Jet winced gently as the paralysis crystal took effect – relieving the block that had set between his nervous system and brain. Slowly getting to his feet, shrugging off some of the ache that still lingered between his shoulder blades from the stab, he turned to face the others reaching back to rub the back of his head somewhat embarrassedly. The fact that so many people were giving him praise for standing up to the red-headed monster was a little surprising – he didn’t do all that much more than surprise her with a couple of strikes. As the cloak was placed in his other hand, he glanced down at it curiously – before nodding slowly at the explanation as to why it now belonged to him. The fact that nobody was discussing the point was a little concerning to say the least, but in the end he didn’t mind all that much – knowing that Nero had a better head on his shoulders than Jet himself did. After inspecting it quickly and noting the boost to the DEX stat dependant on its own level, he immediately realised why it was considered powerful. The fast became faster – purely because they were fast. If Rose had gotten her hands on this… He glanced up at the two that disappeared through the portal moments later, swallowing hard. If he had this – he may have a chance against her in the future. 

Alice squeaked slightly in shock at being addressed so firmly, straightening up and acknowledging him as if she were in the army. She blinked dumbly at the boy that stood before her, cocking her head some at his words.
“R-… Really?” she stammered quietly, her blue hues slipping to the floor for a moment in shame. If she were really the person to lead everyone here, wouldn’t that make her responsible for those that perished in the fight just now? It took a moment for her courage to return after these thoughts, turning to face the parties that entered – some already weeping over the loss of their friends. Calling them together, she faced them with a strong expression.
“We lost too many today to call this victory… But it was a step in the right direction! We can beat Rose and her master at their game! We will solidify our defences, strengthen our levels and fight the Bosses one after another until they all lay slain at our boots!” she boomed, revealing that forceful charisma of hers once again. The crowd regained some of their composure, the concept that they must move on each time one of their comrades falls daunting but within reach. The blonde led them up the stairs to the portal, taking the first step herself and appearing within the next town – catching sight of the first two as they rounded a corner. 

The festivities for this floor were probably the largest they’d had since the opening of the second floor. Rumours of Jet’s prowess in combat spread like wildfire amongst the players that were scared of Rose – many of them clinging to the hope that he might slay the monster that takes lives like they’re nothing. But none seemed to realise that it was mere fluke that he’d bested her in a single strike. There was no hope of him winning that duel in the first place – he could sense it. The praise that was loaded on to him each second felt like more and more weight upon each shoulder, forcing him to hunch over a little out of depression. How could he explain his failure to these bright faces?
“Alright, give him some room. He’s here to relax too, y’know. Stop bugging him.” Alice pushed through the crowd, taking his arm and dragging him away for his own benefit – releasing him a block or so away, closer to the markets.

“Thank you, Alice.” He sighed quietly, rubbing a hand through his spiked hair idly.

“Don’t mention it. I’d do it for anyone.” She replied with a wave of her hand, before turning to leave – bumping into Jacob with the movement. Rubbing her nose after having mashed it into his chest, she glanced up at him with a pout.
“Why weren’t you at the boss battle?” she questioned gruffly, crossing her arms.

He smiled gently, before glancing away to hide from her glare.
“I was looking for something, sorry. I’ll definitely be there in the next one.” He reassured her, petting her head as though she were a child – the blonde slapping his hand with a practiced huff. Apparently they did this often. Just as they were about to continue on to another topic, Nero had sprinted up to them – spouting something about Yuna disappearing from sight. The idea was believable, considering how many players were here. Jacob’s expression hardened as he came up with a conclusion immediately, turning and briskly walking away in order to get another man’s attention.
“Fan out and look for a girl being led away by the arm. Hurry!” the male nodded, before giving out orders to others – the small group dashing off to find others with haste. Jacob himself also moved on, going to search for her himself while leaving Alice to deal with Nero.

“Don’t you think she might have just gotten lost?” she blinked at his desperate expression, having never seen him like this before, “Maybe she even went to get some food for you?” She had not heard about the Red guild yet – as people thought she might do something rash if she did, which was probably true.