, the zombies still chasing the group at their slow pace, Ada showing off her more beastial instincts. After two-three days with Sensei Yang, he’d almost be surprised if a nice lady wasn’t secretly a bloodthirsty warrior. It made him thankfully they were on his side. With things coming together, and everyone clear and confirmation of their prize. “Great job Ada! Let’s go! Let’s go!” He shouted, giving her the option, following the group through the tunnel or going the ‘high road.’ Either way, meeting back up was pretty simple.

The first thing Ozzy did when he got towards them was take a head count, pointing with his talons. The joy that his friends safety made him forget the pain in his shoulders, atleast for a little while. The adrenaline was wearing off and Yang’s training was still pretty taxing on his beginner physique. He ended up running with the rest of the group to give his wings a rest. He was pretty sure they were going the right way.

They finally stopped, and Ozzy finally collapsed, his energy pretty much spent. He felt onto his hands and knees, sucking wind. Neil spoke before he could. Ozzy laughed. ”Neil, Ditzy if no one got hurt, I think we performed to perfection. Just a shame about the church. Kind of had a creepy charm to it.” He snickered, finding the bright side. He fell back onto his butt and looked to Ada, whom performed most admirably for her first job. ”See Ada. There’s nothing to it. You’ll be an adventurer extraordinaire.” He grinned happily. She could take care of herself. He didn’t need to worry. ”You deserve a whole bundle of flowers after that.”

He looked back towards the group. ”Settle here for the night? Find that gentle-“ He stopped himself as he leaned forwards, his fluffy eye brows twitching. ”Hey, just out of curiosity, how’s the map look?” He was a little interested about what was disguised, and it was obvious in Ozzy’s voice that there was a bit of mistrust as well. Their client did have some mystery about him.

^{@Restalaan@ShwiggityShwah@Stern Algorithm}

Ada was frantically looking for the map as she dodged the many zombies down the hole. Still, no matter how much she searched for it, she simply couldn't find it. After a moment, she heard a familiar voice calling for her name. A few meters ahead, she saw Ditzy, Neil, the one who called her and the Altissima sisters. Somehow, Ditzy was able to keep going forward despite the many zombies trying to grab him. Even though they were probably able to escape though, Ada couldn't go with them, at least not until she found the map. When Neil suddenly grabbed her hand though, saying they had found the map, Ada gave a smile to him as she followed them, using her tail and her claws to try and cut any zombie that tried to grab them.

With some effort and thanks to Ditzy's surprising strength, they were all able to escape the hole unharmed. With all the zombies being left behind, they were finally safe. As Neil celebrated, Ada looked at him and the rest of the group, smiling happily and celebrating together with him. She was happy that everyone was able to get out safely, but when Ozzy approached her, praising her for her job, she couldn't help but give a small jump, happy with his words.

---

Freyr

The beautiful sight before him was truly a blessing. From that location, Freyr had a perfect view of the city, being bathed by the last rays of daylight. Feeling the wind on his skin, he stood in silence, thinking about everything that happened and at the same time, nothing at all.

After a few moments, a sweet, melodic voice interrupted Freyr coming from a cloaked figure behind him. Freyr listened as she said she enjoyed such sights as well, before mentioning that Freyr himself wasn't there for the same reason. Freyr was surprised for a moment, seeing how despite his sharp senses, he didn't perceive her approaching him at all, but after a moment he relaxed again. It was clear that the woman, whoever she was, didn't mean any harm.

"Is it that obvious?" Freyr asked, with a tired, half smile on his face.

"I wasn't expecting to meet anyone up here." Freyr said, as he moved over to the side, giving the cloaked woman a spot to sit besides him, clearly indicating that, despite him not expecting to meet her, her presence wasn't unwanted.

"A sea of green leaves being bathed by the last rays of light. Such is the sights I was often able to see where I came from. Despite seeing it many times, it's beauty was undeniable... Just as it is right here, right now. No matter the place, this beauty never changes. It is... refreshing." Freyr said, without looking away from the scenery in front of him.

"I wish everything could be as simple as this. There is a reason why most of us, Vieras never leave the woods. The way we see the world, the way which we interact with each other is different. The world outside the woods is... complicated. Sometimes you are forced to make choices you might not want to. The line between 'right' and 'wrong' is blurred, almost nonexistent." Freyr finished.

"And you, what brings you here other than this beautiful sunset?" he finally asked after a few minutes in silence.

@PaulHaynek @Restalaan (YNG)

"Wow! Now THIS is exactly what I would call a Guild!", announced Kira with a toothy grin, giving a whistle of impressed approval as she flew down and perched herself atop one of the standing beams. ""And is this an expansion I'm seeing in progress? My timing couldn't be more perfect! Aside from that, name's Kira Gigas. You girls know if Bart is here or not? I'm here to answer his invitation."

@Restalaan @PaulHaynek @13org @ShwiggityShwah

The sisters were all too glad to be out of that situation. Now the matter remained to finish the job and turn this map in to Forde. "I wonder where that Forde went?" Sylvia complained, "You know, I bet he knew about the zombies. I don't think there was a patrol at all! He was just coming up with an excuse to leave us to deal with trouble. The Guild should charge that rat double!"

Vivian nodded in agreement, when she heard Neil depreciate himself. "Actually, what are you good at, Neil?" Vivian asked, though there was no malice in her voice.

"Vivian!" Sylvia cried out in exasperation, grabbing her sister by the shoulders and shaking her.

"I'm not trying to be mean!" Vivian defended herself, "But everyone at the Guild has some specialty."

~@13org (FYR)~

"I wish everything could be as simple as this. There is a reason why most of us, Vieras never leave the woods. The way we see the world, the way which we interact with each other is different. The world outside the woods is... complicated. Sometimes you are forced to make choices you might not want to. The line between 'right' and 'wrong' is blurred, almost nonexistent."

"A Viera, hmm?" The cloaked woman replied, looking towards you. Should you meet her gaze, you will notice that her eyes were a dark red but you somehow cannot see her entire face. "Never heard of them before. And you're clearly not a Wererabbit."

"But let's not shift topics, yes?" The cloaked woman then looked back to the sunset scenery. "Yes, the world is complicated. But that's just how it is, the bigger your world, the more complex it is. I remember when I was a child, my home was my entire world. Like you, everything was so simple. I never understood the problems of adults."

"Sure, I can go back home. Make everything simple again. But now that I know much, it feels as if I should do something about it, you know?" She sighed as she concluded. "And there's that saying, 'Ignorance is bliss'."

"And you, what brings you here other than this beautiful sunset?"

"Same as you, to admire the simplicity of this view of the world."

"Well... that's a lie. I saw you by your lonesome up in this hill just staring and I was curious." The woman made the cutest chuckle. "I hope you don't mind the company."

---

~@Restalaan (YNG), @Rezod92~

"But I did get an invitation from Rinas, she's this dark priest from port Boreal. Said something that there's gonna a competition or something. Might be fun and a way to earn some quick money."

Haley took the flyer and with Talia over her shoulder, they examined Riñas' invitation. "Oh, it's an annual festival the village held. Weird, wasn't Boreal Port under Varjo not too long ago? I'm pretty sure Varjo doesn't let anyone celebrate anything."

"Perhaps they're reviving an ancient tradition from before they were under Varjo." Talia suggested.

"Hmm, maybe."

"Wow! Now THIS is exactly what I would call a Guild! And is this an expansion I'm seeing in progress? My timing couldn't be more perfect! Aside from that, name's Kira Gigas. You girls know if Bart is here or not? I'm here to answer his invitation."

The sudden arrival of the Beelzebub surprised Haley and Talia. "H-Huh?! Uhh, Bart's not here yet. He's out doing who-knows-what." The Siren hastily answered.

"You're here because of the invitation? Welcome to the Guild then, Miss Gigas." Talia took over. "I am Talia Bucchas and the Siren is Haley Wellington and the human girl is Yang Bethlehem. However, only Yang here is invited too. Me and Haley joined the Guild under different circumstances."

"So yeah, a lot has happened before you arrived. Is there a reason you're late to the party?"

---

That's What Friends Do
~@Stern Algorithm, @Restalaan (DIT), @13org (ADA), @ShwiggityShwah~

"Actually, what are you good at, Neil?"

"Vivian!"

"I'm not trying to be mean! But everyone at the Guild has some specialty."

"It's okay, Sylvia." Neil attempted to assure the purple-haired sister. "Well, I'm... not good at anything. Just an extra pair of hands in the guild. Sorry if I got nothing to show, although I can't really do anything about that." He replied before looking to Ditzy and Ozzy. "But thanks for the kind words anyway."

”Hey, just out of curiosity, how’s the map look?”

The map was examined. It was a piece of parchment, heavily tattered but its contents were intact for the most part. The map was detailed, although encrypted. The shapes clearly resembled the general region of the area and the cities and town marked, but there were red-inked numbers and letters strewn about with lines connecting them or pointing to seemingly random points in the map. One would need to be in the know to decipher the map.

"So what do you say guys? Should we stay for here for the night or make for the guild?" Neil said after they looked at the map. "Though, do we even have tents to set up camp?"

@PaulHaynek @Restalaan (YNG)

"Two reasons: family emergencies and an invading bandit force. The former kept popping up one after another and the persistent and dangerous presence of the latter really kept me from going anywhere.", answered the flygirl as she hopped down to ground level. "Then, just when I was finally making my way over here, I had to stop a bunch of goblins from raiding a wagon. Just so happened to ran into another one of you guys. A rabbit man named Freyr, you know him?"

Yang Bethlehem

@Rezod92@PaulHaynek

Yang eyes widened when she caught sight of the new arrival, she hadn't seen this particular monster girl before. Her insect feature stood out and wasn't unusual but she couldn't clue onto the species that this one is.

Oh well. She rolled her shoulders at that and greeted the new arrival with a bow and a smile.

"Greetings, I'm Yang Bethlehem, it's nice to meet you Kira Gigas." Her name sounded Zipangunese but Yang kept quiet on that, perhaps it's just coincidence. "I've not seen Guildmaster Bart just yet, perhaps he'll be back soon?"

On Kira commenting about Freyr, that got her attention.

"Yes, he's our senior guildmate. Did he not come back immediately after his mission?" Yang tilted her head to the sides, worry forming at the pit of her stomach. "Did you see where he went?"

---

Ditzy Stoneclub

@PaulHaynek@Stern Algorithm@13org@ShwiggityShwah

Ditzy smiled at Neil words, raising a fist pump and smile at that.

When they asked about the map, Ditzy took a look at it and couldn't understand much of it at all.

"That's a weird map, it points to nowhere." Ditzy tilted his head at an angle to see if there's something he's missing. That thought was put aside when Ozzy asked if they should camp outside.

"No tents, gonna be cold." Ditzy pointed it out, he rather much travel in the dark in order to reach home. The dark isn't that dark for him anyway but if the rest of the guild are tired, then Ditzy would follow their decision.

@PaulHaynek @Restalaan (YNG)

"Yes, he's our senior guildmate. Did he not come back immediately after his mission?" Yang tilted her head to the sides, worry forming at the pit of her stomach. "Did you see where he went?"

"Nah, he's still back at Ambran. And before any of you ask, he's fine. It's just...umm...how do I put this?", Kira replied, scratching her head as she tried to give an explanation. "Okay, long story short, George, the guy we saved from being raided, turned out to be wanted in Ambran for smuggling illegal drugs. The guy said the drugs were harmless, wasn't hurting anyone and needed the funds for the situation at Ravager's Nest. Freyr was a quite conflicted about it, but I wasn't have it and informed the local guards. After George was arrested, Freyr was still...troubled from the experience and wandered off to be alone somewhere. At least, that's what I saw before I flew off."

^{@Restalaan@ShwiggityShwah@Stern Algorithm}

With the group safe and having successfully retrieved the map, Ada couldn't help but be curious about what said map had written on it. Even if she couldn't really read it, she was curious of what could possibly be so important in a small piece of paper to make them have to deal with lots of zombies. Maybe what was valuable for them wasn't the paper itself, but what it was written on it, maybe directions to something else that only then would be valuable? Ada was a bit distracted trying to peek at the map that was being held by Ditzy but when the Altissima sisters began talking she finally realized that the boy who had asked for their help... wasn't there at all... In fact, he disappeared before the trouble with the zombies began. After looking around and not seeing him, she ended up simply dismissing as if he had ran away from the zombies. After all, surely he didn't knew that there were zombies beforehand and purposely left to let them deal with them alone... right?

When Neil began talking though, it was clear that he wasn't very happy. Maybe it was something one of the sisters said, but Ada simply walked at him and patted his head, with a kind smile on her face as she tried to cheer him up. Thanks to her short attention spam and her curiosity though, the very moment she heard the sound of paper being opened, when Ditzy finally took a look at the map, she immediately dashed towards where he was, looking over his shoulder. Ada kept looking at it for a moment, then looked at the group, tilting her head in a clear expression indicating she didn't understand a thing about the map. Just like Ditzy.

Was this the thing they were after? Ada couldn't help but show her disappointment. It was just a paper with a lot of lines and stuff on it. She was expecting something different or maybe something stranger, since it was being guarded by a horde of zombies...

---

Freyr

Freyr listened the mysterious woman speak with a faint smile. He couldn't help but to think that, judging by her tone of voice and her words, she had also experienced her fair share of situations, making him a bit more curious about who she really was.

"Indeed. The world inside the forest is vast, maybe even more than other races might think, due to our unique connection to the forest but the world outside... Is an entire different world. Maybe it's the reason why most others from my race choose to never leave the forest. Aside from the old traditions of isolating themselves from the outside world and you know... Exile for the Vieras who choose to leave the forest..." Freyr said with a chuckle, thinking a bit on what happened when he visited the forest a while ago.

"Still... Things change, right? Even if they chose to isolate themselves from the rest of the world, they can't escape from the changes that might be coming with the passage of time." Freyr continued.

"But... You're right... I do love the forest, I miss my people but... Now I'm in a pretty interesting and problematic situation, right? Knowing two different worlds, loving both of them but not being able to chose one over the other." he said, with a chuckle and a smile.

"... It's not really all that bad when you think about it." he finished, almost laughing at himself for finding him in such situation.

When the woman told him the reason why she went to that hill though, Freyr couldn't help himself but to look at her with a kind smile on his face.

"Curiosity sometimes lead us to the most interesting encounters and situations, doesn't it?" he asked, with an amused expression.

"Oh, I don't mind it. Your company and your words are greatly appreciated, miss...?" Freyr said, asking her name.

"I'm Freyr by the way. It's a pleasure to meet you." Freyr said introducing himself, albeit a bit late.

"Would you mind telling me a bit more about yourself? I couldn't help but get a bit curious... Your words... It seems like you went through quite a lot of things, just as I did, haven't you?" Freyr asked, with a curious expression.

"Well obviously. Neil's the leader." He supposed, though to be honest Ozzy had to admit he was the plans guy for a good portion of the day, but he didn't need any of the acclaim. They were safe and that's what counted.

In any case, his focus was on the map and after looking at it for a while, he felt he could with enough time and maybe a few clues figure out what it was all about. Sadly he didn't exactly have that, and the harpy gave a big disappointed groan. "Of course its coded. I mean why wouldn't it be? Considering all the trouble we went through. Where did that 'gentleman' go anyway?" Ozzy figured it wouldnt do anyone a fat lot of good if anyone if they had the map and no way to read it, so the gentleman would have to come back for it. "We should charge him hazard pay..." He muttered, a little vindictive.

Then the million dollar question, what next. Ozzy piped in as he went for his backpack and rummaged. "I have... one pup tent, and one bed roll." Something he used for many a long flight from country to country. "It'd be a tight squeeze for two if you didn't mind getting cozy. And I've roosted in trees before..." This meant it would be for Ditzy, Neil, Ada, or the Altissima sisters (and just them if that was the case). Ozzy shrugged. "No point freezing, we should head back."

He took a step forward and then realized with a bit of a panic on his face. "No! This will be my 3rd outing in a row with nothing to show for! Master Bart is going to kick me out! Gah! MWwwraap..." He squawked sadly, shrinking into a little ball of feathers, defeated.

@Restalaan @PaulHaynek @13org @ShwiggityShwah

"It's okay, Sylvia. Well, I'm... not good at anything. Just an extra pair of hands in the guild. Sorry if I got nothing to show, although I can't really do anything about that."

Sylvia glared at Vivian for having soured the mood. "I guess you're like a squire, or an apprentice, then. Still in training, but full of potential!" Vivian said, trying to cheer Neil up and placate her sister.

"We should charge him hazard pay..." He muttered, a little vindictive.

"Right! Right?!" Vivian enthusiastically jumped at the opportunity to change the subject, pointing at Ozzy in agreement. "If that rat was here, we'd give him the map and take our pay, but since he's not, he'll have to pay us for the original quest, as well as a 'delivery and holding fee' if he wants this map, since we went through so much trouble to get it and now we have to hold on to it for him because he abandoned us. So in a way, you wouldn't be going back empty handed! If anything, we've increased the price of this particular quest! So I say we head right back. No sense waiting around here in the cold for Forde to show up, if he even will.

~@13org (FYR)~

"Would you mind telling me a bit more about yourself? I couldn't help but get a bit curious... Your words... It seems like you went through quite a lot of things, just as I did, haven't you?"

"I have. That's because I'm a daughter of the Demon Lord, a Lilim. Druella, in particular. Leader of the Demon Army's Radical faction which means I bear a lot of responsibility." She introduced herself proudly placing a hand on her chest.

Right before laughing out loud. "Do you really believe that, though? Meeting a child of the Demon Lord herself here of all places?" Returning to her normal posture. "But you're not wrong though, I've been through a lot. But this is the path I chose to walk and I don't regret it. It's grating sometimes, though. Hahaha!"

The dusk sun had finally set, its last rays of light fading. Slowly, the orange sky turned dark. "It's getting pretty late, Sir Freyr, and I'm afraid this brief respite of ours must come to an end." From underneath the woman's cloak, majestic black wings emerged and she unfurled them to show off its dark splendor. They looked like the wings of a demon or a succubus, but much more elegant and beautiful.

"The paths we walk are painful, Sir Freyr. But tell me, do you regret it? Do you regret leaving your forest home and seeing the outside world? If you had the chance, would you undo the events that led you to here?"

---

~@Restalaan (YNG), @Rezod92~

"Okay, long story short, George, the guy we saved from being raided, turned out to be wanted in Ambran for smuggling illegal drugs. The guy said the drugs were harmless, wasn't hurting anyone and needed the funds for the situation at Ravager's Nest. Freyr was a quite conflicted about it, but I wasn't have it and informed the local guards. After George was arrested, Freyr was still...troubled from the experience and wandered off to be alone somewhere. At least, that's what I saw before I flew off."

"Well on one hand, props to locking up a criminal. On the other hand, I think he's instrumental in the effort to finally take down Ravager's Rest once and for all." said Haley, giving Kira a conflicted look. She then shrugged and sighed. "Oh well, I'm sure a man of his shady caliber can find a way."

Just as Haley finished, a group of familiar faces arrived at the guild's main entrance. "Oh look, they're back." Talia was the first to move to greet them.

---

~@Stern Algorithm, @Restalaan (DIT), @13org (ADA), @ShwiggityShwah~

Neil chuckled at the attempts to lift his spirits back up. "Don't worry, guys. I'm not hung up on it... much. I may just be an average boy but that doesn't mean I won't do my best to help you guys and the guild." He finished by patting Ada on the back to let her know that he appreciated the pat.

"No! This will be my 3rd outing in a row with nothing to show for! Master Bart is going to kick me out! Gah! MWwwraap..."

"If that rat was here, we'd give him the map and take our pay, but since he's not, he'll have to pay us for the original quest, as well as a 'delivery and holding fee' if he wants this map, since we went through so much trouble to get it and now we have to hold on to it for him because he abandoned us. So in a way, you wouldn't be going back empty handed! If anything, we've increased the price of this particular quest! So I say we head right back. No sense waiting around here in the cold for Forde to show up, if he even will.

"Vivian's right, Ozzy. Once we give the map to Forde, whom I'm sure will come by the guild tomorrow, will get our reward and we'll charge him more for the Zombie menace we had to deal with." Neil got up and faced the road. "For now, let's just get back. I'm in dire need of a bed right now."

------

The night was already at its darkest when the party got back to the guild. Upon arrival, they were noticed by a group of familiar faces at the right side of the guild. There appeared to be some sort of construction happening at that side. Nothing remarkable could be noticed yet, only foundations for now.

Talia the Cyclops was the first to come over.

---

~@Restalaan (YNG & DIT), @Rezod92, @Stern Algorithm, @13org (ADA), @ShwiggityShwah~

"Good evening, you all." Talia greeted the arriving party. "You all look like you've been through quite the scuffle. What happened in your quest?"

"It's... It's a long story." Neil said, tiredly. "I'll-I'll let the others tell it. What about you?"

"I spent the day building the Altissima sisters' greenhouse. Haley also helped but it's still pretty bare right now. It's going to take a while. I hope you two don't mind." Talia's last words were for the Liliraune. "Oh and we have a new guild member. Come and introduce yourself, Miss Gigas."

The way back was mentally trying to explain his way into staying in the guild, deciphering the map, and the usual small talk.

"Hole's almost filled." He said commenting before stepping inside to to meet with Talia the cyclops. Ozzy hadn't even considered they were covered in grave dirt. Morbid. "Hey Talia. It was... you know. Lots of zombies." He was already on his way to the kitchen to help with dinner, probably something quick and easy tonight.

Then Talia mentioned the new comer, and his eyes lit up a little bit. The harpy looked back for the newcomer, and noticed the insectoid. His head was abuzz with the species type, going over the volumes to determine the usual habits/likes/dislikes. He couldn't quite place it at present. Beetle? Ant Queen? "Oh, Miss Gigas." Ozzy tried to wipe the shmutz from his face. "Ozmodius Skyway. Just call me Ozzy. Welcome to the Guild." He held out a hand, until he realized the hand was just as dirty as the rest of him.

@PaulHaynek

Yang Bethlehem

"I see, a conflict of justice and duty." Yangn nodded her head but patted Kira on the shoulder. "You did the correct thing nevertheless, after all. Sometimes, we need to stand to what we believe. I would've done the same."

At least, I would've done it after I got paid. Yang kept that comment to herself.

"We'll lose some customer for sure true but the at least people will know what kind of job we do." Yang said, well aware of the type of clientele. She've seen the different types of people who think their sect of monks is monster exterminators instead of actual priests.

That's not to say they hadn't kicked out or suppressed troublesome monster before. They're just not like the Amanomiya family, the actually dedicated monster slayer clan. She and her master were just priests that go around to help people.

Yang gave a chuckle when she recalled that period of time. Boy, the fights and trouble she got into was fun.

When Talia pointed out the returning group, that perked her up as she greeted them with an outstretched arm.

@ShwiggityShwah

"Hey! So how's your job?! Was it fun!?" She boisterously said with a smile and picked up Ozzy easily. Then her nose smelled freshly dug soil, plants, and the lingering scent of those cemeteries. Which immediately had her raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, was there trouble? You're not injured are you?"

Yang glanced towards all the members, only realizing their disheveled state.

---

@13org@PaulHaynek@Stern Algorithm@ShwiggityShwah

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy saw Ozzy curled up into a ball and the following statement by Vivian and Neil seemed to answer some of his questions.

"Hmm, maybe he really did go and distract them?" Ditzy pointed out, if the person was as cowardly as they said, he would've hide and stuck around them. Coming only after they got the map. That's what Ditzy would've done.

Still, Ditzy followed the group back without much question. Walking home was a lot preferable than sleeping outside, Ditzy wasn't that tired just yet.

When they did arrive, Ditzy saw Yang, Talia, Haley and a new person hanging about. He waved at them before he was introduced to the Beelzebub.

@Rezod92

"I'm Ditzy Stoneclub!" He enthusiastically said to her with a large smile, half-dragging the sandbag behind him. Giving her a good look and realization that despite the female hobgoblin clothing, Ditzy was very much male due to his slight muscular build, taller height than a goblin, mismatched horns and lacking the famous assets of most female Hobgoblins. "Nice to meet ya!"

On being asked on what had happened, Ditzy recounted it immediately with less gusto.

"We went to dig a map outside a church! Which was scary and cramped, also plenty of zombies. Ech." Ditzy stuck a tongue out in disgust and fear. "Not fun. Was scary. Neil got caught but Ditzy pulled Neil out."

Still, with that, Ditzy decided to head inside to wash up and retire for the night. Exhaustion aside, he just didn't want to deal with any more zombies in further jobs.

^{@Restalaan@ShwiggityShwah@Stern Algorithm@Rezod92}

Ada looked to Neil with a kind smile as he patted her on the back, his expression much better than before. With Neil better though, Ada turned her attention to what the others were saying. They weren't expecting zombies and nothing was said to them about those either. Ada wasn't exactly happy for having to get her hands dirty with rotten entrails and flesh as it became evident when she sniffed her hands, particularly her claws and turned her head away with a disgusted expression as she held her hands up, away from her body and looking at the party members, almost as if asking for help to clean herself.

When they had finally arrived on the guild, it was already getting dark. Talia was the first to come and greet them, being received by Ada with a kind smile, even though she seemed rather eager to find water to clean herself. Behind Talia, Ada could see something being constructed. Despite Ada's curiosity, she had no idea about what it was yet, as it was nothing more than the foundations. Talia did mention something about the Altissima sisters, making Ada look at the sisters with a curious stare. Maybe it was their house then?

The very second Ozzy remembered of the zombies though, Ada seemed to remember that she was very dirty, making her look at the group extending her dirty claws, almost as if silently asking where she could clean herself. As she looked to them, she finally noticed the newcomer. Talia did call her "Miss Gigas". Walking towards her, Ada sniffed the air around the newcomer, curious. She had never seen an insect-person like her. The moment she was about to touch her antennae and the soft fur on her shoulders. Luckily, Ada remembered how dirty and smelly her claws were, pulling her hands back, looking at them and making a disgusted expression before looking at 'Miss Gigas' and giving a smile, almost as if she was apologizing for not being able to touch her. Fortunately or unfortunately, Gigas was saved, at least temporarily, from Ada's curiosity and her lack of respect for anything resembling 'personal space'.

---

Freyr

Freyr couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, genuinely surprised as the mysterious woman introduced herself. He would never have expected to meet such a character. Not only she was a daughter of the demon king but she was also the leader of the Demon Army's Radical faction. She was indeed much more than he had initially thought, and certainly went through many things in her life.

"Life has interesting ways to make our paths cross with others in moments we least expect. Such an unlikely meeting." Freyr noted with a chuckle after she introduced herself.

The last rays of light were about to disappear in the horizon as the calming veil of night covered the landscape as Freyr turned towards the woman.

"It might be getting late, but the view was surely worth coming here. Not only that but the unexpected company was very welcome. I wonder if our paths will cross again sometime." Freyr said with a smile as he watched the demoness majectic wings unfurling from beneath her cloak in all their splendor.

"As you say... Sometimes it is painful... But do not regret the actions that took me here." Freyr replied as the demon woman was about to fly away.

"Farewell, my unexpected, mysterious friend. May our paths cross again in the future." Freyr said, finally bidding farewell to his interesting and unexpected companion.

@PaulHaynek

"Well, now ain't this a peculiar motley crew I'm joining.", Kira commented with a good-natured chuckle as she introduced herself. Name's Kira Gigas and I'll be working alongside you guys from this point onward."

@ShwiggityShwah

"Oh, Miss Gigas." Ozzy tried to wipe the shmutz from his face. "Ozmodius Skyway. Just call me Ozzy. Welcome to the Guild."

"T-Thanks...", the Beelzebub uttered back as she shook his dirty hand, surprised and a bit in awe of the young bird man in front of her. "You're....you're an Owl Mage. A male one. I didn't think you guys existed. Then again, I didn't think male Wererabbits existed too, but Freyr proved me wrong."

Before Kira could make another statement, Ozzy got snatched up by Yang and another surprise introduced themselves to her.

@Restalaan (DIT)

"I'm Ditzy Stoneclub!" He enthusiastically said to her with a large smile, half-dragging the sandbag behind him. Giving her a good look and realization that despite the female hobgoblin clothing, Ditzy was very much male due to his slight muscular build, taller height than a goblin, mismatched horns and lacking the famous assets of most female Hobgoblins. "Nice to meet ya!"

"And a male Hobgoblin, too!? Have I been living under a rock!? This makes three monster men that I've met in single day! What is up...with....this......Guild...", the flygirl's exclamation trailed off as she became slightly weirded out by the approach of another guild member.

@13org (ADA)

"Ummm....Can I...help....you?", stammered Kira, not quite sure how to respond as she was caught quite off guard by this strange mamono's appearance, close proximity and the up, down and around sniffing of her insectoid form that she was performing.

What even is she?, Kira thought to herself. I've never even seen a mamono like this before. A new species, maybe?

Just as the strange girl was about to touch one of Kira's sensitive antennae and fur, she thought better of it and retracted her hand, giving the Beelzebub what appeared to be an apologetic smile. With nothing to go on with the seemingly mute mamono, Kira gave her an unsure yet polite smile back and a shrug. Then her hazel eyes fell on the last guild member of the group.

"Whoa..."

@Stern Algorithm

"A Liliraune. You girls are rare.", said Kira, buzzing her wings and hovering up to their eye level. "And what may your names be, if you mind me asking?"