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The Hunter Association is an organization of the best and brightest humanity has to offer who protect the people, knowledge, culture and the natural world. To become a Hunter, one must pass a test known as the Hunter Exam.

The Hunter Exam is a test that happens once every year, it is known to be one of the most difficult and dangerous test ever conceived.

Back-Breaking Physical tests paired along with Complex and Unconventional mental tests which are all conducted under extreme environmental conditions, which is all done in order to find even one person with the skills to survive the intense physical pressure.

Those who pass the test are shown to be the best warriors and survivalists known to human kind. Passing the exam gives them a Hunter License, proof of their prowess and accomplishments.

This license gives them access to 90% of the entire world, 75%access to restricted places in the world, free use of all public utilities, almost 0 legal consequences for murder and most importantly, A lifetime of wealth and fortune.

However, the morality rate of the Exam known to go as high as 90% with a pass rate of 1 out 10,000 contestants ever passing the Exam every 3 years. Despite this, Thousands upon Tens of thousands of men and women still enter for even the smallest chance at winning the title of Hunter. Whether this be out of insatiable greed, heroic honor or outright desperation.

In the Hunter Exam, the only thing that matters is the need to win and the strength to do it.

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/309thChairman

Intro NEW:

https://youtu.be/FVONNMvF-Ds

Quest Archive:

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=hunter%20x%20hunter%20quest


Character List (Updated):

https://pastebin.com/vrdB2bJg

Combat rules (NEW) :

https://pastebin.com/XqaRwd7j
>>
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>Recap

Dawn breaks on the second day of the Hunter Exam with Derrick and Bradford watching the morning sun rise after a long, bloody night of fighting against a horde of Banshee beasts.

Both warriors were tired and weary after a long, restless night of battle, so it was only natural Derrick suggest that he and Bradford should spend some time resting. However, Bradford adamantly refuses and heads off on his own while Derrick takes a few minutes to rest.

30 minutes later, Derrick finds Bradford hanging from his leg on a tree after being caught in trap set by bandits who used to raid the road for money. After promptly freeing him from the trap, Derrick decides to pressure Bradford into explaining his past to learn what happened to make him so reckless.

Derrick's questioning enrages Bradford and prompts him to suddenly threaten Derrick at gun-point. But Derrick pushes down his fears and confronted him anyway, succeeding in gaining the truth from his volatile ally.

After learning his dark past, Bradford questions Derrick on what he can do for his life, Derrick consoles him and promises him to help him figure that out, but only after he takes him for a drink when they finish the exam.

They decide to press on as they feel the cold winds of a snow storm blows over the horizon.

And so the adventure continues...!
>>
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Bradford takes to the trees in a heavy dash and launches himself high into the air with a strong jump using only his right foot.

He latches onto the branch of the nearest tree with only his fingers and struggles to pull himself up the tree, the pain on his face indicates that jumping off his right foot must have really hurt.

But he grits through the pain and quickly pulls himself up to the branch and speaks, "See! This shit ain't hard! The fuck were you so worried about!?" he shouts, clearly putting on a strong face.

You sigh as you wave him off, "Don't waste time gloating. We have a storm heading our way, just get moving before we end up as extra frosty meat Popsicles." you state.

"Yeah, yeah, just make sure you don't slow me down!" he shouts back dismissively as he leaps off his branch to the next tree, making sure to only pick trees close to the road so he doesn't get lost.

"All that hype and the idiot still hasn't gotten a wink of sleep, I swear if he drops out of a tree I'm just gonna leave his ass behind and hope he knows how to run in snow boots." you whisper to yourself.

With a snow-crunching kick off, you dash and begin following Bradford along the same set of trees. However you keep a steady distance from him as to keep an eye out for any traps, and to make sure the idiot doesn't think you're trying to race him, the last thing you need is for him to find even more reason to speed headfirst into the frosty dirt.
>>
>1 Hour 22 minutes later, 3:22pm.

You feel a constant freezing chill at your neck as you jump from branch to branch, attempting to examine the area ahead of you but failing due to the quickly darkening horizon from the lack of any clear sunlight.

You look up to the dark clouds and see that they've thickened significantly since you've last checked.

But while the approaching storm is a major threat, there's also the problem of the consistently dropping temperature, with the sun hidden from under the clouds, the temperature has been on steady decline and it beginning to pierce through your heat shield.

Maybe you really should have given more thought to skinning that Breater with Bradford. As much as you hate to admit it, Bradford was smart for cutting it's fur off and using it for a coat.

"Yo Derrick! How much further to the hole in the wall!?" Bradford questions as he jumps from tree to tree effortlessly despite his leg injuries.

"The cave ain't far, about half a mile by my estimate!" you answer.

"Good shit! How long before the storm catches up to us!?" he asks.

"I ain't a weatherman, but if the chill on my spine is anything to go off, I'd give it 30 minutes or less before we can't out-run the storm. We don't have much time and if we don't make it, the best we can hope for is that the next set of travelers will enjoy the ice sculptures we leave behind." you joke.

"Will you Knock that shit off man! The last way I want to fucking die is something as boring as just freezing to death, that shit doesn't even involve explosions!" he exclaims.

"You're fine with dropping dead as long as there's an explosion?" you ask.

"Fuck yeah! Who wouldn't want to die in a fiery blaze of glory! Only bitches die quietly!" he answers.

"You have to be the most extravagant dumbass I've ever met, even your death has to be loud and annoying. Hell, I'll bet you'd want your funeral to take place at a strip club with all your mourners playing Blackjack while the priest sings some Andrew W.K song in your name." you joke.

"Damn! How'd ya know! I wrote that shit down on my secret bucketlist! Have you been spying on me?" he asks

You sigh and rub your temples as you fly through the air, "Should I be impressed or annoyed?" you ask.

"What!?" Bradford asks.

"Should I be annoyed that I've still got another 5 days being stuck with your dumbass? Or impressed a dumbass like you has survived this long without any help?" you question.

"...I don't get the question." Bradford states confused.

"Annoyed it is" you answer.
>>
'Hey! What's that supposed to mean!?" He shouts at you.

"It means you need to shut up and stop pestering me. Focus on not screwing up your jumps, one slip and you're bound to bust your back." you state.

"Don't treat me like a dumbass! Course I know that, I've been watching every step I take! There's no way in hell I'd-" Bradford's disregard for your warning catches up to him as he lands on a light sheet of snow on one of the tree branches and slips off and begins to plummet to the ground.

"Oh for the love of-"

However, before you can insult him, he swiftly grabs a branch as he falls down and in an impressive display of agility, Bradford quickly recovers and uses the momentum of his fall to swing himself much higher up into the tree.

The power of his swing causes the branch he swung off to crack and snap and hang off the edge of the tree. He pulls himself unto the much sturdier branch and balances himself before speaking, "Ha! I bet you thought I was about to fall like massive dumbass there right!? Well sorry bastard, I'm not about to pull some shitty slapstick comedy gag when my ass is on the line!" He states triumphantly.

You whistle with genuine awe, "Damn, I thought I'd have to put the shattered remains of your spinal cord back together a second ago but turns out you actually pretty good. Where'd you'd learn that?" you ask.

"It's a trick I learned when I fought your emo friend, he was jumping around like a spider-monkey and doing all this crazy parkour shit. Just copied one his moves to save my ass, better thank him later! Preferably with another fight!" he states proudly.

He learned how to Lache from just watching Noell attack? That takes some impressive level of combat analysis to pull off, when it comes to combat at least, the bastard is a genius, "Nice job! Now how are you going to get down from there?" you ask.

Bradford looks around from his high perch near the top of the tree and begins to look worried, "Well shit. How the fuck am I gonna get down from here!?" He asks.

But when it comes to everything else, you might as well be working with a shotgun-wielding infant, "Hold on a second, I'm coming to get you down!" you shout up to him.

Bradford latches closely to the tree and shouts back, "Hurry the fuck up! I'm scared heights!"

Then don't climb trees, you think to yourself as you hop over to his location.


>Roll 1d100
>DC: 50
>>
Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>2387248
Nice to see you're back
>>
Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>2387248
>>
>>2387252
>>2387262

Glad to be back. Waiting on third roll before writing.
>>
>>2387252
>>2387262

Looks like I'll have to post a bit more for attention.

>Rolled 82
>Writing
>>
>>2387396
Yeah not a lot of people in these threads. Unfortunately there's only 2 people following you on twitter me & some Asian chick who probably followed you because you follow a bunch of hentai posters lol.
>>
You cross the distance between you and Bradford quickly and carefully, making sure not to make the same mistake he did.

You quickly land on the tree next his and begin to scan it for the quickest route to the top, but that's when you notice something. You hear the sound of the branch Bradford snapped peels off the bark and falls to the earth.

A usually unnoteworthy event that you quickly pull your eyes away from until you hear another sound when the branch lands on the ground.

Tink!

"Huh?" you blurt out, stopping dead in your tracks as you stare at the area the branch landed.

"What's taking you so long you useless bastard! If you don't hurry I'm gonna get vertigo and I'll be sure to hurl the first volley of vomit your way!" Bradford threatens.

"Shut the hell up for a second! Something's strange..." you look suspiciously at the ground.

Tick!Click!Click!Click!

The sounds of rusted gears slowly clicking together immediately alerts you to threat at hand. You waste no time hopping as far back as possible while shouting, "BRADFORD! JUMP!" Before retreating.

"Huh!? Are you crazy!? I can't-"

"JUST JUMP NOW!!" you cut him off his whimpering with a warning shout.

"Why are you fucking pain-"

Click!Click!Click!-BOOM

Your warning registers a tick too late as loud explosion rings out from the base of the tree. "What the fuck!?" Bradford shouts, as the tree he sits on begins to burn and buckle from the weight of the explosion.

You can only watch in awe as the flame devours the burnt remains of the center of the tree and causes the tree to topple over with Bradford still holding onto to the top.

"OH SHIT OH SHIT OH SHIT OH SHIT!!" Bradford screams as he falls down with the collapsing tree. However, before he's crushed by the overwhelming weight of the tree, he jumps into the air moments before landing.

He lands in on his left side in a fortunately rock-free area, but even then you can see him grip painfully at his side.
>>
>>2387537
Well good thing we took the trees
>>
The air reeks of ammonia and gunpowder. an unfamiliar smell, yet still one you can recognize
"Landmines. An old dynamite blend at that, the bandits must have planted these things to blow the wheels off cars and derail convoys." You state.

The dynamite flame sticks to the fallen tree like a bad rash, curling against the bark and slowly spreading it's way across the wood that's tall enough to cover the entire road and completely block off the path from the ground.

Bradford fortunately fell off the tree in the direction you were heading in, not so fortunately however is that his fall really knocked the wind out of him, he clearly struggles to move as he pulls himself out of the blackened snow.

"Hey dumbass! You alright!?" you shout down to him.

He looks over to you and grins angrily, "I feel like a million and 1 bucks ya blonde bastard! Which is great, because I'm damn sure that's how much it will take to fix my broken ribs!" he answers.

"Well if you got enough spite in ya to spit then you're still good! Are you still good to climb!?" you ask.

"Oh! I don't fucking know! How about you come down and listen to the screaming pain in my fucking side! I'm pretty sure it can tell you whether I'm good to climb or not!" Bradford asks.

"Well sorry for asking! If it's any consolation, at least you can say you froze to death, after an explosion, that's not nearly as boring is it!" you shout sarcastically.

Bradford looks pissed at your joke at first, before his frown quickly turns into smile, "I've never wanted to fight someone as badly as you in my entire life Derrick! Even if we die out here, I'll be sure to find your ass hell, so laugh it up now, I'll be sure to laugh harder later." he promises as he starts limping down the path.

"Don't worry about that, I'll laugh plenty. After all, Journeying with you is already hell." you state.
>>
>>2387748
I love their dynamic. They act like an old married couple even though they've been teamed up for less than a day
>>
Banter aside, this situation is really bad, you're still fine in the trees, but there's no way Bradford's gonna make it out alive without some kind of way to detect and disarm any additional traps, especially the landmines.

The land is thick with snow which hides any ground traps perfectly from vision, which means you'll have rely on your other senses to detect these traps.

And all the while, you'll have to be careful of any traps on your end while also ensuring you make to the shelter in under 30 minutes if you want to avoid the snowstorm which will kill the both of you.

As you feel the freezing winds and likeliness of death close in on you, you reach into your duffle bag and grab two things.

First is your ranger's bow that hasn't seen use since that chase back in the Moonlight forest and the second is your journal that you have yet to update.

You grab your pen and quickly write, "Day 2, regretting my decision to take the quick way more and more by the minute. I've been attacked screaming monsters, I've been threatened at gun-point by my screaming friend, my skin is screaming for warmth and I feel like screaming for help but I don't because I know only screaming madmen would answer." you note.

"If anyone sane finds my corpse next to this journal, please find a pair of idiots called Ami and Sheldon and tell them they were actually right. This was an absolutely terrible idea and I take back all the mean things I said about you two, both in-front and behind your backs. Also, sorry about the train Sheldon." You jot down.

"If you can't find them, just look for the nearest crowd of cringing people, they won't be far behind." you add as you finish.

You then close the journal and arm your bow. Closing your eyes, you decide to rely on your sense of...

What will you do?

>Hearing: You'll have to be fast to use this , but you're sure to hear anything before it sets off!

>Smell: The wind is blocking out most smells, but you should be able to detect most explosives with your nose.
>>
>>2387854
>>Hearing: You'll have to be fast to use this , but you're sure to hear anything before it sets off!
>>
>>2387863

>Use your ears, not your eyes.

>Writing
>>
>>2387854
>Hearing: You'll have to be fast to use this , but you're sure to hear anything before it sets off!
The adrenaline from having to run for our lives will only help us get to the cave faster
>>
You decide that using your ears is the best way to detect the traps, but how will you hear traps buried under snow?

An amazing idea pops into your head as you call out to Bradford who has recovered enough to tread slowly across the thick snow, taking each step as if he were walking on a thin sheet of ice, "Hey Bradford! Stop moving for a second and look around! Do you see anything you can throw near ya!?" you exclaim

Bradford immediately stops and begins to look around without taking any unnecessary steps, 'Ah!" he gasps as he notices a scattered set of sticks near the flaming pile of wood that used to be a tree.

He waddles over slowly as he picks up as many of the sticks as possible before returning to his original position, he then looks up to you and speaks, "You use a bow!? Didn't see that coming!" He exclaims.

"Why the hell would that be surprising!? did you expect me to come down and punch the landmines or something?" you ask.

"Would you be mad if said yes!?" he exclaims.

"No, I'd just be curious as to what kind of dumbass you think I am to pull that kind of crap." you counter.

"Well sorry man! After seeing you punch a Breater in the face, I kinda just thought any weapon that required skill would be out of your league! You can handle that thing right!?" he asks.

"Yeah? I also thought you'd never have the brains to be able to grab a stick and throw it to hear the noise it makes! But I'm trusting you do that right now aren't I! Are your sure you can handle that thing!?" you counter.

"...If we get caught in the snow storm, I bet the first that will freeze off is your mouth considering how long it is! I mean, by this point, it must be longer than your dic-"

"Just get moving already or my first arrow will aiming for your mouth!" you cut off his vulgar statement.

"Sure thing long-lips!" he answers as he tosses the sticks in the air.

>Roll 1d100+5
>DC:65
>>
Rolled 89 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2388009
>>
Rolled 71 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2388009
Not much point in rolling now but here I go
>>
>>2388034
>>2388056
>>2387262
>>2387252
Wow all rolls tonight have passed the DC so far m-maybe the dice gods have come to like us
>>
>>2388034
>>2388056

>Rolled 94
>So you can throw a stick!
>>
With that final insult, Bradford tosses a stick into the air and as the stick flies off, you focus your eardrums, attempting to take in any and all sounds you can.

Tuft!

The first stick lands a few meters ahead, directly in-front of Bradford with the sound of snow being kicked up from the impact, but nothing metal or otherwise get's hit. Bradford then waits a moment before taking a few steps forward and throwing another stick.

Tuft

For the next few minutes, you only hear the sound of snow being kicked up from the throwing of sticks, every time the sound gets too far away, you jump to the next tree and focus again.

After a while you begin to feel like the first mine may have been a fluke and that if you keep taking this slow and careful approach you're just gonna get eaten by the snowstorm.

Bradford steps have gotten faster as he realized the chances of him exploding have lessen somewhat. At that point, you're just about to put the bow away and start jumping faster to save time...

Tink!

When a familiar sounds rings out ahead of Bradford as he tosses another stick, you react immediately, "Bradford! Jump back!" you exclaim as you draw back your bowstrings.

Bradford hops back in a straight line as you let loose an arrow aimed at where the stick is protruding.

Your arrow flies clean and true despite the strong winds and pierces through the snow and triggers the explosive.

BOOOOOM

Another ground-shaking explosion rings out as a torrent of flame bursts from under the snow. The stench of raw ammonia nearly burns your nose off as you cover your face from falling snow caused by the explosion.

Once again, a small crater of soot and ash cover the snow, giving you a grave reminder of what you and Bradford will look like if you screw any of these shots up.

"Fucking hell! I really hope the Hunter Association pays out just as much money as they put wasting they're applicants before they can apply for the job!" Bradford complains.

"Are you really thinking about getting paid right now!? You'd be better off thinking about how many of those we have left till we get to the cave!" you counter.

"I'm not just talking about raw cash, I mean like fringe benefits! The nice stuff, cars, a good room-temperature office, maybe a small ambulance worth in emergency medical supplies! You know, the good things in life!" Bradford explains.

"You won't need medical supplies as long as you don't screw up, and be careful, landmines might not be the only thing we have to worry about!" you explain.

"Are you saying they added even more traps!? Seriously how much free time did these fucker's have!?" Bradford questions.

"Enough to shut down an entire merchant city! now get moving!" You exclaim as you close your eyes again.
>>
Bradford begins to step forward carefully as he speaks, "Sure man, But I don't think they have anymore tricks up their sleeves! What else could they be packin'? "

"The danger of a trap is based on the creativity and nature of the creator! Some basic traps like pitfalls and landmines are something any old psychopath with a few screws loose and a hammer to nail them back with can make-up on the spot! A really dangerous trapper is someone so fucked in the head that you could never even dream of what they might make up!" you explain as you hop to the next tree.

"Well We're dealing with a bunch of almost century year bandits! What's the worst they could come up with-"

Bradford goes silent mid-sentence despite not having found a landmine, You open your eyes momentarily and see Bradford's frozen in place. You look to his ankle and see something thin and white stopping it.

CREAKKKKKKK

It's then that you hear the sound similar to a tree falling but more controlled. The leaves of the tree opposite to yours leaves begin to rustle rapidly as something falls from behind them and reveals the nature of the kind of psychopaths you're dealing with.

A thick log falls from the nearby tree, hanging itself off a short-length of weak-looking rope as it swings down to smash into Bradford's flank. The massive weight and girth of the tree trunk makes it whistle like a cannon as it breaks through air at frightening speed.

Bradford's reflexes kick-in immediately, as he ducks and dodge rolls away from the falling trunk. However, that leaves the crashing log to fly right in your direction as it arcs upwards and causes the ropes holding it to snap apart and toss the enormous trunk into the air at even faster speeds.

You leap from the tree and onto the ground as the log spins into the tree you were perched on and completely destroys it under it's power.

You land cleanly in the snow with a roll and end up a few meters away from Bradford as he looks at you with a mix of worry and awe, "...So you're sure we won't be needing those medical supplies?" he asks.

"Shut up." you answer plainly.
>>
I'll continue posting around mid-day tomorrow. For now goodnight anons.
>>
>>2388266
Goodnight thanks for running
>>
Got a bit of work to do, I'll start posting in about 2 hours.
>>
Sorry to be late!


>Writing.
>>
You groan heavily as you rub your temples and speak, "How golden. Looks like I can't get back to the trees now either, who knows how many of those death logs are hiding in these trees." you state.

"Don't feel bad now! That's just the way it goes with life! Sometimes it throws you a bone! Other times, a spinning death log! That's why you just have to roll with the flow!" Bradford consoles.

"Except it feels like life just wants me to roll over and die. Shit like this reduces my life-span, heart can't take the abuse." you admit.

"Don't worry about that, if you step on a landmine, you won't have much a heart left anyway!" Bradford exclaims.

You can't tell if he's trying to piss you off or actually make you feel better, either way, you feel it's better if you just press on with the matter at hand, you pull out your map and speak,

"We're still a few kilometers away from the cave, it will take a good 10 minute dash to reach our objective. How many sticks you got left?" you ask.

"Sorry! All out! All of 'em went flying with the death log! Also kinda lost track of the path I was walking when I dodged away!" He explains.

"Glorious. Not that we had time to pull the stick trick anyway, but it would have been nice to have some way to check for traps while we moved." you state.

"Man, by this point, I think it'd be better if we just said fuck this death road and just booked it through the forest! Why can't we just do that!?" Bradford questions.

"Good idea, if you want to run head-first into beast's nest. The forest itself is even more of a deathtrap than this road. Not to mention it's a longer distance through the forest then with the road." you explain.

"But it's still landmine free right!? And just because it's the longer way doesn't mean we're not fast enough to just jump the distance with speed!" Bradford counters.

You want to say that's a terrible idea, but every path looking like a terrible idea at the moment. No matter which way you pick, you'll have to rush head-first into danger and hope you can just out-run it afterwards.

So if you're gonna get screwed either way, might as well...

What will you do?

>Run down the road

>Jump off the road and into the forest
>>
>>2390624
>>Run down the road
>>
>>2390624
>Run down the road
We should just get to that cave and get that much needed rest asap before we encounter another monster
>>
>>2390639
>>2390656

>Running for your life
>Writing
>>
"You know what, I think I'd take a landmine to the face over another Banshee horde any day of the week. Let's make a run down the road." You state.

Bradford gives you a confused look, "Did that log hit you while I wasn't looking and knock the screws right outta your head? You're telling me we should run headfirst into a fucking minefield?" he asks

"No. I'm telling you we should make a mad dash to the cave before we run out of time and options. Each mine takes a few second to set off thanks to their mechanisms being a little rusty, and we can dodge the death logs. It's like you said, we just have to be fast enough." You explain.

"Let me correct myself, your screws were already loose before we got here." he states.

"Extreme situations call for extreme answers and that doesn't sound like a no." you state as you ready your dash stance.

"Who said I didn't want to dash into an active minefield? I was just asking if you were crazy enough to try it." Bradford responds.

"Just shut up and give me your best Olympic dash, If you're fast enough, I'll be the one to cook dinner tonight." you state.

Bradford takes his dashing stance and speaks, "Race a friend through an active minefield for food in 10 minutes. What do you know? another check off my bucket list."

>Roll1d100
>DC:75
>>
Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>2390787
>>
Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>2390787
>>
>>2390791
>>2390793

I'm feeling absolutely terrible, I'll take these rolls tomorrow. Very sorry anons, I'm heading to bed early.
>>
>>2390822
It's fine get some rest so you can give us some text dumps tomorrow
>>
>>2390839
Oh don't worry anon, as soon as I get home, It will be a text storm. You won't know what hit you. but for now goodnight.
>>
>>2390841
Lol can't wait thanks for running (even though it was only 2 posts)
>>
Okay no screwing around this time. Taking 30 minutes to eat and when I come back, shit gets real.
>>
>Rolled 85

https://youtu.be/H8ag7DLWIlI

With a strong kick-off, you and Bradford take to the road in a beeline dash. Focusing on pure speed over direction and strategy, you discard any sense of self-preservation as you simply dash forward.

As your snow boots dig and stomp over the snow, you feel your foot come in contact with a metallic object underneath.

Tick!Click!Click!-

You hear the delayed sounds of the landmine's firing mechanism clicking into place. You feel an acute sense of fear run over you for a moment, before you push it down and jump forward with all the strength in your legs.

BOOM

Another explosion rings out meters behind you. You avoid the flesh melting flame of the blast but the violent force of the blast hits you from behind and sends you careening to the ground. But a swift rolling recovery saves you from eating a small freezer's worth in snow and dirt.

But just as you recover, you see Bradford trip over next to you on another wire.

CREAKKKKK

A log as large as your upper body falls in an arc to your right, you think of dodging but very quickly realize that doing so would only lead to Bradford being the one to get splattered on the nearest tree.

So instead of ducking away, you stand up and jump back as you draw your bow-string back with an arrow swiftly notched back. You launch the precise missile in the direction of the arcing rope and succeed in cutting it just before the log reaches the point of up swing.

The death log gets sent flying to the ground where it digs a long burrow as it slides across the dirt. Bradford jumps the sliding log before it knocks him off his feet and continues to dash.

You follow suit as you notch back another in case and loo over to see Bradford's excited face, "Holy fucking shit! This feels like a shitty action movie set! We should do this kinda thing more often!" He shouts.

"If you wanna go rocket-jumping landmines and hugging rolling logs, go right ahead! Just make sure to bring your own shovel because I ain't gonna be there to bury you this time!" you exclaim.

"Don't be such a stiff! You love this don't ya!" Bradford states.

"Hell no! This is-"

As you speak, a hole opens up underneath you causing you to fall into a deep pit. You look down to see a pit of old, rusted spikes, but just before you hit the bottom Bradford pulls you out of the hole and throws you up into the air.

He then proceeds to walk forward and trigger another tripwire, but just as the log begins to fall you're already releasing your bow-string and sending it sliding through the snow again.

You land as the log smashes into another tree and look back to Bradford as he smiles at you, "You were saying?" he asks.

"...Okay, this is a little fun. But a little fun isn't worth dying over!" you exclaim.

"Then don't fucking die! Get running!" He exclaims as he starts dashing again.
>>
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You feel the soft but freezing touch of something hit your shoulder and reach over to feel snow lining it. You then look up to see multiple flakes of snow beginning to rain down from the sky as the wind begins to really pick up.

Fortunately for you, at the same time you catch the mouth of the cave in the distance, you look back to Bradford and speak, "Look to your left! The cave is just ahead!" you point out.

"What!? Fun's already over!? Oh man! How about we just say screw the cave and race our way to the end goal!" Bradford suggests.

"Oh sure! Go right on ahead and try that! I'll just catch a breather in that nice cave over there while you get a head-start! Don't worry, I'll be right there to dig your scattered bodyparts right out of the snow!"

"Well, If you're gonna offer so nicely, Maybe I should just-"

"Get in the damn cave before I bury you myself!" You cut off Bradford's joke as you turn off the road and begin to rush off into the cave entrance.

"It was only a fucking joke!" He shouts as he turns with you.

You finally slow down as you walk enter the cave and feel the temperature begin to rise again. While certainly not being any warmer then outside, at least you won't have to worry about cold winds and snow breaking through your heat shield.

You begin to slow walk deeper into the cave as Bradford quickly follows after you, "Well we got to the damn cave, what do we do?" he asks as he catches up to you.

"We set-up camp and eat. Also, you're cooking since I got here first." you explain.

"What!? Fuck! I got so caught up in the explosions that I forgot we were racing! Well I don't have anything to cook anyway, so you're shit outta luck." He states.

"Don't worry, I have rations and pot to prepare them with." you state as you find a comfortable place to sit down.

"What the fuck? Where'd you get rations?" he asks.

"Brought them with me just in-case I got stuck out in some remote place where it'd be hard to hunt or gather food. Got enough of them to last 3 days." A half-lie, even you weren't that prepared. But you aren't allowed to tell him where you actually got these rations from.

"Rations? Smart. But I've never eaten a ration before. What the fuck do they taste like?" He asks.

"Ever eaten 5-day old canned beef?" you question.

"Yeah. it was my favorite dish back when I was kid. Why?" He asks.

"Well this tastes like 10-day canned beef that's been stuffed into a plastic wrap and left on the road. Now get what little of the firewood you have left. Because it's dinnertime." You state as you pull the ration cans out of your dufflebag.
>>
>1 hour later, 4:53pm.

The heavy winds have become furious gusts as the snowstorm takes full effect outside. The sky has turned pitch black with storm clouds, making it appear as dark as night from outside the cave.

With what remained of the firewood you gathered on the first day, you've lit a small fire that barely lights the inside of the cave as you and Bradford sit on opposite sides of the cave while eating rations.

You make it half-way through your can before you decide to put it down instead of trying to choke down half-rotten, cold meat, a full stomach will only make you sluggish anyway.

You look to Bradford who's staring at the fire with longing eyes. "Thinking about what you've lost? That's just gonna bring down your mood and make your reactions slow." you say bluntly.

"Nope. Just wondering if this much firewood can outlast that storm outside. It'd probably suck to lose our only heat source while it's this fucking cold." Bradford explains.

He's probably lying, but he's not wrong, looking at your temperature regulator, you can see that it's reached sub-zero temperatures now. The only reason you're not a shivering mess is because your heat-shield has been compensating for you.

"Don't worry, I'd give this mess another 2 hours before it calms down and we can get moving again. The fire should be able to last that long." you state.

"Well that's fucking grand. How am I supposed to wait for 2 fucking hours till this damn storm calms down?" He asks.

"Well sleep's always an option. You haven't tried that yet." you answer.

"Great fucking plan. And while I'm nodding off, what are you going to do? You can't expect to do the same while you're dressed like that right? You'll get hypothermia." Bradford counters.

He's only saying that because he doesn't know about the heat-shield, but even still, in this cold, sleeping is not option for you since there's no telling if the snowstorms winds might leak deeper into the cave and start to freeze you in your sleep.

"Don't worry, I'm hot-blooded. You can just head to bed while I keep watch." you answer.

"Knock off the bullshit Derrick. I ain't going to bed while you freeze your balls off. You know what, I've got an idea." He states as he stands up and walks over to your side.

He then sits down beside you and you begin to get worried, "The hell? What are you doing?" you ask.

Instead of speaking, Bradford just opens up his cloak of Breater skin and gestures for you to come closer.

"Um, you can't be serious?" you ask.

"Oh but I am. It's this, or you stay up for 2 hours and freeze to death." Bradford states.

What do you say?

>What the hell brought this own? Has the cold messed with your brain?

>It's rare for you to be nice, might as well make use of it.

>Seriously it's okay, you can go to bed without me.
>>
>>2393445
>What the hell brought this own? Has the cold messed with your brain?
And if he's really insistent on this
>It's rare for you to be nice, might as well make use of it.
He probably won't go to bed and get some much needed sleep unless we do plus it's best not to discourage this behavior if we plan to survive through this we're gonna have to work together
>>
>>2393530

>Writing
>>
"The hell is this? The cold hasn't frozen your brain right? This doesn't feel like something you'd do without at least some degree of brain damage." You ask.

"Saying shit like that will make sure this never happens again you know? Which is good, because this is never happening again." He answers.

"Yeah, but I'm asking why the hell it's happening in the first place. You were half-way to shoving a shotgun down my throat just a few hours ago and now you're sharing you coat with me? Just feels a bit strange." you state.

"Well that's the thing. This whole time, me and you have been kinda up and down haven't we? Back on the train, you were just some preachy asshole who looked like he had no bite to back up his bark." He states.

"What about now?" you ask.

"You're still a preachy asshole, but at least you've got balls of steel to make up for it." Bradford says with a grin.

"Thanks, but that still doesn't answer my question. Why are you doing this?"

"Consider it me paying you back for those words of wisedom. Throughout all my long years of kicking ass and fucking around, people usually have the same reaction after they meet me." He starts.

"They think, 'This is one crazy motherfucker, better not get on his bad side if I want a quiet life'. And while they weren't wrong, it mean't that any man that didn't want to kick my ass, was kissing it. They were all too scared to say anything they really thought about me." He states.

"But then I meet you and now I've been getting nothing but piping hot truth spewed at me for the last few days. You spout whatever the fuck you feel without even a thought for my feelings." he explains.

"That's just called being honest. It ain't that hard." you counter.

"Yeah, but being honest to a man that can shoot you at the drop of hat? Now that takes skill. Skill you have in spades Derrick." He returns.

"Don't get me wrong, I still think you're crazy motherfucker. I've just been dealing with crazy motherfuckers all my life so you don't scare me is all." You admit.

"Well that's all I want." Bradford says with a wry grin.

"There's my answer. So you gonna get in the fucking cloak or not? It's cold as hell to hold this thing up." He asks.

"Well, since this is the only time you'll do it, why not take advantage of it?" You answer as you slide closer sit right beside Bradford.

He then closes his cloak which covers the better part of your upper body, leaving only your legs and head open to the cold. A very warm and snugly feeling envelops you as thick fur of the Breater and Bradford's body warmth cover you.

The Bradford quickly closes his eyes and seems to fall asleep without much trouble with you near.

It takes you a few minutes of looking at the dark ceiling and staring down the dark passage of the cave further down wondering what might be deeper within this cave.

But that thought fades away as quickly as conscious when your tiredness finally catches up to you. You find yourself falling into a dreamless sleep.
>>
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>1 hour 34 minutes later, 5:34 pm.

HOWELLLLLLLLLL

You and Bradford wake up from a sudden noise ringing through the cave. before you even open your eyes, you jump from the warmth of the cloak and take a defensive stance.

Bradford scrambles for his shotgun as he rises up to defend himself, "What the fuck?" he says in a slow drawl.

You open your eyes and find yourself almost saying the same thing. The entire cave has been covered in a thick, mist-like fog. You can't tell left from right, up from down which way the fog is leaking in from.

"What the fuck is all this? Is this snow from outside or something?" Bradford asks.

"No, this gas is too vapory and thick to be snow. Also, it doesn't feel cold, in fact, it feels a little warm in here now." You analyse.

"Yeah, now that you mention. I'm actually feeling the heat a little. The fuck? Is the snow storm over?" He asks as he begins to walk forward a little, shotgun poised at the ready.

You listen out and still hear the winds raging outside, you begin to walk forward as well, facing the opposite direction of Bradford, "Nah, the storm's still raging. Do see anything deeper in the cave?" you ask.

"No. Do you? Because I don't know which way deeper into the cave versus which way is out." Bradford answers.

"Well that's comforting. Well, let's just grab the walls and-"

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

You go quiet as you stare into the fog in-front of you. At first, you don't see anything but more fog deeper in, but then the fog suddenly takes shape and begins to move.

The form of a wolf lurks within the fog, it's fur seems to warp and blend into the fog as it walks in a circle around you, keeping a long but watchful distance away from you.
>>
Sorry about the slow posting. I'm in the middle of watching a movie with a friend, So i'm going to take a quick break and be right back.
>>
And I'm back.

>Writing
>>
"Hey Bradford, do you see that?" You ask without turning away from the strange creature.

"Oh I fucking see them alright. There's are about 3 of them wandering on my side, do you have any idea what the hell these things are?" He asks.

"Nope, I honestly think I'm still dreaming, most of these things kinda look like floating smoke to me. And I can only count 1." You state as you rub your eyes.

"You see this shit. This is why I hate heading to bed, you close your eyes for one fucking second and fucking smoke monsters starting closing in on your ass." Bradford states.

"Don't give me that garbage again. It may not have been much sleep, but you're feeling pretty awake now right?" You ask.

"Yeah, I'm awake enough to see that was a terrible fucking idea. As much as I love random fights, I'm a little low on party favors at the moment. So even I think it would be better if we got the fuck out before shit gets real." Bradford states.

"Never thought I'd see the day where you suggest we run away. But even so, we can't go outside, so we could only run deeper into the cave if we escape. That would be an even worse idea." You explain.

"Why? Don't you have a map of where this cave leads?" Bradford asks.

"Oh I have a map alright and it tells me that this place has an additional entrance that will take us further down the mountain." You state.

"That sounds fucking great! Why didn't we start walking earlier?" Bradford asks.

"Cuz the map is also useless in this place. It has no cave overlay, just the layout of the forest and road and the landmarks around it. One of which is this cave's entrance and exit. But that's about it." you answer.

"Well some hope is better than no hope anyways! At least now we have an escape route! Let's get fucking moving!" Bradford exclaims.

That might be the best move right now, you're fighting an unknown enemy with a very strange physiology while on low ammo and terrible environmental condition. But at the same time, you would only need to fight for little under an hour before the storm cleared up and gives you a chance to escape through that way.

What do you do?

>Stay and fight the wolves

>Escape into the caves
>>
>>2394327
>>Stay and fight the wolves
>>
>>2394341

>Fight till the end.
>Writing.
>>
You look to the strange wolves as the begin to encircle around you, you can't count their numbers and the environment is a tight space.

If you had to guess, deeper in this place is a chamber that would have given you more room but would more then likely lead to the heart of these beast nest or gotten you lost in the cave making you lose more time.

Thinking of it from that angle, there's only once choice, "We stay and fight!" you exclaim as you pull your glove on tight.

"So in the end fighting's what you want? Not that I'm complaining, but these things aren't Banshees you know? They might not be as squishy or stupid as they are." Bradford states.

He's right, they've been keeping their distance this whole time, watching your every movement, sizing you up for any weakpoints. These aren't blood-thirsty animals like the Banshees. They're a pack of organised hunters who've spotted possible prey.

"You're right, that intelligence makes them much more dangerous than those Banshees. But at the same time, it also makes them less ferocious, they're cautious, they won't attack until we will, that's why they didn't kill us in our sleep. They're afraid, that gives us an opening." You explain.

"Are you sure we're not the scared ones? Maybe they just woke us up to fuck with us a little before killing us?" Bradford questions.

"Are you scared of them? And doesn't them fucking with us make you want to fight them more?" you question in turn.

"Of fucking course not! Who the hell would be scared of a bunch of clouds of fucking smoke, what are they going to do!? give me lung cancer!? And if they're fucking with us, then it's time we showed them who the fuck they're dealing with!" Bradford exclaims as he pumps his shotgun and aims at strange creatures.

They immediately stop circling and take a combat pose, bringing their fore legs down and hind legs up, readying themselves to jump forward.

What will do?

>Exploit their fear, allow Bradford to fire and and use their reaction as a chance to attack them.

>Stay on the defensive, save the ammo, let them come to you.
>>
>>2394453
>>Exploit their fear, allow Bradford to fire and use their reaction as a chance to attack them.
>>
>>2394453
>Exploit their fear, allow Bradford to fire and and use their reaction as a chance to attack them.
See if we can scare them away with this assault if not then we can try to save some ammo
>>
>>2394453
Also question time how far is the cave percentage wise from the goal
>>
>>2394792
>>2394879
>>2394881

>Question.

If you actually made it through it, it would save you about 2 days worth of walking, if you get lost though, there's a chance you won't ever come back out.

>>2395330

Um, is this a meme I don't get? Or is this mean't for another thread? I don't really understand what this is saying.

Anyway, the thread restarts in 30 mins and looks like the fear option wins.
>>
Okay let's do this.

>Roll1d100+5
>DC:65
>>
Rolled 13 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2395789
>>
Rolled 56 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2395840
I'll just re-roll now
>>
>>2395840
>>2395880

Unless you're willing to wait for a third, I'm just going to take these rolls.
>>
Rolled 76 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2396038
I'll roll.
>>
>>2396049
Based secret lurker anon
>>
>>2396049
Nice one sir.

>Rolled 81
>Writing
>>
As Bradford takes aim, you set your sights on the beasts in front of you, watching it's every movement, not allowing it to sneak out your field of vision.

BANG

The roaring sound of a 12-gauge buck shot exploding out the barrel creates a loud sound that travels through the cave as the bullets lash out. You don't see what happens to the beasts he aims at, but you do see the wolves in front of you jump back.

Without wasting even a second, you reflexively launch yourself with in the direction of the creature, flying like a bullet with your fist at the ready. As you close the distance, you thrust your fist forward, aiming for the creatures underbelly.

You expect to send the beast flying into the cave wall, but instead of feeling the solid impact of punching flesh and bone, your punch seems to phase through the beast, making it feel like your hand is swiping through air.

Your fist seems to warp and disappear as it goes through the beast, which proceeds to fade away in a puff of smoke. Surprise and confusion stop you from moving for a moment,as you stop, you see something jump at you from the corner of your eye.

Another fog creature opens it ghastly, pale mouth as it bares it razor sharp fangs, looking to bite down on your neck. You throw your upper body backwards as you narrowly avoid being bitten and jump back and land against Bradford's back.

"Hey Derrick! Did you see that shit!? These fucking things just-"

"Disappeared as soon as you hit'em? Yeah, just happened to me too. These aren't regular beasts, there's something special about them." you finish Bradford's statement.

"Special? Special how?" Bradford asks.

"From the looks of it, this fog is creating some hallucinogenic effect on us. The wolves we're seeing are probably illusions created by that which is why they look and feel like air." You guess.

"You mean this creepy ass fog is getting us high!? How the fuck Am I supposed to fight something when I can't even tell if it's real or not!?" Bradford questions.

"We'll just have to figure it out as we go. We still can still win this. Trust m-"

STOMP, STOMP, STOMP
>>
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Just before you can finish your statement, a series of powerful noises approach rapidly from behind you. You and Bradford turn your heads to face the strange sounds.

At first, you see nothing as the fog encompass your field of vision, but then, within the white of the fog, a strange pattern of red peers it way through and begins to come closer.

"Ummmm, is it me? Or is the fog just really fucking my shit up? Because I can swear I'm seeing some red eyes over there." Bradford questions worriedly.

"Well both of us must be really high. Because I see'em too." You answer.

Suddenly, the wolves that were hiding within the fog come rushing out, 12 fog wolves come running in your direction. You and Bradford immediately take a fighting stance, but as soon as the wolves reach you, they dash past you and head as far away as possible.

It's then that the fog begins to clear, and the pattern of red begins to gain shape and form, one most terrifying as well. When the fog clears completely, what you see is clearly the true monster within this cave.

COARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

With a guttural bellow, a harrowing mound of muscle and iron-like flesh comes stomping into vision. Crunching any stone under the weight of it's enormous feet, the giant closes in on your and Bradford, it's long and thick legs reaching your position in a few short strides.

You feel your arms fall to your side as the beast looks down upon you, you barely listen as Bradford speaks, "...Yo Derrick. You think that things might be illusion too?" he asks.

As the question leaves his mouth, the giant leans over and meets you both with it's bug-like face. Opening it disgusting, worm-like mouth, filled with row after row of teeth, reaching all the way down into it's throat, the beasts breathes out a thick stream of steam which reeks of meat and death.

"Oh. I wish this was just an illusion." you answer as you stare into it's deep red eyes.

And once you do, a feeling similar to the one you had as you fought against the Apex predator hits you again. A fear like no other, it's the feeling standing in the middle of a truck's headlights as it speeds down the highway, the feeling of looking certain death in the eyes.

"Hey Derrick. What's the plan here? How are we supposed get outta this alive." Bradford asks.

"Oh, that one's easy. Just use your legs." you answer.

"What? like kick it?" he questions.

After that question you turn around and begin to dash like a bat fresh out of hell, "Yeah! Kick the dirt! Now get those legs moving Bradford!" You say as you run in the opposite direction.

"Great plan! Don't have to tell me twice!" Bradford shouts as he runs away with you.

>Roll1D100
>DC:60
>>
Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>2396338
>>
Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>2396338
>>
Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>2396338
>>
>>2396352
>>2396353
>>2396363

>Rolled 70
>Writing
>>
>>2396363
Holy shit that was close
>>
https://youtu.be/UDTGFaC9SZA

You dash with the force of a man on a mission, that mission being stay alive no matter what. The monstrous beast reacts quickly and gives chase, it's body surprisingly fast considering it's overwhelming size.

Bradford doesn't slouch behind as he catches up to you and speaks, "You know, ever since I met you, I feel the only thing I've been doing is running away. I thought you told me running away was gonna get me killed earlier?" Bradford jokes.

"You're right. But here's the thing, running away from emotional trauma doesn't help one bit. But running away from physical trauma? Now that's an idea I can get behind." You explain.

"You're just lucky that I've only got 12 shots left, If i was full on ammo, I would've have given that bitch my one-two special!" Bradford exclaims.

"Yeah? Then what? When that thing just shrugs off your shots, it would make you crushed you into 3-4 pieces!" You counter.

"Who says that thing can just brush off shotgun shells!? I bet if I hit it in just the right spot I can knock it's ass flat!" He counters.

"Why not try it then? If you can pull it off I'll join you." You suggest.

"You bet your ass I will!" Bradford exclaims as he drops his legs into a slide that brings him to into a crouching position and bring his shotgun up to face the rushing monster.

He aims his shotgun at the beasts legs where a small opening in it's armor presents itself, with a bloodthirsty grin, Bradford fires his buckshot with fearless confidence.

"Eat shit!" Bradford exclaims as his bullets fly forward, encompassing the whole corridor, but concentrating toward the beast's opening in it's carapace.

But as the beast sees the bullets fly forward it quickly throws it's upper body to the floor using it's massive arms to throw it forward like a gorilla. The bullets ricochet off the creatures massive shoulders and fly against the cave walls, one bullet almost hits Bradford before he rolls out of way and begins running away again.

When he catches back up to you, you see much of his fearless confidence melt off as you give him a wry stare, "So? You still wanna give that beast your one-two?" you question.

"Give me 5-6 minutes to get back to you on that! For now let's just high-tail it!" He answers.

You both keep on running as the beasts get closer and faster with each passing second, soon enough, you see the cave's entrance come into view.

"Wait a fucking second! Isn't the storm still raging outside! How the fuck are we gonna deal with that!?" Bradford asks.

"For once, I've got no idea! We'll figure something out along the way, just keep running and maybe the heat of your legs will keep you from freezing to death!" you answer.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me!" Bradford shouts as you both jump from out of the cave and into the hellish snow storm outside.
>>
You and Bradford cover your eyes as you hop from the cave and rush back to the road.

Your entire body nearly comes to a stop as a wave of incomparable cold washes over your body.

The snow has nearly doubled in thickness, making even your snow boots struggle to push through the snow, slowing you and Bradford down considerable as you attempt to escape.

You look back to the beast as it follows you out to the storm, it slows down as the cold catches it openings in it's armor and the flying snow blinds it momentarily. Thankfully, this causes the beast to stop and fall back to the safety of it's cave.

"W-well would you look at that! T-The big bitch can't handle a little cold!" Bradford's words catch in his throat slightly as the cold begins to make him shiver.

"S-Shut the hell up! Y-Your taunts M-Might bring it back!" The shivering also gets to you as your heat shield practically collapses under the power of the storm.

This has to be worst possible ending, you probably should've have realized that all that noise would have attracted more beasts to attack you. But was this really avoidable? for a good while now, it's felt you've had no real options that wouldn't lead to more pain.

It's the only the second day and the first test, Sheldon and Ami called this an elimination round, so I guess there's no forgiving or saving you for choosing the most dangerous route. That makes you also wonder how the others are doing.

Etheline, Noell, Flourette, Vanilla and Rea. They all chose much longer but more reasonable paths. They're not safe, but certainly safer then you are right now.

Etheline and Vanilla went the long way, but with enough tech and grit they should be fine. Noell and Flourette went through the caverns, but with their skill their's nothing that can stop them.

And Rea went...wait, where did Rea go? You didn't even see her in the crowd, much less the path she headed.

You can't tell if she's friend or foe anymore, but even now you worry for her, which way could she have gone?

"H-Hey Derrick! T-The fuck are you S-Spacing out for!? Y-You mind telling me which way W-We're going!?" Bradford breaks you from your thoughts.

"S-Shit! Sorry!" you apologize as you shake your head to clear yourself of any unnecessary thoughts, you need to worry about yourself before you worry over the others.

You pull out your map and start looking for a safe route as you speak, "W-Well, the map say that-"

But before you can find anything, the map goes flying out of your shivering hands.
>>
"O-Oh this has to be a fucking j-joke" You jumble out as you bring your freezing hands to your face.

"W-What is it!? W-What the fuck does the m-map s-say!?" Bradford asks.

"The map j-just went f-flying to who knows where! Unless y-you have a m-map, I-I think you should j-just keep r-running for now!" You exclaim.

"Don't g-give me t-that b-bullshit! A-Are you telling me we're s-shit out of luck!?" Bradford asks.

"H-Here's the t-thing Bradford. I-I'm starting to t-think we never had a-any luck to b-begin with." you answer.

"Y-You can't be s-serious." You can hear as the hope in his voice begins to fade.

"D-Don't give up! E-Even if we have no l-luck, or no h-hope! We can still survive! We j-just can't g-give up!" You proclaim as you find new strength to run.

You hear Bradford sigh behind you, "Y-You know, as much as I give you shit for p-preaching. Sometimes, you can say s-some really f-fucking inspiring things. I really like that about you. Makes me w-wanna keep going. Keep on fighting." Bradford says.

"Well that's the point! Now run!" you state as you push on ahead. But as you push on ahead you suddenly start to feel familiar warmth envelope you again despite the raging storm.

HOWELLLLLLL

The sound of a howl rings out once again as something rushes at you from the corner of your eye. You see the figure of those strange ghost wolves once again, you attempt to dodge away, but the cold causes your reaction to come a little too slow, making your arms stay at your side and your legs stay on the ground.

You feel like death is certain, until you fall forward to the ground, the feeling of a strong push knocking you away.

You get up from the thick snow and see Bradford on the ground, wrestling with the beast that mean't to attack you. It bites down on the stock of his shotgun as he struggles to push it away.

You see more and more of the strange wolves rushing at you from behind, looking to take a shot at you while you were unprepared.

They waste no time taking advantage of your surprise and begin jumping at you all at once. However before they can reach you, Bradford kicks off the wolf on top of him and rushes in front of you.
>>
>>2396943
Being Derrick is suffering
>>
I'll have to hold off for an hour or 2. My Brother's birthday is today and I'm going out to celebrate.

Be back soon anons.
>>
>>2397054
Wow sounds like you've had a busy week
>>
>>2397172

You have no idea anon. It seems I've recently caught a terrible disease that causes me to waste time doing things other then running my quest.

I believe the doctors call it, a 'social life', it's like cancer, I just can't get rid of it.

Well no matter.

>Writing
>>
>>2397748
I-I'm so sorry for you
>>
With a powerful shoulder charge, Bradford sends you sliding across the snow, meters away from himself, but while the charge was powerful, it was clearly not meant to do any harm as you don't even hit the ground before you recover.

You rise to your feet and watch as the wolves bring their fangs down upon Bradford's body. Their teeth dig into his abdomen and both his shoulders as 4 different beasts drive their knife-like teeth into his flesh.

The pain he feels must be unbearable not to mention the weight of 4 different large wolves must go well over 100 pounds. But even so, Bradford does not fall down, he stomps his foot deep into the snow and continues to stand despite the pain clearly getting to him.

"N-Now that's better! These bastards m-may look like gas but their actually pretty furry! Makes them feel nice and warm when they latch on this!" Bradford jokes as he fights through the pain to speak.

"You dumbass! You can't be joking around when you're one bite from an early grave! The hell did you do that for!?" you question.

"What are you fucking blind? I'm giving your ass a second chance. Now I'm gonna ask you this once. Run away without me." He states as he looks at you with a strange smile.

"I thought you were done with this suicidal bullshit! I ain't leaving you to die!" You exclaim as you come closer.

"Don't come any closer!" Bradford shouts, stopping your approach.


"These fuckers just want a bite to eat, So I'm gonna give them the best meals of their lives! Don't worry! I ain't gonna drop dead here! I'm just telling you to go on without me for now! I'll catch up soon!" Bradford explains.

"You'll catch up soon? Don't give me that crap! I can't go without you! You'll die out here!" You state.

"Just who the fuck do you think you're talking to! You really think I'll die to couple of drug mutts!? I'm just taking a second to enjoy the high before I bring these fuckers down from cloud nine! You don't need to think about me! Just get running, you've got people waiting for you that you need to get back to." Bradford counters.

"Huh!?" you shout.

"Don't you dare fucking forget! You've got too many people waiting to see you at the bottom! That pink-haired tech nerd! Those dumbass twins! That emo bastard! That sexy red-head you macked with!" Bradford begins to list all the people you know.

"They're all waiting to see you! Even if I die, I've got nobody left for me! Not anymore! So it doesn't matter if I drop dead! Hell, I might as well been dead till I met you, Derrick!" Bradford declares with a glowing smile.

You look aghast at the smiling Bradford, his white suit being dyed a shade of deep red from his own blood sinking into his suit as the wolves dig deeper into his flesh.

"You can't wait around for a dumbass like me any longer! You gotta run! You gotta live!" Bradford states.

What will you do?

>Turn away and run

>rush forward to save him
>>
>>2397873
>rush forward to save him
>>
>>2397873
>rush forward to save him
I doubt Derrick wants to pass the exam like this and Brad is stupid if he thinks we won't care if he dies after the hell we've been through together plus. Also he still can't die until he gets revenge on those mafia bastards
>>
>>2397925
Also the fight. NEVER FORGET ABOUT THE FIGHT
>>
>>2397900
>>2397925
>>2397933

>Save the dumbass
>Writing
>>
You clench your fist as you begin to move forward, "You complete fucking idiot! You can't expect me to walk off without you beside me! Don't say dumb crap like you have no one left! I care about you! What about our fight! What about your revenge! Idiots like you shouldn't be dying heroic deaths while they still have things to do." you state.

As he hears your words, you can swear you see a moment of wavering in Bradford's eyes but then he closes them and speaks, "Oh for fuck's sake. You really do know how to make a man wanna to live. You always manage to say the sweetest shit to me. I really...like that about you." He says with shaking hands.

"And because I like that about you. I can't let you go fucking yourself over cuz of an asshole like me..." Suddenly his shaking hands stop and grab at his shotgun.

Without a moment's hesitation, he brings up his shotgun and points it at you.

BANG

A flash of shotgun fire rings out in front of you, nearly blowing you off your feet and causing you to jump back.

"What are you doing you dumbass!?" you shout.

Bradford steps forward with stern stomp and speaks, "I'M TELLING YOU THAT YOU NEED TO GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE ALREADY!" He shouts with a voice twice as loud as his normal one.

You recoil from shock as he continues to point his weapon at you, "I told you already retard! I ain't going to die! I was just telling you that even if I die! I wouldn't have nearly as many people missing me as you do! You're the idiot who needs to quit trying to be a hero!" Bradford counters.

"This isn't a heroic sacrifice! You just so happened to be in the way as I was trying to line up a shot to kill one of these bastards! So quit digging your own grave and run! You're making me waste bullets!" He exclaims.

For a moment, you hesitate. You hear the words he's saying, but you just can't see him escaping this alive. You want to move forward and save him but he's adamant about making you run away.

As you stand around, the beast Bradford knocked away comes running up behind him and snaps it's jaw down on his left foot.

"Oh fuck! It just had to be the injured one!" He exclaims as he struggles to keep his footing, but even now he keeps his shotgun poised at you, not allowing you to move forward.

"What the fuck are you standing around for! If I have to tell you to run one more time, the next shot won't miss!" He states.

You close your eyes, half-ready to cry as you get overwhelmed with sadness.

"Derrick!" Bradford suddenly shouts.

You look over with wet eyes. The bloody, half-broken frame of Bradford is completely overshadowed as he flashes you a confident smile without even the slightest shred of fear or pain.

"Just fucking trust me." He says nonchalantly.

With those words, you nod your head as you turn around and run away.
>>
https://youtu.be/-Is2KILzWeU

You run with all the force in your legs, wiping away your tears as you run forward without looking back.

"Finally that preachy asshole listens to me for once." Bradford whispers to himself.

"Well, I said all that good shit, might as well keep my fucking promise! Sorry to ruin your fun fuckers, but-" He cuts himself off by using one hands to grab the wolf biting down on his leg and prying it's jaw off him with his iron grip.

He then tosses the wolf away by the mouth and fires at it with his shotgun.

BANG

Instead of fading away into smoke, the beast gets blown away from the shotgun fire and dies before it even has a chance to whimper.

The other beasts see the death of it's ally and loosen their jaws slightly from surprise. Bradford takes that chance to throw the remainder of them off his body, sending them all off with a heavy shake of his upper body.

The beast jump away from him as soon as they land and look upon him as he begins to laugh to himself like a madman.

He pumps the fore-end of his shotgun and continues speaking, " I've still got 8 shots left and all my life to live. So come get me you fucking mongrels. I'm gonna give you one hell of a lights show." He says with a grin.

chic-chicBANG,BANG,BANG-

You hear the sound of gunfire in the distance, but you ignore it as it fades away as you make distance between you and your friend.

You run without without even thinking of turning back. Because if you do, you're sure you won't be able to run anymore.
>>
>15 minutes later, ???pm.

Your dash slows to a crawl as all the energy in your body fades with the freezing wind. You've long last track of the time or the place your at, The flurries of ice blew them all away in their fury.

You walk without aim or thought through the thick snow. You've can't find the old road since the visibility is too low for you to see anything that isn't a few meters in front of you.

Your temperature regulator has been covered in so much snow that you can't read it anymore, but you're sure that it must far below sub-zero temperatures considering you can't feel your arms and legs anymore.

You don't even feel a numb sense of pain treading through the flying ice, you just feel tired, extremely tired. You know what this means, hypothermia is setting in, your mind is going into cold sleep in an attempt to give you a peaceful death as your heart freezes in your sleep.

Many forensic experts would say that this is the most painless ways to die. You don't struggle, your senses die off before you do and any extra wounds you have are sealed off by ice. But that's a load of crap, there's no such thing as a painless death. After all, you're feeling the pain of leaving those you've come to love behind.

It's a pain so intense that you can't even compare it to any of the pain you've felt before hand. However, that same pain drives you forward.

You can't die here, you're not allowed to. You haven't done what you need to yet. You have to fight the urge to sleep, as long as you don't sleep, you can keep walking!

>Roll1d100
>DC: 75
>>
Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>2398273
>>
Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>2398273
>>
Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>2398321
Reroll
>>
Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>2398273
Gee golly I hope I don't crit fail
>>
>>2398307
>>2398321
>>2398352

Well, at least it wasn't a crit-failure, that would have killed you.

>>2398357
You need to be faster on the trigger there anon.

>Rolled 64
>Writing
>>
>>2398357
>>2398307
>>2398321
>>2398352
Noooo, I hope this isn't a death roll. I don't want this quest to end
>>
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You press forward, fighting through the urge to sleep. You force your eye-lids open with all the force of will you can muster.

You run the faces of those you care for in your mind again and again. Never allowing them to escape your mind for a moment. They almost seem to come to life as their visages enter your mind.

You remember Nubes worried but trusting face as he poured you a glass of water and told you he was waiting for you to come back. You tighten your fist as you feel the gloves Etheline made for you on your hands.

You think of all the ways you're gonna make fun of Noell when you see him and Flourette after you get out. And you can't help but see the image of Rea, who you wish was still here to guide you, maybe she could have prevented you from even getting in this mess in the first place.

As you walk forward with only surviving in mind, you see a figure in the come to view in the distance. You can't make out their face, you can't even tell if it's a man or a woman.

"Who...? is that you Bradford? Am I hallucinating again?" You question.

"Derrick..." A woman's voice reaches your ears from the figure.

Suddenly, the figure takes shape in the distance and you see blonde locks fly about in the wind. Your jaw drops as you begin to recognize who you're seeing.

"Mom...? Is that you...Mom?" you ask.

"Derrick..." She calls out to you again.

"Now I know I'm about to die, after all, you're dead Mom, so there's no way that's you. But even if I'm about to die, I wanted to see again so bad Mom. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry that I let you die." You begin to apologize feverishly as the beautiful face of your mother comes into view.

You pace weakly, nearly toppling over as you run up to her to hug her. Despite your weak steps, it takes you no time at all to wrap your arms around your mother with all love and time you've lost with her.

"I love you. I missed you so much. I love you so, so much." you whisper as you bury yourself in her Bosom.

"Derrick..." you hear whisper to your ear.

"Yes, what is it Mom?" You ask.

"Derrick...I appreciate the passion for which you have after seeing me. But I'm not your mother. And please stop sticking your head in my chest, it's creepy." She answers.

"Wait. What?" You remove yourself from your mother's chest and rub your eyes to see it's not your mother at all.

"Is that you...Rea?" you question.

"The better question would be, 'Did i just say I'm in love with you and motorboat you after not seeing you for so long?' Mr.Derrick." she answers.

"That smartass attitude...it is you..." You drawl as you begin to lose consciousness.

"Yes Derrick. This isn't a dream, you are really wrapping your arms around me. I'd also like you to stop doing that by the way, your arms are very cold." She states.

You smile at her blatant disregard for your safety, "Rea...Tell me...When did you dye your hair back?" You ask just before you fall to the snow.
>>
Stopping for the night. See you in the morning anons.
>>
>>2398602
good shit QM can't wait to see more
>>
And so it begins.

>Writing
>>
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Light. You see a light in the distance. It holds it shape within a dimension of black, one you believe you've seen before.

The light draws you closer, it shows you the way to move forward and past the infinite nothing that surrounds you. With no other direction to go, it's only obvious you would walk towards that brilliant shining light.

As you move forward, the light begins to lose it's massive glow and takes the shape of a white door, stairs begin to form under your feet as you draw ever closer.

Despite these physic-defying events taking place around you, you don't react to them at all, as the door has completely captured your attention.

It takes you no time at all to reach the top of the stairwell and in front of the strange white door. The door has no knob, so you would think that would mean that you're being barred from entry. However, that is incorrect.

You're not being barred, you're being Invited. Someone waits for you beyond this door, you don't how you know that, but you just know that someone is waiting for you to knock on this door and open it for you.

But that also means you have the chance to turn back, there's no telling what's beyond this door. It could be the gates of heaven or the doorway straight to hell.

You can't remember what you were doing before now, but you know it was important. What was it again...?

"I can answer that question friend." A familiar voice rings out from behind the door.

"You do have the choice of simply returning by turning around now. but I would be truly joyous if you took a moment to talk to me. You need only knock and I shall answer." He states.

"Is that..." you begin to search your memories for who's voice it is that calls out to you.

"Please friend. We do not have much time at all. I only wish to have a short chat. So please do not make me wait. Make your decision now, walk away? Or knock upon my door?" The voice shows slight impatience.

You feel a feverish haze overcome you as the soothing voice entices you to walk through the door.

"So, what will you do?" He questions.

>Walk away

>Knock on the door
>>
>>2399722
>Knock on the door
>>
>>2399722
Knock on the door
>>
>>2399722
>>Knock on the door
>>
>>2399760
>>2399764
>>2399805

>Knocking on heaven's door
>Writing
>>
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The voice is mystic and familiar it sinks into the deeper section of your brain and soothes you more then anything else. This feeling, this place. You been here and now you remember who it is who's talking to you.

Without a second more of hesitation, you knock on the door. You deliver a series of 3 raps on the door before backing away.

The door opens slowly as a happy giggle escapes from it, "How delightful. I was beginning to fear that you might have forgotten me all already my first and dearest friend. Please. Come in. There is something that I must discuss with you." The voice calls you inside as the door opens completely.

A light, less bright than before, but bright enough to blind you, pours from the opened door and makes you cover your eyes as you step through. And once you head inside, what you notice is...

https://youtu.be/X5Sg0WGy9YA

The beautiful sound of a piano solo ringing out. You bring your hand from your eye as the peaceful scenery of classy cafe comes into view.

You stand for a moment as you get lost in the sudden change in environment. The room smells of freshly severed coffee and breakfast meals. Although there are no patrons, you see can pictures and mementos lining the walls and the ceiling.

You look around for where the beautiful song is coming from and see a jukebox, not unlike the one you had back in the bar, playing the song from the corner.

You can swear you've heard this song once before. You walk over to the jukebox in hopes of remembering the name of the song playing.

"Truly relaxing isn't it?" A voice questions from behind you.

You turn back to see a set of tables and booths lining a wall covered in windows. Strangely enough, no light shines through the window, making it appear to be nighttime.

You look to one of the Booths, and find a person looking outside the dark window and into the sky.

Your eyes widen as that person turns to face, and the person you see is...

None other than yourself.

(continued)
>>
Yes, it's your face. you feel as if you've turned around to stare into a mirror. And in that mirror, you see yourself smugly staring back.

However, you do spot two differences. Firstly, is that this other you doesn't wear your typical bouncer uniform. But instead he adorns himself in a long coat with a black undershirt and long back pants and black gloves.

In-fact, his whole motif might as well be 'pitch black' as even his hair black, unlike yours. The second major difference is that a tattoo lines his neck.

The tattoo depicts a glowing white angel with a skull for a face descending from heaven, blade and shield with a holy cross on it in hand and pitch black devil rising from the depths of hell with a long pitchfork coming to meet the angel.

He giggles at the confusion on your face as he speaks, "Are you curious about that music playing from that jukebox? It's familiar to you isn't it." The other you states using your own voice.

"What?" you ask.

"Yes, it is familiar to you because you've played it yourself a number of times before and heard it even more. It was the first song the man you love like a Father had taught you when you first started working at that bar."

"'Danny boy' is it's name, an exquisite piece written back in 1962 that is often played in night establishments like bars and cafes. Though you wouldn't hear it often these days, most have abandoned playing such fancy music in favor of exciting faster songs, not there's anything wrong with that, it's just disappointing not to hear such a good song played more often." He explains.

"...Who are you?" you ask.

He giggles once again, "Ah, I see that it really has been too long since we met my friend. I am not surprised you don't recognize me, this place and myself have changed quite greatly during your absence." He answers.

"That doesn't answer my question." you state.

"Now, now. No need to be impatient. I said we would talk now wouldn't we? Take a sit beside me will you." The other you asks.

You give him a confused look, but quickly comply as you sit down on the other side of the booth.

"It has truly been awhile my friend. I'm sure you've had a great number of adventures while you were gone. I would to hear of them all, but first it seems you have a question for me." He states.

"Yeah, it's the one you didn't answer. Who are you exactly?" you ask.

"Oh, how heart-rending. To think we've been apart so long that you can't even remember me. However, it is fine, it seems re-inductions are in order." The other you states.

He stands up and bows to you with inhuman grace and skill and speaks, "I am the one who lurks within the void that exists between people's soul. A being incomplete, who exists for reasons even unbeknownst to himself. The voice in the void." He describes himself with his head down.

"Though, I more commonly known to you as Genesis. It nice to meet for the second time, Derrick Holums." He states as he bring his head back up.
>>
Your eyes widen as the memories of what this place is and who you're talking to comes rushing back to you, "Genesis? You mean that fancy voice I heard back in that empty void?"

"None other. Though as you can see, I'm no longer simply a sound resounding from the emptiness of space. I've gained a flesh, though it would be more accurate to say you gave me flesh my dearest friend." He states as he sits back down.

"I gave you flesh? The hell does that mean?" you ask.

"A good question. But not the one you should be asking. My new appearance is of little importance to you. What you should be asking is how it is you've ended up within this space again." He states.

"How I ended up here?" You question.

"Yes. Have you forgotten that as well? This is not a place living beings can enter of their own free will, they must be drawn here. This land is not one of the afterlife, but it also isn't one of the living either." he explains.

"It is a place where only those who are incomplete in some fashion have the right to enter and just as before my friend, you've entered this place because you've found yourself in a place where your life has ended, yet your life-force has yet to fade. Lying in-between life and death, you have become something that does not compute with reality have been sent here until you are corrected." He finishes.

You lean your head back and put your palms to your face as you sigh, "Yep, looks like I screwed up again. I wasn't strong enough and I lost another friend and ended failing once more. Seriously, I have the no luck." You state.

"That's where I have to disagree with you my friend. You do have luck, a great amount of it in-fact. So much so that I would even believe that lady luck herself must have fallen madly in love with you." Genesis counters.

"You can't be serious? If i was lucky, I wouldn't be here, talking to you would I?" You state.

"Well, it hurts me to hear that you think encountering me is a misfortune, but that's where you're wrong. The fact that you've come here a second time means that you have wrestled the razor edge of death twice in a row and will live to tell the once again." He explains.

"But I wouldn't be wrestling razors if I was stronger. It feels like I'm seriously out of my league, everything too strong for me to overcome. Even if do come back to life, will anything change?" you question.

"That's strangely pessimistic coming from someone as strong willed as you. I hope doesn't mean you're giving up?" He question in turn.

"Of course not. I'm just feeling a little hopeless is all." you answer.

"In that case , how about I alleviate your feelings of pessimism and melancholy?" He asks.

"Huh?" you sound out.

"It's good you feel weak, because you are." Genesis states.

"Oh man. thanks for the confidence boost there." You say in an annoyed tone.

"No, no, no my friend. I'm not insulting you. I'm informing you that in your current state, you are weak, very weak. However, it will not stay this way."
>>
You lean forward unto the table in front of you, "What does that mean?" you asks.

"You have potential, potential so great that no man or woman in this existence could possibly compare to you. You have a power that you've gained since birth that can allow you to stand above all things in creation." He explains.

"What the hell? You make it sound like I'm a god or something." You state.

"Well, calling you a God would have to be a personal choice, but if you wish to compare yourself to an all-powerful being, you wouldn't be too far off." Genesis says with a smile.

"Mind explaining what that means?" you ask.

"Well before I do that. I have some questions of my own that I would like to ask you. However since you're guest in this place, I'll allow you to ask your own questions first. I only ask that you save that one for last." He explains.

"Really?" you question in an annoyed tone.

"Well if that displeases you, we can just skip to the main topic of discussion. Or how about a comprise? We use the same system we used to question each other last time. You ask me a question and get an honest answer and you do the same for me? Would that be alright with you?" He politely inquires.

"Well, it worked fine last time. Might as well do it this time to." you answer.

"Oh fantastic! Of course you'll be going first!" He states, giddy as a schoolgirl gossiping with her friends.

"So? What will you ask?" Genesis questions.

>What happened to you while I was gone?

>What happened to this place, it looks completely different?

>How did you know about me playing that piano tune? Have you looked into my past?

>You know what, nevermind. Just get to the main topic.

>...I can't decide, you ask first.

[one question permitted]
>>
>>2400198
>>What happened to you while I was gone?
I've been lurking a little GR, and I like what I'm seeing. Never was lucky to catch a live thread till now though.
>>
>>2400198
>What happened to you while I was gone?
>>
>>2400203
>>2400213

>Why do you look like me?
>Writing
>>
"So, what the happened to you while I was gone. You look...different." You ask.

"What you mean to ask is, 'Why does that creepy voice suddenly have my face?' How hurtful, I'm not creepy. Am i?" Genesis says in a pseudo-sad tone.

"Well, you have to admit it's a bit weird that you had no body before, but now you gone and copied me and taken my face. I have a right to be a little creeped out." you counter.

"That's where you're wrong my friend. I may have taken your face, however, I have not copied you. I couldn't copy you even if I tried, your own design is too complete for me take for myself." He states.

"What? That makes no sense. You took my face but you haven't copied me? Are you screwing with me right now?" you question.

"Now that's insulting. I don't 'screw around when it comes to my friends. If you need further explanation It would be more accurate to say I've been inspired by you." He explains.

"Inspired?"

"Yes, You're the only being I know aside from myself, so I decided to model myself in your image. That is why, even though we share the same face and voice, everything else is different about us. My clothes, hair, eye color and even height are quite different than yours." He points out.

"I can't say that wrong, but even so, did you have to take my face and voice? It's weird to talk to you and hear my own voice talking back to me. Why didn't you change that?" you question.

"Well, that's more because of my own selfish desire. You see, I've come to admire you Derrick." Genesis states.

"Admire?"

"Yes! The way you look and speak entertained me greatly, so I took on your face and voice as a show of admiration. I believe they have a saying in your world that goes Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I do hope I'm flattering you." He answers with a genuine smile.

"Oh this is making me feel something alright. Couldn't tell you if it was flattery though." you state.

"Hm? Well I hope that means it's a good feeling!" Genesis says in a slightly confused tone.
>>
"Now for my question to you. Tell me Derrick Holums. What is strength to you?" Genesis questions.

"What is strength? That should be pretty obvious. Do you really have to ask me?" You ask.

"No. It isn't obvious at all. Every living being has there own definition of strength. Most would say that fighting ability is what makes strength, but I have to disagree, in a battle, your prowess in combat is not the only deciding factor. If that was the case, then every person who valued intelligence would stomped below the iron boots of those who valued strength and the world would be led by war-mongering fools." Genesis counters.

"But that's not the case is it? Many times, it is the intelligent that stomp upon the strong. But isn't just intelligence either, sometimes it who is fleetest of foot, other times it is those who toughest of body and most of the time, it is those who are the strongest of will. At least, that's what I think." Genesis explains.

"That so? Well then in that case I would see why you're asking me. But why do you want to know?" you ask.

"You said earlier that if you were 'stronger' you wouldn't have lost your new friend. We going to be discussing your potential anyway, so allow me to ask you. What makes a person strong?" He answers.

"What makes a person strong? Let's see..." you trail off as you think?

What do you say?

>Raw power: The more skill and muscle a person has, the less likely they'll lose and the more capable they are of protecting others. In the end overwhelming power is what makes a fighter.

>Willpower: Death comes to those who can't outlast pain and suffering, to those who give up easy and can't stand back up after they get knocked down. In the end, the ability to withstand and endure damage is what makes a fighter.

>Intelligence: Any man or woman can punch or take a punch in return. The people who stand on top? The people who always in in the end? Those are people who are strong in mind as well as body. In the end, the ability to problem-solve and out-think others is what makes a fighter.

>(Write-in)
>>
>>2400527
>Willpower: Death comes to those who can't outlast pain and suffering, to those who give up easy and can't stand back up after they get knocked down. In the end, the ability to withstand and endure damage is what makes a fighter.
All 3 are really important but without the will to use your "strength" they become meaningless
>>
>>2400527
>>2400544
This
>>
>>2400544
>>2400573

Your choice is made.
>Writing
>>
"You're right about that last part Genesis. The one with the strongest will is almost always the winner." You state.

"Oh? What makes you say that?" He asks.

"Well, it's kinda like what you said. Fighting ability isn't the only to win a battle, anyone can throw a good punch, but it takes willpower to stand up to an even stronger punch." You start.

"hm?" he sounds as leans in to listen.

"All my battles have up to now have taught me one thing. You can be strong as hell, but someone shut the lights off on ya and stab you in the back and kill ya before you can even fight back. You can have a good head on your shoulders, but if someone doesn't want hear you being a smartass or give you a chance to think, it wouldn't even take a second for that head to go flying." You continue.

"But you wanna know makes sure you survive that when you get stabbed in the dark or have no time think? Willpower. Because only someone with a strong will can stand up after being stabbed and keep going or tough it out till the chance to use their head comes round again."

"Ohhhhhh. I see, so the ability to withstand is what makes a person strong. I see. I can understand why you say that. After all, the friend you lost seemed to be embodiment of willpower himself, beaten to hell and back and yet he never stopped fighting." Genesis states in a contemplative voice as he closes his eyes to think.

"Although, that same friend also was thrown a
terrible hand by fate thanks to that same willpower. He lost everything due to his refusal to give up his pursuit of excitement and may have died for you because of it as well. When you look at that friend, see how he has suffered for standing up again and again, do you truly think of him as strong?" He questions.

>Yes I do

>His case was different

>Don't ask me two questions
>>
>>2400728
>Don't ask me two questions
But if you must know
>Yes I do
>>
>>2400753

>Writing
>>
"Don't ask me two questions. You can't sneak that by me." You state.

"Ah you're right, a terrible habit of mine. I'm just so curious most of the time and you come by so rarely that I can't help but attempt to draw as much info as I can about you." Genesis explains.

"But even so, could you give me an answer?" He asks.

"Sure. Of course I do. That dumbass was vulgar, annoying, violent, loud and got on my nerves every time he spoke. But damn was he strong. He's so strong that I put my faith in him to come back alive even when it looked like he had no way of getting out alive. Why? Because someone with an iron will like his would never die so easily." You answer.

"hmmmmmm..." he begins to think over your words.

After a good minute , his thinking face becomes a smiling one as he speaks again, "You make the most splendid arguments my friend. That too is something I admire of you. Now then do you have any other questions for me?" He asks.

>What happened to this place, it looks completely different?

>How did you know about me playing that piano tune? Have you looked into my past?

>Let's get to the main topic.

>What's with that tattoo on your neck?

>(Write-in)
>>
>>2400872
>How did you know about me playing that piano tune? Have you looked into my past?
Can we ask 2 question because we answered 2 of his? If so ask
>What's with that tattoo on your neck?
before the piano one.
>>
>>2400905

Yes you can ask two questions, that why I didn't tell you to post 1.
>>
>>2400905

>Pianos and tattoos
>Writing.
>>
"I'm just gonna ask two more questions because I answered both of yours, it's only fair." you state.

"Of course. I don't mind that at all. I was just about to tell you we're beginning to run low on time, so these next set of questions will have to be the final ones." Genesis informs.

"We're running out of time? Oh! you mean Rea right? So she's the one pulling me out this time." You guess.

"Correct, soon you shall be pulled from this incomplete world and return to your own to continue on your adventure. So let's finish up." He explains.

"Got it. First, what's with that tattoo?" you ask.

"Tattoo? Oh, you mean this art lining my neck. Actually, I was hoping to ask you the same question." Genesis states.

"What? You wanted to ask me about your own tattoo?"

"Yes, because I thought this was your tattoo." He answers.

"What? I've never had any tattoos done in my life. In Yorknew, the Mafia identified themselves using tattoos to show which family they're from. Maxwell told me that if you got one, people would starting thinking you've joined one of'em and that just brings you a world of trouble." You answer.

"Is that so? I thought this art might have been something you had in the past that you must have gotten rid of recently. Because I certainly didn't mean for it to be there." He states.

"You didn't mean for it to be there? You mean when you did whatever crazy-ass voodoo you used to give yourself a body, that tattoo was just there when you finished?"

"Yes. That's exactly it. When I used your body as a base, I intended to model myself in your image, so I used a variety of things I found in your history to build myself up from scratch. And once I completed myself, I found this strange drawing lining my neck and assumed that it must have been something you adorned back in your early years, or something valuable to you." He answers.

"Well you're wrong. I've never seen those tats before in my life, not on anyone I know either. Do you at least know what they mean?" you question.

"If I couldn't even track their origin, how am I to know what they represent?" Genesis poses a rhetorical question.

"But if I had to guess....I think these tattoos might be representing your destiny." He states.

"My destiny?"

"Yes, do you believe in destiny?" He questions.

"Well, I can't say for sure their isn't some heavenly hand guiding my every action. But I want to say Destiny isn't real."

"Why is that?"

"Because if my actions aren't even my own, what's the point of living? Would you like it if all of your questions were written down for you and you were forced to ask them whether you like it or not?" You state.

"You're right. I would detest that. But even so, I do believe that this tattoo is a prophecy of sorts."

"What kind of prophecy?"

"One that predicts your fate, that tells the end of your story. Do you remember what I told you of this place? That you were painted black?"
>>
"Yeah, something about my soul being stunted and my growth being hindered or some crap. Not that I know what any of that means." You state.

"Well I believe that this strange black creature represents you, and that you are destined to fight this strange white creature." He explains.

"You mean I'm the black devil and I'm supposed to fight some kind of angel? Are you saying I'm demon or something?" You ask.

"Well, you aren't a demon in a literal sense. But you could also become something close to a devil with the power you harbor, it is possible that you could be the angel in the tattoo. Maybe you could be both. I'm only guessing your the black devil because of your essence." He states.

"What? What the hell does any of that mean? You said all of that like I'm just supposed to get it." you counter.

"It only came out confusing because this is a confusing matter. I don't know what this tattoo means either so I am only speculating, please do not take my word as law."

"Well that's helpful. So you don't know who the devil or the angel is and you're only guessing that it all has something to do with me?" you ask.

"That is exactly correct. There's no telling who either figure is referring to, what they are battling for or even if they have any bearing on your life at all. That is why I told you not to take my words for absolute truth. However..." Genesis trails off to think.

"However? However what?" you ask.

"I can't help but think that this tattoo was imprinted on me because I met you. And because I met you, I can't help but feel that it has something to do with figuring out my own identity. It's not certain, it's just a feeling I get." He states.

"Just a feeling?" you question.

"Yes. Nothing more then a stirring in the gut. But enough of that, what's your second question?" He asks.

"My second was already answered actually." you state.

"hm?" Genesis hums.

"I was going to ask if you could see into my past. But you already said you could when you told me that you based your new body on things from my history." You state.

"So I did. Well yes, I ask your forgiveness for intruding without your permission, but when you left, traces of your soul essence were left over in the void. I used them to read through your past, which I used to construct myself and this new, much more exciting world within it." He explains.

"So you know all about my past then?" you ask.

"Yes. I also must say, I'm very sorry. Of all the people you've known and I'm sure you'll come to know, you have been dealt the most terrible hand that fate could have dealt you. It's a miracle you are as good of a person you are now." Genesis states.

"Keep your fucking pity. And don't you dare speak a word of my past. If you pull something like that on me again, you'll have to build yourself a new body. Because you won't be able to use the one you have now, ever again." You threaten.
>>
>>2401218
God damn it I want to know Derrick's backstory even more now
>>
Genesis leans back after receiving your threat and for the first time since you've ever spoken to him, a moment of emotion sneaks out of his smug face.

You see take on a face of heavy guilt before speaking, "I'm terribly sorry. It won't happen again. I didn't know that what happened affected you th-"

"What did I just say. Don't you say another word. That's your last warning." You threaten once again.

Genesis closes his eyes as he continues, "...duly noted." He states as he wipes away the guilt on his face

"Since that is a sore subject. I'll avoid my next question and simply move on to the main discussion. We're almost out of time anyway." He says as he regains his smile, though you can tell it's much weaker now.

"Tell me Derrick. How much do you know of the world you live in?" He questions.

"Of my world? Bout as much as any normal guy. Why?" you ask.

"What if I told you there was a power, one that would make even fiction look realistic when used properly. One that you could use with enough training and knowledge?" He asks.

"What are you getting at?" you ask.

"I'm trying to tell you that when you return to the real world, you will come to know of a power you would probably think unimaginable, one that will change your life forever." he states.

"...Is that the my hidden potential?" you ask.

"No, but as a perk of your hidden power, you may have a choice in how this mysterious power works. Consider it my way of showing how truly sorry I am." He states.

"I get to decide?" you ask.

"Yes, tell me Derrick. If you had a superpower, what would it be?" he asks.

"What? Well..."

>I'd want super strength and invincibility.

>I'd want to be able to control any element.

>I'd want to be able to make any object.

>I'd want to be control things with my mind.

>I'd want to be destroy things with a big blast.

>I'd want a power that no one else could possibly handle.
>>
>>2401316
Nen type choice already? Will what we choose be our power? For example if we choose the emitter one will our hatsu be to just shoot big blasts
>>
>>2401334

Yes, this is a nen-type choice. But none of these descriptions are accurate representations of what your abilities will be, just ways of describing the Nen-types without directly stating them.

The Hatsu will decided on a bit later, for now, I'm just going to leave this choice for 30 minutes and see what becomes of it.
>>
>>2401316
>>I'd want a power that no one else could possibly handle.
>>
>>2401356
Oh ok I was scared for a second in that case I'll go with
>I'd want to be destroy things with a big blast.
Because emitters are cool and it fits Derrick's personality the most (with enhancer as a close second)
>>
>>2401356
Also are you sure you don't want to leave this question open till like tomorrow or something it seems like a pretty important vote
>>
>>2401358
>>2401374

I'm back and>>2401433, is right. It's a bit late and this needs to be fully debated before it can be settled on, so I'll leave the vote open until I get back tomorrow.

Goodnight for now anons..
>>
>>2401468
Goodnight thanks for running and damn you because now I'll be up all night thinking about which nen type I want
>>
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>>2401316
Oh man I'm so glad I didn't miss this.

>I'd want to be destroy things with a big blast.

I think Emitter is the most fitting for Derricks personality, and emitter is very compatible with both enhancement and manipulation, which are both very useful elements to incorporate into a hatsu.

My idea for a hatsu was this, form a shape out of our aura (basic shapes initially, like a square or a circle) and fire it off. This shape doesn't *directly* harm whatever it strikes because It's power-

Is *Displacement*

Fire off a shape, and anything in It's path gets displaced at high speed. Trapped? Displace part of a wall or a door. Enemies? Use the force of the displacement to smash them into something else, or set them off balance. Alternatively, fire off a tiny shape through someone's chest and leave a hole in their heart. Whatever is displaced is not harmed at all by the displacement, though the disruption of a structure can cause catastrophic damage. For instance, you could displace a huge block of stone out of a wall and it would be perfectly intact, and the wall's structural integrity would be as ideal as possible, a perfect seperation with no stress on the surroundings. Need to topple a tower/? Just displace half of the bottom. Projectiles? Displace. Another important aspect would be that the displacement does not have to match the direction of any projectiles. You could displace someone towards yourself rapidly to throw them off balance for a huge throw. In evolving this we could incorporate displacement into our aura and use it as both a 'force field' of sorts or for melee.

In fact, my idea of an ultimate killing technique would be a bow and arrow combo, since Derrick is a marksman. Once we learn to incorporate manipulation and enhancement, we enhance the arrow, and use a form of our displacement hatsu on the feathers of the arrow, which we can control at a distance. Use it as a homing arrow that can punch through anything or anyone. My only concern is that Rock might consider this too powerful an ability as is, and if that's the case, that's fine. My idea for a restriction, is simply that the displacement effect doesn't completely work on aura. This isn't too much of an issue, since there are ways to work around that and that even someone cloaked in Aura doesn't outright null the ability, and thus they can still be tossed around, or have the force of the displacement effect on their matter beneath the Aura harm their internal organs.

I thought it would fit Derrick, he seems to always stubbornly push through, in adversity and in personality he's very forward and uncomprimising with his thoughts and actions, hell bradford had to genuinely threaten to kill us just to get us to leave him despite how we were.

Rock you can tell me if you think anythings wrong with that emission idea, hopefully other anons like it too. Also, I know this is a nen-type vote not a hatsu vote, but i wanted to put this out there and see what people thought.
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>>2401358
As much as I want to support this, it's really a wildcard option and I can't see many anons supporting it or knowing what to do with it.
>>2401951
Voting for the man with a plan
>>
>>2401358
>>2401475
>>2402117

Well I'm back and I can see you guys went crazy on the nen crafting while I was gone.

I've got work I need to do, so it's questionable if I'll be able to post today or not, but I'll at least tell what I think of the idea >>2401951 proposed.

The Hatsu you proposed isn't unreasonable at all. While It's certainly powerful and extremely versatile, it's ability that is clearly much more reliant on intelligence and using aura in a precise manner, certainly something would fit Derrick's character and personality.

My only problem with it might be the ability to precisely target internal organs or small matter, I can understand larger structures being displaced or being able to control the way they're displaced, but not the size of the displacement. With precise targeting, Derrick could kill most of enemies with a single attack once he wears their aura down enough, but other then that, I'm completely okay with it.

Now I must finish up some activities if I want to post anytime soon. See you soon anons.
>>
>>2402695
It's fine if you can't post today it'll give some of the busier anons more time to input considering only 4/6 anons here voted
>>
Well I'm back, and I've left this vote open for at least two days now. If I leave this thread open anymore than this it'll go into autosage and I need to finish up the thread before that.

So I'm gonna take 30 minutes to eat and call the vote when I get back.
>>
>>2401374
>>2401358
>>2401951
>>2402117

>I'd want to destroy things with a big blast
>Writing
>>
"...I'd want a power to destroy things with a big blast, kinda like the heroes in those old japponese cartoons I used to watch every Saturday." You answer.

"I thought those attacks were awesome as hell, though I'd never tell any of my friends that." You add.

"Yes, I saw those shows in your memories, I thought they were amazing as well. All the power and strength those characters possessed provided grand entertainment to me, especially when I saw those heroes battle against villains of equal or greater prowess fought against them and the force of their clashes leveled cites or destroyed worlds." Genesis agrees.

"however, comparing yourself to such heroes is strange is it not? The power level between the two of you is far too great to be compared so causally. It's like you want to compare the power of raging colossus to tantrums of a destructive infant." Genesis states.

"Yeah, yeah. Thanks for the reality check, I shouldn't be comparing myself to some crazy cartoon character. Didn't need to call me a damn baby though." You grumble.

"Hm? No, no. You misunderstand me, my friend. I'm not saying it's strange for you to compare your power to the level of a cartoon character. I'm saying it's strange for you to believe that a cartoon character can even begin to compare to you." He explains.

"What?" you ask.

"I told you didn't I? Your power is so great that it will make fiction look like reality. One so unstoppable that leveling cities and destroying worlds will look like child's play. The Heroes of your show will seem like nothing more than simple infants in comparison to you." He states.

"...You keep saying all this about my 'potential'. Exactly what is it? How'd I get it?" you question.

"Derrick, Do you know anything about your father?" He asks.

"My father? Not a damn thing, he was gone before I was born and Mom always dodged the question whenever I or anyone else asked. I didn't want to say it to her face, but I always thought he was just one of her clients and she never had the strength to tell me or my brothers we were all bastards. Not that I cared." You answer.

"So you're not curious of your family lineage?" he asks.

"Not really. Why do you ask? You know anything about my Dad?" you ask.

"Unfortunately I do not. Not yet, I need more time to learn about your world and myself before I can tell you that. So I can't tell you about your father or whether or not any of your brothers are bastards or not." He confesses.

"Then what are you trying to say? Why even ask about my Father." you question.

"Because while I can't tell you about your direct origins, I can tell you that you are no bastard Derrick, far from it." He answers

"Huh?"
>>
taking a quick break to deal with some family related business.
>>
>>2405004
>Taking a break after were about to get info on Derrick's god tier dad
Damn it God
>>
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Holy shit I suddenly get why most of my readers are archive lurkers now.

I try and go out do some business with my Mother for 20 minutes, which becomes an hour and 30 minutes when some friends catch me along the way.

I'm so grateful to all you anons who put up with my garbage scheduling and wait for these posts.

It's a good thing the rest of this thread is pretty much gonna be a text dump.

>Time for exposition.
>Writing.
>>
>>2405350
You make it worth it plus these threads used to be so much worse because there was hardly any people at all and I thought you were gonna drop this quest any day now
>>
"Your birth was neither an accident nor results of a random spur of the horny loins of two adults. You were meant to be born here and now and go on this adventure to accomplish a certain task." He explains.

"My birth wasn't an accident? Well thanks for telling me that my mom isn't a bitch who can't keep it in her pants, but that isn't exactly news to me. What are you getting at?" you ask.

"I'm trying to inform you that everything in your life isn't the work of mere happenstance. While everything certainly wasn't planned from the beginning, the way your life has been until now has been that way for a purpose." He answers.

"Are you talking about my destiny again? I thought you couldn't read into the future? How do you know all this?" you ask.

"..." he looks out the window, into the infinite black space that conquers anything outside this cafe, he squints into the never-ending space as if trying to discern something from within it.

"Hello? There's nothing out there so why are staring out into literal space. You're just pulling this crap outta your ass aren't you?" you ask impatiently.

"...Do you recall what I said about myself when we last met? That I am incomplete and that is why I must reside in this place?" he asks.

"Yeah, something about being a shadow of a being that once existed and a fetus or something." You answer.

"That is correct, I am incompatible with a properly existing world as I do not properly exist. I wondered what my purpose in existing was, but I could never come to a conclusion. It was heart-rending, I felt I had a purpose that I must accomplish, but I could never realize what it was...." he states as he stares sadly into the sea of black.

"That was until I met you." He proclaims as he looks back to you.

"Until you met me?" you repeat.

"Yes Derrick. Call it the work of God or the musings of the Devil, but I believe that our meeting was not just a random stroke luck. our destines are intertwined in some fashion." he states.

"Intertwined? How?" you ask.

"Exactly how is still something I must realize. However, I do know that your family, and more specifically you have a mission to accomplish" he states.

"I have...a mission?" you squint your eyes.

"Yes, one your family has been assigned since time Ad infinitum, one your father and his father before him attempted to complete but failed due to interference. A certain set of people want nothing more then to prevent your lineage from completing this mission."

"A certain set of people? Mission? What the hell is this mumbo jumbo? What am I supposed to be doing and how's stopping me from doing it?" you ask.

"Your mission is to reach Perfection absolute. A state of being that would transcend this existence and gain access to the next. The people preventing you from doing this are the same people who have painted you black."
>>
"You're not making any damn sense. Who are these guys? What do they care what happens to me? Why and how did they paint me black? How do I reach this Perfection Absolute? How-"

Genesis puts a hand up to stop you as your questions pile up one after the other, "One at a time please. I can only process information at the same speed you do, so I cannot answer all of those questions all at once. Please ask the one that concerns you the most." He requests.

You get slightly annoyed at his request as he was the one who pushed all that vague info on you in the first place, if he didn't want too many questions, he shouldn't have phrased it in such vague terms.

But even so, you listen to his request and ask only one question, the one that concerns you the most at the moment, "How does this all tie into you?"

"Hm? Me?" he questions.

"Yeah, you said something about our destines being intertwined or some other mystic bullshit right? What all my weird family crap and mission have to do with you?" you ask.

"..." he goes silent again and stares into space.

You feel a vein prop up on your head.

SLAM

With a brutal lash of the table, you speak, "Stop spacing out! Answer the damn question and don't make it fucking vague! I'm tired of this roundabout bulls-"

"I have a purpose." he answers, unshaken by your rage.

"Huh?"

He looks back to you and stares directly into your eyes, "I have a purpose, a single purpose. I live to Fix something." He answers.

"What? Fix something? Is it the plumbing in this place? Because your gonna need a working toilet to flush all the shit you're spewing right now." you state, still cooling off from your anger.

"No, the latrine is working fine. The problem is that I don't know what I am to fix. I just know that I must fix it." he explains.

"You must? Those are some strong words. Why must you fix it. Hell, what's broken?" you question.

"...When I met you, I was given my first peer into the world of existence. And once I looked in, a single revelation came to mind." he continues without acknowledging your question.

"Yeah, what's that?" you ask.

"Derrick, there's something wrong with your world." he answers.

"Something wrong?"

"Yes. I couldn't tell you what, but there is most certainly something wrong with it. To my knowledge, I've never once been to your world, yet I could tell from a meager glance that something is terribly wrong with. And it has been that way for an extended period of time." He explains.

"..." you quiet as you listen intently.

"It my job to fix that problem. But to do that, you must first complete your mission. Once you have done that, I will be able to fix the problem in your world, that much I am sure of." he finishes.
>>
"And that's how our destines are intertwined? I need to finish this mission or something before you begin fixing my world?" you ask.

"That is exactly correct, that is why I believe our meeting is no mere coincidence. You are the perfect person to complete the mission that has been given to you, where all other men and women in your lineage have failed, I feel certain that you will succeed in it." he states.

"Thanks for the jot of confidence. Why do you think I'm so perfect for the job?" you ask.

"I trust you." he answers.

"...That's it?" you ask after waiting a few seconds.

"Yes. You are my first friend after all. If I didn't trust you to have my back at all times, I couldn't possibly trust anyone else. And I mean that in the most literal sense as no else can find a way to visit me in this place." He says with a smile.

"Yeah well I'm not dropping by because I want to or anything, but I guess that's a good enough reason. So then, how do I complete this mission that has been given to me?" you ask.

"For now, your only objective is to gain strength. With more power, you will slowly earn the right to obtain the full extent of your potential, train in that power I informed you of and you should gain the power you need in a timely manner." he answers.

"What is this power and where can I get it?" you ask.

"Don't worry, you are already on the path to obtaining it and soon enough you will learn just how little of your own world you understood until now." He answers.

"Okay then, what comes after that?"

His face becomes deadly serious as the question leaves your mouth. "After you've gained the necessary power, you must remove the thing that blocks you from obtaining the power you've had since birth. You must remove the black that paints your world." he answers.

"I must remove it? How do I do that?"

"Simple, you must hunt down the people who have painted you black. And you must kill them, every last one of them." He answers with a thirst for blood in his eyes.

"Kill...them?" you ask, slightly disturbed.

"Yes. Without exception. Without mercy. You must slaughter them and remove any trace of their existence from your world. Only then will the black that paints your world fade away, and you will have nothing stopping you from obtaining what is rightful yours." he explains.

You nearly swallow your spit, but you realize your mouth is way too dry to pull that off at the moment, "Who...Who are they? Who painted me black?" you ask reluctantly.

"An interesting question, considering you've already met them." He answers.

"I've met them?" you ask.

"Yes, you've already encountered them and it is sure you will encounter them many times more from now on. They are-"

"Derrick...." Another voice in the void rings out.
>>
"Was that...Rea?" you ask as the cafe around you begins to quake rapidly.

The furniture begins to get displaced and the paintings on the walls begin to fall off their hangers as glasses and teacups break and shatter across the floor.

You grab unto the table as the strange earthquake intensifies and look to Genesis as he sits calmly despite the conditions. He grabs an unshattered teacup and drinks the coffee within that is still somehow hot despite the lengthy amount of time you've spent talking.

He finishes the cup before setting it down on the table to shatter like the rest from the quakes and speaks, "...It seems our time is at end. I couldn't cover everything, but I believe I got everything I needed to across to you before we ran out of time. Wouldn't you agree my friend?" he asks, completely unshaken by the quake.

"W-W-What t-the h-hell a-are y-you b-blabbing a-about? I-I've s-still g-got q-questions." You state, barely capable of forming a sentence through the intense shaking.

"Questions for another time. Hopefully you will come back to me soon my dear friend. It would be no exaggeration to say I live for these talks ours. For now, you must return and deal with your problems in the world of the existing." He states as he sits calmly on his side of the booth.

Meanwhile, your side is beginning to rip off the ground it's nailed to, and for a while, you can swear the cafe is starting to bend at weird angles, "h-huh?" you blurt out.

"I expect much from you my friend. Hopefully the gifts I've imparted unto to you will come in handy. For now this is goodbye." He begins to wave at you as your side of the booth finally comes flying off the ground and toward the roof of the cafe, sending you along with it.

You and the booth go crashing through the roof and into the black expanse outside, as you do so, a bright light envelopes you from above, pulling you in both gently and forcefully, almost like the guiding hand of a Mother.

Before you are pulled in you look back down to meet Genesis smiling face waving you off as he stares at you through the hole in the roof. You can't help but find yourself smiling back as you get pulled into the white portal, taking you back to your world.

As the portal closes and you exit, Genesis stops waving and sighs, "Alone in the emptiness again? I enjoy his visits, but I wish he would be kinder to me, considering we so rarely see each other ."

He moves to sit back down as he tries to repair the shattered pieces of his teacup to no avail, "It's going to be boring in here while I wait for his return." he says with a bored frown.

But that frown quickly turns upside down as he speaks again, "But I won't have to wait long. It took awhile, but it shall begin now, the real part of this story. You could say this is the end of a long prologue,things will most certainly be interesting from this point forward." He states as he stares off into the black sky.
>>
>>2405678
Pretty meta genesis. Pretty meta indeed
>>
"This prologue dragged on far too long for my liking." A second voice rings out as the busted down door swings open.

Genesis eyes turn over slowly to the second figure, unsurprised but just as disgusted as they struts their way in uninvited, "Were you peeping in once again. A voyeurs habits usually end with them going blind you know." Genesis threatens.

"Can you blame me? I'm forced to watch over his progress anyway, so I might as well do it the way I see fit. But I have to say, the way you praised him was laughable, I was struggling not to laugh and give away my position the whole time. As if he's fit to accomplish anything on his own"

"Remove yourself from this place. I do not wish to speak to you and do not wish for you to be in my presence, you are a nuisance. Begone." Genesis states.

"Now, now. don't be so cold. you need someone to talk to pass the time right? Allow me to just state my feelings and leave." a devilish grin grows on their face.

"..." Genesis goes quiet.

"Giving me the cold shoulder huh? That's saddening. We've both been given important roles to play in this story and we're both doing it for the same reasons aren't we? You can't blame me for doing what comes naturally."

"Being trash comes naturally to you?" he questions.

"That stings me to the core. But if I'm trash, then that means Derrick must be lower then trash, right? After all, if he wishes to come even a step closer to finishing his adventure. He'll need to kill me first."

"He will not fail." Genesis states adamantly.

"He will fail, spectacularly at that as well. However, before he fails, I would love to see how far he goes and if he can begin to see the truth of it all. Or if he'll die trying." The devilish smile grows wider.

"If you wish for his death, why do you not deliver to him if you already know where he is? As much as I hate to admit it, you certainly have the power to do it, anytime and anywhere you wish to." Genesis states.

"Are you kidding me? I could never do that to my precious Derrick! I would spend the rest of my days balling my eyes out! I couldn't live with myself." He answers.

"...Strange, I don't detect any sarcasm in that statement." Genesis analyses.

"That's because I'm dead serious. I care for him too much to kill him. But I also wait eagerly for his death. These are feelings I both share."

"How contradictory. But I would expect no less from you. Damn angel." Genesis curses.

"You say that title with such spite. But can you really blame me for feelings? In this world there's no one who loves him half as much as I do and my love is also equal to my hate of him. Ahhhhh, these battling feelings...I can't wait till I see him again."

"Can you just leave. You are ruining my soiled coffee." Genesis states.

"Sure! But before I go, can I say that stupid line of yours you say so much?"

"You're going to do it anyway. Go ahead."

"Thanks!"
>>
They point toward Genesis and with a smile they say, "And so the adventure continues...!"

[To be continued]
>>
>Extra bonuses

>New trait earned! : Warrior of will (+5 bonus to defense rolls of all types.

>Relationship earned! : Genesis, the shadow in the sea of black: 1/5 (100 points till next level)

I'll post the date of my next thread on my twitter. For now anons goodnight.
>>
>>2405783
Goodnight thanks for running
>>
>>2405783
Keep up the good work dude this shit is k i n o
>>
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