Zool

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Seeing the Zell already engraciating himself with the locals was no surprise. The man seemed the type you could put anywhere in any world and he'd have no problem becoming the life of the party. Sure, there'd be quite a few folks he'd undoubtedly rub the wrong way, but the swordsman had a big personality and natural charisma that he seemed able to switch on whenever he chose, and there were always people who'd be drawn to that. MacKensie felt she had a foot in both camps.

"James," she started, after he'd ordered his food. When the healer had mentioned leaving the Academy until tomorrow, MacKensie had shared a look of concern with Fenna, who was holding the cube. It didn't take a psychic to know that the other Ranger was not thrilled about this decision. Nor was MacKensie. And she knew for a fact that Adam would feel the same, even if he was being extremely quiet on the discussions between the group. "Perhaps it would be best if we just deliver the cube. Each hour we delay could have dire consequences for the people of this country. The Academy is only up the hill and we will all sleep much better tonight if we are rid of it." She had posed her thoughts as a suggestion, but having said them out loud, only convinced herself further. "We can wait for you to finish your meal, or we can go ahead?"

If James told them he would go with them after eating, then MacKensie would quickly and eagerly order something for herself, and it would take all her table-manners and grace to stop herself just devouring the food instantly like a starving monster.

Whether James chose to come or not...

The walk up Citadel Mountain was not easy on the legs, after such a long day. Maybe too it was knowing that this would be the last stretch before their first task in this world was complete. MacKensie had looked at her new city map a little as they climbed, but her attention was soon take by the beautiful views that the altitude presented to them. Valhiem was a true marvel on the eyes.

Reflecting on earlier, MacKensie was glad that Fenna had agreed with her about taking the gold contract. She didn't want to be left alone with just the macho swordsman on the side of the taking riskier path. But also, she needed reassurance that her strong-headedness wasn't getting in the way of her decision-making. Lillianna had made her doubt herself. The wizard was very intelligent - it was obvious from just hearing her speak - much smarter than MacKensie. Lucy had only confirmed this theory. So when Fenna, who had been nothing but level-headed from the beginning, sided with herself and the men, she was a little more confident she wasn't being too hasty. She thought about what her father would've done - a man who'd spent his life assessing risk and reward - made his fortune on both thoroughly thought out decisions and snap judgements. Would he see it her way? The more she thought it about...

Yes, her inner voice spoke as her father. There is danger in both the silver and gold. The safety in the easier option is just an illusion - a hole in the sand for an ostrich, the cocoon for a butterfly. Danger is your destiny, no matter what. So you face your destiny head on (Qui n’avance pas, recule) and you get it over with. Get your information quickly and make your next move a little less blind, a little less deaf. Or you can dally and loiter, take your time, take it easy. For what? Weaker enemies but more time spent wandering around in the dark. More time to be flanked by the Witch Queen, by the water ninja, by this war in general. More time to make a mistake out of ignorance, fatigue or misfortune that may cost you dearly.

Which option is truly the more dangerous?

By the time they reached the summit of Citadel Mountain, MacKensie was glad they'd chosen the gold contract. Only time would tell if it was the right choice. Looking around at the collosal buildings and statues, the beautifully paved and clean streets, the well dressed people walking around - MacKensie used her map to figure out the direction to the entrance of the campus grounds. When they saw it, she looked at Adam and Fenna and smiled with relief, then looked back to their destination.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@LoksfjoerWho are you and what have you done with Calle! xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@CalleI think MacKensie would prefer to be rid of it, to be honest. I'd rather not undermine our new group leader though (not so soon anyway mwahaha!) Maybe one of our characters approaches James on the matter, see if if he changes his mind after he has eaten and had a beer. Or is just okay with them doing it seperately.

@Teyao?

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

“Perhaps me, Mackenzie, Zell, and Fenna could do the diamond or platinum contracts. And the rest of you could do the gold ones?”

@Eviledd1984

While the gang were discussing important matters...

"Did I stutter?" The Englishman responded to the adventurer next to him. "Aurok the fucking Maneater."

"...Write it down. Tell your friends."

@Saiyan

Both swordsman in the party are absolutely bonkers lmao

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

On the subject of the team name - Zell's encapsulation of her thoughts, along with the agreement of others, made her smile. 'Second Chance' now not only sounded better to her ears, she was certain that it suited them quite perfectly.

"Thank you," she said to all, with a small nod.

She stood in silent audience to James' explanation of their current predicament, only stepping forward to show him support when he was losing his cool.

"...The commander told us we needed to bring it to the closes guild branch and sent us in this direction but on the way here we were ambushed by some fuc-!" As he paused and took a deep breath, MacKensie placed a hand on his shoulder supportively.

Once he was done and Lucy gave her take on the cube, MacKensie's thoughts were drawn back to the bigger picture of this land. The war. The Witch Queen. She and her friends had no idea the territorial battles that must be going on all around them. All she knew was that they were in the central part of the continent. Where the Witch Queen's forces were was unknown - possibly east, if the attack at Hommas' eastern gate was any indication. But this cube... this cube that was unknown to even a staff-member of the worldly Adventurer's Guild... maybe it really could be as revelationary to the war-effort as Commander Vadim had postulated?

One moment, the cube was the most important thing in her mind... the war, the most important thing. But then her priorities were slingshot into the opposite direction upon hearing about the Source Comm service... and the message.

"I have a funny feeling whatever's on that message in the Source Comm has some kind of answer for you." She wide-eyed looked at Lucy.

"You and me both." She wide-eyed looked at Zell.

Answers? Answers about why they here? How they were here? Perhaps a way to go back home? MacKensie's heart-rate doubled as she imagined being able to return home, the day before the flight to Japan. Being able to yell and scream and force her team not to go to the Olympics. Sabotage the entire to trip to save them all from that terrible tragedy. The fantasy was so overwhelmingly ecstatic, it threatened to break her down into tears. Much of everything else was hard to hear, from that point, barely catching the information as she struggled to keep her composure. Adam's questions only added guilt to her mix of emotions, as here she was, willing to throw away her promise to Vadim for a chance to go home - to hell with Mytheria.

Adam: A young man as straight-laced as MacKensie had always been, showing her how she ought to act. What an individual, indeed. His willingness to put aside everything for a solid answer about the cube they'd promise to safeguard, made her already-high respect for him grow another notch. Whether he noticed or not, as Lucy put the envelope down in front of the Druid, MacKensie held a fist to her stomach as she smiled at him in admiration. Adam: trustworthy to a fault.

Her composure regained (after what was perhaps the tenth wild mini emotional rollercoaster she'd been on since arriving in this world) MacKensie recollected what she could of the information that had just been divvied out regarding silver and gold contracts. It seemed Lucy was confident that they could handle a gold contract, and the desire to see that Source Comm message was enough to make her speak up.

"I also think we should take a gold contract," she told her friends (minus Zell and anyone else who'd disappeared in search of alcohol - not that anyone could blame them.) "We have business at the Academy and a promise to keep to the town of Hommas. This must come first. And we must take an evening to - how you say - decompress? Find a hotel or something? Mentally, I think it would help." Then her tone and expression hardened. "But I feel in my bones that this message in that computer is so important for us. And I wish to see it as soon as humanly possible. Zell is right; we are all stronger than before. Much stronger. I know this. And after going through The Mazy Hillocks, I feel I am ready for anything now."

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@ZapdosLol technically correct, but I was really talking about new experiences for me xD

What I'm thinking is that we're on a really good pace storywise. Why lose that steam by spending the next few months having our party do easy contracts. Let's keep tension high and get the Source Comm message in less posts so the plot can advance before summer ends. We're only at the end of Chapter 1 I think.

That's my reasoning anyway, I'm happy to go with the majority. Either way, I'm having a great time here!

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@xenonI'll go with number 3 - A gold Contract.

I'm voting OOC because MacKensie would probably not agree with me risking her life for the sake of XP and new experiences lol.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

"That's impressive," Fenna remarked about MacKensie's show of magic, before falling silent for a moment. MacKensie's concious attention was completely on the other Ranger, so she didn't realise that when her foot was about fall onto a stone in her path, she automatically adjusted her step to avoid it. "I can't show you anything. I do feel something changed, but it's not something I can summon here and now."

"I see." MacKensie put a finger on her lips as she thought. She was glad that Fenna affirmed her beliefs about what happened. MacKensie trusted her judgement just as much as she had come to trust the judgement of the intelligent James or the sensible Adam, if not more so. And so she now dared to assume the conclusion that they were indeed more powerful than before, which meant in turn that she could be hopeful that if they ever came across that steel-armoured ninja again, they'd have a better chance. Not just at survival, but revenge. MacKensie warded off such dark thoughts with a smile at Fenna. "Well, hopefully you will not need to summon anything anymore. The Adventurer's Guild may have the answers we need to get you back to your family, and you can put all of this behind you. If not, we keep searching."

"...Don't you think we should be going after the witch queen? Or at least investigating why we are here?"

MacKensie only caught the end of Joji's questioning, but she sensed the impatience in his voice and so attempted to allay the concerns of her friend. "Remember, that commander from the town where we arrived? He said that we should begin our search for answers there." she reminded him. She still wasn't completely sure of her feelings on the matter of the war against The Witch Queen, so she avoided that subject.

The guildhouse was impressive. A sort of rustic architecture mixed with modern engineering. Grandiose yet homely. MacKensie followed everyone up the stairs, not without noticing the armed and armoured men and women dotted about the place. Her sharp eyes even caught sight of a few Source crystals. Adventurers. She could already feel herself compiling an endless list of questions, and it appeared that they would be happily answered by one Lucinda Bottrill - a gorgeous red-head with big green eyes and ears that gave her away as one of the odd non-human peoples that this world seemed to harbour.

Mac, that is the last time you will be describing anyone as 'one of the odd non-human peoples!' Even in your head, she scolded herself.

MacKensie let it be known that she was happy to have James as the leader. "You would make a fine leader, James." She would've agreed to near-any nomination other than herself, but James was certainly one of the most appropriate. He'd shown himself to be extremely smart, quick thinking under pressure, and pretty mature as far as men her age went. Certainly more mature than his imbecile counterpart.

"Zell's Angels. Vroom vroom."

"Kindly shut up," she cut him off sharply.

Joji's suggestion for team name was the best so far, (although the bar had been low up until that point,) 'Sky Heroes' did suit them quite well, after Hommas. This led MacKensie's thought process down a path that meandered through meaning and attachment, slowed by her desire to hear everything being said at the desk. Eventually her process ended with,

"How about..." she said aloud, without meaning to. After attracting attention, she had no choice but to continue. "Second Chance?" she offered. Unsure of herself, she tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear with a nervous motion. "To fight for this is noble, I think. For this to embody our goals, and for those who hear our name, to have hope."

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

MacKensie made her exit from the infirmary wiping her eyes. She hadn't expected Lillianna's outpour but when MacKensie had tried to break away and her friend held on to cry on her shoulder, MacKensie couldn't help but cry a little herself. All she could do was whisper that; it was going to be okay, but the frenchwoman had a feeling (no, she was certain) that Lillianna's tears was not just because she almost died. It wasn't even just for Arthur and Clive. It was all the above, plus all she had lost in her last life. It was everything, all rolled into the fact that the quiet, shy white-haired young woman had needed a good hug and a good cry. Just like MacKensie had the day before. And the Ranger was glad she could give her that.

As they walked, MacKensie was in equal parts confused and amused at Zell's antics.

"TELEPORT!"

She had no idea Zell could do such a thing (if he actually could - seems as though he was failing pretty hard, at the moment,) but it was quite funny that the man, now they were out of mortal danger, had gone from being so impressive to her, back to being a blockhead. He was quite the character. She wondered about the second sword in his possession - the sword of the assassin. She had a feeling it was quite powerful, wether it be through magic or expert crafting, the black, curved sword had a certain shine to it.

"Joji, did you manage to find what you were looking for, from the Bazaar?" she asked as they entered the commercial district.

She wasn't sure how much of her share of the money was left, but she was also eager to at least do a bit of window-shopping, when time permitted. Shopping was one of MacKensie Trydant's favourite pasttimes. Even on the rare occassions when she had no money, much of her spare time with friends was devoted to looking around Paris' finest shopping malls. She wanted to speak to Fenna, but the Bazaar was so busy and loud that she simply stayed by the other Ranger's side and observed her surroundings until they were through the area and heading north for the Big Bridge. Once the road was quieter, she spoke her friend next to her.

"Fenna, did you feel that... back in the Mazy Hillocks, after the battle?" a cryptic question but she wasn't sure how to explain herself. She was hoping the older woman would understand as a Ranger who seemed quite in-touch with nature. "Like, ummm... the natural life energy of those creatures who died. Hanging in the air, then maybe being - absorbed? - by us?"

It sounded ridiculous. MacKensie wasn't even sure if she'd not remembered it wrong, as she was so angry at the time and focused on more pressing matters. But one thing she was certain of was that she could now do things that she wasn't aware of before.

"I think I am stronger than before," she let Fenna know. She held out her right hand, not to show off her manicured nails, but to present some evidence. By the strength of her will, she halfway triggered her new Deadly Flurry ability and subtle blue flames of Source danced up and down her fingers. "Magically."

She made a fist and the Source magic disappeared, then she waited on Fenna's reply.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Valhiem was busy and beautiful. It felt good to finally be in civilization again. MacKensie walked at Joji's side down the pavestone street that they had been directed down by the city guards, giving a horse and cart a wide berth as it went the opposite way to the southwestern gate from which they'd just come. The cart-driver gave them a polite nod as he passed and MacKensie returned the courtesy. The frenchwoman look around as she went, spying the big mountain in the backdrop that dominated the city. Even from here, the massive spikes and statues of the Citadel's architecture could be observed. This place was like something out of a fairytale.

"Joji," MacKensie alerted the swordsman next to her and pointed up at the roof of a large building. Her sharp eyes had spotted Fenna's falcon looking right back at them. This must have been the hospital. Joji said he'd come by later, so the Ranger nodded and bid him goodbye for now. The falcon had proved so intelligent since it joined their party that MacKensie figured it must recognize them, so she waved as she approached the hospital. It spread it's wings in reply, causing the Ranger to giggle - her first bit of joy since the battle. Brief and fleeting mirth, but much-needed.

Inside, she spoke to the receptionist and were shown to the waiting room where everyone was already gathered together, MacKensie just catching the end of what James was saying to Zell. She opened her mouth to say, Hello... H-, but when she saw Lillianna, her words caught in her throat. She was alive and perfectly well - finally some goodness in all this mess! Marching forward, her eyes alight with joy, she squeezed past everyone else and threw her arms around the white-haired wizard. "Lillianna, thank god you're okay."

Death comes in threes, she'd heard her grandmother say before. Not today. She let go of Lillianna, only to take the wizard's face in her hands, smile and then hug her again. "Don't scare us like that again, okay?"

After the moment was over, MacKensie stepped back, under her relief was the awkward feeling of realising she'd interrupted whatever the conversation was before she'd steam-rolled in. She provided the worst antidote to the situation by continuing to talk. "Apologies for my interruption, is everyone well?" she checked, looking around at the others. "And you?" she added, looking at Zell, giving him a nod when he confirmed.

She stepped back further out of the center of the room, to allow them to continue to talk, giving another smile as she looked at Lillianna. Nine had become seven. But they were together, safe and sound. MacKensie vowed to herself that she wouldn't let anyone else die. Not a promise she could keep, but one she would die trying to uphold.

She (more politely this time) waited for an opening to mention what the city guards had told her. "The Academy is on the large mountain in the center of the city. We must cross the Big Bridge in the northern quadrant to get there. Apparently there is an Adventurer Guildhouse in that area too."