Westward!

Inside a cathedral were several players. Rather it was only players, not a single NPC was seen amongst the hundreds within the building.

It was deafening inside, as the hundred players chatted amongst themselves while trading various items and information. Talks about reports and requests, the clanging sound of equipment hitting the floor, nothing distracted them from their goals.

Located at one end of the hall stood a massive statue. It looked like a praying angel, however its head was devoid of any facial features. Excluding the singular massive vertical eye that remained closed. This was the only religious looking part of the cathedral, there were no murals or mosaics. 

The statue lay in a fountain with a clear liquid that moved incredibly slowly. As if made of gelatin rather than water. Its clear substance was something all players didn't touch. A constant meter wide gap was left between the players and the statue's basin. 

"We have a request from the Severance Sect regarding the acquisition of Salum Mine."

"The Severance Sect? They're top fifteen, why do they request our help?"

"They want Rerising Tenacity as a tank regarding its Land Guardian. Apparently their dedicated tank left the Sect."

"Rerising Tenacity. . . tell them that's a no go. They're better off asking a Merc to handle it. They know we don't prioritize the Sects."

"Will do."

Another group chatted amongst themselves. . .

"It was your group that participated in the Four Eyed Snake raid? That wandering boss has been on my list forever!"

"It's just a Second Step wandering boss. I let the group I assisted keep the drops. We might have new members when they ascend to Third Stage here soon."

"I need its eyes, can you get me into contact with them? I'd like to buy it off of them if possible."

"No problem. Offer them a fair price would you?"

"Who do you take me for?"

The bustle of the cathedral continued until a chiming bell rang across the building. Immediately all players stopped speaking and looked towards the praying angel statue.

Its eyes opened slowly, and a singular drop of the mysterious substance fell from its eye into the basin of the fountain. A steady voice spoke, "Red Fueled Avarice has fallen."

Its eyes closed and immediately the players were exasperated.

"Seriously? That's a Third Step wandering boss! We've been looking out for that for so long!"

"Check it off the list and inform the parties requesting our help to find it that it's been beaten by an unknown party. How many remaining Third Step wandering bosses does that leave us?"

"Not many, we're running short. The material farming spots have been requisitioned by the Sects."

"Send a request to them for a partial return on their harvests."

"You know they hate sharing."

"I think we'll be fine. Where's old Jones by the way? I'm the only captain handling these requests and I promised to help out some new guys with a dungeon they've been struggling on."

"Jones hasn't logged in for the past few days, has family trouble."

"Really? Is there any other captains that can take over?"

"I'll take a look."

Dong~

The players quieted down and looked towards the statue. Its eyes opened once again and words spoke, "Ocean Crossing Sabre has fallen."

"What the hell!", the captain called out, "That's two Third Step wandering bosses within the same hour! Are the Sects behind this? We had a deal!"

"I'll put in a request-"

Dong~

The captain was the only one to speak, "Aw hell no."

"Incoming.", the statue spoke and three drops of the liquid fell into the basin.

There was a brief pause in silence before the players all broke out into confusion. The captain frowned and walked up to the large statue, "Three new wandering bosses of Third Step?"

"Three? We barely get one a month, but you're telling me three arrived?"

"That's not right, that's not right at all. Did a group of Sect members recently ascend to Third Step? Reminds me of when that money grubber ascended to Third Step. Her Epithet was spoken back then as well."

"We don't know their Epithets though."

"That's because there's three.", the captain made a face, "Damn I really don't want to have to deal with the debuff before I go dungeoning. Whatever."

Approaching the basic they dunked their hands into the liquid and scooped some out. Despite their entire hand being put into the liquid only one droplet remained in their palms. With a grimace they swallowed the liquid and immediately smoke rose from their body. They shivered uncontrollably for about a minute before speaking, "Great Oracle, what are the Epithets of the Incoming?"

The statue spoke without opening its eye, "One droplet, one answer."

"Accepted."

"Star Driven Sword."

~ ~ ~

"Kan'na was not kidding about us being on the beach.", Akiol shielded his eyes from the sun and looked about.

It was nothing but gravel beach as far as he could see. Givale picked up a few rocks and skipped them across the waving ocean, "It's not much different!"

"We've just arrived. Give it some time."

Looking inland Akiol found that the beach slowly extended into plains, and then into forest. There was no signs of civilization within sight. Or rather, strangely there wasn't anything at all in sight. Even with {Star Guidance} he couldn't sense a single other living creature aside from Givale and Mira.

This sort of eerie quiet reminded Akiol of the Chimeras and the forest they were hidden in. If you took the Chimeras out of the forest the place would be almost devoid of any life. Yet the air didn't have that lingering sense of Heresy. . .

"Okay, we're going to split up for now.", Akiol decided on a plan of action.

Mira seemed surprised, "We are?"

"You and Givale are to stick together. Third Stage made the link more forgiving, so you two can explore as you please. If you need me for anything just ask through the link. We can cover more ground like this."

Givale pinched her lips together in hesitation. She wasn't willing to split apart, but the idea of adventuring freely was also appealing. Akiol could sense the two's hesitation and offered some comfort, "You guys will be fine. You've grown a lot, and you're Third Stage. I doubt there's much that can pose a threat to you as long as you're careful!"

Truthfully Akiol felt giving some space was necessary before the two relied on him. Considering that Akiol wished to learn the rules of A World's Legacy and its abilities he would inevitably be in a lot of conflict. He didn't wish to drag these two into the unnecessary ones. Especially not while Mira was having doubts about his own capabilities.

Both Givale and Mira were like glue so he didn't wish to separate them. Givale was excellent support for Mira, as Mira was for Givale. They would have each other's backs. In the worst case scenario they were in such bad trouble Akiol would drop everything to assist.

He had confidence that wouldn't happen however.

"In the case I find anything neat I'll call you over as well.", Akiol additionally offered.

"Okay!", Mira nodded solemnly.

"If you need help you ask too!", Givale added.

"Of course."

Bringing out a large portion of their packaged food Akiol gave it to Givale to store in the subspace. It was these two that he needed to feed in the first place. Additionally they were more than capable of hunting for themselves. Mira lived in a forest all on his own for quite some time after all!

Adjusting Stars scabbard he felt its rough surface. Perhaps during this exploration he would find a replacement. It was roughed up from their many encounters after all. Tightening the strap on his back he steeled himself for the upcoming journey.

'It's time for the original duo to take action!' -Stars

"Original? I couldn't wield you back then.", Akiol pointed out.

'I was still there!' -Stars

"Fair enough."

Pointing in one direction Akiol guided the two little ones, "You two take that direction. Stars and I will head the other way."

Givale began her march and Mira trailed behind. Occasionally Mira looked back towards Akiol, hesitating for some reason. Akiol simply gave a thumbs up to encourage him. 

Hopefully Mira could come to an agreement with his situation. If somehow he could wield the Spirit of the Origin Hydra he'd be an even larger threat.

As the two went out of sight Akiol gestured towards the ground, "Are you pleased with being in your scabbard?"

'This is fine!' -Stars

"Alright."

Thus Akiol began his exploration, accompanied by Stars. His goals were simple. Figure out the underlying rules of A World's Legacy's techniques. Find the fourth Strand. Master his Aura. Simple to understand, not at all simple to complete.

The first and last goal could be completed simultaneously. To accomplish this Akiol planned to find foreign experts to challenge and learn under! Simply by studying how they perform the techniques Akiol could deepen his understanding without properly learning the technique. He didn't wish to repeat the same mistake he made before the creation of {Way of the Galaxy}. 

The west boasted many possibilities! He was excited to experience what it could provide him!

The West Continent exploration begins!