Zool

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

It was strange. Of all the things that had happened so far. Waking up in a coffin. Fighting actual skeletons. Seeing the terrifying beasts that were the ogres. Of all these things, the most frightening and intense moments of the whole experience, had to be the surgery.

MacKensie walked along with the group, near the back, in somewhat of a daze, not noticing that her footfalls were so light that she didn't leave tracks.

It was trauma-inducing. To cut into another human being's flesh while he shook and cried in pain. To have to keep going. For his own good. It was all she could do - for the following half hour - not to burst into tears. Rationale had finally taken over, emphasising the fact that they had saved the guard's life and many others, but she still thought about it, and now the larger picture surrounding it: The horrors of war.

She'd always been a politically-minded young woman. Firmly anti-war. But here, against this 'Witch Queen,' what choice was there? This was not squabbles over national resources or clashes of culture... this was good vs evil. Everything she knew about politics had to be thrown out of the window, right now. And with the information she had, knowing deep down that she might well be stuck in this world for the rest of her life, she had to consider that her new home was in danger of annihilation. She had to consider doing something she swore she'd never do...

She had to consider that she might go to war.

The former uni student shook herself of these thoughts. It was simply too soon for her mind to go wandering like this. She needed more information. A big city like Valhiem with academics like herself might be the key to finding out more about what was going on in Mytheria. Especially as her group had, in their possession, that strange metal cube. Enough, Mac, she scolded herself. When it came to politics, she simply could not help but stick her nose in other peoples business. It was just the way she was.

As the group moved forward, MacKensie strayed over to walk beside James. "James, I thank you," she said quietly, giving him a glance before looking at the ground in front of her feet. "You had more faith in me than I had in myself, in that moment. It was an honour to help you save that man's life." She shuddered as she continued. "Just looking at him made me feel sick. I was so scared. But you were calm and took action... just like that." She snapped her fingers. "Your strength gave me strength. I am grateful for it."

She stayed at his side as the group covered distance, Adam leading the way. When Adam told them the plan, MacKensie answered affirmatively, her bones suddenly happy at the mention of rest. It had been a long day and there was only so much that adrenaline, magical blessings and positivity could do before the body demanded to sit the hell down.

"You have a background in medicine or...? Is this knowledge part of your Gift?" she asked James, hoping to learn more about all of her comrades, and so starting with the man next to her.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

"Adam! Clive! Come, look at this," MacKensie called out. She pointed above herself, then bounced and clapped excitedly. "I am a real roleplayer now!"

lmao

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Dark CloudThanks, yeah, that's where I ended up. It's fun to play around with xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

<Snipped quote by Zool>

I will happily take you up for that, @Dark Cloud and @Goblinguy could James ask your characters for help too?

@Teyao

Great xD I'm guessing we'll have to be quick. The deadline is tonight.

Sidenote, I finally decided to track down how some of you guys have such amazing nameplates for the top of your posts. I was so jealous before lol. My next post will be ever so pretty once I have a play around with the tools and make my own xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Well, I'm just waiting for Calle and Zool to post. Just wanna get the interaction outta the way. Maybe the three can wrangle up some horses.

@Dark Cloud

Not sure you need to wait for us. If you just wanna get the interaction outta the way - just treat it as done. From what I read, it could be seen as wrapped up nicely where it is. Clive may go ask for his horses lol xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

I might do a 3rd post for the round tomorrow, before the update. Depends on what's going on. I think I'm about done with the town of Hommas, unless someone else presents an opportunity for content.

@TeyaoIf James needs an extra hand for non-magical medical assistance, feel free to have him drag MacKensie along. She has zero experience but she can follow intsructions.

Or if anyone else wants a quick interaction, I'll respond before the update.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

<Snipped quote by Saiyan>

Yes, the power of annoying MacKensie :P

@Zapdos

True! He is getting special treatment from the GM with how fast that power is levelling up xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

MacKensie opened her mouth to answer Lillianna's question but was cut off by the offerings of aid and introductions from the rest of the group. Happily, she watched with her hands together as if in prayer, as the newcomer recieved water and welcome, one by one. It was somewhat out of character for the university student - perhaps it was post battle feelings - but she was suddenly so giddy with excitement as she observed the togetherness that everyone was showing. This was something she could get behind! This was something she could relate to - to focus on - to maintain a positive mental attitude. Most of her life she'd taken part in ballet, athletics, archery, and while these were all individual sports and activities, each one of them promoted team spirit in preparation for competition. Team spirit provided a power that no one person could achieve. Common desires to aspire to. Common goals to set. Communal willpower to win. MacKensie was buzzing with energy, even with James' spell fully worn off.

"I watch this one's back so she doesn't get herself killed."

Lord have mercy, I will kill this man!

"Honestly, I must've saved her ass like four times already."

MacKensie held her breath, cheeks bloating a little, and held in an explosion of anger that saved her from being extremely unlady-like. Her hilarious facial expression only lasted a moment before she turned to Zell. "Why you... I..." She suddenly stopped and narrowed her eyes suspiciously before realising she'd just given him the exact reaction he wanted. She let out a breath, trying not to laugh, turned away and shook her head. Part of her was still angry as she tried to think of a response that didn't sound childish and petty. "I'll have you know, it was I who saved his life," she speed-talked to Lillianna, then gave a Zell a "Hmph," without even looking at him.

BIG fail on the whole 'not sounding childish' thing. Damn you, Zell.

Getting back into the group conversation, she nodded along with Arthur's observation and Lillianna's retort. Seemed plausible that it would be particularly tough on the woman and also Joji, seeing as they didn't have the comfort the rest of them had: A shared confusion. They awoke alone.

"...Apologies, all. I was a bit snappy there. But this is all...I can't even fully fathom it right now. What's next, a necromanc-"

MacKensie quietly and awkwardly laughed as she turned around to see the bones all over the floor, then turned back and tilted her head in concession. "This is a strange place, that is for sure," she agreed. Then she decided to answer the earlier question, or at least, she started with a bitesized piece of the answer. "None of us really understand how we ended up here. We arrived like you. But where we are travelling to now, we might find out."

And she left it at that to let it sink in, and also to let others say their parts too. As the conversation went on, MacKensie slowly faded into the background, listening for a moment and then taking her leave. She walked over to where Vadim, Clive and Fenna were, and where the travelling supplies were being brought.

"I am so glad you both came back after helping the residents," she told her two comrades, offering them a smile.

She grabbed a bedroll and after a moment to consider, she hooked it horizontally onto the underside of her backpack, then began packing a portion of the supplies away for herself, making sure to grab a waterskin. She found her eyes straying over to Fenna and what the woman was wearing. Her pants seemed much more suited for hiking, as did her boots. MacKensie herself was in simple blue leggings and her brown shoes were made of soft material, looking like something a medieval jester might where. Still, the soles of the shoes were hardy and she felt light on her feet. The leggings provided full range of movement which was suited for her newfound acrobatic ability. But if she snagged them on a bramble or bush and they tore, it could prove annoying.

"Did everyone get out okay?" she asked Fenna, eager to hear how the other half of the rescue went. She eagerly listened to any details Fenna had to provide. Once that subject was covered, she had to compliment the older woman, who was indeed a picture of quiet strength each time MacKensie had looked at her. "I hope I can stay as strong as you, throughout this ordeal." Then she looked at Clive. "Both of you, really," she added. Perhaps the woman-to-woman thing resonated with her more, but Clive had also been unwavering and steadfast in his resolve. Like Fenna, he'd just taken things in stride so well, or so it seemed from the outside looking in.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Zapdos did Makenzie not pay attention to the fact just seemed so nonchalant about everything?

@Dark Cloud

I don't understand. Did I miss something important?

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

As the group came to the conclusion that Valhiem might hold the answers they seek, MacKensie was still somewhat reeling from Zell's words. She struggled along with the conversation but half of her mind was reliving those finals moments on the plane with her team - her friends. The screaming and crying, her stomach turning as they dropped altitude at freefall speeds, holding onto the seat in front of her as if it would do anything to brace for impact. Fenna had said that she didn't remember, so MacKensie looked around to see if anyone else was in agreeance with Zell. Adam. He remembered clearly, it was written all over his face. What was also written was that he was upset and extremely offended by the big-mouthed buffoon. MacKensie felt for him. He was likely being forced to relive his death and loss of his loved ones just like her.

When yet another stone coffin crashed to the floor from the sky, MacKensie jumped out of her skin. She didn't realise people were looking up and so she didn't see it coming at all. After the shock, she put a hand to her heart as she tried to calm her breathing, then looked around to see it. James offered to go and see if the new person needed any help. MacKensie dumbly stared at him as he walked off before she finally gathered herself and blinked back to reality. Seeing that the stone coffin had not landed as cleanly as the others, she then realised herself and started to go after James in case an extra helping hand was necessary.

"You should really think before you talk," she said in reprimand to the nearby Zell as she walked away from the group. To talk so casually of their deaths, or their kidnapping to another dimension as he'd earlier put it - tp say it was just 'way too soon' would be the understatement of the century. The newcomer was out of the coffin by the time MacKensie approached. As James had asked, she quickly checked her backpack to see if she had any water. "I'm sorry, I don't have any water," she told them both as she closed the distance. "Nice to meet you," she said to the woman. "I am MacKensie. MacKensie Trydant. You are probably a little confused, no?" She offered a weak chuckle and a reassuring smile. "You are not alone in this."