@PaulHaynek@BKburke@Stern Algorithm

Yang Bethlehem

"Indeed." Yang nodded at Haley words, thinking on it further, that basically made Freyr and Haley the few oldest member here despite their short time.

Hearing Ozzy and Freyr's words made her broke into a smile and nodded to that sentiment.

"You got a long way to go, disciple." She ruffled his head and feathers before she flexed her own arm muscle to mirror Ozzy action, much to everyone chagrin. "You got to be able to crack a walnut open between your biceps at least to be close."

"I'm kidding, we don't do that. We use fingers to crack them open." Yang waited for a beat to pass before she continued her joke, miming her actions with her thumb and index finger. "It will need a lot of physical conditioning. Which we'll do tomorrow morning."

With that, the party retired for the night as Yang went up to sleep.

@ShwiggityShwah

The night passed and reaching into the moment before dawn, Yang woke up as per usual and washed herself up. With that, she went to Ozzy room and gave him a nudge to wake up for their routine training.

"Wakey, wakey, It's time to train." She smiled sweetly as she went down first. Taking her sweet time and enjoying the quiet silence as she headed downwards first to warm herself up first but was greeted with a surprise.

@13org

Seeing Ada, who was up and awake in the early as she hung around the pillars and beam, Yang waved to her with a smile.

"Up early? Want to come watch me go make Ozzy suffer?" She grinned mischieviously with two fingers beckoning her to follow her.

While waiting for Ozzy, Yang started her own warm up first as she stretched her body, from splits, heads going to her knees, and lifting her legs above her head.

The more flexible you are, the stronger and faster you are. Yang stretched herself to the limits, culminating in her as she stood on
one toe with her entire weight on it along one leg raised upward straight.

Yang held that pose, stood still like a statue and her breathing slowed.

It was only when Ozzy arrived, did Yang swung her leg downwards. Her kick cutting the air and creating a snapping sound from movement alone.

"Aside from physical condition, we're going to improve your flexibility." Yang flicked her hair back briefly before gesturing him to come closer. "Don't worry, I heard most birds are flexible and you're still in your midst of growth, so it shouldn't be too bad for you!"

So with that, Yang would put Ozzy through multiple ways to build up his flexibility. Starting slowly first to not pull muscles or worse, outright tear the muscle. An hour would pass with nothing but stretches that left Ozzy sore and exhausted.

"Alright, take five minutes before we continue with the usual." Yang smiled as she referred to their first morning training, the flying weight training, and grip training.

Time would pass further as they trained until the sun was up, and only then did they went back in.

"Wash yourself, Ozzy, we got a long day," Yang said as she pats the back of Ozzy and gestured him to go himself clean, passing by a sleepy Ditzy who groggily nodded to the two of them. Yang herself also headed to clean herself before coming down to join the rest of the guild.

She saw Neil coming down which had her smiled though she kept a neutral look when Bart saw him. Despite the slight tension between Neil and Bart, it seemed like things calmed down compared to the previous hostility.

"Let's see what's today request are-" Yang said as she twirled her fingers before her eyes rest on the final request.

Her eyebrow rose to her forehead and eyes widened at it, then slowly, a large chesire grin graced her face. One that turned predatory as anyone that looked at Yang face right now, unbefitting of a monk but suited to a monster girl.

"Disciple, you'll have to handle yourself today. I got an appointment" Yang took the request, tear it from the board and scrunched it tightly in her fist.

The blood rushed to her head as she was barely able to hold the excitement within her. "After all, I send a notice out and it would be rude if I didn't answer it."

With that, Yang headed out quickly without even looking back. If anyone wished to join her, Yang would not dissuade them as her thoughts were completely focused on the upcoming fight with Nero.

She bumped both of her fists together and the slamming noise was as if two hammers struck one another.

This is gonna be fun. Yang cracked her fingers and knuckles.

---

Ditzy Stoneclub

His eyelids slowly opened, eyes dry and a thrumming sensation in his stomach building. Ditzy groggily got up, rubbing the eye dust away as he sat upright.

Ditzy turned to the left and saw his bed, did he fell out of it?

Oh. Ditzy remembered, he went to bed right away after learning his new playmates left.

He dragged himself up and headed out to clean himself at a snail pace that despite sleeping early, everyone else was awake.

Ditzy didn't even notice Yang and Ozzy passed by him, spirits still low and not paying attention. He sat down at the table and just nibble at his food.

Taking a look, he just sat down at the table and sighed as he tried to straighten his thoughts out first.

"Ditzy will think on what job to do later." Indicating that he'll follow whoever he felt like after they picked their mission. He didn't feel like taking the lead today.

Dubious Wares And Questionable Methods
~@13org (FYR)~

You make your way to Boreal Port and reach it by midday without any incident. It was a peaceful little port town with no remarkable features save for a large church that stood out amongst the other structures.

At the entrance was a noticeable carriage. Noticeable because it appeared expensive, its wooden parts were well-polished, it had four horses pulling it and the cargo it carried was secured with ropes with a colorless cover draped over it. On the carriage's helm was a middle-aged man in a red sweater and black trousers. Despite having short hair on his head, he had respectable facial hair.

He was in a relaxed pose with his hands behind his head until he saw you. "Hey! It is you from the guild! I've heard there was bunny man in guild!" He got up to greet you. His thick accent apparent. "Ah, it does not look we know each other yet. I am George Costava. A humble businessman and entrepreneur."

Hopping out of his carriage, he continued. "Weird. Last time it was gentleman and his monster harem that helped me so I expect them now. Do you know what happened to them?"

---

Black Wolf
~@Restalaan (YNG)~

Freyr had left earlier than you so you two did not have the chance to go to Boreal Port together. Nevertheless, you knew where the farm was in the port town and you made a beeline there.

Arriving at the farm, you see a small crowd had gathered at the location. The farm was at the outskirts of the port town so seeing these many people was quite strange. You hear the words uttered by the crowd and you find out that there was apparently an Order knight that turned up out of nowhere and was now in Nero's abode. Although, the knight had done nothing so far.

You push past the crowd and see that inside the farm's pasture, there was indeed a knight in full armor sitting on a hay bale. There were two symbols in his tabbard, one you recognize as the Order's symbol and the other the head of a black-furred wolf with yellow eyes. His great helm sat on his lap and upon seeing his face, it was Nero himself!

"Glad you could make it, blondie." He said upon seeing you, standing up from the hay bale.

"You know her?" An average-looking Holstaur asked. You noticed earlier that this cow monster was doing her best assuring the crowd that this Order knight was no one dangerous.

"Yep. She's the one I'm waiting for." Nero replied before making his way to you. "Don't worry, I'll explain later."

"You better."

"A clear pasture. Quite the audience. Looks like a great place to fight, no?" Nero said. "You got a weapon, monk? I have some that you can borrow but I'm afraid they're not very Eastern in design."

---

That's What Friends Do
~@Stern Algorithm~

"What's at Ravager's Rest?"

"From what I've gathered, it's the go-to refuge for those fleeing Varjo." Haley answered. "But old habits die hard and the refugees there go all bandit-y if they stay there long enough, causing trouble for people living near there as well as travelers."

"But the fortress' occupants do not last very long there." Talia chimed in. "They usually integrate into the Shrine Of Eros after a time. But then another group comes and the whole process starts again. It would be nice if they went to the Shrine instead of the Rest but these people have been raised distrusting Eros and her followers."

"The general plan of the solution was to close off Ravager's Rest to force the refugees into the Shrine. But that's easier said than done." Haley concluded. "Although it looks to me that someone's actually going to do it and needs out help."

"I'll go with you two, by the way." Neil told the Altissima sisters as he arrived. "Someone's gonna have to push you and your cart."

"I'll continue working on your garden, by the way. I wish you well in your quest." Talia added. "Need anything else before you leave?"

"Won't let you down sensai, I'll break those walnuts." He had no idea what that meant.

@13org@Restalaan

Ozzy would spend the night getting Ada some blankets and trying to explain things like sleeping and clothes, but would leave her on the couch as her own bed. Probably better than sharing a room. "Night night Ada. Hope you like the Guild." He said to her before conking out himself.

The next day, he realized the moment he was wakened that the hell was to repeat and reoccur. He yawned and looked awful as per usual by the time the harpy came down stairs in his shorts and T shirt. He stood up straight when he heard the crack of her foot. "Y-Yes sensei Yang!" He shouted, noticeably worried.

And rightfully so. Several times, she heard bones crack, his body forced into splits and holding positions that would cause him to be stiff and fall over. He would try not to yell... but that was impossible. "Gah! I feel like I'm being torn in half! AAAooowww!" He would flap his wings just to make sure he didn't topple over. By the end of it, he was flat on the ground, his arms and legs at odd angles merely because it was the least painful place to set his joints.

He very shakily held up a thumbs up to her when their training was done...

Later---

@PaulHaynek
"We solved the job but forgot to collect!" Ozzy concluded with Haley. He would speak about her maybe going to go collect today if she was available.

Though the topic of Ravager's Nest was brought up which tailored Ozzy's decision. "I get it. Refugees are forced into crime for survival, but if we remove that as a choice, there might be more positive options. If thats the case, I'll take That's what friends do!." He announced. "I'm hoping theres no fighting the time. But it might be a chance for us to do alot of good. That might help Ditzy get out of his funk." He called over to the guildmate who seemed to be really down. "How about it Ditzy, want to come with me! Might be fun!?"

He wondered if Ada would still be following him. It would be tough if things end up becoming more difficult or complicated with those two, but atleast their intentions would be quite clear.

@PaulHaynek

Yang Bethlehem

All the while, Yang had a grin on her face as she made her way to the farm again.

Thoughts on how to tackle and deal against an armored opponent formulate in her mind, so many ways but that's just considering the current opponent she met.

That Nero seemed to be different, most Varjans didn't seem to be as fast as he was even without the armor. That heavily muscled woman she fought previously seemed easier and more straight forward.

Heh. Yang twitched her fingers, will Nero be strong as her master?

The trip was thankfully uneventful but Yang noted that there's a crowd gathering around outside of Nero's farm. Curiosity rose within and she quickly made her way there.

What greeted her was Nero and in his full armor too, that brightened her mood immensely in how serious Nero was taking her.

"Greetings, sir Nero." She bowed formally and curtly but there was a hint of playfulness in her voice and action. Her eyes gazed to the onlookers and area, her foot tapped on the soft ground to test its hardness. "Well, this is no White Tiger temple arena but it's still beautiful."

That reminded of the white marble arena that was constructed specifically for their yearly battle against one another and other challengers. The roars of the arena, crowd, heat, and attention were fiercer compared to the open farm. Still, it had a certain charm to it.

When asked on her weapon, she raised both of her arms to show her empty hands before a snap of her wrist had the prayer beads in position.

"All I need are these," Yang answered truthfully as it served as a knuckle brass and she tightened her fist. The sound creaking from it indicated enough to Nero that it was made of metal and not wood. She then bowed to Nero. "Please, I insist you take up a weapon."

Once Nero did, Yang lowered herself and the air around her change. She couldn't wait to begin and took the lead by going into a stance.

One foot lightly touching the ground while the back leg bore her entire weight and center of gravity. A fast stance that allowed her to react and strike instantly, similar to a cat. Just like one, Yang eyes observed Nero carefully, her guard compact enough to show little opening.

If Nero did nothing, then Yang will slowly inch forward. Not taking any risk and approached him at her own pace, this was a spar and test of skill after all. Yang wanted to observe and see how a knight actually fights in detail.

---

@ShwiggityShwah

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy face was resting the table, noting that others had went ahead but didn't really put much thought into it as he just nodded and waved to those who walked out of the guild for the daily job.

Then when Ditzy heard his name being called, he snapped upwards like a puppy hearing its name being called. He then saw the owl boy calling and asking him to join in his job.

"Okay!" Ditzy smiled as he stood up, mood much improved as he pushed previous thoughts away. Looks like at least some still wanted to play with him.

Though reading the quest made him skeptical as he furrowed his brows.

"But...we're robbing graves. Isn't that...a bad thing?" He scratched his head in confusion, perplexed on why such a request made it through. Stealing was often things bandits do, are they being asked to be bandits? "I don't wanna steal things, and graves are scary."

Despite his reluctance, Ditzy will follow Ozzy, if only because the latter had asked for him to join in. With his sandbag in tow and some supplies, Ditzy was ready to take on the quest.

Black Wolf
~@Restalaan (YNG)~

"All I need are these. Please, I insist you take up a weapon."

"Alright, if you insist." Nero shrugged before putting on his helmet, a shiny but simple helm that covered the entire head with a small, rectangular slit for the eyes to see.

He unsheathed his blade, a standard longsword with no remarkable features yet Nero held it with pride. "Kill for the living! Kill for the dead!" He yelled his warcry, his sword held to the air. The audience appeared worried with the chant, now that they were seeing a new side of this seemingly innocuous farmer.

Nero assumed a stance with his longsword in front and pointed at you, making no other move. As you shifted forward, he did so too and never changing his stance.

But when the two of you were close enough, Nero lunged at you with a one-handed overhead swing. His speed was superbly quick, giving you only seconds to react.

---

That's What Friends Do
~@Stern Algorithm, @ShwiggityShwah, @Restalaan (DIT)~

"Hey, you two. You're also going in this quest?" Neil approached Ozzy and Ditzy.

"It's a full party then. Not sure if this Forde guy will need this many people but the more the merrier, right?" Neil remarked before turning to the Owl Harpy. "You know, you and I haven't really hung out much, have we? We've been in the same guild for a while now and I think we haven't gone into a quest together, have we?" He then turned to the Hobgoblin. "I remember going on a quest with Ditzy here. We had to run from a band of Goblins."

"Anyway, let's do this, yeah?"

^{@Restalaan@ShwiggityShwah}

Yang was the first to wake up, waving towards Ada with a smile as she asked if she wanted to see her make Ozzy suffer. While Ada didn't understand her words, tilting her head in confusion, she followed Yang nonetheless, since there was nothing better to do.

Ada watched curiously as Yang started doing a series of complicated movements with her body, bending herself in strange angles. After watching her for a bit, Ada started trying to imitate her movements. Even though she got most of them wrong, the ways she was bending her own body and members showed to be almost impossible for a normal person, revealing that Ada was much more flexible than one initially thought.

When Ozzy arrived, Yang said something about flexibility, as she started doing similar movements with Ozzy, probably the same type of exercise she was making herself, only a bit slower and more delicately to not hurt him. Watching curiously as Yang carefully stretched and helped Ozzy to train, Ada wondered why it did seem to be so hard for him when she did those weird movements so easily. She even tried repeating some of those while looking at Ozzy, almost as if trying to teach him how to do it.

It did take some time for the training session to be over, Ozzy and Haley went back inside the guild as they began looking to a strange board filled with papers with things written on them. After some thinking Ozzy seemed to have decided on what to do as he talked about it excitedly. As he looked to one of the other members, Ada looked at both of them with a curious expression, almost if asking if they wanted her to come as well. She didn't know exactly where they would go, but it should be interesting so if possible, she would want to come too.

---

---

Freyr

Arriving on Boreal port, Freyr went to meet with the man called George Costava. The trip went pretty well, without incidents and the city seemed to be a very calm port town, in most aspects, just your average small town. As he arrived on the meeting place, he saw a rather expensive looking carriage, with a middle aged man wearing a striking red sweater on it's helm. Before he could ask anything, a voice with a heavy accent came from the middle aged man when he saw Freyr. Apparently, that was the same George Costava that he was sent to help.

"I'm Freyr, a Viera working for the guild." Freyr replied, shaking the middle aged man's hand after he introduced himself with quite an energetic attitude. He seemed to be glad to see Freyr.

When George mentioned a gentleman, Freyr immediately thought about Bast. The monster harem he mentioned should be the centaur woman and the other monster girl who quit the guild.

"You must mean Bast. Honestly, no one knows where he went. He was always quite a mysterious man. I am quite sure he took the centaur woman with him though." Freyr replied to George's question.

"You asked for protection on the road, right? I am quite confident in both my senses and my abilities so don't worry even though I'm alone." Freyr said as he nodded towards the middle aged man.

@Restalaan @PaulHaynek @13org @ShwiggityShwah

The sister's listened as Haley explained Ravager's Rest to them. Sylvia wondered if converting the place into an emergency or humanitarian aid camp might be a better alternative to removing it altogether, but she doubted anyone was willing to put in the resources to achieve such a thing. When Neil offered to push their cart, Vivian gave Neil a hearty slap on the the back, "Thanks, man! You're so dependable!" in an effort to distract all present from the sight of Sylvia being shy and flustered.

"Thanks, Talia," Sylvia said to the cyclops upon regaining her composure, "We won't need anything else. More than anything, we just need to wait for the herbs to take the the soil and begin growing."

The sisters were surprised to see so many people joining the quest, but it made sense after last night's conversation. Though the members of the guild felt that they were currently too weak to oppose Varjo directly, solving the problem at Ravager's Rest at least would help to mitigate the problems caused by Varjo, which the guildmembers seemed passionate about. When Ditzy brought up the controversial nature of robbing graves, Vivian pointed out, "But is grave-robbing worse than pulling vegetables out of the ground? And it's not like anybody's planning on eating the bodies, at least I hope not. Anyways, time's a'wastin'! Let's go!" Vivian pointed forward, even though Neil was going to be doing all of the work of transporting the sisters.

Yang Bethlehem

@PaulHaynek

Yang and Nero faced one another off as the tension was thick enough that it can be cut with a knife, Yang eyes calmly assessed the distance and weapon. In her mind, she was able to draw the range that Nero was able to strike.

That's quite a distance. Yang noted as she drew closer, it was no staff, spear or halberd but it's still impressive.

Soon, she was an inch away from Nero's striking distance. She knew it, and Nero knew it, there was little doubt between the two now.

Her focus sharpened to its limit, breathing slowed and heartbeat steadied in anticipation for what's to come.

Yang shifted her foot and stepped forward.

Nero burst into action as he lunged forward, the sword swung from an overhead position.

A fast strike, fast enough that her Master will approve.

Relax.

Yang likewise, dashed forward as her feet and body shifted its center of gravity in tandem. Achieving top speed as her body was at its most relaxed state that she felt like liquid.

Similarly, her fist struck forward, going and sliding the sword length with her prayer beads.

Twist. Then her body tensed and flexed itself, rapidly gaining strength as she put strength into her body. The gliding fist met with Nero arms and to him, it felt like an iron bar that wouldn't budge.

Hips turned and twisted downward, building momentum from her lower legs, all moving together upwards to create a rising force as it transferred to her fist.

Diamond...

It all culminated into a powerful fist heading straight for Nero's face. The wind and the air itself wrapping around her fist as it came closer to him.

Fist!

A loud snap echoed and the audience breathes stilled to a silence, expecting the worst.

Yang let out a long breath as the tension left her body and looked up to Nero.

Her fist stopped within inches of his helmet, the snap coming from the moment she twisted her fist. Nero felt a strong gust of wind at the moment she stopped her punch.

That's when she backed away and gestured for him to continue. She knew better that it landed simply due to her taking advantage of Nero little knowledge of how monks fought.

It wasn't fair in her opinion, and so, what better way to even this than to show him the strongest and fastest technique she had in her arsenal.

"Come on, That's just the first round. I still got plenty of steam left." She chuckles and readied herself for another bout.

Yang continued the spar and charged forward, her fist blurred as released a flurry of punches towards Nero. This time, Nero knew Yang's top speed and strength. Giving him information to adjust and counter as needed.

---

Ditzy Stoneclub

@PaulHaynek

"Neil!" Ditzy threw him arm upwards in joy as he recalled the last time they're together. It was the funnest time he had! Though remembering the horse lady had him immediately deflated and hunched forward depressingly. There was another friend that was gone, wasn't it?

Speaking of which, those goblins still haven't returned and played with him. He missed some of his friends, parents, and tribe.

@Stern Algorithm

"But pulling vegetables is different, you grow them and then eat them. Grave robbing is bad, cause you're taking and disturbing their rest. Papa always said only bandits and bad guys do that, so grave robbing is bad. Also, skeleton and zombie taste dusty and bad." Ditzy made a disgusted face, tongue outstretched similar to one who had bitten into something rotten or bitter. "Yuck."

Still, that being said, Ditzy followed the party without much complaint.

As Neil prepared to push the Altissima sister cart, Ditzy noticed it and joined Neil side. Though his position was different from Neil, rather than pushing it, Ditzy was pulling it similar to how a beast of burden was attached frontward of a cart.

"Ditzy can pull cart, Ditzy good at it!" Ditzy beamed, hands gripped firmly and Neil felt the strength of the grip from his own. It was like it was locked in place by metal before Ditzy singlehandedly lifted the cart upwards, alongside both sisters, inches from the ground in his enthusiasm and show of strength.

"See! Ditzy carried big rocks and trees before in carts! No need for hell boars!" It nearly gave the sisters a heart attack when Ditzy shook the cart they're on for emphasis. Luckily, Ditzy brought it down gently before moving onwards, pulling them ahead without their say or input.

@13org@ShwiggityShwah

"Let's go!" He raised a fist upwards and pumped it with a large smile.

If Neil was quick, he can help Ditzy in making the journey smoother for the sisters in directing him where to go as Ditzy while able to pull the heaviest of cart with ease, was not a master in making it a comfortable ride.

@Restalaan@Stern Algorithm@13org

Ditzy made a good point, Ozzy scratching his cheek as he thought it over. "Oh yeah... but- I mean, it's better then risking an opportunity to get into a fight. Maybe it wont be so bad."

Then much to Ozzy's delight, Neil approached, and the sisters. The owl's eyes lit up, his smile big and broad. "Yeah I know. Its a dang shame we fix today! I was hoping to have an adventure with everyone eventually." He offers Neil a hand shake. And then looks to the twins who seemed eager. He noticed Neil was going to be doing the work. "Let me know if you need a switch. I'd like to talk to Sylvia about the herbs she planted yesterday." Talking shop always made the road go quicker.

He looked to Ada who seemed to be coming too. "Okay Ada, we're going to go on an adventure. And we might need your help." Ozzy announced to the group. "Ada doesn't talk much, but shes smart, knows the terrain and is wicked fast."

Ditzy made pulling the cart into a breeze. Which made him laugh. "We're like the perfect party. So we have the voice, brains, brawn, speed, and last but not least, a bird. Bwrap!" He said pluming out his wings.

Onward.

Dubious Wares And Questionable Methods
~@13org (FYR)~

"You must mean Bast. Honestly, no one knows where he went. He was always quite a mysterious man. I am quite sure he took the centaur woman with him though."

"Oh? So they gone now? That is very sad." George remarked. "Well, I hope you and your guild continue to help take down Ravager's Rest, the fortress over at some mountains above that Order city Pravar. I assure you, there will be great reward for all of you still."

"You asked for protection on the road, right? I am quite confident in both my senses and my abilities so don't worry even though I'm alone."

"Oh, that is good! That is good!" George re-embarked the wagon and gestured for you to come aboard. "Come on, come on. My cargo is very valuable and will sell like crazy in Pravar. It gives me lots of money to pay you. Very good, yes?" The merchant spurred the horses forward once you were beside him on the wagon's passenger seat.

The cargo of the carriage was well-hidden and well-secured. You get an ominous feeling as to what they could be.

------

Not long after leaving the port, the carriage was already being hounded by raiders. Not human raiders though, they were a band of rowdy Goblins that have a wagon of their own. They were all female of varying looks but they were all quite petite. You were reminded that in this world of today, monsters were always known to be girls. You and Ditzy were notable exceptions.

"We heard that there's good stuff in your wagon!" One of the Goblins exclaimed. "Give it to us or you'll have a bad time!"

"Just hurry up, you guys. I'm not very good with the horsies here." The Goblin driver chimed in. You see that she was having a hard time controlling the wagon, making it unpredictable in movement.

The Goblins pelted you and George with stones and their own clubs as they tried to jump from their wagon to your own. "Do something, bunny man!" George told you as he made sure that the two carriages did not crash into each other.

---

Black Wolf
~@Restalaan (YNG)~

"Come on, That's just the first round. I still got plenty of steam left."

"Not bad, blondie."

Nero then held his sword with one hand on the grip and the other on the blade. Despite your fast speed and his heavy-looking armor, Nero was able to evade them or block them with the broad side of his blade. He made his move, a thrust of the sword's pommel. A move you easily evaded and can counterattack but then he quickly spun and swung his blade, sweeping you off your feet with the weapon's hilt.

The sword's point was put to your face, a win for Nero. "And that's round two. How long are we doing this again?"

---

That's What Friends Do
~@Stern Algorithm, @ShwiggityShwah, @Restalaan (DIT), @13org (ADA)~

The party made its way to the south of Pravar. Having a cast full of monsters, they had the fortune not to encounter any Order presence in the trip. Merely travelers that spared them suspicious and confused glances at best and total apathy at worst, not wanting to get involved with monsters that probably had a death wish for getting real close to Order territory.

The lands south of Pravar was a graveyard. Not only was it filled with graveyards, churches and buildings abandoned and left to rot dotted the sad landscape. It was midday when the party arrived but the sky was cloudy and that left a gloomy atmosphere in the area. Finding Forde was easy though, he was just in a campsite as he said.

"Took you long enough." A boy about the same age as Neil but looked ten times more ragged and sickly approached. Jittery, he continued. "Although, there's more of you than I expected. This'll make the job easier, I suppose."

"Now, follow me. Here's what we'll do." Forde led the party to a wide graveyard behind a decrepit chapel filled with crude and haphazard tombstones. "Now one of these graves has someone that got buried with a map. A treasure map. A map's that's gonna turn my life around and change me from this and into..." Spotting Neil, Forde pointed. "...more like him."

Neil raised an eyebrow, not sure what to feel about that. He was still pulling the Altissima sisters and declined help during the trip.

"The map's just an old parchment. You'll know it when you see it." Forde finished. "So, y'all ready?"

^{@Restalaan@ShwiggityShwah}

Even though Ada was a bit confused about what was the topic of the conversation between everyone, she was still happy that there were so many people together. There were the two plant sisters, Sylvia and Vivian, Ozzy, Haley, Neil and even the boy that seemed to be a bit sad yesterday, Ditzy, seemed to be in pretty high spirits as he began pushing the plant sisters' cart. It was a surprise to Ada to see how strong he was, despite his small body. Happy with being around so many people, but completely oblivious to the conversation ongoing and the moral dilemma between what they were going to do, Ada simply darted around, happy and with a smile on her face as she looked at each member, seeing what they were doing and wondering where they would go this time.

When Ozzy called her name, not only confirming that she would go with them as well but that they would need her help, Ada immediately let out a kind smile, obviously happy due to the words she had just heard from him. As Ozzy formally introduced her to the group, even though they probably had already noticed her presence due to her darting around, she stopped near him, looking to them and making a smile, in a silent indication that she would be happy to help them if needed.

Ada merely followed the group, as she had absolutely no idea where they were going, but after some time walking, they arrived on a pretty strange place for Ada. There were lots and lots of abandoned and destroyed buildings, some even larger than the guild and the overall atmosphere of the place wasn't that good. There were also strange stone tablets on the ground, some crosses other equally strange objects dotting the landscape. When a young boy, just like Neil himself approached them, speaking to them, Ada assumed he would be the one that they were sent to help. After talking for a while, the strange boy led them behind a big, broken down building, to a field that was replete with the strange stone tablets, lots of them broken, on the ground. After paying attention to his words, Ada understood enough from them to know that they were supposed to search for something in that field, but she didn't know what it was, how it looked like nor where to begin. Looking at the rest of the group, she curiously waited for instructions.

---

Freyr

Freyr couldn't help but find George's energetic attitude and company unexpectedly pleasant. He did seem to be a good man, judging by how he went out of his way in order to ask about the other guild members and make conversation even though he didn't need to. Unlike George's friendly attitude though, his carriage was very well hidden and well secured, giving Freyr quite an ominous feeling regarding it's contents. Despite that, he simply went together with George, as it was his job.

Surprisingly enough, it didn't take long after they left the port for them to meet a group of female goblins riding a wagon of their own, who immediately inquired about the valuable contents that were being transported by George. Judging how little time it took since they left the port, it was almost too much of a coincidence... Still, the roads were indeed dangerous. It also wasn't that unlikely that the goblin group somehow ended up knowing that George would be taking valuable cargo on that day.

When the goblins began throwing stones and trying to jump to George's wagon with their clubs in hand.

"Just keep driving, don't stop." Freyr replied to George as he asked for help.

Standing up on top of the wagon, Freyr quickly aimed his bow towards the driver and shot an arrow, missing the goblin driver's hands by mere inches and instead, hitting the reins and cutting them. After a few quick shots towards the goblins that were either throwing stones or trying to jump at their wagon, all missing them by mere inches or hitting the clubs and stones in their hands, Freyr stopped, looking at them with a threatening stare.

"I would like to avoid any needless bloodshed. Please leave us." Freyr said, ready to shoot again.

Dubious Wares And Questionable Methods
~@13org (FYR)~

"I would like to avoid any needless bloodshed. Please leave us."

The Goblins yelled back at your threat, your warning arrows not deterring them at all. They called you a 'meanie' and 'rude'. Light expletives, nothing truly demeaning. Such was the innocence of these child-like monsters.

"Gya!" The Goblin driver lost the reins to their wagon, the ropes having been cut by your well-placed arrow. But the loss of control did not exactly go in your favor, the Goblins' wagon swerved and crashed into your carriage. Fortunately, George had skill in driving and managed to keep the wagon from tumbling over, its trip uninterrupted. The hard crash, however, threw you off balance and forced your attention away from the Goblin raiders.

The Goblins' wagon was as good as down but the crash sent a few of them over to your wagon. About four of them were now on top of the cargo and had recovered. "There! Get him before he uses his stupid bow!" Before you could react, all four of them piled on you. Their petite forms belied their awesome strength. Forcing them off you was pointless, they were much stronger in physique.

"Hey you! Get the driver!" One of the Goblins on you ordered.

"Ah, okay!" The Goblin holding your left arm down got up, not knowing she had just freed that limb. Clearly, smarts were not their forte.

~@Rezod92~

It had been a long while since you had been invited to the formation of a guild by someone named Bartholomew Barker. You were supposed to go much, much earlier but matters on your side took a huge amount of time to deal with. You even almost forgot about the invitation. But all that was done now, you were ready to go to this guild.

You took off from Boreal Port, not bothering with a local commotion on the remote parts of the town, and to the location of Bart's guild. Your smooth flight was interrupted when you saw a crashed wagon on the road with several crying Goblins by it. Further up, you see a speeding wagon also with Goblins having a tussle with what appeared to be a man with the ears of a rabbit and another, older man who drove the wagon.

The Goblins were probably raiding the carriage, trying to steal its cargo. It looked like you were getting a quest pretty early.

@PaulHaynek @13org (FYR)

What in the Demon Lord's name is this!?, was the thought that passed through Kira Gigas' mind before springing into action and tailing after the wagon. Upon seeing the earlier crashed wagon with crying Goblins surrounding the wreckage, the Beelzebub concluded that the child-like monsters were attempting to raid the surviving wagon of it's goodies. While this may not have been any of her business, she can't, in good conscious, let such an aggressive act of robbery stand. Once she caught up to the wagon, she dove into the back and saw the rabbit man being dog-piled by three Goblins. Acting quickly, she grabbed and pulled one off. Before the would-be thief could react, Kira threw a air-infused fist into her enemy's chest, knocking the Goblin off their feet and right out the back of the wagon. The young flygirl then turned her attention to the other two Goblins, who no doubt would've seen their comrade get, literally, blown out of there.

"Don't mind me! Just crashing this little raid party!", Kira announced herself with a taunting smirk, goading one of the other Goblins.

@Restalaan @PaulHaynek @13org @ShwiggityShwah

When Ditzy offered to push the sisters' cart, a look of exasperated disdain crossed Sylvia's face, before she promptly got an elbow in the ribs from Vivian. The big, muscular Ditzy totally wasn't Sylvia's type, especially since she was currently infatuated with Neil and wanted him to push the cart. Fortunately, Neil declined Ditzy's help, and the journey passed, with Sylvia in muted bliss. Arriving at their worksite, the sisters listened as the ratty Forde explained his job for them. Sylvia rolled her eyes at the fact that Forde thought any amount of riches could make him like Neil.

"Sounds simple enough," Vivian replied, the liliraune extended her roots through the drainage holes at the bottom of her clay pot to push against the ground and navigate her cart over to a spot between two gravesite. With Vivian looking at one grave, and Sylvia at the other, they focused the roots and vines on the respective sides to burrow into the soft earth, and began digging with an almost magical efficiency. A loud hollow thump was immediately followed by Vivian saying, "What the...? Oh... these are those... coffin things." The liliraune couldn't understand the point of coffins as they only slowed the process of the body returning to the earth and becoming fertilizer, which the sisters thought was the whole point of burial in the first place. But at this point, the sisters recognized that there was something sacred to graves, and decided against using their roots to smash open the coffins. "How about we dig, and the rest of you can check the coffins? Of course, we can move the dirt back in at the end too." Sylvia suggested, assuming that there was a 'proper' way to open a coffin, allowing it to be easily re-closed. It was probably better to let the meatsacks deal with this part of the extraction, while the sisters focused on the soil. Sylvia and Vivian moved their cart between the next pair of graves and continued their work.

Freyr

Unfortunately, Freyr's warnings had no effect in stopping the goblins. Their reactions to his threats made it clear how innocent and childish they were, as such, he didn't feel really comfortable in hurting them, despite them being bandits. Not all arrows fired by Freyr were without consequences though... The one that cut the reins from the hands of the goblin driver made her lose control over the wagon as it crashed on George's wagon, making Freyr himself lose balance and having to hold his bow with only one hand in order to kneel down and regain his balance with the other.

In that short moment of distraction though, he didn't realize that some of the goblins had jumped over to George's wagon, right on top of the cargo, where he was. Before he could do anything, he heard the female goblins voices, shouting for the others to stop him before he could use his bow again. In a moment, Freyr was completely covered by them, as their small and childish, but surprisingly strong bodies prevented him to use his bow or even fight.

When Freyr thought he was in a complicated position, not being able to even move with the four female goblins piling up on him, the moment when one of them asked for the other to go take care of George, one of the goblins, who was holding his arm simply jumped down as she went towards George, freeing his arm in the process. Since his hand with the bow was still immobilized, he unsheathed one of his hunting knives, striking the other goblin who was holding his other hand hard in the back of her head with his knife's handle. Almost at the same time, an unknown monster girl suddenly swooped down from the air announcing herself before she grabbed one of the remaining goblins and punched it, using magic to make it quite literally, go flying away out of the wagon. Much to Freyr's luck, whoever she was, she appeared to be friendly.

"Thank for your assistance! Please go help George, one of the goblins went to the front of the wagon!" Freyr asked before he tried to smack the remaining goblin on the back of the head, the same way he did with the previous one.

@PaulHaynek @13org

"I'm on it, bunny man!", responded Kira as she hopped out of the wagon and flew around toward the front to help the driver.

@PaulHaynek

Yang Bethlehem

She swooped forward with a flurry of her fisticuffs, yet, Nero managed to block and avoid them much easier now that he saw and got used to her speed.

Then a thrust to a sword pommel, her eyes spotted it immediately and Yang made her move to avoid it. She hadn't seen much of the warriors around here to utilize the pommel, even back in her land, sword pommels were something that was underutilized.

Although, her temple didn't have a lot of westerns sword so perhaps their styles and usage differed.

In her train of thoughts, Nero took this advantage and swept her foot easily with the hilt of the sword. So fast and precise it was, she hadn't realized it until she was falling down and side perspective change.

By the time she landed on the ground and moved to recover, the sword edge was pointed towards her.

"Heh, one more time." Yang smiled as she stood up, and this time. She had a compact and tight stance, both arms close together that it looked like it was one. Deep breaths followed and Yang focused all the energy inwards.

There was little pretense as it was obvious that Yang will move deep into Nero territory and take him out, this time, it will be with the full repertoire of the White Tiger temple.

So sudden and violent was her charge, it was akin to a leaping tiger as to Nero perspective, Yang had suddenly turned larger as she closed the distance near instantaneously.

A punch that could split and shatter a rock sliced through the air, letting out a booming noise at the apex of the snap, met with Nero flat side of the blade. The impact rocked through it before Yang continued on, her feet twisting and turning as she followed up with a rising knee.

All her muscled coiled together as one before it relaxed itself to form into the strongest burst of energy. It propelled her upwards like a geyser.

Tiger's...

Whether or not Nero managed to dodge it, Yang unveiled her last surprise. Her momentum still behind her, the other leg that followed was the real attack as she went into a flying kick with the full force of weight, momentum, and strength as one.

Foot!

Just like the diamond fist, this was the strongest and fastest strike that Yang had. Though the speed and power were uncomparable, the path it traveled was set.

If it hit, Nero will feel like he had been uppercut into the air and he did indeed flew backwards for several feet until he lands on his back. Nearly seeing stars and out of breath from it.

Should fate decided that Nero did dodge it, Yang would be left extremely vulnerable as she had no other alternative to dodge and stuck in the air. Leaving her open to whatever attacks Nero deemed effective to finish her off.

Whatever the results, Yang was satisfied and had a large smile on her face despite the sweat, dirt and exhaustion.

---

@13org@Stern Algorithm@ShwiggityShwah@PaulHaynek

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy followed the rest of the group without question, slightly disappointed that Neil didn't required his help. He was a bit sulky at that, afterall, he pushed and carried heavier things than the two plant lady after all.

Nevertheless, Ditzy mood remained high until he finally see the person who is going to give them the job. Looking at the person, Ditzy had mixed feelings about it.

"He looks very shady." The kind of person his dad would say to stay away from, which didn't really build a lot of confidence in what they're doing already.

Seeing the tombstone and cemetery made Ditzy nervous as well as uncomfortable, squirming around as he looked at the area.

"But the two of you don't look that similar?" It seemed odd that he would want to look like Neil, while there are slight similarities, Ditzy could tell the two apart easily from the scent, looks and feel.

Hearing if they're ready, Ditzy just weakly raised his fist and agreed. Though it seemed more like to reassure himself on the task. "Okay~"

Seeing the plant lady able to dig out the coffins so easily and hearing that they can also put it back just as fast made Ditzy sighed with relief. No need to dig out everything then.

"Ditzy can open coffin but don't want to check inside, not good thing to do." He squeamishly said as this was already going against a lot of things his parents taught. So Ditzy with a sour look lifted the lid aside like it was made of a thin plank of wood instead of the heavy wooden or stone coffin lid.

Ditzy had his eyes closed tightly as well as face turned away from the smell and whatever state the corpse was in. Once the checking was done, Ditzy was all-too glad to close it again and move onto the next one.

Ozzy had spent part of the trip trying to engage with everyone. To Neil, he asked about the guild, him, and mostly of the previous jobs and adventures of the guild. He was wary to get involved with the sisters Sylvia as one of them appeared to have a bit of a swoon on Neil which more or less just made Ozzy chuckle. ”She’s having fun.” He mentioned to Vivian.

Most of the way was him, Ditzy (even though he was sulking) and Ada talking maybe doing some fun and games when the job was over and when they get back and explaining how to play to Ada. Never once did he talk down to her. He only just assumed everything was new and that she could follow along with what he was saying. It was completely one sided but he hardly seemed to mind. ”Im not going to lie. I think Ada would kick our butt in hide and seek.” He spoke to Ditzy about his training with Yang and how he was supposed to get stronger, and if Ditzy had a couple tips for him as well.

Typical happy harpy.

The mood changed when they saw the stares. The landscape itself seemed to darken, get cold and dark and dreary. Even Ozzy felt it, flying less and walking with the group. ”Don’t worry friends. Its just clouds... nothing to worry about.” Hearing a crow caw didn’t help, and he jumped a little.

They arrived to Forde, and they arrived at the cemetery where they would be ”Disturbing the dead?” He said distastefully, but it was for a worthy cause from the way it was described. ”Make you look like Neil? Is the treasure medicine or some kind of youth potion?” The owl speculated. Now he was intrigued, and a treasure map meant exploration. Why would someone want to hide such a discovery. It gave him determination. He fowled up two missions. Not anymore.

Ditzy made a few comments and Ozzy concluded. ”It is a little mysterious... And a little dirty, but maybe the treasure is somewhere lost. Unexplored. This could lead to a net positive.” Ozzy got a shovel and went to a grave. He passed one over the Ada. ”Okay Ada, we’re going to dig these out. How you do that is you take a shovel and you do this. See, like that.” He began to shovel to show her how he digs in the dirt, not realizing that her claws might be a better option. He kept trying, and on occasion he scratched at the ground with his talons too to break up some of the packed earth.

The twins offered a better solution. He barely got a good hole going when they had two graves already open. He marveled. ”Wow! That’s amazing! Yeah this is going to be a breeze.” Ditzy took care of one hole, Ozzy explained outloud. ”Okay Ada, we’re going to look in these boxes.” He heard Ditzy make sounds of the stench and he realized he would have the same problem. He thankfully had a handkerchef in his pocket and he began to tie it for his face. Then he realized she’d have a worse time then he did. He would put it over her head, and around her face.

”Here Ada, this is going to stink. Fair warning.” He took a deep breath and the with alot of effort pried open the coffin.

The stench was nauseating, awful, the contents were the remains of a woman in a ratty dress. ”Bleh, ugh... sorry mame.” He closed it back up, he was retching, immediately regretting taking this job as he flew out of the hole. He took some deep breaths of fresh air.

”Okay... okay, Ada...” He points to another hole. ”Open up that one... We’re looking for a piece of paper. Like-“ He used his hands to show her a square. ”This big maybe, or rolled up. You know what paper is right?

Dubious Wares And Questionable Methods
~@13org (FYR), @Rezod92~

Freyr knocked out one of the Goblins with his dagger and the remaining one was tossed out by an unexpected helper, A Beelzebub by the name of Kira Gigas.

The last Goblin noticed that her fellows have been dealt with and now she was alone with three people, two of whom are more than capable of taking her down. "Uh, oh." A moment passed before the last Goblin then leapt from the wagon, knowing that the battle was already lost. George's carriage was safe. At least, for the moment.

"You have dealt with them, Mister Freyr?" George took a glance behind and spotted Kira. "Oh? Who might you be? Well, thanks for lending help too. Sorry Mister Freyr, looks I will need to split reward. Unless she is part of guild too. Are you part of Freyr's guild?"

---

Black Wolf
~@Restalaan (YNG)~

"Heh, one more time."

Nero went on the defensive when you charged. He blocked your punch with the broad of his blade, shattering the weapon. He narrowly evaded your knee strike but he failed to see your ultimate attack.

The flying kick launched Nero for several feet, his breath knocked out of him. However, in mere moments he was back to his feet again. "Nice shot. I guess that's the final round. I don't think I can take another one of that." He clutched his head in pain with one hand and he was a bit wobbly, but he had survived your attack. "Why don't we have an applause to our monk here?"

At Nero's request, the crowd gave a round of claps for your victory. The duel has concluded.

------

Once the crowd had dispersed and gone, Nero invited you into his farm to have a drink. With a table and two barrel chairs, Nero poured you a cup of fine wine. "So what would you like to talk about? You know, for the reward." He said as he poured himself one. "You can say I have... a front row seat to, pretty much everything."

---

That's What Friends Do
~@Stern Algorithm, @ShwiggityShwah, @Restalaan (DIT), @13org (ADA)~

"But the two of you don't look that similar?"

”Make you look like Neil? Is the treasure medicine or some kind of youth potion?”

"I'm being metaphorical, you dunces!" Forde snapped. "I mean look at your friend over here! He looks like he hadn't worked a day in his life!" He said about Neil.

------

As the party worked in searching for the treasure map, Forde approached them looking panicked and worried. "I've got bad news, friends! There's a patrol coming and I'm pretty sure they're not gonna appreciate our work here." He said.

"Well, what're we gonna do?" Neil asked.

Forde thought for a moment before coming up with a crude but effective plan. "Alright, alright, listen here. I'm gonna take my steed and I'm gonna distract the patrol, maybe lead them to somewhere else. Gonna probably have to provoke them to chase me. But I'm a slippery fellow, they're not gonna catch me easily." He then began heading away to carry out his plan. "Meanwhile, you all just continue finding that map. I'm coming for that tomorrow, okay?"

With that, Forde was gone and the party could continue digging and desecrating the burial site. The Altissima sisters made bringing up the coffins easy while the rest checked inside them for any maps. Neil, however, noticed something odd.

"Guys, why are all these women?" Indeed, all the opened caskets contained women. Some in female clothing, some in male clothing while most had clothing too ragged to be recognized anymore. "They also seem well-preserved. Like, they just died yesterday." Some of the bodies had decayed to mere bones but most of the dug up coffins contained bodies that seemed fresh.

Suddenly, the woman Neil was checking shot her eyes open. Her arms launched forward and grabbed hold of Neil. "Ah! Guys!" Neil cried for help as the woman attempted to pull him closer to her.

The unearthed coffins burst open, its occupants emerging. They were all women with varying degrees of paleness. Zombies. It appeared the party had awakened an entire graveyard of them, some were even clawing out off the ground. They were quickly growing in number and the party was getting surrounded.

The Zombies shambled after the party. Neil had broken free of his Zombie and yelled. "Guys! Get to the church! We can hole up there!" Another Zombie had unfortunately pounced on him from behind, already kissing his neck in desperate affection. "Ack!"

@PaulHaynek @13org (FYR)

"Oh, me? My name's Kira. And don't mention it. You guys looked like you were in trouble so I- whoa, wait a sec. Did you just say guild?", replied the flygirl, staring at the driver with wide-eyed surprise before turning her gaze toward the long-eared man. "And you're a member? Hey, real quick: Does your guildmaster, by any chance, go by the name of Bart?