@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight@13org

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy gleefully smiled as he continued his charge before faltering slightly at the wave of fire.

Without thinking and a might stamp of his feet, a spin at the ball of his foot twisted the ground as he transferred the energy into side swipe. His faithful sand bag, followed through as it ripped through the air and into the fire.

Such was the force of his swing, that the fire was extinguished from sheer force of the wind. Ditzy spun a few more times before slowing down, eyes swimming before regaining his orientation.

"Hah!" Ditzy shoved a fist forward triumphantly.

Right the moment the salamander followed through with a slash, leaving a cut across him and instantly, Ditzy felt a sense of vertigo and lethargy.

Taking a deep breath, Ditzy shoved it away and barreled forward, now that the salamander was within his reach.

A wild swing from above, his sand bag aimed to her and contained enough force to slam her to the ground should she not avoid it in time. Ditzy continued to advance forward from the descending blow and shoulder check the salamander, aiming to bring the fight to a ground battle where strength and grappling will be to his advantage.

And with Ditzy capable of wrestling even the famed hellboars that hail from the Dark lands, such as the ones used by the troupe, Ditzy was sure he could win. He hoped.

@PaulHaynek@Rezod92

Yang Bethlehem

Yang eyes caught the champion flying past her before landing amongst her troops.

Skidding to a halt as her feet and hand dragged through the ground, she quickly repositioned herself to chase after the champion.

Then the champion after regaining her bearings, proceeded to fight against the rebels instead of her.

Holding a curse back, this was an excellent choice as the battle tide slowly changed to their favour, with their element of surprise gone, the heavier armored troops will in a drawn out battle. She had to end the fight or they'll sustain more casualties.

Met with two spearsmen with shield, Yang sucked in a large amount of air before dashing forward to meet their charge.

Ducking downwards and going on all fours, this made the spear missed the mark as she was nearly against the ground. Then springing back up, Yang sommersaulted above them.

Fear and shock came over the two spearmen as she was right in front of them, that quickly changed to panic when they felt her iron-like fingers grabbed onto their helmets.

The weight and speed of her jump was enough that both of the spearmen lost their balance and felt themselves get carried inches from the ground. That was enough for Yang to angle the two and slammed them to the ground, sending them into unconsciousness.

With a snarl, Yang dashed forward as she headed towards the champion. The outer perimeter of her soldiers immediately cracked open as she utilized her quarterstaff to slam open of the footmen into their formation, landing a foot to pin and continued creating havoc as she wade her way to the champion.

"Come champion, come and face me!" She provoked, wondering if the knights of this land would respond to such a challenge.

Uninvited Guests

"Oooh! That sounds tasty!" The little monster group had stars on their eyes and saliva dripping from their mouths. Although, "...What's lasagna?"

"...What are we gonna do with the Alraune nectar? Are we gonna mix it with food and it'll taste better?" The captive Giant Mouse asked the Altissima sisters, still dangling from the vines. "And can you let me down now? My head's feeling funny..."

"A-And what're we gonna do while they're cooking?" One of the Devil Bugs asked. The question sparked a discussion in the group, the voices and chatter of the little monsters filled the kitchen. It made it hard for the Liliraune to hear what was the dominating suggestion in this sudden meeting. Fortunately, their captive Giant Mouse continued to be helpful.

"Hmmm, it looks like they want to explore more of the guild." She said. Would that be a good idea? The Altissima sisters will need to speak up if they do not want that happening.

"Lasagna is a pasta dish with tomato paste and lots of cheese!" Vivian said, hoping the mice will mirror the excitement in her voice, "It's a big dish, so there should be plenty to go around." She had decided to leave out the meat, since these were pests, not guests, and she was just trying to get rid of them; there was no need to use more ingredients than necessary.

Placing the dangling giant mouse down, Sylvia added, "As for the nectar, since I can't agree to give you a man from the Guild, I gave you the nectar instead. Alraune nectar is magical and can be used to lure men and make them fall in love with you." This was half true, it could lure men, but it was like a drug, you had to keep supplying the victim with to keep them hooked. With the amount they gave the group of monsters, they could lure a man and keep him for a short while, but to keep him enticed would be up to them and their romantic skills. Sylvia knew it wasn't right to just give her nectar away, but she hoped that the amount of harm done would be minimal. At worst, their victim has a single night he regrets, at best he actually likes the mice and cockroaches, and they live happily ever after...yeah, right.

Their request to explore the guild flustered Sylvia, who pleaded, "...Just...stay in the kitchen. Here, some things to snack on while you wait." A few vines reached into the pantry and drew out a sleeve of crackers, which will hopefully keep them occupied. The liliraune sisters really didn't want to let these little kleptomaniacs loose in the guild."

The Great Horizons 3
~@13org (FYR)~

"Just take your time, rest and recover. We can try to find Samuel... Or whatever was left of him afterwards. By the way... is that his coat?"

Haley hugged you back, as much as she could with her soaked wings. She was still panting, still reeling from the dangerous experience that happened mere minutes earlier. The Siren was unable to answer for a few moments.

She then raised her talon to look at Samuel's coat, also wet from river water. "Yeah, I think this is his coat. Not sure how I still managed to hold onto it." Haley let out a weak chuckle followed by a sniff. With a heavy sigh, she continued. "I think I've rested enough, and I think I want to do the rest of the recovery back at the guild."

Haley then stared down the river and let out another sigh. "I know he was dangerous and crazy but... I hope that Samuel guy is alright. I don't... I don't think I can... N-Never mind, you ready to head back, hon?"

---

Keeping It Real 2
~@13org (ADA), @Restalaan (DIT), @AzureKnight (NAG)~

Spraying ice on the ground, Nagare managed to make the Lizardman and the Minotaur to lose their footing and stumble. Ada used the opportunity to launch herself some distance away by hopping on the bull monster and jumping off her, sending the Minotaur crashing unto the Lizardman.

Ada went on the offensive, the Lizardman her target. The latter was caught off-guard and lost her sword from the Hushabye's tail whip. Ada was about to chomp down on the Lizardman's neck but then she was snatched in the air by the recoverd Ogre. The Ogre's strength was far superior than Ada's and pulled the latter into a bear hug that choked air out of the Hushabye.

The Lizardman and Minotaur used the opportunity afforded to them to recover and go after Nagare. The former moving much faster than the bull monster.

-

Receiving a slash, Ditzy would notice that the Salamander's attack left no wound, not even a scar. Although, he did feel a bit more tired and dizzy after.

The male Hobgoblin retaliated with a heavy vertical swing from his sandbag. The fiery lizard monster noticed the strength behind it and made no attempt to block it. With deft feet, she avoided Ditzy's swing as well as the shoulder charge he made after. The Salamander left her tail as the Hobgoblin lunged, leading him to trip to the ground vulnerable.

The Salamander rammed her blade into Ditzy. Like earlier, her sword made no wound and did not hurt the Hobgoblin. Instead, it seemed to sap Ditzy of his strength. But then, Sir Reed tackled the Salamander off of Ditzy and began to duel against her.

The Hobgoblin was feeling under the weather and his vision was beginning to blur. But the fight was still going and there were two tired Orcs coming at him.

"They're using Demon Realm Silver, Ditz!" Sir Reed yelled as he battled the Salamander, maneuvering the fight to get closer to Ada and Nagare. "Nothing life-threatening, but it sure kicks ass!"

---

Help, Wanted 2
~@AzureKnight (VRA)~

"The illusion of your cleverness ends here. I've heard the testimony of the witness from last night, an individual who was able to enter the room without breaking in was seen running off into the distance. The clanking sound heard suggests that he was an armored figure, all qualities you possess. Confess your crimes your craven wretch! You can either be detained by the authorities peacefully, or you can be carried off on a stretcher with your body charred to cinder!"

Ian appeared genuinely shocked. "Wow, you guys are good. I’m the last person I expected, but I was looking for me all this time! It's the perfect crime!"

The temperatures in the room rose thanks to Vară's rage manifesting through her power. Ian was not at all afraid of the looming fireball aimed directly at him. "V-Vară?" Neil was beside the source of the inferno and sweat built up in his head, beads already dripping down. "I-I think you should calm down...?" Despite his attempt to dissuade, he did not blame the Flame Demon for being angry. It was a pretty blatant deception, after all. Albeit, seemingly a poorly-thought one.

"However! You sure have guts threatening me, little one." Ian said, brimming with confidence. "While I may not be as famous as the Demon Lord herself, I do know how to fight. And I fight good, real good." The armored thief boasted. "You sure you wanna bop with me, little V?"

"Sir Ian, please!"

---

For The Cause
~@Rezod92, @Restalaan (YNG)~

The lady knight heard Yang's challenge and pulled her sword out of a rebel before approaching the disguised monk. She said nothing in response and immediately lunged at Yang.

She was quick and graceful with her blade, so fast that Yang could barely keep up. But the lady knight did not attempt to defeat the monk with swordplay, she threw her sword at Yang after several swings and tackled the monk into the ground. Her steel gauntlets found Yang's neck and she began to strangle the guild member and probably break her neck. The metal hurt the flesh and the monk was in trouble.

Meanwhile, the two archers fighting Kira were intercepted by a couple of rebel allies. The bowmen were quickly dispatched, their light armor providing little protection against the rebels' war axes. "Langaw!" The rebel spoke to Kira. "Kailangan mong patayin iyong pinuno! We need to kill the leader to defeat them!" He pointed at the lady knight accosting Yang.

"Bilisan niyo! This fight cannot continue like this!"

---

Uninvited Guests
~@Stern Algorithm~

"Lasagna is a pasta dish with tomato paste and lots of cheese! It's a big dish, so there should be plenty to go around."

The uninvited guests made a collective cheer. They would be dining in a feast this day, blissfully unaware that the dish may not be as complete as a normal one. Then again, an incomplete lasagna may be more than what these monsters typically eat.

"As for the nectar, since I can't agree to give you a man from the Guild, I gave you the nectar instead. Alraune nectar is magical and can be used to lure men and make them fall in love with you."

The monster group collectively 'Oooh'd at Sylvia's words. Something to lure men was definitely something a usual monster could use. Although, they could easily go back on their agreement and use the nectar on a guild member. Fortunately, their childlike innocence made it unlikely for them to renege on their promises. That and the Altissima sister could easily sic their warrior members on them.

"...Just...stay in the kitchen. Here, some things to snack on while you wait."

"Okay!" The monsters obliged and happily took the crackers from the Liliraune and shared it amongst themselves.

The monstrous pests were pacified and content for now, not one of them wandering from the kitchen. With the snacks in their hands, they watched the Altissima sisters prepare the lasagna feast and eagerly anticipated the finished meal. Soon, the Giant Mouse the Liliraune caught spoke up.

"Hey, hey. You two seem pretty intent on protecting your men. Are they married? Do you like one of them?" The question piqued the group's interest and they all looked to the sisters for their answer. "Oooh, I'll bet it's the red-haired guy."

"Ehhh, I doubt it. There's something off about him. Can't put my finger on it."

"What about the plain boy? With the short brown hair?"

"Mmmm, I think he's too plain for these two."

@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight@13org

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy was sure he would hit.

Which was why when he tripped and met the ground, it stunned him completely. So much so that the sensation of being stabbed didn't register with him till Ditzy saw it from the corner of his eyes.

"Guh!" Ditzy reached for it but his strength sapped away, exhaustion followed as his eyes blurred.

How? Ditzy was strong, so why was he losing. Was Salamander stronger?

Or was Ditzy weak?

That thought set fire into Ditzy as he slammed a fist down to the ground, flattening before outright sinking into it like it was made of mud.

Ditzy was a Hobgoblin.

Rising to his feet, teeth clenched as adrenaline, determination, and pride filled the exhaustion left behind. The two orcs charging towards him, as if Ditzy can't take them.

Ditzy was the only one that was allowed to travel alone amongst all his tribe.

"Ditzy!" A roar came from his throat, erupting like a war cry like his eyes turned bloodshot.

Fling himself low and forward, arms spread before catching the two orcs by their hips and bringing them into a bear hug. To the pair, it was like Ditzy entire body was made of twisted metal cable as it circled around them. Squishing and pressing them together into one another.

"Is!"

Lifting the two like they weighed nothing, Ditzy in an unusual display of balance and daresay, grace, flung himself back into a perfect arc. Supplexing and sending both orc into the ground as their back and shoulders took the brunt of the impact. The impact wouldn't injure them but it certainly sent them into a dazed state.

It didn't stop there as Ditzy got right back up and charged forward, so caught up in his outburst that he ignored the salamander completely. Sighting on a quarry that far exemplifies strength.

Namely, the Minotaur.

"The!" Before said bovine could turn, Ditzy took her by surprise with a spear tackle. Lifting her outright and slammed her face-first into the dirt.

Yet Ditzy didn't stop at all, rolling back to his feet and sighted the most exemplary display of strength amongst monsters. If anything, it sent him into a near-frenzy as Ditzy rocketed as fast as he can.

"Strongest!" Ditzy slides down even lower on the ground, using momentum to go between the Ogre legs before catching onto one of them. Sending her careening down into the ground alongside Ada in the ogre's embrace.

The hobgoblin at that point didn't care at all, looking to do the outright foolhardy feat of wrestling ground to ground with an Ogre. Something that can be backed by Ditzy as the latter was already putting the Ogre in a headlock the moment the pair landed onto the ground. It would give Ada an opportunity to back others as Ditzy was solely focused on proving himself against the ogre and no one else.

@PaulHaynek@Rezod92

Yang Bethlehem

Taking a deep breath consistently and between every strike, Yang devoted herself to defence and finding an opportunity to strike back.

As expected, her skills with a quarter-staff, while an expect, still fell behind slightly to those who focused solely on one discipline.

Yet it was fine, she'll have to resort to her fist if needed and bless the gods since these armors was good enough she can afford to utilized them as gauntlets-

A swift chopping motion and the sudden appearance of the sword inches from her face distracted her thoughts as he raised an arm to guard it. The weight of the sword taking her aback as she took a stepped back.

It was when the balanced turned as the champion this time took the initiative to close in on her, hooking her leg to bring her down.

The worse however, was two hands going straight for neck. Tightening and gripping hard enough to break a neck first and choke second.

Yang face reddened from it as her neck muscled strained to prevent her own demise.

Long beaten instinct came to fore as she swung her arms to approach from the inside, grab hold of the armor, legs tucking closely and sliding upwards as well in a singular motion.

This forced the champion close to Yang and enabled her to change their mounting position as they swung to the side but that was not all.

In between, Yang broke the champion fingers and slammed down onto her back.

Then in a practice motion, she battered the champion elbow, or more precisely, the tendon reflex.

A brief moment of relaxation was all that Yang needed.

Twirling and coiling around the champion, she yanked the champion arm upwards to an armbar, leg, and thigh clamping down onto the latter's neck.

Sure, it would be trivial for her to snap her neck but that was not her creed.

If she can't even maintain that, then what good was her learning from her master?

Yang didn't hesitate at all as she tightened her hold, knowing that if she let loose, it'll be another chaotic fight. It'll take approximately ten seconds to send her into unconsciousness before she can end the fight cleanly.

It'll be the longest ten seconds however as Yang was unable to do anything but maintain her hold.

^{@PaulHaynek@Restalaan@AzureKnight@Rezod92}

Ada hissed as the ogre woman suddenly grabbed her, saving the lizardman from Ada's sharp teeth. As she was lifted from the ground and the ogre began tightening her hug around her, Ada began struggling against the ogre's painful embrace. With her arms stuck below the ogre woman's far stronger arms, she tried to use her tail to choke her, the sharp claws from her feet to claw at the ogre and even trying to bite the ogre woman, doing everything she could to free herself.

Unfortunately, the ogre woman was far stronger than Ada and her grip on her seemed to be very firm. With a body focused on speed, Ada couldn't possibly be able to match the ogre's raw strength. With Ada beginning to feel lightheaded, not being able to breathe properly and the painful embrace threatening to even break her bones, Ada's struggle became more desperate, as she began trying to tear apart the ogre's flesh and it's skin in whatever way she could.

The moment Ada began feeling her consciousness fading away and the corner of her eyes darkening, she heard a scream when suddenly, both her and the ogre fell to the ground with a heavy thud as Ditzy grabbed the Ogre's legs and threw her to the ground. Miraculously, the ogre woman didn't fall on top of Ada when that happened and despite the dazed state Ada was, she took the opportunity to use her camouflage and dash away. She knew the fight wasn't over yet but if she wanted to be of any help, she would have to recover herself a bit before going back.

---

Freyr

Freyr hugged Haley back, comforting her as best as he could. When she mentioned she wanted to go back to the guild, Freyr nodded at her, agreeing. That said, Freyr knew that Haley wasn't just exhausted. Both by her words, her tone of voice and the way she looked at the river.

"Haley, It wasn't your fault. We did our best to help him even though he threatened us. You even risked your own life to help him." Freyr said, giving a gentle kiss on her forehead as he said so.

"The way he was acting, he was clearly a risk to not only himself but anyone who might meet him." he continued.

"Let's just hope he didn't end up in a small village or something... He didn't seem to have any problems in resorting to threats and maybe even violence..." he finished with a sigh.

"Let's go, I bet you will feel much better after a warm bath and some food." He said with a chuckle as he got up, extending his hand to her.

"Here, stay close to me. You're still wet and I don't want you getting sick." he said with a kind smile as he waited for Haley, opening his arms to her.

@PaulHaynek @Restalaan (YNG)

"Langaw!" The rebel spoke to Kira. "Kailangan mong patayin iyong pinuno! We need to kill the leader to defeat them!"

"Bilisan niyo! This fight cannot continue like this!"

"Dude, tell me something I don't know while you're at it!, Kira retorted as the rebel ran off to assist his comrades, but not before he pointed toward where Yang was. Hurrying to help her friend, the flygirl took stock of the situation. Basically, the raid had turned into a dragged out war zone. Both sides were deadlocked in a battle of attrition, clashing steel and war cries rang throughout the valley as the body count rose higher.

The rebel was right. All of this can't last much longer. A side had to give.

As Kira approached, her fear spiked when she saw the leader knight had Yang on the ground and was choking her, but was quickly relieved when the monk turned the tables and now had the woman in restraining hold. But the relief was short lived as the Beelzebub noticed some of the surrounding enemy soldiers see their leader in trouble and, sure enough, were running to her aid. Yang, in her current position, would not be able to defend herself as she trying to incapacitate the captain.

Which left Kira with only one option.

Well shit, I didn't think I would even be using this move, but we're in some dire straits right now so to hell with it., the flygirl thought to herself with a resigned sigh as she began channeling and build her mana up to the levels required for her technique to work. Wind swirled around her body, getting stronger and stronger as she channeled. Once she had built enough mana, she immediately began her attack.

"Wind Art: Sonic Barrage!"

Suddenly, Kira became a blur as she launched herself across the battlefield, wind howling as she flew into a Order soldier, delivering a punch in the gut. The blow had enough force to send him flying on his back, but Kira wasn't done. Far from it. She then changed direction and sent a flying kick into another soldier, knocking them away before streaking toward another. And then another.....

And then another, and another and another.....

Kira had become a blitzing insectoid pinball, knocking away any Order guard and soldier that were trying help their leader get out of Yang's hold. The Beelzebub could only pray that the monk can end the fight soon, as this technique rapidly drains her mana the longer she uses it.

Come on Yang, finish it! I can only hold them off for so long!

_@PaulHaynek

Vară's anger now hit a fever pitch, unfettered by Neil's pleading. Right now, Ian's bantering held more of an effect on her. At his taunt, Vară's eyes widened and her pupils dilated, a sinister glow emanating from them.

"So, you'll be taking option two then? Fine by me." She spat. Holding her open palm in front of Ian, the small orb of energy that she held shifted into the shape of a lotus bloom. It also began to grow in size, until it was roughly the same size as Ian was. "Turn to ash, degenerate." Vară said coldly, not bothering to consider the harm her attack would cause to the surrounding room.

She fired the lotus at him, leaving a charred trail behind him as sped towards him. Would he have a counter for this fiery display of anger, or would Mr. North meet his end as a cinder mark on the tile floor?

---

_{@PaulHaynek@Restalaan@13org}

Nagare looked on as her plan worked, the monsters slipping across the ice and stumbling into one another. Ada, not wasting a moment, attempted to jump at the lizardman and deal a decisive blow. However, much to Nagare’s dismay, she was suddenly snatched by the ogre who had recovered from earlier. The ogre was slowly squeezing the life out of her, Ada vainly struggling to break free. “Ada-chan! No!” She shouted, running toward them in order to save her comrade. Unfortunately, the recovered lizardman and minotaur cut her off, the sights set on taking out the water dragon. She let out a gasp as the Lizardman came at her with shocking speed, not wasting a moment. She attempted to let out another ice blast before hearing a screech from one of her other allies.

“Ditzy-kun?” She quickly turned and saw that he already had the two orcs down for the count. Then, perhaps moving even faster than the lizardman, Ditzy tackled down the minotaur and slammed her as well. He then went to rescue Ada from the Ogre, wrestling her to the ground as well. Nagare was both happy and shocked at Ditzy's sudden display of power. Sir Reed had begun to engage the Salamander who was fighting with the hobgoblin earlier. In addition, the lizardman was still coming for her.

“Demon Realm Sliver?” She heard Sir Reed yell out. She wasn’t familiar with the weapon, but that was the name for the strange blade that can drain mana. At that point a thought had occurred, why not use that against them?

Nagare attempted to grab the blade that the lizardman dropped from earlier with her tail. She would then use it to slash at the lizardman then take her out with another ice strike, hopefully it would work after her opponent was weakened from the silver.

~@13org (FYR)~

"Let's go, I bet you will feel much better after a warm bath and some food. Here, stay close to me. You're still wet and I don't want you getting sick."

"Oh, don't worry me. I'll be fine." Haley politely declined your offer of embrace. "Besides, we'll be real close to each other later at night. Why don't you warm me up then, Freyr?" She winked seductively.

---

The trip back to the guild was uneventful. That is, until a wagon pulled up near you and Haley with a familiar driver. "Oh, bunny man of the Guild! Good to see you again!" George Costava, apparently a free man, happily greeted the two of you. "Oh man, Ambran guards are tough! They ask for big money but they reasonable in the end."

"Listen, I have bad news about Ravager's Rest. Err, more like good news if you think about it." The dealer continued. "Someone else already took care of place and volunteered to man it. A weird lady with cloak on took it down by herself, it was awesome!. You don't happen to know anyone like that, do you?" George sighed. "Anyway, we need not worry about that place anymore. Still, I might hire you for personal jobs."

"Umm, Freyr?" Haley piped in. "Who's this?"

---

Keeping It Real 2
~@13org (ADA), @Restalaan (DIT), @AzureKnight (NAG)~

Ditzy, with renewed vigor, charged forth. He took down the Orcs onto him, then the Minotaur after Nagare before knocking down the Ogre, therefore releasing Ada from the choking hug. Alas, Ditzy's newly-found strength was not enough. Having already suffered a strike from the Salamander's blade, he could not keep the headlock and the Ogre broke free. She retaliated by simply picking up Ditzy by the neck. Her grip was so strong that her fingers were nigh-impossible to pry off. "You're pretty strong, Hobgoblin! I'll give you that."

Ada had taken the moment to recover. No one was currently after her, but she watched Nagare pick up the Lizardman's sword and use it against its owner. Unfortunately, the Lizardman knew her blade well and easily caught the ice dragon's slash before spinning to not only take her sword back but to also ram it into Nagare. Strength began to quickly leave the ice dragon and the lizard monster pulled her blade out for a--

"Stop! STOOOOOP!" Sir Reed yelled, suddenly breaking his fight with the Salamander and raising his sword in the air. "We surrender." The warrior monsters, even the Salamander fighting him, all halted in confusion at the sudden declaration. "We surrender." Reed repeated.

"Oh?" The Ogre replied, still holding Ditzy. "Do you speak for everyone of your friends?"

"Yes." Reed nodded. "It is clear that we cannot join your mighty troupe. For your troubles, let me offer myself." He declared. "I shall be your mate. But not just any mate, a warrior mate. One that will bear you, all of you, strong children. Let me do this, and I ask that you do nothing more to my friends."

"He is a really great fighter, you know?" The Salamander mused, her tail still burning with passion. "I'd love to fight him some more."

---

Help, Wanted 2
~@AzureKnight (VRA)~

"So, you'll be taking option two then? Fine by me. Turn to ash, degenerate."

You launched your lotus-shaped fire attack at Ian. It sped towards the thief but Ian, proved quicker. He dodged to the side before moving towards you with alarming speed, unsheathing his sword as he did so. The door that lead out of the room erupted in flames from the flame attack, the fire quickly spreading throughout.

"Watch out!" Ian made a downward slash at you, but it was blocked by a dagger from Neil who had moved to protect his guildmate. "Vară!"

"Stay out of this, boy! The adults are talking!" With their weapons locked, Ian grabbed Neil's hair and pulled him to the side so hard that the latter stumbled to the floor. "Just watch the fireworks, little dude. I promise I won't hurt your girlfriend. Well, at least not too much."

"Now then, where were we?"

---

For The Cause
~@Rezod92, @Restalaan (YNG)~

The lady knight yelled in pain when Yang broke her fingers. With her hands disabled, she offered no resistance when the monk shifted their position until Yang had her in a body hold from which she could not escape. Not with broken, stinging, fingers. Still, the knight struggled as much as she could but what remained of her body could not break free from Yang.

Seeing their leader in trouble, the Order troops attempted to come to the knight's aid. Only to be stopped by Kira who had summoned her monstrous power and became a blur of a figure, hopping from soldier to soldier, delivering wind-infused blows upon the hapless humans.

The Order opposition lost their heart at the Beelzebub's awesome power. With their leader also captured, they saw no reason to continue fighting and began to rout. They dropped their weapons and shields as they ran. Some of whom were struck in the back by thrown spears and axes by zealous rebels who wanted as much kills in the battle as possible.

The raid was successful. The only Order soldier alive and present in the caravan was the captured knight lady who was still in Yang's hold. Even with the battle over, she continued to futilely struggle, tears streaming down her face.

"What're you waiting for, ate? Finish her off." A rebel told Yang while the rest of them began to loot the caravan.

@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight@13org

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy always believed he was strong, and he was strong.

Yet today, Ditzy was never pushed this far before.

Tired, out of breath, muscles not moving accordingly and worse than usual, vision occasionally blurring.

So when the ogre slipped out of his headlock and grabbed his neck to lift him up easily, it shocked Ditzy. Her fingers felt nearly immovable, it was close to mama's own grip.

"Ditzy isn't pretty strong," He said with a grin even as he tried to grip back the ogre's arm although failing to summon the strength yet Ditzy tried. "Ditzy IS strong."

How could he not? This was the first time, someone else was stronger than him. It was the first time that he could play all he wants, and was still losing. That thrill, the excitement, the rush of fighting and proving he's the strongest.

It was the greatest feeling he ever had!

His brain tried to figure out a way to escape and turn the tides, how would papa do it? He always was able to escape mama's grip after all, so it wasn't impossible.

At the bare edges of his thoughts, Reed interrupted it by offering to surrender.

Ditzy stared wide-eyed, why is he surrendering? Ditzy can still fight!

Then hearing his proclamation, it confused Ditzy for a bit. It took a moment to sort out those large confusing words.

Piecing it together, Reed seems to say he'll go with them since he lost.

He will go?

Ditzy tilted to the sides, understanding why, but why should he go? Ditzy was the one who wanted this fight.

Does Reed think Ditzy is weak and that's why he wanted to help?

Does this means, Ditzy will be responsible for Reed leaving?

...

No.

Ditzy blood rushed to his head as he understood the implication and meaning. Whatever stamina that he ran out of, rage provided momentarily. But more than, the eagerness to prove that he was strong, and most of all, above all else. That it was he that faulted, and not Reed. That Reed shouldn't leave because of him.

"Reed is stupid!" Ditzy cried out, then a memory flashed through him as he recalled how his father finally got out of grips.

With a sudden sharp strike to the ogre's elbow with his knuckles, showing a surprising amount of accuracy as Ditzy struck the tendon. Forcing a reflex action as her grip loosened itself allowing Ditzy to slip away from it and landing on his feet.

"Ditzy was the one who wanted to fight! Ditzy was the one who took the paper!" Ditzy roared swinging a haymaker, moving in tandem with all of his body and none of the usual instability. Perhaps it was the fatigue forcing his body to find a ways to stand, or plain stubbornness. "Reed is not leader, Ditzy is!"

Whatever it was, for the first time, Ditzy managed to transfer all energy going upwards from his legs, waist, body, arm and fist into a proper punch without any of the windups.

"And Ditzy not surrender yet!" Slamming right into the solar plexus of the ogre, it was not up to Ditzy usual full strength but it was enough to give pause as air rushed out of the ogre from surprise and concentrated strength all into a single tiny area. "Reed is not even a knighty! Ditzy is leader, strongest hobgoblin, and male too!"

He knows that he wasn't smart as others, only in strength did he excelled but he knows one thing. If one does something wrong, admit to it and bear all es-pond-bili-tea. That's the most important thing his dad taught him, that the principal his father follows.

"That's why Ditzy should be one to leave if lose!" As if to emphasize his gender, Ditzy removed the top of his clothing before tying it to his forehead. Showing to all his bare chest, and that indeed, instead of a flat-chested muscled female hobgoblin, he was a male. One of a kind and unique existence.

"Come, if Ditzy wins, then all follow. If not, then Ditzy will follow instead."Eyes glared straight at the ogre, wanting to end this fight and all the will to continue fighting. Ditzy took a stance for a final round. Betting everything into a single blow.

Idly, at the corner of his mind, Ditzy was also aware that they still need to recover poet man.

---

@Rezod92@PaulHaynek

Yang Bethlehem

It felt like forever before the champion finally passed out, from the corner of her eyes, Yang was barely aware of just how close she was to bite the dust even as Kira ultimate move managed to buy enough time for the tides to turn.

Once it did, there's no stopping the varjan from routing. Soldiers fled and the champion still in her grasp.

From the corner of her eyes, a rebel came and asked to finish off the champion.

Taking a decision, she tightened her hold.

Only to ensure the champion passed out as she cut off the oxygen and blood flow. It barely took thirty seconds but it was good enough as she quickly tied the champion.

Though Yang did tenderly reattached the broken fingers to the best of her abilities. Fashioning a brace with sticks and making sure it's straight so it wouldn't be crooked when it reset the bones.

Taking a look at the defeated opponent and then her hands, Yang could only shake her head.

"No, can't kill the defeated and captured. Makes us...worse." Yang slowly said in a different accent similar to the rebels, aware that her idealistic way would lead to more problems and that it doesn't stop them from killing her secretly. But she'll be damned if she didn't try at least. "Please, don't kill her. If can, try to convince to help our side?"

Frankly, Yang doesn't know what to do. Fighting on the battlefield with one's life on the line, she can do that, but taking others?

She didn't dare to because her master didn't. It would be a betrayal of his teaching as well.

"Ey, what you suggest?" Yang discreetly turned towards Kira, not addressing her by name at all just in case the champion was listening in.

@PaulHaynek @Restalaan (YNG)

"Ey, what you suggest?" Yang discreetly turned towards Kira

"H-Huh? You.....seriously....asking me....that question?", Kira responded, panting from exertion it took to power her attack. Upon realizing she was hitting fewer and fewer soldiers, the flygirl reasoned that Yang succeeded in defeating the leader and the rest of the caravan lost morale and spirit, choosing to retreat and leave their captain behind. As such, she ended her assault and skidded to a stop near Yang, fairly exhausted due to Sonic Barrage's costly mana consumption.

"Hell no. Bad enough we...took part in a raid that.....devolved into a battle....where both sides took heavy losses. Why add anymore to it?", the flygirl continued, her tone certain and adamant. The very idea of murdering someone disgusted her to no end. Though, from the way some of the rebels behaved during the fight, they wouldn't hesitate in ending someone's life, let alone an enemy soldier. "How about this: We take her back to camp and let Maria have the final word on what to do. It was her raid, so it's her decision, not ours."

Hopefully, this proposal would let she and Yang not have any involvement if Maria and the rebels did decide to go with killing the captain and if word got around, it wouldn't follow back to the Guild.

For The Cause
~@Rezod92, @Restalaan (YNG)~

"No, can't kill the defeated and captured. Makes us...worse. Please, don't kill her. If can, try to convince to help our side?"

"How about this: We take her back to camp and let Maria have the final word on what to do. It was her raid, so it's her decision, not ours."

"What?! No way! The Order has supported Varjo for as long as it has existed! Their soldiers deserve death as much as the Varjans do!" The rebels cheered at the rebuttal. "Besides, we have limited supplies so we cannot feed prisoners. And we have limited manpower so we cannot spare men to look after her."

"If you have not the heart nor the strength to do this, then leave her to us."

The rebels surrounded the unconscious lady knight. "For Sonarra!" The knight was then mercilessly gored by lots of axes from the rebels. She was chopped and hacked apart, blood and flesh flew in the air as the knight was butchered. Her only fortune was that she was not awake to experience the pain of being torn apart. The first aid Yang gave her was for naught as the lady knight was viciously executed.

Maria arrived embarked on a horse, the equine's trotting to a slow as they approached the Guild duo. "Once again, you have my gratitude, Guild. We are a step closer to power." Maria said, still atop her horse. "Soon we will be free from Varjo's shackles. Emilio is already making a plan to rid Sonarra of her Varjan garrison."

^{@PaulHaynek@Restalaan@AzureKnight@Rezod92}

After a few moments to recover herself, Ada approached the battlefield again. With her camouflage active and moving slowly in the borders of the ongoing battle, Ada searched among the enemies for the most problematic targets for her to strike. Now with the benefit of surprise, she would have a better chance to quickly take out one or two of the most problematic enemies in order to turn the battle in their favour.

Finding the same lizardman woman that proved to be quite problematic a while ago currently fighting Nagare and using her sword to incapacitate Nagare, Ada immediately focused her as her targed. While she was distracted with Nagare, Ada suddenly rushed towards her, weaving through the battle as nothing but a slightly transparent blur, result of her moving in high speeds while with her camouflage active, she only deactivated the camouflage the moment she pounced on the lizardman from behind her, with her claws aiming at her thorax, ready to dilacerate it and her mouth ready to bite into the back of it's neck. It was only then, with Ada already on the air that she heard Sir Reed's shout to stop.

Too late to avoid the pounce, Ada had to shift her weight by using her tail just enough so her pounce would miss the lizardman, jumping just above her shoulder and landing a few meters away from her before quickly giving a step back and using her camouflage to disappear again. Still in a hostile posture, Ada kept circling the battle, stalking their enemies and keeping her eyes to any hostile movement as Sir Reed talked with them. Even though he had told them to stop, she was still very on edge and any quick or sudden movement would be probably be interpreted by her as a threat.

---

Freyr

Freyr couldn't help but to blush a bit at Haley's proposition as she said that he could warm her later that night. Not that he disliked that, in fact one of the things that made him fall in love with Haley was how honest she was with her own feelings and desires.

"T-That! Well... I was just worried because you semeed to be very exhausted when you got out of the water." he said, explaining to her, a bit embarrassed.

"I guess I can... wait until tonight." he said with a chuckle and a smile, shaking his head. Even now, he was still surprised of how easily Haley could talk about her own desires and feelings.

After walking for a bit, a wagon suddenly slowed down as it got near them and from the wagon came a very familiar voice. Freyr was surprised when he heard that voice and found out that it was no one other than George himself. While their last meeting had a rather... unfortunate ending, Freyr was happy to notice that George was now a free man and didn't seem to be in trouble with the authorities again.

"George? I didn't expect to meet you here. Good to know you're fine. Dealing with good, honest business now, right?" Freyr asked, with a chuckle as he waved at George amicably.

"George is a client from the guild. We met a few times before. He is a good man. Got involved with some... slightly less than legal business but he is still a good man." Freyr replied when Haley asked who George was.

Other than the fact that George was a free man, he also brought them interesting information. According to him, Ravager's Rest had been dealt with by someone else. A weird, cloaked lady according to George. While that was technically good news knowing that they hopefully wouldn't have to worry about Ravager's Rest again, it was still worth some investigation regarding who that cloaked lady is and her intentions for having captured Ravager's Rest.

"A... cloaked lady? I can't remember anyone like that... Nonetheless, I don't think anyone can be worse than the ones that were in charge of Ravager's Rest before." he replied to George.

"At least that is what I hope. It could be a good idea for the guild to try sending someone there just to greet her and try to figure out her reasons for having dealt with Ravager's Rest and her plans for the place." he finished as he thought about the information George gave them.

@PaulHaynek @Restalaan (YNG)

Heartless. Ruthless. Horrific. Savage. Merciless. Remorseless.

There weren't enough words in a scribe's dictionary that were powerful enough to describe the scene that played out before Kira's eyes, pupils dilated in speechless shock and already welling with tears for the victim. This was what she was afraid would happen and was even expecting it, but not like this. Anything but this. These were the people the Guild were helping? That she and Yang risked their own lives for? How was this any different from what a Varjan would do?

Hell, how was this any different from what a random deranged murderer would do!?

"Once again, you have my gratitude, Guild. We are a step closer to power." Maria said, still atop her horse. "Soon we will be free from Varjo's shackles. Emilio is already making a plan to rid Sonarra of her Varjan garrison."

Kira turned her tearful gaze toward the rebel leader, incredulous. Did....did she not notice the murder that just took place? Or worse....

Did she just not care?

There were so many things she wanted to say. To scream at Maria, at the rebels in general, that what they just did was wrong. So wrong.

And they call the Varjans monstrous?

"What....", muttered Kira through gritted teeth, barely keeping a lid on her emotions as she raised and pointed a shaky claw toward the scene of the murder. "What.....the actual.....fuck!?"

@PaulHaynek@Rezod92

Yang Bethlehem

"Wait, no-!" Yang raised her arms but the battle had worn her stamina away, unable to do more even as the champion she spared was murdered.

That just sapped any other protest as she looked onwards without a word, the mess left behind was barely recognizable. She finally understood what her master said when she'll be faced with trials unimaginable.

Yang wanted to cry, to shout, or do anything.

Yet she can't, it was too much.

This hatred formed between the two, Varjo and the rebels. Both had sunk far too deep into it.

How would she even begin to mend this hate?

Shoulders sagging, Yang could only bring her hands together and muttered a prayer for the champion, who name she didn't even know, depart this world peacefully.

Hate and curse me, all you want but may you find peace to achieve nirvana.

Seeing how Kira behaved, it snapped her back before she placed a hand on Kira's shoulder gently. Sharing a look and shook her head. "Endure it, endure for now."

Her eyes went to the sides, everyone is still high on tension and they had no fuss about murdering a prisoner. If they so much say the wrong words, it could easily turn towards them.

It also made her wondered, if this was how the rebels felt, how much worse does the Varjo behave to engender such hate.

Yang eyes blurred, her feet unsteady and eyes swam as she had to use Kira for support. It took Yang a moment to even register what Maria said to her. Taking deep steadying breaths, Yang only inclined her head to her. "I see, our task are done then? Do we have to listen to the plan or will it come at a another date?"

If possible, Yang wished to just head back to the guild but she can afford to endure more if needed.

This throbbing in her head is making it hard to focus. Yang swore she can see spot at the corner of her eyes.

~@13org (FYR)~

"George is a client from the guild. We met a few times before. He is a good man. Got involved with some... slightly less than legal business but he is still a good man."

"Ah, a rogue with a heart, huh?" Haley said, assuming the best of George. "So what exactly do you do? 'Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor' kind of thing?"

"Ahhh, sure! Let's go with that."

"At least that is what I hope. It could be a good idea for the guild to try sending someone there just to greet her and try to figure out her reasons for having dealt with Ravager's Rest and her plans for the place."

"Meh, I think it is better to just leave well enough alone. But you are free to send someone to check up on place if you really want." George shrugged. "Now where are you two off to? I can give ride if it is not far." The 'merchant' kindly offered.

"We're on our way back to the Guild. I hope it's not too much trouble." Haley replied, already accepting the offer.

"No, no, is fine! I can take you to guild no problem. Hop on in!"

-

And so, you and Haley were aboard George's carriage. It was empty save for a sizable chest which was closed, giving no hint to its contents. You could see that your Siren girlfriend appreciated the ride, slouched over andher feet stretched out. The earlier quest was stressful and she took every opportunity to wind down.

"Whoa!" The carriage then hit a sharp bump that flung open the chest. Inside, you and Haley beheld a hill of gold, sparkling under the moonlight.

"Holy... Look at all this moolah. Is this all yours, George?" The Siren's eyes then narrowed as she began connecting the dots. "Wait a second, has this something to do with your 'slightly-less-than-legal-business'? What exactly do you do, Mister George?" Haley was in interrogation mode and nothing but the truth would stop her.

"Oh, uhh... Bunny man, help!"

---

For The Cause
~@Rezod92, @Restalaan (YNG)~

"What.... What.....the actual.....fuck!?"

"I know you monsters do not have the heart for brutality like this." Maria began, aware of Kira's and most monsters' stance on wanton murder. "But we are fighting a war, and one where the deck is stacked against us. We can give no quarter, because our enemies will give us none."

"I see, our task are done then? Do we have to listen to the plan or will it come at a another date?"

"Later, we will notify you. You two should rest for now, you did very well. We owe this victory to you." Maria said. "Kayo, ibigay niyo na sa kanila iyong ginto nila. Malaking sako." She ordered the rebels before trotting away on her horse, off to handle other business.

Meanwhile, a rebel showed up carrying a large sack on both his hands. He then gave it to Kira who would notice it was quite heavy, fortunately she had the strength of a monster. "The sack. Full of gold. Able to buy castle, maybe."

The quest was done. Yang and Kira can now go back to the Guild or go somewhere else if they so wish.

_@PaulHaynek

Vară was visibly annoyed at Ian's graceful dodge from her attack, the surrounding room began to catch fire - which meant nothing to a being like her. However, her eyes popped when Ian grabbed Neil by his hand and pinned him to the ground. With Ian being more dangerous of an opponent than she thought and the flames closing in, she had to get Neil out of here.

It was time to get serious.

"Let go of him you craven wretch!" She exclaimed. In her rage, horns began to form on her head. Her eyes were overcome with a eerie blackness and her pupils glowing a bright yellow color, along with her ears elongating. A long, black, pointed tail extended from her backside; vermillion embers emanated from all over the appendage and her horns. Ian would then see a large axe materialize in Vară's hand, after brandishing it she pointed it dead at him.

"Listen closely, because I don't like repeating myself. I'm taking Neil and getting out of this place. If you want to be covered in charred cuts, I'll be overjoyed to oblige you - in a more suitable location."

At that, with increased speed she charged at Ian. Her intent was to knock him away from Neil, take him, and promptly make their way outside via an nearby window. Hopefully, for Nei's sake, her maneuver would be successful.

---

_{@PaulHaynek@Restalaan@13org}

Nagare thought giving the Lizardman a taste of her own medicine would put her at an advantage. However, the Lizardman was seasoned and all to familiar with her weapon. Her easily caught the blade, took it back, and stabbed Nagare with it. She too, felt some of her energy being drained. Before she had time to recover from the attack, the Lizardman closed in for another strike. She sensed Ada was closing in, and could only hope that her surprise pounce would give them an opening for counterattack. Her thoughts were interrupted, however, after Sir Reed shouted suddenly. When he proclaimed his surrender, she knew immediately what he was doing - saving their lives. This didn't change the how terrible she felt at the situation of course. A slew of emotions flew through her mind at once - powerlessness, guilt, regret, anger.

A bit of blood dripped down her chin from biting her lip. She then watched as Ditzy refused to give up the fight, essentially proclaiming that he will make himself the martyr in Sir Reed's place. With at, Nagare had heard enough.

Slowly walking up behind Ditzy, she placed a hand on his shoulder. "No Ditzy-kun, Reed-kyou isn't stupid. He looked at the current situation at hand and responded in the way that would most likely guarantee our safety. And this isn't your fault, it's mine. Us engaging them in battle was due to the plan I came up with in the first place. I knew it was possible that this would happen, but took the risk regardless and convinced Sir Reed to go along with it too." Ditzy would see a solemn intensity in Nagare's usually serene eyes. She turned to Reed, for a moment, with a somber gazed before continuing.

"Ditzy-kun, I know you're just doing what you think is right, but I'm the one who got us into this mess." She said, thinking back to when Sir Reed warned everyone not to have males take this mission in the first place. "Besides, if you are the leader, than means we can't afford to have you leaving us behind. The Guild needs your strength." She said with her usual gentle smile. She then turned to Sir Reed "Forgive me." is all she was able to say to him. While she couldn't see her, she could sense Ada watching the scene. Her statement was meant for her as well.

Nagare then began to walk forward, closing the distance between her and the troupe of bandits. "Your troupe is indeed strong, as was expected. As I was the one who first reached out to you all, allow me to be the one who settles this fight!" She exclaimed, her heart was pounding so hard she feared that it would burst out of her chest. But she was resolute in her decision. At that moment her body began to glow a with a bright clear blue aura. After her body began to elongate, it was obvious to anyone what was happening.

Nagare would take on the troupe in her full serpentine form, which was revealed to them in a brilliant display of light that dazzled around them like a flowing river. If the troupe accepted the terms laid in front of them, she would start the charge. However, due to already having some of her energy drained, this would be her final stunt. In addition, she wouldn't be able to remain in this form for very long. Hopefully she could end this quickly...

"Hey, hey. You two seem pretty intent on protecting your men. Are they married? Do you like one of them?" The question piqued the group's interest and they all looked to the sisters for their answer. "Oooh, I'll bet it's the red-haired guy."

"Ehhh, I doubt it. There's something off about him. Can't put my finger on it."

"What about the plain boy? With the short brown hair?"

"Mmmm, I think he's too plain for these two."

"He's not THAT plain!" Sylvia blurted out, then began blushing, while Vivian smirked. "Ahem, but if you must know, yes, I have my eye on the brown-haired boy," Sylvia continued, "But it's more than that, if we are to coexist with the humans, then we must respect their freedom, allow them to make choices for themselves. The days where monsters just grabbed men against their will are over, and in fact, it is that behavior that likely led organizations like The Order and nations like Varjo to hate us and try to eliminate us."

"we're already kind of bending the rules a bit by giving you that nectar in the first place, but we get that some habits are hard to break, and we don't think it's our place to force you to live the way we've chosen to live," Vivian added, "But ultimately, we believe diplomacy, a little give-and-take, can solve most problems if both sides are willing to hear each other out. Now who's hungry?" Vivian put on some oven mitts, pulled the lasagna out of the oven, and placed it on a cloth pad on the kitchen table. A few vines reached for some large, flat, thin objects to fan the lasagna, helping it to cool faster, as Vivian expected the mice and devil bugs would be fairly impatient, but it wouldn't do to have the whole group leave the guild with the roofs of their mouths all burned. When it was sufficiently, cool, Vivian began cutting the lasagna, starting with relatively small portions, and plating them, hoping there would be enough for a slice per individual present, minus herself and Sylvia. The sisters also somewhat hoped that this would give them a taste of civilization, and convince them to turn away from their more wild methods.

"Sometimes a little effort, a little knowledge, and a little patience, is all it takes to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. Think, if you had eaten the flour, the cheese, and the tomatoes raw, and by themselves, it wouldn't be nearly as tasty, right? A relationship with a man is similar, if you just grab every man that crosses your path and have your way with him, he'll escape the next day, and you're back at square one, scrambling to look for another man to fill the emptiness in your heart. And you also miss out on all the wonders of a fully developed relationship, like devotion and deep connection," Sylvia lectured.

Freyr

Thanks to that fortunate encounter with George, both Freyr and Haley were able to ride back to the guild on George's carriage. Freyr was happy to notice that Haley seemed to really appreciate the ride, seeing how exhausted she was. As she took the opportunity to relax, Freyr sat down besides her as they began their trip back to the guild.

After some time, the moment the carriage hit a bump on the road, the chest that was in the back, the only thing George seemed to be carrying on his carriage other than themselves, opened, revealing an alarming amount of gold. The sheer amount and the way they were shining under the moonlight already made it hard to ignore, but the fact that it was George who was transporting said money only made it even more suspicious.

Freyr immediately sighed heavily, putting a hand on his face as he shook his head while Haley started to interrogate George about where the gold came from.

"What have you done this time, George?" Freyr finally asked after George asked him for help.

"Please tell me that you're just transporting gold for the bank or something..." Freyr said, sighing, fearing for the answer he would receive.

~@13org (FYR)~

"Please tell me that you're just transporting gold for the bank or something..."

"O-Of course, of course! Yes, that's it!" George was fully onboard with your guess, albeit still looking plenty suspicious. "I transport money for bank! You see, I travel alone so no one suspect me. No one pays attention to lone guy with empty-looking chest."

It was clear from Haley's face with her half-lidded eyes that she bought none of it. "All right, if you say so." She shrugged, choosing to leave the matter alone for now. They were getting near to the guild's headquarters and decided not to stir up trouble.

George dropped the two of you near the entrance to the guild before quickly saying his farewells and speeding away. He probably realized that Haley was onto him and did not want to linger in her company any longer.

"You ARE telling me the truth later, right Freyr?" Haley asked, unamused with her wings on her hips.

------

Uninvited Guests
~@Stern Algorithm, @13org (FYR)~

"Sometimes a little effort, a little knowledge, and a little patience, is all it takes to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. Think, if you had eaten the flour, the cheese, and the tomatoes raw, and by themselves, it wouldn't be nearly as tasty, right? A relationship with a man is similar, if you just grab every man that crosses your path and have your way with him, he'll escape the next day, and you're back at square one, scrambling to look for another man to fill the emptiness in your heart. And you also miss out on all the wonders of a fully developed relationship, like devotion and deep connection,"

The little monsters watched in silent amazement and anticipation as the sisters' took the lasagna out of the oven and let its cheesy aroma fill the kitchen. After cooling it a bit, plates of the pasta was served to each of the monsters. Drool dripped from their lips as their eyes shone. It was time to eat.

"Ah, it's still too hot!" A Devil Bug complained after attempting to touch the pasta.

"Ah, ah! I know what to do here!" The Giant Mouse that was captured earlier put down her plate and began searching through the kitchen cabinets. She then returned to her group with handfuls of forks, taken without any sort of permission from the Altissima sisters. "We can use these and then blow on the lasanya some more before eating them."

Time passed as the little monsters dined with the Altissimas watching over them, generally making sure they don't cause any trouble as they ate. It was difficult having to deal with this situation mostly alone. Fortunately, the Liliraune would not be on their lonesome any longer.

"Heeey! We're back!" Haley burst into the kitchen with her lover Freyr. "Oh man, what a day we had. Did you know that--" She was greeted by the scene of a dozen or so Large Mice and Devil Bugs eating lasagna pasta on plates, served to them by their guildmates Sylvia and Vivian. The two parties stared at each other before Haley spoke up.

The Siren looked towards the Altissima sisters. "Are we... interrupting something here?"

---

Keeping It Real 2
~@13org (ADA), @Restalaan (DIT), @AzureKnight (NAG)~

"Your troupe is indeed strong, as was expected. As I was the one who first reached out to you all, allow me to be the one who settles this fight!"

Everyone on the field took a step back and watched the Ice Dragon Nagare transform into her draconic form. Once it was done, the Ogre let out a hearty laugh. "Ha! I was wondering when you'd change into your primal form. I was beginning to think you were not a Dragon or were one of those Dragons who swore off changing forever." She then cracked her knuckles. "NOW it's a real fight!"

Nagare charged toward the Ogre, who stood her ground as the rest of her troupe fanned out. Despite seeming like a bunch of muscleheads, they knew that even a great Dragon can do little if she was surrounded. At the very least, the troupe would have an advantage in the fight.

Meanwhile, Reed stood with Ditzy and Ada. "You know..." He started as the last fight commenced. "We can help her out. I mean, it would be against Nagare's wishes, and it would be really shameful, but we can help her out. And if we win, we can get away with it. Mostly, I doubt Nagare would be happy with us then."

---

Help, Wanted 2
~@AzureKnight (VRA)~

"Listen closely, because I don't like repeating myself. I'm taking Neil and getting out of this place. If you want to be covered in charred cuts, I'll be overjoyed to oblige you - in a more suitable location."

"Whoa..." Neil was awed by the transformation, even while pinned on the stone floor of the treasury chamber. For a moment, he forgot the scorching heat that engulfed the room to behold the true form of the Fire Demon before him.

Ian, on the other hand, was mostly unfazed. "Awww, but things are just heating up perfectly fine right here. Get it? Hahahaha!" The armored thief laughed at his own joke before deftly leaping away to evade your charge, which at least released his hold on Neil. Despite being covered in armor, Ian was swift like a rogue. As befitting a thief in the night... Sort of.

You smashed through a section of the chamber's thick, stone wall and found yourself in a new area. The kitchen of this building, to be exact. You saw an unlit fireplace, cooking pots and pans, ingredients either collected into bowls or hanging from the ceiling. There were also several barrels of what was probably water or other drinks.

Your monstrous strength and power meant you took no damage from slamming your body against solid rock, only a slight sting as if merely bitten by an insect. "Vară?! Are you okay?!" Neil emerged from the burning hole you punched through, ignoring the flames as best he could as he escaped from Ian. He attempted to approach, but the heat you radiated stopped him. "Ugh! I'm sorry, Vară, but you're really hot right now. Err, literally, I mean."

Next to emerge from the hole was the armored-yet-agile thief. His longsword was brandished and he stood, brimming with confidence. "If your heat managed to cook everything in this room, do you think it'll feed all of Ambran?"

^{@PaulHaynek@Restalaan@AzureKnight@Rezod92}

Still using her camouflage, Ada watched confused as Nagare suddenly turned into a dragon. While the fight wasn't over yet, Ada didn't know if she was supposed to help or not. First Sir Reed told that he would stay with the group, then Ditzy said that he would take Sir Reed's place and now Nagare was saying she would be the one to fight. All that confusion left Ada completely confused. All she knew was that the fight was not yet over, seeing as how the Ogre accepted and the monster girls started to surround Nagare.

When Ada was about to search for a target to pounce, Sir Reed suddenly started talking, making her stop, going where he was and undoing her camouflage, looking to Ditzy and Sir Reed, confused as the latter spoke, saying that they could help Nagare, even though she wouldn't be happy with it.

While Ada didn't really understand why Nagare wouldn't be happy if they helped her, she knew that Nagare was surrounded and things could get dangerous for her, even if she was that big. Looking to Ditzy and Sir Reed, Nagare pointed towards Nagare with an anxious, worried expression as she waited to see what they would do next.

---

Freyr

The very moment Freyr heard George's reply, he knew he was up to something shady once more. Unfortunately, they parted their ways before Freyr had a chance to ask him anything more, as they were already getting close to the guild. Seeing how quickly George said his farewells and dropped him and Haley off, he definitely was doing something wrong again.

The very moment they were dropped off, Freyr sighed, shaking his head.

"I can't believe it... He's up to something again... Especially with how quickly he dropped us off after we began questioning him..." Freyr said to himself before he turned to Haley, who had just stopped, turning towards him and asking if he would tell her the truth about George.

"He's definitely up to something... I don't know what but I don't like it. He is a good man but he... somehow always makes the wrong choices. The few times I met him earlier he was also doing stuff like this. Like the time he was selling 'harmless recreational drugs'... He swore that they had no side effects nor were any dangerous but that didn't change the fact that they were illegal..." Freyr replied.

"I sincerely hope the authorities catch him. I don't want him to get into trouble but he needs to learn to stay on the right path..." he finished explaining Haley about the other times he met George, genuinely disappointed that he didn't learn his lesson.