Bitter memories

Back then, our guild was nearly fifty members strong, and the Developers had just released a new patch introducing "World Bosses"—powerful monsters that could only be defeated by an entire army. I definitely overestimated their strength...

Duxweaver wiped the floor with us in our first encounter. Unfortunately, when we were ready for a second try, someone had already arrived at the boss' territory before us.

We found Kathleen Maher and her band of buffoons already battling Duxweaver, and although I didn't want to admit it at first, her guild was as capable as mine.

After watching her lose a dozen guild members and barely make it to the boss' Second Phase—just as we had done before—I had an idea. I don't know what possessed me, but I mustered all my strength to talk to her. She tried to freeze me the moment I started talking about a plan, but as time went on, she bit her lower lip so hard it bled and yelled a simple, "Fine!"

However, we soon learned that even this alliance was not enough to take down that human-sized colossus.

It was fated to be another failed attempt, and the two guilds would return home, blaming each other for every mistake. That was until a certain Dark Mage entered the battlefield. A meddling stranger, with no guild emblem on his cape, who had the audacity to yell, "Close to twenty people here, and every single one of you is as blind as a bat!"

He didn't even ask who the leaders were; he just approached us directly and claimed to know a strategy to finally kill the beast. The only reason a hot-headed person like Kathleen didn't turn him into a popsicle on the spot was because she knew him from back in the day when they started their adventure in Portduo, Scotglen's Beginner's Town.

"The boss casts a debuff on anyone who attacks it, whether at close quarters or from a distance, called 'Paranoid Pact,' which causes HP to deplete dramatically, right? That's why you've been cleansing it constantly... Completely ignoring that the debuff also gives you resistance to the Dark Element... Which, you know, covers his entire arsenal!"

I wanted to punch myself for not realizing it earlier.

With that, we charged again, this time focusing only on healing the vanguard, which ended up being more difficult than we had envisioned.

Paranoid Pact's HP draining kicked in hard. Combined with the damage caused directly by the boss, we were always dancing between the red and orange HP thresholds.

Our White Mages ran out of mana fast, and Duxweaver was still clinging to his life as if he really feared death. Then, our unlikely strategist stepped forward, something no one expected.

He was a Dark Mage, trying to overpower a Boss that ate Dark Elemental Magic for breakfast. It was laughable!

Unless he wasn't going for the kill.

"Chains of Purgatory..." he cast, and chains emerged from multiple summoning circles, imprisoning Duxweaver. The boss then disappeared into the mage's shadow.

We found out later that he had turned the boss into his own Familiar, something only possible if a mob or monster was at 5% of its HP.

Either way, we all received the XP and a new achievement celebrating our first defeat of the fiend.

And that's how I wish the memory ended, with us, Shooting Stars and Death Bringers, going our separate ways once again, swearing to kill each other at our next encounter. But no...

"Can I have a word with you, Ms. Bradford?" the man said behind me, prompting Helen to giggle. When I turned around, I saw the reason for her amusement. The Dark Mage was kneeling before me in a knightly manner.

Since he had come up with the winning strategy, hearing what he had to say was the least I could do. Right?

Sometimes I wonder why I thought that way...

"I wish to join your guild," he said loud and clear, making me snicker.

"But why? I thought you and Kathleen were close friends."

He half-smiled. "We still are. But before intruding on your fight, I observed both of you, and I concluded that with you, I could fulfill my dream."

"And what kind of dream would that be?"

"To reach the top of this world..."

The guy had talent; that was unquestionable. And having a little win over Kathleen was an opportunity I could not pass up. 

"Do as you wish," I said, staring into his golden eyes that screamed of ambition before turning my back and resuming my journey home.

Sometimes... I wonder if I made the right decision...

***

* * *

**

*

Astrid opened her eyes before the memory could continue and clicked her teeth. "Whatever…"

++"Someone's looking like wanting to tear down a mountain,"++ her companion intoned, chuckling.

Astrid glanced at Helen, who was riding beside her on her winged puma.

++"Mind your own business,"++ Astrid replied through Party Chat.

++"Come on, Bradford, you can do better!"++

The strong currents blew their hair back and threatened to take them down out of their mounts if they were not careful, but for Max-Levelers like them, flying was second nature.

Astrid was folding her arms, maintaining a straight position, and Helen was casually lying face down on her puma's back while maintaining a smirk.

++"At least let me see you a bit excited,"++ Helen said. ++"In a couple of hours, you'll have a nice dinner with your once-lost, long-time companion. Only the two of you, catching up… Locking eyes…"++

Astrid sneered. ++"There's nothing to catch up, Helen. What do you expect him to tell me? All about his travel through the deepest levels of his unconsciousness? About how his mind drifted endlessly to a point of no return?"++

Helen's lips turned upside down. ++"Don't do that to me, Bradford. Don't keep me in the dark like the others. I know you made up that coma story, and pretending otherwise, it's—it's like insulting my intelligence!"++

++"If you don't want to feel stupid talking about it, don't bring up the subject again, then."++

++"Jeez! How many Moontain Dews did you drink? That bloody thing makes you more aggressive than normal!"++

++"I'd like to deny that, but it's true that sugar always… Hold on, Tamara is calling me."++

++"GUILD MASTER! Please tell me you're on your way back!"++

++"I am…" ++ Astrid answered, frowning. ++ "Why?"++

++"Have you checked your Guild Tab, yet? It'll be easier to explain once you check it."++

Astrid did, getting dozens of notifications at once. ++"What the bloody hell is…?"++ Her bewilderment soon turned into disbelief, then confusion, before gritting her teeth. ++"Helen…"++

++"What is it, Bradford?"++ Helen asked, examining her glare. ++"Is everything okay?"++

++"It's not. Go to HQ immediately and check the vault."++ Astrid turned to her, showing a collected expression. ++"I just want you to make sure that Jason Foreman… HASN'T STOLEN ALL THE GUILD'S GOLD!"++

***

**

*

++"Is this another one of your jokes?"++ Alan asked Marissa privately, while Kathleen stood up from her seat.

"Excuse me for a minute, gentlemen. I'll be back in a minute. Please, Alan, keep enjoying yourself."

Kathleen exited the room, accompanied by one of her NPC maids, and Rupert, her bodyguard, who silently closed the sliding door.

++"No, Five. It's true."++ Marissa responded. ++"They broke up half a year ago."++

Only Alan, Marco, and the female NPC called Kasumi remained, who rushed to fill their cups.

"That's Kathleen's way of saying that we can freely talk, at least for 5 minutes," Marco said, before sipping.

**I can't… let that information deter me from my main mission…** Alan felt his throat dry and gulped his cup. **Focus, Alan, focus.**

"So, what is it, Alan the Ghost?" Marco asked, loosening his tie. "What's so important that you came all the way here just to talk?"

Alan looked down at his cup, already getting filled by Kasumi.

**Come on, speak… I risked a lot coming here because I knew I couldn't leave this unsolved. I endured Marissas's crazy flight, lied to Tamara, and even confronted Amelia Laflamme! Don't let that info get in the way!**

Alan took a deep breath, opened his User Interface, and closed Marissa's Party Chat. He then wondered if it was okay to talk in front of the female NPC.

**I'll have to watch what I say, just in case.**

"That nightmare spell you cast on me last night… How much did you see?"

"I saw everything." Marco shrugged. "To others, it may have been a couple of seconds, but for me, it was like watching a one-hour video reel of your… secrets."

"You know what this information may cause…"

Marco sneered. "Is that why you're here? If I told anyone about your eight-month escapade, it would only make you look like a martyr or a hero, and I have no intention of doing that."

"Fine. Keep it that way." Alan straightened his posture. "But we must address the other subject."

"I'd rather not…" Marco said, shaking his cup so that Kasumi could serve him more.

"You're the only person I can talk with, so please, listen…"

"You want my help, don't you?"

"It pains me to say it, but yes. Call it bad luck, or destiny, but you ended up getting involved in this, one way or another. So…"

"Destiny?" He snickered. "Do you believe in that crap?"

"It's just a way of saying it…"

"Then I'd recommend that you choose your words wisely. I get bored easily. And just as a reminder, the clock is ticking."

Alan showed his teeth, grunting. "This is a serious issue, Marco! The integrity of this ship and its population is at risk!"

"I'm struggling to see why that's my problem. You're the one that was selected by that computer."

"This involves all of us!"

"And yet, you choose to maintain it a secret."

Alan got over the table to grab Marco by the collar of his shirt, spilling their drinks. "Are you fucking drunk?!"

"I wish! Since my Vitality increased to Silver rank, I can barely feel the effects of alcohol."

"Can't you see the implications of this?! This ship was sent to space so humanity could have another chance! If we don't do something, everything will be in vain!"

"You're Kathleen's 'special guest', so I won't retaliate, but touch me again and I'll make sure that you get nightmares every single night for the rest of your pathetic life…"

Alan bit his lower lip and returned to his seat as Marco readjusted his clothes.

"It's been three years, Ghost. Three years since that event supposedly happened. And since your return, have you seen this world in shambles?" Marco asked, staring at Alan's frown. "The answer is no. Because nothing has happened. I may even bet that nothing is lurking in here."

"But--!"

"You wanted to talk? Let me finish. Let's look at the facts first. If what that computer says it's true, and that thing got inside, it may be hibernating, or it's incompatible with this system."

"'Computer'? Are you referring to Isabella?" Alan shook his head slightly. "Why would that thing be incompatible?"

"From what I have been told, The Novus mainframe it's the most 'organic' machine humanity has ever developed. 'Neural Symbiosis', 'Perpetual Rem State'... Would you relate those terms with what a regular fridge or toaster can do?"

"This is not a regular toaster we're dealing with, and you know it."

"And this is not a regular VR headset." Marco raised his voice. "The fact that three years have passed and nothing has changed, it's the best proof we have. The Novus it's the most secure place on this ship."

"So, do you want me to sit here, drink, and forget everything about it? Just like you?"

Marco sneered. "Oh, by all means, go! Run through all the Novus in search of this boogeyman. I bet you could do a better job than the Administrators, that can detect everything inside their System."

A memory flashed in Alan's memory of a young teen, resembling Kathleen but with black hair, walking among the Shooting Stars that forced him to fight repeatedly. She moved as if no one could see her, and as if the Novus physics did not work on her. Could she…?

"Do you know any of them? An Administrator?"

"No," Marco replied, mildly smiling.

"Do you know how to contact one?"

"No, but I wish you good luck finding them."

"I can't believe it… You're a moron."

"And you're truly unfortunate. I wouldn't like to be in your shoes."

**At least I tried…** Alan snickered, saying nothing more.

As he stood up and walked towards the exit, Marco followed him with his gaze. "Wait," Marco said, exhaling, "there's something else I'd like to discuss."

"You said that this was my problem, right? So I'll solve it myself." Alan was about to open the door, but a phantasmagorical silhouette rose from the floor and blocked his path.

It was a black humanoid with the head of a crow, and without moving or making a noise, it told him to stay or else. When Alan saw its bottom, he noticed that a shadow stretched out all the way to Marco's seat.

"I had to listen to your charade. It's my turn now. Come, it's something you need to learn, eventually." Marco took a sip. "It relates to your beloved Astrid."

Hearing that name coming out of his mouth made Alan form fists.

* * *

**

*

After kicking Tamara out of the bar, Kathleen's Co-Leader instructed a pair of Death Bringers to stand guard at the entrance. To pass the time, the two guys smoked, cursed their luck, and watched the last stream of Miss Cosmica, from hours ago.

They nodded in unison while watching the idol dance and shake her hips.

"Although she only sings girly stuff, she sure is hot."

"Tell me about it!" his companion chuckled. "When I'm in the mood, I just lock the door, get comfy, enlarge the video screen, freaking mute it, and just--"

They heard a sonic boom, followed by an explosion that made the ground shake a 100-feet away in front of them. Squinting, the two strolled towards the newly formed crater, ignoring someone from inside asking what had happened.

From the smoke stepped out a blonde girl, wearing a sky-blue battle suit, who glared at the ones approaching them. They snickered once they recognized her. It was one of the most famous faces in all The Novus.

"Look what we have here, the Golden Comet. Or was it 'The Golden Bitch'? Like her ex-partners call her."

"Are you lost, miss? This is a private party."

"Death Bringers," Astrid said after glancing at the emblems in their armors. "So it was true that some cockroaches were hiding in my territory. You're the ones that lose their way home. Fleurella is far away from here."

The two guards armed themselves with lances that appeared in their hands out of thin air.

"Are you sure you want to do this? We may be on the edge of this city, but this is still considered a Safe Zone."

"In this place we're equally matched." One of them smirked.

"'We're equally matched', says the dead man," Astrid mumbled, strolling towards him.

The guy grunted. "What did you--?"

Astrid punched him in the gut so hard that he bent his body forward. If the Safe Zone's restrictions had not lowered all of Astrid's stats, that hit alone could have killed him easily.

**So, I'll have to hit him again…** Only a second had passed, and Astrid performed a roundhouse kick to the guy's head, knocking him out for good.

The second guilder thrust his spear forward, trying to pierce her in the back, but she moved aside at the last moment, grabbed the spear so he couldn't use it again, and punched him in the face, breaking his nose.

The Death Bringer fell backward, covering his bloodied face, whimpering. "YOU BITCH!"

"I bet you hadn't felt pain like that in a while," Astrid said, throwing the spear away. "The Pain Endurance Passive Skill also gets nerfed inside your beloved Safe Zone too, moron. Remember that pain well."

People quickly gathered at the building's entrance, among them, some ex-Shooting Stars.

"What are you doing here?!" Karen Svensson cried, red-faced. "We're finally free of the damn mess you call a guild, and you dare to come here?!"

"Don't do it, Karen," William whispered to her, holding her by the shoulders, but she brushed him off. "Oh, dear…" he sighed, watching her stroll forward.

"Where is Jason Foreman?" Astrid asked, calmly.

Karen replied to Astrid, spitting at every word: "I don't have to answer that! Hell, I don't have to speak with you ever again!"

From one of the building's windows, Faiza Khalil chuckled and glanced at her partner. "She's looking for youuu. What did you do?"

Jason Foreman did not dare to peek outside. "Shut up, shut up!" he cried, covering his head while crouching.

Outside, Karen manifested magic seals above her, channeling. "Your fucking tantrum cost me 400,000 gold! I wonder how much you'll lose after this!"

"Karen!" William warned her once more, but the magic circles around her increased in number.

"Gold… Is this why you all quit?" Astrid asked at the increasing crowd around William. Dozens of glares coming from known faces stared back at her. "I see..." Astrid snickered. "Have you forgotten what I told you? 'What use could a cannon have if you don't know how to'--" She shook her head, and met her eyes with Karen's. "Whatever! This will be my last lesson for all of you!"

"See?! This is the best part about not being under your command anymore!" Karen shouted. "We won't have to hear your fucking charades ever again! Multi-Elemental--!"

"...Never interrupt an enemy when they're making a mistake," Astrid said before shortening the distance between them in a second. Karen instinctively rushed her spell, being able to launch a third of the magic attacks, but it was too late. The bolts of lightning, ice lances, and orbs of fire were thrown randomly through all of the Drinking Banshee's courtyard, while Astrid grabbed Karen by the face and threw her to the ground. A cracking sound came out of Karen's neck and column. "Safe Zones suck especially for mages. It turns them into glorified slugs…"

"F-fuck y-you…" Karen hissed, immobilized, while tears ran down her cheeks.

Astrid then turned her attention towards the crowd, from where William stepped forward.

"Are you going to be in my way too, Stoic?" she asked.

"Come on, Comet, give me a break," William responded, folding his arms. "There are at least fifty people here."

"EXACTLY!" Astrid suddenly giggled. Her blue eyes glowed like a pair of aquamarine gemstones. "Isn't it sad that you all have to attack me at once to take me down?"

William gritted her teeth. "Are you saying I'm we--?!"

"What's the matter, sweetheart? Is someone bothering you?" a girl said behind William, tapping his back. He moved aside to let Kathleen Maher take center stage. "Oh, I see. Someone must have lost their hound. It's running freely like a wild beast." Her smile faded for a second to whisper at William. "Help your friend quickly. This is going to get ugly…"

Astrid exhaled. "Hi, Whoreleen. I see you opened a new establishment here. But I don't see your regular clientele. You know, forty-year-olds?"

"Oh, Assford, It's so sad to see that you're still running that potty mouth of yours. But this time I can let it go. After all, I would also feel upset if a third of my guild suddenly quit at the same time." Kathleen paused so that their allies could sneer. "It's a good thing that I'd never let that happen to me. Tee-hee."

Astrid remained unfazed and just sighed. "You're talking as if you had earned a great victory over me. But is it truly a win if you pick up someone else's trash?"

"Watch your mouth, Assford…" Kathleen said, stepping forward, and the ground beneath her started to freeze. "Your stupidity caused a diamond to fall off your hands."

"Weird! I can't recall having something that valuable before." Astrid snickered, advancing too, and her every step left burned footprints. "And even if I had, it surely lost its value so much that it escapes me! But whatever it is, I'm glad that you found it. After all, we've already established that you like second-hand stuff, right?"

Both stared at each other, maintaining a 10-feet distance. One more word, from any of them, would open the gates from hell.