Agni Blackheart

BGM: Today's Contract still playing He had to admit, this place was indeed something else. It wasn't just some training place that made Kalos' Arena look a cheap ripoff, but a fully-fledged facility with a a lot of machinery centered around the training of fighters who would dare to challenge the drills. Anwalt got a little curious about the bounty hunting, but seeing Melina beat him to the asking, the answer came clear to him. Anwalt: So it's take the job, finish the target and pronto. Reward's yours... interesting. Anwalt: Trying those arenas seem like a lot of fun. They sound far more chaotic than a single mano-a-mano back at Kalos. Meanwhile, the mood got awkward as LightFlare didn't seem to follow the others. Lucent wasn't exactly happy about the situation and it fell to Umbra to fix the situation. Lucent: I-I see... well, I guess we should keep waiting... until they come back. Umbra: Say, Lord Lucent, I got curious about something. Lucent: Umbra, you better think well on what you're going to say. Umbra: Believe me, I thought well about this. I wouldn't just say any nonsense towards a sour-mooded you. Umbra: Getting to the point, did you manage to see this world's...? Lucent: You... you could have saved that question for a better time! Umbra: i'm pretty sure Sir Light dealt with a lot of weird things to found strange about your abilites. You're already shown the horror and the bliss, so there's no problem. Lucent: Look, this really isn't the best time for this. Umbra: Best or worst, who cares. Now, is it good or is it not? Lucent sighed. Umbra was obviously hinting the topic towards it and he wouldn't be able to avoid it with LightFlare next to him. Lucent: I don't know. Something blocked me from seeing it. Umbra: Wait, what? How° Why? Lucent: If I knew, I would've done something about it. Maybe it has something to do with this world's Vestal or maybe it's something else blocking me. Umbra: This doesn't make sense. it's written in the rules that "there's no problem on sightseeing", so why aren't you able to do that? Lucent: Like I said, I don't know. And for as long as I don't know, I won't be able to do anything about it. Umbra: Hmm... I'll do some consult later. Something's not adding up here. Lucent: I'll try later tonight. I can't guarantee success, though.

BGM: Today's Contract still playing Anwalt: *sigh* Alright, I'll take the tour... By the looks of it, Anwalt's excited mood dwindled down and he was almost uninterested into fighting now. Meanhwile, Lucent kept checking the hotel with Umbra right next to him. Lucent: it seems to be a good place to sleep. I wonder if the others want another one. Umbra: We can consult them once they're done with this whole thing. Lucent: Yeah, I guess... Umbra: ... Look, I know I said all that stuff, but you know I'm just joking, right? Your brother won't die that soon, even if it's for a giant beam. You don't have to get all worried and sour over this. Lucent: Umbra, please stop talking. I'm trying to not think about it. Umbra: Then come on! Flash a smile, be more cheerful! You're on a trip, you're supposed to have fun! Lucent: I'm not finging it entertaining in the slightest... Umbra: Ugh, do I have to use my hands and force you to smile? I know you're ticklish, so- Lucent: ... If you touch me, I'll put you in the most cute hell you ever have dreaded to face. Umbra: O-OK, I'll back off, I was just trying to help. Lucent: You'll help me by leaving me quiet and not talking about this. Umbra: *sigh* Understood, Lord Lucent... However, Lucent wasn't clear out of it yet. LightFlare sat next to him, asking if he was fine. Lucent: ... Thank you for asking but no, I'm not. He just doesn't get it at all... Umbra: ... Lucent: You shouldn't worry with me, though. I'll endure it. If you want to fight him, go ahead and have fun, Light.

BGM: Today's Contract The Warrior's Hangout was completely different from Kalos' Arena. Its high tech meant that much. In comparison to it, the Arena seemed really rundown, as if it still held itself back into past methods while this place seemed to come out of a sci-fi movie. Anwalt: Whoa, this place is.really something. I mean, look at it! Lucent: It's filled with high tech everywhere. It contrasts itself from the rest of the town. Umbra: Well, it's a true sore thumb from the outside to the inside. It doesn't surprise me that it's something like this. Anwalt: I can't wait to use the arenas! Hey Lucent, do our registration! Lucent: Stop being such a hasty kid, will you? We're not here for sparring with each other, we're looking for this Darkflare person, remember? Anwalt: But he's busy, right? A little mano-a-mano would kill time enough for him to leave. Umbra: And as you can see, Lord Anwalt clearly doesn't care about your feelings in the situation. Anwalt: What?! Umbra, can you please shut up for at least a moment?! Umbra: Sure, keep on going, you heartless fighting maniac who forgets about someone's thoughts on the matter. Hey, make sure you try to survive those fights and send a postcard if you decide to die on them. Lucent just took out the credit card he had been holding and gave it to Anwalt. Lucent: ... Do whatever you want. I'll just sit over here and wait until you're done. Just... be careful. Anwalt: Huh? Oh... Like he said, Lucent left the group and sat at one table. He opened his terminal and went back to check the hotel as he did before. Anwalt: The reconciliation is just becoming harder and harder... Umbra: And whose fault is it? Whose? Anwalt: You're not helping, Umbra. Umbra: I know. It's just a reminder of how completely stupid, arrogant and senseless you're actually being. Umbra: In any case, I'll wait with Lord Lucent. If you ever remember him during your fights, don't screw it up. Well, more than what you already did, anyway. Anwalt: Umbra! Umbra: And with that, I'm taking my leave too. Ta-ta! Umbra also left the group and joined Lucent, standing right next to him. It was visible that Lucent returned to be bothered. He did nothing to stop Anwalt, since this was something that brought fun to his brother and he didn't want to ruin it. He already tried and failed miserably back at the airport.

Lucent: Oh, right. Sorry. Lucent descended to the ground and stood with the rest of the group. Anwalt: While that's true enough, I can't say that I'm going simply because of you anymore. Nowthat I heard about the Hangout, I'm rather interested in seeing how it works and which type of people go there. Who knows, I might get a hefty spar! Lucent: ... Umbra: (Good going, idiot. And I'm supposed to be the mean one.) Lucent: In any case, I didn't manage to research tourist spots and historical sites to visit in this city, so I don't have places I want to go. Besides, I'm still technically a minor, so I can't just walk aimlessly around a city as if there was no problem. Umbra: Wherever the Vestal of Illusions go, I must be there to protect him. It's my duty and I can't fail. Anwalt: So as you can see, we're not going there just because of you, so relax. We can have our trip around Candor on another time. Lucent: Once I book a hotel and get the fun spots to visit, that is. Umbra: If we're done with pointless banter, then let's follow Light and get a move on. Umbra began following LightFlare and so did Anwalt. Lucent had to stop checking the hotel so he can follow the others.

The way Penelope took the box out of Lucent's hands was a little startling. He never imagined she would be this direct about wanting the truffles. Lucent: (She liked this more than I imagined. It's as if she's in a trance or something.) Lucent: (Well, back to the hotel I was checking. Let's see...) A big conglomeration seemed to be forming near the Hangout. Could it be another commotion? Anwalt: Whoa, that's a huge number of people all around us. Umbra: No matter where we go, there's always omething in the way. What is this, our destiny to always encounter something? Anwalt: Heh, it's not a bad destiny. At least, in my opinion. Umbra: Typical answer from someone like you. Why would you answer anything different? Anwalt: I don't mind either one. I'll leave my decision to Lilith, since she's the one who wants to get to the Hangout. Umbra: Ugh... can you please decide if are we being curious or are we going through, instead of answering "I don't mind" and giving someone else the responsibility to choose for you? Anwalt: Well then, Mr. Complaint, what do you want?! Umbra: I'm not interested on losing time with random happenings anymore, thank you. And I bet Lord Lucent agrees with me. Lucent: *sigh* What now? Can I finish checking the hotel where we're sleeping without being interrupted, please? Anwalt: Well, there's something right ahead that deserves your attention too. Lucent: And what would that be? An empty street? Lucent stopped to look at the crowd up ahead. He was still floating, but it was still filled with people. Lucent: OK, I take it back. It's definitely filled with people. Anwalt: Can you see anything from up there? Lucent: It's really crowded to see it right, but I think there's some sort of perfomance happening. Umbra: What sort of performance? Lucent: Uhh, you're asking me a little too much. I can't sort it out well to describe it, with this big number of people. Umbra: There. We don't know what's going on, we can't describe it and it doesn't matter us one bit. Can we please go on?

Umbra: *sigh* I get it, no wolf... you guys are no fun sometimes... Lucent: I thought so. I can't do that too so there's nothing much I can do with my summons. Anwalt: Then let's just keep moving. We don't have time to waste on what we don't know. Lucent: Talking about wasting time, I should be checking hotels and here I am, talking with you guys. Let me get back to checking them... Anwalt: Lucent, I seriously think you shouldn't- Lucent: Oh, I found one! It's a... four star one, near the castle. Are the services there any good? Let me check the comment section on the app I installed... Anwalt: And he's lost on hotel world once more. Umbra: Maybe we should bring him back to fight world once more, right? Anwalt: On one hour, you decide to be helpful and then you're back on being a dick. What's your deal, Umbra? Umbra: Seeing people angry, frustrated is enjoyable for me. I'm a sadist, remember? Anwalt: *sigh* Seriously, dude, if you're going to walk with us, be helpful to us. Umbra: Vestal first, Vestal's brother second, Vestal's friends third, nobodies and people I don't like in last. That's my order of work, Lord Anwalt.

Lucent: Hehehe! Alright, alright, I'll give you. Lucent took out the box with the remaining truffles and gave two of them to Penelope. Soon, Anwalt, Umbra and Lucent retiurned to follow LightFlare. Anwalt: A phenomenon, eh... makes me wonder what it is... Umbra: I'll ask once more, for good measure. Do you want me to send a wolf to that direction? Lucent: It could help us to discover what it is. Do you all agree with Umbra's idea? Anwalt: I don't mind, but I don't know about the rest.

As they kept walking, they reached a strange area with flashing lights all about. It seemed pretty different from the rest of Candor, not in a good way. Anwalt: Sheesh, this place gets weirder by the second... Umbra: I do agree with Penelope. Something seems extremely fishy around this. Anwalt: I see. Hey, Lucent, can you see anything up there? Lucent: ... Hmm? What is it? I was just looking the hotel list and- Once Lucent stopped checking the hotel list, he noticed the flashing lights up ahead. Lucent: Wait, what is that flashing light up ahead? Anwalt: We don't know it either. Do you see anything from up there? Lucent: Wait... umm, no. I can't recognize it. That flashing light is completely messing with my vision and I can't identify what's ahead. Umbra: Do you want me to send wolves there to check it out? Anwalt: That would be helpful, but let's wait and see what Light gets from that guard. As they decided to see what Light could gather as intel, Lucent looked at Penelope and noticed that she was tense. Lucent: (She's definitely tense. Maybe I could bring something up to calm her down... maybe I could try with the remaining sweets I have.) Lucent: Penelope, there's something I want to ask you. Do you want another truffle? I have some of them with me here.

Anwalt: Heh. Maybe I should try one then... Umbra: AHEM! Excuse me, you indecent duo, but maybe you should go get a room and free our ears from your constant double meaning phrases that also suck. Lucent: Umbra, stop. Let them have some fun once in a while. Umbra: Well, maybe I should stop then... Anwalt: Finally! Thank you so much, Lucent, you actually- Umbra: ... but I refuse and I'll continue to be a little pest. Now stop this and behave in front of other people. Lucent understood why Lilith would ask him that. She was right, though. The Hangout seemed like Kalos' Arena, so fighting seemed inevitable. Still, he needed to give another chance to differ friendly fighting from reasonless violence. Lucent: I won't jump in into matches, so I'll be fine... for the most of it. I think it's also for the best for the long run that I apply the difference between those fights and the skirmish we had at the airship. Lucent: I will ask, at least, that all of you don't resort to extremes in your fights, please. Other than that, it's a question of whether I will get used to friendly fighting or not. Umbra: Not resorting to extremes when you're fighting is boring. Nothing is cooler than going in to hunt someone. Anwalt: We're here, getting cooperation from Lucent at last, and then you need to open your mouth to screw everything up. Umbra: I'm only being realistic. Or what, you're going to hoid back because your brother asked? Anwalt: "Hold back" isn't written on my dictionary. Umbra: Then good luck getting used to these fights, Lord Lucent. Lucent: *sigh* Lucent's quick frustration soon dissipated as LightFlare seemed to agree with him on the hotel problem. Lucent: I suppose I'm not the only one who agrees that we should book ourselves a place to stay earlier than usual. Time for me to get us a hotel. Anwalt: It was just one single opinion... I hardly think the others- Lucent: Now let me check it up... hmm, good services, a nice room... Lucent followed his idea and floated above LightFlare and the rest while searching for a hotel in his terminal. Anwalt: ... Well, at the very least he's distracted. He won't think about the fights for a good while. Umbra: He'll remember them as soon as we get there. Anwalt: Umbra... Umbra: I'm not going to do anything, he's going to remember by himself. Besides we have five close combat fighters and only one of them seems to have self-control when it comes down to it. Anwalt: And that one is...? Umbra: Lord Anwalt, remember me to calibrate your brain- I mean, peanut for you to be smarter. Anwalt: ... I swear to God, I'm killing you someday. Umbra: Good luck on that endeavor. How about we follow them before we get left behind? Umbra: Also, no more innuendos. They're hurting my ears of how cliché they're getting. Umbra followed LightFlare and Lucent. Anwalt quietly mumbled, annoyed, and followed them as well.

LightFlare seemed to know how to get there, so they weren't worried about it. However, Penelope ended up different, seemingly cautious with the guards. Umbra: Well, they'll be here whether we go by foot or bus, so the transportation doesn't change much of our situation about them. Lucent: And as weird as we are, I hardly think we'll be confused for some shady group. Anwalt: I'm sure we'll be fine. I'm up for a scenic route over a bus. Lucent: I'll go flying slightly above you all. I'm going to check where we can sleep at this place. Anwalt: We just arrived and you're already searching for hotels? Lucent: Of course I am. We need somewhere to stay for the night. Umbra: Assuming we'll stay here for the night. Best if we wait until we reach the Warrior's Hangout and see what happens there before booking anything, Lord Lucent. Anwalt: I agree with Umbra. Let things happen first and then you can decide later about hotels and stuff like that. Lucent: *sigh* Right, right, I get it... Umbra: If that's decided, then we should get going. The place doesn't seem close from the port and we still need to know a little more about the city.

Location: Candor City - Airport BGM: The Royal City of Rabanastre - Town Ward Upper Stratum The enormous Candor City was definitely different than what expected from Kalos. Everything seemed far more rustic than the somewhat bustling metropolis they were before. Lucent: So this is Candor... seeing it up close is more surprising than an image at the internet... Anwalt: It's... old looking. Not to say it isn't cool, I just prefer Kalos more. Umbra: We can do a sightseeing tour later. Right now, we should keep our progress to wherever we should head. Jin: In that case, we part ways here. Kinda bummed about it, but I'm sure you guys will be fine without me screwing around. Anwalt: You don't wanna come with us, Jin? Jin: As much as I want to, I'm not going to bother you guys. Besides, I have somethings of my own to do here at Candor and they'll take some time. Lucent: I see. Well, I'm glad to have met you, Jin. I hope everything ends up safe on your end. Anwalt: Same here. You're free to join us once more, if you want to. Umbra: I have nothing to say on my end. At least, I'll say "good luck". Jin: Thanks, guys! Hopefull we'll meet each other again! Jin waved and left the group, going on his own way. As the guards came, so did Okan and the pirates. In fact, all of them sounded pretty desperate. Okan: Oh, the police! Thank the gods you guys are here! We needed you so damn much! Okan: Listen, we confess everything, OK?! We raided the ship, tried to take the valuables away and even endangered the people! We did it all! So please, lock us! Take us to prison, to the catacombs, we don't care but please take us away!! They looked at the group, specifically at Umbra. The pirates shivered as if a blizzard had suddenly attacked Candor, while begging to the police for them to be taken away. Anwalt: They're really scared... never thought they would actually confess and plead for prison. Umbra: Yeah. And to think things could've gotten more worse... I've really should've used that iron horse.. Lucent: S-Stop bringing deatils about this stuff, Umbra! We don't need to hear it! Lucent: I-In any case, we should be going to the Warrior's Hangout, right? Which way should we go?

BGM: Troubled While the security crew moved out, the rest stood at the upper lounge, now off-limits. They would take the chance to talk about how the invasion happened, based on what Umbra would have gathered from the pirates. Lucent: I suppose we should talk about how the pirates invaded the ship with ease. Can we stay here even if it's off limits? Odin: You have my permission. Anwalt: With that out of the way, what you have for us, Umbra? Umbra: First of all, this. He took out a transceiver from his pocket and placed it on the table. Anwalt: A transceiver? Umbra: Someone from the inside gave us away from the beginning. They invaded one of the rooms up on the deck, opened a map and instructed the pirates on coordinates. Anwalt: An insider, huh... I thought it was just a normal, unplanned attack but they were smart enough to make something like this. Jin: Did they tell you who it was? Umbra: It was one of the security crew. The guy, however, is no longer alive. Lucent: One of the killed security by the android... Anwalt: Seems like he forgot to take his clothes off before running away and ended up on the mix. He probably had planned to escape and join the pirates, but with the heavy security around there, he needed to play his part or it'd be very suspicious. Lucent: We already know their ship was hidden inside the clouds, but they did select a specific time to attack. It was very well formulated and it didn't seem like something they would do. Umbra: About that, Rufus was the responsible for choosing the moment. According to Okan, he's more than a pirate. Said he was something akin to an assassin or something of the sort. Odin: It would explain how he would check the surroundings and choose the right time to attack the ship. Not to mention, why he was hunting lives in the first place. Anwalt: Oh, what about this android you guys are talking about? How the hell they got him on their team? Umbra: They said he was wandering and said "something, something, honor, something". Since he was blabbering about honor that much, they got into a specific conversation about it and convinced him to join them. Umbra: Rufus, on the other hand, faced them and defeated them all by himself. He suddenly decided to join them, for reasons God knows why. Lucent: I think he just needed a disposable set of pawns to use and get what he wanted. After all, he didn't waste time to leave the rest of them behind. Jin: That son of a bitch... so even his allies are just some sort of tools for him?! Anwalt: Piece of shit would discard anything and anyone as he pleases. I come from the yakuza and loyalty is the first thing one learns there. Lucent: ... Umbra: That's what I have to report about the invasion. Lucent: I see. Thank you, Umbra. You did a great job. Umbra: I-It wasn't a big deal. I got my fun out of it, so it was wonderful to do this interrogation. Suddenly, the ship rumbled once more. Security guards got inside. Security Guard: Captain Odin, we have detached the anchor of the rogue ship! Some of our men are there to pilot it to Candor, sir! Odin: Good work, men. I will set the ship to sail once more. Odin: Now then, I'll ask that you all leave the upper lounge since it's forbidden. Also, be sure to take a rest after this long fight. Lucent: Alright then. Let's head back to our cabins. Before they could leave, Odin grabbed a card from his pocket and tossed it at the group, with Anwalt catching it. Odin: I won't be able to see you all for the rest of the voyage, but feel free to give me a call. I still owe you, so I'll help whenever necessary. Anwalt: We'll make sure to remember that. Lucent: It was a pleasure to help and meet you, Captain Odin. Odin: The pleasure was mine, young Lucent. Jin: See you around, Captain! Odin left with some guards back to the operation room. Anwalt, Umbra, Lucent and Jin left the upper lounge and went towards the cabins.

Odin: ...!! Jin, to your right!! Upon Odin's warning, Jin evaded to the left as a bullet went right ahead. When they saw, Rufus was up once more. Rufus: Haah... bastards...!! Anwalt: You're still up for more. Well, I'm game! Lucent: Just give up. You're vastly outnumbered and without energy to fight well. Rufus: ... He backed off until he reached the edge of the ship. He looked at them and looked at Lucent once more. Rufus: In the next time... alone, in front of your friends... it doesn't matter. I will kill you. Lucent: There won't be a next time. No matter how much you come back, I won't lose. Anwalt: Bark as much as you want, loser. Feel free to come back as much as you want, I always love recurring punching bags. Rufus: ... You'll regret this. Rufus jumped out of the edge and vanished in the clouds. Jin: ... Will he really come back? Lucent: I don't know. But like I said, I won't let him kill anyone. The box rumbled a lot more than before and suddenly someone went flying out of it. Okan: AAAAAAAAAH-HOO-HOO-HOO-HOOOYEEE!! He hit the ground with a faceplant and didn't get up. His body trembled and he twitched several times. BGM: Youthful Lunch Okan: I've never... been... so defiled... like this... Anwalt: Yeesh... that looks bad... Lucent: H-He's... horribly beaten. More so than before. Umbra: I'm done. The cube fell apart as Umbra went towards the rest. The pirates were just like Okan: trembling, twitching. The notable detail was that they were holding specific parts of their bodies. Lucent: Dear god... Anwalt: Uh... that's... unexpected... Jin: W-What the hell happened inside there?! Umbra: Do you really want to know, little Jin? Jin: Y-Your face and your voice are creepy enough to tell me to back off with my curiosity... Odin: I... was going to ask too, but I'll follow Jin and back off from questioning. Umbra: In any case, I got the information out of them. There were a lot of screams and other sounds, but I managed to get the important parts out of it. Lucent: Umm, OK... I guess. We should get inside and talk there. Umbra: Is something wrong, Lord Lucent? Lucent: Other sounds... just hearing that gives me the awful shivers... I-I'm just going inside and wait for you all there, since I don't think I can talk with this... scene in my eyes. Lucent left the deck. As he passed through Okan's limb body, he breathed heavily once and continued on his way. Umbra: *sigh* He's sometimes too much of a goody-two-shoes... Anwalt: Just clarify it for me, but did you- Umbra: A little. Maybe 35%. Anwalt: Ugh... I'm going inside too. Odin: Maybe I should, uh... call the people out and ask the guards to lock the pirates somewhere. I'll see you all in a moment. Jin: Wait, what are you guys talking about? I don't get it. Anwalt: Just keep being oblivious, Jin. It's the best for your sanity. Anwalt, Odin and Jin followed Lucent and went inside. Odin: "Attention, all passengers. The situation has been finally dealt with. Please refrain from accessing the upper lounge and the deck for the rest of the voyage. Security crew, please remove and lock the perpetrators immediately."

Umbra: She's with little Penelope right now. We've separated down at the shop area as she headed to the cabin. Lucent: This might've been a shock to Penelope. Surely I doubt she expected something like this. Anwalt: Then we can leave Penny and Lilith for now since they're safe. Now, about the pirates... Lucent: I agree. I doubt any sort of punishment would even make him talk at any point. Umbra: The question remains... can I torture them or not? Anwalt: I'm fine for you going to the lackeys and their captain. This might make them talk. Umbra: Lord Lucent? Lucent: Go ahead. We'll find a way to subside Rufus. Just at that moment, the pirates slowly began to wake up. All of them were completely groggy from the fight, but they didn't raise up to stay standing. Okan: Unnngh... Oww... my head feels like it has been split in two... Anwalt: Make sure to get the information we need. However... Lucent and Anwalt: Have fun, Umbra. BGM: Let's Kill Each Other Umbra's face converted into a sadistic grin as he turned to the pirates, who were returning to consciousness now. They looked at the group and their attentions returned to Umbra, who now had a punishing whip in his hand. He leaned very close to Okan's face, while touching his cheek with the whip. Umbra: But look what we have here~! So many pirates for me to beat up and make them cry~! Hey, you're the captain, riiiiiight? Okan: U-Uhh... no, I'm not! Nuh-uh! Definitely not! Umbra: Aww... lying to make sure I don't beat you up~? How cute. Guess what, I have a looooooot of trinkets and I want to use them all on you guys... right now. Okan: W-We do anything, I swear!! Just please don't beat us up!! Umbra: Hehehehe... AHAHAHAHAHA!! Yeah, just like that! Beg, you idiot! BEG!! Umbra raises the punishing whip and beats Okan's cheek once. The red mark of the whip is left on his cheek. The other pirates all try to run away but they can't get past Umbra, even if they're not close to him. He had already locked them into a sort of separate space he calls specially for his sadist routines. Umbra: Nuh-uh-uh~!! Oh no, leaving is COMPLETELY forbidden! I still haven't asked what my Lords want to know. And since I have the permission, I'm doing this MY WAY! Okan: H-Hey, big guy!! Do something about your servant!! Anwalt: Eh, not feeling like it. Maybe Umbra should have his way on this. Lucent: Consider this your sweet desserts for invading this ship. Okan: A-Ah... Umbra: Well then, I'll take my new friends with me to my special space. This might not be good for you all so I'll close the curtains. And no peeking, OK? Umbra: Alright boys and girls, who's ready for some FUN?! Pirates: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Umbra pulls a string and he closes himself and the pirates into a cube. It was completely pitch-black so no one from the outside can see the inside and vice versa. Out of a sudden, the huge black box began to rumble and tilt around crazily. Odin: It's moving around too much! Jin: W-What's he doing with them inside it?! Lucent: Best if you don't know. Anwalt: Maybe we should have asked him to take it easy in a way he can understand. Lucent: He would just ignore us as well. You know how Umbra is when the sadist streak goes on.

BGM: Beautiful Dead still playing Umbra: Well, unfortunately one of the invaders escaped. Lucent: You mean... the android? Anwalt: Hold on! The first guy who attacked the ship was a robot?! Umbra: Yes, it was. I was fighting him, but after he noticed the disadvantage, he left the ship and jumped away into the sky. He was close to damaging the exterior, but Jin stopped his beam with a fireball. Jin: I'm still not cool with letting him escape, though... Lucent: We managed to secure the lives of the innocent. That's what it should matter at this point. Anwalt: Lives? I doubt those pirates would actually kill someone. They were fighting that badly because we were powerful and noneof them wants to rest at the hospital for months. Odin: One of them would. He tried, failed and stands fallen right there. BGM: Sea of Aspiration Odin looked to the fallen Rufus. He saw and heard through the camera that the pirate wanted to kill his foes. Unlike the rest of the crew, he wasn't fighting for giving them a scare, less so because his foes were powerful and he needed to make it through. Lucent: Rufus... he wasn't after possessions. He wanted to kill people and sell their "lives". I don't understand the concept, whether he means the corpse or the soul of someone... but the fact is that he wanted people dead. Umbra: Shitty pirate... then at that time, he wanted your life, right? Lucent: It's the only reason why I called my dark aura. My light powers weren't sufficient to hit him. If I didn't do it, I'd probably be dead and that's something I can't afford to let it happen. Jin: I've noticed that he isn't bleeding, even though those beasts slashed around like wild swords. Why is that? Anwalt: Lucent's power isn't tied to reality, so he can't kill people with his power. His magic is completely related to the soul, so when a person feels pain from his attacks, it's not physical pain. Umbra: Relate it to exhaustion. You can have a damaged body, but if you have the spirit to go through, no pain can stop you from fighting. That isn't the same thing when you turn it around. Anwalt: It's different from me and Umbra, since our powers work on reality and cause physical pain and not spiritual. That sort of effect is tied to Lucent alone. Jin: Whoa... so that's how your power functions, buddy? It's sort of different! Lucent: It's part of being the Vestal of Illusions. Except for my existence, my powers aren't tied to reality in any manner. The fire I call upon, the lightning I cast... none of them are real. Odin: That's an interesting title you possess. Vestal of Illusions... what does it mean, exactly? Anwalt: It's kind of another long story and it's best we leave this untouched for now. Lucent: Agreed. Let's focus on the real problem, and that is how we're dealing with those pirates. Umbra: Maybe I can start with Rufus and torture him a lot, as payment for trying to kill people. Anwalt: I kind of agree with Umbra, this time. Maybe beating up the asshole is a good way to make him learn about respecting life. Lucent: Paying with the same coin is the last option to bring a good solution. Although handling him over to the police when we arrive at Candor seems somewhat fruitless to me, for reasons I don't know yet.

BGM: Beautiful Dead still playing Lucent: I'm glad you're all fine now. We might return to move soon enough. Umbra: Lord Lucent! Lord Anwalt! When they looked, Umbra and Jin came to them. Walking a little slower than the rest, Odin also left the camera room to check the situation outside. Lucent: All of the pirates have been subsided, Captain Odin. Anwalt: Oh, so this guy is the captain. Odin: I appreciate all of the help. I owe you all and so does the crew. Jin: You guys are amazing! I wish I could've watched you all fight, but I can definitely feel you're something else! Anwalt: Hehehe. You don't look too shabby for a kid. Lucent: This is Jin. I met him while talking with Captain Odin. He can fight as well, for the parts I was able to see. Jin: Nice to meet you guys! But uh, what are their names, buddy? Lucent: Oh, right. This my brother Anwalt and our friends LightFlare, Melina and Raina. You already met Lilith and Umbra so that shortens things. There's another one too, but she's currently hiding so we'll introduce you to her later. Anwalt: Yo. You seem like the hothead types, so we can be buddies too. Umbra: ... Lucent: Umbra, I hope you're not going to say anything that's not useful to the atmosphere. Umbra: ... Fine, I will keep the comment to myself.

Lucent and Anwalt Vermillion BGM: Beautiful Dead Anwalt: If you say so. But dude, fighting at your side was really awesome! Can't wait to test out my fists against you whenever the opportunity rises! Anwalt: I guess that puts up that he's fine. Anwalt turns back to Lucent's direction and sees that he's still holding Rufus' head on the ground with his foot. Soon, Diastima changed back to Lukroar, the Nightmare Fog disappeared and Lucent's dark aura returned to light once more. Since Rufus wasn't moving but was still groaning, Lucent stomped on his back again and went back to the rest. Lucent: At least it's over... urgh... Anwalt: You took a hit somewhere? Lucent: Y-Yes, I did. But don't worry about me, the pain will pass. Is everyone alright? Anwalt: I guess we're all fine. We didn't took too much hits, so it's cool. Lucent: Even so, I'll heal you all to guarantee you're fine. Stand still, it won't take long. Lucent began by using Heal on Anwalt, recovering his energy and closing some injuries. He used it on Lightflare, Melina and Raina in sequence. Lucent: There. All your auras are healed now. Anwalt: Thanks. I wouldn't admit it easily, but I guess I needed your healing. Lucent: I would've done that even if you were in perfect condition. It's better to be safe than sorry, I don't want any of you collapsing from ehxaustion thanks to injuries or power overusage. Once Lilith and Umbra arrive, I'll heal them too. Lucent: I just wish I could use group casting on my healing spells, but I haven't been able to improve them much. It's fine when we aren't fighting, but on situations where we're in the middle of battle... Anwalt: Don't get disappointed over this. Your healing was good and that's all that matters.

Lucent and Anwalt Vermillion BGM: The Executioner still playing Okan took the kick and fell unconscious at last. Anwalt looked at Light. Anwalt: Well, it's one of them down. And you clearly forgot your own strength. Against normal humans, you have the strength of a Titan, you know. Anwalt: Those guys are more than beaten. Any more and they'd be dust, dude. The pirate took the punch and fell unconscious as well. The pirates saw that Okan fell and their allies fell. Bravery might be a virtue for men and they aren't the bunch you would call smart... but they gave up and surrendered. Especially because it wasn't their end either. Rufus: You... impudent brat...!! Lucent: Still talking big. Really, but you are a sore loser. Rufus: I'm not done yet... I... can still fight...!! Lucent: On the contrary, we're done here. Lucent called upon a magic circle that trapped Rufus. The sky got dark, with a shade of purple in the air. Lucent: The souls of the dead rise to the earth... The circle expanded as a multitude of souls rose under Rufus and went to the sky. Their screams, now echoing even to the ears of Anwalt and the others, kept torturing Rufus like the undine Nightmare did. Rufus: Agh!! ARRRRRRGH!!! Anwalt: Tch... this scream is still painful to hear... Lucent: You, enemy of mine who threatens my life... Lucent: Let the abyss welcome you with the light of death!! He rose his hand and an enormous dark pillar rose towards the heavens, engulfing Rufus entirely. Taken to the skies, the power of Lucent's darkness finally defeated him. He fell back on the floor, completely beaten, even more than any of the pirates. *The Executioner ends* Rufus: Urgh... it... hurts... damnit... He tried to get up, but Lucent stomped on his head and pressed it against the floor. Lucent: This is the last warning I give you. Get your allies back on your ship and leave us alone immediately. If you choose not to, I will kill you here and now. Rufus: Y-You... piece... of... shit...!! Lucent: Rufus. Choose. Live another day or be engulfed by Nightmares until your soul's flame exhausts. Anwalt: ... Umbra Umbra: Even though the situation might be handled by now, I'll go help Lord Lucent. Protecting the Vestal is my priority first and foremost. Jin: Then I'm going too. I think one person is enough to calm down everyone. Umbra: Do what you wish. Let's get going. Umbra: I'll leave the passengers and young Penelope to you, Miss Lilith. I'm sure we'll be back to help you soon enough.

Lucent and Anwalt Vermillion BGM: The Executioner still playing The pirates were hit and fell unconscious too. Okan was running away from a griffon's attacks when he was suddenly covered by a strange shadow. Whn he looked, LightFlare was descending towards him. Okan: Crap... Anwalt: Move, you goddamn idiot!! Anwalt ran and jumped it, grabbing Okan before he could be smashed and splattered by a fist. It was just in nick of time, since Light descended not soon after and his fist shook the ship a bit. Anwalt: Whew... just in time... Okan: W-Why did you save me?! Aren't we enemies?! Anwalt: You're just a stupid little normal person. Pirate or no, I don't think death's the best option for you to pay for what you've done. Okan: Dude... thanks... I really got scared for my life... Anwalt: Yeah, yeah, whatever, now get off. He dropped Okan on the ground as if he was a bag and looked at Light. Anwalt: Calm the hell down. You're a fighter, not a murderer. Meanwhile, Lucent was still fighting against Rufus and his advantage was bigger than before. The summoning made Lucent practically have an army fighting against Rufus. Rufus: (No matter what I do, they don't quit appearing! And they don't let me hit him either!) Lucent: Stand still for a moment. Lucent snapped his fingers and hit Rufus with Paralytic Wave. By unleashing a shock on his opponent, the pirate's body got Stunned and he couldn't move a muscle. Rufus: Ghh... I... can't move...!! Lucent: This isn't the only bolt you'll face. Two raiju Nightmares descended to the fog and stared at Rufus. They did a flip in mid-air and went through him as if they were two lightning bolts piercing him. He fell down on his knees. He descended and stared at Rufus. Rufus: Urgh!! Lucent: Well, do you give up? Rufus: As... if...!! Lucent: That was a rhetorical question. I'm not giving you the right to answer. Lucent summoned another Nightmare. This time, it was shaped as an undine, standing right on his front, holding her hands. Lucent: The Black Maria welcomes you with a song. Enjoy. She opened her mouth, but not a single resonant note came, only to let a distorted noise take place. Rufus and the pirates were the only ones affected by it. Rufus: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!! Okan: M-MY EARS!! WHAT IS THIS?! MAKE IT STOP!! At that time, 10 crystals were complete and floating around Lucent. Lucent: Time to end this. Place them all together for me, everyone! Umbra Jin followed Lilith suit and dropped down as well. At that moment, he saw a big blast coming towards their direction. Jin: Not in a lot of years!! He charged up his fire and released a powerful fireball. It broke the window and clashed with the blast, erasing it before it could hit the floor once more. Jin: In the nick of time! Hey, you alright? Umbra: Yes, I am. I was fighting the android but he escaped before I could do something to capture him. Jin: Darn it... we were so close... Umbra: Yeah, I guess. Anyway, how's the situation above?

Lucent Vermillion and Umbra BGM: The Executioner still playing Lucent: I'd love to go, but I need to stay beside the Nightmare Fog. Those beasts will go out of control if I'm distant from them for too long. Jin: I'll check him out. I'm pretty sure I can help him somehow. Lucent: Please do. I'll be grateful if you help him, Jin. Jin: Don't worry, buddy! You can leave this to me and to my flames! Lucent: Buddy...? Jin: Of course! We're buddies now! You can count on me! *BGM fades* Lucent nodded and went to the outside, walking calmly. He was going to end it quickly so he could go and help Umbra, but decided to have faith on Jin and Lilith, if she decided to go as well. Jin: Well, miss, I don't know if you're coming with me, but I'm heading down! BGM: Howling Moon still playing Umbra: Is that so? Then let me ask you something. Umbra parried the attack with the shadow axe. Different from the other one, it wasn't real, so no electricity could be conducted towards it. It broke and vanished into small shards. Umbra: Invading this ship and killing the people under the orders of people who don't care about you... is that bringing anything to your life at all? Or you're just doing that with no reason at all, because someone told you so? Anwalt Vermillion The pirate couldn't resist the hits and fell down unconscious. Okan didn't even respond the taunt, as he seemed to have not paid attention to it. The fog drew closer and closer, as the eyes of the Nightmares were staring right at the pirates. Rufus got up, breathing a little more than usual. Okan: W-What the hell is that?! Anwalt: Nightmare Fog. Okan: Y-You're the one who summoned it, right?! Trying to trick us with that fog?! Rufus: It wasn't him, dumbass. It was that kid... BGM: The Executioner begins to play here From inside the fog, Lucent came walking. He and the Nightmare Fog were at one end and the others were at the other end. His dark grimoire in hand, the aura he left out was a demonic one, corrupted and dark. The roles have been reversed and the pirates were the ones surrounded. Rufus: That brat... his name is Lucent, as I heard. He's the one that summons those things. Okan: That kid? C'mon, Rufus, stop pulling my leg- Lucent rose his hand and called upon griffon Nightmares that flew out of the fog and stood right above him. He started to fly as well and joined his "pets" in the sky Okan: *shriek* M-M-M-Monsters!! R-Rufus, t-t-they're monsters!! Lucent: So that's your name... Rufus. Rufus: So what? Finding it funny? Lucent: No, it's nothing. It's just for me to make sure of remembering it... as you lay down covered in blood after I end you. Okan: H-Hey, can't we just talk this out?! I'm sure that we can- One of the griffons flapped its wings and shot a wind projectile that was aimed right at Okan's feet. Normally, wind would only have a pushing effect, but there was a slash mark right at the floor, as if a sword had amost caught his fingertips. Lucent: You're the ones who abandoned diplomacy. It's too late to beg for your life now. Rufus: I don't need your talk. I'll kill you and your monsters are going down with you! Lucent: ... Rip their lives apart and leave nothing but blood on the floor. Under his orders, the griffons started to shoot more of the wind discs and the pirates began to scatter around. Rufus, however, dived inside and tried to shoot Lucent out. The Nightmares split up as two of them went after the pirates and the other three accompanied Lucent to fight Rufus. Anwalt: ... I remember you talking about Lucent's Nightmare power back at Umbra, Light. This is the true face of it. A summoner and controller of those Nightmares and that's not all that he can do. Anwalt: Let's take advantage of it and get the remaining pirates. The beasts won't attack if we attack first so don't worry about accidental hits from them. After that, we'll help Lucent with that gunner right there. System Information: Lucent's Illusion Shards: 8/10 Pirates remaining at the Deck: Okan, Rufus, 12 pirates Turns left on Umbra's Boon of Swiftness: 1

Lucent Vermillion BGM: Worldend_dominator still playing Jin also had his hands on fire, ready to shoot them if they were to move. Jin: Think well before your move. Is he that good of a leader to you? The pirates looked behind them and saw the fight. Rufus seemed to be losing against Lucent. Rufus: Tch... Lucent: Give up. I'm not letting you win. Rufus: I don't need you to let me... Rufus kept shooting and Lucent kept flying. However, at one moment, he shot ahead of Lucent, making him stop his flight. taking the window of advantage, he unleashed a charged shot and hit Lucent, sending him to the ground. *BGM fades* Jin: Lucent!! Lucent: I-I'm not down yet... *gets stomped* Urgh!! Rufus: Didn't I tell you? I'm taking your life and there's nothing you can do about it. Jin: You bastard!! Jin was ready to go at him, but the pirates suddenly stood in his way again. Rufus changed his aim to Lilith and Jin and walked towards them. Jin: Y-You're still gonna fight for him?! Rufus: Be quiet. Your voice annoys the hell out of me. I'll just kill you right now before I get a headache. BGM: The Executioner Suddenly, Lucent's seemingly unconscious body rose on its own, without the usage of his hands. It leaned back and then forward, like a puppet who lost its strings. He rose his hand, as his light grimoire began to be enveloped by shadows. At the same time, black and thick fog began to surround all of them. Jin: Black fog...? Where did this... Rufus: ... The kid... he's... Lucent: ... Code of Delusions: Diastima. Rufus shot a Lucent but a dark barrier protected him from the bullets. A dark grimoire replaced the other one. Red jewels appeared all over the fog, as if they were eyes watching all of them. Lucent finally rose his head again. Lucent: ... Jin: Lucent? H-Hey, are you alright- Lucent: ... Kill those pirates and don't leave a single trace of their existence. At that moment, six werewolf shadows jumped from the fog. Three of them went after the pirate group as the other three went at Rufus. Jin: W-WHOA!! Rufus: What the hell?! Lucent: You're not going to kill anyone. Not the innocents, not my friends... and not me. Lucent: I'm going to show you what it means to be truly terrified for your life. Say your last prayers, because this is where you'll end! The pirates ran away from the monsters with the remaining energy they had left in them. They just jumped inside the fog, from the direction they came, in order to reach the deck. Rufus fought for a while, but saw himself cornered by the beasts. He shot two of them but was sent away outside by the remaining four. Lucent: Chase him. Don't let him survive. Under Lucent's orders the werewolves jumped back into the fog as it began to move from the upper lounge to the deck. Once they escaped, his state of anger had seem to vanish as he began to worry. Lucent: ... Jin: U-Uhh... I... guess you're OK then... Lucent: Yes, I am... there's just a headache and my body hurts, but I'm fine. Jin: Lucent... Buddy, you don't have to... Lucent: I know. I'm not killing anyone, I promise. Those are the words Nightmares understand in order to attack. I'll just scare those pirates away. Jin: OK. If you're saying, then I'll trust you. You don't look like the type to turn back on your word. He smiled and Jin nodded. Lucent then looked at Lilith. Lucent: This might have not been that surprising, considering you already know how my aura functions. Still, I suppose that you're going to call me a hypocrite after everything I said earlier, right? Anwalt Vermillion The pirates didn't have a chance to react well to the blows. All of the pirates who went at LightFlare and Melina fell unconscious, due to the strength of their hits. The pirates were hit by the needles and were struck by sharp pains, stopping their charge at her. However, screams could be heard from the entrance of the ship. The pirates who were inside, tired and beaten, ran the best they could. Anwalt looked at it and felt the dark aura from the distance. Anwalt: ... Captain, I can fully say that you're screwed. Okan: What the hell?! Why are you all heading back?! Male Pirate: M-Monsters... t-there are monsters in this ship!! This place's haunted as hell!! Okan: Don't be ridiculous! There's no way this ship is- However, seeing as Rufus was sent flying from the window and a black fog filled with red jewels was following them from the inside, Okan stood there dumbfounded. Umbra BGM: Howling Moon still playing Umbra missed the attack and managed to defend the blast in time, although he was pushed back a little. Umbra: Emotionless and lost fool... He whistled once more and used Descending Fang, as five wolves came out of black holes and descended at the ground like projectiles, in a line formation at the direction LK-8ZP was. The Boon of Swiftness affected the move's speed and all the wolves came down at once, instead on one coming each. System Information Lucent's Illusion Shards: 7/10 Pirates remaining at the Deck: Okan, Rufus, 13 pirates Turns left on Umbra's Boon of Swiftness: 2

Anwalt Vermillion BGM: Ignite still playing One of the pirates was hit with the kick and other went flying alongside him. He fell down unconscious as the other three still got up and now went at Raina instead. However, Melina was not left alone still, as other five pirates advanced once more at her, but now each of them tried to attack at different points of her body, instead of all slashing overhead. One at her right arm, one at her left leg, one tried to stab her stomach and the other two tried to attack her in the back. The pirate LightFlare aimed slid under the Light Burst and went ahead at him. Seeing as he was powerful, she and other 7 pirates ran around him, each of them trying to stab him at a time. The remaining pirates 3 were fighting Anwalt alongside Okan. But they were having trouble, since Anwalt was nimble enough for a person of his size. Okan: H-How can someone of your size be so responsive like this?! Anwalt: I've fought and killed gunloaded mafia with my bare fists. You think your swords and daggers are something? Okan: Guns are for the weak! Real pirates fight with the sword! Anwalt: Your friend seems far more powerful than you all and he uses guns. I think I'd be less bored fighting him than you. Okan: Grrr... alright, that does it!! They went ahead and tried to attack Anwalt. Instead of reacting, however, he took the damage on purpose. Okan: How's that for an attack, huh?! Anwalt: Not bad. That... hurt a bit. Anwalt: Now's my turn. And you're the target, "captain"! Anwalt charged his energy and reared back, aiming at Okan. He used Viper's Staggering Fang and went at his foe with a leading hand to a jab. Okan, however, switched places with another pirate as fas as he could. The guy, however, was unlucky to be hit and immediately fell unconscious. Okan: W-WHAT?! Anwalt: Since you're just a normie, I'll just tell you a secret: the more you hit me, the stronger I get. Anwalt: And right now... *stomp and creates a crater on the floor* I'm a walking Golem and you're just sandbags ready to fly away!! Anwalt went back at his targets. Okan defended himself, but the hits still send him away. The other two pirates? Well, they were running away from the beast. Lucent Vermillion and Umbra BGM: Worldend_dominator still playing The orbs Lilith shot hit the rest of the pirates, putting them down. Even so, they were getting up, slower then before as the damage toll kept increasing. Lucent stopped on his tracks when he heard Lilith tell him to head back. Lucent: Are you sure? Jin: Sure we're sure! Just leave it to us and keep using that magic of yours on the big target. Lucent: Alright. But if you ever need help, just say it so! Lucent's decision to turn back was for the best. Umbra was about to attack when a beam destroyed the floor right underneath him. He wasn't hit by it, since only the floor was destroyed, but he fell. Lucent: Umbra! Rufus: It seems that android is indeed useful after all. Now, where was I? He aimed his guns at Lucent again, but shot a bullet above him. Then, a rain of bullets fell right where Lucent was. He evaded it and took flight again. Rufus: Now that your beloved servant is away, let's get back to our hunt, young master. And this time, nothing will get in my way anymore. Lucent: ... Very well. I'll oblige you once more in this. Rufus: Our dance will end up in your death! Lucent: Our dance will end up in your defeat! Lucent casted Firestorm and summoned a fire pillar right under Rufus. He evaded it and returned to shoot him at will. *BGM fades* Meanwhile, Umbra was brought down to the shop area. Once he landed, he met LK-8ZP once again. BGM: Howling Moon Umbra: So it was you who blasted the floor then. I really don't have to waste with you, but since you're a threat to my master's life... Umbra: I'm breaking you down right here. My earlier plan have failed but let's see how this will play out now. He used his Nightmare powers and created a replica of his axe. it was completely black and white, in contrast to the real one, but it worked them same way. With the Boon of Swiftness still active, Umbra leaped around four times and immediately reached LK-8ZP. Umbra: Let's see how this will go, you piece of trash!! He swung his axe upwards in order to slash his foe. If it worked, Umbra would connect into another axe slash and a dunk attack. System Information Pirates remaining at the Deck: Okan, 17 pirates. Pirates remaining at the Upper Lounge: Rufus, 9 pirates. Lucent's Illusion Crystals: 6/10 Turns left on Umbra's Boon of Swiftness: 3

Anwalt Vermillion BGM: Ignite still playing The pirates went inside a mess and had their lives somewhat troubled. Raina's orbs hit the group she aimed and the Light Burst did hit the pirate meant to be hit. Anwalt: Geez, so much for no projectiles. Okan: Eat this!! Okan went at Anwalt with a downward slash but he missed. Anwalt also tried to punch him, but Okan was fast for a normal human. The pirates who weren't attacked and went towards the rest, with some of them getting closer to Melina. Once rhey reached her, four pirates went all at once in order to slash her. Lucent Vermillion and Umbra BGM: Worldend_dominator still playing The orbs Lilith shot managed to disperse the pirates around as Jin took the advantage and escaped from the encirclement. Jin: Whew! Thanks, miss! Guess I went too confident for my own good. However, the pirates got up once more and rant towards them. Jin's hands started to burn with flames. Jin: And we don't have much of a choice! Let's blast them away! Jin began to shoot fireballs at the pirates. Three of them were hit, but the remaining six kept advancing On the other side, the battle between Lucent and Rufus kept going. The young man casted Cragfall to attack the pirate with boulders, but wasn't able to hit them in time. Rufus tried to shoot Lucent as well, but he flew and evaded the bullets. Rufus: Pesky, persistent brat... just go down already! He charged both pistols and released a dark energy sphere at Lucent. It came at fast speed, but he evaded it by a graze. Lucent casted Thunderfall, calling upon lightning bolts to attack Rufus, finally managing to land a hit. Rufus: Shit... Lucent: (I may have hit him once, but he's a tough opponent. I've casted different spells in order to hit him, but he manages to escape from them.) Lucent: (At this rate, I'll have to depend on a Draconic spell. I have five crystals already so if I cast five more spells-) Umbra: Lord Lucent! Rufus looked behind him and saw Umbra lunging at him with the axe. He rolled away and gave space for the wolf master to reach his lord. Lucent: Umbra! You're alright! Umbra: That's my line! Don't worry, I'll help you out right now and- Lucent: Don't worry about me. Please, go help Jin and Lilith! Umbra: I'm not leaving you to fight alone. Your new friend and Lilith can take care of themselves really well. Lucent: *sigh* Why did I expect otherwise... Lucent: Very well then. Take the frontal assault for a moment. Umbra: As you command. I won't lose on this! Lucent: Have this just to be assured. I'll back up Lilith and Jin for a moment, so we can focus on him. Lucent casted Boon of Swiftness on Umbra, raising his movement and attack speed. With the granted buff, Umbra leaped thrice before reaching Rufus once more as Lucent left to help Lilith and Jin. Rufus: My thing isn't with you! Move out! Umbra: Actually, it is. And I don't take orders from you. System Information Lucent's Illusion Crystals: 5/10 Turns Remaining on Umbra's Boon of Swiftness: 3

Anwalt Vermillion and Umbra Upon hearing LightFlare and Raina, the pirates bursted out in laughter. Okan: Bahahahahaha!! God, you guys are funny!! Anwalt: Are we now? Hope you're enjoying the laughter. Okan: Heh... alright, enough talk. Get the big guy. Let's give him a scare. Male Pirate: Aye aye! Anwalt's Theme: Ignite When the pirate looked, Anwalt was holding the dagger as if it was nothing. Anwalt: Aww, how cute. Inviting us to a waltz right early like this? Male Pirate: E-Eh?! Anwalt: If you insist that much, let's dance! Try to keep up! Anwalt kicked the pirate in the gut and immediately used Chaotic Buster, applying a weakpoint at the pirate thanks to the hook punch. He came back in his feet and tried to slash him again, but received a punch to the face. Thanks to the weakpoint, Anwalt's fist made the pirate go flying to a far end, almost near to the entrance. Okan: !! Anwalt: You're not fighting normal people. All of us are more than capable to beat whatever number you bring. Anwalt: Also, you lost your only chance to run away! I'm hungry for a fight and you're giving me one! I'm not letting any of you bastards leave until I'm done! Okan: We don't have the weak guy to retreat! We're showing you what we're made of right here, right now!! Okan took his blade out and rushed at the group alongside the other pirates. Anwalt looked at the others. Anwalt: They're normal humans, so I guess we don't need any projectiles from you two. Still, you guys better not hold back too much as well or this will get boring fast. Meanwhile, Umbra noticed that the android wasn't pursuing him, but since he wouldn't be able to get him in time and he wasn't that much of a physics defiant, he went along with the chain, eventually reaching the end of the corridor and right near to the front deck. He saw the group right there, but decided not to jump in that fight. Umbra: (Lord Lucent's not with them. If he hasn't returned, then that means...!) Umbra: (This fight definitely isn't mine. I have to see if something happened with Lord Lucent!) Umbra ran towards the inside of the ship. Lucent Vermillion Lucent and Jin left the secret room and found themselves back in the lounge. Footsteps could be heard, so they hid into a corner to see what was coing. Some seconds pass and Rufus comes in with his band of pirates. Female Pirate: Hey, this lounge looks really full of stuff! Male Pirate: Aye! Let's sack it up! Rufus: ... Wait. Rufus took his guns out and shot at both ends of the lounge. One of the bullets went to Lilith's direction and the other one went to Lucent and Jin's. Rufus: I know you're hiding. Get out now, little mice. Jin: This bastard...! Lucent: Jin, wait, don't jump in! If you go unprepared, you will- But Jin didn't listen. He appeared right up to them. Seeing as the cover was blown, Lucent sighed and had to reveal himself as well. Rufus: Two kids... this is unexpected. Jin: If you think we're letting you take the valuables of this ship, you're dead wrong! Rufus: And you will stop me? Jin jumped and went towards them with a leap kick. Rufus evaded the approach, but the pirates were hit by the impulse and scattered away. It became clear that the red-haired wasn't just a normal human, since the floor broke a bit. Jin: You think you're so damn amazing for being a pirate, huh?! Well, I'm driving your face on the floor! Rufus: You're not intimidating in the least. All you've shown me is that you're a rash brat. The pirates got back up and aimed all at Jin. He saw himself surrounded by them. Rufus drew one of his guns and aimed at Jin's forehead. It was a point blank range. Jin: !! Rufus: I think I need to inform you of something. I'm not here simply for the golds or whatnot. All of these material stupidity is under Okan's responsibility. Rufus: Truth is, I hunt lives for a living. Every single person I kill is what gives me the money. I do wonder if your life's worth anything. Jin: You... you kill people for money?! Don't you have regards to life at all?! Rufus: Life isn't that precious. Anyone can pay the exact amount of money to it. In the end, it's just an item. Jin: Why you...!! Rufus: Well then, let's end this, kid. I hope you enjoy a warm afterlife. BGM: Worldend_dominator But before Rufus could shoot, a barrage of light beams came from above. He managed to evade them and when he looked, Lucent had his grimoire present in his hand and open. Lucent: If you want his life, there's mine to take first. I'm not letting you kill anyone inside this ship. Rufus: A magician...? Hmm... your power doesn't seem that weak either. Interesting... I think I'm interested in taking your head and have it as my new trophy. Jin: You get back here. I'm not done with you- Rufus: Don't let him get in my way. The pirates surrounded and fought Jin once more as Rufus aimed his guns at Lucent. Rufus: As for you, I'm killing you right here. Your life is definitely something I can get a good amount once it's sold. Lucent: Someone like you, who treats others' lives as items... there's no way I can let you achieve victory. Rufus: And do you think a boy like you can stop me? You didn't leave your diapers yet, brat, so stop acting so tough. Lucent: I don't need to hear these words from a scumbag like yourself. You're not above me, in any sense of order. Rufus: ... You asked for it. I'm teaching you a lesson, in death and free of charge. Lucent: I wonder... whose requiem will play first? Yours or mine? Rufus shot once again and Lucent immediately took flight. He casted Tornado, calling a tornado right under Rufus. But the pirate evaded and returned to shot as Lucent began to fly around while casting Judgement and calling upon light beams once more.

Umbra Umbra: I'd definitely agree, if your attempt wasn't just as futile as mine. The axe that missed hitting the android hit the ground and Umbra pushed himself all back to the axe's blade before he could be caught. Umbra: Well then, I suppose we can begin to play chase now. See if you can keep up, trash bin. Umbra used the same chain attack but this time at the end of the corridor. Once plunging the blade at the ground, he pushed himself away once more with the aid of the chain. Considering that he became a target, he would lead the android back to the rest, where he would be at a numerical and power-leveled disadvantage. Anwalt Vermillion Raina's sudden ascension and orb summoning did call Anwalt's attention as well. However, they had other things to take care: a big number of pirates descended right on the ship. They've would account to thirty or so. The clouds dissipated as another ship appeared right above them. Female Pirate: Look, boss! We gotta a whole cruiser fer us to pack! Male Pirate: Aye aye! Time for the Sky Sharks to strike again! ???: Good, good! See, told ya we would hit something!! ???: Do me a favor and don't commemorate yet. Look right there. When they looked, they saw Anwalt, Melina and LightFlare still at the deck. Anwalt: Oh look, we found the bozos responsible for this. ???: Ooh, how bold. Guess you ain't afraid of dying, eh? But I digress, you folks do look interesting. Male Pirate #2: They look like treasure! Well, except the hairy mate right there. Female Pirate: That the face of a broke. Anwalt: You guys done badmouthing him? Also, news flash, you're getting your asses beaten right here. ???: Wow, someone's feisty for a guy. Well then, we don't mind killing you while we take your stuff with us. ???: ... Are you sure you can take them on? ???: 'Course I am!! After all, who am I?! Pirates: Captain Okan of the Sky Sharks!! Okan: That's right! And when I'm for the loot, I ain't leaving without it! With that out of the way, you can get the stuff inside, Rufus. And take some of them with you. Rufus: ... Men, with me. Rufus ran towards the inside, accompanied by 9 more pirates as Okan and 19 pirates left stood there to confront the rest. Lucent Vermillion BGM: Threat still playing The incoming pirate raid took all the visions from them. Jin: So it was a bunch of goddamn pirates after all!! Lucent: 30 of them... quite a big number for a single crew. Odin: The Sky Sharks... they were but a small inconvenience. How'd they manage to grow that strong? Lucent: I think I have my guess on how. Jin: Now's not the time for ideas! Hey, you can fight too, right? Lucent: Yes, I can. Jin: Then we're intecepting those bastards right now! Either we strike or they pick us off! Lucent: Understood. Captain Odin, we're dispatching those pirates out of the ship! Odin: ... Alright. Be careful, both of you. Jin and Lucent left the room and went towards the corridor. Even if they would be the only ones there, someone had to intercept the other party going in.