Zool

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Zell had kept MacKensie talking, so she had no suspicions until the realization of what was happening hit her all at once. In the darkness of evening, she did not notice the amazing structure of a building that was The Nightingale. She did not see the manicured hedge-rows or polished rails of the elevated garden and outside area. She simply went up the steps with Zell and, at the top, the fancy restaurant, bar and function hall was upon her. She was awestruck by the beauty of it all. Through the massive windows, she saw the immaculate hall inside. The beautiful furniture, the fancy gowns and suits of the patrons, the well-dressed staff, the small chamber orchestra of 10-15 strings and wind. Her heart fluttered as, for a moment, she felt like she was back home in Lyon - home for the holidays, a brief break from Uni - and attending the Winter Ball.

And in an instant, she was back in reality and realised her situation. "Zell, I cannot," she said.

Zell turned around, a mischievious smirk on his face. "What's up?"

"I cannot date you, Zell. I am in no position to think about such things as this. It is all I can do to focus on getting through this fantastical nightmare we are in," she explained. Now that she said the words out loud, to one of the two men in her heart, she knew she'd made a decision. She would firmly reject them both and be rid of this cloud hanging over her. It was the right thing to do. "I would be irresponsible to complicate matters, when our situation - the duty thrust upon us - is already so difficult. I must not fall... She shook her head, unable to finish that last sentence. So she settled for; "I cannot accept this."

Zell nodded his understanding, but the smirk didn't leave his face. "Sure. No problem. It's just; I owe you a drink, is all. Maybe two. Probably just one. And you definitely owe me at least two. I figured, we may aswell settle debts," was his counter. "It doesn't have to be a date. Just two friends having a couple of drinks."

MacKensie eyed Zell suspiciously. "Zell, I am serious," she said with urgency.

He raised his hands in surrender. "I know. I hear you, loud and clear. What? We can't have a bit of food and drink as friends?"

"As friends," she echoed. "It is not a date." It was almost a question.

"As friends," Zell repeated easily. "Not a date."

There was a bit of a silence between them. In the background, they could hear the fine music and gentle chatter. Behind Zell, she could see the host at the entrance, looking at them both expectantly. Zell was also waiting for her to respond, and so she did. "You owe me three drinks."

Zell let out an amused breath, then screwed up his face in thought. "I do not remember three."

And so their usual banter reconvened as they quietly argued about each time one had saved the other's life, between asking for a table and waiting to be seated.

"I grabbed the branch."

"So you say, but I very-much remember James speaking on the matter, afterwards - James, ever the voice of reason, thanking me for saving your silly behind."

As they took seats, Zell thanked the host and then got right back to arguing. "This is a conspiracy. Fake news. Corruption in the court. And anyway, if that nonsense counts, then I'm sorry but the one on the Temple roof certainly doesn't."

MacKensie smiled confidently. "Ah, so you do remember that one. I'm glad I did not even have to bring it up."

"I remember you shooting my opponent right before I was about to deliver a killing blow. That's just cheating. If you can't even admit that I single-handedly saved you and everyone else from the ass-kicking Zigmund was giving you, then I can't allow you No.3."

They finally settled at an impasse with a shared chuckle, ordered some wine and, after they got their drinks, the waiter took their order for the meal. In spite of being incredibly underdressed for the venue, MacKensie was in her element. The music was very classical and perfect for the ambience, not too intrusive. The fashion and opulence was just her kind of vibe. She was very-much enjoying herself.

Their conversation was nothing Second Chance-related. It ranged from London to Paris. From Psycology to Sociology. From Football to Archery. From older sisters to little brothers. Talking was always something Zell was good at. He could talk for England and for ever. But getting along with MacKensie was another level of ease and free-flowing conversation. She was so admirable. Her background so interesting. Her laugh like music and her accent like silk for the ears. The ever-cocky and unwavering Zell Brooks was like a love-sick puppy hiding behind the increasingly crumbling visage of bravado and strength.

MacKensie had forgotten there was even an army outside the city walls, or that there was a Source Crystal in her hand. One would see it in her face as she enjoyed her glass of wine, Zell's company and the wait for their food.

"Those are some lovely earrings." MacKensie smiled and thanked Zell for his compliment, touching her ear briefly. "You didn't arrive in this world with them."

"No," MacKensie replied. "I bought them while out with Fenna and Lillianna after our first night here."

Zell chuckled as he realised that MacKensie wasn't lying when she commented that she'd been frivolously spending just like himself. "Rich girl loves shopping?"

MacKensie raised her eyebrows and showed her palms. "Guilty." That made Zell laugh out loud. A nearby table looked over, noticed with bemusment how Zell and MacKensie were dressed, then shook their heads and looked away. "It was a small comfort to be able to walk about the market and indulge. This world is so reminiscent of our own."

"Tell me about it," Zell said. "I would never expect a world where you fight with swords and crossbows to have electricity and plumbing, let alone computers and modern products."

MacKensie agreed. She looked dreamily at the dance floor where half a dozen men and women, some of them not human, were doing something resembling the Waltz. "Even the music and dancing is so similar. It is like a distorted mirror of home." There was a lull of thoughtful silence as Zell followed her gaze to the dancers and arched an eyebrow. This was not his idea of dancing. But MacKensie was enthralled. "This is a beautiful ballad."

"You like this kinda stuff?" the Englishman asked in an accusatory tone. "You are such a princess," he chided playfully. "Not my scene, tee-bee-haeche. Looks a bit daft to me."

MacKensie was almost offended. "Really? But it is so refined." Zell was not convinced. "To learn ballroom dance is to learn a tapestry of one's culture and heritage, in France," she told him. "There is so many century's progression of art and fashion, within each dance, to be felt and experienced." Again, love-sick puppy Zell was captured by her passion and interesting perspective. "To dance this way is to walk through history in the footsteps of those that came before you."

Wow. Zell had never thought about dancing in such a way. This was probably because his kind of dancing involved a lot of jumping around with guys or grinding with girls, to music much louder than this, much different too. It was like MacKensie was from another world - no pun intended.

"Show me," he finally said, drawing her attention from the floor and back to him with surprise. "The tune is still going. We won't be the only ones on the floor. But there's enough space that it'll only be your toes I'm stepping on. Give me a lesson."

Nine times out of ten, MacKensie would have refused, but this moment fell into that elusive other ten percent. She was well into her second glass of wine and so had enough courage that she simply couldn't resist a chance to enjoy a piece of home. She smiled and tentatively got out of her seat, Zell mirroring her.

"Something super basic, I'm not a fast learner."

MacKensie stopped in space on the floor. "Okay, this is as simple as it gets. Even a gorilla like you should be fine. Place your hand here and here." One hand high on her waist, with her hand on his shoulder. And the spare hand they placed lightly against eachother's, in the air. "Now we step to the music, in the shape of a triangle. Methodically. In rhythm." Back and to the right, she stepped. Then left. And back to their orginal position to complete the triangle. "And turn. Now again. Step, two, three, step, two, three... and turn..."

There were a number of mistakes before something actually resembling a Waltz began to take shape. "You are getting it," were her words of encouragement.

"Shush, woman. I'm concentrating, over here," he rasped with pretend-annoyance.

They shared a giggle. Their food arrived but they did not stop dancing until the music came to it's conclusion. Neither were happy that this time would come to an end, as the gliding motions became easier and they could focus on eachother and the music. But come to an end, it did. Graciously, they parted and clapped like everyone else on the floor, then went to sit down to eat. They complimented the food and enjoyed dinner with some more light conversation.

"So, is your family proper upperclass then?" Zell asked curiously as he ate. "Like... proper?"

"Mm," MacKensie answered, covering her mouth briefly with her fingers to finish her bite before answering properly. "My father is an entrepeneur and self-made man. But my mother is from money. She, in fact, can trace her family line all the way back to the aristocracy - survivors of the French Revolution. You have heard of this?"

"Err, yeah, it rings a bell, but I don't know anything about it," Zell admitted. "An important historical event, I'm guessing?"

"Yes." Conflicting feelings of left wing ideals and right wing parents hit her. It wasn't nice so she was quick to summarize and change topic. "Most people celebrate it, in France, but some do not. With great change comes... a lot of violence."

"Makes sense," Zell replied, sensing MacKensie's discomfort. "Well, it is my honour, m'lady, to have the privilege of this non-date."

Her eyes flared. "This is not a date."

"That's what I said," Zell teased. "Just two young and beautiful people enjoying the finer things in life."

"You are so big-headed," MacKensie shot back with a smirk.

"Wouldn't you be, if you were me? Look at me."

"I cannot believe you can say that, unironically. You are something else, Zell Brooks." She shook her head. "I suppose humility would not suit you."

Zell suddenly got serious, taking the last bite of the micro-portioned meal and putting his cutlery down. He sat forward and leaned an arm on the table. "Humility? Try this on for size." What came next was a complete change in tone. "Looking at you makes me realise that I'm not even close to the man I want to be. Just knowing you are near... I wake up everyday and tell myself that I'm gonna strive to be better. And I could do this until my hair turns grey. And I still won't measure up to be someone worthy of you." His voice was sorrowful by the end. "But I'd still try."

MacKensie was left in shock, eyes blinking, cheeks burning, lost for words. Zell held her gaze, sincerity in his eyes. By the time she found her voice... "Zell, I..."

"Are you gonna eat that?"

MacKensie looked down at her plate, then back at him, mood completely shifted once more. And she burst out laughing. "You are a pig, Zell," she reprimanded, wiping her watery eye.

"Jeez, I'm only askin."

"It is bad enough manners that you scoff down your food, but now you are rushing me too. I will not allow it." Zell grinned. "Get dessert, if you are still hungry."

"I don't do dessert. I'm sweet enough."

"Kill me now."

After dinner, they took their final glasses of wine to the second floor garden balcony and leaned against the rail to look at the blackness of night. The air had become crisp, as opposed to the warm breeze of the evening. "It is so late. I hope you know the way home."

"I'm not gonna lie," Zell sighed. "I have no idea."

"Sacre bleu."

"I think this place has rooms for rent. I should have enough money left for two rooms. We can head back to The Drum in the morning." Zell sipped his wine and shrugged. "Might aswell spend the money. All of this could be gone, next week."

MacKensie tilted her head in an exaggerated motion. "Maybe. But I am not so ready to die again. I still remember the last time. It is not my happiest memory." She smiled sorrowfully.

"I'm just saying..." Zell started apologetically. He didn't mean to kill the mood. "...What I mean is: It should be over for us. And he here we are, in another world. And it could be over yet again. We should be grateful to whatever gods are out there, for 'the now.' Regardless of past or future. Our shoulders are weightless. We are free. Free to not hold back." Zell swirled the wine around in the glass absently. "Every moment, every breath... it's a gift. A bonus. Why not live for the present?"

"Aha," MacKensie giggled. "Gift. Present. I see what you did there."

They both burst out laughing and Zell almost dropped his glass off the balcony which resulted in even more hysterics. When they finally calmed down, Zell looked at her and raised his glass to toast. "Here's to; living in the moment."

MacKensie joined him. "To; living in the moment."

Clink.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

The more Gildor thought about the proposition, the more MacKensie liked her chances. When he eventually spoke, it was to tell the frenchwoman that he could not part with Finsiraya. MacKensie immediately bowed her head graciously. "I understand," she said. "The other crossbow, however... surely it is not unreasonable to make the deal for this. I will still give you all the money I have, and not a copper less."

MacKensie counted out the remains of her funds in front of him to hopefully convey transparency. An experienced businessman like Gildor would probably be cold to such a show. It's not like she couldn't have just left some money behind at The Mended Drum. Still, she would endeavor to prove she was not up to any tricks. The two agreed a price, with Gildor kind enough to leave her some silver to get by.

"What's the name of your Adventurer party?" he asked and she answered clearly, giving her name and the name of James too. "I will go to the Adventurer's Guild, this evening, and if a contract can be made, it will be waiting for your leader to accept. After that is taken care of, come back to the shop and we will make the exchange."

"You do me a great service, sir," MacKensie told him, placing a hand on her heart. "I am forever grateful."

Gildor nodded as he brought out a pen and some paper from behind the counter to note down the details she'd given him. It was at this time that the little bell on the door sounded and MacKensie looked over her shoulder to see, "Zell."

"Oh, alright Mac..." She smiled as he approached, then watched the interchange between the two men with some amusement, covering her chuckle with her fingers when the focus was turned on her, by Zell, while Gildor strongly objected to the idea that he and Zell were friends. "You buyin something?"

"Um, not exactly," she told him, not sure if she should give details on the deal she'd made with Gildor. For one thing; it wasn't even a done deal yet - the guild may not allow this kind of thing. And secondly; Gildor might not appreciate her putting ideas in other customers heads that they could pester him to give them loans too. "I seem to be a little short on cash for the weapons upgrade I'm looking for, but there is hope yet that I might be able to work something out for the upcoming battle." Hopefully that explanation would suffice, at least until they were not in front of the blacksmith. "And yourself?"

When Zell gave the affirmative and turned his attention to Gildor, starting with declaring budgetary constraints, MacKensie could only smile. "I too have been irresponsible with my spending," she said. When Gildor went to fetch the buckler shield that Zell had requested, the two friends talked whilst they waited. "Yes, I believe my block are a good bunch. They vary in skill, but I cannot fault their heart or their work ethic." She crossed on foot over the other as she stood there, putting a hand on her hip. "The day has been long, though. A little overwhelming at first, but I think, by the end of the afternoon, I had a good grasp on what is expected of me. I have a man - Sergeant First Class - who I have made my right-hand. He has been a boon, today. Smart, experienced and helpful. With him, I think I will be fine. My duty, from tomorrow onwards, will be; to be a mouthpiece for his commands. His suggestions will be the orders I give. I am to lead the block because of my strength as a Crystal Bearer. This, I can do. But I would be wrong not to delegate control of our days leading up battle, to my more experienced Sergeants."

She wished she had more to offer, and perhaps she would find ways to be of more help in the coming days, but she was a simple Ranger. Leading by example on the battlefield was always going to be her strongest suit.

"How about you?" she asked before smiling as she assumed, "I'm sure you got along just fine, no?" Zell was a perfect fit to be an infantry commander - loud, brash and brave, and on top of that; a sharp mind for the tactical elements of combat. "My block is on the Right Flank," she also added, when appropriate. "And you?"

Once Zell's business was concluded... "All set?" ...MacKensie reiterated her gratitude for Gildor's help and bid him a good evening, so that she and Zell could take their conversation outside. "I'm eager to know what James and Adam have been up to." The doorbell jingled once more as the two left the shop. The darkening sky signalled evening. There was still a warm breeze, though. "I wouldn't expect them to be on the front lines, but I still have no idea how the magic-wielding forces will be deployed. The flexibility of James with his blessings and Adam with his plants, will be boundless. A keen strategist's dream, I imagine."

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@SaiyanGet lost, you.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@xenonThat was mean. The dice gods frown on me :(

@ZapdosI'm an involuntary martyr, taking the bad luck upon myself to ensure the success of the group. That is my role, I guess. Saint Zool xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Please, I need to know the DC for the Finsiraya persuasion check! And the roll result too, please xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

"A loan?" Gildor repeated, to which, MacKensie nodded. "Do I look like a bank to you?"

After a long day, learning on the job to be a Captain, MacKensie had left the military centre and gone back to the Mended Drum. She'd changed out of her Ranger gear, took it to a tailor to be patched up, and was now back in the renowned shop of Gildor Hammerfist. As she had learned the day before; her lax spending habits had left her with not a lot of options, when it came to upgrading her weapon. Gildor had been nice enough to show her everything in the way of one-handed crossbows, from what she could afford, to what was possible. After considering her options, and with the mountainous task ahead, she'd come to the conclusion that 'a new option' was worth a try.

"It would literally be for the battle. All I can afford would be yours and I will return the weapon. You lose nothing in this agreement."

The weapons in question were extremely expensive. MacKensie didn't even have enough gold to purchase the cheaper of the two, let alone pay for the other. Two different types of crossbow - a one-handed crossbow based on the Heavy Repeater that was invented by Dark Elves long ago, but improved upon with new-age tech. The other; light enough to be held one-handed, once cocked, at least, but it could hardly be called a 'one-handed' crossbow. In fact, it could hardly pass as a 'crossbow' at all!

MacKensie would summon all she had in the art of persuasion to negotiate for both. First, she would try for the far more expensive weapon, then if that failed, haggle down to the cheaper, but still expensive, purchase.

The cheaper crossbow - which MacKensie would be able to afford if she earned another gold tier reward or borrowed some money from a friend. 60 gold pieces - something she would have been able to manage, had she been more conservative with her spending. It was a one-to-one upgrade on her current weapon - roughly the same size and weight, yet the enhanced cables and firing string made it more powerful. It also came with a thin magazine that was to be fitted along the length of the barrel, which was enchanted with a light version of the same kind of Source magic that made an Adventurer's inventory able to hold more space and weight than physically possible. What looked like it could hold an extra bolt - one could drop up to four bolts into mag and, once the crossbow had been initially cocked, the semi-automatic repeating action would make for quick and easy shooting.

It was a beautiful weapon and MacKensie wanted it quite badly. However, the other crossbow (if one could even call it that,) was truly something from another world. Priced at 8 Platinum chips, MacKensie would have to kill Aurok the Maneater twice over, on her own, to afford it and still require borrowing money from friends! She was under no illusions that Gildor would likely refuse to part with it, but desperate times caused for desperate measures. She had to try.

The other crossbow was a feat crafted with something approaching the limits of Gildor's famous talents. No expense spared, the finest materials, some of the rarest elemental stones, and a deluge of talent in engineering and enchantment that few could bring to bare. Named after a legendary Lightning Dragon from the Mythic Age, the blacksmith called the weapon...

Finsiraya

Finsiraya was a thirty-five inch long sniper's crossbow, which looked like some kind of magical assault rifle, until one held it with the intention of aiming, at which point the limbs, cables and firing string glowed into ethereal existence. It was much lighter than it looked, powerful enough to puncture most heavy armour, and added a lightning effect to any bolt fired, making it a viable match for any kind of enemy. There was no fancy Repeater-tech engineered into it - it was a regular bolt-action - with such power and range that it even had a sight-attachment.

"Absolutely not," Gildor said, shaking his head. "Even if I could trust you, what if you lose it?"

"I would guard it with my life," MacKensie retorted. "If it is lost, then it is likely that the battle is lost and you will be too dead to complain."

There was a moment of dead air as MacKensie held the blacksmith's gaze with a stubborn air and pursed lips. Gildor looked away first, shook his head again.

"Preposterous," was his eventual comment. "You would try to use the siege to lean on me."

MacKensie stepped forward and put her hands on the counter, insulted by the implication on her character. "I most certainly would not," she snapped back. Searching for the right words, she stalled before finding them. "I... I am simply being honest about the situation. I am not familiar with the laws of sale and purchase, here. I only wish to exhaust all possiblities, so that I might be in the best position to save this city." She hoped he understood, and tried to soften her tone, but there was still a residue of offence-taken in her voice. "I am not trying to gain an advantage over you. I am trying to gain an advantage over our enemy." Noticing that residue as she spoke, she stopped to take a breath and collect herself, then continued. "Whether you will do this for me or not, I intend to stand against the invaders and die before I let a single civilian come to harm. On this, there is no compromise. I just thought that maybe, some kind of contract might be a viability, seeing as I am an Adventurer, I might be bound by the Source Code or something..."

"A contract?" Gildor interrupted. "Through the Guild?"

"Hm?" MacKensie was thrown off her train of thought, which had nothing to do with actual Adventurer contracts but something more akin to criminal liability but... "Ummm, sure."

" 'Defend the walls of Valhiem,' " Gildor posited. "With the terms of the loan written into the contract. A special mission reserved for your party only to accept. With a zero-sum reward. I don't think it's ever been done, but... I don't see why it wouldn't be possible. Hmmmmm..."

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

MacKensie stood and stared at her cohort, who were stood in salute, for what felt like far too long. While it didn't seem awkward to them, it certainly was for her. As her eyes scanned around, her attention caught the flag flying on the pole next to the regiment of one hundred - A white rabbit on a backdrop of navy blue. How fitting; the blue (her favourite colour,) the agility of the animal on the flag, (also the tendancy to be scared.)

So... we are the rabbits, she thought. Okay. Fine.

Coming from other blocks and other captains was talking, movement, general noises. But inside this vicinity was a sphere of deafening silence that engulfed The Rabbits. It was time to remedy this. She straightened her posture; squared shoulders, chin raised, then cleared her throat. "My name is MacKensie. MacKensie Trydant. Of Second Chance." There were a few murmurs of surprise. "How do you do?" she added politely before moving on, supressing the reflex to bob a quick curtsy. There was probably no room in the military for curtsies. "Please raise your hand if you hold any rank in the army." Four hands went up. "Come forward." Two men and two women emerged from the block. As they did, MacKensie observed them, one by one, holding each of their gazes for moment, guessing their ages, noting their disciplined body language but most of all, trying to project her own image of strength and fortitude. "Please state your names and ranks," she asked, nodding her head to the man on the very left of the four to start proceedings.

"Corporal Maviel Dima, Ma'am." Tiefling man. At a guess, he was young but it was really hard to tell.

"Gregory Grimes, Sergeant First Class, Ma'am." Human man. Couldn't have been older than thirty years.

"Punah Bruuzz, Corporal, Ma'am." Half Orc woman. Probably on the younger side.

"Jennah Aramayah. Staff Sergeant, Ma'am." Another human. Woman. Middle-aged. Valhiem seemed predominantly human, from her experience, so it made sense that there'd be more human representation in the ranks compared with the range of races in Mytheria.

"And the highest rank among you?"

"That would be me, Ma'am," Gregory said, taking a single step forward from the line.

"Thank you. Please," she gestured him to her side and he obliged, then she addressed the other three. "My experience is in battle but not in training. Can I trust you three to operate and oversee the continued development of our block for the rest of today, while I orient myself." She was met with affirmatives, with Staff Sergeant Aramayah taking initiative and command. "Very well. We will reconvene at the end of the day."

With them taking away The Rabbits for training, MacKensie was left with Sergeant Grimes, who was stood to attention until MacKensie gave him the "At ease," saying that she'd heard a few times in movies that featured soldiers or marines, or something of the sort. Honestly, her entire understanding of the military in Mytheria was currently based on fictional content from another world. It was hardly sufficient, but unfortunately all she had.

MacKensie took Grimes for a walk around the facility, asking him to summarize operations of The Military Centre and the garrison, inquiring for detail where she felt it was appropriate for her to know more. Grimes was more than helpful and seemed extremely knowledgeable, able to answer any and every question without any hesitation or doubt in his voice. She asked him about himself and, as she guessed, he was a distinguished soldier who had served as a squire in his youth, converted to soldier at the earliest available point and earned his promotions faster than average due to exceptional performance in the line of duty. She was glad to inform him that he would be her right-hand for the duration of her time as Captain.

Eventually, after a short stint observing The Rabbits in training, with Grimes explaining the discipline exercises her cohort were undertaking, MacKensie and her new right-hand left the Military Centre and went to the location on the city map where The Rabbits would converge when the alarm was raised for battle. There, they continued to talk and build a rapport.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Right Xenon, I swear I'll be writing tonight lol xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

I'll be posting tonight. I hope everyone's enjoying their weekend xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@xenonI stopped short of the GM update post, but I'll be sure to use the material you've given us, next round. So much to write with so little time, today. I need to start writing a little earlier in the week xD