Aeterna - IC

Kalkun, Rockhill District

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"I prefer the term, 'vagabond vendor', but that tends to confuse people," Eric replied. "For instance, I sell supplies, not wandering people looking f- Oh, you're leaving."

Eric raised himself up from the ground and dusted his trousers from the dust and dirt. Sometimes people liked a merchant who looked personable, other times they did not. 60% of the time no-one gave a rat's ass. Regardless, a potential mark had been carried away which left the merchant wondering what to do next. Typically, when he came across a corpse he would strip it of armor and supplies. He didn't feel bad about it at all, figuring that if it failed to save the poor sap's life, it could help save someone else's. Perhaps the nearby town would offer him a chance to resupply or purchase better equipment, preferably the sort that did not come at a discount.

Whistling for his pack-mule to follow him, the merchant decided to follow the ranger woman. She wasn't a bandit, but perhaps she could be of use as an escort. Sometimes all it took to keep monsters and bandits away was the sight of someone who could wield steel or a bow. That, and Eric figured he could make a potential customer out of her and her 'catch', if he woke up. But it was time to play it cool and go along with her questions for now. Build rapport and all that. Customers liked being talked to.

"Oh, this guy? He's not bleeding and he doesn't stink, so I'll wager he's alive. Plus he's breathing, so things are fine." He glanced over his shoulder for a moment to make sure his beast of burden was following. "I take it you're heading to the inn as well. Never been around this area, but I'll bet the innkeeper can point me to a blacksmith or apothecary..."

Kalkun, Rockhill District

"If you are searching for a blacksmith, there is a forge in the south part of the town, can´t miss the smoke and smell of metal." Kris said walking towards the town and then pointed to the small smoke towering to the sky gesturing the blacksmith´s location.

Looking at the merchant, the huntress then said "Im sure the inn owner will know about an apothecary or atleast an herbalist, this rocky areas are full of resources for herbalists", taking a herb from her backpack, Kris took a bite from it´s leaves to resist some of the night´s cold weather, then she took some leaves and handled them to Eric "Want some? they are good for this climate"

"By the way, is there a chance you got some ebony ore in your inventory? I can trade it with some of my supplies if you want to" The huntress asked as the duo was reaching the inn

Again the bard girl was playing her music and her crowd was hypnotized by her sound, Kris chuckled while putting down the unconscious guy on a bed, she faced one of the staff people and handled him some coins "Keep an eye on him and advise me when he wakes up, please" she said calmly while taking a seat in the bar

'Late-Shift Casino'- Otori

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The moment Otori walked in, cheers were thrown in for him. He was popular in the casino. That is, along with his two other friends. But Hell Master had left town to become a commander. the very thought of it made his heart turn. Someone from the cards table called out to him.

"Hey, Otori. Glad ya finally came by." It was Frank, one of Otori's friends and the card dealer of the casino.

"Hey, Frank. How's the wound treating ya?"

"Well, I'd be lying if I said it was well, but it ain't too bad." He said as he lifted his shirt, revealing a large bandage wrapped around his stomach area.

That wound was from when Frank and Hell Master were fighting thugs. Frank was mortally injured because he was pierced in the stomach by surprise by an angry thug. Hell Master became angry and brutally murdered the thugs, showing no mercy. Ever since then, Hell Master has changed for the worst. He began covertly killing off any shady people or anyone who considered themselves a dangerous gang.

Frank spoke up while attending his work. "So... this is it, huh?"

"... yea. I have to. There is no other way. He won't change. I must end it."

Otori was planning to leave town to hunt down Hell Master.

"But you do know that he will stop at nothing to kill you, right?"

"Yea. Electricity is a dangerous power, and he will most likely find any way to enhance his powers."

"But Otori, you're only in your basic stages."

"Just because it's cal'ed basic, Frank, it doesn't mean that the moves I knew how to use aren't advanced as it is."

Otori only knew a few moves, but all of them were quite dangerous or self-helpful. Otori's favorite offensive wind move was the wind scythe. Not many could channel their power like that. Then there was his defensive move, the wind guardian. It was a giant wind sphere that surrounded Otori. It could deflect any projectiles any slow down an enemy.

"Well, ya got me there. But... are you ready?"

"... to face Hell Master, yes. But to cross the many miles of desert? I wouldn't be able to support myself out there."

"Exactly why we prepared this."

Frank reached under the table and brought out a large pack.

"This is what you need. It has everything in there to support you for hours. It would only take you that long. Everyone pitched in."

Then most of the gamblers chimed in, notifying that they helped. The others at the drinking bar raised their glasses in agreement. Otori stood up.

"Everyone... thank you. I am going to try my best to bring HM back. And If I can't persuade him to return, then I will stop him and return myself."

Then the people cheered. Otori headed for the door with the pack. He waved everybody goodbye. Then he stepped out. He walked towards the boundary of Neo Vegas, revealing nothing but cold, dark desert.

Alright... here I go. I'm going to bring you back, HM. If it is the last thing I do.

He set out.

Residuum steppes-1:05

Yomi woke ad instinctively froze, still breathing deeply, feigning sleep. He slitted his eyes and saw a vague shadowy figure rummaging through his pack, taking out an apple and chomping on it. He did not mind that his food was being stolen, until the man took out a book and started examining it
`MY BOOKS!!!!` yomi raged silently in his head.

He silently infused his clothes with his magic and breathed deeply, preparing himself. He inched his hand slowly towards his huthvirn and stop just stop of grabbing it. He prepared himself one final time.

He grabbed the handle and as it started to glow, he jumped to his feet and instantly cast a blinding ray of light directly at the man, causing the man to stagger back, blinded and surprised, then yomi charged forward, spinning the huthvirn in both hands.

Kalkun, Rockhill District - Inn

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Eric waved off the ranger's herbal offer.

"Na. I'm already hot and bothered from the trek up here. As long as this town has fires, I'll be fine. Thanks for the offer though." He glanced up at the rising smokestacks from the rocky abodes. "If the homes are made from rock, I can understand how these folks can be generous with their fireplaces. I'll have to have a little chat with the smithy before I leave this town. Maybe he'll clue me in on how to build a proper fireplace, unlike the last one..."

The town looked primitive, sure, but there was a modern vibe to it all. Ironic considering that the world was set in a medieval setting. People wandering about carried themselves with the same mannerisms as modern city-slickers, checking their hands for grime, superstition of being watched, desire to be with others, and above all else, the time-tested love of food, drink, and spirits. Eric figured that these people were not just ordinary NPCs but players or users. Perhaps that was why they had gathered here in this town. Just a bunch of average-joes looking to make the best of a bad situation.

Eric grabbed his partner's reins and led him to the wooden beam near the water troughs. He tied the leather around the beam and effectively 'parked' his mule. After giving the beast of burden an affectionate scratch behind the ears, the merchant followed the ranger into what he presumed to be an inn. With all the commotion coming from within, it was hard to mistake it for anything else. The interior was comfortable enough, the counters were somewhat sticky, the patrons were grizzled yet friendly, and the bard was easy on the eyes as she played near the fireplace. Dames always had a way of wooing patrons, especially if they were already drunk.

After getting himself situated at the bar - and buying himself a small glass of whiskey - Eric turned his attention back to the ranger. Gone was the poor sap on her shoulder. Well, wasn't that nice of her, Eric thought. Most likely the sap was left to the staff. He heard the ranger's question and scratched his beard.

"Ebony ore? Last I checked I have two softball-sized chunks. Jabs into my back whenever I fall over. Better than having a katana piercing my spine, mind you... Lemme check."

As he fished out two pieces of dark, gleaming ore, he raised an eyebrow.

"Just up and help a man off the road and give me the layout of the town... That was mighty decent of you, ma'am. So, you a ranger or a tour guide?" he chuckled.

He began to inspect the two clumps of ore for any defects, all the while choosing to wait for a response.

Everbloom Forest - 1:10 AM

"You want to use the "shortcut". I can't see why that can't be arranged. You can only go where I am going though, and I'm going to Regius to study some more.
You'll have to follow even tough you may not like it."

She then turned to Vox. "I don't think I can bring you with me. I'm sure they would not react happily if they saw you around there. Let's just make the next tracking session not too far away.
I'll hope I can find a sound mage the next time."

She began creating a strong wind which would carry them. While it was not the most reliable ways to travel it was faster than foot and you didn't have to walk.
Sidna herself was balancing perfectly due to her being in the middle of the wind. Hell master was not as fortunate though. He was rolling like a ball on a floor due to being on one of the sides.

Sidna looked over at him, enjoying tormenting him a little. "I'm sorry, but I can't do anything about it at the moment. As you know I'm kind of in a bad condition."
Just to see how he would react she created a little bit more fluctuations than there already were causing him to turn even more.

Kalkun, Rockhill District - Inn

Kris looked at the ores and they indeed were pure and perfect to upgrade her sword and bow, she chuckled at the merchant´s joke anout the katana and took a drink of water

Hearing the question, the huntress answered "Im more like a traveler than a ranger, going from place to place and discover things, this world is full of wonders if you search for its details, there are deep caves with hidden temples in the southern areas of the land and almost unreachable fortress in the northern mountains, you can call me Kris" she explained

Taking another sip of her water, Kris kept saying "Even though this is a medieval type of world, people have tried to advance in technology, take for example this" she took her telescope from her backpack "It was in an abandoned observatory hidden between the desert´s canyons, its late creator took great deal of work to make this object, the lens are of optimal quality and the frame can be shrunk to look like a tiny glass of water."

starting to sharpen her sword, Kris then asked to the merchant "And what brings you here Mr..?" she trailed off asking for the merchant´s name

Hell Master would rant on her for being such a klutz, but at this point...

"... Just call it a conpensation for your condition..."

But deep down, he knew... That she was doing most of it on purpose.

Oh, it's conpensation alright. Just wait until you feel better...

"So what are you -oof- gonna study -ouch- on -ow-?"

Kalkun, Rockhill District

After several hours of traveling, both hungry and quite tired from her long and tedious up mountain travel, Seki while huffing and puffing had finally made it to the town of Kalkun. She spoke into her deep breaths.

“huff huff puff We did it Anna! Now if only we could find some… OH!”

Near the end of her sentence Seki’s nose managed to catch wind of the smell of food coming from the Inn. Someone must have been cooking or eating there at the time Seki arrived. Seki followed her nose around to the back of the Inn. The outside wall being the only thing between her and the kitchen. Luckily kitchens in the olden days often needed either a chimney or an open window depending on whatever method they used to bake bread or cook meet. While it would have been easier to blast or cut her way into the kitchen, Seki was in no condition to start a fight against the inn dwellers who could very possibly be either large in number or have any sort of powerful magic. Plus doing this wouldn’t give her very long to eat before having to run away or fight.

Seki climbed her way up the back end of the Inn using her strange yet effective methods of movement often seen in battle. Once she reached the roof she jumped down the chimney without giving it a second thought or even worrying about being burnt. The smoke filled her lungs and caused her to cough on the way down. The burning flames were under a hot pan which was baking a delicious loaf of bread. At the last second before falling onto the panand suffering terrible burns, Seki pushed herself off the back wall of the chimney and dashed forward out towards the baker. Grabbing hold to his neck. She flew out of the chimney and turned her body one-hundred and eighty degrees while holding to the man’s head forcing it to turn in the same way. The man wore his head on backwards for a few moments before he collapsed on the floor and died.

Seki was quiet for a moment as she looked around to see if anyone had heard her, and after a moment of silence began stuffing her face with bread, lamb and milk.

Kalkun, Rockhill District

Taking a piece of bread, Kris eated it with ease enjoying the simple yet delicious food.

Suddenly she heard some ruckus on the kitchen, which was strange since the kitchen staff was dancing with the bard´s music. "Please wait here, I´ll check some ruckus over there" she said to the merchant while getting up and going to the kitchen

Entering the room, the huntress noticed some mess happened in the kitchen, ("But what happened in this place?") she thought moving slowly and then noticed the chef lying on the ground, quickly Kris checked his pulse and unfortunately there was no pulse to feel ("Dammit.. whoever has murdered him must be close")

Kris dre her sword silently and heard someone in a corner of the room. Walking slowly to the source of the sound, the huntress noticed a girl eating like there was no tomorrow. "Um.. who are you?" she asked calmly

The girl looked young, but there was a feeñing of utter madness on her, so Kris was ready for an attack just in case.