The night following their traumatic afternoon had hardly been ideal. Hanta couldn't get rest no matter how hard he tried. Every time he closed his eyes he'd see that boy's face, and Izumo's voice would ring out in his head. He didn't want to be at fault for it, but it was difficult to see it otherwise. Even as the sun had dipped well below the horizon and the moon hung high overhead he remained seated in his bed, staring at the walls silently. The grim images weren't the only things preventing him from getting sleep either. She might be trying to hide it from him, but Komada was clearly under duress too. Every now and again a small sob and whimper was heard, only serving to further ruin his mood. He didn't blame her for it though, only himself. Even if he felt that way it didn't mean his friend shared that opinion, and by the sounds of it she blamed herself. While he might be okay with self-loathing he couldn't well in good conscience let Komada spend the night miserable. What kind of a friend would he be if he left her there to cry herself to sleep?

"You're not weak Komada," Hanta whispered, smiling sadly. "And you'll get stronger. We both will."

He probably didn't have to say anything, but Hanta felt a reassurance was in order. As Komada resumed her crying he dutifully remain at her side, keeping a hand laid on her back to let his presence be known. In all honesty he had no clue how his being there helped, but all that mattered was it did. He may not have been able to help that boy, he reflected, but there was someone right in front of him who he could help. Even if it boiled down to only being able to help his friend he would continue to train, strive to become strong enough to ensure her safety. If in the process he should become strong enough to protect others then just as well, he'd gladly take up that mantle. Someone had to after all, and already he felt obligated to do such a thing. He wasn't going to end up clearing the game, that he was certain of. So what better did he have to do other than help keep players safe? Hanta shook his head, smiling ruefully as he looked down at Komada's now sleeping form. It was too late to be deciding things like that, he'd decide what he'd be doing later. With his friend properly consoled he could finally get some rest, or at the very least try to. Waiting a moment longer to make certain Komada was asleep he slowly lifted his tired frame over to his bed, almost collapsing onto it graciously and crawling into place. His troubled thoughts persisted, but knowing that Komada was sleeping soundly now helped slowly ease him into some much needed rest. 

The sun seemed to rise much too early that morning, yet as always Hanta was prompt in waking up. As always he checked on Komada before anything else, as if having to be reassured she was safe and sound every morning. Seeing that she indeed was perfectly fine he exhaled, raising his arms up over his head in a stretch. Ideally now he'd like to go out and train, get a little more experience before his day with Komada began. That was the plan at any rate, but the sounds outside of a crowd drew him to the windows instead. The procession he then witnessed had him both awestruck and somber, the later mostly due to seeing Izumo far earlier than he'd have liked to after yesterday. It was amazing how quickly people had been mobilized to start clearing the floor, even after one of their own had just died yesterday. Hell, more than one probably died, he only knew of the one boy himself. Despite those nasty scars in their memories these players persisted, going out even though it was dangerous. The word "Clearers" kept coming up in the crowd, and for a moment it confused him. So these were the players who would be taking on the boss then, is that what it meant? That was a very admirable feat to undertake, even if it might be suicidal. 

Well it was set then, he'd try to take part. If not necessarily in clearing the floor then in helping them get as close to it as possible. It was a purpose to train, more than just to keep his friend safe. Once the showing had ended he closed the windows, immediately equipping his gear without a second thought. He then went to Komada's side, giving her a gentle shake to get her up.

"Hey... We've got some training to do, rise and shine sleepy head." he whispered, smiling gently. "Some other players are going to train, and we're going to join them."

Figuring that Komada needed a moment Hanta stepped back, giving his friend space. Per usual she was slow to come to, picking herself up after a moment and collecting herself from her slumber. It was always amusing to see, and he knew full well she had never been an early riser, only making it funnier for him. The humor had to take a back seat as she rose to her feet, bringing up her menu to get dressed as well. Even if one couldn't really see anything when someone changed it was a matter of principle for them. They were friends after all, and even then it was just common courtesy not to look. Smiling knowingly Hanta turned himself around, bringing open his own menu and taking a glance at his money. If they had a good day in the field, he reckoned, he could buy Komada some new armor. So long as she was protected he could fight more freely... Hopefully. At the feeling of a hand clasping his arm he looked away from his inventory, smiling at his friend as she spoke to him. He wasn't quite sure what it was in reply to, but he nodded his head politely, glancing back at his menu and closing it silently. 

"Glad to hear. Ready to go?"
-----

Being among the Clearers gave Hanta a much better view of what he ought to strive for in terms of power. By level alone he was comparable to many of the people here, but what he really lacked was skill. He could fight a basic Wolf or Frenzy boar, even two or possibly even three if necessary. His skills were relatively lacking though, and while he'd never say it his cooperation with Komada made fighting a little difficult. She wasn't bad, but it was difficult not to worry about her while they fought. Even their surprisingly good chemistry when switching against monsters did little to alleviate his nerves, it still meant that she would be in danger. While most of his attention was focused on his friend alone he took the occasional glance at those around them as often as he could. Seeing other skilled players in action was something else, and if he didn't feel the need to train he could easily sit there and watch them work. Everyone was doing exceptionally well, but two sisters had his attention more than anyone else. They were incredible at working together, easily comparable to him and Komada. When he got the chance he'd watch these two girls, trying to pick up on any nuances of switching that could help him and his friend. Hanta was so caught up in their training he scarcely realized how much they were progressing, and by the time it dawned on him they had advanced quite a ways, clearing four new towns for players to call home. That was going to help immensely, as the Town of Beginnings was cramped as it stood. The roads would be clear for a short while, meaning people could finally begin to fan out a bit. It was a very simplistic step towards clearing the game, but by the time that they finished fighting he couldn't help but feel accomplished. 

The Clearers had settled themselves down in the last town to have some lunch as a sort of celebration. It was a tiny little vale that sat in a valley of lush, green grass. Buildings were sparse here, certainly more open than the first town they had seen. It was almost like a village really, with cobble homes and buildings dotting the open, spacious area. It could be a really nice place to live if it weren't so small, and if nearly every home wasn't filled with NPCs. Since there was no real place other than the inn to gather everyone, and so the entire group of some twenty players sat cluttered together inside. Hanta and Komada had found themselves a table by the window, giving them a view of the main road outside. NPCs were hurrying about their business as usual, and children ran around chasing one another, laughing and giggling merrily. In a way, Hanta reflected, he was jealous. To them this was reality, and they were home and safe. To the players this was a prison, and it was doubtful they'd ever be that happy here. No, he was confident that until they returned home this place would always have an unshakable feeling of dread about it.

The two friends sat by waiting for their food to arrive, happily chatting about how well they had done today. Or to be exact Komada talked, Hanta offered a small reply and nod now and again, not quite as ecstatic as his counterpart. Training like that was going to be a normal occurrence for him, so it was honestly not that exciting. If Komada enjoyed it though and so long as she was safe about it he'd certainly bring her along more often, as it did get lonely when doing it alone. Over the sound of people talking Hanta could hear a less than pleasant conversation taking place. By the sounds of it a girl and boy were arguing, though over what he couldn't quite tell. Curiously he lifted his head, looking around to try and find the source of the argument. To his surprise the noise seemed to be coming from one of the twins from earlier, as she was getting into it with some boy from the Clearing group. It really wasn't any of his business, but he didn't like how frustrated the girl seemed to be getting, and the guy looked to be the instigator.

"Tristan, everyone has to pay for their food! No exceptions!" the girl shouted, balling her hands into fists. "And that includes you!"

She wasn't a terribly imposing figure, but she certainly was loud. Dressed in a simple set of plate armor she stood at perhaps five feet and a half, boasting a bright head of blonde hair. From where Hanta sat he could see she also wore a set of iron bracers and shin guards, with leather boots beneath those and matching gloves on her hands. A sword and shield rested on her back, and from earlier he knew full well that she was rather adept with her weapons.

"C'mon, just spot me this once, will you?" Tristan replied, smirking as he put his hands on his hips. "Just do me this favor Hana and I'll pay you back, I swear."

Two boys were with Tristan, and they laughed it up as their friend teased the young girl. Tristan chuckled to himself as he reached out to grab at Hana, instead having his hand swat away from her. Narrowing his eyes he retained the smile, though he didn't seem nearly as amused as before.

"Well... I thought you were cute, but I guess you're just a bitch..." 

Again he raised his hand, this time intending to slap Hana. As soon as his hand was raised though someone grabbed it, and he blinked in surprise before turning to his side to see who it was, noting the sword user in simple leather gear looking at hm.

"Just who the heck are you?"

"I'm a nobody really, but you're a creep. How about backing off and leaving the girl alone? She said she's not giving you money, so find your own. You ought to have some from training anyways." 

Hanta released his grip before a warning about conduct could come up, keeping a stern look on his face. He hated guys like this, they treated girls like crap because they thought they could. It was a pretty big assumption to make so quickly, but he felt it fit this boy perfectly. 

"Oh ho, mister hero is going to tell me what to do?" Tristan asked, grinning as he and his friends turned now onto Hanta. "If I say no then who is going to-"

"Tristan, that's ENOUGH!" 

The shout came from another table, surprisingly from Izumo. The blonde boy was giving Tristan a very nasty stare, and Hanta found himself rather grateful it wasn't directed at him this time. He really didn't know who or what the deal with Izumo was, but after his input the other boy backed off. With one final exchange under his breath Tristan sulked off, heading back to his table with his friends following suit. Relieved that was over Hanta exhaled, turning to go back to the table but instead stopping as his arm was grabbed. Confused he looked over his shoulder, curious to see the girl he'd helped beaming up at him.

"Uh... Yes?" Hanta asked, giving a small, polite smile. As soon as he asked he saw the girl inhale, and braced for what he knew was about to come.

"OhmygoshthankyousomuchforyourhelpwiththosecreepshowcanIthankyou?" Hana exclaimed, not taking a single pause nor breath during her rapid speech.

Hanta only stared at the girl for a second, really not clear on what was just said. Looking back at Komada uncertainly for help he turned back to Hana, biting his lip as he rubbed the back of his head.

"I uh... Didn't catch that?" he asked apologetically. Again the girl beamed, this time getting on her toes and nearly smacking his face with her own as she leaned in.

"Thanks for the help! Those creeps were going to share their table and now we don't have anywhere to sit. Do you have room at your table?" Hana asked, slowing herself down considerably this time. "Oh, my name is Hana, and this..." she paused, grabbing her twin by the hand and pulling her over. "Is Lily? Please can we sit with you? I don't want to stand!"

Hanta was utterly beside himself, giving Hana a clueless look as he tried to process her sporadic speaking. He didn't have a problem with their sitting with him he supposed, but he wasn't the only one at the table. Holding up a finger he backed off a bit, giving Komada a hopeful glance that said "help" all over it.