Fenix Tear Main Guild Base, Camelot, Pergrande

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Was it truly a dream that time could be store up in a bottle.

If you could really save time inside a bottle, what would you do?

As eternity passes, how'd you spend the first times as an immortal?

Let us look back when we were at during our glory days, a time where it was all civilized.

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@Polaris North@JrVader@Sho Minazuki

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Within the depths of a blacken, two eyes opened revealing a light blue starry glow as a figure slowly rose from the bed they were once resting on.

“ Hm. Strange…” Spoke to figure to themself while getting up. With a simple snap of her painted ice blue nail fingers. Light shimmered from the crystals on the ceiling laminating the room of none other then the ice dragon slayer herself, Amaya.

She moved to the vanity looking at herself before looking towards her only said clothing she was often ever seen wearing as a thought came to her. She took on this form centuries ago. Shouldn’t she grow and change it? To seem as human as she played to be. She was both suprised and unsurprised no one other then her nosy Guildmaster has even remotely figured her out. She had reasons upon reasons for everything she did or do. Yet it was a wonder how most put up with her guise like nothing new. They thought she was some ice dragon slayer that learned from galacia years ago. That was good enough for her though the whole aging concept was foreign. How should her style adapt. Should her height grow what of width? She felt her hair as she went through her routine of getting dressed.

Once that was done she left her chambers reading a letter left by azu a day or so ago. Seems the youngster thinks sending the head librarian to the grand magic games. Amaya found such outings boring as most of the magics and matches were bland in her mind. If anyone else had said what they wanted her to do, she would simply laugh and walk away without a thought. Azu always seemed to be able to understand this frozen being. She listened to the taps of her heels against the marble flooring. Her small trek took her to her destination. The Roseletta library. Home of herself and two others.

She looked up at the stories upon stories of bookcases holding thousands of books,scrolls, items. Anything of known importance or significance, of researched was here. She counted her walk towards a railing before stepping up and over the railing landing effortlessly upon dozens of massive slabs of ancient history and writings.

Looking up from the papers she looked around in curiosity “ I must have gotten lost in my thoughts again “ she spoke to herself before hearing her stoumach rumbling. Seems even she wanted breakfast

Jaina Dalton

Jaina had trouble understanding why people were afraid of the sea.

Well, that's not quite right; she knew full well that the sea was large, cold, salty, and filled with sea monsters. That the storm clouds were vast, some of them bigger than entire towns on land. But such immensity was humbling, even to the children of royalty, and the cool sea breeze brought comfort in a sunny day such as this one.

Jaina was a Daugther of the Sea, comfortable with the salt spray and the smell of fish both fresh and rotten. Eeels were a delight when stewed, shellfish a delicacy. Shrimps were great when peeled and seaweed a vital component in various condiments. And while the docks and fishmongers stank to high heaven, the Daugther of the Sea remembered that the finest of perfumes came from ambergris from the stomachs of whales and sea serpents.

Besides, what was life without a bit of thrills?

Attempting interaction with Shinra, Jaina spoke to the young man, "So, Shinra, how are we going to find the terrorists? I presume we're going to use the classic tactic of asking around in taverns and seaside pubs, or do you have a contact somewhere?"

Then she turned towards Regina, trying to stamp down her suspicion of 'livestreamers' and 'influencers' and give her the benefit of the doubt, and said, "And Regina... I hate to ask, but how well can you hold yourself in a fight? I don't watch many livestreams, you see, so I am completely blind to what you can do - Are you a Celestial Spirit Mage? Or do you have Archive Magic? Or maybe you're some sort of badass Requip-er..."

It occured to her that she might be prying or offending, so she turned towards Shinra and Regina and relaxed her shoulders, saying, "Sorry if I'm rambling; I'll make it up to you by treating you guys to some of the best soft-shelled crabs in town once this is all over!"

Note to myself. Lower collateral damage or pay for the costs of collateral damage from my own pocket; I do not want to get thrown out of restuarants and snack bars or yelled at by street food vendors. That and my comrades' reputation matters to me as well - My True Companions should not be laboring under an unfriendly reputation as 'destructive saviors'...

@Aku the Samurai, @Urizen

E R I S C A R I O S

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The recurring nightmares, scattered and nonsensical as they may be, had taken a toll on Eris. The feeling of helplessness settled inside her heart, weighing heavily on it until she couldn't breathe. It had once been her parents, her friends, her closest companion, and now it had shifted to her guildmates, Azuria and Zeire, who she had come to care for like her own. The faces changed but one thing remained constant: she would always be out of reach, out of time, out of options.

Then it would all end with her— like the devil on Eris's shoulder. Like a scene shifting back and forth with her mind creating false scenarios of fights that never occurred and of words that have never been exchanged. Like some sort of cruel joke, or maybe even a curse, as it stood as a constant reminder of what she had failed to do.

Still, time marched forward as it always would.

So when she woke up in a cold sweat with the dark sky outside her window, she pressed on. With that, she prepared and headed out to start cooking up the guild's breakfast. She wasn't sure who would need it but it was always best to have some prepared just in case some starving guild member stumbled inside the kitchen without her around. She made sure to put some of their favorite food aside. Once that was all finished, she made her way to the meeting.

Once everyone was out, Eris set out a small box of cookies for the remaining people left in the room. Her week was about to get a little bit hectic. After all, they were supposed to repair a bridge that hadn't been touched in the past century. On top of that, as far as she knew, Iceberg wasn't exactly on friendly terms with anyone so there was an even greater risk of them being there. She doubted holding up a white flag and telling them they were just a repair team would grant them any sort of immunity. Good thing Gwen was around.

She had caught Lucas on his way out to ask him to come with them. His library was sure to have some form of knowledge about the bridge that could help them. As long as she kept Gwen and Lucas in sight, maybe the two wouldn't grind each other's gears too much. That left one more spot and maybe the others already had extended an invitation to someone else.

"Running me ragged, huh, Guildmaster?" She joked as she leaned against a table. "At least you didn't tell me I had a demonic fog raid on top of all that."

Lucas Gutenberg

Rosletta Library, Lucas’ Chambers/Bedroom

Lucas had few expectations when he joined the founding of Fenix Tear, it snowballing to him becoming one of the librarians on what will be the largest library in Pengarde. He was pretty sure that the guildmaster was not planning for this to happen but alas.

If anyone asked him if 'robbing' the Sabertooth Library is a good way to spend his first two vacation he would say it is the best. Sure Sabertooth will get their pound of flesh in the future and it will be up to him to survive it but knowledge should be spread and his goddess definitely agrees.

There is absolutely no way this will backfire on him to the point that Future Lucas will punch him square in the jaw, even if he did well it was his problem to find a way to time travel with.

For now though, he needs to cook for the guild, another part of his punishment for event.

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Library Reception Hall

An hour had passed since then and Lucas headed back to the library, a steaming ceramic pot on his gloved hand. He had left a larger pot for his guildmates to enjoy but there are people who don't have the energy to even get out of the library.

Namely the librarians who had to open the library, normally he would be cooking at the Library's kitchens but it wasn't an option for a while for official and practical reasons.

“I made some stew for breakfast, let’s take a break.” he called to his head librarian Amaya and Ifrit.

He looked at the countless shelves as he laid down the pot to the table.

“By the way I won’t be around for a while, I accepted an urgent bridge building job.” he announced as he laid down the library’s plates that he summoned with his glyphs. Unfortunately he would work with Gwen for this job, well as long she can control herself he won't have any problems.

Who is he kidding, of course she won't control herself. It's Gwen.

Ceri

Location: Fenix Tear Base, Rosletta Library

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"Mmngh..." In quiet back corner of the library, amid a small section of book cases that led to a dead end, one would find a mass of blue robes slumped over a desk. A few open books were scattered around the desk and the immediate area while a few hand written notes and other loose papers had fallen onto the floor from the desk.

"Weh!" Suddenly the blue robed figure would sit straight up. "Eeeh...I fell asleep...urf, they better thank me for translating all of this...ah." A piece of paper, stuck to her forehead. Good thing no one was around to see this, either...she'd pull the piece of paper off and wash the smudged ink on her forehead off as best she could before pulling her hood back up. It wasn't unusual for her to manage to fall asleep in the library, so hopefully no one would be missing her. She preferred here, anyways.

It was quiet, and she didn't have to deal with...people, that way. Ceri gathered up a few of the books and notes, putting them...well, she could put them in order later. She wanted to stretch her legs and maybe get some sunlight. Or at least be somewhere more well lit. She'd hold the book and papers against her chest as she walked, soon enough making her way to the reception hall. She was hoping she could get out and just place her materials on a desk. Lucas, Amaya, or Ifrit would at least know what to do with them.

Unfortunately, that didn't seem like she was going to be able to do that. She'd quietly walk in around the time Lucas mentioned something about a bridge.

Okay, put on a smile. You can do this, Ceri...wait no, they can't see your face smiling doesn't matter...

"G-good morning...L-lucas, Amaya," She offered a stiff, if polite bow to the two of them. Her voice was timid and quiet as it usual was. Lucas was easy to deal with, but Amaya...was difficult. She didn't know why, she just disliked being around her. Not that she'd ever say such a thing. "Sorry...I ended up sleeping in the library while I was...erm...working on some things...I hope that's okay..."

Okay, a good passable greeting. This would be fine. She'd place the books and papers on the table.

_{Fenix Tear Main Guild Base}

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Today as well, She woke up on a bed,her bed. No matter how many years passed, that simple fact can still baffle her to no end. They say that not waking up to whipping and screaming is normal, but to her, that still seemed...false,somehow. She really couldn't get her mind around it.

She disregarded the though with practiced ease, as she did every other time. No sense pondering over it, that was just how things were.

As she got off the bed, she noticed how late it actually was. She was gonna miss breakfast time if she needed to prepare. A bath would be nice, but food would be better.

"Eh, i can always use the old method" her thoughts wandered, her habits took control once more.

She reached for her blade

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A quick clean later, she was now watching an overly excited Gwen talking about how she had finally liquidized lacrima, though we all knew that it in itself wouldn't accomplish much...She knew, right? You can never be too sure with Gwen.

To be fair to her, Ours and Zeire Alchemies are quite dissimilar... could it be she doesn't understand the difference? Improbable, she probably just wished to learn a new thing to quell her voracifous need for new knowledge.

Oh, Ayuna...wouldn't it be cool if your Dojo could use more style? It certainly looks creepy, who the heck picks black walls and white matting! You're gonna scare a lot of people, or is it because the mats are white because you wanna see them bleed?

Her musing where interrupted by the object of her thoughts itself.

"Gwen,dear, you should know by now that it being "creepy" and scary is a design choice i made. Helps with bringing the true self of someone out, if they think they aren't gonna see tomorrow. Though i must admit..." And here she couldn't help the small smile that overcame her lips

The white flooring is exactly for that reason.Seeing the aftermath after a training session...why, it's almost like we are artists painting an empty canvans, don't you agree? Why, just thinking about it was making her wish for a spar, maybe Gwen would be up for it since she's seemed so interested?

Which reminds me, I'm going on am S-Class Mission with Eris. Wanna come along?"

Shaking herself out of her reverie,and taking a second to recenter herself, she responded.

"Oh, sure. It's been a while since i've gone on a decent mission, wouldn't mind the change of pace"

”I wouldn’t be helping much in an S-rank mission, but tell me, what will you need for that quest? You have to be well stocked for an S quest.”

She wondered. She was pretty self-sustaining, so she never needed much.And she knew next to nothing about the mission, so she didn't even know what to expect.

"Besides enough liquid to fill my Jug...Do you have any blood replenishing potions in stock? Turning towards Gwen she continued "You know what's the mission about?So that we can see what to take with us?

Darkness. That's all that Jericho's subconscious mind could muster throughout the night. This was a strange phenomenon for the sleeping Dragon Slayer. He was an avid dreamer, whether it were memories of his past with his parents and the guild or what he wanted for his life and future. But tonight it was as if the gods were telling this little dragon that his past and future were being swallowed by the night. Jericho was awakened by the sudden vibrating buzz of his lacrima smartphone. The room he was in was unfamiliar. It wasn't his house or one of the guild dorm rooms. He grabbed his phone to answer it listening to his Guildmaster informing him that he had an urgent meeting to attend to. He yawned as he hung up the phone getting the last bit of sleep out of his system.

Jericho slid out of the bed and collected his clothes that were on the floor. He turned to the bed to dress himself when he noticed a woman laying in the spot next to where he was just sleeping. She must've been dreaming a wonderful dream. Not only did the call not disturb her, but there was a very sincere smile on her unconscious face. He remembered now. He spent the night with a new client. Another satisfied customer it seemed. He kissed her forehead and slunk into the shadows to re-appear back in the Fenix Tear guild.

---

Jericho left the meeting excited. Not only was he going on an S-Rank Mission to Iceberg with Gwen the guild was going to enter the Grand Magic Games in seven weeks and face Sabertooth. He didn't care what it took. He'd clean the whole library or every bathroom in the Guild if he had to. There was no way he was going to miss the chance to go up against the Twin Dragon Slayers of Sabertooth and show them which Dragon truly reigned supreme. His goddess refused to give him an answer on if he'd be part of the team but all that meant for him was that he'd have to convince her or Lady Amaya, who was the only one picked so far.

After the meeting Jericho immediately went to eat to replenish from his activities from the day before as well as for strength for the upcoming trip. Breakfast was as delicious as ever, but he was unable to finish when his Gwen-Senses started tingling. He sighed in mental defeat, but grabbed his plate on his way into the shadows. Jericho and his plate appeared behind Gwen. He resisted the urge to glance down at her exposed derriere and instead placed his plate on the table before quickly grabbing her clothes and forcing them back on her in a flash. "You idiot. You interrupted my breakfast."

He realized she was with others and shook his head at her indecency. "Apologies, ladies. Good morning." He said before disappearing into the shadows once again with his food.

This time the young Dragon Slayer found himself in the Rosletta Library. It made sense that he'd find her here, except she wasn't alone. This was perfect. He could kill two birds with one stone. "Good morning, Princess Ceri. Good morning Lady Amaya, Sir Lucas." He bowed to them, plate still in hand. He realized this and placed it on the table a bit away from the research texts. "Apologies for the sudden interruption. I came to ask Ceri if she would like to join Gwen, Eris, and I on our bridge mission, but since you're here as well, Lady Amaya, if you could convince Azuria-Sama to put me on the Grand Magic Games team. Please. I'll clean the whole library for a month!"

@Urizen@BlackMaiden@Gerlando@Digmata@Rune_Alchemist@Deide

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_{Location: Port Gamlann}

Shinra was bouncing with excitement, or he would have been if he was actually on the ground. That wasn’t atypical for him, but this time was different, he just knew it. His guildmates would claim that was what he always said, but Shinra wasn’t about to let that dampen his mood any.

Something awesome was gonna happen today!

With eyes wide in wonder as if it were his first time seeing it all again, Shinra looked over the sea from the port with glee. The sky was clear and the sun was shining bright. Crossing the ocean in as much of a rush as he’d been in hadn’t given him much of a chance to appreciate the view. It was filled with all sorts of things; like salt water, fish, and sea monsters! And he’d never even gotten to fight any of them! Shinra swore to himself that he’d change that.... after this quest was done, of course. He couldn’t just leave his friends hanging. Besides, his good feeling wasn’t fading, so he was probably on the right track.

He didn’t know for what, but he trusted his gut.

Hearing Jaina’s questions, Shinra put a fist under his chin, his brows furrowing intensely in thought as he floated upside down. Then he slammed a fist into his palm and gave her his answer, and it was a–

“Nope! I don’t know a single person outside of Fenix Tear! I guess we should ask around!” he said with a shrug and an easy grin. It was a given, of course. His time in Pergrande had been shorter than most, and most of it had been spent with the guild itself. Shinra didn’t mind it though. Strangers were just friends he hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting yet!

Both of their attentions soon turned to Regina and Shinra’s grin widened a bit more when Jaina asked about her “magic”, “Yeah, show her, Regina! It’s super cool! Kinda reminds me of a–”

Shinra waved off Jaina’s apology instinctively, “Aw, don’t worry about it. I don’t get most of that stuff, anyways. It’s all–did you say crabs?” He perked up immediately when she mentioned treating them. He sprung up—well, down—and bounced off into the air, dragging Regina along with him.

“Alright! Let’s goooo!”

Food for the soul at 8-Island, Shinra bursted out of gravity speed, in which he held Jaina & Regina along the way. Having caught up with the breathtaking gravity defying leaping catastrophe earlier, the group settled in the Hargeon Business Franchised Restaurant at 8-Island. Served with the finest seafood dining feast within the VIP Rooms, consecrated from the rest, Regina smiled towards her awkward friends.

Only because she ended up paying for them to the brim as one would expect from an archetypical shounen protagonist like Shinra from a manga perspective, such a thing would apply to her & Jaina as heroines. Having sighed from the monstrous appetite of Shinra and the leading chatterbox conversation of Jaina, Regina just so wanted just to finish this Quest & stream at her crib, overwhelmed by her sudden changes in lifestyle and the expectations stemming from it. At the very least, Regina's at the transitioning stage, no, not that kind but rather the difficulties of adjusting to a full-time employee in contrast to her B-Cuber gig, where she had total control on the things she wanted to do so. Anxious about the way things are, Regina can only put up a facade to keep her co-guildmates from prying over her personal matters yet she didn't leap this farther just to snob.

Regina started spacing out with her thoughts on Cat Leaper Reality.

I wasn't breaking the fourth wall to spoil the nightmares and daydreams, of course, just like some of them in the guild who resonated with such phenomenon, I felt them too as if it's a strange dejavu on repeat. Maybe I am really spoiling the storyline as Cat Leaper is triggered , tingling nonstop with anyone part of Fenix Tear, Time Magic pierces the fourth dimension as they said or am I just spouting nonsense. Any intelligent audience can tell what Mashima's Ghost Writer is trying to do here, Regina this and Regina that, why can't I just be called by my nickname, Rena. It's easier!

It's not because RPer watched Deadpool & Wolverine but then again, any intelligent audience would cringe about this top tier shit posting of a post, that's right, it's Keikaku basis. We can reassure you as RPers playing characters are better treated by Mashima-sensei's successor; Urizen and his horni writing rather than your shitfucks of RP Bosses in the past.

Perspective? This is Rena, Regina Cyanpile's inner monologue okay! As Rebecca Bluegarden's exaggerated variant, I concur and you concur! You Dead like Dark Souls. Majority of you are either recycled, typecasted characters because let's face the harsh reality, sorry not sorry, most RPs just die! Rerun like every gacha game, where's the new story? It's always the same Players and their characters, but well, I say it's self fulfilment. and Urizen loves you all. In case you didn't know, Fenix Tear 2024 is a remake of Fenixtear 2020, 7 years Keikaku my butt, well, 3 more years to go then! But in a way it's still 7 years Keikaku since he planned this from the start.

After you're done reading my monologue, I demand all of you to like this post!

Rena was spacing out with her thoughts on Cat Leaper Reality.

She broke the silence and get straight to the point.

"Bruh, enjoying Boujee meal? That's fine Shinra, keep enjoying. She blamed Jaina for getting sidetracked on the objective.

Cuz I ain't , Sis is such a big yikes salty of not knowing my dank magic. Intentions clear but TFW you take several seats to ask someone like Reuel and Jericho. Simply because Stealth Squad, makes me a Stealth Mage, it's a matter of Iykyk, I live rent free in your head, uh-huh, I'm dead because of your drag. Ngl, no cap, you appalled me ever since yesterday, call me an evil schemer but I hate royalties."Rena expressed her apparent and seemingly irrational dislike against Jaina Dalton, whether it's something to do with yesterday or perhaps an anticipation, Rena just can't stand her personality.

However, before it could escalate any further, Regina realized it was wrong of her to pick on the wrong timeline. Instead she rewinded the same exact scene except for Jaina, so that Shinra wouldn't know the time altering changes. It's as petty as a day that she hates Jaina in plain sight.

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As it was, the Hargeon Business Franchised Restaurant at 8-Island is a rendezvous point that Jaina knew to meet the envoy for the mission.

Name: Weisz Schneider
Rank: A
Role: Informant

Weisz is among Azuria Rutines' Stealth Squad, they're specialized in surveying matters around Camelot to keep track of vital information, members of the Stealth Squad involve Reuel Ashcroft, Jericho Nightingale and Ayuna.

Weisz is Eris Carios discipline in cooking.

"Ladies, Shinra. Easy now, lest you have upset stomachs. There's plenty of food here, crabs everywhere and seafood. He sighed.

He used his telepathy on Jaina and Rena.

Jaina my girlfriend, pardon me for the intrusion, but we got a Time Mage here. Then again, I'd prefer if Lucas were here instead of you but since you're easier to entrust secrets as a Librarian, I suggest you pay attention on what I'm about to tell you of our Quest's true nature. Rena, don't use Cat Leaper like that, who knows what consequences may it bring.

He noticed the presence of a fellow Guildmate, he spoke with telepathically.

"Reuel? A thought projection I see. I take it you spoke with Master? Then again she probably left vague details, I'll explain it to you and the rest."

Before Jericho could react, his magic power was already sealed with solid script and a boyish girl nodded to the presence of her peers.

The solid script rune seal resembled that of a crescent moon that's like bite-marks upon Jericho's neck, in a blink of an eye, the naked eye could barely see her blinding dexterity and un-requipping of her Spear.

"Respect the rules of the Rosletta Library, any unsound behavior is insubordination to hierarchal relationship of the Ranks. Never make me repeat myself because if I do, Jericho...Jericho...Jericho. This matter of enlisting yourself to the Grand Magic Games will be discussed with Azuria & the S-Classes in council form." She immediately respawned in a flash where she was originally stationed, reading in a patio stop, the very place Zeire so yearned to set foot, the Restricted Section.

Not to be confused with the actual depth of the Restricted Section. The Restricted Section is a spatial labyrinth of 333 floors gone deep. What is seen is only the surface, Level 1 in plain sight to behold.

The 14^y.o S-Class slipped a classical children's folklore storybook: Humpty Dumpty in Ceri's grasp, it's got some markings of looming reckoning, at least some pages were marked, whether Izuki knows, it's another story to tell, short answer, she's unaware of the highlights.

In hindsight, she also slipped a book in a flash at Lucas' grasp, it's a classical children's folklore storybook, Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs. However, the book was written in ancient text, Mildian to be exact, a text relative to the dark ages.

For Amaya, Izuki left her a book from the restricted section, resembling Red Riding Hood.

Finally, before Jericho even knew, in his pocket was also another one of the drops Izuki did, this time the book was Beauty and The Beast.

In the Restricted Section, Izuki is casually reading and cross referencing the children storybook that's awfully resemblance of Peter Pan with a similar demonic book that says, the lost boys of Iceberg.

Izuki idly minded her own business and expects the Librarians to comprehend her actions.

Come what may? What is Izuki's intentions of the sudden shoving of books...

She broke silence.

"Eris has cooked, breakfast is ready."

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@Deide@Gerlando
Back to the drawing board, Gwen barely keep up with Jericho's stealthy hi/bye appearing & disappearing act, she hates it when he does that all the time, with little embarrassment, Gwen struggled putting back her clothes on.

"We're heading to Iceberg, I'm a noble after all. I'm just needed for that foreigner passage, we're gonna fix that 100 year old broken bridge. She elaborated to Zeire and Ayuna.

"Too bad, I know better than to force you, Zei. You got any of those invisibility potions? Healing ones even." She asked Zeire.

She snarked at Ayuna. "Canvas? Ya think. If red is the only color then that's too bleak, I probably don't understand you at the moment. By the way, did we have this conversation before? My head is a little fuzzy. I can see the Maidservants serving what Eris has cooked. Why don't we talk about it as we grab a bite? Your canvases and all.."

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@Polaris North@JrVader@Sho Minazuki

"I will handle the demonic fog personally when it recalls itself once more." Azuria gave Eris the comforting assurance that the job won't be about handling an impending demonic fog right off the bat, if the mission finishes too soon.

"We've lost good people along the way as some relationships are bounded by bondage like chains. Reminiscing on a lost lenore she held dear, a distant memory that was fond.

"Avalon divided won't stand united. Pergrande has been struggling since seven years ago after Droma Anim, the government has been discreetly disorganized. There's not much to discuss as it's only the end of a beginning like a Phoenix. Azuria being cringe with her choice of words.

"Demonic Forces cloud our country, as impressive as Ayuna took down a KKK Unit, who would've thought the KKK were that big of a deal. Something isn't right for a brute of a cult to be that smart, and staged multiple assassination attempts at Chancellor Elektra, which is why I'm letting you probe, Reuel. Azuria implied knowing the true expertise of Reuel.

Azuria coughed blood out, which dropped on the floor and fell to her knees. Demonic marks spread throughout her body, as she coughed more blood out. She's having a difficult time breathing, her breathing rhythm was erratic.

She couldn't say it properly but she signaled her S-Classes to get her back to her feet, the flames of her Phoenix don't seem to spawn at the moment.

Luckily, it did spawn at the proper moment, rejuvenating her gradually.

She catched her breath.

"Reuel, Ifrit, Eris...my successors. I'm comforted to know that when I die, one of you will lead and though two may follow and lead the rest, funny isn't it, a Phoenix speaking of death casually...you three are dismissed, any questions?"

Jaina Dalton

Jaina would normally be offended by Regina returning her distrust of livestreamers and influencers with disdain towards royalty. Still, Weisz whispered to her telepathically and revealed that Regina was a Time Mage with Time Magic which excited her craving for knowledge. The mixed gratitude and glee caused her smile to widen as she told the informant, Time Magic? Do we have a practitioner of it here? That is so cool... Boyfriend.

Normally, Weisz would be fifth in her hotness list below Ifrit, Reuel, Lucas, and Amaya but above Eris, who is sixth. But now thanks to that revelation, the telepath climbed three places on that list, causing Jaina to seriously consider that he might be a good boyfriend after all. She then spoke, All right, tell us of our true mission; also, you'd look even cuter with your hair dyed white. Also, if you like swords, I've been thinking of commissioning a runeblade from Reuel and Zam-Weset when I have the cash...

Speaking of Zam-Weset, she should try and get close to that creepy old Mage, considering how much knowledge he had; the problem was, what could he possibly want that she could give? No, no, focus on the mission, Jaina! Focus! She then recovered enough of her bearings to ask one more question, I presume E.M. Pino isn't a real object or person, then? But we are fighting the Kulto Kalium Krusade?

@Aku the Samurai, @Urizen

@Sho Minazuki, @Thayr

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@Digmata@Urizen@King Kindred@Rune_Alchemist
"Hm?" asked Amaya bringing her mind back to reality as she folded up the piece of paper in her hand tucking it away within her top. First was Lucus. One of the few that made it a mandatory need to ensure the Roseletta's Librarians actually got food in their stomachs as some or most of them seem to avoid leaving the place like the plague. She looked down from her spot on top of the floating tablets watching him before watching the stew. Great hot food, Hot food equal calm sleepiness For the maiden. She preferred ice cold foods. It was just a normal thing for the Ice dragon slayer. However, even she knew she had to eat more then frozen foods and Ice to keep up the disguise. "Alright, I suppose I should eat breakfast before tending to my studies of styles." She spoke in out loud acknowledgement.

She then stepped backwards off the tablet falling head down before flipping to stick her landing as her heels tapped the ground lightly. It was then she heard the sleepy call of Ceri. She turned her light blue eyes to the girl as she smiled " Good morning Ms. Ceri. Stayed up late to study once again. I personally do not mind as it warms even this cold heart to see others enjoying the books as much as I do. Come, sit down enjoy some food with us before you go." She spoke before turning her attention back to Lucas.

"Oh you got the bridge job? Oh what I wouldn't give to possibly do a mission instead of having to train for the grand magic games. Such grand venues are not my forte. I feel like I need to have a....what is it called? A make over? A glow up? Have i really forgotten to dress up?" she asked in idle acknowledgement to Lucas's job. "Oh where are my manners today. Do well on the trip and bring back some more recipes." She requested "Oh and bring back the full story of the trip. "She added sweetly before a similar voice rung to her ears.

She turned to see Jericho coming into the library. He was like a potential Son like figure, on the aspect of being a dragon slayer, having taken on training and learning of magic from one of her own race. but he was a guildmate and could always possibly be more, though for that to happen, acknowledgements, plans, research. Oh the possibilities of her future if she felt such a want once again, time was the one who controlled her encounters, she was just along for the ride. She took a seat at one of the places resting her hands in her lap as she crossed her legs. "Oh you are eager arn't you?" she asked amused by his yearning. She would be lying if she wasn't interested in seeing what dragon slayers of today were like, if they could stack up to the parental kin of her kid. She heard his plea and wishes to possibly have her sway of possibly asking azur if he could be selected, even with the offer to cleaning the entire library for a month. "You do realize it will take three months to do one good cleaning of every shelf, every book, every tile, every pillar, every table, chair. Not only that but it would be to my standards along with the others who run this library with me." She spoke ensuring jericho knew what he was getting into. It was then Izuki their restricted section protector that stepped out of her sanctuary to put the boy in his place just as quickly while giving them all gifts of childern like books.

She looked over hers as she looked up at izuki before setting the book face down, next to her plate on the table. "Ms. Izuki, that is not how we treat our fellow guildmembers with simple inquires and requests. However, she is correct. The choice is not for me to decided or ask of our guildmate, though I will say it would be comforting having another of familiar ties to accompany to the grand games. You could even help me ensure a new look." She Replied testing Jericho in her own way. She has read such acknowledgements of shopping was different between males and females and can tell one of another's feelings with the actions. She was curious of his since he held her in such high regards for various reasons.

IFRIT

The office space was comfortable, in a very “controlled chaos” sense. The spacious office looked like a room you’d find in Howl’s Moving Castle. Any and all wallspace was occupied by shelves filled with random trinkets, artifacts, and doodad’s. A small array of bookshelves filled one of the corners, alongside a comfortable sofa and nightstand. Tomes, scrolls, maps, and everything in between filled the bookshelves. There were two desks in this secluded office. One was more neat and organized than the other. The former had a small stack of books piled on the left hand side. Minus an unopened letter and a couple photos, nothing else of note was on that desk.
The other desk was completely different. Almost all of the deskspace was occupied. A pile of unopened letters bearing seals and crests from foreign dignitaries. A series of unfinished letters intended for a plethora of organizations and groups across Pengarde lay lazily scattered. And most noticeable of all, a stack of papers so high it reaches the height of a standing person. It’s on this desk that Ifrit had his head in his hands, groaning in frustration.
“Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck Zeire… WhyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!” He draws his words out. On the main portion of his desk was a formal complaint from one of the local businesses. Something about one of Zeire’s “pranks” getting this business involuntarily involved. And, of course, any and all actions done by the guild members always finds its way back to Ifrit. To that gargantuan pile. The pile of paperwork that he can never seem to put a dent in.
“How many of these fuhyuckin papers are gonna be about you?!? I swear, if I ever see you so much as check out a book you’re not supposed to have YOUR ASS IS GRASS!!” He yells out. He knows no one will hear him. His office is tucked deep away in the Rosetta Library. With how expansive and moving the library is, finding it would be difficult. Luckily for Ifrit, its nothing a two-way linkstone doesn’t fix.
He finishes up a few more pieces of paperwork before calling it a day. He really doesn’t want to call it quits, but he remembers something Azu told him once. Something along the lines of “keep working that hard and you’ll go bald.” “Yeah… and I’ll bet you’re the reason I lose my hair.” He chuckles to himself. Leaning back on his chair, he can’t help but frown in worry.

Admittedly, he’s been on edge these past few days. Not like he usually is, no. This was different. He’s found his body tense, like he’s anticipating an attack. Whenever he enters a room, he almost instinctively looks around to plan an escape route. He’s even been using his *Temporal Eyes* to examine the flow of time around certain people. These are things he never used to do, but after those damn nightmares… Well, he can’t help it.
After lamenting on his pitiful state, he stands from his desk and moves to his book corner. There, a few things lay on the sofa. A satchel, a motley of magical items, maps, spare books, anything he’d need for an ‘extended excursion’. In official guild bookkeeping terms, Ifrit uses these words to denote he’s gonna be gone for “an extended amount of time”. Unofficially, this is whenever he needs to go on a more under-the-wraps kind of mission.
Once he’s done packing everything, he goes to his bookshelf and grabs a few items. A map of Iceberg, a few tomes on the region’s history and customs, and a grimoire of local fauna and flora. His mind wanders to a few days ago, back to when he was assigned this mission…

**AFTER THE COUNCIL MEETING** (Segment done with@Urizen)

With the end of the Joint Council Meeting, Ifrit was groaning out of annoyance. Of course, the meeting itself was important. With such important figures and representatives coming together to discuss the future of Pengarde, it’s no doubt that a delegation from Fénix Tear would be in attendance. The reason Ifrit was groaning was twofold.

1: These meeting usually meant more paperwork, as if he didn’t have enough to do already
2: Azuria was sleeping through the entire thing.

“Fucking hell, Azu. When’re you gonna start at least pretending to be interested in these meetings?” He asked Azu. They were both leaving the main hall right now
Azuria sighed at the sight of Ifrit's obliviousness. Like a father like a child, they just share such overlooking archetypes being two sides of the same coin. She digressed. "I didn't ask you to lodge paperworks on the Lacrismart yet but who am I to stop you." Azuria reunited with her Thought Projection, who was listening through the meeting discreetly in a remote room. The whole room's landscape changed at its spatial course, uniting both rooms as Ifrit was in a separate room with the sleeping Azu while Reuel and Eris were with the thought projection. "While you're at it, I was having another meeting, a quick one."
He has a long, drawn out sigh. “So lazy, yet so resourceful…” he chuckles a bit. “Care filling me in?”
Azuria knew that while she can summon thought projections, its realistic frame per response wasn't consistent. Maintaining a Thought Projection as it's an advanced spell was already taxing to begin with. How much more two, for one the original Azuria was asleep and woken in the presence of Reuel and Eris. Secondly, the other was in a remote room, doing something about the Phoenix Stone and the other in another remote room, listening to the meeting.
"Alright, I will. Reuel and Eris have KKK matters to attend to in due time. Our goodman right here will be their executioner while our fair lady here will be their judge of Chancellor Elektra's dealings as treacherous as it sounds."
“Sounds like some high profile missions. Think they can handle it?” Ifrit asked. It’s more of a rhetorical question. Of course they could handle it. But after those nightmares… let’s just say Ifrit’s been on guard more than normal. He even swears he can feel his eye twitch every now and then. His mind wandered back to the home guild for a moment. “By the way, Azu. Were we expecting any official correspondence from the White Creed?” He recently received a letter from them… which is weird, because he never gets as much as an advert from them.
"And you say I don't pay attention, not high profile, these are espionage and assassination matters." Azu responded. She was puzzled, as both her and Ifrit were former White Creed members in the past, how come she didn't get any. "Slow down a little, we don't wanna be talking over Eris and Reuel, given their expressions now, I suppose they'll listen. What's the letter about?"
“Oh potato, tomato.” At least she was attentive enough to catch the mistake. Ifrit continued on about the letter “Dunno yet, haven’t opened it. It’s addressed specifically to me, though. The ink looks hand-written. Something’s giving me a bad feeling about this letter… can’t be Elektra, right?”
"Open it for another time, we have pressing matters to attend to, Demonic Fog is a week from now. We'll open that as soon as I send Eris to Iceberg, hoping she finishes soon and Reuel, Port Camlann is too far from here, I'll just have him send a thought projection for Shinra and Jaina, who will rendezvous with Weisz." Azuria responded.
“You’re right, Azu… I’ll leave it for later.” He pushes the letter to the back of his mind. He thinks back to his mountain of paperwork he still has to fill out… no, there are more pressing matters. His office will have to wait for a bit. “Want me to hit the field?”
"I will handle your paperwork with you, use a thought projection for here or the field...wait what field." She talked up too fast but muscle memory wise, she knew what he meant. She just needed clarification.
“Sounds like these missions are gonna get a bit hairy. A lot of our S-Class mages are still… greenhorn. And the A and B class mages are gonna be sent out alongside them. Want me to tag along to one of those ‘espionage missions’?”
"You're too on the nose,” Azu said. “why don't you use your diplomatic skills on a potential ally like Iceberg, my homeland with Zeire and Gwen. My sister and I didn't grow up there, due to Hellgate Deliora 15 years ago, so I can't relate but with Gwen, having been born and raised there would have enough experience."
"Iceberg makes no distinction, ally or foe, they will kill anyone who sets foot in their turf due to the demonic fog, hence their hostility. This S-Class Quest to fix the bridge is risky, we're heading in uncharted territories that needed a nobility pass, that's why I picked Gwen, she'll tell you more anyway. After all, she could've been an S-Class, six years ago, Eris happened to have eclipsed her yet it's kinda silly if one is already an S-Class." Azu giggled a bit of the thought regarding Gwen and Eris. "One last thing, please try to get Lucas and Gwen to get along, they just hate each other."
‘Of course Eris eclipsed Gwen, she’s my student.’ Ifrit thought to himself. He continued on. “Shouldn’t we let Eris take charge of this mission? It’ll be a learning experience for her. I’ll stay out of sight, just in case hell is needed.”
"Eris is already in charge of this mission, Gwen is second in command for being a local and not many A Classes have her tenacity. Watch over as you please."
“Perfect.” Ifrit activated his Temporal Eyes and looked around for a bit. “Not seeing anything out of the ordinary, at least nothing we don’t know about.” He sighs and starts picking up his pace, now walking out of the building and back towards the guildhall. “You got anything else for me, Azu?”

**BACK TO THE CURRENT TIME**

“Sorry, office. But I’ll be gone for some time. Think you can manage without me?” Ifrit called out to his workspace, only to be met with a resounding silence. “Damn… You know, if you had an enchantment that let you speak, I wonder what you’d say…” He went on with that train of thought before shivering. “Nevermind, you’d probably end up chewing me out.”
He moves towards his office door. Before he leaves, he looks back to that unopened letter on his desk. It was pristine, bearing the wax seal of the White Creed. Unlike many other letters written by the group, its address was written in hand instead of an automatic magical engraving (Ifrit would know, he’s gotten a plethora of letters from them). It was addressed too “Ifrit, the Timeless Knight”. Everytime he looked at that letter he chuckled. He hasn’t gone by that name since he served under the king. Easier times, those were.

The letter remained unopened. He thought about opening it. It could be important, after all.

“Eh, fuck it. Better leave it for later.”

@Urizen@JrVader@Polaris North

---

By the time everyone had arrived to the meeting table, Reuel was already present, a rare sight, he was usually the last one to appear seemingly without a trail behind him, or indication of what route he used to get there. When everyone got themselves comfortable, and Azuria was talking, he crossed his arms and rubbed his chin as he listened on. Despite what she had said about the KKK, and asking him to probe, he had long since been looking into them out of interest. He suspected something strange about them, and recent events demanded further attention, he almost smiled when he learned about their bold antics recently,

"Consider it done, or rather... It is done. I've known about them for awhile, recent events have only confirmed some of my suspicions", though shortly after his response the guild master would be on her knees, coughing up blood. Most would react quite strongly or with concern, but Reuel stayed sat back in his chair with little reaction, while the others might help her,

"Cutting it a little close this time I see, perhaps you had better take it a little easier", he advised, leaning forward onto the meeting table. The meeting resumed, or rather was coming to a conclusion as she was dismissing the meeting. He had no questions, he knew what this meant. It may be necessary to do some 'cleaning up' as it were, in regards to the KKK. Once he got the information he needed, he could go ahead and do the rest to his discretion.

"No questions from me, you can expect a report on the KKK very soon... And then I'll get to work", he slowly got up and along with everyone else, left the meeting room.