An overwhelming sense of grogginess takes your body as you groan yourself awake.

You open your eyes to examine the area, but once open, You blanch as the world blends together in a spiraling mess of twisting walls, wavy air and Eye floaters obscuring most of your vision.

A few seconds of this terrible vision as you wake is enough to force you to close them, regretting the fact that you ever opened them in the first place.

"Seeing Stars Mr.Holums? Common after-effect of a serious concussion, nothing to be worried about." A distorted voice fills the room, you can't see or hear properly, so you're forced to hazard a guess as who could be talking to you.

"...Doctor Timmy?" You groan out each syllable.

You hear what you think to be rolling wheels on a chair, as the chair gets closer, sounds start clearing up, allowing you to decipher Timmy's voice, "That's right Mr.Holums. It's your worst nightmare." He jokes.

Time: January 18, Saturday, 11:33 AM.

Location: Numere Wetlands Lodge, Medical Room.

"Open your mouth and stick your tongue out." He orders.

You hear him rustle around his desk for a second while you do as he says, you then feel something sharp pierce your tongue, the sudden pain giving you a shock that causes to squirm a bit.

"Ow!" you exclaim.

"After all the pain you endured last night, all it takes is a needle to the tongue to make you flinch?" Timmy questions.

The medicine from the needle swiftly moves from your tongue straight to your brain and the groggy feeling subsides, your head begins to clear and sounds turn normal again.

"That's a little concoction I whipped up. Should clear up the auditory and visual effects of your concussion. You can open your eyes now." Timmy explains.

You open your eyes slowly, finally able to see clearly again, the grass green walls of the medical room take your vision as you realize you're lying in a hospital bed.

"Huh. So I'm not dead." you appraise.

"Yes. A shame isn't it? How are you feeling?" Timmy asks.

You grip your head in pain, "Like Someone took a jackhammer to the back of my head...It hurts to speak...it hurts to move...it hurts to exist..." you state.

"Yes, well, when spend an entire night fighting against that jackhammer of a woman, I imagine most people walk away feeling like that...if they walk away at all." Timmy responds as he bites down on a chocolate bar.

You try and raise yourself from your pillow, only feel a shock of extreme pain run-through your abdomen and send you lurching back the bed.

"Gahhh....!" You scream silently.

"I wouldn't try moving for now, your abdomen has been bruised black from all those strikes you took last night. You're going to be lying there for a bit." Timmy explains.

"Oh, that's just perfect." you joke.

>>3095667
Hype

File: Timmy Divana.png (725 KB, 1180x941)

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"Speaking of last night, just how much do you remember of it?" Timmy questions.

"Depends on what part of the night we're talking about. That's a lot to unpack you know." You answer.

"Don't get smart with me, you don't have the brains for it. Let's just start from the top, tell me everything you remember." He states.

"Well..." You trail off.

What do you remember?

>I remember my showdown with Yaznov

>I remember being kidnapped by Cynthia

>I remember being driven into a corner and nearly killed

>>3095700
>I remember my showdown with Yaznov

>>3095700
>I remember my showdown with Yaznov

>>3095712
>>3095741

>Starting from the top...

"I remember facing off with Yaznov in that Music showdown...and destroying him too." You say with a grin on your face.

"Yes, and trust me, he remembers that quite vividly as well. He's been sulking about that loss all day, locked himself in the music room and hasn't come out since." Timmy states.

"Huh, didn't think he'd be that much of a sore loser." You state.

"Oh, he's the sorest of losers, He hates losing more than anything, he's even said he'd prefer dying a winner than living as a loser." Timmy states.

"Doesn't that mean I gave him a fate worse than death?" you ask.

"Not exactly. He may be sulking, but that doesn't mean he's sitting around doing nothing, you can hear him playing songs non-stop, even through the soundproof walls of the music room. If anything, you've inspired him to play harder." Timmy explains.

"So having his pride crushed by an amateur finally inspired him to get up and practice? Guess he needed someone to humble him." You state.

"You can say that again. To be honest, I was secretly hoping that you'd win so he can finally learn that he still has room to improve." Timmy states.

"Wait, doesn't that mean you were a biased judge last night? That throws the whole show into question." You state.

Timmy turns away and smiles a devious smile, "Well, if you didn't play well, I was plenty willing to give him victory, but that face he gave me when I put up that 8 and that signature smug look on his face crumbled away..." he trails off with a joyous look on his face.

"Man you're one sadistic bastard." you state.

He laughs, "You say that like you didn't enjoy knocking the smirk off his face. What's more sadistic? Laughing at someone's despair or being the one causing it?" He counters.

You laugh a little, "Jeez, that's a hard question to answer..." You dodge, you do have to admit you did enjoy showing him up after all that taunting.

Timmy gives a refreshed look, "it's been a while since I enjoyed myself like that. I only wish I took a picture of that face so I could fall asleep to it every night..."

"You know, I used to think you were the only one in this house without a screw loose, but turns out you're actually a few nails short of a whole madhouse yourself." you state.

"Oh be quiet. So, seems you remember the early part of the night clearly, tell me, what else do you remember?" Timmy asks.

"Well..."

What do you remember?

>I remember being kidnapped by Cynthia

>I remember being driven into a corner and nearly killed

>>3095751

>I remember being kidnapped by Cynthia

>>3095751
>>I remember being kidnapped by Cynthia
>I hope like hell Damon does something about that crazy bitch.

>>3095830
>>3095836

>Kidnapped

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"I remember Cynthia breaking into the venue last night, gassing the place, then putting me in that iron cage and..." you trail as you attempt to find the words to describe the mess that came afterwards.

"Yes, I assure you I remember that part of the night as vividly as you do. You don't need to go into detail." he states/

"Fucking Christ, what an absolute mess that all was, how did she even get that iron cage set-up so quickly without anyone noticing?" you ask.

"Good question, that woman is a 1st star War Hunter for a reason, her stealth and construction skills aren't to be underestimated." He begins.

"But even so, that gives neither her nor the rest of the staff the excuse to say what happened to you wasn't our fault. That's why I have to apologize to you for her behavior last night, I'm sorry you had to suffer due our incompetence." He states.

"You don't need to say sorry, it's not like you were the one that trapped me in a cage and kicked my ass." you dismiss.

"You're right, but we all should have predicted Cynthia would act up like this, considering she has a record for doing utterly insane things like this from time to time. I especially have to apologize to you." He states.

"You especially? What for?" you ask.

"Well, not only was I the one that received the threatening message from the attacker herself, but also, after checking my Sedative cabinet last night, I noticed a large amount of my gaseous sedatives disappeared when I checked earlier the day of the attack." He explains.

"So that's where she got that sleeping gas on such short notice. But wait, shouldn't a large amount of drugs just disappearing like that have immediately got you searching for them?" you ask.

"That's exactly what I mean by it being a failure on my part. I made the idiotic assumption that there was no way Cynthia would try something that insane and instead I simply blamed my lacking supply on Mr.Bradford again." He answers.

"So even a smartass like you can make dumbass mistakes from time to time huh?" you ask.

Timmy sighs, "That's the one and only time I'll let you insult me without rebuttal, considering you are neither wrong nor unjustified in saying that. Consider that me showing sincerity in my apology."

"Got ya. Speaking of dumb mistakes, I haven't heard Bradford since i've woken up, I would've thought he be jumping for joy since it looks I'm going to be bunking with him for a bit." you state.

"Sorry to ruin your expectations, but Mr.Bradford has been discharged and is currently getting ready to leave the manor." Timmy says with a smile.

"What? He's already ready to be put back in action? And you don't look sorry to say that at all." you state.

"He's not exactly ready, just well enough not to be bed-ridden anymore. Despite all my warnings to the contrary, or perhaps in-spite of my warnings, the second he got the chance too, he rushed up to Damon's office and demanded to move unto the next stage of the of the Exam." Timmy explains.

"And you let him? With that gut wound?" you ask.

"Do you really believe I'm capable of stopping him anymore, I tried my hardest with him Mr.Holums, I really did. The unfortunate truth is that, despite all the miraculous advancements in medical science and medical technology in the past century, we still have yet to come even close to curing the ultimate disease...Stupidity." Timmy answers.

"Well, I guess if the patient doesn't particularly want to be treated, then you can't force them to be treated. So I'll give you a pass, because yeah, if stupidity is a disease, then Bradford's is late stage and chronic." You agree.

"I'm glad you can see things my way Mr.Holums. he'll be taking the rest of these tests with some serious abdomen pain, but nothing fatal, as long as he doesn't get too extreme out there, and I doubt pain is even capable of fazing a man like that anyway, so with my credentials as a medical practitioner, I diagnosis him as good enough to continue fighting." He says with a giddy smile on his face.

"Something tells me you're enjoying him being gone more than you really should." you state.

"If you had to spend 4 days stuck in the same room as that absolute mental invalid you would happy to know he's gone too." He counters.

"Oh trust me, I know what it's like being stuck with that dumbass for a good while, I was just saying you shouldn't be this happy about it." you correct.

"Just let a man enjoy peace and quiet while he has it will you?" Timmy asks.

"Fine then Doc." you answer

"So then,what else do you remember?" he asks.

"Well I think the next part is pretty obvious, I remember being beaten bloody, chained up to a metal cage and slowly choked to death." You feel at your neck and a shock of pain runs through it as you notice that's been terribly bruised as well.

"Well, I expect that part would be hard to forget for everyone involved, especially you." Timmy agrees.

A surge of rage consumes you as the painful night returns to you, "I can't believe she took advantage of that show to trap me and kill me, I didn't even know she wanted to kill me. I mean, what did I do to piss her off so much?" you ask.

"Well, you didn't actually piss her off per se, in fact, you actually got her to like you in rather short amount of time." He answers.

"Like me? Trapping me in a death cage, threatening to kill me and beating me into a hospital bed are things she does to people she likes?" you question in a baffled tone.

"That woman has more than a few psychological disorders and good reasons for having them. But that doesn't excuse her behavior, what she did to you massively over-stepped her jurisdiction as an official Pro Hunter." He begins.

"We're allowed to do a ton of honestly terrible things you applicants in the name of training you, but beating you half to death is certainly not one of them." he explains.

"Wait, wait, back up there. What do you mean Train me?" you ask.

"Oh right, sorry for you to only learn this so late, but Cynthia wasn't earnestly trying to kill you. That was her idea of a good training activity." Timmy answers.

"She was trying to train me? Train me to do what? Die like a dog against someone 10x my strength?" you ask.

"I can't tell you what she was trying to do. You can't honestly expect a sensible man like me to understand the thinking of a mad-woman do you?" he counters.

"The hell? So I'm lying here, beaten bloody and hurting every-time I move for a reason no one even knows? This is supreme bullshit." you complain.

"You aren't wrong, you shouldn't have suffered like that. But if it's any consolation, out of what little I know of Cynthia, I know she wouldn't put out this much effort for someone she doesn't believe can deliver on her exceptions." He states.

"The hell does that mean?" you ask.

"It means, if she went out of her way to plan the perfect moment to ambush and capture you, set-up that deadly cage and threaten you into fearing for your life, it's because she saw something in you." he answers.

"Saw something in me?" you question.

"Yes, she was expecting to awaken something in you, she must have thought, that driving you closer to death's door would somehow pull out a side of you capable of fighting against her, or even defeating her." He states.

You laugh a little, "What does she take me for? Some-kind of secret super-human monster? I couldn't fight against her straight if I spent my whole life training, and god forbid I actually beat her without some trick up my sleeve. That chick is as stupid as she is crazy." You counter.

Timmy looks strangely shocked at your statement, "I wouldn't be so sure of that, I'm not sure what's more broken, her pride or her arms, either way, you certainly taught her not to pull a stunt like this twice." Timmy states.

You give a confused look, "What are you talking about?" you ask.

"Hm? Are you saying you don't remember what you did to her in retaliation? Of everything you remember, don't tell me you forgot about how you turned everything around and nearly killed our local gorilla?" He asks.

"...What the hell are you talking about?" you ask, utterly confused.

Timmy gives you a curious look, "Are you playing dumb? Well you don't need to play at it, because you are dumb, so what I should be asking is, are you dodging the question on purpose Mr.Holums? Because there's no need to avoid responsibility. For the most part, you've done nothing wrong." He begins.

"..." you give him a confused look.

"...Mr.Holums, you haven't seriously forgotten have you?" This time he's asking seriously.

"I'm sorry, I don't have the faintest idea what you're talking about." You admit.

Timmy's look of confusion quickly switches to one of frightened concern, "You clearly don't have amnesia, not when your memories of the night are so accurate, but you don't seem like you're lying either..." Timmy is talking more to himself then you.

"I broke Cynthia's arms? I think you might be the one with screwed up memories doc, I was beaten unconscious when she pinned me against the wall and that was that...right?" you ask, beginning to lose certainty yourself.

Timmy looks astounded beyond words at your statement, "...Hold on a moment while I grab your medical sheet." He asks as he runs over to his desk and pulls a folder from out of one of the drawers.

He pulls out a pen, returns to his chair and gives you the most serious, analytic look you've ever seen him give you. A far cry from his usual uncaring, taunting stare.

For once, he actually looks his profession, he has the hard, determined look of a doctor, "Tell me Mr.Holums, do you have a history of going unconscious randomly? Perhaps when your life is in danger or you're feeling high amounts of stress?" He asks.

You're blown away by the sudden shift in atmosphere, "N-No, As far as I can remember, I've never randomly fainted, and if I dropped unconscious when my life was in danger, I wouldn't be talking to you now, that's for sure." You answer.

"Have you ever had any extremely vivid dreams, dreams where it's hard to distinguish them from real experiences? Perhaps out of body experiences where you can see yourself doing things without your input?" He asks.

"No, I barely even have dreams nowadays, and I've never left my body in my life, though I wouldn't mind doing that now, I would love to escape some of this pain." You joke.

"..." He doesn't laugh, instead shoots you a serious, analytic glare and writes something down on the paper.

"Okay, I know that wasn't that funny, but do you really have to go all silent on me? You're killing me here doc." you ask.

"We have no times for jokes Mr.Holums, you might be suffering from something extremely dangerous and jokes aren't going to save you." he states.

His serious tone sends a jolt of fear down your spine, "And now you're really freaking me out. What the hell is it? What's wrong?" you ask.

"You might have Dissociative Identity Disorder." He answers.

"I...what?" you ask.

"It's a complex psychological condition that can be extremely dangerous if not properly identified, you might suffer from random lapses in your conscious and do things that you wouldn't otherwise do." Timmy clarifies.

"I know what D.I.D is! I mean why the hell do you think I have it?" you ask.

Timmy sighs, "Let me ask you Derrick, are you absolutely sure of your memories of last night?" he asks.

"Yes! I remember the show I had against Yaznov, got kidnapped and then I was beaten unconscious by Cynthia and woke up here! That's how it happened, I know that's what happened!" you exclaim.

Timmy shakes his head, "As I figured. That's wrong." he counters.

"Huh? What do you mean wrong?" you ask.

"You're right about everything up until the end of your fight with Cynthia. First of all, you weren't subdued by Cynthia, Damon was the one who put you out of commission." He states.

"Wait, I was knocked out by Damon!? What are you even talking about?" you ask.

"He had too, considering you were on the verge of killing Cynthia if he didn't put you down when he did. Are you really saying that you can't remember any of this?" He ask.

You shake your head, "Nope, this is all news to me. That's not how it happened in my mind." you state.

"And that's why I'm saying you're not the only one in your mind, that's the only possible explanation here for you to be able to say that." he clarifies.

You try and recall your memories from that night, but everything after you got cornered by Cynthia comes up blank.

You shake your head in a mock attempt to jolt your brain into finding something, but nope, you only succeed in confusing yourself further, as you begin to think there might really be a gap in your memories.

"No luck?" Timmy questions as you struggle.

"Feels kinda like there might be something there, but not anything I can remember..." You admit.

Timmy sighs and speaks, "Fine then, how about I give you a run-down of the night from my perspective of the night? Try your best to re-collect this yourself if you can, okay?" he asks.

"..." you nod your head and try begin to listen intently.

Timmy puts down his pen and paper, "I'll start from everything that happened right after you blacked out, I have to warn you though-" He adjusts his glasses as the sunlight from the back window hits his glasses.

"It's a little disturbing." he states.

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>Last Night

Your name is Timmy Divana, 1st-star Health hunter, Previous head of the Medical Division of the Hunter Association and natural-born 200+ Iq genius with mastery over every form of medical science known to man.

Needless to say, you're the most competent man in the room at any given time.

THUD,THUD,THUD-

"You're giving me what I want if you don't wanna die blondie! Better wake up before I break everything other under your ribs too!" However, there's no amount of competence or brain power in this world that could overcome that raging ball of savagery, Cynthia, Pro War Hunter.

The brutal, bone-cracking thud of each of that violent monkey's attack are so powerful they send shockwaves throughout the entire iron cage that blocks you from reaching inside and recusing the poor fool she's strangling to death.

"The man's already lost consciousness You damn Ape! If you don't get him down soon you'll be trying awaken a corpse! Do you hear me you madwoman!?" you warn.

THUD,THUD,THUD-

She completely ignores your words, opting to only continue her brutal onslaught, too deep in her violent trance to even hear anything reasonable anymore.

"Damn it all, the woman's too far gone, she couldn't hear a steam train if it blew it's whistle right next to her ear." you curse.

"We can't let her keep this up, if he goes on like this for a few more minutes without any air reaching his brain, he'll sustain permanent brain damage. Which means even if we prevent his heart from stopping, all we'll be dragging out of that cage is a drooling vegetable." Mary states.

"We already know he can't last much longer in there, you didn't need to point out the obvious! What we need is more solutions, less problems." Ivorai counters.

"It's because I have no solutions I can only offer you problems. I'd rather not have such a perfect test subject like him die you know? so much lost scientific potential..." Mary complains.

"Oh Mary, if you're just scared for a new friend say so! That man helped me find true love, I refuse to let him die before he can play best man at me and Brovo's wedding!" Ivorai complains.

"When is Brovoski supposed to break giant metal fence again Dear Ivy?" Brovoski, the giant soon to be newly-wed questions.

"When my boss gets through those doors Darling. Hold off on showing everyone how manly you are until then." Ivorai states.

"That's the real problem, what the hell's taking boss-man so long to get here? Didn't Derrick's woman go get him a few minutes ago?" Yaznov complains.

"There's no guarantee he's back yet, so there's a good chance we may be waiting a while for that, if he takes too long however, we'll just have to break in and hope all our might combined will be enough to take-down Cynthia and break Derrick out." You state.

This should be black Derrick's fighting theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGLSZ2Lm588

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Yaznov gives a wry grin, "It's rare to see you so desperate Doc! This is the first I've heard a plan that balls to the wall stupid! But damn, if it comes to that, I'm willing to risk a few broken bones to save that dumbass, I'm in!" He agrees.

"Weren't you seething with rage losing to him just an hour ago? why are you suddenly willing to risk life and limb for that fool?" Dillion, The son of a rich fashion Tycoon, comments as he listens into the conversation.

Yaznov grits his teeth, "Yeah, Goldie locks there beat my ass black and blue , but that's all the more reason that shady shite can't die yet! He's my newest rival, a man that could bring down a rocking legend! As if I can just let him die and cement his place as my superior for the rest of time!" he counters.

"Goldie is coming out of that cage alive! And me and him are going to square off again after I've trained myself into a real Rock King! He's not allowed to die until then!" He states.

Ivorai pats his back, "Jeez, what's with all of you coming up with these stupid excuses to save him? If you like him, you can just say I want to save my new friend! rather than waste your time coming up with all these roundabout explanations!" Ivorai scolds.

Yaznov blushes, "T-The hell do you mean Friend I wouldn't be friends with that no taste bellend for all the Queen Records in the world! I just need a good rival's all!" he counters.

Ivorai sighs, " I swear, everyone on this team has the social skills of a feral Porcupine! You all need to go out and learn to be honest with yourselves!"

"And you honestly need to learn to be quiet and pick your priorities, we'll sort our social situations out later, we have a blonde fool to save." Mary counters.

Dillion looks confused beyond words, "All of you seem so entranced with fashionless dullard, for what reason? What's so great about him?" He asks.

"It's not that there's something particularly great about him. Oh no, not by a long-shot, in-fact, I would say he's one of the most normal, if not out-right average people I know considering just how strange everyone else here is." You cut in.

"What? Then what could possibly be driving you all to save him so much?" He asks.

"Well he may be a dull, average fool. But there's just something I like about him. And whatever that something is, everyone seems to just love him for it, and that's what drives everyone to risk themselves for him, that's my hypothesis." You explain.

No one around objects, in-fact, some like Ivorai, Etheline and Brovoski nod in tandem to your words.

Dillion looks even more confused, "Something everyone likes about him...?" He looks up to the beaten and bloody figure of Derrick and stares in wonder for a moment before laughing.

"I don't get how you dullards think at all." His words say one thing, but that uncertain tone of his said another.

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>>3095943

Interesting choice, I may use it for a certain someone else when the time comes.

But if you give me a moment, I can do you one better.

Everyone holds minor conversations among each other as you keep an keen eye on the cage.

"What's the matter!? Still not ready to pull out all the stops and give me what I want!? Hurry up before you drop dead will ya!?" Cynthia shouts.

The situation hasn't gotten any better, but it hasn't gotten worse yet.

As lost in the violence as Cynthia is, she's still reigning in her strength enough not to destroy anything vital and kill him, the worst those blows are doing to him are leaving some nasty bruises that he'll be feeling for a good while.

The real problem lies in the fact that the chain on his neck has reached maximum tightness, there isn't a molecule of air entering or exiting his system and that is deadly to the body, especially the brain.

You look back at the entrance to the gym and feel a drop of sweat run down your forehead, (I wonder where Regina is? She's been out for more than 2 minutes now, it only takes about 20 seconds to dash between here and the main entrance hall, so it can't be that she hasn't reached Damon yet.) You realize.

You turn to look back at the cage, (I hope she didn't get caught up in something else, we don't have time to be-)

[Spoiler]Amusing[/Spoiler]

Your thoughts are quickly cut off as you look back at the cage and realize something's off.

Cynthia's strikes have stopped, and everyone's attention is drawn back to the cage.

Suddenly, the room is brought a quiet still, (Was that...a voice?) you wonder, all your fellow pro-hunters staff seems to have noticed it too, though all the guests don't seem to know why everyone's gone quiet.

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>A Few moments ago in the Ring

Your name is Derrick Holums, and you're pretty sure this is where you're going to die. Your body is currently suspended against an iron cage by a thick, steel neck brace that's cutting off your breathing, while a one-eyed crazy woman works your stomach with her fists that have the stopping power of a dump truck.

The only thing you can think as the light in your eyes slowly give way to darkness and all feelings of pain slowly going numb, that this hellish feeling of helplessness and pain is pretty familiar.

(Ah, now I remember...It's always been like this hasn't it?) you notice.

(It's always been me hopelessly struggling to find a better way to do things. Only to come back here and be faced in the same situation. Me or them?) you realize.

(The only reason I’m even remembering this right now is to make sure of one thing before I do what I have to do.)

(I just wanted to make sure, that no matter how dark and horrible it may, all of my actions are of my own causing, of my own mishap and accomplishment.)

(My every virtue and sin is something I brought upon myself and not something life brought for me.)

(Because thinking otherwise would be arrogant.)

With that confirmed, the light above disappears.

You grab unto the darkness in front of you and swing at it with all the force in your arm.

If darkness threatens to take away your life again, then you’ll just do what you did last time.

You’ll free yourself from this prison of darkness and paint the whole thing in your colors, even if it means painting the whole damn thing black.

Well in that case, I happen to be an expert on all things black, would you mind letting me take-over for a minute?


Expect this time, when you reach out to the darkness, something reaches right back at you.

https://youtu.be/Eazctq0E-w0

(Did someone just...say something?) you wonder if this reality or a dream.

Oh my dearest love, what have they done to you? Did they attack you, threaten you and try and break you again? Oh my precious ray of sunshine, how dare they try and snuff you out?


(What the hell...it's like someone's speaking, but I'm hearing no words...it's like info is being downloaded into my brain and written there...) You reason as you slowly fade out of consciousness.

Sleep now, you must rest my oh so,so,so precious love. You've suffered so much in so little time, you deserve a moment of reprive...and whilst you rest, I shall punish those dastards that dare destroy a life as beautiful as yours...

File: Derrick Holums42.jpg (130 KB, 1280x720)

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(What am I even hearing? Why does this weird-ass not-voice sound so familiar....Oh Christ, I'm so tired, I can't even bother thinking about it...I'll do what you say, you can take-over, I just want to sleep...) you don't even know what you're thinking anymore, you're so very tired.

Yes my dearest, sleep, rest, enjoy the break. In your absence, I shall ensure that no harm befall you...after all, your life is mine to take, your light is mine to snuff out, anyone who dare take that enterprise before me must suffer for their arrogance.


Your mind is failing you, what will you ask before going fading to the darkness?

>What are you?

>What are you going to do?

>Are you Genesis?

>Where did you come from?

>>3096035
>>Where did you come from?

>>3096035
>>Where did you come from?

>>3096035
>Are you Genesis?

>>3096038
>>3096070
>>3096075

Sorry for the late response, had to step out for a bit.

>Where did you come from?

(Where...did...you...come...from?) you ask as all consciousness fades away.

Oh my dearest, have you forgotten our first meeting already? That aches away at my heart, but worry not, I'm still madly in love with you. For I came from none other than the depths of your heart, you were the one that called me to the light, and I fell in love with you the moment I answered it.


(....) you do not respond, all of your mind has been put to sleep, no longer capable of even processing the information you've just received.

Oh my dearest love, cherish your rest, cherish every moment of it, for you will certainly not have it once you awaken again...

Your eyes awaken again to find yourself in the same place your beloved was suffering just moments ago, you look down to see a woman, delivering strike after strike to your beloved's body.

Unforgivable you think.

Your name...Doesn't matter. All that matters is something needs to be done of this fact, here and now.

You spend a second analyzing this foolish woman before acting.

>Combat Analysis roll needed!

>War god's eye activates!

>Surgeon's eye activates!

>Cynthia's Entry in the Character list has been updated! Total Life, armor and all traits have been discovered!

Ah...now I see. So I'm fighting a simpleton am I? This must be a jest. But if a jester gave me such a terrible joke, I'd put him to death.


This pathetic woman, where does she get the idea that she's even allowed to touch my beloved, let alone strike him? All her sense must've escaped her long ago, how sad, but that by no means exempts her from my wrath... You rage.

"What's the matter!? Still not ready to pull out all the stops and give me what I want!? Hurry up before you drop dead will ya!?" Cynthia shouts.

Hm? Could it be, this woman...is she perhaps asking for me? Did she orchestrate this entire show, just to summon me? This pathetic witch? This under-handed, after-birth spillage in the shape of a woman? This absolute simpleton dare to call upon me!? You curse.

To call upon me in such circumstances is to call an invitation of death upon oneself! For her to call me That's just...ha...haha... Your venomous rage is under-cut by a new emotion.

How Amusing Pure amusement at this farce.

Cynthia's furious onslaught is brought to an end as those words reach her and every other fighter in the room.

Hm? Oh, it seems I was so amused that I accidentally spoke with my true voice. All warriors in this room must have heard that, especially this simpleton below me. You reason.

She eyes you suspiciously, "Did you just say something boy? Finally wake up from your dreams?" She asks, inching her head closer you.

Oh this must be a jest of the highest caliber! She's basically giving me the chance to strike her! I almost feel insulted that this simpleton would make things so amusingly easy! You laugh.

But now is not the time for jests is it...no, now is the time to act on these disgusting fools that would dare harm my Beloved in such a fashion. They must know his suffering... You begin to get to work.

>Roll 1d100+30 To show these maggots suffering (+10 from Warrior of Black trait, +20 From Antediluvian Fighter trait)

>DC: 40

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Rolled 29 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3096129
LET'S GO!

Rolled 78 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3096112

Rolled 90 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3096129
Can't wait for another crit fail

>>3096138
>>3096143

Good work, not a single failed roll.

>>3096148

>Asks for a crit fail

>Gets a crit success instead

Is this the key to tricking the dice gods? Reverse Psychology? Hmmmmm...

Also, if you're waiting for crit fails, you probably won't have to wait too long, this is going to be a very combat heavy episode.

Anyway...

>Rolled 120

>Critical! These maggots shall know suffering.

"Did anyone else hear a voice? It wasn't just me right?" Ivorai asks.

"Yes, I heard that creepy-ass collection of noise too. I wouldn't call it a voice though." Yaznov agrees.

"Oh good, so I'm not going mad after-all." Mary breathes a sigh of relief.

"It's entirely possible we've all just gone mad at the same time you know? Does anyone else look like they heard it?" Timmy questions.

The group looks around to see everyone unfazed by the voice, clearly not noticing a thing.

"Just as I gain a moment of relief, you just have to go ahead and take it away eh, Brother?" Mary states.

"Did no else really hear that but us and Cynthia? Brovo my sweet, you heard that voice too right?" Ivorai asks.

"Huh? The only voice Brovoski hear is the beautiful voice of his soon-to-be wife." Brovoski compliments.

Ivorai blushes happily, "O-Oh, you flatterer, you know exactly what to say to make me smile. thank you so much!" She states.

"I guess that's a big N-O on everyone else hearing it then?" Mary states, cutting off the couple before they begin flirting publicly.

"The better question is, was that freaky-ass voice Derrick's or Cynthia's? If it was a voice at all?" Yaznov asks.

"Are you saying Derrick's spoke? that's impossible, he doesn't even have enough room in his wind-pipe to breathe, let alone speak." Timmy counters.

CRASH

"GUH" Cynthia grunts as she plummets head first to the mat below.

"What!?" The collective voice of everyone in the room shouts as they have no idea what happened.

They look back to the cage, eyes attracted to the center of the ring where see the figure of Cynthia crawling back to her feet, and you clambering back unto your feet after being freed from your binding.

"Wait what!? What the fuck just happened!? Did Cynthia's machine just fuck-up and free Derrick!?" Bradford, who's been tensely watching the fight up until now in silence finally breaks and shouts in confusion.

"If that was all that happened, how exactly is Cynthia on the ground? Seems me Derrick managed to land a strike and free himself." Landon states.

"What!? Fucking when!? I was watching the entire fucking time and from where I was standing, the crazy bitch just went tumbling to the floor and Derrick suddenly hopped off the wall!" Bradford explains.

"Well is there any other explanation?" Landon counters.

The Harlequinn over there is more vigilant than he seems... you compliment as you find your breathing .

He only saw the shadows of my movement, but he is correct, the moment she was distracted by my outburst to open her head for a strike. I flashed a kick aimed at her left temple, where her blind eye is. You summarize.

You stop collecting your thoughts as you look from the audience back to Cynthia, who's momentarily stunned and finding her balance on the floor.

But enough thinking and examining, the time to act is now. you state.

You and Cynthia struggle to your feet as Cynthia speaks, "What the fuck just happen-" But you quickly cut her off by way of a swift boot to the nose that sends her sliding across the mat to the center of the ring.

The swift surprise strike releases you Further from the choke and allows you enough room to cough and speak, "Cough,cough How-Cough,cough, How amusing." You says as you catch your breath and regain your footing.

Cynthia clambers back to her feet, blood running down her clearly broken nose as she gives a look of both anger and confusion, "The hell did you just say?" she asks.

"I'm answering your earlier question. I said, How amusing, because I found it highly entertaining that a failure of a woman, daughter and fighter like yourself would dare act as a teacher to someone you've long lost touch with and you would go even further to dare summon me in this Fashion." You answer.

She rubs the blood running down her face away and speaks, "Failure? The fuck are you going on about you fucking jump-start? That was an impressive, but low blow." She compliments.

"Now that you're finally willing to fight for real, prepare yourself! I'll break your ass in half and-"

" 'Fill you with more holes than you have braincells' right?" You finishes her sentence.

"...What the hell?" She's stunned quiet.

"I've had many a violent someone say that line to me before. Wasn't anymore creative or intimidating the last time than it was this time." You sigh.

"I'm bored of petty threats and tough-guy acts....Oh! Sorry! I shouldn't say, for that's all your good at, isn't it?" you taunt.

"..."Cynthia looks as blown away by the change in tone as the rest of the people in the room are.

"What's happening? How'd Sun-dance Kid turn it around like that?" Reynauld questions amidst the silence.

"This is as big a surprise turn around as that time back home when a priest was giving a man his passing prayer only for the man to jump out of the coffin and put the clergyman into a chokehold!" Arztz exclaims.

"Weird death analogies aside, I can't be the only one to notice his drastic change in vernacular correct? I could've sworn he spoke more like a street urchin rather than a proper gentleman." Dillion notices.

"No, this is super-weird, Derrick doesn't talk or act like this at all. At least, not as far as I've seen..." Etheline confirms.

"Your exactly right sweetie! That fancy speak shi-I mean- stuff, isn't like Derrick at all." Bradford exclaims.

"Loud-man right! This doesn't feel like Golden head at all! It like new person fight now, like Golden head just disappear and let new man take his place." Brovoski states.

This happened, when I was 16 yo

>be me
>highAF.exe
>playing minecraft
>night time comes in minecraft
>think to myself: I need to go to bed
>pause minecraft, close laptop and stand up from my desk
>put on pajamas and actually go bet and sleep
how retarded am I ?

"A new man take his place...?" Timmy whispers.

The crowd continues to chatter among itself as you speak once more, "What? Got nothing more to say? Good, I want to prattle for a moment, allow me to indulge myself." You state as you hold up two fingers.

"When you stopped attacking me earlier, you made two mistakes." he begins.

Cynthia looks confounded, "The fuck is this? Bitch school? Figured you be the first lecturer." Cynthia taunts.

"Ah, more 'bitch' jokes, original as always little girl. But your jest is not inaccurate, for I am about to school the bitch standing in front of me." You counter.

She cracks a wry smile, "Finally grown a pair huh?" you sense a tinge of anger in that statement.

"Your first mistake was being arrogant enough to cease your assault and allowing your opponent the chance to take advantage of your laxness. Or perhaps, weakness would be more concise." you taps under your left eye to signal Cynthia's lost eye.

"Even with your superb reflexes and super-human senses, it's impossible to block an attack you cannot perceive. That's your glaring weakness, oh, bad choice of words, you can't really glare properly anymore can you?" you taunt.

"Boy, really pushing your fucking luck ain't ya..." You can see the fires of rage growing within Cynthia.

"Oh nevermind, seems you can do it well after-all." you taunt with a smile.

Perfect You think to yourself.

You continue to pressure, "I see your ears function well even if your eyes don't. Good, now listen as I point out your second mistake." you begin.

"Asking a question like 'Have you woke up from your dream yet' when questions like that are better directed at yourself is a true fools errand." you state.

The rage in Cynthia's eye changes to confusion, "...What'd you mean?" she asks.

"What? Not quite smart enough to catch my meaning? Let make it simpler then." You slow down.

"You need to stop playing with this delusion of yours that this place is your home and the people here are your Family. You can't replace the truth with lies you know, especially not with frail ones like those." He states.

"What's he talking about? What frail lies?" Etheline questions deeply confused.

"What the hell are you talking about...? Wait, you can't mean..." Cynthia's eyes move from a look of mild confusion to growing fear.

Your smile grows even wider, "I know basically everything about you, you're an easy read, mainly because you're a deluded simpleton who's let herself get roped into a lie made by a gentleman who couldn't bear to see you suffer and die alone." you state.

>>3096241
Uhh. Thanks for sharing?

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>>3096241

Was this intended for another thread?

Well whatever, I say you're about as retarded as a typical minecraft player.

>Still posting.

She looks shaken by your words, "...Shut up. Do you even know what the hell you're talking about?" She says in a calm voice, but you can tell she's getting defensive because she knows you're onto something.

Time to go in for the kill, "Oh, no, I won't shut up, you have to hear this. You can't keep lying to yourself, people have been letting you make falsehood after falsehood, right up to your current identity, but you genuinely believe in it, because that gentleman was kind of enough to let a simpleton like you dream a little." He continues.

Those words shock and throw Cynthia into a state of dismay, "That...how do you...what...?" She quickly loses her cool, time to press the iron while it's hot.

You continue, "But let's face it, after this fiasco, you can bet he won't be so forgiving now. He's let you get away with a lot, but an embarrassment like this....Oh my, it may even cost you this new family you worked so hard to delude yourself into thinking you have."

Cynthia begins to breakdown, "Shut..up, Shut up. Shut up! Shut up! Shut the hell up!" Cynthia's emotions quickly flare up.

"You're going to lose everything you love...again." you taunt.

Cynthia holds her head in her hands and shouts, "Shut up!Shut up!Shut up!Shut up!Shut up!Shut up! I don't wanna fucking hear it! Shut the fuck up! I know I fucked up! You don't need to remind me!" She screams.

"Oh but yes I do! Because you'll just delude yourself again if I don't! Face the music girl, you're about to lose everyone you care for all over again!" you taunt and berate her, quickly breaking down her fragile mental state.

"You damn fool Derrick! Knock that off! She'll kill you for real!" Timmy shouts from the outside.

But You don't listen, you barely even notice him calling you, considering that isn't your name.

You speak, "But then again, let's look at the sliver linings here. This time, your family will only shun you in disgust, they won't die terribly on you like last time, you won't have to blame yourself too hard for not being able to do anything for them...or for Derrick again." He taunts.

"..." She suddenly goes quiet and stares daggers at you.

You smile a truly devilish grin at her, "Yes, because a simpleton like you really can't do anything can she?" you question.

"...You're a dead man." She says calmly.

She then dashes at full speed, screaming at the top of her lungs, "YOU'RE A FUCKING DEAD MAN" She screams.

"CYNTHIA NO!" Timmy shouts.

But in those final, closing fraction of seconds, you decide to act out and release a small portion of your true power.

>Nen Activation roll bypassed by skill: Absolute Nen Mastery

>Using Nen technique: 𐑟𐑧𐑯

>Cost: 1 MAP

>Increase AP +60

>Roll 1d100+60 (+60 from 𐑟𐑧𐑯 technique)

>DC: 70

Rolled 16 + 60 (1d100 + 60)

>>3096301
Let's go

Rolled 27 + 60 (1d100 + 60)

>>3096301
>"Far,far, far too slow. Too slow and too weak, little, foolish, weak, girl.

Rolled 17 + 60 (1d100 + 60)

>>3096301

>>3096324
>>3096329
>>3096343

>Begone girl!

>Posting.

In soundless flash, you allow your aura to flow from within in you for just a second and act.

Crack

And in the next second, the battle ends.

"AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Cynthia wails crack out across the arena, a piercing scream of agony that barely registers as a human sound.

"What?" Timmy asks, he has to, the result is utterly unexpected and illogical.

You have no time to examine the audience however, as you now need to nurse your wounds, "Ow,ow,ow,ow,ow!Oof! That really hurts!" You hop around in petty pain.

Ywouch! Feels like I must've pulled a leg muscle using that power! As expected, this body isn't quite trained enough to withstand me unleashing the full zeal of my techniques for more than a single second without destroying itself. Better restrain myself on using that ability till this body has readied itself. You recognize as you nurse your poor aching knees.

>Back outside the ring.

"What.The.Fuck...."Bradford's jaw is left agape.

"My sentiments exactly, is this a dream of some sort?" Landon questions.

"....."Etheline can't even muster up the brain power to say something.

Your name is Timmy Divana, and you are as dumb-struck as everyone else in the room by the miraculous turnaround victory that's just happened, you truly cannot believe your eyes.

"What in righteous name of god just happened?" Yaznov questions, but no one answers.

"...Did the sleeping gas effects re-activate and knock me out again? Because this must be a dream." Mary is as utterly lost as yourself.

"Sister, do you honestly believe, that even in your wildest dreams, that Cynthia would be beaten crying to the ground by anyone, let alone him?" You ask.

"Good point." She admits.

You say that, but perhaps your previous summation on his strength was wrong. For just one second, a tiny, fraction of a moment, you believe you sensed someone used Nen in that clash.

The movements were so fast, that you honestly didn't see what had happened, or who used Nen and how, but considering who the last man standing here is, you can only guess one culprit.

After a moment of stretching and working out muscle pains, Derrick looks down on Cynthia again, "Well, you were easier to lead on then I expected. I knew it wouldn't take much to bait you into moving into drastic action, but all it took was a little teasing to get you to jump on my command. How amusing." He taunts

"RGHHHHHHHHHHHHH..." Cynthia's wails quickly quiet down and become growls of rage, not unlike that of a feral dog.

"It seems you've woken up and regressed to your original self. That dumb little girl who didn't know what to do until someone told her. That angry look suits you far better then the facades you put on earlier." He taunts.

"You're...so fucking dead...I swear I'm gonna kill your ass." She growls out as she slowly picks herself up from the ground, holding her limp arm all the way.

"I doubt that. In that last exchange, I dislocated your Humerus from your elbow joints. Your right arm is completely useless, but not broken, be thankful, if you quit now, you get to walk out of here with your life and all your limbs in full working order." he promises.

"Who the fuck do you think you are! Talking down to me like I'm weak! Like I'm trash, I'll rip your goddamn scalp off! I only need my left hand to do it!" She threatens.

He wags his finger at her, "tch-tch!No! Bad dog! Learn when your beaten!" He taunts.

"You fucking scum...!" Cynthia curses.

"I'm warning you, If you rush me now, the hellish pain of your half-broken arm will slow your movements down. Even if my eyes in this body aren't fast enough to follow you at top speed, I'd say you can only put out about 50% of your strength at the moment." He states.

Cynthia's face goes red with anger as she prepares to strike, "What the fuck do you know!? Goddamn stuck-up prick! Eat shit!!" She shouts as she launches off her feet, left arm poised to strike at his head.

Derrick smiles once more, in a swift, series of movements, He dodges each one of Cythnia's strikes by a pin's breadth, sometimes even allowing her arm to brush against his face, but never touching.

"Woah! How scary! At this body's current level, it takes all my speed and reflexes to dodge these simple strikes! You've trained well girl!" He taunts.

"What the hell are you even spewing out! You aren't making a lick of goddamn sense, when the hell did you get this quick!?" She asks as she continues her swift flurry.

Derrick dodges rapidly as he speaks, "It's not that I'm suddenly quicker, it's that you're noticeable slower. This body may not be powerful yet, but even at it's current level, I'm fully capable of defeating you." he states.

"Oh give me a fucking break!" She shouts as she pulls back her fist in an attempt to snake her hand into his eyes.

that's when Derrick performs a backwards handspring in a surprise burst of acrobatics, "Huh!?" Cynthia blurts out as she realizes she's only stabbed at air.

Derrick then springs into the air and twists his body to grab her arm with his legs mid-air, mid-way through the fall, he begins to spin his entire body twisting Cythnia's entire body down with her left arm being used a fulcrum.

"GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" She screams as her left arm shatters and bends unnaturally as she slams hard into the mat, Derrick continuing to spin all the way.

Derrick lands on his belly and quickly jumps back to his feet, while Cynthia lies on the ground, violently gasping for air.

>>3096228
>"I'm answering your earlier question. I said, How amusing, because I found it highly entertaining that a failure of a woman, daughter and fighter like yourself would dare act as a teacher to someone you've long lost touch with and you would go even further to dare summon me in this Fashion." You answer.
I knew it, Cynthia is Zeena. Not only do they look alike but the age fits in with to the timeline considering Zeena was 25 around 8 years ago and Cynthia is currently 33

>>3096414
Huh, I was wondering what that was a bout. Good catch.

"What the shit!? I don't remember that blonde bastard knowing how to do that crazy shit! That looked like some trick Noell would pull!" Bradford exclaims.

"I don't think that was a trick as much as it was an attack he personally created in that moment." Landon reasons.

"Combining all his speed, strength, agility and flexibility into a single counter-attack. Perhaps it's just a move he kept hidden from us until now?" Landon questions.

"No...Derrick doesn't have any moves like that, he hates attacks that require any flipping or rapid-spinning. He think they're too flashy and leave you open for attacks too often. His fighting style is more compact and heavy than this..." Etheline counters.

"Hmmm? You must know a lot about his fighting style to say that. Do I spy the loving eye of someone watching from afar?" Landon questions.

"N-No! What are you talking about!? Me and Derrick just trained together for a little bit and learned a little of his combat style is all!" Etheline panics.

"So you had a fight date? How adorable~ I'll have to add this to my flowchart." Landon states as he pulls out that complex-looking romance chart.

"You remade that!?" Etheline exclaims.

"Remade, revised and fireproofed!I needed to match the new dynamics after-all! Derrick's been planting passion seeds all over the place, I'm just watching to see how long each one takes to blossom into full-blown love flowers." He states.

Etheline looks dumbstruck as Bradford signals to the two to focus, "Can you two dumba- I mean- Idiots get your priorities straight keep your eyes on the ring!? Stuff's happening!" He states.

"What?" they both go.

Bradford speaks the truth, all eyes are on the arena as Derrick stares silently down at the broken Cynthia, both arms in broken tatters, her once dominant stance a far cry away from where we stand now.

"...." Cynthia's run out of air to scream and it seems it's too painful for her to breathe in again, so she lays there, lifeless and broken.

"How boring. That's all it took to bring you down? I even made sure to use an attack that wouldn't create enough force to activate your choking device so you'd have the chance to stand up again if you could." He states.

"...." She doesn't respond, either because she has nothing left to say in her disgrace, or she's losing consciousnesses fast, and can't even register his words.

"But I guess you can't, I did dislocate your left arm in three ways. Seprating your humerus from your clavicle and elbow joint along with breaking your ulna. The pain and shock must be so great that your brain just shut itself off to avoid a sudden heart-attack." He states.

"...." Silence is all he receives in turn.

"A shame. I expected more out of you, calling me into this world like this. how sad." he states as he kneels down and turns Cynthia over, rustling through her pants pocket and finding a small sliver key.

He pulls it out and quickly undoes the lock on his neck brace.

CRASH

The crashing sound of the neck brace hitting the ground reverbs throughout the room, freeing him from the deadly mechanism.

He stretches his neck a bit as everyone looks around in confusion, "Is it really over now? In a surprise twist, it turns out that Derrick is actually a combat genius and frees himself after breaking both of Cynthia's arms? Man, now that I'm saying that, it's a bit out there." Ivorai asks.

"This whole evenings been a bit out there." You comment.

"That sudden turnaround was unexpected, but not uncommon in the Hunter exam, as strange as it was, we'll let Derrick be, drag Cynthia out of there and I'll work on re-locating her bones and fixing Derrick's wounds." You state.

"As fucking crazy as all that was, in the end, Cynthia was due for a right spanking for what she'd done, only more beautiful that the one she abused was the one that spanked her. I say all's well that ends well here." Yaznov agrees.

"What unbelievable strength! Oh Derrick, I find more reason to fall in love with you day by day. I can't wait to see more out you." Landon praises.

"That was fucking insane Derrick! I hope you're ready to pull some of that crazy shit with me when we throwdown!" Bradford exclaims.

"Derrick! Are you alright!? You took some nasty blows there, But I just knew you'd manage to turn it around, you always do!" Etheline compliments.

"Those were some crazy-ass dance movements there Sundance Kid. Colour me impressed, I thought we'd be pulling your corpse from that iron noose right about now!" Reynauld compliments.

"Here I was, fully prepared to give you your parting ceremony and bury what was left of your body in this nice patch of dirt I found in the yard. But I see that you are a man of action, a true survivor! As I thought, you are a testament to the undying flames of life!" Arztz praises.

Brovoski smiles from ear to ear, "Now the wedding can go on as scheduled, Brovoski will get you first class tickets to Kuggend for the ceremony in March! Don't worry yourself, Golden head!"

"You can throw your weight around quite well...for a plebeian." Even Dillion seems happy with this outcome.

Mary approaches you from the side, "Brother, if you don't mind, after you're done healing Derrick, I'll like you to wheel him back to my lab. This new fighting strength of his must be researched as soon as possible, I hope Damon doesn't remove him from the manor for this, He'll have to stay a few more days for testing." Mary states.

"Damon won't remove someone who's acting in pure self-defense, he'll probably restrict him from the gym area to ensure that these two don't see each other again for the duration of his stay." You explain.

"And of course sister, I'll be glad if you take my patient off my hand for your dangerous experiments, go right ahead." You agree.

"Sensible and kind as usual brother." Mary agrees.

"Anything for my precious little sister." Timmy answers.

"You know, now that you mention it, where is Damon, he ended up missing all that madness, did that Regina girl even go get him in the end?" Yaznov questions.

"Good question, it's best I check." You say as you turn away and begin to walk.

"The rest of you, collect that idiotic gorilla and-"

CRASH

The sound of a second neck brace falling off cuts your movement and commands, as you slowly turn back around see a strange sight.

Derrick uses the sliver key, not on the doorway out of the cage, but rather on Cynthia's neck brace, freeing her limp body from the chains.

As he stands over it, an indecipherable look in his eyes.

"Hm?" you sound.

(That's strange, is he going to carry her out with him? After everything she did to him? He's more forgiving than he looks.) You wonder.

He then kneels down and stares at her for a moment, "Hey! Mr.Holums, there's no need to force yourself carrying that heavy idiot, we'll lug her out of here, you need to hurry to my medical office and get your wounds checked now." you state.

"...." but he does not respond, simply staring down at Cynthia's newly freed neck.

"Hm? Did you not hear me Mr.Holums!? Get out of that cage and leave her alone, it's over now!" you shout.

"No. No it's not." Derrick responds.

"Huh?" You ask.

"Derrick, what are you doing? You need to come down and heal your wounds already. The concussion and lack of air hasn't messed with your head has it? I'll help you walk if it has!" Etheline offers.

Various people start chattering again as Derrick picks up Cynthia by the collar of her shirt and stares into her empty eyes.

"What do you mean it's not over?" You ask.

"I don't think you need me to say it, but here's a doctor's opinion if you can't believe your eyes. Cynthia is out like a light, unconscious, she isn't getting back up, not without me waking her up anyway." You state.

"No foolish boy. I am well aware that the battle is over, for I am the one that ended it. That's is not what I mean." Derrick responds.

"Boy?, I know I have a young face, but I'm at least 8 years older than you, you know? Don't think defeating Cynthia gives you the right to take her ego now." You respond.

"Oh, it is not her ego I want...." He says as he rubs his hand along her neck.

He then looks to you and the rest of the audience as he smiles that devilish smile again and warps both hands around her throat, "It's her life." He answers as he strengthens his grip.

"PFT! GAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The once motionless, silent Cynthia, wakes up violently as she feels the hands around her throat squeezing the life out of her.

The once calm mood shatters and you rush back to the cage side, "You damn fool! What the hell do you think you're doing! The fight's over!" You shout.

"No, no it's not! The battle may end here, but the war will continue! Not unless I bring an end to this the threat permanently." He proclaims.

"Derrick no! What are you doing!? That's terrible! Let her go!" Etheline shouts in turn.

"Did her choking you out earlier give you brain damage Derrick!? She may be crazy, but that doesn't mean you have go crazy yourself to deal with her! Put her down!" Bradford shouts.

"You need to calm down Derrick! Out-right Murder is never the answer! You can work this out in a more civil manner I'm sure!" Landon shouts.

"By god, I took you for a lot of things Sundance, but a crazy wasn't one of them! Don't prove me wrong kid!" Reynauld pleads.

"Golden head! The battle has ended, she cannot do anything! This is not defense of self, this is murder!" Brovoski exclaims.

"Hm, turns out I'll get to use that nice dirt patch after-all." Arztz comments.

"I knew you were a Dullard, but I believed you weren't a savage! Unhand that woman! Now!" Dillion shouts.

Everyone shouts for Derrick to stop, but not one of the many voices get through to him, he focuses purely on the task at hand, tightening his grip more and more each second, it's a surprise he hasn't just broken her neck yet.

"Gohhhhhhhhhhhh" Cynthia violently wheezes, clambering to any air that can go down her windpipe, fighting to free herself from Derrick's grip, but with the amount of air lessening as the seconds pass, her ability to fight goes with them.

"Look me in the eye, dumb girl. Look into the eyes of the man you abandoned." Derrick whispers to her.

Strangely, Cynthia actually complies with this order as she looks her assailant in the eyes.

"There you go girl, this is what you wanted right? A death at the hands of the people you betrayed, these hands that drain the life out you are those that you once cherished. You dreamed day and night of atoning for your sins like this didn't you?" He states.

"...." Strangely, all the fight in her body seems to go after hearing those words, she simply stares blankly at Derrick as he tightens even harder.

"That's a good look in your eye. The look of a person who has graciously accepted their fate. Turns out you have some courtesy after all! Now you can die with grace!" He exclaims.

"Stop Derrick! Stop!!" Ivorai cries.

"You're going too goddamn far Goldie locks! I swear if you waste her, I'll kill you the moment you step outside those doors!" Yaznov threatens.

"You can't do this Derrick! You'll be disqualified from the Exam!" Mary warns.

But even so, not a word of it gets through to him. Cynthia's eyes begin to roll into the back of her head as foam begins to form at her mouth.

"We can't wait any longer! Brovo, break through this cage!" Ivorai orders.

"Yes Dearest!" Brovoski quickly grips unto the iron cage, his massive muscles straining as he pulls as the cage, slowly but surely deforming it and causing it to breakdown.

Derrick doesn't seem bothered by the giant man suddenly trying to break down the cage, he doesn't break line of sight with Cynthia, who's eyes are dilating as we speak.

"This is too slow, give it some more juice why don't ya strongman!?" Yaznov states.

"There you go Brovo! Give it everything those muscles yours have got!" Ivorai cheers on.

"For my dearest Ivy! Anything!!" He says he puts his back into pulling harder, making him go slightly faster.

However, you can just tell that you won't be able to make it at this pace, you need someone stronger...

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>>3096509
>Look into the eyes of the man you abandoned
Poor Cynthia

>Back into the ring

This was easy, boringly easy, this woman is far too broken for me to gain any enjoyment out of battling her. This has been more sad than amusing... you reason as you continue to squeeze this woman's neck.

"Ugh....Ughhh..." She chokes out moans of pain on reflex, but is otherwise quiet.

Not to mention the circumstances that brought about this battle are less than ideal. I was hoping to find a time to introduce myself and confess to my beloved Derrick, but this was most certainly not the time to do it. But I had to take-over if he wanted a chance at victory, so it's not like I had a choice you conclude.

"ughhhhhhhh...." She chokes out a rather long moan.

Besides, looking at the brighter side, I finally got to share a space with my beloved Derrick, hear his voice, have him speak to me and even went so far as to take-over his body! And what an amazing body it is! I had high expectations, but this is beyond even my wildest dreams, nothing can compare to this loving warmth I feel, as expected of the Child of the Sun! You praise, getting lost in your love long enough that you lighten your grip for a moment.

"cough,cough,cough Sor..Cough,cough Sorry...DerrickCough,cough I'm so Cough sorry, please, pleaseeecough You can...have my life...if you want...cough just please, please, Forgive...me...for what i did...cough forgi-" She rambles while gasping for air.

Whoops, forgot about this fool for a second. you state as resume choking her with renewed force.

"Gahhhhh..." And she goes quiet again.

Anyway, It really is too bad that makes us mortal enemies and I must destroy him after-all is said and done, but at least I can enjoy his company in the interlude. You cheer yourself up.

"...." She struggles a bit underneath you, but otherwise stays slient.

Hmmmm? Has she finally accepted her death? How boring...humans ought to cling unto life harder than this, but than again, she hasn't much to cling does she? You reason.

"...." She goes rigid and stiff, indicating she's finally reaching the last stages of choking.

Still, I've come to expect more from humans than this, I'm going to have to leave after I kill this simpleton, but this would just leave a bad taste in my mouth, perhaps I shall kill one of the warriors outside before I go? Yes, that would be-

>>3096550
Damon interrupt? Damon Interrupt.

CRASH

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE!?" Suddenly, the thick doors of the gym are knocked down by the raging force of Damon, who barges into the room like a violent storm.

Everyone's eyes turn to the angry visage of Damon, who rushes his way into the room and shouts, "Mr.Holums! What are you doing!?" he asks, shocked and thunderously angry with what he's seeing.

You look over and bare witness to the burning fury in Damon's eyes.

>Combat Analysis needed!

>War God's eye activates!

>Surgeon's eye activates!

>Damon's Character entry updated! Life,armor and traits all discovered!

Your eyes go wide and your grip lightens again, Oh my...that's not good, he's a real threat, I'm quite certain there's no way I'll defeat him in my current state...better hurry up with this woman. you panic slightly

"Cough,cough,cough,cough Damon...?Cough,cough,cough Damon, I...I messed up...pleasecough,cough Damon, please, please save m-" She begs to be saved, but you don't let her finish, you put all your force into your arms and push down.

"Shit! He's gonna to snap her neck!" Bradford shouts.

"Brovo, we need more!! Hurry up!!" Ivorai shouts.

"Me..Giving...everything...I have..." Brovoski states through gritted teeth.

That's when Damon moves from shock, straight to action, "You're too slow! Out of my way!!" he orders as he rushes to the cage side and pushes Brovoski, who's body must weigh a literal ton, barreling to the ground.

"HAH!" In a single, focused punch, Damon blows a massive hole into the side of the iron cage and breaks his way into it.

"He broke through thick bonds of iron...in a single strike..." Dillion whispers in astonishment.

Damon jumps into the cage and glares at you with searing eyes of rage, "Let go of her right this instant!" He shouts as he charges you.

Now that's the spirit and flavor of a warrior! it's a tragedy I can't fight him, he seems like he would sate a little of this unending bloodthirst of mine You admire.

You're forced to let Cynthia go and hop out the way of his strike.

However, the second your feet meet the mat, he turns on his heels and jumps forward to strike at you, his palm clenched into a fast, powerful strike with such force and ferocity, that for a moment, you mistake this man for a pouncing tiger.

"Woah!" you shout as you narrowly dodge his fatal strike by jumping backward, Damon wastes no time jumping forward with the same strike poised at your chest.

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Time for you slows down to .03125 of a second as you process the threat in front of you.

This is unwinnable. I'm going to lose in about 2 seconds. you conclude.

The cage back wall is about 3 meters behind, I'll close in on the cage wall in about one more jump, which means even if I dodge this next strike, I'll be back into the back wall and incapacitated, but if I stand my ground and counter, I will be crushed under the overwhelming force of this man's rage. you discover.

Gentle movements fueled by emotion, every fist non-lethal yet filled with gentle killing intent. How rare, This fighting style is ancient Judeno of the Kukan'yu tribal warriors, I haven't seen this in practice since the revolutionary wars of the Kukan'yu state, how nostalgic! You recall.

Either this man is well over a century older than he looks, or has traveled centuries worth of historical land and text to master this forgotten art. Either way, truly impressive. you admire.

However this isn't the time to be enjoying old battles past, I need to come up with some possible solution to escape or defeat this fellow before I land and I have no time to decide... you process your next move.

>Combat analysis roll needed!

>War god's eye activates

>0 new options gained!

Well that's just dandy, There's no path to victory. Looks like I'll have to say farewell to my beloved for a little while again...but there is one thing I can do to negate any real damage this man will do, I don't want to be the reason my precious Derrick faces any lasting damage. you reason.

This man isn't trying to kill me, because he would've broken my neck if he wasn't working at about 10% of his full strength, which is why I'm even capable of dodging him. you examine.

He's angry, but in control. Which means, Knowing the movements of Judeno and all of it's attacks, While there's no way I won't lose, there is a particular move I can bait out that will deal no real damage to me. This is goodbye for now Derrick, I'm sure we won't be apart long, but I can't wait to see you again...


Time resumes at it's regular speed and land from your second jump. Damon rushes you with another palm strike, which you counter by kicking at his wrist, causing him to reflexive pull back before being struck and use his left hand faster than you're capable of recovering from your kick.

That's when points two fingers and jabs them into the fold of the knee of your supporting leg, striking at your pressure point, causing instant numbness across your leg, making you collapse to the ground.

You land and bounce off the mat, causing you to inhale sharply, but before you even have a chance to settle on the ground again, he does the same two-finger strike to your neck, gently but forcefully pushing his way into your windpipe from the outside, cutting you off mid-breath.

The sudden, instant shock causes your brain to shut down, putting you into a comatose state.

As expected of a Judeno practitioner, perfect knowledge of the pressure points and the movement of air in the body. This man is a true gentle beast... those were your final thoughts before everything faded to black.

Shit, I forgot Black-hearted Derrick's battle theme in my posting, how unprofessional.

https://youtu.be/p0sJQkhEtTY

Let's see if anyone can find something better than this.

"...And that's how it happened." Timmy finishes.

"...." you give a blank stare of absolute shock.

"What is it? You look like you have something you want to say? Go ahead, floor's open." Timmy asks.

"...What the actual fuck did I just listen to? Did you make all that up? Cause it sounds like you made it up." you counter.

"Oh, I wish I just made all that up. If I could make stuff like that up on the fly, I'd be director in WoodHolly making films instead of here, patching up psychopaths." Timmy jokes.

"You say that, but only psychopaths would watch that kind of insanity! Am I seriously supposed to believe that instead of just getting knocked out, I had a secret, separate personality within me, that was skilled enough to break both Cynthia's arm and nearly kill her!?" you ask.

"Are you seriously saying I would waste my time telling you all that just to say haha, nevermind, It was all just one big joke! in the end?" he asks in turn.

"Well, you do seem like the kind of guy who would go that far just to mess with someone." you counter.

He smiles a bit at that one, "You're not wrong. But unfortunately, this is neither a blockbusting film or a gut-busting joke. This is stark hard reality. Just like it's reality that you're being kicked out of the mansion for it." he states.

"...What?" you ask.

"What? Did I say something strange?" he asks.

"Sorry, but could you repeat that last part?" you ask.

"You're being kicked out of the mansion. You're either moving unto the next test or finding some new place to stay for the next 3 days, but either way, you've got about 2 hours left here before we're forced to remove you from the manor." Timmy explains.

"I'm seriously being kicked out over something I don't even remember doing!? This can't be real...This has to be a nightmare." you state.

"The real nightmare was the state of Cynthia's arms and windpipe last night. After I was done healing you, I spent all night last night re-locating bones and pumping her with enough oxygen to ensure she didn't have permanent brain damage, but even all that didn't wake her up." He explains.

Your eyes go wide, "She's in a coma?" you ask.

"Unfortunately yes, you choked her half-to death, there was some extensive damage to her brain cells. Nothing permanent, but she isn't going to wake up for at least a few weeks, if not a few months, especially considering she probably didn't have too many in the first place." Timmy jokes.

"Not funny man..." you groan.

You put your fingers between your eyes, "If I really did all that, I can bet everyone's also talking about how I'm complete loon with a thing for choking women to death aren't they?" you ask.

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"Everyone reacted to last night a bit differently. Some look up to you with respect for beating someone that strong, others regard you with fear for your violent tendencies. But overall, the general idea is that you were just defending yourself and you went crazy after getting caught up in the moment." Timmy explains.


"Well, that's better than everyone thinking I'm crazy at least. How do you think of me?" you ask.

"Me?...look, as a doctor, I keep my personal feelings out of cases like these." He answers.

"Yeah, well then, let's just say Doctor Timmy went out to refill on chocolate bars. I'm asking Timmy right now, what do you think?" you ask again.

"No Mr.Holums, I'm telling you this both as a doctor, and something close to your friend." His joking air disappears again as his smile fades and he pushes up his glasses.

"It's best you don't ask, trust me, we both won't like the answer." He states.

"Oh...I see." you agree for prosperity sake.

You look up to the white ceiling above you and sigh, "...Regina's gonna kill me for this, I bet she's just fuming over me isn't she?" you ask.

He fixes his demeanor quickly as he answers, "I don't believe you'll have to worry about that." he answers in a calmer voice.

"Why's that? Did she just get over it? I doubt that." you joke.

"No, it's because she's isn't in mansion anymore." Timmy answers.

You look back down at Timmy, "What? Did she move onto the next test without me?" you ask.

"No, she's just gone. Missing." Timmy answers.

"...Missing?" you ask, barely believing a word your hearing.

"After she found Damon, she disappeared without a trace. She didn't warn us, or even collect her things before she left, seems she went in the night while we were all recovering from the fight and never came back." he answers.

"You can't be serious...what the hell? She disappeared..." you can't believe your ears.

"We haven't got the faintest clue...but we did find something equally strange did happen in conjunction to her disappearance." He states.

"Something strange?" you ask.

"We got another new guest the night of the fight, however, she left the mansion and dropped out of the Hunter Exam this morning after meeting Regina." he answers.

"What the hell? Someone dropped out of the Exam because of Regina? Who and why?" you ask.

"Her reasoning was simple she just said that she got what she came to the exam for and left." He answer.

"Got what she came for? What the hell does that mean?" you question.

"As for who, I believe her name was...Christina? Yes, Christina Melladona." He answers.

A shiver of panic runs the length of your spine as you hear that name, "....Christina?" you state, faking ignorance.

"I believe the two were sisters, despite the different last names. I wonder, did she come to the Hunter Exam just to look for her? That would explain her abrupt dropping out." Timmy theorizes.

"Well... I wouldn't know." you lie.

"Well yeah, I guess we can only guess, but considering the both of them disappeared after finding each other, that's the only conclusion I can come to. Coming to the Hunter Exam to find your lost sister...I'd say those are some strange circumstances, but we've seen weirder in these exams before, like that one green-clad boy who passed the last exam to go looking for his Father." Timmy recalls.

"I wonder what that boy's doing now..." Timmy reminisce on something while you feel a deep, sinking feeling of regret and despair set in.

(I think it’s best we move onto the next test today...We’ve enjoyed a nice break, but we can’t keep relaxing like this. We have a lead on her at the moment, but it certainly won’t last forever...) The warnings of Rea ring through your mind.

(Oh for fuck's sake...Rea was right, as she always is, and just like always, I fucked things up for her by dragging her down and keeping her with me to satisfy my petty problems.) You repent.

(Derrick. Do I need to remind you who we’re dealing with? The tracking skills of any agent of Moon medicines are never to be underestimated...If I managed to make it down the mountain, she most certainly can too...) Rea's voice rings in your mind as if to scold you.

(She warned me time and time again, and I still made it a point to stay back and fuck around, I seriously thought she was just being paranoid...What a fucking idiot I am...) You self-loathe.

(I understand your disappointment but… You know what. Perhaps I am being a bit too hasty, we can wait until the end of your concert with Yaznov and move out by tomorrow...) An overwhelming sense of guilt strikes you with each word that comes back to you.

(But she went along with my dumbass anyway! She put my satisfaction over her safety! That how much she valued me! Now she's gone...Either captured, on the run or fucking dead considering Christina was the only one people saw walk away alive! What the hell have I done!?) You breakdown.

"...Hello? Derrick? You didn't fall asleep on me right?" Timmy questions, breaking you out of your guilt-filled trance.

"W-What? No, I was just spacing out a bit." you answer.

"Really? Looked like you were verge of crying." He states

"Huh?" you feel at your eyes and notice water was welling up.

"Were my stories about to bore you to tears? Sorry, remind me not to share anything with you." Timmy states.

"No, no that's not it doc. I'm fine, really..." You state.

"You sure you have nothing you want to share? I'm a Health hunter, my doctoral skills extend beyond being a surgeon and a physician. I can act as a therapist or even psychologist for you too you know." He states.

You wipe away your welling tears, "Stop using kindness as an excuse to brag. If I got therapy from a sarcastic ass like you, I'd be doing way worse than crying." you joke.

"So no then? Fine, don't say I didn't try and help." Timmy states.

"Thanks Timmy, but you've already helped me enough." you state.

"You're telling me. Do you know how much bruise ointment I've had to waste on you? I think you've overstayed your welcome, time for you to go." He states as he turns back to his desk and rummages through it.

"Woah, talk about blunt. You want to get rid of me that much?" you ask.

"I personally believe the longer a doctor stays with their patient, the more incompetent and greedy they are. When a doctor heals someone, it should be their objective to see that person as little as possible, even better if they never see them again." He states as he grabs a familiar needle.

"Wait, that's not what I think it is right?" you ask.

"Oh? You already know what Adrenalin needle looks like? That either means you're a rather fine-looking drug addict or you've knocked on death's door one too many times." Timmy states.

"The truth is the latter, but with all these adrenaline shots I'm taking, the former might start being true too." you state.

"Don't worry, it's not like a Naxolene wake-up shot, this stuff is just meant to wake up your muscles and help you fight the pain." He says as he returns to your side.

"Should a doctor really be in such a hurry to send their patients out? What if there's something wrong with me that you haven't seen?" you ask.

"Oh, there's too many things wrong with you for me or even medical science to identify. Stick out your arm." He orders.

"You're killing me Timmy." you comply.

He injects the needle into the upper part of your arm, "Don't worry, you're killing yourself way faster than I possibly can. You don't need me to do that job." he counters.

He injects you in your upper-forearm, "There, the effects should kick in about 5 or so minutes. When they do, get out of my office and gather anything you need before leaving." He states as he wheels back to his desk and grabs a chocolate bar.

"How much time do I have left to collect stuff?" you ask.

He checks the clock on the wall, "About an hour and a half. Best you skip on trying to say goodbye to everyone and just get your stuff and leave." he advises.

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"Yeah...well it's not like too many people want to talk to me right now." you admit.

"At least you're aware. First sign of possible intelligence, there's hope yet." Timmy taunts.

"Blunt as always..." you whisper.

>20 minutes later

After getting dressed, gathering your dufflebag and fighting through the abdomen pain, you walk down the entrance hall, heading to workshop to talk to Etheline.

(There's no real point lingering around this place, but I need to collect that armor I ordered from Etheline before I leave...) you think as you head into the living room.

Your leisurely walk is brought to a stop however, as you notice the entrance hall has been crowded by the likes of Reynauld, Brovoski, Arztz, Landon and Dillion.

Brovoski stares sadly at the kitchen door while everyone else sits in the couch area and discusses their business.

"So gentlemen, what are your plans for the day?" Landon questions.

"Leaving, what the hell else? It's bout time I hit the dusty trail again. This place is turning more grim than a graveyard. What about you cowpokes?" Reynauld states.

"Hey, I'll have you know graveyards can be very lively and fun places, you just don't have a very intimate relationship with the dead." Arztz counters.

"As much as I'd hate to agree with the country bumpkin, I'm pretty sure no one should have an intimate relationship with the dead. We fight everyday to avoid getting intimate with death." Dillion counters.

"That just shows your ignorance to the loving arms of death. Death can be a very peaceful and pleasant thing you know, it's not good to fear it." Arztz counters.

"Does everything you say have to this creepy? Maybe you should work on your relationship with the living before you tell everyone they need love death, you freaky little Necrophiliac." Dillion counters.

"Are you two gonna stop bickering and just answer the damn question?" Reynauld cuts in

"Well if you must know, yes, I'll be leaving in about an hour. I couldn't stand this place when I arrived and I can't stand it even more now that I've stayed. Too low class and filled with savages." Dillion complains.

"I get the savages part, but this is low class to you? Good lord, what about Pretty boy?" Reynauld asks.

"Well, believe or not, I'm actually going to be staying here for another day, I don't wish to move on just yet." Landon answers.

"Oh well at least this place won't become a ghost town yet, though I bet your staying so you can drive your favorite pony, Sophinia around the yard again." Reynauld laughs.

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"By god, do you refer to your mother with the same level of vulgarity or are you feeling particularly degenerate today?" Dillion questions.

"What you call degenerate, I call sexy talk prissy boy." Reynauld counters.

"I imagine you've tasted both your mother and aunt's entire soap cabinet with your sexy talk." Dillion states.

"Well that depends, you talking bout my mother or my aunt? Cause them terms are used interchangeable where I come from." Reynauld smiles vulgarly.

"Ugh..."Dillion looks physically sick.

"Possible inbreeding aside, while yes, Sweet Sophie is on my mind when staying here, it's less about her and more about my peace of mind." Landon states.

"Peace of mind?" Reynauld asks.

"Yes, for me, moments where I'm allowed to bond and show love and care to others are the ones I treasure the most, thus I want to linger in this place for just a moment more to appreciate the memories I made here." Landon answers.

"Well goddamn, that was so wholesome it sounded like a rip straight from scripture! Speaking of scripture, what about you Casper? Feeling like giving this place it's last rites?" Reynauld asks.

"I wish I didn't have to, My stay here was actually more pleasant than most, but yes, I'll also be leaving within the hour." Arztz agrees.

"This place was pleasant to you? Well, guess someone's gotta miss it." Reynauld jokes.

"You say that as if this place isn't amazing! I saw and experienced so much life, it just sad that it had to end on such a sour, dour note like last night." Arztz states.

"Oh good, at least you have enough sense in you to see that everything that happened last night was a disgusting mess." Dillion praises.

"Did you expect me to praise it as something beautiful? The cruel destruction of life isn't beautiful, in fact, I'd even say the act of taking life one of the most ugly acts there is in this world." Arztz states.

>>3096228
>>3096432
Why is Bradford trying not to swear again? Did I miss something

"Hmph, you're more soft than ya look Casper, and you already looked plenty squishy. I thought you n' death were on good terms?" Reynauld laughs.

"I don't know if I call him soft, just realistic, after-all death is extremely cruel sometimes, so I myself seek to avoid causing or feeling the effects of it." Landon states.

"Death comes in many forms, not all of them are beautiful you know, there are places where the line must be drawn." Arztz states.

"Well I think we all know where that line needs to be drawn, right at the feet of that blonde, tasteless Sav-" His insult is cut-off as he looks around and notices you listening in from the stairwell.

"...." you say nothing.

"-age." He finishes.

"Oh my, how terrible for you to have caught us in the midst of gossip."Landon states.

"At least you've got enough guts to bad-mouth me to my face as well as you do behind my back." You compliment.

"I don't believe it's bad-mouthing if I'm speaking the truth. You do realize everyone with an ounce of sense is moving so they can avoid you right?" Dillion states.

"Hey! Speak for yerself Money-bags! I actually hold golden boy there in rather high reguards!" Reynauld counters.

"I said, everyone with an ounce of sense." Dillion counters.

"I guess that means you think I'm a murderous psychopath right?" you ask.

"I think? I know you're a murderous psychopath! You don't even have the decency left to be considered a plebeian, you're just a remorseless monster!" Dillion insults.

How do you approach this?

>Defensive: It was self-defense!

>Apologetic: You're right, I'm sorry.

>Confrontational: Who the hell do you think you're talking you?

>Write-in

>>3096813

Check his character bio, I updated all the character relations.

Etheline and Bradford actually spent time together off-screen, during which he learned she's too sweet a girl and so young she could be his (dead) daughter.

Thus he chooses to hold back on the foul language around her out of a love.

>>3096838
AS far as I remember Cynthia was choking me out and that was the end of it. Doc told me it wasn't but I do not remember any of it. Something about D.I.D. or some odd. I'd apologize, for going after her once i was free, but I'm not. Not for something I genuinely cannot remember doing. IF you're trying to avoid me, best stay here for a bit cause Damon is kicking me out. Believe what you want, say what you want, but I'm leaving. Pretty sure I don't want to be here when my time is up.

>>3096838
>Apologetic: You're right, I'm sorry.
Even if it was in self defense we took it to far. Granted we weren't in control of ourselves at the time but he does have full right to think we're fucked in the head

>>3096861
why would we apologize for anything we did not do? Hell why wouldn't we explain we did not do it?

>>3096838
>Confrontational: Who the hell do you think you're talking you?
We're not gonna overcome that reputation with some people. Might as well embrace it

>>3096861
>>3096896
Guys there is literally nothing we can do here either way. We have limited time at best. We need to leave. Unless you want Damon to punt us out.

Apologizing or getting into a fight with it is doing no good. we need to go.

>>3096858
>>3096861
>>3096881
>>3096896
>>3096909

Whoa, been a while since the vote has been divided 3 different ways.

Seems we're split between, what appears to be a write in (>>3096858), Apologetic (>>3096861) and Confrontational(>>3096896)

Do you all want more time to decide, or shall I just roll for it?

>>3096928
More time please this is a pretty important vote

>>3096928
more time.


As for other anons why are we staying here?

All the standard options mean we're sitting around and uit's going to take a long ass time to get off damon's land. Given that, I do not want to be here for him to sic the houdns on us.

Noen of the stances really work either because we are not at fault, apologetic is hollow and they'll be able to tell we do not mean it. Same for defensive, as we did things wholly unnecessary for it. Confrontational is us trying to cash in on other us's toughness but we cannot back it up, and frankly it's spoiling for a fight.

I support the write in

>>3096945
Nobody is voting to stay here. Explaining it won't help anything and I don't think being confrontational will actually lead to a fight. Apologizing won't do anything to change his mind either. Is be fine with just leaving wordlessly.

>>3096932
>>3096945

Back, I see you wish for more time, fine then, 20 more minutes till I call the vote.

>>3096953

Though it looks like write-in already got a lead.

>Waiting.

>>3096858
>>3096881
I was gonna argue at first but on second thought you're right if I was say accused of attacking someone but didn't remember any of it and it was entirely out of character for me to do so I wouldn't feel to sorry in all honesty. I'll switch to this even though literally nobody will believe us. Anything's better than going full confrontational. We might as well wear a sign that says "Hey everybody hate me"

>>3096909
>>3096945
I don't get this though. Nobody's voting to stay here an we're just making our opinion on the matter known before we head off

>>3096987
The way I see it, all the talking options are us begging our case. trying to make the others think better of us, and even though we have roughly an hour, between our injury and how big the land is, even a few minutes could get the dogs sent after us. I'd rather avoid it and just leave.

Explaining that we have a personality disorder that we can't control would make people trust us less, not more. If they even believe us. And it makes us lose respect in the eyes of those who were impressed by "our" skills.

>>3096998
And? It's the truth, the people impressed would think we can fight like that all the time, and expect us too. And the people who dislike us will still likely dislike us. Nothing changes. We cannot change the die that's been cast, and trying to do so now on a deadline is folly.

>>3096998
Besides Doc's medical files would be public record, so the secret is out.

>>3097016
Medical files are confidential though. Unless I missed the part where the doc said he was gonna share them with everyone for no reason.

Changing my vote to say nothing and leave. We need to get out of here and Rea needs us. Who cares what these guys think?

>>3097031
I was the confrontational voter btw, didn't realize my ID changed

>>3097016

No, Timmy keeps all medical records private, I'm pretty sure that all medical records are meant to be private.

Perhaps I know nothing of medical law however, but even if that's true, no, no one here knows anything Timmy disclosed to you.

>Tallying votes.

>>3096996
I mean it'll only take a few minutes to explain, if you really want to save as much time as possible we might as well just walk away silently. It's not like it'll take a full hour to get our stuff and go and I doubt the second the clock hits the hour Damon will beat our ass if we're pn our way out he'll probably just tell us to leave immediately. It's not like he's completely unreasonable, if he did that then he would be no better then us last night

>>3097020
>>3097037
Typically medical issues that could be an ongoing threat to people in a competition need to be released. I think black warrior qualifies

>>3097048
That's false, they'd be reported to police if someone tells a doctor that they plan to harm someone but that's it. You're honestly just making shit up at this point man

>>3096967
>>3096996
>>3097036
>>3097047
>>3097048
>>3097055

This is a bit all over the place, but I believe i see about 3 votes write-in (>>3096858>>3096953
>>3096987)

Which wins out.

>Here's the truth, do want you with it.

>Writing.

"As far as I remember, Cynthia was choking me out and that was the end of it in my eyes." You begin.

" but then Doc Timmy told me it wasn't, Something about D.I.D. or some other crap but I don't remember any of it." You explain.

"I'd apologize for going after her once I was free, but I won't. Not for something I genuinely cannot remember doing." You state.

"D.I.D? The hell's that some-kind fancy medical term?" Reynauld asks.

Arztz chimes in, "I guess you could say that, it's a mental disorder, In simple terms, it means he has multiple personalities inside him, which might explain the violent outburst." He explains.

"Wait, are you saying Sundance has multiple people inside him? Each as badass as that other one? Damn, he gets more intrestin' by the minute." Reynauld laughs.

"Oh my, who would've expected the violent psychopath to have brain problems, imagine my surprise." Dillion states.

"If you're trying to avoid me, best stay here for a bit cause Damon is kicking me out. Believe what you want, say what you want, but I'm leaving. Pretty sure I don't want to be here when my time is up." You conclude as you walk away.

"Ha! As if I'm going to linger in this place because you think I'm afraid of you or something. You think I managed to accumulate an 8-figure salary being scared off by emotionless monsters with mental issues?" he questions.

"...." you say nothing as you walk away.

"Well, that's assuming that you're even telling the truth. Blaming everything on some separate personality seems like a likely story now doesn't it?" He states.

"Will ya be quiet ya damn yellow-belly? Can't ya see you're driving him off with all your fancy insults? If you're gonna try and talk with him, at least show some damn respect." Reynauld counters.

"I only respect the sensible and sane, he seems to be lacking in both areas. Who said I wanted to talk? I'm just making sure he knows his place before he's left." Dillion counters.

"Doesn't it seem a little unfair to attack someone's who was a victim of such a brutal assault? Especially one with mental issues?" Arztz questions.

"You call someone who chokes a defenseless woman to death with a smile on their face a victim? And I thought your idea of death was warped." Dillion argues.

"I know what he did was wrong, but if he says is true, clearly we need to give him the benefit of the doubt. Mental health is a very serious issue." Arztz counters.

"Maybe you're right, that is if it's true." Dillion counters.

The three of them bicker and fight as Landon gets up and tries to catch up to you as you walk away.

Once he does, he grabs unto you and speaks, "Are you alright?" he asks.

"I'm about as alright as I look. Are you? talking to a remorseless monster like me?" you ask in a wry tone.

"Oh please, I've known you long enough to know that you wouldn't do something so violent without a proper reason...or at least, maybe not the you I'm talking to." Landon states.

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"Well then, you're one of the few so far to look at me normally, thanks for that, I'll be alright, not like I was even close to those bunch." You answer.

"They're usually more understanding than this, perhaps they're just in shock...or at least Reynauld and Arztz are, Dillion seems to be rather normal, just more aggressive than usual." Landon explains.

"I'll take your word for it. But then what about you? you seem rather calm, why aren't you in shock?" you ask.

Landon looks a little taken aback, "Oh...well...Let's just say, when it comes to problems with one's identity, I happen to have some experience dealing with that sort of thing. So maybe I'm just used to it?" He proposes.

"What do you mean?" you ask.

"I'd rather not share..." He states.

"Fine then. Thanks for understanding, but I've got to go, clock's ticking I need get some issues sorted." You state as you start walk away as you bump into Brovoski.

"Oh sorry man." You apologize.

"....." He doesn't even seem to realize you've touched him.

"Oh great, don't tell me you're giving me the cold shoulder now man. You'res are so huge you might freeze me to death." you joke.

"Don't worry, he's not ignoring you, he's just too depressed to respond." Landon clarifies.

"Depressed? About what?" you ask.

"Ivorai's shut down the kitchen temporarily, I believe the sign on her beautiful door said something about her leaving to find some new, exotic foods." Landon explains.

(Why do I get the feeling that's also my fault? The fact that she would come up with a reason to leave the place the day after the incident, sounds like she might just be waiting on me to finish the exam.) you think.

"And because his wife-to-be left without even a goodbye, Brovoski happens to be down in the dumps." Landon states.

"...."He says not a word, simply continuing to stare sadly at the kitchen door.

"That doesn't seem healthy. I know this might be getting redundant, but he doesn't blame me right?" you ask.

"I don't actually know, he won't respond to a thing I do to him. But I believe he doesn't blame you, I think he's just sad that his love left him so suddenly." Landon states.

"Man, he basically just a giant puppy isn't he? Waiting at the door for his owner to get back." you joke.

Landon laughs, "Good comparison. You're exactly right, it's not healthy for him to be sitting there, I'll drag him away from here and get him to move unto the next with the others, it's not good for him to linger here."

"Good plan, but you'll have to sort that out on your own, for I really don't have the time to be talking here. See you soon Landon." You state as you walk away.

"I wish you the best of luck, don't die on me, I enjoy looking at your face you know." Landon states.

"Keep your creepy lines to yourself man." You state as you head down the hall.

And that's where I'm stopping for tonight, we start again, exactly the same time tomorrow, making good head-way so far.

Also, just clarifying some misunderstandings among the anons, if you run out of time, Damon won't violently kick you out of the mansion first chance he gets.

He'll just come looking for you, ask if you're moving unto the next stage or if going to stay somewhere else, it's just that if he comes looking for you, you have to leave one way or the other then and there and any stuff you left behind gets sent to you after the Exam, so don't panic and think you're on some kind of death clock.

Anyway, goodnight for now.

>>3097323
Thanks for running

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>>3096658
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AHOh9tTNfo&t=58s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs4wKRHmiR8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4bjPSFb8gY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sNgB-j3fd0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXtujxT9rzA
Some stuff I thought up on the fly
If you need any music for combat or anything just ask, I'm pretty autistic about these kinds of things

>>3098218
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEpZq8mT9Ts&t=112s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MewE4nqmR8A&index=31&list=PLE1FA9582D46A0841
I nearly forgot about these as well. Sorry if I'm cluttering the thread

>>3098218
>>3098222


>Just ask

I'll be sure to, all of this music, especially:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AHOh9tTNfo&t=58s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs4wKRHmiR8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4bjPSFb8gY

These three are excellent additions to this quest soundtrack, thank you of Autistic anon, I shall request your services in the future.

Thread resumes in an hour.

File: Etheline Brooks28(Working).jpg (82 KB, 736x552)

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>2 minutes later

You enter the workshop and are greeted with the sight of Etheline working on some massive pile of scarp metal.

She doesn't notice your entrance, she wears thick, strange looking goggles and headphones, blocking out all her surroundings as she works.

(This is the most serious I've seen her, this must be her be her when she really gets into something...) you admire as you approach her.

You tap her on the shoulder and catch her attention, "What are you working on?" you ask.

She looks up from her work and the moment she sees you, "Wah!" She jumps in her chair and nearly topples over.

"Woah!" You grab her firmly by the shoulders to prevent from dropping and quickly re-balance her.

"Jeez, you scared me Derrick! I nearly had a heart attack!" Etheline complains as she removes her headphones.

"How do you think I felt seeing you nearly drop? Are you always so jumpy when you're working?" You ask.

"When it's a delicate, serious project like this, yes, I have to be extra-jumpy so I don't mess anything up!" she counters.

"Oh? What kind of project needs all that laser focus?" you ask.

"Can't you tell what this is?" she asks.

You stare at the pile of metal parts, haywire and electronics scatter about on the table, "Nope, just looks like a small junkyard to me." you state.

"Well, that's basically what she is by this point, but that's the part I'm working." She concedes as she grabs a familiar looking metallic leg.

"Oh! MUMA!" you realize.

"That's right. Poor, busted up MUMA in all her glory." she answers.

"Ah! Right, I forget that weird metal horse thing got totaled when we arrived. So you're finally fixing it?" you ask.

"It's not a horse! And yes, I'm preparing to move onto the next stage of the exam and I can't go without her." she explains.

"Ah, so you're even getting out huh? I'm gonna guess that it isn't just because the atmosphere just isn't your kind of thing?" you question.

She looks confused for a moment before she catches your meaning, "If you're asking if I'm leaving to avoid you, you're wrong, I just... don't think I can stay in this place much longer. I'll fix her in the next two days with Mary's help, she's in the back room gathering parts as we speak." She explains.

"Thanks for not trying to hurt my feelings, but we both know I'm the reason you can't stay here much longer." you state.

"...I'm not scared of you. I know what you did was out of self-defense, still, It was a bit frightening...seeing you nearly kill someone with that smile on your face." Etheline admits.

"...." You say nothing, you couldn't even if you wanted to, you don't even remember what's she's talking about.

"But really I'm not scared of you! I get that you were caught up in the moment and probably lost control! I don't blame you, really I don't!" She begins to panic, thinking she might of hurt you.

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"Oh man, you're way too sweet for your own good! I nearly choked someone out in front of you and you're saying sorry cause you think you offended me!" You laugh.

"I-Is there something funny about that!? I just didn't want to upset a friend!" She counters.

"No, I ain't laughing cause you're stupid or something, I just though, 'oh thank god! At least one person here can still stand me!' and couldn't help but laugh a bit!" You state.

Etheline smiles, "What else are friends for!" She exclaims.

"Thanks...I really needed that." you state

"Still, that sudden switch was terrifying, does that sort of thing...happen to you a lot?" She asks.

"I want to say that was the first time, but I'm honestly not even sure of when or how it happens. It's like someone else just took over me that night..." You state.

"..." Etheline looks a bit disturbed.

"What is it? Did I freak you out?" you ask.

"No! No...it's just...you're the second person I've heard say something like that." Etheline states.

"Second person?" you ask.

"...My Father actually said something similar once. He's done...morally questionable things and says that he becomes someone else when he does them." Etheline admits.

"Does this have something to do with everyone having something against your last name?" you ask.

"So you noticed that huh?" She asks.

"Hard not to when everyone gets this weird look in their eye whenever you introduce yourself." you state.

"Yeah, well the thing about that is-"

Creak....

"Is there anyone in here? I need work done." A modulated, robotic voice questions.

"Uh, yes! I'm a bit busy, so might wanna come back late-huh?" Etheline tries to keep the conversation on topic, that is, until she takes a look at the man behind her.

"Huh? You look like you've seen a killer robot." you joke as you turn around and realize how spot on you are.

Behind you walks a man of plastic and metal plate , if he even is a man that is.

Standing some somewhere between 6'-6'1", he walks slowly into the room, the sound of clicking metal and moving parts hitting you with each of his steps as he approaches.

"Ummmm..." Ehteline is at a loss for words.

"Jesus! Who put the Iron giant back into commission?" You, however, are a bit more articulate.


"Derrick!" Etheline nudges you for your insensitivity.

"Oh sorry, I've been hanging out with Bradford too much, I'm starting to pick up his pension for shouting out bad references." You apologize.

"No need to say sorry, I would've taken it as an insult if you didn't name a movie I loved. So you get a pass for originality and good taste." He compliments in a digital, monotone voice that reminds you of text-to-speech program.

"Original? You say that like you've been called unoriginal stuff." you state.

"The most common nicknames are Tinman, Fender-bender and my personal favorite, Radiohead. On the account of my strange vocals." He states.

"Yeah I noticed, mind telling what's that's about?" you ask.

"Derrick! That's probably super personal! Have some restraint!" Etheline scolds.

"I don't mind people asking about it. In fact, I love telling people how and why I speak like this, the scars I got aren't graceful or honorable but goddamn if they don't have a story behind them." He answers.

"Oh I figured as much. lay it on me." you state.

"Don't worry, it's not a long one." He pulls up his metallic helmet up to his neck to reveal a disgusting tear in his neck.

"What the fuck?" you say on reflex.

"Oh god..." Etheline whispers.

"Yeah, that's what most people say about it, it's real nasty isn't it?"

Gross doesn't even begin to describe it. Directly under his Mandible, wires connect into bloated, fleshing scars on his neck, resembling something you'd see on an iron lung.

"I've got an Electrolarynx, since my actual voice box has been char-broiled into a fleshy goop." He explains.

"Oh dear god...That's terrible, how did that happen...?" Etheline looks physically disgusted.

"Lost My vocal chords and most of the right side of my body in the war with Begerosse. This Iron giant suit I'm living in is more like a giant life support system. I can't even breathe properly without it." He explains.

"Begerosse...That means you're a Yorbian Marine right?" you ask.

"Was a Yorbian Marine. I'm just some self-employed mercenary now." he says as he lowers his helmet.

"A sadly common story among Begerosse fighters. Why'd ya quit?" you ask.

"Same reason the rest of the Marines quit after Begerosse, we got our ass-kicked 7 ways to Sunday by a collection of half-trained soliders and malnourished farmers with guns." He begins.

"Then when we asked for our pay for a long war fought, the government told us to fuck off because not only did we lose the war, but we also managed to piss the boys back home off because we fought it in the first place." he answers.

"....That's so horrible...I'm so sorry..." Etheline is completely taken aback by his words.

"Why are you apologizing? Believe it or not, I'm one of the more fortunate survivors of the war." he states.

"How so?" you ask.

"Because even after I got battered and beaten into this iron lung of a suit that I have to eat, sleep and piss in. I've still got enough fight in me to get back at the bastards who wronged me in the first place." You can sense the toxicity in his voice, even through the heavy modulation.

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"Now what does that mean? You can't mean getting back at the Yorbian government. Even if you had every Jenny the Hunter Association had to offer you wouldn't be able to pull that off." you state.

"Nah, I don't even hold a grudge against the U.S.Y for wronging me. They're assholes that I'll never work with again, but they aren't what I want retribution for." He counters.

"Then who?" you ask.

"Who do you think put me in this walking Iron lung? The Government? The Begerossians? Or the people that really screwed us over?" He asks.

"You're gonna have to answer that for me Mr..." you just remember to ask for his name.

"Howard. Howard Billingham. And who do you think? The robots." He declares.

Etheline's head perks, "Robots?" she questions.

"The Government won't say a damn thing about it, but here's the word of a survivor, someone who actually fought the battles." He states.

"Near the end of the war, The government started buying unmanned machines, armed to the damn teeth to go out and slaughter entire cities worth of people. Not just militia or soldiers, but innocents too." He explains.

"...."Etheline looks deeply horrified.

"And it was those same damn robots that put me in this suit.You may not believe me, but that's the truth." he finishes.

You already knew this, so you aren't really surprised, "That's a pretty outrageous claim, but I believe you. You wouldn't make all this nonsense up for an interesting war story." you state.

"What I really can't believe is why you're telling a couple of strangers like us all of this." you point out.

"I want everyone to know the truth, why wouldn't I tell a couple of strangers? Especially since you're the first two to believe me without a fight. Everyone else just says all the metal is starting to get to my head and calls me crazy." He states.

"..."Etheline is at a loss for words.

(Well, I don't blame them. If I didn't hear that from Vanilla, I would've said the same damn thing.) you admit.

"Still, I've talked for too damn long, I didn't come here rant and rave about robots. I came here to get this fixed." He states as he walks up and drops a grenade launcher on the table.

The sudden appearance of such a heavy ordinance weapon causes you to go silent for a moment, "...Hey this isn't what I think it is, right?" you ask.

"I want to say, 'No, this isn't a high-powered Multi-Grenade Launcher, it just smells, looks and blows shit up like one' but no, that would be lying, so yes, it is exactly what you think it is." He admits.

"I'm pretty sure these things illegal on nearly every continent on the planet." you counter.

"Yeah well I stopped caring about most of the world's laws a good while ago. When we're Hunters, stuff like international laws will rarely apply to us anyway, so just get over it and fix the thing." he demands.

"Me? Oh no, I can't fix a damn thing. You're looking for the girl behind me." you point to Etheline, who looks extremely spaced out.

"That little girl? She can fix a grenade launcher?" he asks.

"I don't know, probably. She can fix and make most anything really. Right, Etheline?" you ask.

"...." Etheline doesn't respond.

"Etheline? Yo Etheline! You've haven't gone to wonderland on me again have you?" you ask as you wave your hand in her face.

"Wha-No, I'm still all here! I was just thinking is all...." She answers.

"I need you to fix my weapon here." Howard asks.

"Huh? Wait, isn't this a MGL? These are extremely dangerous and highly illegal!" she states.

"Well I wouldn't be carrying the damn thing if it wasn't extremely dangerous. And we just went over the legal stuff...look, just fix the damn so I can be on my way." He states.

"Well I can't just...actually, fine, I'll fix it. Hand it over." She quickly changes gears.

"How understanding, just what'd expect of a respectable young lady." He compliments.

"...." Etheline grabs the small cannon of a weapon and examines it.

(Strange, is it me, or is Etheline way more...submissive at the moment. Usually she'd at least fight the guy on using illegal tools before agreeing to fix them, but she just gave him when he asked. Might just be my head though, can't seem to trust it lately...) you groan.

"The Striker mechanism on this thing is completely busted and the cylinder spring has been overworked and stalled. What were you doing with this thing?" She asks.

"What do you think I was using a grenade launcher for? Anything that attacked me on those mountains got a bird's eye view of the stratosphere." He states.

"Fired so many rounds non-stop the cylinder's action stalled and the striker broke." He explains.

"That's pretty awful..." She whispers.

"Who the hell are you to judge me?" he asks.

"...I'll just replace the striker and lubricate the spring, won't take me more than 10 minutes." She agrees.

"Thank you." he states as he crosses his arms and waits.

(Okay, now I know something's wrong. Etheline may hate rocking the boat and fighting with people, but when it comes to cruel shit like that, Etheline isn't the type to just let it go. There's something wrong here, I just can't tell what...) you watch Howard closely and wait.

>8 minutes later

Howard holds his freshly cleaned grenade launcher to the air and examines it, "Nice work! You weren't kidding, didn't even take you 10 minutes to fix this thing." he states.

"You're welcome, now if you could please go, I'd like to continue my chat with my friend..." She asks weakly.

"Now hold on, I'm gonna need your name before that, if we see each other again during the exam, I'll call on you to help me fix any problems with my equipment." he asks.

"My name....Errrr...." Etheline looks down at the floor, clearly uncomfortable.

(Oh shit, this could be bad...) you worry.

"It's Etheline something right? Come on, what's your last name? You're not embarrassed of your name are ya? That's an insult to your Mom and Dad." he jokes.

"Ahhhh....That's well..." Etheline still struggles.

What will you do?

>Step in and say something

>Wait and Watch.

>>3099182
>Step in and say something

>>3099182
>>Step in and say something

So I met a Bergrossi woman who said the same thing you said. What kind of robots got you?

>>3099182
>Step in and say something

>>3099182
>Step in and say something
No bulli

>>3099184
>>3099188
>>3099190
>>3099196

>Derrick has a message for all of you! Stop Bullying!

>Writing.

(She never actually told me what the hell's wrong with her name, but I can just tell Etheline's feeling pressure for a good reason, I can't just sit by and do nothing!) You reason.

You rise from your chair as Howard continues to hound her, "Well? What is it? Did you forget your last name or something?" He asks.

"I'm...uh...I'm..." She's beginning to panic.

"Hey now, I'm not asking for much, just give me your-" Just before he can ask again, your hand is on his shoulder.

"Sorry man, but I'm gonna have to ask you to back off." you state.

"....!" Etheline stays quiet but looks surprised at your intrusion.

"The hell is this? I'm just asking for the girl's name? You got some problem with that?" he asks.

"Not really. But if you can't see, she's not exactly the most comfortable with giving it. So I'm going to ask you to just go man, it's for the best." you state.

"Um...Derrick...No, I'll...I'll just..." She clearly wants to say something.

"Don't push yourself Etheline, you don't need to tell him anything you don't want too." you state.

"No, that's not it. let him go, I'll tell him, thanks for looking out for me though." Etheline smiles.

>+20 to Etheline's Relationship!(420 points to go)

"...." You stare into her eyes for a moment and realize she's serious and back off..

He throws your hand off, "All I'm asking is a name. What the big damn deal? What are you threatening me for?" he asks.

"I never threatened you." you answer calmly.

"Sure damn seems like you are." he talks back.

"No! Don't blame him, he was just concerned okay? Let me just say it..." She says as she works up the courage.

"I seriously don't get what all the hub-bub about a last fucking name is about? I mean, is it really that bad of a-"

"Brooks." She answers, cutting him off.

As soon as he hears the name, his confused demeanor quickly switches to a shocked one, "...What did you say?" he asks.

"Etheline Brooks. That's my name." She states.

"...." He looks utterly dumbfounded for a moment before speaking again, "You mean of Ethical Engineering? That 'Brooks'?" he asks.

"Yes. I'm first and only Daughter of Reyson Brooks. Current C.E.O." She explains.

"Yeah, I kinda guessed that, I just wanted to make sure this wasn't a bad case of mistaken identity is all." He nods his head.

"...." She goes quiet again after that.

"Oh good Christ..." Howard groans and things go silent a moment.

You keep your distance, but continue to stand up behind Howard as you think, (Everyone who's heard that name tends to give her a weird look, but this is different. The air is more tense than usual, just as I thought, this can't be good.) you begin to get worried.

"..Tell me, little girl." Howard breaks the momentary quiet.

"Are you aware of everything your Father is guilty of?" He asks.

"...." Etheline goes quiet.

"Yeah, I know you are, you don't need to say, I can tell you know the kind of terrible monster your father is." Howard states.

"...." Etheline looks down to the floor and says nothing.

Howard holds his head and laughs, "Oh man, to think I'd find a golden egg like this and I haven't even passed the damn exam yet. Reyson goddamn Brooks daughter, in the flesh. Crawling through the dirt and the mud and the shit like the rest of us." He spits, venom in every syllable.

"...." She doesn't respond.

"What is it? Did Daddy cut allowance because you didn't help him make more killing machines?" he asks.

"What the hell are you talking about man?" you question.

"Hm? Don't tell me? You've been hanging out with this brat and you don't know? Well, I guess you wouldn't be staying with this Satan spawn if you knew the family she came from, so she's probably been lying to you to keep you around." He states.

"Satan spawn? Etheline? Maybe the metal really is getting to your head, because you're off your rocker if you think that's true, the hell are you even on about?" you question.

He laughs again, "Damn man, see what I mean? They always call me crazy. But wanna know what's really crazy? She's been spoon-feeding you lies and you seriously believe this little devil is innocent don't you?" He asks.

"..."Etheline still doesn't say a word.

"You gonna keep shit-talking my friend without a shed of evidence? Cause I have a few words for you if keep doing it when you can't even tell me what you're trying to say." You threaten.

"Can't you take a damn hint idiot? Ethical Engineering were the monsters that made the war machines that slaughtered their way throughout Begerosse." He declares.

"...Huh? You can't be serious-" you cut yourself off as a memory hits you.

(You mentioned MUMA right? Yeah, they looked just like that beast when it goes attack mode...They would do any mission ordered of them, no matter what it meant doing...) Memories of Vanilla's words come back to you and you quickly realize he's speaking the truth.

"...." Etheline is still dead-quiet.

"And if you need some proof. let me to show you-" He pulls his helmet off, "-Exactly, what that girl has been hiding from you." he states.

File: Spoiler Image (1.43 MB, 2181x1600)

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His face is a nasty mess of exposed red flesh and terrible burns, it's hard to tell where the burns begin and the skin ends.

While you can see some resemblance of what might or might not have been a human face on his left side, the right side is completely lost, a mess of burnt skin, exposed muscle and scar tissue.

"Ahhhh..." Etheline can't even bring herself to gasp or comment, only mustering up a horrified groan.

"You see this? Stomach-turning am I right? Can't stand looking at me? I look like a fucking monster don't I?" He asks.

"I....I...That's so..." Etheline backs away in fright.

"But you wanna know the real monster? You wanna know how I got these disgusting scars?" He asks walking closer to keep his face in her sight.

"I'm so sorry...No, I just..." Etheline freezes with fear.

"It was thanks to your goddamn machines. I was sent on a mission to scout a nearby rural village for strange activity and what do I find? A bunch of genocidal machines, burning down houses and murdering anyone they see inside, even women and children."

Etheline holds her head and shakes it, "That's so horrible! That's so horrible, but...!" She shouts.

"I tried to save a little girl I saw burning to death under a pile of rumble that used to be her home, and when me and my men tried freeing, your machines took a flamethrower to us and lit me, my men and that poor girl up like coals on a fucking barbecue!" The volume on his electrolayrnx amplifies to match his rage.

"But...But...I'm trying to,to-"

"Trying to what!? Cover up for your Father's sins!? I'd expect no less from a 'Brook', trying to cover for your own asses before anyone else's!" he cuts her off from speaking.

Etheline grits her teeth and shouts "You're wrong! I'm going to try and make up for it!"

Howard looks astounded, "Make up for it? You're going to Make-up for over 10s of 1000s of lives lost and even more, including myself, ruined?" he asks.

Etheline looks uncertain, "I-I'm not like my dad. I plan to put a stop to what he's doing and work wholeheartedly in making up for every year of the suffering he caused by starting my own company, one that will work only for the good of others!" She proclaims.

Both you and Howard go wide-eyed in surprise at her words, (She plans to start her own company to fight her Fathers? From the sound of it, everything Howard threw out was true by the way Etheline responded, but that's a whole different issue from this one...) You don't know what to think.

"...Wasn't that the promise of your Father, of Ethical Engineering? The same people who just finished screwing me over in the last war, you expect me to trust that you won't be just like your Father, maybe even worse?" he asks.

"Well...no...but I'll try and-"

"Save your pretty speeches for the gullible dumbasses who buy your death machines and act like their metallic saviors. It's scummy lying like this that makes people like you and your father so damn detestable." He declares.

"You destroy the lives of 1000s and yet you act like you're the real victims of it all." He counters.

"I'm not a victim...I'm going to make up for it...I'm going to..." She tries to deny it, but sounds rather uncertain.

The one good eye on Howard's face narrows as he speaks, "You know, maybe I should give you a taste of what it's like to be a victim?" He questions.

"Huh?" Etheline blurts out.

He steps forward, "Yeah...I'll let you and your Father now what the pain of taking someone totally innocent and making them suffer for the sins someone else feels like." he states as he slowly moves forward..

Etheline perks her head up and looks horrified, "What?" she asks as she begins stepping away.

"Reyson might be a monster. But I doubt even he would feel unmoved if something were to happen to his daughter." He threatens.

That's when you step in front of Etheline and push him back, "Hey now butterface, what do you think you're doing?" you ask.

"I'm going to set that girl straight and put some justice in this world. What are you doing?" He asks.

"I'm protecting a friend, obviously." you answer.

"Derrick! You don't need to put yourself out for me, I'll handle this! I can talk with him!" She complains.

"I don't think so. If this guy was just going to talk, I wouldn't have done anything. But something tells me that you're not in the mood to talk anymore, are you?" you ask.

He points to Etheline, "You're seriously going to protect that witch? After you just learned what she's been hiding from you? The kind of monster she is?" he asks.

"I understand that you're blaming her for a whole lot of stuff she had nothing to do with. How can you call a girl you barely even know a monster? Ever heard of something called the sins of the Father?" you ask.

"You're right there. She personally had nothing to do with it, but that in turn means I need to make her suffer a bit so her father can feel it for his sins." He answers.

You step forward to face him, "The hell did you just say?" you ask.

"No one can touch that monster Reyson for what he did. I planned to wait until I got a Hunter license before I tried taking him down, but I can start right now by making his innocent daughter suffer for his sins." He explains.

"It's unfair and terrible, I know. But that's exactly what he deserves. Something unfair and terrible." He declares.

File: Mary Divana06.jpg (40 KB, 362x512)

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"You can't answer violence with more violence! I know what my father did was terrible and I said I was going to make up for that!" Etheline states.

"Oh you're going to make up for it alright girl. When I send you back to your Daddy looking like me, send me a pic of his face when he sees you and that should be a start for making it up." he states.

"You sound no better than the monsters you seem to hate so damn much." You counter.

"If I'm a monster now it's because her damn father made me into one. So I'm gonna do as monsters do-" Suddenly he gets right up into your face, casting a dark shadow over his face and yours.

"And destroy everything that gets in my way." He finishes.

You spend a moment glaring at each other, until, "Save the fighting for outside this room. Materials more valuable than both your lives are in here." An apathetic voice suddenly comes from the back room.

You look behind you to see Mary, just exiting the backroom "Mary!" Etheline shouts happily.

"Does our new friend here not know how to read? I can swore I put up a no fighting sign outside, yet here you both are, readying yourselves to destroy my lab." Mary states.

"Sorry Mary! This is my fault, don't blame Derrick, he wasn't planning on doing anything!" Etheline defends.

(Actually, if she had come about 2 seconds later, my fist would already be in this bastard's good eye. His killing intent was plenty clear, I wasn't going to let him have the first move. But I'll keep those thoughts to myself...) you think as you back away from Howard.

"I see you bring uninvited guests where-ever you go Ms.Etheline. First that Blonde, violent, Neanderthal and now this illiterate madman." She states.

"This neanderthal is grateful for the help, but will rip your head off if you call him blonde again." You state.

"Thank you for proving my point." She states.

"Who the hell is this now? Another little girl?" Howard asks.

"I'm 26." Mary states.

"And I'm the newest model for the nextI can't believe it's not butter! ad. There, now we're both liars." Howard counters.

"Great, not only can he not read, he can't even tell an adult woman when he looks at one. Looks like more than just your face needs help." She states.

(Being honest, I call bullshit on that 26 claim too, but I'll keep that opinion to myself.) you think.

"Well, your real age aside, you're clearly not some random passerby if you're in this place. Who exactly are you?" Howard asks.

"Ah, I'm glad you're at least capable of noticing that. Yes, I'm actually a pro-hunter and an assistant to the one of the examiners in the Hunter Exam." She answers.

Howard eyes perk up, "Hoh, much bigger status than your size would indicate." he jokes.

"You're lucky I can't remove you from the Exam for harassment claims." She comments.

"What I can remove you from this place and the Exam for is the attacking of other applicants outside Exam jurisdiction. Something you were clearly about to engage in." Mary accuses.

"Hold on, I haven't done a thing. I was just telling the little devil over there she needs to face up to her father's crimes." Howard answers.

"Well be sure to keep your opinions to yourself. Any further actions I will remove your from the premises, personally if I have to." Mary's eyes narrow in hostility.

Howard backs away and gets his gun, "What's with people threatening me over nonsense today? Well whatever, I've gotten what I needed done anyhow."

He looks over to Etheline as he dons his helmet, "I can't stand this place anyway, I'm moving unto the next test." He says as he walks out the room.

"...." Etheline looks wrought with guilt as he leaves.

Mary walks up to her and says, "You really do have it rough, don't you, 'Ms.Brooks'" She says.

"I guess that means you heard everything he said too?" Etheline asks.

"Yes, but I actually knew everything he said and more. I happen to be quite well informed on these things." Mary states

"Then do you mind talking a little about it? Cause I'd like to know what I nearly fought a vengeful burn victim to the death for." you ask.

"...."Etheline goes silent again.

"That's a good point, Ms.Etheline, would you like to share the truth?" Mary asks.

"Yeah actually. Since it's you Derrick, I'll tell you what I can." Etheline states.

"Be sure to make it fast Ms.Etheline, we have to get back to work and our friend here is being kicked out of the manor in the next..." Mary pulls down her lab coat arm and reveals a wristwatch.

"30 or so minutes before he has to go." Mary states.

"Right. So, where do I begin, there's a lot to unpack here...." Etheline states

"How about we start with the part about EE building death machines, considering I already know a little bit about that." you state.

"You did? Where did you hear about it?" Etheline asks.

"Vanilla told me." You answer.

"Oh, I guess that means she opened up to you too. Well, in that case, I should start by saying that Howard wasn't wrong." Etheline begins.

"Yes, my Father did in-fact build and commission multiple orders of Unmanned machines to the U.S.Y, who, at the time, were supremely desperate and took them without a second thought." She explains.

"Who exactly is your father? His name's Reyson, right?" you ask.

"Yes. Reyson Brooks, sorry this is the way you have to hear the name of a rather respectable man. But maybe you should learn what's he done wrong before what he's got right."Etheline states.

"Is this the same guy you said you were proud of and wanted to be like? Wasn't the whole reason you joined the Hunter exam to become a Tech Hunter and follow in his footsteps?" you ask, recalling your first meeting with Etheline.

"Yeah...about that...I might not have been 100% honest there..." She weakly states.

"Seriously?" you ask, slightly disappointed.

"Errr..." She groans.

"Well you're going to change that now aren't you? Go ahead and tell him your real reason." Mary eggs on.

"Yes. Well, you're half-right. I do feel proud of my father, but I'm certainly not proud of what my father has become." she states.

"What he's become?" you ask.

"He wasn't always the kind of man that caused all that death and destruction. He was kinder, more loving in the past, that is, until my mother passed away." She begins.

"....." you go quiet and listen.

"When I was just a girl, Dad was all about helping people and just that. That's the reason behind the company name 'Ethical Engineering', the company was built on the ethical principle of helping others first, making money second." She continues.

"And Dad was the perfect image of that principle! He built medical devices, building robots, exo-skeletons for the crippled and a bunch of other stuff that I can't even name because I'd be keeping you here too long!" Etheline happily exclaims.

"But something changed around the time of the Begerosse conflict...namely, my Mom, Zola Brooks, died." She states.

"What? This is the first time I'm hearing about your mother. She died in the Begerosse conflict? Does that mean she was a U.S.Y marine?" you question.

"This is your first time hearing because I typically don't make it a point to talk about her very much. And yes, she was a proud solider of the U.S.Y, but she died in combat 1981...just a few months after she gave birth to me." Etheline states.

"That's terrible..." you state.

"It was her 4th tour, she was really good at her job from what I've heard, the government personally requested she return to combat over and over again....However, despite coming back unscathed and healthy enough to give birth to me with no problems, it didn't even take a month for her to die on a recuse mission." Etheline explains.

"Good Christ, I'd say that's a Heroic death, but I guess death's still death even if it's heroic huh?" you state.

"It was heroic and I see no shaming in saying that. It's just that...we never even got to retrieve her body and that...devastated my Dad." Etheline explains.

"Your mother would one of 100s of 1000s who didn't get the chance to come back to their families. Such is the reason no really likes to talk about that conflict." Mary clarifies.

"Yeah, so I never really get to know my Mom, at the time, I wasn't even old enough yet to count. All I knew was my mom was a great woman, everyone she knew loved her, her country loved and most of all, my father loved her." Etheline seems to recall some happy memories.

"But after she was gone, something inside him got bent out of place...and it never seemed to bend back in after that." Etheline states.

"I assume this is the part where he built the war machines and sent them over?" you ask.

"Yes, it was the first production in EE history that involved making weapons to kill people rather than mechanical marvels to save them." She states.

"Well, in times of war, Weapons of mass destruction can look a lot like mechanical marvels to the people using them." Mary states.

"Not so much for the people they're being used on though." You counter.

"My once caring father had only one interest, putting in an to end to the Begerosse conflict, no matter what he had to do." Etheline explains.

"He got his wish then, the war ended just 6 years after that. That is, after a nuke's worth and then some people's lives were ended." Mary states.

"That's the darkest stain on EE history and the real reason I joined the Hunter exam." Etheline states.

"The real reason? So the Tech Hunter part was just a lie?" you ask.

"Well...I couldn't tell you what I really after when we just met." Etheline states.

"Well then, what are you really after?" you ask.

"...."Etheline goes quiet.

"What is it? Can't even tell me that?" you ask.

"No, it's that she can't tell Me that." Mary cuts-in.

"Huh?" you blurt out.

"Whatever she has planned is something too private, or perhaps, too sensitive for someone she's only just met like myself to share. Thus she's waiting on me to leave." Mary explains.

"I'm sorry Mary...I really value you as a friend, but my Dad has some friends in the Hunter association, so like..." Etheline implies.

"Don't worry yourself. I know this is more a matter of secrecy than it is trust. I would have been more angry if you hadn't send me away before revealing your plans. I've come to expect a certain level of intelligence from you young lady." Mary shows a rare smile,

(It seems she's taken a liking to Etheline. Turns out she's not an emotionless robot after-all) you think.

Mary walks her way back into the backroom, "I need to gather up some more metal to reconstruct M.U.M.A.S.U's frame anyway. Continue your discussion, just make sure it's brief, he doesn't have much time." She states as she heads away.

"So what is this secret little plan? One even ol'Mary McNofucksgiven couldn't listen too?" you ask.

"I plan to start my own company to take-down and replace EE and I need a Hunter license to get me the money to start it." she declares.

You look at her in astonishment, "You plan to take-down a tech giant all on your own? One you claimed is so good at it's work that it hasn't had any real competition in years?" you ask.

"Well I have to do something. I can't become C.E.O of a company with that much dark history plaguing it, plus...plus my father, currently has plans for a project that I think has to be stopped within the next 4 months. So I'm going to have to do this no matter what." Etheline states.

"Oh? And what sort of project is that?" Mary asks.

Etheline scratches the back of her head, "...That's the part I can't really talk about. All I have to tell you is that it's terrible enough that it will change the world on a global scale and I need to do anything in my power to stop him." Etheline states.

"And that's your real reason for coming to the exam? To end your Dad's top-secret evil schemes?" you ask.

"...Well, basically yeah." Etheline answers.

"A sweet girl like you taking on what looks like the epitome of Evil Corporatism. Jeez you have a long fight ahead of you." you warn.

"I know, but one I have to fight." Etheline states.

"Yeah, but the real thing to ask here is, why are you telling me all this?" You ask.

"...Would you be mad if I said I kinda wanted your help?" She asks.

"That depends, why the hell are you asking me? Why not a genius like Mary?" you question

"Well, not to insult you or anything, you are right saying that Mary would probably be much better addition to the company considering how much smarter she is." She states.

"Just a little taken." you state.

"B-But, I trust you more as a friend and I believe you're someone who will stand by me, no matter how dark and sad things may get! You're too tough to fall! That's what I think!" She praises.

"That's a really nice way of saying I'm too stupid to die, but I'll take that as a compliment." you joke.

"But is that really the only reason?" you question.

Etheline looks away slightly, "...Well, if I'm being honest, I may need someone to do some more...physical labor oriented parts of the job. Since I'm not really strong enough to handle them myself..." She answers.

"So you want me to be your slave?" you ask.

"Slave is such a strong word...I prefer the title Assistant mechanic." She states.

"Giving a fancy title to a slave only makes them a fancy slave." you counter.

She shakes her head, "Listen! I know this all sounds crazy, but I really need to do this! And I'd really like you to help me!" She begins.

"But even if you say no, I'm going to go ahead and do it anyway and no one is going to stop me!" She declares.

"So you're going through with this no matter what?" you question.

"I was serious when I said I wanted to make up for it. I didn't just say that to make him calm down, I have to make up for it...No, I will make up for it!" She declares.

"Even if it costs me my life, I will bring the people-centered model back to EE, no matter!" She states.

(This is an unusually strong voice for Etheline. She's so uncertain about most things, but this is clearly something she's absolutely determined to do, with or without my help.) You reason.

(The question is, can I help her? I've already got to help Noell, Flourette and Rea, all of which seem to have more pressing issues than this one. Can I really put myself out there for 4 different people?) you question.

What do you say?

>You'd best, you can't let your Father go on like this.

>Maybe you'll need a little help with that?

>>3099488
>Maybe you'll need a little help with that?
The more allies the better I say.
Plus, if it's on the global scale, it's probably too important too ignore

>>3099488
>Maybe you'll need a little help with that?

>>3099494
>>3099507

>Friendship makes the best ships.

>Writing.

File: Derrick Holums19.png (773 KB, 500x293)

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"So you're dead set on starting up this company to take-on your father?" you ask.

"Yes!" She exclaims.

"Even though he runs a multi-billion Jenny business conglomerate? One which is basically a monopoly in it's various industries?" you ask.

"Exactly!" She exclaims.

"And you're going to do this, within the span of 4 months, using nothing but: Your brains, the Hunter associations money and your own dumb luck?" you ask.

"How many times do I have say yes before you get it? Yes,Yes,Yes!" She declares.

"You're an idiot." you state.

"Yes!-I mean-Hey!" Etheline slips on her tongue.

"I just told you one of the most impossible scenarios human imaginable and you still said yes like determination and a happy-go-lucky attitude is enough to defeat a company with what? 50+ years Darby said? You plan to bring a 50+ year old successful business in what must be less 1/32 the time? What the hell are you thinking?" you ask.

"I-I know it's a bit ridiculous, but you don't have to call me an idiot for it!" She counters.

"What else can I call a girl who can't see the reality before her but a naive idiot? Seriously, I've been hearing insane scenarios all damn week, but I have say, this doesn't just take the cake, it burns down the whole goddamn bakery." You state.

"Oh come on! You don't need to be that harsh! Are you really saying I should give up!? Let my Father get away with all these atrocities and let him commit even more!?" She counters.

"..." you go quiet.

"I couldn't do that! I could never do that and continue to live with a sincere smile on my face! Even if it's naive and stupid, I have to do it! So you can go ahead and tell me how stupid I am all you want, I won't change my mind!" She states.

You sigh "Even if you say that, you just admitted there's a high chance all your efforts will be in vain." you counter.

"Even so, I've got to do it. If I decided every action on how likely I am to win or fail, I'd only ever do easy, simple things that anyone could do. But no! That's not the way of an inventor! That's not the way of an engineer! It's not about if it will work or not, I just have to make it work!" She declares.

"No matter what you say, you can't deny you're a complete naive idiot." you counter.

"Yeah, yeah, I heard you the first time, you're not going to make me give up so easily." She ignores your warnings.

"Which is exactly why I'm going to help you do this." you state.

"I keep telling you, you can't make me give- wait what?" she slips on her tongue again.

"Sheesh, where'd you learn to get all stubborn and hard-headed? I could sworn you were smarter than this." You state.

"I'd like to think I'm taking after you, your the most stubborn guy I know." Etheline admires.

"You do know you just insinuated I'm hard-headed ,right? That hurts." you ask.

"What? No,no,no, I really didn't mean that part! I just mean't to say you're principled! And being principled is really cool! Because you're super cool and I really want to be like-Wait! you're making fun of me again aren't you!?" She panics.

You laugh, "You're too easy!...But seriously I guess I really didn't know a damn thing about you. That's about to change though." You stick out your hand.

"Huh?" she blurts out.

"I think your plan is stupid and doomed to fail, but you're right! that doesn't mean you can't stand up to injustice just because it seems impossible to defeat! That's why I'm gonna help you fight to make it happen!" you declare.

Etheline looks mesmerized, "Really? You'll really help me, in spite of all the dangers?" she asks.

You smile, "What else are friends for?" you ask.

You can visibly see a sort of bright, loving light take Etheline's eyes as she smiles in a way that's too pure, too happy to be described, "I'm so glad to have met you! Thank you so very much!" She uses both hands to your extended one, too happy to realize all you wanted was a handshake to seal the deal.

>Etheline is blown away by your sincere care for her well-being, +200 points to Etheline! (220 points to go)

(There it is. It's that smile that makes this all worth it. If she lost that, she'd lose a vital part of who she is. I can't let that happen.) you reason as you admire that smiling face.

"Hmmmmmm!" She verbally squeals in happiness as she clasps your hands.

"It's good to see you really smiling again. Now, I got to go soon, so I need that armor you promised me..." you talk for a bit, but notice she hasn't let go yet.

"Hmmmmmmmm!" She continues to squeal as she swings your hand from side to side.

"Hello? Are you listening to me? You can let go of my hand now." You state.

"Hmmmmmmmmmmmm!" She's completely lost some world of fantasy, refusing to let go of your hand.

"Gimme a break...I don't have time for this!" You shout as you bap Etheline on the head.

"hmmm-OW!" She screams as she holds her head in pain.

"Are you back to reality now? I kinda need that armor before I leave." you state.

"Huh? Oh right! We got so caught up in all that business that I forgot I had this for you!" She runs over to the other-side of the room and rummages through a pile of random machine parts that could only be described as thingmajigs and do-hickeys.

"Jeez, I told Mary not to throw my stuff on the ground to clear up workspace, there's so much stuff here..." Etheline complains.

File: Stab-proof Armor.jpg (49 KB, 600x900)

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(Man, I never really noticed how much of a slob Mary is.) you note.

(In-fact, looking this place over, I'm a little surprised mold isn't growing on the walls in all this filth) You say as you kick aside what might be plastic part of a bigger machine or old cup-holder from a takeout meal, you can't tell.

"Ah! Here it is!" Etheline exclaims as she rushes back to you.

"Here you go, your very own stab vest!" she presents you with a a thick, black vest with a large pouch near the front.

You grab it and feel the thick, flexible texture of the armor, "This will protect against knives? Looks a lot like a bullet-proof vest." You comment.

"They have a lot of the same ballistic features, but no, this isn't bullet-proof. It's made specifically to combat any deadly sharp weapons. Not just knives, but long blades, like machetes or anything that would cut or stab, this thing should absorb most of that damage for you." She explains.

You lose the suit part of your top and put on the vest, "And only against knives? I mean, that's probably one of my biggest concerns, but it would be nice to know I have some protection against other things too." you ask.

"Well, I made it specifically for protecting against blades, but the vest is thick enough that it should dampen impact from blunt objects and low caliber bullets." She states.

"Doesn't that make the thing multi-purpose? Sweet." you ask.

"No, no, that's just a fortunate side-effect of the Design. This armor was made first and foremost to protect against sharp weapons and will only show it's true strength then! Other things like high caliber bullets or pointed weapons like spears will tear through that like wet toilet paper." She clarifies.

>SAPI Plate Blade-resistant Vest received!

>Durability: 200/200

>You've received your first piece of armor, congratulations! You've found one of the key ways to ensure you don't die terribly in combat!

>The Armor system is simple and works a lot like the weapon system. It provides a generalized +5 bonus for just wearing it, regardless of what's hitting it. But Armors are made to protect specifically against something! Which is usually an element (Check combat rules) and a Weapon type* (Blunt,Sharp and Pierce)

*(This rule always applies unless it's general purpose armor, in which case it grants +10 bonus against all weapon types and elements, but at the cost of being 50% less durable.)

>Whatever element and Weapon type it defends against gets an additional +10 bonus against it, netting you +15 defense against the element/weapon type.

>But the nice thing about the Armor isn't just the bonuses, but the fact that it also works as a sort of 2nd layer of skin for a fighter.

>This is what Durability is for, when a roll failed and damage has to be calculated, 50% of the damage will go to the armor and the other 50% to your LIFE, meaning all damage is cut in half when wearing armor.*

*When facing weapons that the armor is specifically geared against, the armor absorbs 100% of the damage, meaning the enemy in question would have to destroy the armor first before even having a chance at hurting you. (For example, if Noell were to try cutting through your armor, he would need to do 200 points of damage before he can actual harm you, So he threatens to gut you like a fish again, just tell he'll need cut through your tin-can first.)

>Of course, as amazing as all this is, it doesn't mean you're invincible and your armor certainly isn't either. If the armor runs out durability, it will break and need to be sent a fighter with the [Engineer] trait to fix it. And their are many things that can breakdown armor easy.*

*Mainly the frost element and the Pierce weapon type, which can be used to destroy armor in a matter of a 3 or so rolls if strong enough.

>Armor will be a vital part of surviving in this world, but just like weapons, you aren't tied to any one type, as long as you have the training, you can use any weapon, which of course means you'll need to have multiple suits of armor to match the situation, as your arsenal expands, the preferences you go with will as well.

>Happy Hunting!

"Well, I'm just glad to not be running around with no protection anymore. Felt kinda naked in just this barista's outfit." you state.

"I'm glad to be of aid! Now get out, you have less than 5 minutes before they kick you out!" She declares.

You check your phone, "Damn! You're right! I wish you luck till we meet again!" you say as you dash out the door.

"See you soon Derrick!" She states.

File: Damon Payne01.jpg (621 KB, 987x1000)

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>A few minutes later.

You step through the large wooden door of the study and see Damn sitting behind his work desk, writing up what you presume to be reports for the association.

However, he stops as soon as you step into the room, "Ah, so you've chosen to move unto the next test I see." He recognizes.

"Yeah...figured it would be pointless to waste money staying a hotel where I'm just gonna be sitting around twiddling my thumbs." you explain.

"I see, that only makes sense, as productive as always Mr.Holums. Sit down." He orders as he gestures to a chair in front of his desk.

(I'm glad to see he isn't pissed as hell at me like Timmy said, but at the same time, he doesn't seem nearly as pleased to see me as usual...) you notice as you take a seat.

"Give me a moment while I arrange the files..." he states.

He ruffles through a few cabinets on his desk, leaving you momentarily in silence, (No small talk? No offense Damon, but you're too damn old to be moving this quick to the point. As I thought, he's angry at me but won't show it.) you reason.

(It would be easiest to just move on, I probably won't be seeing him or anyone else here for a while, but maybe it would be best to get the truth out in the air now. Might save for trouble later...)

What will you do?

>Wait for him to bring out the files

>Ask about Cynthia's condition.

>>3099644
>Ask about Cynthia's condition.

>>3099644
>I have no recollection of what happened after she slammed me up to the wall, but Doc told me it was bad. How is she?

>>3099644
>Ask about Cynthia's condition.

>>3099649
>>3099650
>>3099656

>So...How's Cynthia doing?

>Writing.

File: Damon Payne22.gif (494 KB, 500x281)

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(I'm probably gonna regret this, but I hate untouched issues more than anything else.) you think.

"So, how's Cynthia condition?" you ask.

Damon's hands stop as he looks back up to you, "Ms.Cynthia...well, I don't believe I have to explain to you that she definitely isn't well." Damon answers.

"Yeah...Timmy mentioned something about her being in a coma? She isn't crippled or something right?" you ask.

"Your concern is appreciated but unwarranted. She's the team primary attacker, not only for her skill in combat, but her recovery abilities as well. You've done no lasting damage." Damon explains.

You breathe a sigh of relief, "That's good to know, I was really worried I might have seriously hurt her."

"I didn't say she wasn't hurt, just that she's physically fine." Damon counters.

"Huh?" you blurt out.

"Mr.Holums, I don't know what it is that you said to her, but without a doubt you've delivered serious mental damage to Cynthia. The reason for her comatose state isn't simply due to oxygen deprivation, but also due to her mental repressing herself from waking up." He explains.

"What? How do you..How do you know?" you ask.

"I've known that girl since she was in her early 20s and she's never been mentally stable, it doesn't take much for her to lose her cool and it takes even less for her to lose her temper." He begins.

"But this, her condition rings of something from her past that she shouldn't have learned, that she wasn't ready to remember yet, I don't what you said or did, but it brought back memories that made it so she'd never want to wake up and face them again." Damon states.

"Of her past? Is Cynthia an amnesiac?" you ask.

"Yes, I'll spare you the fine details by just saying her mental issues have troubled her for a very long time, as long as I've known her in fact. And because of what you did last night, she's in her worst state mentally than she has been in years." He states.

"I imagine, even after she physically ready to wake up, she'll incapable of doing so until she sorts out this internal conflict." He explains.

"That's..." You trail off, (I can't even remember what I said or what I even did last night, but it's clear that it's effects will haunt me for days to come) you realize.

"It's extremely unfortunate, but she was the one that brought this on herself, it's not your fault...really, I don't know what that girl was thinking..."Damon whispers as he goes back to ruffling through the files.

"...." you go silent, not quite sure if you're allowed to say a thing.

File: The Hunter's Journal.jpg (70 KB, 537x537)

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After a moment, he grabs a stack of 3 sheets with pictures attached and puts them on the table and hands them to you.

You bring the sheets up and read as you speak, "What are these?" you ask as you read the first sheet entitled Feral Bone-Devil

"Your next test will be much more simple and to the point than the last one. I've just handed you 3 beast files containing the class, strengths, weaknesses and movement patterns of 3 D-class beasts that have been causing major activity in the area." he explains.

"D-Class? Beast files? The hell does that mean?" you question.

Damon reaches under his desk to grab a leather-bound book and hands that to you, "To save me the trouble of explaining all of this to you, take this, it will be a vital part of your life as a Hunter." He states.

"A Journal?" you ask as you take that.

"A Hunter's journal. I filled out the first few pages with information about the beast classification system as well set-up a section for cataloging the beasts you've encountered." He states.

You open it up to see everything is exactly as he describes, There are a few pages dedicated to the explaining of the beast classification system and a catalog, detailing every feature of the beasts listed there, complete with a picture to show you what they look like.

"This looks a bit complex, I'll have to read it over later." you say as you close the book.

"It's really much more simple than it looks. You can keep that, think of it as a gift for passing the first part of the exam, when you become a fully-fledged hunter, I'm sure it will be of great use to you." He explains.

>Hunter's Journal acquired!

>The Hunter's Journal is a book used for writing down the details of every man, beast and event you encounter! Very useful for finding weaknesses to use against the beast or how to best avoid the beast taking the advantage of you! Or if you need to go out or you can review it when you need to remember the skills of someone you've discovered recently

>https://pastebin.com/rZK5U3RU

You store the book in your dufflebag, "Thanks, I'll be sure to write up whatever I encounter inside this thing." you state.

(I guess I can also use it as a second journal, since the last one I had is nothing more than a pile of ashes back on that mountain.) you think as you re-take the sheets and skim through them one by one.

"As I'm sure you've gathered from the proceedings so far, your next test will involve hunting one of these three beasts." he begins.

"It should come as no surprise that the Hunter association receives constant requests live up to their namesake and hunt beasts." He states.

"Though we typically don't do so for food or sport, but rather because these beasts happen to be a danger to humanity and their environment. And the Hunter association doesn't hunt beasts, it hunts Magical beasts." He explains.

File: Spoiler Image (970 KB, 500x260)

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"Is there a difference?" you question.

"A massive difference, one you will come to know quite clearly as you realize just how dangerous Magical beasts can get." He states.

"I see...Hmmmm..." you wonder.

"Is something the matter?" He asks.

"Well, Not to knock the chance to improve and all, but Isn't this mainly a job for Magical Beast Hunters like yourself? Shouldn't these tests be more generalized to match the wider job choice? What if I don't want to be a Magical beast hunter." you question.

"An apt question, however one that doesn't apply to the Modern Hunter association." he answers.

You raise an eyebrow, "How so?" you ask.

"Nowadays, choosing your specialization doesn't really mean anything, most Hunters are given jobs the association deems them most suitable for them, which means, since Hunting magical beasts is a matter of combat proficiency, something each Hunter is meant to have, no matter which path you choose for yourself, you'll inevitably be asked to do hunting job or two, whether you want too or not." He explains.

"Really now..." you sigh, (Guess this is what Rea meant by the Organization being more bureaucratic. Sacrificing freedom and fun for efficiency and pleasing the sponsors. It's more of a business than the flyers made it out to be...) you state.

"Now don't be so down and droll about that. Going on the Hunt can be quite the thrill you know? Take it from someone's who made his whole career around it." He states.

"I get that, I was just lamenting about how harsh reality can be sometimes." you clarify.

"Well yes, life is hard, that is universal reality of this world. But do you wish to know what makes the harsh journey of life that much easier?" He asks.

Knock,knock

"Hey! Can we finally come back in!? I'm tired of waiting!" An unmistakable loud voice asks.

"Is that...?" you ask.

"Why yes it is. You can all come in!" Damon shouts.

"About fucking time!" Bradford shouts as he barges through the door and 5 others follow him.

"Holy hell..." you whisper as a group comprised of Bradford, Dillion, Brovoski, Reynauld and Arztz all walk their way up behind you.

"You see, the easiest way to fight your way through any hard scenario is always with allies by your side, is it not? For that reason, for the next test, the six of you will be working togehter." Damon explains.

"You can't be serious..." you look back at them.

"Well hello ol'buddy, ol'pal, I was growing fucking white hairs waiting for your dumbass!" Bradford excitedly exclaims.

"Now calm there Mr.Double Barrel, much as I love the enthusiasm, we're all hankering to get moving, no need to act like you're going on the warpath when we haven't even stepped on the battlefield." Reynauld states.

"The hell are you mouthing off about you country backwash!? To me, the whole damn world is a battlefield and I'm always on tour!" Bradford exclaims.

"Now, now, we mustn't fight so early. We're going to be working together in order to deliver unto these beasts the happiness of a beautiful, peaceful death. We mustn't do the same to allies...at least, not until it is there time to go." Arztz explains.

"Keep spewing creepy-ass lines like that you little werido and the death I'll give you will be anything but beautiful or peaceful!" Bradford shouts.

"My god, must the lot of you be so uncouth at all times of the day? Did your manners drop out of your head along with your sense?" Dillion questions.

"You can call us uncouth all ya want city slicker, but being a hunter is probably one of the most uncouth jobs ya can get. This next job will be having us crawling through the mud to kill us some wild beast, you sure you don't want to quit here so you can save them pretty little clothes from all the stains?" Reynauld taunts.

"Oh please you knave, I don't plan on letting any beast get close enough to me to even sully my refined attire, not that I don't have 1000s of replacements even if they do." He counters.

"n' what about killing? You not afraid of getting your hands dirty, right city slicker?" Reynauld questions.

Dillion smiles, "Who said ending the life of another had to be an ugly thing? I'll show you collection of uncooth animals what it means to kill with grace." He states.

"I'm so glad see you recognizing the beauty of death Dillion! Perhaps you and me could go over the finer details of the art of peacefully taking life-"

"In your dreams you little freak." Dillion dismisses.

"Well, at least the lot of ya are you ready to go! What about you Bigman?" Reynauld asks of Brovoski who's been strangely silent.

"Brovoski sad to leave without saying goodbye to Ivy, he not in head-butting mood right now..."Brovoski mopes.

"Ah come one bigman! Ya can't mope about that nonsense right now! Not like she's mad at you or nothing! Let's see some spit and grit from ya! Come on!" Reynauld encourages.

"Raghhhh..." A weak battle cry whimpers out as Brovoski throws his hands up in mock strength but they fall down as quickly as they rise up.

"Well, when you see the beast charging ya, I'm sure your battle instincts will wake up..." Reynauld states.

"Leave him alone. The man couldn't even say goodbye to his fiancee, it's understandable that he isn't in the best of moods." Dillion reasons as he looks over at you.

"And I think we can all tell the reason for that." he spits.

"No...Brovoski no blame Golden head, Brovoski no blame no one, don't mind Brovoski, he just need minute to be quiet and make his spirit strong..."Brovoski states.

"Ahhh, it's okay buddy, if I can I'll leave you a free shot on the beast to vent on." Reynauld pats Brovoski on his massive back.

"Oh good Christ I can already seeing this failing..." you groan.

"Speak for yourself savage, I don't plan on failing no matter what, even if it means having to work with a monster like you." Dillion states.

"Will you get the hell off my back?" you ask.

"Sure, I'll do it when you get off people's throats." He counters.

"This isn't gonna work Damon. Not when half the people here can't stand me." you state.

"Hey, hey now! Don't let city boy there let you think ya ain't got friends! When it comes to savagely beating every beast and man that gets in our way, you and me will be the best of buddies!" he counters.

You hold your head, "Dear god, this night will be used against me for the rest of time, I know it..." you complain.

"Come now! As fun as it is to watch such energetic youngsters having fun among themselves, we mustn't waste time." Damon puts a stop to all the random chatter.

"..." The room goes silent.

"So as I originally, the point of this exam is simple, I will split each of you into smaller groups and have you pursue one of these 3 beasts." he states.

"Split up? We aren't all going together?" Dillion questions.

"Sorry, but no, as great as strength in raw numbers is, the point of this exercise is to reinforce team coordination and group dynamic. If I sent all of you out at the same time, I imagine you probably wouldn't invest too much time trying to work together with individual members and would instead use your power as a whole group to succeed." Damon reasons.

"Oh I see, sounds almost like you're trying to get us to bond together rather than fight togehter." Arztz notes.

"A Keen eye. It's highly likely through the course your careers that you'll be put in teams, in which cases, you'll need to learn how to work with each individual you meet on short notice, so this test is really less a combat efficiency, more a group skills test." Damon admits.

"Okay, I get ya. So how we doing these teams?" Reynauld questions.

"Since there's 6 of you in total. It would make the most sense to have you all assigned in 2 teams of 3." Damon answers.

"And how will we decide who works with who?" Arztz asks.

"I'll give you the luxury of deciding that yourselves. Though I'd like Derrick to make the first choice." Damon states.

"And why does this violent savage get first pickings exactly?" Dillion questions.

"He's the final arrival, if I let the picking take the natural course, he won't be left with much of a choice since I imagine most of you have already decided who you wish to work with. So it's best he make the first choice and you all go from there." Damon states.

"Hmph! Well whatever, as long as he doesn't force me to work alongside him, that's a bullet I'll do anything to dodge." Dillion states.

"You're certainly not my ideal first choice either buddy." You state.

"Yeah, but I am!" Reynauld jumps in.

"If you're looking for a Real Ranger of righteous indignation, then look no further than yours truly! When it comes to ending life, I'm death's sugar daddy." He brags.

"And, not to toot my golden horn, I've also got a bit of experience taking down beasts myself." Reynauld announces.

"You have history beast hunting?" you ask.

"Damn right, back on the ranch, they called me the varmints nightmare! there wasn't a hunting party I was never a part of back home! So let a man with some experience be on your side." Reynauld markets himself.

Bradford steps in front of him, "Now hold the fuck up cowboy! Derrick's going with me obiviously! Me and him already got history together, we know each other moves, we fought each other's battles, we're even going to fight each other later! Screw your 'Huntin experience' I got bestie status!" Bradford counters.

"The hell was that loud-mouth? You fixin' to get in the way of the real men getting to do some work? I'm warning you boy, don't get on ma bad side." Reynauld threatens.

"Do you hear this shit Derrick? real man, haha! What a fucking joke, I've worked with ladies with bigger stones than you! Step aside before I send your ass back to the Ram Ranch where you belong!" Bradford threatens.

"Please calm down you two, again I must stress, we cannot waste energy fighting among ourselves." Arztz cuts-in.

"The hell are you getting in our way for Casper?" Reynauld questions.

"As a doctor, I believe it's my solemn duty to ensure as little pain as possible comes to everyone I know, there's nothing more important to living a good life than a clean bill of health." Arztz states.

"You ain't wrong Casper, but as you can see, this loud-mouth is far from healthy, both in body and mind."Reynauld states.

"If you're talking about my gut wound, don't! Trust me, even if my guts came spilling out, I'd just strangle the bastard who made me lose them with my intestines! Hell I can show you cowboy, why don't you test me some more and find out!?" Bradford counters.

"See what I mean? Fucked in the mind and body this one." Reynauld states.

"Well, if you need help calming your temper and your stomach, I have this wonderful elixir that works to both calm your nerves and upset stomachs!" Arztz says as he rummages through what looks like a doctors bag under his coat and pulls out a small bottle filled with green liquid.

"Really? That sounds great! I've been having a aching belly since I ate some weird looking flowers up in them mountains. hand it over!" Reynauld grabs the bottle and chugs it.

"How enthusiastic, glad to see you have enough trust in me to just drink the first thing I hand you." Arztz's smiles grows a bit.

He finishes it and speaks, "Hm. Tastes kinda funny. Well whatever, all medicine tastes funny to me. Now why didn't you tell me you had this miracle cure till now? I'm pretty sure I've been complaining about my belly all day." Reynauld asks.

"Well, the elixir does work on headaches and stomachaches, but it has some...system-flushing side effects." Arztz states.

"System-flushing? Sounds kinda dangerous, whadda mean?" He asks.

"Well, it might give you...an extreme case of explosive diarrhea." Arztz answers.

Reynauld's eyes go wide as he drops the bottle.

"...." he doesn't say a word in his shock.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That;s what you get for being a complete dumbass! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Bradford dies of laughter

"As harsh as it is, yes, that's why you should always ask about and examine what you drink. Not everything the doctor recommends is always 100% good for you." Arztz states.

"...Excuse me Mr.Payne, I'd like to go to the restroom." Reynauld states.

"You are excused." Damon allows.

Reynauld steps out of the room, leaving Bradford who's gut is being busted two ways and Arztz looking around apologetically.

"Am I seriously supposed to work with this comedy crew?" you ask Damon.

"Well, their social skills may need some work, but I know their combat proficiency is nothing to be laughed at." Damon counters.

"How do you know that?" you ask.

"Well, they wouldn't be standing here if they weren't skilled, would they?" Damon states.

"Good point. But let's not forget flukes happen." you counter.

"Well you'll have to figure that out on your own by working with them. To save time, I've had them all write up quick resume sheets, pointing out there skills and weaknesses and attached to the middle of the Hunter's journal." Damon explains.

"Really?" you question as you pull back out the Hunter's Journal and flip the pages to the back, where you see pages covering the skills and abilities of everyone in front of you.

"Use that to make your decision. And don't worry about taking up too much time, I imagine Mr.Stevens won't be leaving the restroom for a while..." Damon states.

"Yeah, I figured..." You agree as you open up your Hunter's Journal to check out the profiles of each person.

>Reynaulds Stevens entry added to the Character List!

>Turnland Brovoski's entry added to the Character List!

>Henry Dillion's entry added to the Character List!

>Arztz Todd's entry added to the Character List!

(I already know what Bradford's all about, so I better read through the other 4 first...)

Character list: https://pastebin.com/vrdB2bJg (Scroll to the bottom to reach the newest entries)*

*(Also updated Derrick's profile with some new and reworked abilities)

>Pick two people to Hunt alongside you.

>>3099913
Reynauld and Bradford
trust is more important than other skills in my book

>>3099913
>Reynauld and Arztz
This one is easy Reynauld has bonuses to hunting beasts and great sniping abilities which are great for this kinda test. And Arztz will be an even better asset considering he's a medic and can heal us if we're injured in addition to being able to handle poisons to incapacitate the beast.

Plus they're characters we haven't interacted all that much with so it'd be interesting to spend some time with them and they don't hate us or anything either

>>3100033
This is good

>>3099919
>>3100033
>>3100097

Looks like >>3100033 should win considering it has 2 votes, but just to be sure, I'll add just 10 more minutes to be sure no one else wants to add anything else, if nothing happens, I'll go with this.

>Waiting.

Reynauld and Arztz it is.

>A cowboy and a ghost.

>Writing.

>no Bradford
Shit taste, all of you

>>3100255
Hey I love Brad but this team is much better. Plus we just spent most of the entire last exam with him. New characters can be a nice change of pace

File: Arztz Todd05.jpg (43 KB, 600x901)

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After browsing the book, You look back at the line up and eye them.

As you look over to Bradford, he smiles brightly at you, like an excited dog about to go on a walk, or perhaps a bloodthirsty wolf ready to go on a pack hunt?

(He's clearly expecting me to pick him, it almost makes me feel like I have to choose him when he looks at me like that.) you think.

(But no, even if your combat skills are top-notch, after that insanity in the mountains, I've had my fill of your bullshit, I need a new face if I'm going to stay sane.) you conclude as you look over to Brovoski.

Brovoski's eyes are too busy staring at the floor to notice yours, (Brovoski muscles would be a great assets in any battle, but he honestly looks like he's more ready to feed himself to the beasts than beat them.) you note and look over to Dillion.

The second your eyes meet, he clicks his tongue at you and glares back.

(Skipping that one.) you conclude as you look over to Arztz, the dark horse of this one-legged race.

Arztz stares off into space with a small smirk on his face, seeming half here and half somewhere else entirely.

(Arztz Todd...don't actually know anything about him besides his skill and his amazing medicine and kinda risky medicine.) you think.

(He never seems to have any other emotion than that creepy melancholic smile on his face, and is he albino or something? Never seen a man so pale and white-haired in my life) you wonder.

(Well, if I need someone who's got good skills and probably won't drive me over the edge in this test, this guy would probably be him. His healing skills will definitely useful, especially considering who else I'm picking to compensate...) You conclude.

With your thoughts sorted you look over to Arztz and speak, "Hey,uh, Arztz Todd right?" you ask.

"Yes, a great name isn't it? Though I would fine if you called me by my new nickname." He states.

"You mean Casper? Are you sure you want the name of a ghost attached to you?" you ask.

"Casper is known as the friendly ghost, I happen to be treated as a spirit wherever I go, so I actually like the image of a benevolent spirit rather than a dark spirit. So yes, go ahead." he states.

"Well then, Casper...You wouldn't mind working with me to kill some beasts, right?" you ask.

He giggles, "I prefer the phrase put to rest over kill, but sure, I'll work with you." he answers.

"Thanks man, now, my other teammate-"

"Don't worry man! I've got your back! Don't even need to say my name, I'm already to go!" Bradford exclaims.

"Actually, no, I'm going with Reynauld, sorry man." You correct.

You can see the exact moment Bradford's heartbreak as his smile fades, "What the fuck!? You're picking the werid ghost freak and the Ass-blasted cowboy over your best friend!?" Bradford questions.

"Look man, a hunt needs subtly and planning, you not only suck at making plans, you have the subtly of a naplam bomb being dropped in a fresh oil field." You counter.

File: Telfour Bradford18.jpg (82 KB, 712x400)

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"Oh come the hell on man! I know I'm a little loud and I can get a bit over-excited sometimes! But really!? You're gonna force me to run with the Rich brat and the suicidal giant!? These two have the usefulness of a wooden spoon in cooking flambe steak!" he exclaims.

"Oh trust me, I'm as excited to work with vulgar street filth like you as you are with me. Though I guess street filth preferable to untamed savagery. At least I can control the other." he states.

"Flambe...that Ivy's second favorite cooking method...it used to be first, but then she say Brovoski Burn-son is her new favorite! Oh sweet Ivy, why you leave Brovoski!?" He shouts as he begins to breakdown into tears.

Bradford looks at them with a mix of astonishment and disgust, "Derrick! Please! I'm begging ya! Don't leave me with those retards! They'll drive me so far off the deep end that I'll drown before the day's out!" He exclaims.

"Sorry man, my mind's made up." you state.

"You can't be fucking real..." He looks over at Damon to see if he can do anything.

"I said I would leave, the decision-making independent, sorry, I cannot interfere." he answers.

"Oh Christ Almighty..." He whispers as he looks back at his new group in complete disappointment.

"Well Mr.Telfour, it seems you're working with me in this next test. I've heard you have a history of causing all kinds of trouble. This can't be allowed if we wish to pass this test." He declares.

"I will act as leader of this unit from here forward. With my watchful eye on you at all times, I will make sure everything, from the way you walk, to the way you talk, to the way you fight, to the way you dress will be exactly as it's supposed to in order to achieve success." He says giving Bradford a scrutinizing glare.

"I will make a proper working man out of you yet." He promises.

"...." Bradford looks horrified.

Damon chimes in, "If you'd like, you can wait another day and move out with a different group?" He asks.

"...No. I'll go with the assholes....I can't sit around here for another day..." Bradford says, lacking his usual luster, a dead-eyed stare overtaking his excited eyes.

"Oh good, you already have the look of one of my hardworking employees, this is a sign of good progress already." He praises.

"Kill me..." Bradford whispers as he lurches away.

You can't help but look at him with pity in your eyes, (I could have saved him from that hell he's about to be put through, but too late to be thinking of that now. Besides, at least he'll know my suffering from the mountains, consider this revenge.) you think.

And now that's it's gotten late, this is where I stop for the night. Resuming tomorrow as usual, should be getting to the meat of the action tomorrow.

Goodnight for now Anons.

>>3100537
>I will make sure everything, from the way you walk, to the way you talk, to the way you fight, to the way you dress will be exactly as it's supposed to in order to achieve success
This can only go well

Also gotta say I'm really surprised Brad hasn't challenged us to a competition to see who can kill their beast the first yet. Seems like something he'd totally do

Sorry to be late, but for reasons I cannot disclose I was without internet for over 4 hours, but I'm good now.

Let's continue.

>Writing.

As Bradford sulks back to his new team, you turn back to Damon who pushes the 3 files towards you.

"Seeing as the 2nd team is sorting out it's members, I imagine it's fine for me to allow you to take first pick of the jobs as well." He states.

"Thanks. Can you give me a run-down of exactly how this will work as I read?" you ask as you pick up the three files and examine them.

"Sure. As I already explained earlier, you will pick one of the beasts from these 3 job files." He begins.

"Each of them are roughly the same in difficultly, though I would recommend checking each to see which one meshes best with you and your teams abilities." He explains.

"Once you've hunted the beast, you'll need to take a trophy off the beast and deliver to the coordinates indicated on the map attached to each of the files." He points out.

You turnover each of the files to check the maps on the back side, "These locations...they're all inner city?" you wonder.

"Correct, the site of your next test will take place there. You will turn in the trophy to examiners you meet at the coordinates and immediately head into the next test." He states.

(So no more breaks like this one from here on out huh? Well, the less time I spend in this Exam the better, it's starting to really screw with me...) you think.

"How will we find the beast? And how long do we have to hunt it?" you ask.

"You'll have 2 days starting from the moment you walk out of this mansion." he answers.

"As for finding the beast, each files contains witness information on where the beast was last seen, you'll have to use that as a guide." he explains.

"Anymore questions?" He asks.

>What will you do?

>Ask a question (Write-in)

>Proceed to job selection.

>>3101920
>>Proceed to job selection.

>Proceed to job selection.

>>3101928
>>3101936

>Proceeding

>Writing.

"Nah, let me just get to picking these jobs." you state.

"I suggest you bring over your teammates to consult with you in that case." Damon advises.

"You mean Teammate considering Arztz is only here with a working bowel system." you counter.

Arztz approaches from behind, "Don't worry, the medicine I gave him was only a small dosage with rather short-lasting effects, he should be returning anytime now."

FLUSH

"Ah, that sounds like him now, fortune smiles on us." Arztz states.

He walks through the door with a sour look on his face, "Reynauld, it seems the medicine was quite effective on you, how are you feeling?" Arztz asks.


He puts an unsteady hand on the chair you sit in to balance himself, "Good God Casper... ya told me that thing was System-flushing... but it felt more System-destroying than anythin'. At one point I thought I'd be fishing my guts from the bowl..." He complains.

"Don't worry, that just means the laxative effects are just potent enough to ensure you cleansed everything from your system. You don't have the stomachache anymore do you?" He questions.

"No...but now it feels like everything I eat will blast out faster than it comes in..." Reynauld groans.

"That feeling will subside in a day's time, it's best you don't eat till then." He advises.

"Don't need to tell me twice..." he groans.
"It's good you weren't feeling particularly peckish correct?" he asks.

"Well if I did before, I damn sure don't now..." He answers.

"Well bare with it for now, the teams have been decided, we're going with Derrick." Arztz explains.

He picks himself up and attempts to stand up straight, "You, me and Sundance are going huntin'? Well damn me and my rotten bowels! Don't let anyone tell you don't got a good head on ya shoulders Sundance, you know how to pick'em!" Reynauld praises.

"And don't let anyone tell you, you can't brag a good game, because you bragged hard enough I picked you over a friend of mine. Don't let me down." You state.

"Since when was speaking the truth and bragging synommanous? Ya need to go back to English class Sundance." Reynauld states.

"I believe you mean synonymous." Arztz corrects.

"I know what I said Casper! You making fun of my accent boah? I've shot men for less." he threatens.

"Getting shot sounds rather unpleasant, so you're right, I'll keep my corrections to myself." Arztz apologizes.

"Good, now what we doing Sundance?" Reynauld asks.

"Picking beasts to hunt. I'll need you two's input, so let's run through this." You explain.

"Alright, let's give'em a read then," He states as both he and Arztz lean in to examine the first file you pick up.

Which one will you read?

>File 1- [Wandering Bubbarus]-[Wetlands]

>File 2- [Feral Bone-Devil]-[Forest]

>File 3- [Starved Boareeker]-[Swamp]

>>3102038
>>File 1- [Wandering Bubbarus]-[Wetlands]

>>3102038
>File 1- [Wandering Bubbarus]-[Wetlands]
Time for some revenge boys. Plus we already have experience fighting it so, that'll help

>>3102044
>>3102065

>1st File

>Writing.

File: Bubbaraus(Job 1).jpg (106 KB, 1191x670)

106 KB JPG

You take up the first sheet, but you barely make it past the opening line before you're hit with a shock.

You look to the image attached to page and notice that you've know this particular beast. This is the monster that nearly killed you back in the Moonlight Forest, the Apex predator.

"You again..." you say reflexively.

"Hm? You know this particular beast?" Damon question.

"Ah...yeah, I had a run-in with it in the past." You admit.

"Huh? Ya fought this beast before? Looks real shiny. Is it strong?" Reynauld questions.

"Oh it's strong, strongest thing I've faced so far, nearly killed me last time I ran into one." You answer.

"Damn, if this thing can corner a beast like you, it must be deadlier than it's pretty looks let on." Reynauld admires.

"Is it really that dangerous? It looks more beautiful to me. It has the glistening skin of a lizard yet the aesthetic of rainbow butterfly, what is this natural marvel?" Arztz asks with a glow in his eye.

"Yes, incredible isn't it? This is the Moonlight Bubbarus, Apex Predator of the Moonlight forest." He introduces.

"A large amphibian lizard which carries thick sheen of soap-like reside on it's skin, which gives it that rainbow like shine. It also leads to it leaving a trail of bubbles in it's wake." He explains.

"It's covered in soap? Now what the hell's the point o' that? First I've heard of a beast sudding up before jumping round in the mud. Kinda reminds me of that brat Dillion, ya think it turns it's nose up at other beasts thinking it's better too?" Reynauld jokes.

"It doesn't think it's better, it knows it's better than most other beast and no, the propose of the soap isn't for some-kind of self-cleaning system or to lord it's cleanliness over others. Though it does love to bully weaker beasts than itself quite often." Damon begins.

"Rather, it uses it to refract light around itself, making it capable of turning invisible." Damon explains.

"It can become invisible?" Arztz asks.

"Yes, though it works best in areas with low levels of light, it can still appear very hard to spot with the naked eye when it decides to vanish, making it very difficult to land a solid hit on when it's combat ready." Damon explains.

As you stare down at the image, you can't help the growing irritation in your mind.

"You seem to have some terrible history with this beast, you aren't feeling vengeful are you?" Damon notices.

"Well, this thing ripped me apart when we fought, I looked like a used chew toy after it was done playing with me. So maybe I am feeling a little vengeful." You answer,

"You should never make a hunt about personal feelings, it will mess with your sense, make your reckless and more likely to suffer than succeed." He counters.

"...." you can't deny the truth of that statement.

"If you're thinking of taking this job just to fufill your personal vendetta, I beg you to reconsider . " He states.

"I just said maybe, beside, I don't even know if this is the same beast I ran into in the forest. I try and keep my personal feelings out of everything." You explain.

"Well, then read the file, tell me if you're interested in hunting your old friend." Damon states.

"..." you go slient as you read the job description,

Wandering Bubbaraus found in Numere wetlands, irregular hunting patterns suggest it's wandered from the nearby Moonlight forest area for unknown reasons. The beast is destroying the local ecosystem and need to be either driven out or removed permanently it reads.

(Well I'll be damned, This really is it! this has to be the same beast you fought back then! So it's called a Bubbaraus huh? cute name for such a deadly beast.) You reason.

"So, will you accept this job?" Damon asks.

What will you say

>Yes

>No

>>3102183
>Yes

>Yes

>>3102203
>>3102226

>It's nothing personal, really.

>Writing.

>>3102183
Ok so after reviewing the pastebin I can see that the difficulty rating is pretty clear. With the Bone-devil seeming seeming like the easiest and the Bubbarus being the definite strongest and the Boareeker being a middle ground. Going for the Bubbarus would be the most dangerous but also the most interesting route.

So with that in mind I'll go for:
>Yes

"Yeah, let's go with this one." You state.

"Huh? Really? We haven't even looked at the other jobs yet." Reynauld states.

"There's no need to check anymore, I've got personal experience with this beast and I've already got a plan brewing on how to take it down." you explain.

"That's correct, but what if there's a less powerful beast to take on further down the list? This beast seems to be the most suited for combat." Arztz states.

"I know that, but you don't have to worry, I didn't choose you two just cause I wanted a change of pace, I know exactly what I'm doing when taking this." You state.

"Yeah, but we don't and that's the damn problem." Reynauld counters.

"Just trust me, have I ever made a bad choice with you two?" you ask.

"Well, this is our first time working togehter, so we wouldn't really know, but there have been some rumors about your decision-making skills being...less than adequate" Arztz comments.

"Every rumor about me is a load of exaggerated trash, I hope you two don't believe them." you counter.

"I want to say you're right, but your track record is a little..." Arztz trails off.

"Off the rails." Reynauld finishes.

"Errr...." you can't argue.

"Listen, we just want to make sure overstepping our boundaries." Arztz states.

"Also, it seems like this choice may have a little to do with your personal feelings, and I don't believe we have to go over why that's a bad thing." Arztz tacks on

"What makes you say that?" you ask.

"The fact that you haven't even looked at the other ones yet you're locked and loaded for this one, which also happens to be your first revenge crush." Reynauld counters.

What will you say?

>Don't worry about it, I'm 100% certain, let's do this.

>Okay, maybe you have a point....(Examine other jobs)

>>3102349
>Okay, maybe you have a point....(Examine other jobs)

>>3102349
>>Okay, maybe you have a point....(Examine other jobs)

>>3102360
>>3102371

>Put your revenge boner back in your pants, you don't even have any condoms with you.

>writing.

"Okay, maybe you two have a point, perhaps I should at least give the other two a run through." You admit.

"Thank ya kindly, if the other two look even more deadly than that other one, I'm fine with going with you on your revenge quest." Reynauld states.

"It's good to know that you value our opinions more than your bloodlust, it reassures me that working with you was the right choice." Arztz states.

"Will you two stop acting like I'm pitching a tent over a rainbow lizard?" you ask.

"Oh you weren't pitching a tent, you were setting up a goddamn settlement on that lizard, good thing we stopped you before it collapsed on ya." He states.

"Whatever, sorry Damon, but can we go over the files one more time?" you ask.

"Oh it's no trouble, I'm happy to see that you're willing to listen your teammates, you're well on your way to achieving the the first goal of the test that way." he praises.

"Thanks, now then..." you put away the 1st file and look at the other 2.

Which one will you read?

>File 2- [Feral Bone-Devil]-[Forest]

>File 3- [Starved Boareeker]-[Swamp]

>>3102391
>File 2- [Feral Bone-Devil]-[Forest]
Might as well go down the list

>>3102475

>2nd file.

>Writing.

>>3102391
>File 2- [Feral Bone-Devil]-[Forest]