Zool

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

"Did your parents have red eyes?"

Lord have mercy, read the room, girl! MacKensie screeched, fortunately in her head.

Lillianna's outline of her theory was new. The Ranger hadn't heard anything about this dream before either. With a shocked look, she turned her blue gaze onto Clarissa, waiting with bated breath to see what her response would be, and the important woman would further add to the anticipation by leaving a short silence on the room for a moment. And then she gave nothing away, basically kicking them out with a quick thanks.

Well, it would be presumptuous to think that they would be kept in the loop. Second Chance's part in all this was done now. "Good luck to you, Clarissa."

MacKensie let her friends go first through the office door before shutting it behind them. The frenchwoman ought to be glad to be rid of that cube, but the lack of answers to it's mystery still bothered her. Not lack of answers about the cube itself, per say (while two of her group had died for that thing, MacKensie knew that she'd just get in the way, trying to hang around and be involved with whatever was required to investigate it.) But her nagging desire to understand the political situation of the continent in more detail, was back. It had been one of her own reasons for coming to the Academy in the first place.

"I forgot to ask..." she stopped a dozen steps outside the office, then half-turned back, before hesitating. Then she simply said to her friends, "There is no need to wait for me. I will find you at the hotel."

And with that, she went back on herself and knocked on the office door before letting herself back in. "Clarissa, I..." she walked halfway across the room, thinking about how best to word this. She had said nought but hello and goodbye since arriving on campus, leaving the others to do all the talking. Now it was just her, there was something of a weight on her shoulders in the presence of this powerful woman. "I know you are busy - you have been very gracious with your time already - but I must know: of the political situation in Mytheria." She endeavoured to explain. "My friends and I; we are completely blind to the details of this war. Where on the continent are the front lines? Why is the Empire unable to win a battle? Why is The Witch Queen doing all of this?" She stopped herself. "I'm sorry, I have so many questions. We are so very new to this world."

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

hello everyone. it is nice to write with you all

@Jay009

Hi Jay, nice to meet you xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

The grand arch of an entrance was a spectacle all on it's own, but the proceeding courtyard left MacKensie wondering if this might all be a dream. She walked with her friends, slowly looking all around, marvelling at the beauty and scale of the Academy grounds. In one sense, it felt like she was back in Paris, at university, but while the her campus sprawled for square miles over part of the city centre, there was no part of it quite as impressive as the pristine, enchanted courtyard here.

Fenna took the lead, politely accosting a man in robes who crossed their path. The gentleman was kind enough to direct them to the big building at the top of the courtyard - an impressive structure too. Had they not been here on the final leg of important business (business that had cost the lives of two of their group) then she might take time to gush over the architecture and aesthetic attraction of the decor, but as it stood, she silently followed into the building. At the very least, the tension in her shoulders had disappeared. Here she felt safe.

Upon finding the woman, Clarissa, MacKensie found herself wondering if everyone in this world was an utterly stunning beauty or tall and handsome hunk. Frankly, it forced her to acknowledge an insecurity in herself she'd not known since early adolescence. It wasn't a loud or glaring thought in her mind, but it was there. With her strength of will, she pushed such selfish and shallow thoughts from her mind as Clarissa led them to her office, feeling a little ashamed that such concerns were even in her when she was supposed to be such a mature and upstanding young woman.

When Clarissa finished with the letter and let out a quiet sigh, the look on her face made MacKensie suddenly realise the nature of the relationship between Clarissa and Lucy, causing the frenchwoman's eyes to flare and her cheeks to blush. It never took much to make MacKensie Trydant blush.

"MacKensie Trydant." MacKensie bobbed a clipped curtsy in response to the woman's introduction. "Nice to meet you."

Clarissa's reaction to the cube (especially when getting her tools and going to work on the object) should not have been surprising, when considering the state of the office they were in. MacKensie noted this as she watched, sparing a few moments of silence to look around at all the weird machines and apparatus around the room. Fenna explained about how the cube came to be in their possession, bringing back memories of the first battle. She had spent much of the duration with Zell on the wall, both of them discovering their skills and strength together in the chaotic throes of resistance. Fighting back to back, for their lives and the lives of defenseless men, women and children. It was many things, but 'intense' was one of the first words that came to mind. 'Exhilirating' was another.

"Any theories as to what it might be?"

Like Fenna, MacKensie immediately looked at Lillianna, who had warned them early on that The Witch Queen was after them. However the white-haired wizard had known such a thing (maybe a ghost told her?) the group had believed her and the prophecy came true at the worst possible time. Or maybe the best possible time - it was hard to know how events would've resulted if things had gone differently.

Clarissa's question and comments to Adam were rather rude, but MacKensie found herself happy that she'd asked. The frenchwoman had been wondering the exact same things. Adam's eyes were strange indeed. Perhaps on anyone else, such devilish features might look scary, but on Adam they were not. Even when she hadn't traded more than a few words to the young man, it was rather easy to tell that Adam was a well-meaning individual. He probably could have horns growing on his head and still his gentle soul would shine through (an amusing image.) Not surprisingly, Adam brushed off the question quickly and moved focus back to the cube. MacKensie wanted to tell him that he had beautiful eyes, but now was not the time. Also, she didn't think it would help. She was just starting to notice now that there was something wrong with the Druid. Everyone was hurting from the loss of Clive and Arthur, but there was something extra going on with Adam. MacKensie hoped he was alright.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Hello everyone, just wanted to let you know that I have decided to leave this RP. My reason is that IRL things have hindered my writing skills. I apologies for the inconvenience of leaving, i hope that i will be able to come back in a more relaxed mental state.

@Eviledd1984

I'm really sorry to hear that, Evil. I hope everthing works out for you. Goodbye friend.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Zapdos@LoksfjoerI meta-gamed it a little because of our ooc discussion, so Fenna, Adam and MacKensie are up the hill, but there's room for everyone to be there if they chose to come. Hope you don't mind, I can edit if it was a bit too much mind-reading.

Sorry Zapdos, I didn't see your question until I'd already done the post.

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."