Centennials 5/Story

A transcript of the story for Centennials 5
== Prologue ==
It had been 8 months since the destruction of the Adamite Key, that long odyssey left the world in a different state, and the events since led to more happening. Three months prior, the Dark Mirror was discovered in Northern Canada by a Century Corps recon squad. This dark artifact lied in Century Corps custody for a while, being the interest of Olivia. 
The Temple of Echoes 
Olivia is taking the dark mirror into this temple, located deep in the White World. The White World still existed after all, even if Optica was defeated. Only her version of the place was destroyed in the aftermath, with the world she used to rule returning to its natural form. Of course, Olivia isn’t alone here.
Olivia: This mirror has a secret, I just know it, it’s why I’m here
Hadane: So what do we do with this?
Olivia: We must enter into the chamber of reflection, it should tell us something, maybe it can help us locate the shard so we can learn more about the mirror?
Hadane: And why am I here, why do you need me?
Olivia: I want to remain myself, this place has Optica’s residual influence embedded into it’s core 
Hadane: I see, you need me to act as an anchor to your true self
Olivia: Correct, now follow me
Hadane follows Olivia through the temple into the chamber, which is a large room with multiple mirrors. Olivia and Hadane lift the dark mirror with their hands out of the lift it was on and place it on the large central mirror, the dark mirror begins to glow 
Hadane: What’s happening?
Olivia: We’re about to learn something
A small hologram of Optica appears in front of the Dark Mirror 
Olivia: Well look who it is
Hadane: Do we have to fight her?
Olivia: It appears we just listen, I have not seen this happen before
The hologram of Optica begins to speak 
Optica (Hologram): It appears the Dark Mirror has been found. This message will only play upon my death and the rediscovery of the mirror. A great force for malice has been unleashed upon the Earth, one ancient and primordial. It represents the most malignant minds. This aspect of malice appears to be incomplete. 
The Dark Mirror begins glowing brightly, coordinates appear to become engraved into the mirror 
Hadane: Did you know this weird mirror machine could do that?
Olivia: I did not 
A map follows the appearance of the coordinates, engraving a destination into the mirror 
Optica (Hologram): Find the remnant shard of the dark artifact and the truth shall come out
The hologram of Optica disappears as the map remains engraved in the mirror 
Hadane: Olivia…
Olivia: We’ve got somewhere to go, pack your bags 
Hadane: Olvia we can’t just go by ourselves 
Olivia: You’re right, we can’t
Hadane: Okay, so we got that established, now ho-
Olivia: I’ve got a list of people we need to bring along 
Hadane: Are you gonna get approval from Gladian for this?
Olivia: He’ll understand 
Hadane: Fair enough
Olivia: Let’s prepare for our journey
Olivia and Hadane begin to leave the Temple of Echoes, they must go to the Soulight Valley to complete the truth. 
Unknown Village, Soulight Valley
In the meanwhile, a strange village on the fringes of the Soulight Valley is doing standard work, with the winds blowing ever strong 
Villager: The wind seems more turbulent today
Suddenly, the sky grew darker as a black streak flew over the sky 
Villager: What the hell!!
Villager #2: A black mark of death has appeared!!
The streak decided to land on the ground 
Buzzard: Hello 
The villagers by that point were all gathered outside to see the Buzzard land in front of them, the small mob had seemed to think that appearing in numbers would somehow intimidate the blight. 
Villager: What do you want?
Buzzard: What do you want?
Villager #2: What do you mean?
Buzzard: Do you value your lives?
Villager: Of course we do!!
Buzzard: I bet you do 
Villager #3: What the hell is that supposed to mean
Buzzard: You’re so thankful to be alive, aren’t you?
Villager #2: Get to the point jackass
Buzzard: You are so rude 
The Buzzard swiftly flew over and punched a hole through that villager, leaving an empty cavity in his chest
Villager #3: DEATH TO THE CREATURE
The Mob tried to rush The Buzzard but he flew above their petty weapons, diving down knocking them down to the ground
Buzzard: Such a shame, I could have explained why I would take your crests and make you part of my hollow legion
A group of black shadowy humanoids appear in the fringes of the village, holding torches 
Villager: Please!!
Buzzard: Oh, you want mercy? I’ll grant you your clemency
The Buzzard turned to his hollow legion 
Buzzard: Burn everything down boys 
The Hollow Legion begins setting the village ablaze as The Buzzard flies away
== Chapter 1 ==
One Week Later, Soulight Valley
The Century Corps are now in full swing with their expedition, it didn’t take long at all for a group to be assembled, they are now about to enter the valley through the entrance noted on their map. The expeditionary force, consisting of just over twenty members, has all the supplies they need for an extended expedition, as they are just at the very entrance of the valley 
Nest: So this is the valley?
Olivia: It appears to be, I have never been here myself so this sight is new to me
Hadane: I’m still surprised you were up for this Nest?
Nest: It’s better than being cooped inside all day worrying about being helpless
Boone: That courage is admirable, I respect it 
Nest: Thank you
Boone: I just can’t wait to get to the bottom of this mirror mystery 
Centus: Everyone needs closure of some kind 
Larkin: I’m here for the popcorn 
Ba-Bayost: I’m here for the fight
Oiyrr: I’m here because you don’t know your plants 
Kutok: I’m here because you all need me 
Olivia: Once again, thank you for your services Kutok 
Kutok: No problem 
Yoni: Uhm aren’t you going to thank me too? I helped get this ready so fast
Olivia: Your help was also appreciated Yoni 
Yoni: You’re damn right it was 
Larkin: Ok, so where to go now?
Kutok: Follow me
Kutok, Hadane, Larkin and Nest have joined the party 
The movement tutorial begins 
When the movement tutorial ends, the party comes across a clearing where a mysterious falcon glowing with soul energies is perched 
Nest: Oh, it looks lost
Olivia: Look at that
Nest: I’m going to get it to come over here
Nest does a brief bird call to get the falcon to land on her arm
Nest: Hey buddy, you like it up here
The falcon coos in agreement 
Hadane: Looks like you made a new friend 
Iehn: Is that safe?
Larkin: Probably she really likes birds, it’s like a massive thing
Iehn: Well she’s never seen this bird before?
Nest: Doesn’t matter to me
Kutok: Well lucky, you made a new friend so le’s g-
Before she could finish her sentence, a group of hollow humanoids leap out and try to grab the Falcon from Nest’s arm
Nest: AH!
Hadane casts a powerful fire spell against them, disintegrating them 
Nest: Thanks for the save
Hadane: You’re welcome 
Boone: Hollows…
Centus: What does hollows imply?
Boone: The Buzzard…he’s here 
Nest: …
Hadane: Hey, don’t be worried about a thing, we’ll take care of him
Boone: He killed my family, no way I ever let him get away again
Olivia: This expedition has become a bit more dangerous than I originally anticipated 
Larkin: Danger’s our specialty, as we say, if it can’t kill us what’s the point?
Kutok: You can’t die jackass 
Ba-Bayost: Is death a normal thing for some of you? Damn, that must suck 
Iehn: You’re not immortal
Ba-Bayost: Uhm, you don’t know that
Centus: I destroyed the key, no one is immortal
Ba-Bayost: Ok well…I still don’t die even in very dangerous situations, mainly because I just kill my way out of them.
More rustling is heard from the bushes 
Olivia: Stay on your guard
Hadane: I’ll lead my charge, stay behind me
Begin Basic Combat Tutorial 
When you win 
Centus: A classic display of combat, nicely done
Nest: How many of these things are probably lying around here?
Boone: We will never know…
Gyhaz: Technically we could easily know by just surveying the entire valley and finding them 
Oiyrr: That would take days and we really just want to find part of a broken mirror 
Gyhaz: Fair enough
Centus: We should find a neutral site to make camp
Hadane: Great idea, Kutok?
Kutok: I’m on it, follow me 
The expeditionary force begins following Kutok through the valley
Begin Valley Outskirts 
When you’re 25% through the outskirts 
Olivia: Seems like the amount of hollows we’ll encounter will only increase as we navigate this valley 
Kutok: As I navigate this valley, you’re just following along 
Centus: Rear guys, get ready to fight 
Centus turns to the back, looking at the other units behind them
Gyhaz: Yes sir!
Iehn: On it
Ruwt: I’ll ready myself 
Uaptin: You have my word
Olivia: Ok, let’s continue to advance 
Continue Valley Outskirts 
When you’re 50% through the outskirts, a hollow with a strange mark appears 
Boone: Looks like that mark signifies an elemental weakness of some kind 
Hadane: I can take care of it
Hadane fires a stream of fire at the hollow, but it seems to resist the damage
Boone: Looks like the opposite is true
Larkin: So how are we going to go about this?
Kutok: We’re probably just going to continue to attack it normally 
Begin Advanced Combat Tutorial 
When you win
Larkin: And stay down!
Boone: I think these hollows must have advanced since my last encounter with them
Olivia: That sounds about right 
Nest: Let’s continue going
Continue Valley Outskirts 
When you’re 75% through the outskirts, the expedition comes across a bright green weed, glowing with a soulful energy 
Oiyrr: I recognize that glow, it is similar to my own plant
Nest: Meaning?
Oiyrr: It likely has some kind of soul energy about it 
Boone: It’s best if we learn our way about the elements here
Ba-Bayost: Always good to do that when you’re in survival type situations like this one
Begin Environment Tutorial 
When the tutorial is complete 
Nest: My new friend seems to really like the energy of this plant
Olivia: Do you liken this to similarity?
Nest: I am unsure 
Yoni: I bet I could sell that for a lot of money…I mean good on you that your friend likes the plant 
Centus: Thinking about your personal finances Yoni?
Yoni: This whole thing is coming out of my pocket so it would be pretty nice if I got a return on my investment, as my father would say 
Centus: Isn’t the return…adventure
Yoni: Well yeah but also if I didn’t have to explain to my dad that I spent a good chunk of money to go on an expedition to a mystery valley via the gaping hole in my personal finances, I would like to do that. And then after I explain that I went on that expedition, he would ask why I didn’t bring him with us.
Larkin: Your dad sounds cool
Yoni: I like him and all but I don’t want to bring him on potentially life threatening expeditions, he’s not exactly ready for this like I am
Kutok: Can we focus, we don’t have time to just stop and smell the roses or else more hollows could show up and ambush us!
Yoni: Oh right, we have somewhere to go
Resume Valley Outskirts 
When you’re complete the outskirts, the Century Corps come across the charred remains of a village, where some other adventurers appear to be fighting hollows
Larkin: Small valley huh
Kutok: Hey there are also hollows like, all around us
Larkin: Oh crap
Centus: Alright, it’s time for some reinforcements, guys
Centus turns to the back once again, looking at the people trailing 
Iehn: Welp, this was bound to happen eventually 
Ruwt: Let’s lend a hand the best we can
Volta: Oh cool, wait how do we go about this again?
Sypka: Follow my lead 
Iehn, Ruwt, Gyhaz, Uaptin, Volta and Sypka joined your Unit Reserve
Begin Reinforcement Tutorial 
When you win
Larkin: Yeah and stay back!
Volta: Ok, I think I understand now, the goal for people like me is to assist in combat operations
Iehn: Yup, Century Corps Unit Reserve 
Larkin: The Century Corps always wins the day!!
Larkin’s comment attracted the attention of someone nearby
Wayward Adventurer: Hey hold on what did you say?
Larkin: The Century Corps wins the day?
Kutok: Is there something wrong with that?
The group who was fighting off the Hollows moves closer to the Century Corps 
Wayward Adventurer: No, It’s just, I didn’t expect another group to be saying that we win the day
Centus: What do you mean “we”?
Larkin: Yeah WE are the only Century Corps 
Wayward Adventurer: What, no there must be some mistake, Mygin?
A Centennial with a long staff approaches the party 
Mygin: Yes Lilac?
Lilac: Do you think these guys are the Century Corps?
Mygin: No that’s us
“Century Corps Member”: Yeah, we’re the Century Corps
Nest: There’s a dragon in your hair
“Century Corps Member”: There are bird eggs in yours
Larkin: Can we get back on track, these IMPOSTERS clearly don’t know who they’ve decided to impersonate 
Lilac: Uhm, no imposter, there’s just no way you guys are the Century Corps, the spirit woman who lives inside of me said this was HER idea
Vague Spirit: Uhm, about that?
Larkin: HEY I KNOW THAT VOICE 
Kutok: What are you going on about?
Iehn: No I hear it too, that can’t be who I think it is?
Lilac: What’s the deal, it’s just Acantha, my guardian spirit 
Larkin: I KNEW IT
Olivia: Oh snap, that's the one who like killed a bunch of people that one time?
Lilac: I’m sorry what?
Acantha: Whoops…
Lilac: Hey what  the hell, why do these people know you?
Acantha: Well remember I told you I used to be a person, well the Century Corps was the organization I used to run and I died because I did a thing where I broke an idol and released an army and then killed a bunch of people and then I got shot of a building 
Iehn: Hey how the heck are you here
Acantha: I came back because I could 
Lilac: Well yeah they found her in my body when I was like eleven so I founded the “Century Corps” thanks to her effort
Mygin: Well that’s pretty awkward 
Olivia: Well, your name is Lilac right?
Lilac: Yes, and the group currently with me is myself, Mygin, Hoard (she gestures to the woman with a dragon in her hair), Aiden (she gestures to a Centennial with a sort of eye guard), Oseci (she points to a male with two leaf like axes) and Uruo (she gestures to a guy with floating ice seals)
Yoni: It seems like we might have the same goal here?
Lilac: What’s your goal?
Oiyrr: Completing our evil mirror jigsaw puzzle 
Hoard: What is a jigsaw puzzle?
Oseci: It’s a thing people do when they are bored, involving putting pieces of of a bigger picture together
Hoard: Sounds BORING 
Lilac: Uhm, can we help with that?
Yoni: Ok, what I’m trying to say is…we both fight bad guys, maybe we team up…and fight bad guys together 
Uruo: I think I can agree with that
Aiden (gesturing to Boone): I really like that fellow’s gun 
Boone: Thanks I guess?
Lilac: So what is this some kind of Century Corps-Century Corps team up?
Acantha: More like a collaborative effort
Larkin: You shut up, you killed people, you’re a bad person 
Lilac: Excuse me?
Larkin: Your spirit guardian or whatever 
Lilac: Oh yeah she did all that 
Aiden: Yeah, was our whole organization based off someone else’s organization?
Acantha: Technically it’s more like me making a splinter branch of my organization that I used to be in charge of 
Lilac: Well fine, these darkness monsters-
Boone: Hollows
Mygin: So that’s what they’re called?
Lilac: -hollows, will be easier to deal with if we fight together 
Centus: That is highly probable 
Mygin: You look really old
Centus: I’m the first Centennial, I am older than every other living being on this planet 
Mygin: Ah you must be Centus 
Centus: This guy knows their facts 
Ba-Bayost: Shouldn’t the rest of us introduce ourselves, I mean we have quite the impressive resume, I mean I killed like ten thousand demons that one time 
Mygin: And you must be Ba-Bayost 
Ba-Bayost: This guy gets it 
Yoni: So what do you say Lilac, feel like putting your trust in us?
Lilac: Ya know what..I will…
Olivia: Well, we got that settled, “Century Corps” members, there will be a time to meet the rest of us 
Hoard: Hey why does that person have bird eggs in her hair
Nest: What even IS your hair?
Hoard: Gold and gems from the treasure troves of Dragons, what is your hair, a nursery?
Nest: Birds love me, so what?
Larkin: There’s already arguing I love this 
Hadane: I see opportunity for growth and introspection 
Uruo: I agree, we might see something constructive from our collaborative efforts 
Kutok: Ok, so what do we do know?
Lilac: How about the part where we fight together
Hollows begin to surround the large group 
Kutok: I’ll let you take a swing at it 
Kutok has left the party
Lilac has joined the party 
Fight against The Hollows 
When you win 
Larkin: Now that’s what I’m talking about!!
Lilac: Now it’s time for us to head to our base?
Kutok: Your base?
Lilac: Oh yeah, it’s not that far into the valley, just past this point
Nest: Why pick a place so close to the perimeter?
Uruo: It allows us to work in the shadows
Lilac: We’re not exactly welcomed by the guys who run the show
Kutok: Alright, one of you show us the way
Lilac: Ok, follow me
Begin Base Pathway 
When you are 25% down the pathway 
Hoard: So what’s with the bird on your shoulder if they reside on your hair
The Soul Falcon begins looking at Hoard with a weird look
Nest: Well I found him, he was lost and one of those hollows wanted to grab him
Hoard: What’s so special about that bird
Nest: Well, I don’t know, but I want to keep it safe
Hoard: Wow you really love birds don’t you, are you some kind of nest?
Nest: Well about that…
Resume Base Pathway
When you are 50% down the pathway
Aiden: So gun friendo, where did your legs go?
Boone: A flying bastard named The Buzzard ripped them off my body
Aiden: The Buzzard?
Boone: The evil responsible for creating the Hollows we fight, I’m sure you’ll run into him soon enough 
Yoni: WE’LL, run into him soon enough 
Resume Base Pathway
When you are 75% down the pathway 
Hadane: Lilac, how many members of your group are there?
Lilac: I lost count 
Hadane: Fair enough
Lilac: But..I bet Ohss knows…
Hadane: Ohss?
Lilac: Ohss is our own genius, she runs a lot of the “smart people stuff” around here 
Hadane: Well I look forward to seeing the people in your guild soon
Resume Base Pathway
When you are complete the pathway, the large group comes across the “Century Corps” base, which has great verticality and looks somewhat big
Lilac: We’re home…
Seeing Lilac return, one of the scouts on the top lets out the signal, but also a lot more people are here than expected
Pyzaiia (Over megaphone): Lilac is back, with, a very large group, open the doors
The doors to the base open, with several members of the “Century Corps” looking onward 
Lilac: Looks like I have several explanations to make…
Uruo: Quite the explanation you have to make 
Aiden: Looking forward too it
Olivia: So what do we do in the meanwhile?
Lilac: I guess you can set up camp outside 
Lilac and her people go inside as the Century Corps Expeditionary Force begins making temporarily camp outside. 
Nest: Looks like we’ve stumbled into a fight greater than we had thought 
Nest looks over at her falcon
Olivia: Recovery of the Dark Mirror Shard still remains our top priority 
Yoni: I think we have an obligation to help our counterparts with whatever struggles they may have, afterall, The Buzzard is here and he is also an enemy of our organization 
Larkin: We can multitask, every adventurer is good at that 
Ba-Bayost: Whatever challenges that arise can always be surmounted by a group of warriors, it’s why I’m here. 
As the Expeditionary Force lies outside, Lilac and her compatriots are addressing her own group 
Pyzaiia: So you’re so saying that we aren’t the only Century Corps, and we have counterparts 
Acantha: Yeah that’s the premise
Lilac: Well, this was your idea, along with Yerod
Yerod: Having an assembly of fighters was always a good idea, I think we can do some good, we’ve done enough already 
Lilac: When you revealed Acantha to me, I didn’t expect this result 
Yerod: You didn’t know what to expect 
Uruo: Life has that funny way of surprising you 
Feydzke: So how does this affect all of us?
Ohss: Quite a few of our guys are scattered to the winds, this is going to give us a better push against Rahihi if he sends his goons after us again, or even those new mercenaries he hired?
Mygin: You must be talking about the Sinners Sextant
Aiden: Ah so you remembered their name
Mygin: I often do 
Oseci: It seems like, we’ve reached a crucial juncture, we unite to fight
Lilac: I see, is there room in here they can stay?
Roik: I don’t believe so, but still their presence outside is good enough, as long as we are close together 
Lilac: Alright, than I guess I’m going to learn about the organization I was led to create
Acantha: You’re welcome
Lilac: Shut up
Hoard: I’ll let them know
Hoard leaves to tell the Expeditionary Force about the conversation they just had 
Lilac: I’m going to have to do a lot of self-reflection 
Centus, Boone, Mygin, Uruo, Yoni, Oiyrr, Olivia, Oseci, Ba-Bayost and Aiden have been unlocked for party selection 
Yerod, Ohss, Terefn, Pelican, Pyzaiia, Gtwtu, Ckkuan, Wgyte, Gego, Roik, Iofyr, Litas, Nushk, Ganczl, Roar, Qeego, Lid, Feydzke, Ovcon, Dneuez, Tranjoh, Noll, Ojun, Kmieou, Uvkais and Hjiiri have been unlocked for unit reserve selection.
== Chapter 2 ==
Years Ago
Lilac is being taken to see the village medium Yerod, by her parents, who have grown concerned about some recent things they have seen. They walk up to his hut together, with Lilac 
Lilac’s Dad: We’re finally going to see what’s wrong with you, you’ve not been acting yourself
Lilac: I told you, I’m fine!!
Lilac’s Dad: We’ll see
Lilac’s Mom knocks on the door, and Yerod answers the door, opening his hut door
Yerod: Ah, you again
Lilac’s Mom: Yes, it’s us
Yerod: Here to check for any unnatural energies inside of Lilac?
Lilac’s Dad: Precisely 
Lilac: I’m fine!
Lilac’s Mom: We’re going to see 
Lilac is brought into the hut with her parents. On the floor, is a summoning circle of some kind, where Yerod practices his own strange magics
Yerod: Lilac, stand in the circle, I will reveal the truth to you
Lilac: Ok, if this will get everyone to see I’m fine
Lilac sits in the circle as Yerod begins working his magics
Yerod: Oh, I see something
Lilac: Wait what?
Lilac’s Dad: Well go on?
Yerod finishes his magics as the other spirit inside of Lilac is revealed. The spirit appears outside of her body, a warrior surrounded by purple, with whips of purple energy
Lilac: Who?? 
Yerod: So spirit, what are-
Lilac’s Dad: GET OUT OF MY DAUGHTER
Yerod: Fair enough 
Acantha: Rude, I didn’t even get to say my name yet
Lilac’s Dad: I DON’T CARE WHAT YOUR NAME IS, GET OUT OF HER NOW
Lilac’s Mom: Sweetie calm down
Yerod: This is going horribly, spirit what is your name?
Acantha: My name is Acantha, I’m the spirit of a warrior who died in battle, I decided to hitch a ride back to the world of the living in this girl here just recently,  hope you don’t mind 
Lilac: Uhm what?
Lilac’s Dad: Why her!!
Acantha: There was enough room in there
Yerod: I see
Acantha: Ya know I was hoping there was something I could do while here
Yerod: Oh?
Lilac’s Dad: Ok, and you want to use my daughter to do so?
Acantha: I was hoping she would be the first member 
Yerod: First member? 
Lilac: I’m confused, what do you mean?
Acantha: Girl, your name is Lilac right?
Lilac: Yes?
Acantha: How would you feel if this was destiny?
Lilac’s Mom: Don’t give her si-
Lilac: Go on
Acantha: Your entire life you longed for a greater purpose, a sense of adventure that a simple life couldn’t give you. Do you want to grow up into a life you feel doesn’t feel fulfilling or exciting? Do you think you want to defend those who are unable too or too afraid too? Do you think that you were born to help people?
Lilac’s Dad: Don’t you d-
Lilac: I was always told that I should do things that will help others, some people say that helping is a talent I might have been born to do
Lilac’s Mom: I said that!!
Acantha: Well Lilac, I think I have an idea for you, a pitch if you will. We can find all the strongest warriors we can, and lead them in defense of evils that might arise. This world is full of people who are evil but also full of those who commit just acts and want to feel like they belong. You can help them, with my assistance of course.
Lilac: I think I see what you’re saying…
Lilac’s Dad: I do too, I don’t want my daughter running around with a bunch of strangers fighting monsters and evil sorcerers 
Lilac: I’m not with strangers if you and mom come with us
Lilac’s Mom: Lilac dear you cannot actually be considering this 
Acantha: I invite all three of you to come along with me and Lilac, this is the start of something special 
Yerod: Wait me too?
Lilac: Is there a problem
Lilac’s Mom: Yes, there is!!
Lilac’s Dad: Lilac stop this nonsense, you’re going down a path we can’t tread 
Lilac: Why can’t you come with us?
Lilac’s Mom: You can’t fight and you have no training
Acantha: If only she had a mighty warrior by her side who could teach her how?
Lilac: Acantha can show us, we can go together into any fight 
Lilac’s Dad: You’re breaking our heart Lilac
Lilac: Why, why don’t you want to do the right thing?
Lilac’s parents leave the hut in a crying mess, afraid of their own daughter due to this development 
Yerod: Is your offer still on the table?
Acantha: You’re coming with us?
Yerod: Lilac needs more than just you guiding her in her life, we can help her walk this path together 
Acantha: I respect that, welcome to the team old dude 
Lilac: His name is Yerod
Yerod: Speaking of names, what are we calling ourselves
Acantha: I’ve got the perfect name, how about…The Century Corps.
That day, Lilac had a new obligation to her home, bringing together the strongest warriors she could find, to defend everyone she could, it’s the right thing to do afterall. 
The Present Day 
Lilac is sitting on the balcony of the “Century Corps” base with Acantha and Yerod around her, she is looking down at the camp the Expeditionary Force set up.
Acantha: Yup, that was my organization 
Yerod: Yeah why did you suggest the same name for our group as your old group
Acantha: Splinter group 
Yerod: Ah gotcha
Lilac: Acantha, why did you never tell me about the OTHER Century Corps
Acantha: I figured you’d never need to know and thus I never explained it, no need for me to talk about the ancient past
Lilac: It sounds like it happened not too long ago
Acantha: Well, you were never going to encounter them, they shouldn’t even be here?
Lilac: What do you mean?
Acantha: That organization is mostly localized to the east coast of North America, with the occasional trip across the country or to a mysterious island or to another dimension 
Lilac: Another dimension?
Acantha: Story for another time
Lilac: Maybe whoever took over after you died changed stuff
Acantha: Xen wouldn’t change that much 
Lilac: Maybe someone else took over?
Acantha: Who would even do that?
Lilac: I don’t know, it was your organization!!
Acantha: Ok, so what if I had a few secrets, what’s the big deal
Lilac: The big deal is that it feels like my entire life has been a LIE
Yerod: Hey for the record I also didn’t know
Acantha: Also why didn’t Centus say anything when they saw me? And wait why are they even in the guild, they helped me in my evil scheme that actually wasn’t my scheme?
Lilac: Oh my god, you just, you’re just infuriating right now
Yerod: Once again, I had no idea about her secret life 
Lilac: Maybe you should  vet the mysterious spirits more!!
Lilac leaves the balcony in anger, leaving Acantha just floating there with Yerod
Yerod: Pretty messed up of you to keep all that from us 
Acantha: Listen, I couldn’t risk Lilac becoming disillusioned with the mission early on, I was going to tell her, eventually 
Yerod: Really?
Acantha: Yes, and it was important she didn’t know at the start
Yerod: How, she never should have encountered them like you said? And EVEN if that was the case, you should still tell her anyway.
Acantha: Well I didn’t so you just have to be okay with that!!
Yerod: Whatever, we’ll talk more later
Acantha disappears from the balcony as Lilac leaves the building to go into the camp outside seeing some members of her group in the camp
Hoard: Ok, so your name is Nest, and birds, they live in your hair, and that’s why, you are called Nest?
Nest: Yeah that’s about the gist of it 
Hoard: Ok, that’s weird
Nest: Your name is Hoard, and dragons put stuff in your hair, and that’s why you are called Hoard?
Hoard: Yes and that’s perfectly normal
Nest: Do you see the problem here?
Hoard: No, I don’t
Nest: Okay then 
Larkin: Me personally my name is Larkin, and my hair regenerates onto me, that’s why I’m called Larkin
Hoard: That’s not why
Larkin: Hey how do you know
Hoard: Some loser probably named you Larkin
Larkin: …That’s not actually far from the truth 
Mygin: Larkin, were you perhaps created by Department X
Larkin: HOW DID YOU GET THAT 
Mygin: But I’m right, aren’t I?
Larkin: Yeah but you live in nowhere valley, how the fuck could you possibly know what Department X is!!
Mygin: I’m well studied
Larkin: Ok well in that case how come you didn’t know about the Century Corps 
Mygin: Well I moved to the valley before your exploits so that probably explains that
Uruo: I rarely say this but this has been fun 
Hadane: I agree, it’s good to be among like minded company
Boone: I just want to shoot bullet after bullet into the Buzzard
Oseci: I get the feeling
Boone: What do you know about vengeance?
Oseci: That I want it
Boone: That’s enough for me to know who you are
Lilac sat down in a chair, right next to Centus
Lilac: Hello…Centus?
Centus: That is my name
Lilac: So, are you so old that nothing phases you anymore?
Centus: Well not exactly, but I wasn’t exactly surprised to see Acantha’s spirit in your body, in  my brief experience with her, I knew her to be conniving and conceited 
Lilac: Ah, that might track 
Centus: She is an incredibly smart woman
Lilac: Well she also mentioned you helped her in her fight
Centus: She was going to free my people from their prison, there were Centennials trapped under that city, so I did what I had too. In the end the freeing of my people helped in the long run, as a good portion of them just wanted freedom, not war
Lilac: Sounds like heavy stuff
Centus: Indeed it was, I’ve found my peace with it, I hope you can find your own peace 
Lilac: I suppose I could 
Lilac moves to stand up as the people around her turn towards her
Centus: They still look to you for direction, you still have to lead 
Lilac: Ok
Lilac towards the various people in her group
Lilac: We have a new mission now, defeating hollows and retrieving the shard of the dark mirror is our priority, uncovering this mess will help the people in our valley and could lead to the defeat of The Buzzard 
Oseci: You got it boss
Aiden: So how do we start?
Mygin: Teamwork, it makes the dream work
Uruo: Let us do so
Hoard: I’ll get my dragon friends to help out!
Lilac: Alright
Suddenly, one of the scouts comes through the trees, with news about an important sighting 
Kmeiou: Hey Lilac! Those hollows you were talking about are not too far from here 
Lilac: Oh great, everyone, battle stations 
Centus: Let’s get ready for combat as well
Select your party members and unit reserve 
Lilac: Alright, the hollows are nearby, fending them off from our base is critical as we need a safe perimeter so we can prepare for longer quests, are we ready to go?
Lilac’s question rings out across the people going with her and hearing nothing but a resounding yes, their movement begins 
Begin traversing the  Hollow Clearing 
When you are 15% through the clearing, the first hollows appear 
Uruo: We should take care of this easily
Sypka: If more hollows appear, we can assist on other parts of the battlefield 
Centus: Let’s focus on the battles ahead of us first 
Fight against the hollows
When you win, continue progressing through the clearing, 
When you are 45% through the clearing
Boone: How many people does he kill for him to have an army this large?
Mygin: Perhaps it’s stockpiled, he collects hollows over time for him to have a massive force to unleash in battles where he needs the extra firepower?
Boone: So building an army of hollows through the power of misery, that’s sick and twisted
Uvkais: The hollows you fight have had their minds lost to a force of darkness, my faces of enmity see their strife 
Continue down the clearing
When you are 70% through the clearing
Nest: My falcon is perking up here
Oiyrr: This valley has a strong soul energy presence 
Oseci: Indeed it does, the Soul Tree resides at the very center of this valley, providing the soul energy for the entire valley, although no one has actually been to the soul tree in quite some time. 
Nest: Oh really, why is that?
Oseci: This jerk warlord, I’m sure we’ll run into his goons at some point
Nest: Thanks for being cryptic buddy 
Continue down the clearing
When you are complete the clearing, a large group of Hollows appear 
Boone: More fodder 
Aiden: Have targets on the mind? I’m your guy
Boone: Stay to my back, and just support me in my shooting
Ba-Bayost: Oh support me too
Aiden: I’ve got you 
Yoni: I’ve got your back as well 
Fight against the Hollows
When you win, the hollows seemingly disappear
Oiyrr: Looks like that was just a small contingent 
Larkin: Well I doubt we’ll encounter anymore interference 
Suddenly, a small whirring noise can be heard as some armored mercenaries with jet packs arrive
Oseci: Hey it’s the mercenaries the warlord hired 
Uruo: He can’t be serious about hunting the Century Corps?
Larkin: These guys look familiar, can’t put my finger on why…
Sinners Sextant Member: Hey when did the “Century Corps” here get so big
Larkin: I got it, Sinners Sextant!!
Mygin: Nice eye
Larkin: Thank you
Sinners Sextant Member: You remembered the name of our group?
Larkin: Of course I would, we had that huge fight outside the portal 
Mygin: What?
Sinners Sextant Member: Wait crap is this the real group?
Yoni: Oh yeah it is
Fight against The Sinners Sextant 
When you win, they fly away panicked 
Oseci: The warlord here, his name is Rahihi, hired them to “hunt” us down
Yoni: Taking any job for money, that’s how Ayev is
Oseci: Ayev?
Centus: Their leader
Lilac: Well whatever the reason is, they’re after us and going to make our job harder 
Nest: Well, it’s nothing we can’t overcome 
Suddenly, another mercenary floats down, but this one looks like to have a higher status 
Kiki: It looks like the others couldn’t handle these pretender Century Corps
Lilac: Hey, we are NOT pretenders
Larkin: Yeah they’re just as Century Corps as the rest of us 
Kiki: I now see why they had such trouble, so the real deal is here now?
Oiyrr: Hey did you find a dark mirror shard, because if you did that would be helpful to know?
Kiki: What, I didn’t find any mirror shards
Oiyrr: That’s too bad
Kiki: Ok just get ready to get your ass kicked 
Lilac: Alright everybody square up she looks tougher than the rest of them 
Begin Boss Tutorial 
When the tutorial is complete, Kiki gets up and ready again
Kiki: Ok, so you have smooth moves, I can handle myself against your group 
Yoni: Hey aren’t you human? What are you doing in a group that hates humans?
Kiki: Uh, we hate the Century Corps? That’s why we're here 
Yoni: Oh, I see how it is 
Kiki: Ok, now, I’m going to attack 
Yoni: Why?
Kiki: BECAUSE I DON’T LIKE YOU 
Fight against Kiki
When she is at 75%
Nest: I didn’t think it would be this easy?
Kiki: It’s not easy!!
Nest: I don’t know, it’s pretty easy to me
Yoni: Oh me too, maybe taking on a large group by yourself is a bad idea?
Kiki: Fine, you want to play that game, get back in here people
Several members of Sinners Sextant show up to assist Kiki
Continue fighting against her
When she is at 50%
Nest: Good effort so far
Yoni: I like you uh, what’s your name?
Kiki: I’m not telling you that, I don’t like you
Yoni: Ok, you are Geraldine now
Kiki: What, no? Don’t call me that
Yoni: Sure thing Geraldine 
Continue fighting against Kiki
When she is at 25%
Yoni: You don’t seem like much of a talker
Kiki: Yeah, because I DON’T LIKE YOU
Centus: That’s a shame
Kiki: I’m pretty sure you killed my co-worker
Larkin: Oh you used to work for Lame People Inc.
Kiki: Huh?
Mygin: He means Department X
Kiki: Hey we were NOT Lame People Inc.
Larkin: Oh you sure were
Uruo: How chatty are the people you fight just say how so I know?
Larkin: Depends on how arrogant they are
Continue fighting against Kiki 
When you win, she falls to the grown defeated
Kiki: Grah I hate this infernal organization
Hadane: Maybe don’t work for the obviously evil secret organizations?
Kiki: Don’t you tell me to change my ways or whatever 
Kiki flies away off the ground before she can be captured or further annoyed
Oiyrr: She seems nice
Aiden: I agree
Lilac: Well, I think we did all we could here, we should probably plan for more in depth operations when we get back to base
Olivia: Sounds like a plan
Centus: Yeah I’m down for that
The Century Corps decided to head back to their base, to discuss how they were going to further conduct the search for the Dark Mirror shard.
== Chapter 3 ==
Nest is outside the camp, with the Soul Falcon she recently bonded with. She watches as it gracefully darts around the trees by the base.
Nest: Something familiar about this energy feels familiar, like I felt it before 
Nest thinks backs in her memories, looking for a feeling of connection and similarity. She eventually fishes around in her armor pockets to find something old
Nest: Ah, here it is
Nest pulls out the object of her recollection, a token with a bluebird on it 
Nest: I remember, one of the members of the Century Corps had a falcon of his own…
Nest looks somberly onto the Falcon in front of her
Nest: I wonder if he’s ok…
Nest looks down at the ground and then at her token
Nest: I wonder if everyone who survived had a happy ending…well, everyone else 
Nest places her token back into her armor pocket, back where it was
Nest: I’ve had that thing for so long now, I forgot I carry it with me. It’s supposed to be a symbol for luck, or happiness, but it’s just an omen of days gone by, back when I thought the world was small. 
The falcon lands back on Nest’s shoulder, pecking at her helmet 
Nest: Ok, ok, we’ll go back
As Nest walks to base, she fails to notice an ominous shadow underneath her, trailing her motions
Back at the base, Lilac is trying to conduct a new plan for everyone to follow. 
Olivia: Lilac, is this the full strength of your group?
Lilac: No, we have several members located in other parts of the valley, and one member who is currently missing in action
Mygin: Jumay? 
Lilac: Correct Mygin
Olivia: Who is Jumay?
Lilac: A member of this group who was skilled in light magics, but she has been gone for about two weeks. 
Yoni: Have you tried looking for her?
Lilac: We have, but no search party could find her
Kmeiou: Me and some of the other scouts searched this valley top to bottom, she’s nowhere to be seen
Olivia: Unfortunate 
Lilac: So do we have any leads on this shard?
Olivia: None unfortunately, we just know it’s here 
Lilac: This valley is massive, looking for it could take forever 
Olivia: I’m willing to take the time, this is a massively important mystery for us to solve 
Acantha: Ah, taking your time, your scheming aura is familiar enough to hers
Olivia: Would you be quiet you old crone, I’m nothing like my scheming other
Lilac: Other?
Olivia: Light goddess, she’s dead now but just know she sucks 
Hadane: I have a question
Lilac: What is it?
Hadane: So if Acantha is inside Lilac, then, how did Acantha show up to wish Iseri off to his final duel with death?
Acantha: What the hell are you talking about?
Lilac: Sounds like something you should look into
Hadane: Keeping that in mind 
Acantha: Also Iseri is dead?
Larkin: Yeah, he was the previous grandmaster
Acantha: Uhm he quit the guild, no way he became grandmaster after I died?
Larkin: Well it was you, then Xen, then Iseri, and then Gladian who’s the current one?
Acantha: I’m sorry what? It sounds like you said Gladian is the grandmaster? 
Larkin: Because he is? Is there something hard to grasp about that
Hadane: Oh yeah Iseri made Gladian the grandmaster before he went to go do his duel, I remember that 
Iehn: I do really like Gladian and his judgment for the guild, he makes some good decisions, like making this guild an international endeavor 
Acantha: That explains why you’re here
Lilac: OK, this is going nowhere!!
Nest walks back into the base, and sees the commotion going around Lilac, and decides to go and sit somewhere else, near someone who notices her disposition 
Oseci: Feathered friend? You seem uneasy?
Nest: Hello Oseci, is there something you wish to discuss
Oseci: It seems like this creature called The Buzzard troubles you, and also your other comrade Boone
Nest: It’s a known fact Boone hates The Buzzard, it’s all they talk about, they don’t want to talk about anything else. They look downright miserable, just thinking of how they can get the revenge they seek.
Oseci: I understand their position, I also want vengeance on someone who killed my friends and ransacked our sacred place. I’ve thought about what I’ll do when I finally get the upper hand on them, getting the justice I desire. 
Nest: I see, well I’m amazed you have the strength to recover from something like that, remaining yourself 
Oseci: Nest, I am not who I used to be, an event like that changes someone into someone new. It’s a metamorphosis where you become someone new, the direction you go is up to you 
Nest: I see
Oseci: Boone needs to decide the kind of person they want to be, that’s it.
Oseci leaves Nest alone with her thoughts as she toils with the token, she now fished out back out of her armor 
Nest: I wonder who everyone else from that day became…
The Soul Falcon began pecking at the token, which Nest just as quickly put back in her armor. 
Nest rose from her position to join the group, who had seemingly changed topics again 
Oiyrr: So, basically, Kutok and I found an area that is home to a calm and reflective presence, but it is congested with hollows
Kutok: It’s useful to secure this area as we can secure our back flank and also we can take out some hollows in the process 
Lilac: So what you’re saying is that we have a priority location not far from here filled with Hollows?
Kutok: It’s a short walk 
Lilac: Alright, if we had any farther to go, we would have had to get Tranjoh to get the Ghost Wagon
Oiyrr: I had a question about the Ghost Wagon? How does it, well, exist? Wagons don’t have souls last I checked. 
Tranjoh: The Ghost Wagon is possessed by the souls of those who died in the wagon, hence why it’s a Ghastly Wagon
Oiyrr: Ok that clears things up
Yoni: Can’t believe there’s a Ghost Wagon
Tranjoh: You wouldn’t be the first to doubt the Ghost Wagon
Lilac: Ok, so are we ready to head out?
Mygin: I think we are ready?
Centus: I’ll rally the reserve 
Lilac: Alright let’s prepare
Tranjoh: Ghost wagon time?
Lilac: Only if you wish to come with us 
Select Party and Unit Reserve 
Begin Path to Empty Grove 
When you are 10% of the way to the Empty Grove
Boone: Remember, shoot every hollow you see dead, the more Hollows that hit the dirt, the closer we can be to a victory 
Aiden: Gun friendo, mind laying up some of the shots so they can align with my reticles, you’ll be able to take full advantage of our synergy this way
Boone: I hear your request, and I oblige it
Boone and Aiden begin methodically taking out Hollows
Oseci: Aiden doesn’t realize that Boone won’t want to be their friend after all is said done
Nest: Strictly combat, strictly business 
Resume Path to Empty Grove
When you are 20% of the way
Hoard: So how come we haven’t ever gone back here before?
Mygin: We haven’t needed too 
Uruo: I’ve gone back there before, sometimes it’s good to have a place of respite 
Hoard: Ah so it was very much optional
Uruo: Why are you so concerned about this? 
Hoard: Large open space, I could play with dragon friends back there
Uruo: Really?
Hoard: You sound like someone who never played Dragon Tag before?
Uruo: I haven’t played any children’s games, it wasn’t part of my upbringing 
Hoard: No games? Did you live in the no fun allowed zone or something?
Uruo: That’s closer to the truth than you’d think
Resume Path to Empty Grove 
When you are 30% of the way
Ba-Bayost: These hollows are nothing to me, any powerful demons want to show themselves?
Mygin: Just because you fought some of hell’s most powerful demons on a collapsing bridge from a deadly cliff doesn’t mean you can expect demons to appear around every corner, you have to think realistically.
Ba-Bayost: Ok, and I want to fight some demons?
Mygin: Well that’s not gonna happen
Ba-Bayost: You know so much about my exploits yet you tell ME I can’t fight any demons?
Mygin: There are no demons around
Ba-Bayost: What a bunch of bullcrap 
Resume Path to Empty Grove
When you are 40% of the way
Uruo: Centus?
Centus: Yes Uruo?
Uruo: What is it like to be immortal?
Centus: You mean what WAS it like?
Uruo: You are no longer immortal?
Centus: Correct
Mygin: You lost it?
Centus: I destroyed The Adamite Key, freeing myself from the burden of immortality 
Uruo: Was living forever that much of burden
Centus: More than you can imagine
Uruo: Would you have wished you were never born at all?
Centus: Sometimes
Hadane: It’s not the most pleasant of experiences 
Uruo: What do you mean by that? Aren’t you alive right now?
Hadane: I was born without a soul, which can be considered an equivalent 
Resume Path to the Grove
When you are 50% of the way to the Grove
Oiyrr: So I had an inquiry I might want to share?  From what we know about The Buzzard, he consumes crests and leaves what’s left behind, or he just straight up eats their soul? For people with crests they come along with their souls. 
Boone: I’m familiar, so what?
Oiyrr: I wonder if there’s something else about this place that makes it desirable for him, like a buffet of soul energy around
Oseci: He could try breaching the Soul Tree’s hold that Rahihi has a hold on, but he would need a massive army
Oiyrr: Maybe that’s what all these Hollows would have been used for
Resume Path to the Grove
When you are 80% of the way to the Grove 
Kutok: Why does it already feel like I know more about this valley then the guild that has been here for years and I’ve only been here for a few days?
Lilac: I have no idea?
Hoard: Well Aurora Lady-
Kutok: I have a name
Hoard: Doesn’t matter, anyway you mentioned that you’re something of a navigator and wayfinder, so maybe you just inherently know more about this place, also we don’t spend the time checking every nook and cranny 
Acantha: But we really should
Lilac: Acantha, we don’t have the manpower to search this entire valley for every single possibility 
Kutok: Even so, checking your backyard sounds like something you should do 
Lilac: I will agree with you that was an oversight 
Resume Path to the Grove
When you are 100% of the way there, a somewhat large group of Hollows has occupied the grove 
Kutok: You want to put a no trespassing sign up when we’re done?
Lilac: Honestly, why not
Kutok: Alright, let’s clear out the area
Fight against the Hollows
When the Hollows are at 25% strength 
Kutok: Ok, we’re nearly done here?
Lilac: Just about
Hoard: My friends are gonna love this?
Aiden: We’re right here?
Hoard: My other friends you silly billy, the ones I like more than you 
Aiden: That’s hurtful
Hoard: Ok and?
Aiden: Uh, why?
Hoard: Dragon raises me to be who I am? What have you ever done for me?
Aiden: I saved your life that one time you were halfway down a bear’s throat
Hoard: Oh right that did happen…
Lilac: Can we focus please?
Larkin: This person doesn’t know how to have fun
Boone: Actually I would like to wrap this up in short order as well. I hate Hollows 
Larkin: Fine, fine, we’ll get it done
Aiden: Yes sir firearm friend 
Resume against The Hollows
When the Hollows have been defeated, the somewhat spacious area is now open
Kutok: So what now?
Lilac: I think some of you should stay behind and just keep an eye out on things for now. We’ll be back later with some things to wall off this area 
Boone: I’ll do it
Nest: I will as well
Oseci: Me too
Aiden: Count me in as well 
As the rest of the guild left to go back to base, the group stayed for a few hours, with some stuff having been brought to them before some rudimentary blockage was installed. Of course, they decided to still keep watch just in case another breach happened. It was soon nightfall.
Nest was the only one actually still in the grove, Boone was off leaning against the tree, keeping one eye open for danger but not exactly being close enough to see anything. Oseci and Aiden were playing cards on the grassy floor between two trees, just right by the grove path. 
Oseci: And, I win
Aiden: Oh come on, you’ve won the last sixteen rounds 
Oseci: Not my fault you’re bad at this game 
Aiden: Let’s go again
Oseci: Fine by me
Boone: How long will you be enjoying such trivialities 
Oseci: You’re welcome to join us Boone, maybe then someone else will win 
Aiden: HEY
Boone: No thanks, unless it’s about what I want most, I want nothing to do with it 
As Boone continues sulking, Aiden and Oseci go another round
Nest is watching the Soul Falcon still, as it sleeps peacefully, she herself might have fallen into a sleeping lull, if it wasn’t for a slippering sensation she felt, like a shadow moving across the ground
Nest: What am I looking at?
The shadow grows larger in front of her, spooking the Soul Falcon
Nest: Don’t be scared boy, I’m sure it’s nothing 
Voice In The Darkness: Nothing is apt, it’s something it should be
The voice in the darkness spooks but Nest clings onto it, also incredibly scared by the voice in the darkness 
Nest: Uhm, that was probably just a whisper of the wind
Voice In The Darkness: You would hope I’m just a voice
Bright red eyes begin glowing from the woods, as stark black wings can be seen from the treeline 
Nest: No…no no no no no no no 
Voice In The Darkness: What’s the matter, Nest! Afraid of the dark!!
The reddish glow of the creature radiates as he lands in the grove, just on the fringes of her line of sight, with his whole toothy smile visible. 
Voice In The Darkness: We’ve been looking forward to your return, and you have my favorite friend in tow as well 
The Soul Falcon hides itself in Nest’s armor, to avoid the creature seeing it as it gets closer, as Nest just stands there paralyzed 
Voice In The Darkness: You look like you remember all too well, as you should, you helped defeat me last time, Nest!!
Nest: Go away, please go away
Voice In The Darkness: I’m no nightmare, or a dream, I’m your darkest fears made manifest, your creeping desires, your darker sides, I feast on what’s left after everything has rotted
The creature is nearly directly in Nest’s line of sight as she can’t bring herself to move out of his path
Voice In The Darkness: SAY MY NAME NEST, SAY IT, ACKNOWLEDGE ME 
Nest: …
Voice In The Darkness: Oh am I speaking to that poor helpless girl again…too bad…
As the creature gets closer to Nest it’s interrupted as a flurry of bullets penetrates its slimy coat of Darkness as Boone is now firing shot after shot into the creature. Oseci and Aiden are also  now up and in combat position
Boone: DIE YOU DEMON, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE 
Boone keeps firing and firing as the cascade of bullets just gets embedded in The Creature’s slimy coat, as it creates a bright light. As soon as Boone has to reload their gun, the creature just shrugs off the bullets, as they all fall hapless on the ground.
Voice In The Darkness: Looks like someone here’s angry, mad I killed your family?
Boone: I’M GOING TO KILL YOU, YOU INSUFFERABLE MONSTER
Voice In The Darkness: You can’t kill me, as long as hate remains in your heart 
Oseci: I assume that thing is The Buzzard then?
The Buzzard: Well done new guy, although I’m disappointed those broken toys didn’t have the strength to say my name themselves, they knew me after all 
Boone: I DON’T CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU THINK
Boone tries firing more bullets at The Buzzard but he just stands there, absorbing the attacks 
The Buzzard: BWAHAHAHAHA, ARE YOU READY FOR MY FAVORITE TRICK??
Nest: No, no everyone get down
Aiden: Wait, why do we need to get d-
The Buzzard redirects the impact of all the bullets fired at him and fires it right back into Boone, shattering some of their bones and sending them flying into the woods 
Aiden: Holy shit 
The Buzzard: Such a shame, I was hoping they would put up more of a fight then getting their back destroyed by a tree 
The Buzzard cackles darkly as Nest rises to her feet and joins Aiden and Oseci in combat formation
The Buzzard: Aww, the scared little girl wants to hide beneath her big friends…oh ohhhhhhhh
Oseci: You still have to fight all three of us 
Boone: All four of us…
Boone scampers back into the group, heavily injured with bloody wounds and fractured bones but still somehow walking
The Buzzard: The impact of my attack should have shattered your spine thus instantly killing you, glad to see someone’s impressive 
Boone: Just shut up, shut the fuck up 
Nest fishes her old token out of her pocket and shines it, briefly empowering her before putting it away
Nest: I’m not dying here, not today 
The Buzzard: How cute, but no one is saving you today!!
Aiden, Oseci, Nest and Boone join your party, there is no one in Unit Reserve
Fight against The Buzzard 
When he is at 80%
The Buzzard: Ah, not as easy as you remember, NEST
Aiden: I don’t think she’s answering your questions
The Buzzard: Haha, she thinks it, I’m familiar with that aura 
Oseci: You truly have earned your vile reputation 
The Buzzard: Thank you, I love killing but reputation means a lot
Resume against The Buzzard
When he is at 75%
Oseci: This is…not going according to plan
The Buzzard: I’ll notify your next of kin for you 
Boone: I have no one…you bastard 
The Buzzard: Oh right, I guess you should be happy to join them 
Resume against The Buzzard
When you lose, the party falls to the ground defeated as The Buzzard begins to float high in the air, suddenly, The Soul Falcon flies out of Nest’s armor and shines a paralyzing light at The Buzzard, rendering him immobile 
Nest: Ok quick let’s get out of here
The Buzzard: STUPID BIRD!!
The Party begins running as The Falcon flies back to Nest
Run away from The Buzzard 
When The Party is 25% of the way back to the base
The Buzzard: Come on guys, I don’t bite!!
Aiden: We don’t want to test out your idea….
Boone: I’m going to kill you one day you monster
Oseci: Boone your legs are actively being ripped apart as you run
Boone: I don’t give a shit 
Continue running from The Buzzard
When The Party is 50% of the way back to the base, a few guys from the base arrive on the scene to their shock and horror 
Centus: Must be The Buzzard
Iehn: Jesus christ what the hell happened to Boone?
Centus: The Buzzard, I think 
The Buzzard: If it isn’t Centus
Centus: Uhm, we haven’t met have we?
The Buzzard: No, but I have a respect for fellow mass murderers 
Centus: I was immortal the kill count adds up over years
The Buzzard: I don’t care
Oseci: We can’t fight that monster now, he kicked our ass
Oiyrr: Oh while we’re here, have you seen a Dark Mirror shard Mr. Buzzard?
Iehn: Why do you keep asking our enemies that?
The Buzzard: I have it RIGHT HERE
The Buzzard pulls out the dark mirror shard from his slimy coat 
The Buzzard: Do you guys need this??
Oiyrr: Yes
The Buzzard: HAHAHA, Good luck getting off of my person!!
The Buzzard then flies away before anyone can take a shot at the shard
Boone: That…monster..I…
Boone falls unconscious as all the lost blood and broken bones finally get to them 
Iehn: Well guys I guess I’ll take care of this
Iehn carries Boone on her back to the base as everyone else begins to head back 
Oiyrr: Well at least we know where the shard is…
The air of defeat hangs over their heads as Nest fidgets with her token, desperately trying not to cry
== Chapter 4 ==
We arrive back at the base, Boone is recuperating from their serious injuries. Thanks to Iehn’s insane healing abilities, Boone was able to walk again, but still struggles with some minor motor functions. Boone is trying to reload their gun but is having a bit of trouble getting their fingers steady.
Boone: Come on, go in
The bullet falls out of the magazine as Boone’s fingers shake and wiggle
Boone: I have got to be better than this 
Two people see Boone struggling with this and walk over to them 
Aiden: Having trouble with your weapon gun friend?
Boone: My back hit a tree, and now I can’t load my gun so I can’t find that son of bitch and put him in the dirt 
Centus: If you can’t reload your gun how do you expect to do any damage to The Buzzard in a serious confrontation?
Boone: My hate will guide the way
Aiden: But he’s like, a dark mirror or whatever, you keep firing bullet after bullet into him he just launches you into a tree and destroys your spine again
Boone: I simply…must be ready for action…must be better 
Centus: That’s simply not going to enough soldier 
Boone: But I have t-
Centus: Boone, you should sit the next mission out
Boone: BUT-
Centus: That’s an order Boone, I’ll get Lilac to also agree to this, you need your rest
Boone: But why? I want to fight
Centus: I’ve been in situations like yours before, you need to prioritize your own well-being so you can live to fight another day 
Boone: But I need to keep fighting, I need to 
Centus: Rest. You need to rest Boone. Get some of your old skills back and come back without this strain of desperation on your tongue or in your heart. 
Boone: You can’t go on and fight The Buzzard by yourselves, IT IS MY FIGHT, I NEED TO BE THE ONE TO KILL H-
Boone begins coughing uncontrollably 
Aiden: Friend, you need to sit down 
Centus: Boone, get better soon
Aiden and Centus leave Boone alone with their thoughts, as they sit dejected fiddling with their bullets. 
At another part of the camp, Nest is deadeying the token of hers with the Soul Falcon looking at her with a forlorn expression
Nest: Well…we survived…I’m just…so terrified of him
Nest continues looking into deep space before someone places their hand on her shoulder
Uruo: Wallowing in your sorrow, mighty warrior?
Nest: Do you have anything to say, do you know how I feel, so dejected, so empty, so hopeless 
Uruo: Well yes, I do know how you feel
Nest turns to look at Uruo, who’s normal demeanor of a forlorn expression of indifference has eroded into a small frown
Uruo: Life got pretty tough for me a while ago, so I decided to adopt this mask of ice to hide from the world, I had felt utterly helpless at times due to circumstances around me 
Nest: What did you do to stop feeling that way?
Uruo: Eventually I realized that I could make a difference 
Nest: How?
Uruo’s face began to twist into a soft smile
Uruo: Lilac took me aboard, The “Century Corps” were like another family to me and I discussed some things about my past, granted not the entire thing but enough to where I could forget about the bad things that happened and stop remembering all the time.
Nest: I can’t imagine forgetting, it’s the entire reason we’re here. That thing is a terror on my life, and he’ll continue haunting me even when he’s gone. 
Uruo: I get it, if you want to talk about it more you can always talk about it with me, but I don’t exactly think I’m your first choice given that we barely know each other
Nest: I’ll certainly keep your name in mind, it’s good that you offered that, it shows you care about people, no matter how little you know them
Uruo: Thank you for your kind words
Nest looked at the Soul Falcon again, when someone else walks over to her
Hadane: Make a new friend?
Nest: He’s nice
Hadane: His soul is gentle I feel it
Despite her own problems, Nest notices something wrong with Hadane 
Nest: Hey Hadane?
Hadane: Yes Nest?
Nest: Are you ok?
Hadane: Well Nest…this valley fills me with a strange energy, like I can, almost change?
Nest: Like the soul metamorphosis process? 
Hadane: Something more, like I can fill the empty hole inside of me?
Nest: Huh?
Hadane: It doesn’t make sense, but I feel like I can become whole?
Nest: Wouldn’t you want to remain yourself?
Hadane: Maybe, but why wouldn’t I want to also become someone new?
Nest: Well because the “you”, you currently are is the best version of Hadane I know, have faith in yourself Hadane, you’ve been incredible already
Hadane: Ya know, for someone who doesn’t believe in themselves, you sure believe in others
Nest: Of course…I’m the crack in the chain…but you, you’re great Hadane…
Hadane: Ok, well, we will be leaving on a new mission soon, so, let’s get ready for that?
Nest: Alright, I’m ready to see some action again
Nest and Hadane move towards Lilac as she briefs them on the mission
Lilac: Alright everybody, Mygin and Oiyrr have told me that soul energy overflow can be felt in certain areas by some of the villagers who live inside Rahihi’s realm, we’re going to the rim of the canyon where we can see it, although keep in mind that Rahihi’s forces might be active in that area
Lilac looks towards the crowd, before they move to their mission
Select your party and unit reserve, Boone is not available for party selection. 
Begin Canyonside Trail 
When the party is 10% of the way down the trail, Oiyrr’s plant begins to react in a strange way
Oiyrr: It can sense a strange presence 
Nest: What do you mean by that?
Oiyrr: Well I used to part of cult that used to worship this plant which called itself Enver, it had a glow similar to the one I feel now
Hadane: Do you think their energies might be one in the same?
Oiyrr: I don’t believe it is so, at least not yet 
Hadane: If it is in fact of this valley, you would know a lot more than you do now about the Soul Tree 
Resume Canyonside Trail
When the party is 20% of the way down the trail, a group of thugs in a strange uniform approach the party
Rahihi Henchman: HALT, You are not allowed any further, this is Rahihi’s territory!! Only those under his allegiance my enter his domain 
The various members of the Century Corps look at each other with blank stares and knowing looks
Uruo: Listen pall, I would appreciate it if you just moved out of the way
Rahihi Henchman: Wait…you’re the guy our boss wants alive!!
Uruo: Pardon me?
Rahihi Henchman: He wants you to be brought to him alive
Oseci: Uruo why does he want you alive?
Uruo: It’s a long story
Rahihi Henchman: Come with us, we don’t care about what transgressions you had before, Rahihi wants you
Uruo: No thank you
Hadane: I see, you may have a deeper history with this group
Uruo: You could say that
Fight against Rahihi’s Thugs 
When you win, the thugs scatter into the distance, scampering off to avoid any further confrontation 
Uruo: And, we should be in the clear to progress now
Mygin: Uruo, mind telling us what Rahihi wants with you
Uruo looks on forlornly, as if remembering something he would rather forget
Uruo: I’ll explain after the mission, you deserve to know 
Mygin: I’ll add it to my records
Uruo looks onto the valley, wondering if there’s anymore he can do at this point
Continue the Canyonside Trail
When the party is 30% of the way through the trail
Ba-Bayost: I wonder why this passageway is of priority to that bothersome warlord, it seems like a fairly insignificant path
Uruo: It may seem that way, but if Rahihi values something he will station forces here to defend it. In this case it’s access, if you continue down the path a certain length, you can see Rahihi’s base and the areas around it. He doesn’t want anyone gaining significant knowledge on his territories. 
Ba-Bayost: Hmn, you speak like you have wondered the same before
Uruo: I’ve had a lot of time for wondering 
Oseci: We may be more kindred than you would think Uruo
Uruo: Maybe, I’ll let you be the judge of that 
Continue the Canyonside Trail
When the party is 40% of the way through the trail, a small contingent of Sinners Sextant is keeping watch, they turn around and see the Century Corps behind  them
Sinners Sextant Member: Agh, we have uh, uh, been, uh, uh…
Yoni: Uhm, speak up please?
Sinners Sextant Member: What’s that word, the one that would apply to our situation 
Sinners Sextant Member II: Surprised 
Sinners Sextant Member: Thank you and your linguistics expertise 
Sinners Sextant Member II: I have one meltdown and the only thing anyone knows about me is I know languages, I have hobbies you know 
Yoni: Oh I remember you, you were right in front of the treasure tower when my sister wanted to melt all that gold!
Sinners Sextant Member II: And of course that’s how I’m remembered, great…great…
Yoni: Hey it’s nothing to be ashamed of, you’re pretty funny nameless jobber
Sinners Sextant Member II: Why thank you, although I do have a name
Hoard: Gold hands, what is this method of enemy submission you are trying?
Yoni: I’m having a friendly conversation, is there something wrong with that?
Sinners Sextant Member: Wait the short woman who looks like a trick or treater is on to something…we’re supposed to be fighting
Hoard: What is a trick or treater?
Yoni: Good question 
Sinners Sextant Member II: It’s someone who participates in the act of trick or treating, which is done for a holiday called Halloween
Sinners Sextant Member II: This doesn’t really help my case now does it 
Yoni: What is your name you mentioned having fair linguist 
Sinners Sextant Member II: That would be Farat 
Sinners Sextant Member: If we’re introducing ourselves my name is Shane 
Yoni: It’s really nice to get to know you better
Farat: Thank you
Hoard: My god she is a witch 
Sinners Sextant Captain: STOP HAVING PLEASANT CONVERSATIONS AND BEGIN FIGHTING RIGHT NOW 
Shane: Well captain’s orders, sorry?
Yoni: I’m sorry for any lasting injuries you might sustain 
Shane: Likewise 
Sinners Sextant Captain: SHUT UP SHANE
Shane: Meanie 
Fight against the small Sinners Sextant Contingent 
When you win, the small group begins to scatter, in an effort to retreat 
Sinners Sextant Captain: Well we lost, everyone retreat 
The Sinners Sextant contingent begins to trickle away 
Hoard: I should get my dragons to come and burn them so we don’t have to fight them again!!
Yoni: That won’t be necessary 
Hoard: Why not?
Yoni: People like being appreciated for who they are, they appreciate being seen
Hoard: Ok, and?
Yoni: Well Hoard, have you ever made a friend?
Resume Canyonside Trail
When you are 60% of the way down the trail, the party sees some machines and vehicles, operating some kind of lift along the canyonside 
Hadane: Looks like some kind of platform for drilling?
Yoni: A warlord here doesn’t exactly strike me as the kind to make industrial developments like this, unless he has a great knowledge of ores and engineering and minerals and has like a shell corporation or something. I mean what minerals are even here to mine?
Oiyrr: It actually looks like some kind of energy is being extracted, it doesn’t look like a standard mining operation
Uruo: His house is right next to the soul tree, if Rahihi wanted to get soul energy why wouldn’t he just cut it down and take it all from the stump? 
Oiyrr: Perhaps the tree has a purpose pivotal to the environment you do not understand yet 
Oseci: It’s probably just too difficult for Rahihi to cut down, he doesn’t care about what happens to other people 
Resume Canyonside Trail
When the party is 80% down the trail, another cluster of Rahihi’s forces appear, armed with some soul energy weaponry 
Rahihi Henchman: Alright boys let’s disarm the intruders
Centus: I’ve disarmed so many thugs in my lifetime that I feel like I’m just going through the motions everytime I go to attack 
Aiden: I can help expedite the process
Centus: That would be nice 
Fight against the group of Rahihi’s Thugs 
When you win, they once again scatter  
Yoni: Well that was easy
Hoard: Yoni why weren't you trying to “befriend” these people?
Yoni: Well the thing about the Sinners Sextant group is that I knew them from earlier, I don’t know these people 
Hoard: Explain?
Yoni: Well remember the things I was saying to uh, Geraldine
Mygin: Her name was Kiki
Yoni: Whatever her name was, well she wasn’t really biting because “she hates our guild for killing her friend”
Centus: That was me, sorry about that
Yoni: You’re forgiven 
Hoard: Yoni?
Yoni: Ok, so, well Geraldine doesn’t like us at all, so I tried for a little to chip away at that hardened demeanor but it didn’t work. The same thing of it not working would have happened here, seems like these people are too blindly loyal to Rahihi, at least they are right now, for me to try swaying them. 
Hoard: Ooh I get it now
Yoni: See? 
Hoard: You can’t change people’s minds unless they are willing to change
Yoni: Bingo
Hoard: What’s that?
Larkin: It’s a game played by little children and old people 
Resume Canyonside Trail 
When the party is 90% complete the trail, they look out and can see the Soul Tree, with a strange glowing figure at the trunk below, that they can just barely see
Hadane: Can we get a better look at that figure?
Larkin: I don’t have my binoculars today
Lilac: I’ve got it, hey Ovcon
One the people from unit reserve steps out with a telescope 
Ovcon: You need my telescope?
Lilac: Yeah, just stand over there and look down at the glowing figure
Ovcon stands on the cliff ledge and looks down at the warrior with the telescope
Ovcon (using their telescope): So this warrior down there is glowing green and seems to be some kind of weird extension of the tree
Lilac: Thank you Ovcon
Ovcon: No problem Lilac 
Centus: The Soul Tree is a thing of beauty, it’s a shame that warlord wants to keep it locked up
Hadane: I feel an irreconcilable pull, like it’s wanting me to join it…
Nest: What do you mean by that?
Hadane: I feel like it’s beckoning me to come closer, like, like it can make me whole…
Uruo: Make you whole?
Hadane: Like I can become something greater than myself…
Acantha: Forces of greater power often have that effect on one, speaking from past experiences 
Lilac: Wonder if that power drove you here into my body…
Continue down the Canyonside Trail
When you are complete, you can see the base of Rahihi resting right above the Soul Tree, also, a foggy soul mist can now be seen, emitting from the tree
Oseci: Building his home right above that sacred place, he’s got some nerve 
Uruo: He did like doing bold things 
Lilac: Alright, so we clearly see that tree is emitting a mist of some kind, we’re free to head back now 
As the Century Corps move to head back, an icy dagger lands on the ground near Uruo as a smaller group of Rahihi’s forces appear with someone who looks like a greater commander 
Lilac: Who are you in the front?
Vakakoya: My name is Vakakoya, I am the sword of Rahihi, who is my father and I humbly request that my brother comes with me 
The party gives some looks to Uruo
Uruo: I abandoned that title long ago
Vakakoya: Are you just going to pretend that we were never family Uruo?!
Oseci: Uruo, I see know why you were  so cagey about your knowledge source of Rahihi 
Uruo: Thank you Oseci, I knew you’d understand why
Vakakoya: I don’t understand?? You leave us when I’m just a kid, leaving me without a brother and leaving our father without a son. We could have been a great family.
Uruo: It was a mistake, I should have taken you with me 
Vakakoya: Whatever, you will stop opposing our father and see it again
Uruo: Your father 
Vakakoya: We’re brothers dammit 
Uruo: We haven’t been brothers for eight years 
Vakakoya: End that now and come back to us dammit!!
Uruo: No
Oseci: Alright, let’s get in there and end the feud 
Fight against Vakakoya and his forces 
When he is at 75% 
Vakakoya: Why do you refuse to accept who you are?
Uruo: It’s who I was, I’m someone else now
Hadane: Change happens over time, it’s only right that you’re someone new now
Uruo: Eight years is a lot of time
Resume against Vakakoya
When he is at 50%
Vakakoya: Why did you try to hide the fact you were once part of our family from the guild?
Uruo: I didn’t think it was relevant, who cares about how I know the inside knowledge I have 
Mygin: I mean you could have been a mole?
Uruo: Do I look like someone who would be a good mole Mygin?
Mygin: No I think you would give it away via cryptic hints
Hoard: How would Uruo being a mole be relevant to his relations? I mean they live underground 
Yoni: They mean that Uruo could have been a spy?
Vakakoya: I would like that
Uruo: I don’t care about your feelings
Resume against Vakakoya 
When he is at 25%
Vakakoya: Why do you fight against our family-
Uruo: Your family
Vakakoya: Why do you fight against OUR fam-
Uruo: Your family 
Vakakoya: STOP DENYING WE ARE BROTHERS
Uruo: Were brothers 
Oseci: If you were family, who is your family now Uruo?
Uruo: I think you  know the answer Oseci
Oseci: Hmm, you’re right, I believe I do 
Vakakoya: What does that mean?
Uruo: Sorry, I guess you’ll never know, I guess you’ll have to go back to your father and tell him I’m not coming 
Resume against Vakakoya
When you win against Vakakoya, he falls on the ground in defeat, cursing to himself before getting back up again
Vakaoya: Isn’t over brother-
Uruo: I have brothers but none of them are you
Vakakoya: You will join your true family again…you will
Vakakoya leaves angrily, leaving the Century Corps just to stand there
Mygin: So Uruo, was this what you were going to tell us after the mission?
Uruo: Yes, I don’t like thinking about that period of my life, but I believe you deserved to know since his forces were after me, but it looks like someone decided to out my secret first 
Lilac: Well Uruo, you should tell and Mygin everything you know about Rahihi’s relationship with soul energy and other stuff 
Uruo: I will let you know everything
Centus: The ghosts in our closet often are better let out then kept in
Acantha: Well said partner 
Centus: We worked together out of convenience once
Acantha: Ok and?
Lilac: Let’s just get back to base 
The Century Corps heads back to base.
Meanwhile, Vakakoya slinks off back to the citadel of his father
Rahihi’s Throne Room 
Vakakoya enters the throne room his father resides, where Rahihi sits on a throne, with someone else next to him, wearing a mask. Vakakoya first bows down before his father, before standing up again.
Vakakoya: Father, I have made contact with Uruo again
Rahihi looks down at Vakakoya, before smiling darkly 
Rahihi: And since I assume he is not here, that he refuses to come back
Vakakoya: Correct father, he in fact strangely denies his heritage
Rahihi: So we have all the pieces in play
Rahihi turns back to the person standing next to him
Rahihi: Witch
The person turns back to him
Witch: Yes Rahihi 
Rahihi: I would like you to continue overseeing energy harvesting operations, if your plans to harvest the energy for a weapon continue, I need you there at one of our sites
Witch: It will be done lord 
Rahihi: Perfect
Witch leaves Rahihi’s throne room as he continues smiling darkly
== Chapter 5 ==
Rahihi’s Throne Room, Eight Years Ago
Rahihi sits on his throne, shuffling through some reports from scouts in the field, below his throne is his son Uruo, who he summoned into the throne room
Rahihi: Son, do you know what the scouts tell me?
Uruo looks on indifferent to his father 
Uruo: What is it?
Rahihi: Supposedly, you messed with one of our great hunts, why do such a thing?
Uruo: You can’t keep treating the creatures of the valley this way, they aren’t just animals to be hunted for sport, they have lives they value just like we do. I saved the beast because you can’t just keep tormenting them.
Rahihi: Uruo, boy, I can do whatever I want, I have the power, I inherited the King’s Scepter, that makes me king of the valley. 
Uruo: What you’re still doing is wrong 
Rahihi: What made you think you could ever talk back to me like that!!
Uruo: Because your reign is one of terror, the people living here don’t like your rule!
Rahihi: They’ll like it because I am in charge and that is the end of that!!
Uruo: You don’t have to be so cruel to everyone!
Rahihi: Boy, the only way to be respected is to be feared
Rahihi looks down at his scepter before speaking again
Rahihi: You are banished from my realm
Uruo: What?
Rahihi: You clearly have no respect for my authority, so you can starve in the wilderness 
Uruo: Have it your way, I shall oppose you every single living day 
Uruo leaves the throne room as Rahihi scowls coldly 
Century Corps Camp, Present Day 
Uruo told everyone about the incident before he went to bed that night. He  feels like his collision with his father was inevitable, what Rahihi was doing was wrong, Uruo felt he had to stand up for everyone. He doesn’t regret a thing. His other guildmates understood his situation and decided that if he wanted to they could talk about it more in the morning. 
Morning came more swiftly than they thought it would, with Uruo arsing and walking down stairs, seeing Boone sitting at a table. They were fidgeting with some kind of tool, having been forced to take the day off yesterday. 
Uruo: Good morning?
Boone just looked at Uruo, as they continue tinkering with the contraption
Uruo: Ok then…
Uruo continued as he walked down the stairs, walking into areas with a higher concentration of people, until he was outside in the base camp. It seemed like people just continued on after explaining his quarrel with his father.  He was confused by that, and someone else had sensed his confusion. 
Oseci: Uruo, do you have something you wish to speak on?
Uruo turned around to see his friend, he was far wiser than he ever was
Uruo: Well Oseci, I’m confused, I made a reveal that I was related to an enemy of ours, and I thought I would see more disrespect thrown my way, even last night everyone was calm and understanding. 
Oseci: Well Uruo, it doesn’t matter because what you’ve already done as part of our organization speaks louder than any past you could have had. I know you see this group as a family, and we just agreed that where you’re from or who you’re related to doesn’t matter. 
Uruo began to smile at Oseci’s words
Uruo: I’m glad you feel that way
Oseci: No problem, my own pursuit of justice has no effects on how I feel about you 
Uruo sighed a sigh of relief, before looking at the camp, maybe the fact no one had anything to say about last night was just because they didn’t care about what he had done in the past. His pondering was quickly interrupted by someone else
Lilac: Uruo!
Uruo turns around to face Lilac, looking at him with a look of grit and determination on her face
Lilac: I’m doing mission planning with Centus and Olivia, and I thought you should join us today
Uruo: Why is that?
Lilac: Well it revolves around Rahihi's soul energy efforts and we thought that it would make sense if you helped us in planning with that, even if you know nothing about his current operations I think it could still be something you are interested in?
Uruo: Helpful strategy planning, alrighty, I shall assist. 
Lilac: Alright, thank you Uruo
Uruo: The pleasure is mine
Uruo went and followed Lilac to the table where Olivia and Centus were doing their planning 
Uruo: Good day
Centus: Good day to you as well
Olivia: Alright, so I believe the target is a mining facility a fair distance from here
Lilac: Correct
Centus: We’re probably going to need some transportation help
Someone else pops up from under the table
Tranjoh: Sounds like someone needs a ghost wagon?
Uruo: How long were you under the table?
Tranoj: Irrelevant 
Uruo: Ok then 
Lilac: So, is there anything else we want to add or are we going in blind?
Uruo: I think we should keep an eye out for Vakakoya, if he’s there it’s likely that the operation is important to Rahihi
Centus: Good call, he would send his right hand man there if it was important 
Uruo: If he’s not there, it can still reveal decent information about any of Rahihi’s deeper plans 
Acantha: Always best to check your enemies for any plans
Lilac: Can you stop randomly popping up?
Acantha: Ok, sorry. 
Centus: A little strategic interference huh
Lilac: Sorry I’m not willing to cooperate with her at the moment 
Olivia: Regardless, we have a plan of action
Tranjoh: Wait how are we gonna know where to go
Someone else walks up to the table
Kutok: Hey guys
Tranjoh: Oh yeah uh uh what’s your name?
Kutok: It’s Kutok
Tranjoh: Kutok is super helpful for this
Centus: Kutok, you already know 
Kutok: I know
Uruo: Well, let’s prepare for a raid, we need all the info we can get
Begin mission: Field Learning 
Kutok and Uruo join your party, select the rest of your party. Tranjoh joins your unit reserve, select the rest of your reserve.
Begin heading down the Mining Site Path
When you are 20% of the way down the Mining Site Path
Kutok: It seems like the place you picked out is a really long way to go for something that might not even be relevant 
Larkin: Oh really?
Lilac: We have underestimated the distance
Kutok: This valley is pretty large
Tranjoh: It’s a good thing I’m here 
Larkin: So question, how does a Ghost Wagon transport us if it’s a ghost, shouldn’t we phase through it as it moves?
Tranjoh: Listen, do you care if it helps us get to where you want it go?
Larkin: Not really?
Tranjoh: Then stop asking stupid questions 
Resume down the Mining Site Path
When you are 40% of the way down the Mining Site Path
Ba-Bayost: I must say, the variety of enemies here is shallow, either Hollows, Henchmen or Mercenaries. Where are the demons or evil sorcerers or dragons?
Hoard: I know where the dragons are!!
Ba-Bayost: Oh right you have the heart of a dragon
Hoard: But wait why group dragons in your list of bad guys? Dragons are good guys!
Ba-Bayost: I fought a dragon while jumping off of a cliff, it was awesome
Hoard: Don’t fight the dragons here, they are nice dragons!!
Ba-Bayost: If they try to eat me I cannot be held responsible for my actions 
Resume down the Mining Site Path
When you are 50% down the Mining Site Path, the party comes across a robotic figure that looks decommissioned and run down
Olivia: What a strange figure
Centus: Does anyone here recognize this felled automaton?
Acantha: It’s not mine
Lilac: Shocker 
Acantha: It’s not!
Olivia: Yeah, this thing looks otherworldly in origin 
Lilac: We can circle back around to this later
The party moves on from the strange automaton 
Resume down the Mining Site Path
When you are 60% down the Mining Site Path
Kutok: Sensing some weird vibes
Tranjoh: Can you elaborate on these “weird vibes”
Kutok: Essentially I feel a presence in the valley that shouldn’t be here, like a path that opened to somewhere else 
Tranjoh: How can you be sure something is wrong?
Kutok: I feel it 
Tranjoh: I’m sure it’s nothing too important 
Resume down the Mining Site Path
When you are 80% down the Mining Site Path
Uruo: Noticing less of Rahihi’s thugs up this way, seems like there’s also some scattered Hollows
Lilac: Is there something odd about the surprisingly lax security 
Uruo: Yes, the warlord often takes his security very seriously, maybe this place isn’t as important as we thought 
Lilac: We will see 
Resume down the Mining Site Path
When you are complete down the path, the mining site is reached and it is a high security operation, where several of Rahihi’s forces are, along with a mysterious masked and cloaked figure, directing them
Lilac: Uruo, who’s the masked figure?
Uruo: I don’t know…
Lilac: What do you mean you don’t know?
Uruo: I don’t know, I’ve never seen them before 
Lilac: Ok, so what’s the plan
Aiden: I think we should isolate the soul energy, they obviously need it for something 
Lilac: Good call 
Centus: Ok, so we jump down there?
Lilac: I mean that appears to be our only option
Yoni: Hey, look
Yoni points to some vehicles that appear to be transporting the energy somewhere 
Yoni: It looks like the latent soul energy in the valley is being harvested for something, probably nefarious 
Uruo: The warlord had mentioned building a powerful weapon that could split the sky before?
Yoni: So you think that’s what this is for?
Uruo: But why do it now is my question? Maybe that masked figure has something to do with it
Yoni: Alright, so are we getting answers the old fashioned way?
Uruo: We can try
The Century Corps jump down into the mining site, to come face to face with the masked figure
Witch: It seems like I have untimely visitors 
Uruo: The warlord Rahihi is someone I had known for 16 years, I never recall seeing you around his courts or in his generals 
Witch: Time has changed, I’m the new right hand to the king 
Uruo: Warlord
Witch: Potato, tomato, I’m going to be sending this soul energy to a secret site, so why bother coming here, to claim the site for yourself?
Lilac: Well we just want information 
Uruo: Now reveal to use your name you witch
Witch: It is witch
Centus: This “witch” seems very familiar to me, I can sense something strange about “her” aura 
Witch: Oh would you look at the time, I have to be doing evil stuff…
Centus: I’m going to find out the truth 
Centus reaches to unmask Witch but “she” dodges out of their reach and fires back, in the attack, it is shown that Witch is missing a leg, with a string of lava and obsidian forming a makeshift prosthetic 
Witch: I believe we’ve had enough of this 
Centus: Seems like you’re missing a leg, have a fall into a pool of lava?
Uruo: Centus, who do you believe this witch to be?
Centus: I’ve got a few guesses, but based on this lava leg I doubt any of them are correct 
Witch: Now, I think I’m going to be leaving, kill these guys boys
Witch flees the scene as the minions of Rahihi turn to the Century Corps, ready to strike them down
Uruo: Looks like the “leave me alive” thing isn’t a priority for “her”
Centus: That is a little perplexing 
Kutok: Maybe she has her own goals 
Uruo: Like that super weapon 
Nest: We have to get our hands on some of this soul energy
Uruo: Why?
Nest: The Buzzard feeds on this stuff AND he has the dark mirror shard 
Oiyrr: Oh and also it could help me with my studies 
Uruo: Alright, let’s secure a shipment of the soul energy
Tranjoh: It’s a good thing I have a ghost wagon
Nest: I’ve got the skies covered for any aerial interference 
Hoard: I’ll help you with that
Oiyrr: Let’s try to secure the biggest shipment we can reliably fit in the ghost wagon 
Aiden: We’ve got to clear out this place first so we can reliably take it
Oiyrr: We’re ahead of you 
Fight off Rahihi’s Forces 
When they are at 25% strength, the party moves to retrieve the Soul Energy shipment
Oiyrr: Alright, Tranjoh, take it form here
Tranjoh: Yes sir, 
The Soul Energy is placed into the Ghost Wagon
Tranjoh leaves your unit reserve, a random unit joins it to make up for their newfound absence 
Tranjoh: How far till this thing is safe
Nest: Let’s get a good distance from here
Aiden: I’ll cover your flank
Tranjoh: Ok, Kutok?
Kutok: I’m on it..
Defend the Ghost Wagon until it is out of range from the mining site 
When the Ghost Wagon is 25% out of range
Larkin: We have a fairly large shipment, how does it fit into the ghost wagon?
Tranjoh: Because it has enough space for it, stop asking dumb questions
Larkin: Sorry it’s just confusing to me
Tranjoh: You’re a slushie man, that’s confusing to me
Larkin: Touche 
Yoni: Larkin struggles to grasp dimensional space 
Larkin: Ok haha I didn’t go to school, I didn’t have an education, you don’t have to rub it in
Iehn: Actually you did go to school, you just flunked out of the basic education Loren and Largo tried to get for you
Larkin: Do not air out my dirty laundry like that!!
Iehn: Whoopsie
Acantha: We probably should have had Larkin take an IQ test to retain his guild membership, before I did all that stuff 
Larkin: No one cares about your opinion Acantha, nobody
Yerod: I care
Larkin: Do you?
Yerod: A little
Acantha: Thank you Yerod
Lilac: Pfft, stupid spirit 
Acantha: Wanna repeat that?
LIlac: Uh, nothing?
Resume defense of the shipment
When the ghost wagon is 50% out of range 
Tranjoh: These people don’t get you like I do, Ghost Wagon, you keep going 
Larkin: Why are you talking to it?
Tranjoh: Why can you fit in a one gallon jug?
Larkin: I actually have an evil clone who is a giant sentient liquid 
Tranjoh: Is it a container of spoiled milk, cuz I hate to break it to you…
Larkin: What? No it’s not a container of spoiled milk? Actually how do you know what that looks like?
Tranjoh: SOMEONE in the guild once left some bottles of milk outside of cold storage and they spoiled damn near instantly 
Aiden: Uhm, whoopsie??
Tranjoh: You know what you did 
Larkin: Regardless, I am not spoiled milk
Tranjoh: I said your twin was
Larkin: CLONE
Tranjoh: Whatever you say sir
Resume defense of the shipment
When the ghost wagon is 75% out of range 
Nest: Who’s the tech gal here again?
Someone from the unit reserve chimes in 
Ohss: That would be me, Ohss
Nest: Well Ohss, do you think this enough for you to make something out of?
Ohss: Well maybe, it depends on how potent this stuff is
Olivia: We also need a way to impair the Buzzard with this trap 
Boone: I have an idea
Ohss: Let’s save it for after this
Oseci: Well look who decided to chime in
Continue the defense of the shipment
When you are fully out of range
Tranjoh: Looks like Rahihi’s forces are finally done assailing this shipment 
Ohss: When we get back I’m going to test how potent this stuff is
Oseci: I’m willing to join you for that
Ohss: Thank you Oseci
Yoni: I will also observe
Nest: I will let you work on that 
Lilac: We can count today as a success, let’s head home
The Century Corps continues clinging to Tranjoh’s ghost wagon as they continue heading back to base
End mission: Field Learning 
At the Century Corps base camp, Ohss, Yoni, Oseci and Boone are looking at Ohss test the Soul Energy’s potency
Ohss: Alright, to test the soul energy’s potency, I have fashioned a chunk of it into a makeshift bullet, and Boone, who I want to thank for being willing to test this for me
Boone: Thank you for the opportunity
Ohss: So when Boone fires the bullet, the impact size it makes will determine it’s potency 
Yoni: So big boom equals big energy 
Ohss: Yes that’s about the gist of it 
Oseci: Alright, fire away then 
Boone: The pleasure is mine…
Boone loads the makeshift bullet into their gun, and fires it a tree, the impact force is strong enough to bore a massive hole in the tree
Ohss: Wow
The tree falls over from being shot through 
Boone: And that…was for my back
Oseci: You don’t know if that was the same tree
Boone: I don’t care
Oseci: Uhm ok
Yoni: Personally I don’t think you should be so personally charged against a tree
Boone: You want that hole to end up in your chest next?
Yoni: Excuse me?
Ohss: Alright guys this shouldn’t be necessary 
Oseci: Yeah, let’s play nice here 
Boone: Fine…
Yoni: Fine my ass
Ohss: AHEM, so this is a good plan for bait, but Boone-
Boone: Yes
Ohss clearly notices Boone being irate
Ohss: What was your idea for weakening the Buzzard?
Boone: Don’t remember exactly what it was called, but it’s sort of a blueish gray color and like, I saw a lot of it chucked into the Buzzard once, and it weakened him
Oseci: It’s called aether
Boone: yeah, yeah whatever 
Ohss: Alright, so how can we get aether
Oseci: There’s probably some left over at my old stomping grounds, the Sacred Garden
Ohss: Oh good call, we can probably head over to what remains of it and get whatever is left over
Boone: yeah, yeah all about you 
Oseci: Are we gonna have a problem? 
Boone: Maybe you can just shut up 
Yoni: Alright, Boone, please take a timeout
Boone: Everyone is telling me, do this, do that, I just want my revenge
Ohss: Listen you will get what you want eventually, just calm down for a minute, no need to start fights for no reason
Oseci: We’re a team effort here
Boone: Fine
Boone reluctantly walks away
Yoni: I hope they can get their act together 
Oseci: Well, I mean I would be pissed too if I constantly came up short in my revenge efforts
Ohss: Let’s get rest for the day, clearly tensions run high during the act of combat.
The group there disperses and begins to head off for the rest of the day
== Chapter 6 ==
Unknown Location, Soulight Valley
At a secret spot hidden in by the valley itself, a group of it’s down designs meets, The Sinners Sextant. Ayev sits on the floor, looking at various field reports. Mercenaries are going in and out of the makeshift base. Ayev knows that their deal with Rahihi is massive and he knows the real deal is here now. 
Ayev’s pondering about options is quickly interrupted by their new second in command, Kiko.
Kiko: If I may commander, some of our ranks are going to be defending Rahihi’s Coliseum in preparation for the War Festival, his orders.
Ayev looked at Kiko, with a look in their eyes, they could see Kiko’s hesitation in her eyes, they knew she was weary about the operation, but this contract with Rahihi was worth five hundred million dollars, based on the fortune of the valley buried here over centuries.
Ayev: You may do so, I’m going to be taking forces to my true goal
Kiko: You want me to tell Rahihi you won’t be at his festival?
Ayev: Tell him whatever you want, my quarry is the Century Corps
Kiko: I hope you succeed in our objective 
Ayev: It will be done
Ayev was in the middle of a precarious period, the Sinners Sextant had been a rough position following the Adamite Key debacle and the falling apart of the Li Cadenzo contract, but this new deal should secure Ayev the funds they need for their ultimate goal. 
Kiko left without speaking another word, as Ayev began mulling over a map, isolated from the rest of their mercenary force in their study
Throughout the rest of the base, whispers began to stir, uncertainty being a blinding fog. Two people in particular are talking about their futures within the group.
Farat: Ayev continues to isolate themselves away 
Shane: Well the guy hasn’t exactly had it easy, it hasn’t been easy since Ghice went down in that battle against The Century Corps
Farat: Wasn’t just too long I was in a conversation with one of them
Shane: What’s that girl’s name again?
Farat: It’s Yoni I’m pretty sure 
Shane: She’s different from the rest of them
Farat: Well I kinda hope we see more of her, and not in the revenge way 
Shane: Oooh someone’s got a crush
Farat: It’s nothing like that, it’s just she’s treating me like I’m my own person, I mean you don’t even do that most of the time Shane
Shane: I barely know your name Farenheit 
Farat: It’s Farat
Shane: Whatever Fartman 
Farat: Now you’re doing this on purpose!! 
Shane: So what if I am?
Farat: Well, well, well played 
Shane: Thank you
Farat: Well, what’s our future here?
Shane: We’ve got to wait for our own paths to open up?
They are joined by a few more people, forming around them. 
Shane: We’ve attracted quite the crowd
Farat: Well let’s head back to work, we don’t have anymore time to waste if we want to decide to continue here
Farat and Shane run off to join the contingent of Sinners Sextant heading off to join Rahihi’s Coliseum 
Century Corps Base Camp
At the base camp, Oseci, Mygin, Nest and Hadane are working with a map, one which Oseci has of the valley
Oseci: The Sacred Garden isn’t on this map, it was hidden by a special spell made by one of our wardens
Mygin: If it was hidden then how was it found by Rahihi’s forces?
Oseci: We were betrayed and that person was also killed by Rahihi because “Don’t want any loose ends”, I escaped by faking my own death 
Hadane: So we need aether for the Buzzard Inhibiting Device?
Nest: Aether merely turned him back into his original form, or was that the token and fountain combo?
Mygin: Original form?
Nest: As a giant evil bird
Mygin: This Buzzard is a shapeshifter?
Nest: No, but I believe that he must have changed back into his human form by escaping somewhere less aether was. Although Falconer and I blasted our aether into his form, supposedly destroying it
Oseci: Boone claims that aether is a significant weakness for The Buzzard
Nest: That could be the case
Hadane: Well any lead is better than none
Oseci: So there isn’t exactly a “massive pile of aether” lying there but some aether does reside in that area, we just need to conjure it to us 
Hadane: We should probably get someone who has an expertise in that stuff over here
Mygin: Have an idea
Mygin leaves for a minute to go grab someone 
Nest: Who is he getting?
Oseci: I think I know
Mygin returns with someone who has three metal rods protruding out of his helmet, the ever resourceful Noll
Noll: I hear you are in need of my services?
Mygin: Mind if you use your elemental resonance device to send aether energy into a receptacle of some kind?
Noll: My device doesn’t exactly work like that, I need to send the energy to a person.
Hadane: Well that should be easy enough
Noll: Not really, my device is normally used for shutting off elemental energy resonance paths in enemies, I would have to use it to open energy paths inside someone for the energy to flow into which will require some tinkering  on my part
Mygin: But theoretically it can be done?
Noll: Theoretically, yes, although I need someone who can absorb all the energy 
Nest: I can, I have before
Noll: Alright, than we should leave soon, because I’ll need to charge my remote soon and that takes a while
Oseci: I’ll get everyone ready, you can follow me to my old home, I still know the way
Oseci rallies everyone to move as a new mission for the team begins
Begin mission: Ancient Harvest 
Select your party and unit reserve, Nest and Oseci have been preselected to your party, Noll has been preselected to your active reserve 
When the party is 10% through to the Sacred Garden
Centus: Oseci, what was your home like before the attack?
Oseci: It was beautiful, a place of illustrious beauty we defended with upmost agency, it was burned down to the ground by Rahihi and he scattered the ashes to the wind. It is abandoned now
Centus: Sounds like a tragedy what he did to that place, although I have done similar, due to my many years
Oseci: How long is forever?
Centus: It feels like I have been so long that nothing truly surprises me anymore
Oseci: Have you ever committed an act  of wrong in your years of immortality?
Centus: Many, I have been on the wrong side of battles quite a few times in my lifetime 
Continue to the Sacred Garden
When the party is 20% through to the Sacred Garden
Yoni: Seems like The Buzzard stuck a few Hollows where there shouldn’t be any?
Boone: The Buzzard…
Yoni: Oh great…
Oseci: These hollows are just in our path blocking it so we cannot complete our objective 
Yoni: Warm bodies for us, or cold bodies, depending on if you believe souls have warmth or not
Hadane: They do not as my flame burned bright without one, and the temperature has not increased since I got  one 
Yoni: I asked if they were warm not if they were flammable
Continue to the Sacred Garden
When the party is 40% through to the Sacred Garden
Oiyrr: Aether exists all around us from my understanding
Oseci: That is the case, well kinda
Noll: All elemental energy is around us, we just need the right resonance to connect with it 
Oiyrr: What do you mean by “right resonance”
Noll: Well think about it like this, everyone has their own energy about them, like an individualized signature that can be detected
Oiyrr: Ok, keep going
Noll: Well latent elemental energies exist around us, baked into the fabric of the universe, and it responds to your unique signal
Oiyrr: Is that how your machine works
Noll: In a sense yes, I turn off the resonance that responds to certain elements, or in this case, I’ll increase it
Continue to Sacred Garden
When the party is 50% through to the Sacred Garden, the Sinners Sextant appear 
Sinners Sextant Captain: Oh look who showed up
Centus: Looks like we might’ve kicked the proverbial hornet’s nest
Oseci: You really think the mercenaries set their base up on the ashes of my home?
Mygin: It sounds like that is what happened
Oiyrr: Yeah they probably saw a secluded area they could just set up in no problem?
Oseci: Well that’s kind of a problem’
Nest: It’s never easy…
Centus: We didn’t sign up for easy jobs 
Fight against the Sinners Sextant in your way
When you are victorious 
Kutok: It sounds like the guys from the Sextant didn’t know what they built their base on
Oseci: I doubt they care in all honestly, it’s a place that was desecrated long ago and is unfindable on any map, it’s the perfect place to host a secret base, or it’s what they thought anyway
Kutok: We’re really good at finding stuff
Oseci: We?
Kutok: Yes, your navigational skills are very good, might put me out of a job…
Oseci: Make no mistake wayward Kutok, I’m just retracing the trail home, unlike forging new paths like yourself 
Kutok: Thank you 
Continue to the Sacred Garden
When the party is 60% of the way to the Sacred Garden
Lilac: It sounds pretty unfortunate that I get wrapped up in the revenge Sinners Sextant supposedly wants on the Century Corps
Boone: Doesn’t matter if you personally weren’t there, you join the object of revenge, you’re subject to the wrath that will come to you 
Olivia: Speaking from experience or from desire?
Boone: Why ask that? Why do you care?
Acantha: I’m pretty sure “Olivia” over there is just this light goddess who brainwashed me in a funny disguise
Olivia: Hey, I’m not Optica, I’m my own person, who makes my own decisions
Acantha: Heh, what they all say
LIlac: Alright can you leave the poor girl alone 
Acantha: Fine…
Boone: I believe you see what I mean
Lilac: Well what do you want me to do about it?
Boone: Accept that you probably can’t get the ones who want revenge on you to not want it. Revenge is a one way road to the target.
Lilac: Probably why they took a job to attack “The Century Corps” in the first place 
Continue to the Sacred Garden
When the party is 80% of the way to the Sacred Garden 
Noll: Beginning to detect the faintest aether
Oseci: We’re nearly there 
Nest: Ok, so you have to defend Noll and I while they begin directing aether energy into me from what it sounds like?
Oseci: Sounds like what the plan is
Nest: Alright, cool
Noll: Yeah no problems here 
Continue to the Sacred Garden
When you arrive at the garden, a large contingent of Sinners Sextant is active, seeing the small group of Century Corps soldiers entering the perimeter
Sinners Sextant Captain: PERIMETER BREACH, THE CENTURY CORPS HAVE ARRIVED 
Lilac: We have to be quick about this
Noll: Nest, stand where you are, I’ll get started right away
Aiden: Support will be ours to give 
Nest: Alright, I’m going to summon some aerial assistance 
Hoard: We can cover the skies together
Various magical birds and dragons begin appearing in the sky, including Nest’s Soul Falcon who’s emerged to help the fight
Noll: Nest, just stand still while I help you
Tranjoh: Noll, I’m taking over for you
Noll: Thank you
Hoard: I’ll help defend you Nest
Nest leaves your party, Noll leaves your unit reserve, Hoard joins your party (if Hoard is already in your party, a random unit is added to it), Tranjoh joins your unit reserve (if Tranjoh is already in your unit reserve, a random unit is added to it)
Ba-Bayost: A lot of fodder for my awesome arrows, come targeting one, we have quick work to make
Aiden: Join us as well gun friendo
Boone: Fine
Yoni: Well look at that, I’ll help too
Lilac: Total team effort, for the win
Acantha: These are the kinds of operations I led during my time as grand master  
Defend Nest and Noll while the aether extraction is taking place
When the aether extraction is 10% complete, a large surge of aether emerges from the ground, coating Nest in it’s soft glow
Nest: This feeling is familiar…
The Soul Falcon dives down to land on Nest’s arm, absorbing the latent energy on her arm
Hadane: Looks like your friend is drawn to your essence, glowing etherally 
Nest: He is a curious bird 
Hadane: Clearly
Mygin: I wonder what the true origin of that bird really is…
Noll: Maybe we could speculate later, clearly I have some work to do
Mygin: Of course, resume
Continue defending the aether extraction 
When the aether extraction is 25% complete 
Ba-Bayost: I love finally having a large swathe of opponents 
Boone: You think that beating the crap out of all these mercenaries isn’t going to make them more vengeful in future encounters?
Larkin: That is usually what happens, we always rise to the occasion and beat them back every time. 
Acantha: It’s really what you do in situations like this
Centus: People are persistent, you can’t always get them to surrender at the first go around
Boone: Maybe I don’t have what it takes…
Continue defending the aether extraction
When the aether extraction is 50% complete
Nest: I’m feeling a little light
Noll: Yeah that should be normal
Larkin: Had a brother that absorbed a bunch of aether to grow big, can’t say that ended well
Iehn: We defeated him…
Nest: Yeah we were there for that 
Hadane: At the tail end but yeah
Larkin: Right…right 
Continue defending the aether extraction 
When the aether extraction is 75% complete, a familiar face flies out of the base
Ayev: Look who showed up on my front door
Centus: Decided to show yourself Ayev
Ayev: Well your guild is the object of my revenge, traitor 
Boone: It’s like looking in a mirror…
Ayev: You, we have nothing in common, for as long as you stand with the Century Corps, you stand in opposition of me and my path
Yoni: You make it sound like you didn’t have a choice to turn your life around
Ayev: Ah look who it is, decided to show your true colors didn’t you?
Yoni: You could have been right here by my side if you had listened to reason 
Ayev: Betraying me long ago, my sentimentality made me weak
Lilac: I’m sorry I don’t know what we did again?
Ayev: You’re pretenders to the guild that made the Sextant a JOKE
Acantha: Listen don’t blame me for that
Ayev: OH, even the person who freed the people like me has decided to stand against me, you love betraying people don’t you
Acantha: I was manipulated by a light goddess and then shot off a building, don’t know what you want from me, what you want scraps over there to go make me evil again?
Olivia: Ok come on that’s not exactly fair to me
Centus: Getting our people freed from a prison was one thing, this crusade is something else
Ayev: Ya know what. I don’t want to hear anymore “reasoning” from this gaggle of hypocrisy, I’m done listening to empty words and vacant promises 
Fight against Ayev
When Ayev is at 75% health
Larkin: Awkward…
Lilac: What do you mean awkward…
Larkin: We’ve gone like a few momments without the guy we’re fighting saying something that makes them sound incredibly arrogant 
Lilac: Is that so routine you come to expect it?
Larkin: Yeah
Ayev: I can still hear you!!
Larkin: No…not arrogant enough yet
Resume against Ayev
When Ayev is at 50% health 
Ba-Bayost: I wonder why we don’t charge into enemy bases and ransack the hell of them more often, this is fun
Mygin: We’re not ransacking, because that would imply we are stealing their stuff
Ba-Bayost: I mean technically we are stealing the aether from their lawn 
Mygin: Ok, well….
Ba-Bayost: Checkmate old man
Mygin: You are probably older than me
Ba-Bayost: Right I am three hundred years old 
Centus: How did you manage that as a normal human?
Ba-Bayost: Diet of heavenly peaches I stole a long time ago
Ayev: Don’t steal our stuff!
Ba-Bayost: Says the guy trying to kill us
Yoni: Ya know someone hired Ayev once to steal something from my family, it’s how I got here
Ayev: I hate your sister 
Yoni: Me too
Ayev: I hate you too
Yoni: Hey
Resume against Ayev
When Ayev is at 25% health 
Hoard: I wonder why more people don’t just fly, these guys do it often?
Kutok: They’ve got like special flight equipment for it
Hoard: Like what, some kind of jet pack?
Nest: You are so close yet so far on so many things…
Ayev: Why are you people like this?
Yoni: Mental illness 
Lilac: What, come on that’s a reach
Yoni: You literally have another voice in your head 
Acantha: She’s got a point champ
Lilac: HEY, you WANT to be here!!
Resume against Ayev
When Ayev is defeated 
Ayev: Being defeated by the guild I hate most at my house might be a new low 
Iehn: Listen you never got heckled to death so things could be much worse for you 
Larkin: It’s not being heckled to death if the person you heckled survived 
Ayev: Ok. I’m going to get every member of the Sextant here, you won’t survive our sheer numbers
Suddenly, the extraction of aether is done and the mist of aether is gone
Noll: Looks like we can leave now
Boone: Look at that
Ayev: HEY, NO
Ayev tries to rush the corps again, throwing Boone into Nest so they can try to keep the guild there for longer
Boone: Ouch
Nest: You said it first
Aiden: We should probably get going
Tranjoh: Alright hop abroad 
Ayev: HEY. NO NO NO YOU ARE STAYING HERE!!
Hoard: Dragon, hit it
Hoard’s aerial assistance command is answered as a Dragon fires a wall of fire that obscures the escape of the Century Corps
Ayev: They beat me up in front of my base and don’t even have the decency to let me destroy them…
Ayev balls their fist
Ayev: I’ll see you again soon…
== Chapter 7 ==
About a day has passed since the aether extraction and the construction of The Buzzard inhibiting device is nearly complete. Ohss is putting the finishing touches on it as the camp waits restlessly and thoughts began to stir
Mainly in the expeditionary force’s makeshift kitchen, where Ba-Bayost is being irresponsible with several culinary elements 
Tranjoh: You can’t eat raw eggs!!
Ba-Bayost: Uh, yeah I can
Larkin: He totally can
Tranjoh: But why?
Ba-Bayost: They’re delicious
Tranjoh: …
Uruo: Are we sure you are a human?
Ba-Bayost: Yes
Uruo: Ok then
Larkin: Listen I can’t even eat raw eggs and I’m made of regenerative soup
Aiden: Are you yummy?
Larkin: I’m not made of literal soup
Iehn: You’re a little lukewarm
Larkin: Not relevant
Iehn: It literally is
Boone: The instrument of my revenge is nearly complete and you want to think about these trivialities?
Aiden: Lighten up Boone
Uruo: Ain’t no harm in enjoying yourself
Boone thinks back to lighter days before snapping out of it as quickly as they began.
Boone: Sorry I can’t at the moment, it’s imperative that I focus on the task ahead. Can’t lose focus
Uruo: I understand
Aiden: Yeah, I get it, but don’t get mad at others for having some lighthearted fun
Boone continues sitting with their thoughts alone as Uruo and Aiden continue to walk past the kitchen scene being made
Iehn: Ba-Bayost? Say you eat those raw eggs, what happens to your body afterwards?
Ba-Bayost: I get a little fever before violently sh-
Iehn: Ok ok I think I understand
Larkin: Dude just appears to be immune to salmonella
Ba-Bayost: Is this “salmonella” you speak of a demon? If so I wish to face it, I will slaughter it and spread it’s ashes to the wind
Larkin: Salmonella is a disease
Ba-Bayost: All demons are, ok where can we fight it?
Iehn: No it’s an actual disease, you get it from eating raw eggs and meats
Ba-Bayost: Raw meat? All meat is good regardless of color
Iehn: Ok well that explains his resistance
Ba-Bayost: Yes eating tons of meat increased my muscle mass to incredible proportions allowing me to fight demons easier
Larkin: You don’t look that large in stature
Ba-Bayost: This armor hides my incredible athleticism and imposing stature
Iehn: Let me see your medical documents real quick
Iehn reaches into her back pocket, pulling out a file of various medical documents
Larkin: Why do you have that?
Iehn: Makes being a team player easier, your weight should be recorded on here Ba-Bayost
Ba-Bayost: What do you see?
Iehn: Wow those are incredible proportions, you are three hundred fifty pounds, natural bodyweight
Larkin: How does he move in that armor?
Ba-Bayost: Like I said I’m very athletic, I can move at very fast speeds despite my weight, although three-fifty seems on the lower side, I had a compatriot who once weighed six hundred pounds
Iehn: Dudes were built different
Larkin: Like me
Iehn: Well not in the literal sense
Suddenly, a meeting is called, the time to deploy the mission to inhibit The Buzzard is upon them
Larkin: Well we must go now, we have a mission to attend to
Everyone makes their way to the center of the camp, where Lilac and Ohss stand with Nest, displaying The Buzzard inhibition device
Ohss: Well it took a lot of work, and testing, but the device is now complete. Activating it should weaken The Buzzard’s darkness powers temporarily so we can subdue the beast and obtain the Dark Mirror shard
Lilac: Thanks for that analysis Ohss
Ohss: Your welcome
Acantha: Reminds me of a machine I saw some plans for in Loren’s old folders?
Lilac: Was that one of your co-conspirators?
Acantha: Well, he was a member of the old guild
Lilac: Ok, yeah
Yerod: Alright guys, let’s try to get this show on the road
Nest: Yeah that sounds like a good idea
Olivia: Remember, retrieval of the shard is the utmost priority, elimination of the Buzzard is not a current priority as recovery of the shard should aid in that goal.
Boone: …Fine…I’ll settle it later
Larkin: Well, let’s go looking for a shard
Oiyrr: Well, where do we go?
Lilac: What do you mean?
Oiyrr: Where are we luring out The Buzzard?
Ohss: Oh right, the soul energy is baked into the lure
Oiyrr: So what, he’s just going to chase us?
Nest: That might be the case
Suddenly, the sky darkens overhead, as Hollows descend into the camp
Lilac: Well crap
Acantha: You think you would have a better plan?
Lilac: NOT NOW
A familiar figure appears in the skyline
The Buzzard: Yummy yummy soul energy and it’s being delivered to me by my favorite guild, you are too kind
Larkin: We should hit the ground running
Nest: Ok, yeah, I think-
The Soul Falcon leaves Nest’s side as it begins flying overhead
The Buzzard: Get back here you slimy little bird…
Nest: Ok follow my friend
Begin Mission: Friend In Flight
Select your party and unit reserve 
Follow the Soul Falcon’s flight path 
When you are 10% through the flight path 
The Buzzard: Let me eat it, let me eat it!!
Hadane: I don’t think so
Hadane sends a blast of fire at the The Buzzard, temporarily burning him
The Buzzard: Oh fun flaming trick, I see it lacks the fire of a true soul
Hadane: It’s a will of my own
The Buzzard: Hehe, whatever you say
Nest: You mind leaving her alone?
The Buzzard: Oh…now you have the gall to tell me what to do??
Nest: …
The Buzzard: That’s what I thought
Resume following The Soul Falcon
When you are 20% through the Soul Falcon’s flight path
Lilac: Nest, do you know where it’s going!!
Nest: I have no idea, but I trust it’s judgment
Lilac: You’re gonna trust the strange soul creature?
Nest: Yeah trusting strange souls seemed to end up pretty well in your case so I think it’s gonna work out now
Lilac: …
Acantha: Youch
Lilac: Just shut up
Acantha: I haven’t even done anything to earn this today?
Lilac: …
Yerod: Lilac?
Lilac: We can talk about it later
Resume following The Soul Falcon
When you are 30% through the flight path
The Buzzard: I’m still behind you, it’s still ahead of you, aren’t you just asking to get caught in the middle??
Boone: Listen here monster, what you think you are going to get out of this is not what you believe
The Buzzard: Uhm yeah, I’ll get my favorite flying snack?
Oiyrr: Why do you want to eat the falcon so much?
The Buzzard: High in nutrients
Aiden: That can’t be the only reason
The Buzzard: Uh yeah it is
Oseci: Alright flying death menace, we believe you
The Buzzard: Thank you
Resume following the Soul Falcon’s flight path
When you are 40% through the flight path
Yoni: How many hollows are in this guy’s arsenal
The Buzzard: Well that’s a loaded question gilded warrior, It has to do with the amount of souls of the innocent I consume combined with the amount of crests I steal and also has to do with my dark energy and-
Yoni: It was a rhetorical you dope I don’t actually want to know the number
The Buzzard: Here’s the thing, I don’t know the actual number of them
Yoni: Keep track of your evil minions
The Buzzard: No, I love it when I’m flying and causing death and I see that my hollows have burnt down a village of the innocent thus fueling my army of darkness
Resume following the Soul Falcon’s flight path
When you are 50% through the flight path
Centus: Mygin
Mygin: Centus
Centus: You seem to know more about this valley then anyone else, mind telling us what you know about the falcon?
Mygin: Well we’re under significant duress, but I can assure you that I know precious little about the Soul Falcon
The Buzzard: I know about it
Centus: Ok and you wouldn’t just reveal its secrets
The Buzzard: Yeah…..
Mygin: Looks like we’re staring at a blank slate
Centus: Well you tried
Mygin: I did
Resume following the Soul Falcon’s flight path
When you are 60% through the flight path
Kutok: Wait, why are we letting a fickle bird lead us instead of uh, the team navigator?
Nest: Are you being chased by the giant death man?
Kutok: Yes?
Nest: Ok well were you a priority target of his before this moment?
Kutok: No…
Nest: Ok, so we’re following the falcon
Kutok: My identity feels robbed
The Buzzard: That’s what I do to the souls that become hollows
Kutok: Yikes
Nest: Just ignore him
The Buzzard: You wish you could
Resume following the Soul Falcon’s flight path
When you are 70% through the flight path 
Acantha: This reminds me of the Nightlanders
Olivia: In what way?
Acantha: Well, it’s primordial darkness energy I can kind of sense
Olivia: Well this seems different
The Buzzard: Astute observation lightling
Acantha: Right, you are part of my enemy
Olivia: FORMERLY, part of your enemy
Lilac: Acantha stop starting fights
Acantha: How about you finish one?
Yerod: Break it up you two
Resume following the Soul Falcon’s flight path
When you are 80% through the flight path 
Mygin: I’m consulting all data I might have on The Buzzard
Centus: Find anything?
Mygin: It’s a subject that seems to avoid the pages
The Buzzard: You fester in the shadows long enough, no one remembers your name
Centus: Seems like you love hiding in the dark
The Buzzard: It’s not cowardice if you survive
Resume following the Soul Falcon’s flight path
When you are 90% through the flight path
Nest: I think we’re almost there
Kutok: Oh yeah I feel something
Ohss: I still have the device
The Buzzard: That breakfast basket?
Ohss: It does something really cool
The Buzzard: Oh would you mind telling me?
Ohss: Just wait and see
Olivia: Alright, let’s get ready to claim the objective
Resume following the Soul Falcon’s path
When you are done following the flight path, the Soul Falcon sits perched in a ruined village
The Buzzard: Oh look at the bird, sitting perched in a bed of corpses I made
Olivia: Alright hit it Ohss
Ohss: You got it boss
Ohss slides the device across the floor, drawing The Buzzard’s attention to it
The Buzzard: Oooh what’s th-
The Buzzard touching it activates a large aether shock that paralyzes him temporarily
Olivia: Alright seize the shard
Oseci, Centus and Yoni all rush to attack The Buzzard and free the shard from his grasp but he ends up holding onto the shard despite the triple hit
The Buzzard: You’re gonna have to hit a lot harder than that to get this shard out of my grasp
Olivia: Alright, I’ll just have to full send it
As The Buzzard gets up, Olivia fires a massive beam of light at The Buzzard , trying to dissolve his dark grip but he pulls out the Dark Mirror Shard, the impact of the beam against the shard creates a small crack in the shard that opens a small rift between worlds, revealing part of the White World
The Buzzard: Intriguing young witch
Acantha: I KNEW IT
Olivia: Knew what??
Acantha: Oh you want to play dumb?
Olivia: Listen I had no idea that attack was going to cause that…
Acantha: Lilac we’re killing that witch
The Buzzard: You go and do that, kill each other, make my escape easy
The Buzzard gets up and tries to fly away but Boone and Ba-Bayost begin firing ranged attacks at him
The Buzzard: You must make this so damn difficult!!
Lilac: Acantha!! You are out of your mind
Acantha: The goddess manipulated me, now she is in a new form to trick us, she must die
Olivia: I’m my own person now, I am outside of her shadow
Acantha: No…you’re not
Acantha tries to possess Lilac’s body to attack Olivia but Lilac doesn’t let her in
Lilac: Your irrationality is beyond me, stop letting your paranoia drive the train!!
Acantha: It’s not paranoia when I have a good reason!!
Nest: Break it up you two
The Buzzard: I’m going to get away
Boone: Uh, no you won’t!!
The Buzzard: My special is on the way
Nest: TAKE COVER NOW
The Buzzard releases the impact of all the attacks leveled against him and sends out a shockwave that knocks everyone to the ground and levels the already desecrated village
The Buzzard: I almost forgot to grab my snack
The Buzzard tries moving towards the Soul Falcon but it dives to Nest and once again hides in her armor
The Buzzard: Oh well, you will never get this shard!!
The Buzzard moves to fly away as more stray attacks fly his way
Acantha: See, that white witch is in cahoots with that creature of malice
Olivia: Coming here was MY idea
Acantha: Yeah, so you could pool your dark forces!!
Lilac: Acantha, THAT IS ENOUGH
Acantha: Well-
Lilac: You keep doing things for no other reason than your own paranoia, if you had just had a sense to stay where you were, than
Yerod: Alright, we get it Lilac, Acantha has no place to keep making irrational decisions
Acantha: You too?
Yerod: Yeah
Olivia: Thank you Yerod and Lilac, for trusting me
The Buzzard: Alright it’s officially time to make my leave
Hadane: No it’s not
The Buzzard: What do you mean it’s not?
Oiyrr: We need the shard
The Buzzard: Oh you are fools
Fight against The Buzzard
When he is at 80%
The Buzzard: Watching you struggle gives me life
Boone: We’re taking you down this time!
Olivia: You’re going down
The Buzzard: I seriously doubt it
Resume against The Buzzard
When he is at 60%
The Buzzard: You are fools
Boone: This is foolish I don’t want to be sensible
Ohss: I think I can activate the device again if we can continue taking up his time
Nest: We’ll try
Resume against The Buzzard
When he is at 50%
The Buzzard: Chipping away, chipping away, all your life spent at an impossible goal
Lilac: What would that be?
The Buzzard: The peace you seek will never come
Centus: And how would you know?
The Buzzard: As long as people have the capacity to hate, there will never be peace because I will always be around
Resume against The Buzzard
When he is at 40%
Ohss: Ready
Ohss moves to activate the device
The Buzzard: Hahahaha, see you later chumps
Nest: No get back her-
As the device goes off, The Buzzard flees into the sky with the shard still in his possession
Olivia: Well that didn’t go to plan
Lilac: I believe we need to formulate a new plan to obtain the shard
Uruo: Anyone got any ideas?
Nest: None right now
Boone: I swear…
Uruo: Well, I believe we probably shouldn’t store soul energy at our camp, or we’ll have stuff like this happen again
Olivia: Let’s table this for when we get back to the base
The Century Corps collects themselves and heads back to the base
Mission End
Back at the Century Corps camp, Olivia is sitting down, looking at her mirror of reflection. 
Olivia: I wonder why the White World opened in that location?
As Olivia ponders her mirror, Hadane slumps down next to her, sweating profusely
Olivia: Are you alright Hadane?
Hadane: I should be asking you that Olivia, one of our own, just tried to attack you…
Olivia: I’m just wondering what caused that rift, it must be something to do with the magic energy of mirrors. It’s possible the actual dark mirror itself originated in the White World…
Hadane: Well, that might be a theory worth exploring, I just wanted to let you know about the plan for tomorrow?
Olivia: Oh really, there’s already a new plan?
Hadane: Well sort of, Uruo wants us to infiltrate his father’s coliseum to find devices that can help us as he stores them in a treasure chamber under the coliseum.
Olivia: Oh and thus tracking down the devices might allow us to…what do we get from this exactly?
Hadane: Uruo says that Rahihi might have a mirror similar to yours and the dark one in his stash
Olivia: Alright well that’s a good lead
Hadane: Yeah, it is
Hadane’s sweat begins pooling on the floor
Olivia: Do you have a fever
Hadane: No…I’m fine
Olivia: You don’t look the part
Hadane: I swear…I’m fine
Olivia: Are you sure, are you really sure?
Hadane: I SW-
Hadane calms down and looks at Olivia
Hadane: Fine, I’ll tell you what’s up but you have to PROMISE not to tell anyone else
Olivia: I won’t tell a soul
Hadane: So you know how I was born without a soul and how I now have a soul because Iseri dueled Death?
Olivia: I’m familiar with that story, what does that have to do with your current condition
Hadane: Well I also have the mark of flames within me, as I am a fire sorcerer, I think that I may have been given the soul of a Phoenix…
Olivia: Oh, and if that was the case, why is this only happening now
Hadane: I think it’s the Soul Tree, it’s calling out to me, wanting me to go inside and reach my true form…
Olivia: Hadane, I wish you told me sooner
Hadane: Well I only found out a few days ago…
Olivia: I mean you should have told me as soon as this started happening
Hadane: Fair enough…
Olivia: So what’s next…
Hadane: No clue, but I promise to stand by the Century Corps’s side no matter what
After Hadane’s declaration of loyalty, she passed out and Olivia carried her back to bed.
== Chapter 8 ==
Outside of Rahihi’s War Coliseum 
The Sinners Sextant and Rahihi’s various goons have set up various checkpoints around the area, with them watching over to make sure that people Rahihi doesn’t want interrupting his festivities do not enter and are captured. 
Guarding a checkpoint at this current point in time are Farat and Shane, guarding one close to the back of the coliseum. 
Farat: Well this sucks
Shane: Hey, we get paid to watch this warlord’s back gate
Farat: Yeah but like, other guys are getting to watch the events up close, I heard that Rahihi’s men brought in a live bull
Shane: Really? That’s what’s getting you excited
Farat: It’s so boring out here
Shane: Fair enough
Farat: I need a raise
Shane: SAME
Farat: I mean we’ve been here for a while, before Ghice decided to chase that stupid chalice
Shane: Yeah what a load of crap that turned out to be
Farat: I mean, I can’t stand some people who think that it was a righteous crusade, all Ghice cared about was MONEY
Shane: And all Ayev cares about is revenge
Farat: Yeah, I wish we had stable leadership
Shane: Mentally?
Farat: Yeah
Shane: Remember when Ghice had us dumpster dive for a client because they gave them ten thousand dollars?
Farat: Oh yeah that sucked
Shane: Had all that trash come out into the bathtub
Farat: Yeah the facility stunk for WEEKS
Shane: What I wouldn’t give for those days again
As their conversation winds to its end, a wagon pulls up to their spot, it looks ghastly and ethereal in appearance. 
Farat: Freak wagon
Shane: That looks vaguely familiar
The driver of the wagon pulls up the curtain to reveal themselves
Tranjoh: Hello, it’s me, an ordinary wagon driver
Farat: Are you an “ordinary wagon driver” as in just your regular old wagon driver or are you an “ordinary wagon driver” as in you are driving an ordinary wagon?
Tranjoh: Yes
Farat: Yes?
Tranjoh: Glad we are on the same page
Farat: Wait no I-
Shane: Sorry traveler my co-worker LOVES grammar
Farat: I was making sure I understood correctly and no I don’t
Shane: If you love grammar so much why don’t you marry it?
Farat: Ok, really man?
Tranjoh: Can I pass through here?
Shane: Should we let them?
Farat: Shouldn’t we check their cargo?
Shane: Eh, I don’t think so it’s just an ordinary wagon
Tranjoh: Indeed this wagon is completely ordinary with no special properties
Shane: That settles it, you are free to go
Farat: They’re clearly using sarcasm
Tranjoh: Oh guys look over there a dragon
Shane: WHAT!!
Shane and Farat look over head to see a dragon above their heads as Tranjohh takes their wagon through the checkpoint while they are distracted
After a bit more traveling to the point where they are behind the coliseum, the Century Corps emerge from the wagon
Hoard: Behold, why you bring a dragon with you on stealth missions
Lilac: I’m surprised that even worked
Oiyrr: I think bringing a dragon with you on a stealth mission only works in very specific contexts
Hoard: All I hear is “well Hoard the plan might not have worked” but it DID because those guys were DUMMIES and EASILY DISTRACTED
Oiyrr: To be fair dragons are hardly an everyday occurrence s-
Uruo: Can we just go on and steal Rahihi’s stuff now?
Ba-Bayost: I love theft
Hadane (Still sweating): Yup, thievery and trickery…sounds fun
Nest: Are you ok?
Hadane: I am perfectly fine
Centus: Well, if you say so
Yoni: This is my second heist, technically, I wasn’t the one hiesting the first time, I am actually robbing the people who were stealing from my family this time around
Uruo: Time to do some good ol fashioned robbing
Begin Mission: Got a Rob to Do
Select Party and Unit Reserve 
Begin moving to the Coliseum’s back entrance
When the party arrives at the entrance, several of Rahihi’s thugs and a few members of Sinners Sextant take notice of the approaching intruders
Sinners Sextant Member: What the-
Uruo: Hello
Uruo freezes the guards solid with his ice runes, letting them walk into the back of the Coliseum undetected 
Oseci: The freeze classic, works every time
Yoni: Yeah it’s a neat trick
Oseci: Man hopefully we can kill Rahihi today, no offense Uruo
Uruo: None taken I hate that guy
Ba-Bayost: It’s thieving time
Nest: Let’s get to the bottom of this
Larkin: Quite literally
Begin going down the coliseum floors 
When the party reaches lower floor 1
Uruo: Remember, search every inch of this place, we want to make sure we love no stone unturned
Larkin: Sounds like a plan to me boss
Lilac: I’m boss
Larkin: Well, it’s your plan
Lilac: Eh, fair enough
Explore the first lower floor 
When you are 50% through exploring the first floor, a small blotch of strange, multicolored goo appears on the floor
Nest: Larkin? Is that yours?
Larkin: It’s not mine
Strange Goo: Nope
The party is startled in reaction to the green goo talking directly to them, as they shuffled backwards in response
Strange Goo: Hi, my name is “Phill”, I live here
Larkin: Hi Phill, you sound familiar for some reason
Nest: I hear it too
Hadane: Me too
Centus: Me three
“Phill?”: I promise you, I’m nothing more than innocent goo trapped under this warlord’s coliseum
Lilac: Am I dead?
Larkin: No this happens more often than you think it does
“Phill?”: If you are looking for the warlord’s treasure, it’s on the fourth floor underneath this one
Uruo: Thank you Phill, that’s good to know
“Phill?”: Any time brave adventurers
Phill? Disappears under the floor, leaving everyone clueless
Larkin: Something felt wrong about that
Centus: You don’t think Phill is as it seems?
Larkin: No…I don’t…
Centus: Fair enough it’s just some strange sloppy goo
Aiden: That was weird
Yoni: I’ve never witnessed talking goo before, aside from Larkin, no offense
Larkin: None taken
Iehn: I wonder why I had a great sense of deja vu
Larkin: You and me both Iehn
Uruo: Well if the treasure is really down there we know Phill is not a liar
Larkin: Well, let’s just go and see
Continue exploring the first floor
When you are done exploring, move towards the elevator and move down one floor
When you have moved down one floor, a bunch of Rahihi’s thugs are down there, congregating outside the elevator 
Uruo: Well crap
Rahihi Thug: Hey, get out of here
Yoni: Make us
Fight against Rahihi’s goons
When you win 
Uruo: Well, let’s get to overturning every bit of this place, if Phill is lying to us we will know soon enough.
Larkin: I just have a weird feeling about this place
Uruo: Well you should, my father designed it that way
Larkin: Why?
Uruo: To ward off intruders, like us
Larkin: That makes a lot of sense
Olivia: If he didn’t want people in this coliseum, why set up an intricate festival where it is the center of attention
Uruo: Because we’re below the coliseum, all the festivities are in the coliseum, if that clears up your confusion
Olivia: It does
Ba-Bayost: Now let’s get back to robbery
Aiden: We haven’t found anything worth taking yet?
Ba-Bayost: Untrue, I have already stolen several objects
Uruo: Like stray trinkets
Ba-Bayost: Yeah, like this
Ba-Bayost pulls out a Yo-Yo he had previously stolen 
Uruo: Rahihi famously hates Yo-Yos
Ba-Bayost: Oh…
Centus: Ba-Bayost, did you perhaps steal that…before we arrived in the valley
Ba-Bayost: I plead the fifth
Centus: Ok then
Begin exploring the second floor under the coliseum 
When you are complete exploring the second floor
Mygin: I am seeing some trinkets that provide interesting historical anecdotes but nothing of substance that indicates something useful to our cause
Uruo: That’s a shame
Centus: Mygin, you are certainly taking acute notice of what’s in this place
Mygin: My research is the thing that I value most, aside from the guild
Centus: That’s very kind of you Mygin
The party moves towards the elevator and goes down one more floor to the third one 
Uruo: One more floor until we see if we can trust Phill or not
Larkin: That guy just…rubs me the wrong way
Iehn: Me too, like I feel like there’s someone we’ve encountered before who’s made of goo and very evil
Explore the third floor
When you are done exploring the third floor
Hoard: I never thought a heist could be this boring
Uruo: It’s not boring, it’s practical
Hoard: Robbing a dragon comes with way more fanfare then this
Uruo: We don’t want fanfare we want to get what we came here for and get out
Hoard: Fine…
Uruo: Thank you
Olivia: Let’s see the truth soon
The party once again goes back to the elevator to head to the fourth floor under
When the elevator gets to the bottom, the party steps out to see more of Rahihi’s guards 
Rahihi Goon: TRESPASSERS
Uruo: Get out of my sight
Uruo freezes the guards effortlessly before any scuffle can begin
Larkin: Cold
Mygin: Quite literally
Hadane: Enough with the temperature puns please
Olivia: I feel something…
Olivia puts her fingers into the air, triggering the sound of distant beeping
Acantha: That witch is up to something
Lilac: Oh will you shut up about it
Olivia: Not the time you two
The Century Corps follow Olivia down the hallway as the beeping continues, following her and the noises as they get louder. A large pile of antiques, gold and other miscellaneous treasures appears in their field of view, as the beeping gets louder.
Olivia: I need a closer look
The Century Corps step really close to the large pile, as Olivia sets her eyes on the object making the beeping noise, a pile of goo is sticking to some stray gold coins on the floor
“Phill?”: Told you the treasure was down here
Larkin: I guess you weren’t lying
“Phill?”: Yeah I didn’t lie about the treasure being down here
Larkin: What?
“Phill?”: What?
Iehn: What did you lie about?
“Phill?”: I didn’t lie about anything, I’m little ole Phill
Hadane: Hey…
Olivia: I think I recognize this
Olivia uncovered the beeping object, the robotic figure they found earlier while venturing towards the mining site
Centus: That mysterious object
A loud beeping noise is heard as the object begins opening it’s eyes
???: Online…coming…online
Olivia: What is it doing?
Suddenly, the platform the Century Corps is on with the treasure begins rising up
Uruo: Ah crap
Hoard: Things just got interesting
As the platform begins rising, Olivia sees the mysterious robotic figure is holding onto a mirror
Olivia: What the-
???: Initializing reboot
Uruo: Why can I see the top of the arena?
Ba-Bayost: FIGHTING!! WOOOOOOOOO
Aiden: Oh wow Uruo, right into Rahihi’s war coliseum
Olivia tries wrestling for the mirror as the figure activates but is unable to wrestle it from it’s grasp. As the platform rises into the war arena, with the pile of treasure and the Century Corps in plain view of the audience 
The Century Corps look around and see Vakakoya, Witch, Kiki and Ayev in the booth, along with a figure who looks like Uruo holding a staff, the warlord Rahihi.
Uruo: He’s up in that booth
The arena fills with a deafening noise
Rahihi (Over Intercom): GENTLEMEN, IT SEEMS SOME THIEVES TRIED BREAKING INTO MY VAULT
The roar of the crowd of Rahihi’s goons block out the thoughts in Uruo’s head
Nest: Well looks like we gotta fight for our lives
Centus: We rarely don’t have to fight for our lives
Yoni: I’ve never fought inside a coliseum before
Oseci: The warlord’s coliseum is a truly horrid environment
Suddenly, the strange figure finally finishes booting and introduces itself 
Relic: ID, Relic, Mission: Absorb
Olivia: Guys turn around
Mygin: Oh cr-
Before anyone else can say anything Relic’s mirror blasts a bright flash that temporarily blinds everyone in the vicinity and runs away.
Acantha: Is that one of yours?
Olivia: It’s not mine
Lilac: Well we’ll wrangle that thing later since it had what we came for
Nest: Weird how none of us really did anything about it
Centus: To be fair we have bigger priorities at the present
Rahihi (Over Intercom): And look, my no good son is here too with his thieving guild buddies
Uruo: My no good dad here is with his hired goons ruining everyone’s life
Larkin: Well at least things can’t get any w-
Iehn: Why are you even tempting fate by saying that
Larkin: Whoops
Suddenly, a wall of goo begins rising out of the arena depths 
Larkin: Phill??
Rahihi (Over Intercom): Looks like a challenger has appeared to take on my thieving son and his thief friends for me, what a generous wall of slime that mysterious goo turned out to be
Larkin: Phill you better explain yourself
“Phill?”: I lied Larkin
Larkin: I never said my name was Larkin…
Nest: I remember now
Iehn: Yup, it’s all coming back to me
The goo begins forming together, into a person some members of the guild are very familiar with at this point
Lark2n: My name isn’t Phill
Larkin: YOU SON OF A B-
Rahihi (Over Intercom): If his name isn’t Phill, I wonder what it possibly could be
Uruo: Oh knock it off old man
Lark2n: Surprised I’m not dead?? Of course you are
Larkin: You just get UGLIER with each new version
Lark2n: Oh, just because I’m good at adapting, I’m “ugly”
Nest: Objectively
Iehn: Downright disgusting
Lilac: You look hideous
Mygin: Couldn’t agree more
Larkin: See Lark2n, you look so ugly right now
Lark2n: Well this ugly guy’s gonna kick your ass
Larkin: WHY?
Lark2n: I just feel like it
Rahihi (Over Intercom): And the rumble is about to begin folks, how long will the puny Century Corps last against this mean, green, slushy titan?
Uruo: Oh give it a rest old man
Fight against Lark2n
When he is at 80%
Larkin: No seriously Lark2n what do you have to gain from this?
Lark2n: Well you’ve messed up my plan to sell immortality to society and become a living god so I’m pretty ticked about that
Larkin: Oh come on you know that was wrong
Lark2n: Well, maybe it was
Larkin: Well Sinners Sextant also was messing with your plan
Lark2n: Well, I’m not mad at them
Larkin: OH COME ON
Lilac: Are they always like this?
Iehn: Well yeah, Lark2n is an evil clone of Larkin
Lilac: What?
Iehn: Long story
Resume against Lark2n 
When he is at 60% 
Kiko (Intercom): Oh, and as a message to the stupid slime monster, you were a horrible boss
Lark2n: No I wasn’t former underling
Larkin: She might want to talk to HR
Lark2n: That’s not my circus, not my monkeys
Larkin: You were never meant to have a large following
Mygin: Are we just gonna let them talk shit to each other for the whole fight?
Centus: Sibling rivalry
Mygin: Fair point
Boone: My kids were like this, in a more playful way
Resume against Lark2n
When he is at 40%
Lark2n: Oh and by the way, your hair looks terrible
Larkin: Thank you, I’ve really taken inspiration from your face
Lark2n: You look like a middle aged father who left his siblings to play in his old high school band
Larkin: Thank you, I’m really proud to look mature
Lark2n: You are denser than osmium
Larkin: What is osmium?
Iehn: I actually don’t know
Lark2n: Man I hate being the only smart person here
Mygin: Osmium refers to Element 76 on the Periodic Table, it is the densest known material in the universe
Lark2n: Second only to Larkin’s brain
Larkin: Thank you, I really love being a winner
Lark2n: How did he make it this far
Iehn: I have no idea
Larkin: Me neither but I’ve chosen not to question it
Continue against Lark2n
When Lark2n is at 20%
Lark2n: I thought this would be easier this time?
Larkin: Think again loser, all you do is lose
Lark2n: Well statistically you aren’t wrong
Rahihi (Over Intercom): This trash talk is weak people, the crowd is losing its juice
Lark2n: What does he want me to say, “you suck and I hate you”
Larkin: You don’t seem on edge as you were before
Lark2n: Why don’t you hurry up and defeat me already?
Larkin: Ok?
Iehn: This feels wrong
Uruo: Let’s just go for it
Resume against Lark2n
When he is finally defeated, the goo falls all over the arena
Rahihi (Over Intercom): I don’t believe it, those THIEVES have defeated my green titan
Ayev: I don’t think it was your champion si-
Rahihi (Over Intercom): I GUESS I’LL JUST SEND IN MY LOYAL FOLLOWERS
A large group of Rahihi’s followers motion to attack the Century Corps
Uruo: Well, we’re screwed
Lark2n: Well, I suppose you’re in quite the pickle
Larkin: You can say that
Lark2n: Well, let’s just say that, it would be really convenient for you if I helped you out in this situation, like a little helpful “Phill”
Larkin: That would be convenient…but it’s not like you’re suddenly going to help us after fighting us?
Iehn: That would be incredibly weird and out of character
Lark2n: Well, I wasn’t going to kill you even if I did win, because there’s something I would like to talk about later
Larkin: Really? So what was this
Lark2n: A distraction
Lilac: I’m sorry to interrupt this, but we should get going
Lark2n: Well, let me enable your departure
As Rahihi’s followers move down into the arena, Lark2n blasts a large array of goo at them, sticking them to their place
Rahihi: Wait what’s going on
Larkin: Well shit let’s go, find us later
Lark2n: Will do
The Century Corps turns to escape the arena as Lark2n continues to assail Rahihi’s goons
Olivia: Kutok, which way to find that figure
Kutok: Just follow me, I believe I can lead us to it
As Lark2n fires away, the Century Corps escapes the arena to pursue Relic
End Mission
== Chapter 9 ==
The Century Corps are a few minutes out from Lark2n’s slimy outburst, tracking down Relic
Kutok: I am having a hard time getting a read on it, it seems to be moving towards the Soul Tree
The Century Corps keeps following Kutok as she tries to guide them towards Relic, the robotic entity is far away
Begin Mission: Relic Hunt
Select Party and Unit Reserve 
Hadane: I think w-
Hadane has to catch her breath for a second
Hadane: We should pursue the entity with the utmost haste
Nest: Are you ok?
Olivia: We’re running around in armor, it’s ok if one of us needs to catch a breath
Hadane flashes a quick thumbs up at Olivia
Mygin: So Olivia, what do you know about this “relic”
Olivia: I know nothing, it’s mirror is strange, nothing like I’ve seen
Lilac: Really?
Olivia: Yeah, although its presence can’t be a coincidence
Lilac: Do you think it was placed here?
Olivia: Possibly
Kutok: I’ve got a read on it, we should keep up the pursuit
Begin down Relic’s Trail
When the party is 10% through following Relic’s trail
Kutok: Seems like a barrage of random hollows and assorted goons of Rahihi’s or the Sinners Sextant litter our path
Olivia: No malignant presences from my so called realm are here
Lilac: Olivia, where are you from?
Olivia: Technically I’m from the essence of a goddess who was known as Optica, she has since been defeated but I ended up as heir apparent to her world, known as The White World
LIlac: Oh, so that’s why Acantha keeps comparing you to “that witch”
Olivia: Regrettably, yeah
Lilac: I understand
Continue following Relic’s trail
When the party is 20% through following Relic’s trail, a strange portal opens, with various White World monsters appearing
Olivia: Welp
Mygin: Next level jinx there
Larkin: Haven’t seen these since we defeated Optica all those years ago
Olivia: Larkin, you and I were the only people here present for that?
Larkin: Oh…wow….
Nest: I mean, I’m sure it was a great feat
Larkin: That’s really underselling it Nest
Centus: I mean I was around during that time…
Acantha: Hey how come you don’t get shit for helping free all the Centennials?
Centus: Because I feel remorse and have been in the guild for years, and also didn’t betray my people because a voice told me to
Acantha: …
Larkin: Harsh but fair verdict
Olivia: Well let’s clean up the mess coming out of my world
Fight against The White World Monsters
When you win
Boone: In addition to hunting down that big bird, we have to also clean up your closet?
Olivia: We would have to go back there anyway to reveal the secrets of the Dark Mirror whenever we get the shard from him
Boone: Really?
Olivia: Yes
Lilac: That’s news to me
Olivia: I wasn’t going to tell you until we got the shard
Boone: I guess that’s fair
Oseci: Let’s just chase the automaton
Kutok: It’s right this way
Continue following Relic’s path
When the party is 30% down Relic’s path
Lilac: Olivia, how does that, “Relic” get power from it’s mirror
Olivia: I have no idea
Lilac: Why don’t you know
Olivia: I’m not aware of every horrid thing in Optica’s closet of demon
Acantha: You should be, you’re the heir to her legacy of evil
Lilac: Ignore her, what do you think she had to gain from hiding that “Relic”
Olivia: I’m sure we’ll find out
Lilac: Ominous
Continue following Relic’s path
When the party is 40% down Relic’s path 
Kutok: Every step we take we seem to get closer, I don’t think it’s moving
Olivia: Strange behavior, we must keep following 
Boone: We keep pursuing this thing, what will it lead us to?
Olivia: Answers of some sort
Boone: But answers to what questions?
Olivia: What is it? What is its purpose? What is it doing here? I could go on
Boone: Nope, that makes sense you’ve made your point
Aiden: She is very astute with her points gun buddy
Boone: That she is…
Continue following Relic’s path
When the party is 50% through Relic’s path, a sudden barrage of energy shots interrupt their path 
Kutok: Well looks like the gang caught up to us
Coming into view are Kiko and Vakakoya, with various Rahihi goons and Sinners Sextant members 
Uruo: Errand boy doing errands for the warlord
Vakakoya: Oh you show up to the family festival and ruin everything, why weren’t you ever grateful for what we had?
Uruo: “What we had” was a warmongering narcissist as a facsimile for a father who never cared about anything but himself
Kiko: Can we skip the daddy issues and get to the part where we kill you?
Vakakoya: That one comes alive
Larkin: You know Kiko it really says something when your former boss is actually on OUR side
Kiko: I was actually very slighted to learn our boss was a pile of goo and I’m confused as to why he’s helping you
Larkin: Me too
Kiko: You don’t know??
Larkin: I don’t
Vakakoya: Enough!! Let’s dispose of these mongrels
Kiko: Fine…
Hoard: Time to fire away guys!
Fight against Kiko and Vakakoya
When they are at 80%
Larkin: This feels like the type of teamup where one side clearly feels more out of place then the other
Kiko: Oh, and who would that be?
Larkin: You, and it’s not even close
Kiko: Uhm, no? The Warlord’s right han-
Vakakoya: My name is Vakakoya
Kiko: Vakakoya and I have a united purpose, I don’t feel out of place in this collaborat-
Larkin: No you do
Nest: I would have to agree with Larkin, like you’re a former Department X member who’s in a primarily Centennial mercenary organization
Kiko: Ok, but that doesn’t mean we can work for a common goal, right Vakakoya?
Vakakoya: What is Department X?
Larkin: See
Kiko: Shut up
Continue fighting against Vakakoya and Kiko
When Vakakoya and Kiko are at 60%
Vakakoya: Uruo, how’d you like seeing our father again?
Uruo: Unpleasant, not a fan of the atmosphere, nothing remotely positive to say
Vakakoya: Oh come on, it’s not THAT bad
Kiko: The Warlord has a nice lair
Uruo: Was shameless propaganda a part of your deal with the warlord?
Kiko: Yes actually
Vakakoya: For real?
Kiko: Oh yeah it’s in the contract in Ayev’s office
Yoni: Sellout
Kiko: Doesn’t your family have a kajillion dollars?
Yoni: Yes
Uruo: Well, Yoni doesn’t use her money for evil
Yoni: Well, I don’t use my money for evil, doesn’t mean everyone in family does the same
Kiko: So I’ve heard
Vakakoya: My father is quite wealthy himself
Uruo: He posses all the riches of the valley that he seized by force
Hoard: Uhm, actually all the riches of the valley are in the dragon hoards in the far mountains
Mygin: Historically speaking that is true, but the riches of the valley that were left are in the warlord’s possession and-
Kiko: Wait, those riches are paying me, I don’t get paid to talk
Resume against Kiko and Vakakoya
When Kiko and Vakakoya are at 40%
Hadane (Profusely Sweating): We’re…going to defeat you…
Kiko: Uhm…are you sure that armor won’t defeat you first?
Vakakoya: Sweating so bad it’s making local rivers rise in sea level
Olivia: Have some sympathy, would us heroes make fun of your bodily conditions
Kiko: Yes, you would
Olivia: Really??
Kiko: Well not you specifically
Larkin: Your employer was lame
Kiko: Your employer IS lame
Larkin: Nuh uh
Kiko: Yuh huh
Larkin: Nuh uh
Kiko: Yuh huh
Larkin: Nuh u-
Resume against Vakakoya and Kiko 
When Vakakoya and Kiko are at 20%
Vakakoya: Uruo, just come back with us and be by our father’s side
Uruo: No
Vakakoya: Please?
Uruo: No
Vakakoya: Well I tried
Uruo: It wasn’t going to work
Vakakoya: Can’t fault me for trying
Kiko: This would be like me convincing Lark2n to form Department X again and hire me back
Larkin: He’s not doing that
Kiko: I KNOW
Resume against Kiko and Vakakoya
When they are defeated, they stagger back slightly
Kiko: Well, we failed to dispatch them here
Vakakoya: We’ll get them next time
Uruo: Maybe, if you’re lucky
Boone: There isn’t going to be a next time
Kiko: What are you going to do, shoot us?
Boone: No?
Uruo: Oh…right
Vakakoya: No don’t you think about it
Uruo: Sorry….
Vakakoya: You backstabbing bas-
Vakakoya is cut off by Uruo freezing him solid
Uruo: That sucked
Kiko: You just froze your own brother like that?
Uruo: Yeah, it buys us time, you’re next
Kiko: No way I let you do that
Kiko tries to fly away but Ba-Bayost shoots her down and without anymore struggle, Uruo freezes her solid
Hadane: They’ll be free eventually, correct?
Uruo: Should nothing go wrong it should wear off in a few hours
Hadane: Let’s continue onward
Olivia: You heard her
Nest: Hadane, are you good?
Hadane: No, I’m fine
Kutok: Well, continue following me everybody
Continue down Relic’s path 
When the party is 60% down Relic’s path, they see a stray shield in the grass, Mygin picks it up
Mygin: Ah, this thing
Mygin dusts off the shield, revealing an ornate Phoenix pattern
Lilac: What the heck is a thing like that doing just lying in the grass
Mygin: It must have been in a treasure shipment or something before it was lost, either way this shield depicts an ancient valley legend, it must be from a place of worship nearby
Hadane: What kind of legend?
Mygin: The legend of an ancient guardian Phoenix that used to protect the valley, it would turn to ash after every conflict, but return when the valley needed defending
Hadane: Really, interesting…
Lilac: Why isn’t this Phoenix here anymore?
Mygin: The legends say that it sacrificed itself to seal away an evil long ago
Lilac: Intriguing
Mygin: It’s a fascination of mine…
Kutok: Hey guys, our Relic is getting farther and farther away
Mygin: My bad for the distraction, we should keep going
Continue following Relic’s path
When the party is 80% through Relic’s path, Olivia feels a surge of light energy
Olivia: I can feel its presence, we don’t have too much longer to go
Kutok: I know that, let’s hurry up so we can get to it faster
Olivia: You are so very practical
Kutok: Thanks
Continue following Relic’s path
When the party is 90% through, Olivia feels another surge of light
Olivia: A lot of light magic is clearly being generated from a nearby entity
Acantha: To what ends does that “Relic” serve you or serve Optica, we shall find out soon enough
Kutok: Stop speaking in evil please
Lilac: Yeah it’s not cool
Acantha: Sorry force of habit
Olivia: Whatever, let’s just get to that automaton
Continue following Relic’s path
When the party completes the path, they see Relic generating a large surge of energy around them, trying to open a portal back to the White World.
Relic: Mission: Retreat, Target: Identified
Olivia: Hey, stop it
Olivia’s call out causes Relic to turn towards Olivia 
Relic: Target: Spotted, Initiating Defense with secondary objective of acquiring target’s echo
Hadane: What is that thing, doing
More sweat begins dripping from Hadane’s skin
Hadane: Man…it’s drawing closer
Nest: What’s going on with you
Hadane: Nothing Nest, I’ll be fine
Mygin: That thing’s mirror seems interesting
Relic: Inquiry about mirror. Answer: It is a white world object, it can hold echoes
Olivia: Optica built an echo holding machine?
Lilac: Acantha, what is an echo?
Acantha: An echo is sort of like a part of a person’s soul, like it’s a reflection of that person’s self, if that makes any sense to you
Lilac: I think I get it, it’s like another you inside of you
Acantha: I’ve essentially taken the place of your echo here, but I’m different because I can talk to you directly which most echoes can’t do without special technology
Relic: The anomaly’s explanation is correct
Olivia: Explain your purpose
Relic: Negative. Purpose cannot be revealed until target echo is captured and harvested.
Hadane: We just have to fight it
Centus: Be careful, this thing might have tricks up its sleeve
Relic: Recognizing attack beginnings, initializing combat
Fight against Relic
When Relic is at 75%
Olivia: It keeps trying to reach for me
Acantha: Maybe you’re the target
Relic: The anomaly, is correct
Boone: Well I didn’t expect the robot to be so forward
Lilac: Our purpose should still be to neutralize it, so we can study it
Relic: Recognized intent, turning into scrap is against protocol, will harvest the echo
Olivia: I just need to keep my distance, and I’ll be fine
Resume against Relic
When Relic is at 50%
Boone: I have never fought anything like this automaton before’
Olivia: You and me both
Acantha: Strange how you don’t recognize it’s attack patterns, they are pretty similar to yours
Olivia: No that’s the point, I’ve never fought me before
Centus: In all my years of adventuring, there are very few beings I could consider my equals
Olivia: Who could be your equal?
Centus: Well there was a warrior once named Pandora, but they are likely long dead
Olivia: Interesting
Resume against Relic
When Relic is at 25%
Larkin: It feels weirdly sinister for the big bad evil we’re fighting to not be talking back
Olivia: It’s a static robot, not much for it to say
Larkin: Well you’d think whoever programmed it would be more imaginative, have a sense of scale
Olivia: I don’t believe a villainy instinct is one considered when one programmes a vessel meant to extract soul fragments
Resume against Relic
When Relic is at 10%
Relic: Initializing retreat instinct
Relic begins trying to flee to the portal 
Hadane: I don’t think so
Hadane casts a wall of fire in front of the portal but Relic effortlessly clears it
Relic: Effort, null
Nest: What do we do to prevent it from leaving
Olivia: I have no idea
Hadane: I might have an idea
Resume against Relic
When Relic is defeated
Relic: Must escape…
Olivia: I won’t let you
Olivia fires a laser of light at Relic who begins reflecting it back with a laser of its own
Relic: Must absorb target’s echo
Hadane: Olivia, get down
Olivia: What do you mean “get d-
Without warning, Hadane charges headfirst at Relic’s mirror attempting to destroy it with a head on attack, only for something more sinister to occur 
Relic: Echo in range, beginning absorption
Nest: WAIT NO GET BACK
Nest tries assaulting Relic but is rebuffed, Olivia gives up her own assault as she moves Hadane away from Relic as the echo of Hadane flows into the mirror and through Relic
Hadane: I’m fine…I swear it….
Hadane’s face begins heating up even more than before, her latent fever intensifying 
Nest: WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER YOU STUPID ROBOT
Boone: Hey, stand down you don’t want that thing taking your echo too
Nest: WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME WHAT AND WHAT NOT TO DO
Nest tries another assault on the still transforming Relic but it is once again rebuffed
Relic transforms into a strange entity that resembles Hadane and Relic merged into one
Relic (Hadane): It is not my designed merge target, but I am finally free to have a personality again
Hadane: It’s like looking in a really, really shitty mirror
Relic (Hadane): Your praise notwithstanding, I think I like this form
Nest: You sick bastard…
Hadane: Hey, calm down someone already fought literal death to get me a full soul I can live with half of mine
Boone: I mean…I get it….
Olivia: Hadane, do we need to get you to the tree now
Hadane: That could be a possibility
Larkin: What are you talking about
Mygin: The tree?
Nest: What do you mean Olivia
Relic (Hadane): Oh I get it…you’ve got a grander purpose then to be this avian puppeteer’s friend
Hadane: That’s…not exactly accurate
Relic (Hadane): But I sense it, how interesting
Olivia: What do you think this “greater purpose” could be
Relic (Hadane): I would tell you target, but you’ll have to catch me
Before anyone could make a move for Relic (Hadane), she vanished out of sight though the portal, as it closed before anyone could step into it
Lilac: Well…is this bad?
Olivia: Hadane? Do you think you can keep fighting like this
Hadane: I’m not sure…
Mygin: I have a quick question for you, Hadane?
Hadane: Shoot
Mygin: This fever you seemed to have, is it related to a feeling of a connection to the valley in some way
Hadane: You could say that…I could feel something calling to me
Mygin: Well, let’s get you back to camp to rest
Boone: Do we know if Hadane can sustain herself without her echo actually present
Acantha: Normally that’s the case, but Hadane might be a special case due to potentially unique circumstances
In the fringes of Hadane’s vision, she can see a figure in the distance, that no one else can hear or see
Death: It might be time for me to explain what your friend made me do to you after he won our fight
Hadane: How interesting…are you coming because my end is near
Olivia: Did someone say something?
Death: In a way, it might be the end of you, the beginning of something else
The figure vanishes from Hadane’s sight as quickly as it appeared
Nest: I won’t accept this
Olivia: Let’s just go back to base
Mission End
Larkin: Well, that was a day
As the party moves to head back, a slimy green tendril pokes Larkin in the back of the head
Larkin: Alright now what was that for?
Kutok: Look behind you
Lark2n rises from the floor, with the green tendril protruding back into Lark2n’s skull
Larkin: Gross
Lark2n: Sorry, couldn’t just let you go back without us having our conversation
Lilac: Right, you two have matters to discuss if I recall correctly
Lark2n: Correct, this valley was an interest point for Department X, so I came here to investigate
Larkin: So that’s why you were here
Lark2n: I figured you’d have to know something, that’s why you would have came here
Larkin: No we’re actually here on mirror repair duty
Lark2n: Regardless, a brief partnership putting our past differences aside might be beneficial to us
Larkin: You can just say you want to team up
Lark2n: What does “team up” mean
Larkin: Nevermind, we have a lot of work to do
Iehn: This is a lot better than you trying to kill us
Lilac: Well, you two better get to it
Lark2n: We have a lot to discuss
Larkin: Fine, let’s go, come back for me later
Lilac: Will do
Lark2n and Larkin begin walking off somewhere as the rest of the Century Corps heads back to the camp.
Back at the Century Corps camp, Hadane is resting silently on a bed, with Olivia, Lilac, Acantha, Yerod, Mygin and Dneuez monitoring her condition.
Dneuez: I’m using my dreamcatcher to get little glimpses into her dreams, but nothing concrete
Olivia: That’s alright, as long as you can get something
Lilac: I just don’t get it
Mygin: Well, do you remember that Phoenix I mentioned earlier?
Lilac: The legendary guardian of the valley? What about it
Yerod: Part of the reason I joined the guild was so that whenever The Phoenix returned that we could stand beside it
Acantha: Really?
Yerod: Yes, that is my own little dirty secret
Mygin: I believe your friend Hadane might be connected to the Phoenix in some way, the legends stated that the Phoenix always had “a soul of fire”
Olivia: She did mention to me she felt she had the soul of a Phoenix
Yerod: So that’s it huh
Lilac: So Hadane’s “grander purpose” is to what, turn into a Phoenix?
Yerod: I believe that may be the case
Olivia: So what are we supposed to do in this situation
Moving closer to the place of Hadane’s current rest is Nest, who wanted to check on her friend, not anticipating the large crowd, she remains out of sight as she waits for them to leave
Lilac: Well, you said we had to go into the White World once the Dark Mirror Shard was collected?
Olivia: Yes, acquire the shard from The Buzzard, enter the White World, get the remaining information on the the Mirror and go from there
Lilac: Well the plan must be modified now, we have to secure the shard, enter the White World, track down Relic, retrieve Hadane’s echo, get information on the mirror and then go from there
Yerod: They are likely connected in some way, the Dark Mirror and Hadane
Olivia: Hadane was with me when I first ventured into the White World to discover the Dark Mirror’s secrets
At this, Nest began feeling a certain kind of rage, not blinding but one small and breaking, peering through her face
Olivia: This expedition was one fueled by my own curiosity, the effigy of Optica that told me about the mirror told me to come here
Acantha: Why did you listen to it?
Olivia: Pardon?
Acantha: Why did you listen to the effigy of that goddess?
Olivia: It was our only lead
Lilac: Alright Acantha, you can drop it
Acantha: No actually, that thing claims she’s free from Optica’s influence, but the whole reason she found us in the first place is because she listened to an effigy of Optica herself
Olivia: It was for research
Acantha: It was reckless
Nest was feeling like she couldn’t take listening to this anymore, the reason she would potentially lose a friend was because Olivia was, reckless, careless, only cared about research
Olivia: Listen, Hadane was there with me and agreed with me about the expedition, say what you want but she was onboard with the plan knowing it’s true origin. Uncovering the origin and secret of the Dark Mirror is important as we had no idea, and still don’t, have any idea as to what its purpose is.
Acantha: Have you ever considered it was a trap by Optica to unleash some dark plan of hers
Olivia: It was a discovery related to The Buzzard, Optica is an immortal witch, she had access to information relating to subjects relating to all sorts of matters, and it was her personal source of information, she would not lie to herself
Acantha: I still can’t believe you right now, not to take any precautions, not to think twice about what you're seeing, maybe stopping and thinking about what you were doing. I mean that Relic that just stole Hadane’s echo was from the White World, is it possible your communication with the Optica effigy activated it somehow?
Olivia: There’s no evidence of that
Acantha: Uh huh, sure tell yourself that
Lilac: Alright guys, that’s enough, maybe you can quit arguing now, fighting amongst each other does no good
Olivia: Listen to me Acantha, the White World would simply not vanish after Optica’s defeat no matter how hard I tried to disperse it after the conflict over the years.
Acantha: Oh really? You tried to destroy the White World.
Olivia: Well, yes, through various efforts and spells I tried to close it off permanently. I had to bring Hadane into the White World with me so she could cover for me if something went wrong when I first went to investigate the Dark Mirror. The Temple of Echoes in the White World had a special chamber that could reveal secrets embedded in Mirrors, and no source I could find on this Earth had a clear answer to what was in that Dark Mirror. I had to do it.
Acantha: I see, well whatever, I’m done trying to argue with you
Acantha’s apparition disappeared back into Lilac’s shadow as she finished her argument 
Lilac: She’s been really apprehensive about this partnership knowing your true origin
Olivia: I honestly can’t blame her
At that moment, Centus walks into the scene, wanting to observe Hadane’s rest briefly 
Centus: Seems like our mage friend is stone cold unconscious
Lilac: Well her body is adjusting to a supernatural fever and half her soul getting taken, it might be a longer rest than normal
Olivia: Yeah, we should do all that we can to get her back to full health
Centus: I’ll keep ward over her for now, you should get back to planning
Dneuez: What about me
Lilac: I forgot you were here
Dneuez: Yeah that’s just what happens if you stay quiet for long enough
Centus: Well you can stay Dneuez, but everyone who plans should go plan for our next incursion
Lilac: Well, we should get going then
Yerod: Let’s strategize
Lilac, Yerod and Acantha move to leave the scene
Nest has somehow remained unnoticed, she doesn’t know how to feel right now as Centus’s gaze is fixed on Hadane.
Centus: It seems Olivia is like me, kindred in being judged for our past
Nest continues watching Hadane
Centus: It’s not exactly fair to her, is it Nest?
Nest was suddenly caught off guard by being called out by Centus despite them not even facing her direction 
Nest: H…
Centus: How did I know you were there, I’m a warrior of untold age, things don’t get past me that easily
Nest: So what, is there a reason you wanted to just call me out?
Centus: I think you should be less judgemental about our friend, she’s in an impossible predicament of trying to be a defender of our world while being the spitting image of one of it’s greatest villains
Nest: I just wish she was more careful, that’s my only friend right there…
Centus: I thought the birds were your friends?
Nest: Well, no bird could ever understand me as well as Hadane could, I just wonder what I can do now
Centus: Just try to do the best you can, following your heart is the only thing you can do in a situation like this
Nest: Alright…I’ll see what I can do
Nest leaves the scene as Centus continues warding over Hadane’s resting place
== Chapter 10 ==
In the early morning hours, Larkin is still with Lark2n as their meeting rolled over into the night with the two taking a sleep break, they are currently nestled in an abandoned temple 
Larkin: Ok, so just say everything again so I understand
Lark2n: Alright, fine, but this is the last time so please pay attention
Larkin: I probably won’t
Lark2n: I swear t-
Larkin: Kidding, I’ll try to listen and follow along the best I can
Lark2n: Ok, so I came to this valley because it was mentioned as a site of interest in Department X files. They were interested in the legend of the Phoenix and trying to verify if it had any amount of truth to it. Finding a creature that could restore itself would have been really helpful to their research
Larkin: So they wanted to investigate this place for their research
Lark2n: However, they could never find it
Larkin: Right and you’re here because you wanted to try to verify it’s existence
Lark2n: Correct
Larkin: Alright, now Department X had other endeavors
Lark2n: I found a secret encoded matrix in their labs that might be coordinates to a secret base in the Arctic
Larkin: Ok, so after you leave the valley you will investigate that
Lark2n: Correct, now anymore questions or are we good?
Larkin: Lark2n, was there anything interesting about the notes made about the guardian Phoenix in Department X’s notes?
Lark2n: Well now that you mention it, I believe that there was a note about how “a connected soul conduit might be responsible for the ease of resurrection”
Larkin: Referring to the tree?
Lark2n: There’s a tree?
Larkin: The Soul Tree, how haven’t you seen it yet
Lark2n: I wasn’t paying attention to that
Larkin: Come on man
Lark2n: Ok, well you can’t fault me for everything
Larkin: I very much can
The two laughed briefly, before pausing 
Lark2n: I wish…I had a friend
Larkin: I mean why do you need a friend if you have immortality and endless power
Lark2n: Well I only have myself to blame for that, spending eight whole years weaseling my way through Department X’s confines, trying to find anyway to get the praise I thought I deserved. It’s hard to find respect as a pile of goo that just angrily screamed at people.
Larkin: What do you mean by that
Lark2n: You know…it’s almost not fair, you got to live your whole life believing you were just some kid and got to have the experience of being in the Century Corps, almost like a real family. I never had that, I was stuck in a dark laboratory with clones of myself all day, never really knowing anything else but “be evil, kill the enemies of Department X”.
Larkin: I guess…that would suck
Lark2n: I felt like I had to find the Adamite Key…like it was the only way I could get the respect of other people. I thought the Century Corps was solely built to stand in my way, I thought seizing control of Department X would make people respect me. In reality, all that happened was the organization fell apart after the truth came out and I was so focused on the Adamite Key that I realized I didn’t do anything else for all those years. Department X was the only home I had ever known, and I knew nothing about it despite leading it for years.
Larkin: I’m sorry you felt that way, I…
Larkin felt weird sympathy for the weird goo clone of him that tried to kill him on multiple occasions. 
Larkin: I can’t imagine being in that situation, I just wonder why you didn’t just move on from Department X, hide in a cave somewhere and live the rest of your life as cave slime?
Lark2n: I know there’s something important being hidden, something that relates to me and you
Larkin: Did you come here to try and find something related to it, even just a little bit?
Lark2n: You could say that, I was scouring for every bit of information I could gather on Department X, I had to check here just in case they actually made it here
Larkin: Keep looking man
Lark2n: I don’t plan to stop
Larkin: Well, is there anything else
Lark2n: Maybe, let’s go find your friends
Larkin: That sounds good to me
Larkin and Lark2n get up and go to find the Century Corps base camp. 
Back at the Century Corps base camp, Boone is loading their rifle again, inspecting various ammunitions and examining their gun 
Boone: If no one wants to do something, I’ll do something
As Boone continues going through their ammunition, they hear something, like a strange noise 
Boone: I guess I should check that out
Boone put down their gun and walked over to what they thought the commotion was. As it turned out, one of Nest’s birds had knocked over an equipment stand.
Nest: Oh whoops
Aiden: You might want to avoid that in the future
Oseci: So, what were you doing here
Nest: Oh I was just looking for some basic equipment, I figured I would go link back up with Larkin, since it’s been a while since we’ve seen him
Iehn: That’s a good call, I can come with you if you’d like
Nest: Well, maybe that’d be a good idea
Boone: I can go with you
Everyone turns to Boone, who they didn’t notice enter the scene
Nest: Really?
Boone: Lilac and Olivia are taking too long to come up with a plan, let’s just go get our ally back and see if he learned anything new from his slime friend
Aiden: Well that sounds fair, I wonder what’s taking them so long to come up with a new plan
Iehn: This whole thing revolves around the Dark Mirror, hence why we raided Rahihi’s stash in the first place. I imagine there’s another plan to steal the Dark Shard being worked on.
Nest: Finding that Buzzard is going to be the hard part
Boone: Until we find that Buzzard, our best bet is to just learn what we can about this valley and the Soul Tree.
Nest: Maybe one of you can help Mygin with something
Oseci: That wouldn’t be a bad idea
Aiden: We can ask them what they need
Oseci: I’ll make sure to tell everyone that you two will be out looking for Larkin
Nest: Yeah, you can do that
Oseci: I think I will
Iehn: If you want me to come with you, just let me know.
As everyone else leaves, it just leaves Boone and Nest
Nest: Hey, I’m sorry for yelling at you earlier, I was just really worried about my friend
Boone: Oh, I’m kind of the last person to be apologized too, and I understand how you feel, it’s agonizing to watch that stuff happen to people you care about
Nest: Yeah, but hopefully we can find a solution
A brief silence takes hold before Boone speaks again 
Boone: So what is your actual plan?
Nest: Am I really that bad at hiding my intent?
Boone: Well you clearly wouldn’t want just you and me to go pick up Larkin, are you looking for something that could help Hadane?
Nest: Guilty as charged, Larkin might have learned something we didn’t already know, thus I need to be the first to hear it
Boone: I feel you, sometimes you just need to know something
Nest: I do have a question for you, why volunteer to help me
Boone: Well…I get it, you want to do anything you can to help the people you love. It sort of reminded me of myself and my desire to get revenge for my family.
Nest: What do you mean by that?
Boone begins to smile a little 
Boone: Well, I sort of started remembering why I wanted revenge in the first place, because I loved my family. Seeing the dynamic between Uruo and Rahihi, the Larkins dynamic and you and Hadane, it reminded me of how it felt to be connected to a group of people.
Nest: I see, do you want to talk about it?
Boone: I think there could be a lot to talk about, let’s go get our friend
The two begin to embark through the valley
Begin Mission: Two Of A Kind
Boone and Nest have joined your party, there is no Unit Reserve for this mission 
The two of them come across a somewhat craggy path, they have no idea where it goes
Nest: I feel like maybe we should have brought a navigator with us
Boone: It’s too late for that now
Nest: I can tell, let’s just go for it
Boone continues to smile, smiling genuinely 
Boone: Heh, what’s the worst that could happen
Travel down the craggy path
When they are at 5%
Nest: So Boone, what was the best part about being a Dad?
Boone: Well…that’s sort of a hard question to answer, maybe because the entire thing was like a confusing mess of happiness, frustration but most of all the utmost pride. You just want to see your children do the best they can and when they achieve something, even when it’s minor, it’s one of the best feelings in the world
Nest: is it really that simple
It almost looks like Boone is about to cry for a second
Boone: It really is that simple, me and my partner, we wanted our children to be the best they could be and be who they wanted to be
Continue down the craggy path
When they are at 10%, the sky above them begins darkening slightly 
Nest: What the heck is going on up there?
Boone: I think you and I both know something is up
WIthout warning, a group of Hollows steps out from the clearing 
Boone: Looks like we got uninvited guests
Nest: Normally this is something we’d do all together, not as a duo
Boone: We got to give it our best shot
Nest: Dad joke?
Boone: I didn’t even realize I had made a dad joke there
Nest: You still got it even after everything that happened
Boone: I guess I do
Fight against The Hollows
When you win
Boone: Well damn, I thought it would be harder with just the two of us
Nest: I guess we really make that good of a team
Boone: Let’s keep going, Larkin can’t be too far from here
Continue down the craggy path
When they are 15% down the path
Boone: So how did you and Hadane become friends?
Nest: Well, we first met like 4 or 5 years ago, when my old guild got merged with the Century Corps. I was looking for some new friends and saw Hadane leave a meeting with the grandmaster, I thought she was supposedly really important, but she saw me looking, I guess lost was the word. She invited me over to her side and just let herself be someone I could talk to.
Boone: So she was open to you, and in response you opened yourself to her
Nest: You could definitely say that, someone being so nice to me, just deserved that same effort back.
Continue down the craggy path
When they are 20% down the path, the sky grows slightly darker 
Nest: Stormy weather must be inbound
Boone: I mean it can’t be as bad as the weather back from my first Titan hunt?
Nest: Your first Titan hunt?
Boone: Before I had a family, I was hunting this Titan called Teggao with a group. Our first expedition to try to slay the beast took us through this terrible storm. Constant rain, muddy terrain, we were slipping and sliding all over each other trying to get a shot off against the monster.
Boone had a sort of laugh before continuing their sentence 
Boone: Eventually mud jammed all our guns so we had to hide in a bush for several hours
Nest: In a bush?
Boone: Yeah, in a bush, outside, in the rain, with us sitting on the muddy ground
Nest also laughs a little 
Nest: I bet that wasn’t fun
Boone: It’s something I can laugh at now and also think “I wish we hadn’t done that”
Continue down the craggy path
When they are 25% down the path, a small bird flies over and lands on Nest’s helmet
Boone: So why are you such a draw to birds?
Nest: They just like me for some reason. No one could ever explain to me why
Boone: Like, no one had an explanation?
Nest: My dad talked to everyone he could possibly get a handle on and nobody ever had an explanation. Then when he kicked me out everyone I saw didn’t have an explanation either. Everyone I asked in the guild didn’t have a solid one either. I just won’t know, it feels a little cheap, but it doesn’t matter in the end because it’s who I am and knowing why wouldn’t change it
Boone: Would you want to know if you could?
Nest: Well maybe, learning I had this wonderful ability because I was built as an instrument of evil or something would suck but if I learned that I had it through more benevolent or neutral means wouldn’t suck.
The bird leaves Nest’s helmet
Nest: I guess I’m thankful I have this ability no matter what the source is
Continue down the craggy path
When they are 30% down the path
Nest: So you said your previous job was hunting Titans?
Boone: Well, it was part of my old job as a Titan hunter, the titan Teggao was our primary target as various governments wanted it dead due to the damage it caused and the terrible weather that often followed it.
Nest: Yeah, you did mention the weather there was terrible, how did you kill it if it just brought bad weather wherever it went
Boone: We actually had to study it in great detail and appear where it was going to before it did, and kill it then before the terrible weather made our job harder than it already was going to be
Nest: How do you kill a Titan, those things are enormous
Boone: It sounds cliche but teamwork, we simply fired our special ammunition at it until it died
Nest: Oh, that makes sense. You said you had special ammunition too so I guess that helped
Boone pulls out a special round from their armor pocket
Boone: This thing is a special round that can penetrate straight through the skin of those behemoths
Nest: Why do you still have it
Boone: Saving it for a special occasion
Continue down the craggy path
When they are 35% down the path
Nest: You know…I never imagined being an adventurer like this back when I was the city vagrant
Boone: What do you mean by that?
Nest: When I was kicked out of my house, I just thought I’d be a homeless person doing odd jobs forever
Boone: What changed that perception?
Nest: Funnily enough, The Buzzard in a weird way. He was going to kill me and just take my crest when he was terrorizing the city we lived in, taking away crests left and right. The Century Corps were luckily there to help me out.
Boone: In a weird way the people who saved you put you on this path
Nest: Well…they weren’t there for the Buzzard
Nest pulls out the blue coin from her armor
Nest: They were here for this coin. This detective guy had the coin on him, he gave it to me so he didn’t have to give it back to whoever he took it from.
Boone: So your life was saved by a coin?
Nest: It feels reductive to say, but yeah, it kind of was. I always keep this on me now as kind of a good luck charm, something that I know has helped me before.
Continue down the craggy path
When they are at 40%
Boone: This talk of mementoes reminds me of something, I left my picture of my family back at the camp
Nest: You have a picture?
Boone: Well whenever I left the house I took it with me so I could be reminded that they were safe, in a weird way never keeping them in sight was a way that I could tell myself they were ok.
Nest: Well, I can’t see the picture right now, mind describing what it depicts
Boone: Well, a picture is better at telling stories than I am, but it depicted my two kids, both adopted, just running around the house while my partner was in the background…it’s a scene I like to remember
Nest: Why don’t you have one with you in the frame
Boone: I don’t feel like I belong in the photo anymore…like I try picturing myself there, taking the photo, and it hurts to think about
Nest: Well, why don’t you see yourself in the photo anymore?
Boone: It’s just been so long since I can remember being happy, so it feels like a wound being reopened. But…
Boone begins to cry a little
Boone: Maybe…I should think about it more
Continue down the craggy path
When they are 45% down the path
Boone: Nest, why do you fight?
Nest: Pardon me?
Boone: I remember someone once said, you need a reason to fight.
Nest: Well….
Nest began to remember something 
Nest: I guess I don’t exactly know…I never really figured it out. I think I just fight because I feel like I need to survive
Boone: Maybe it’s time to fight for something that’s not just survival
Nest: Well…what do you mean
Boone: I told you why I fight, wanting revenge is pointless without a burning reason to do so. My reason is because I still had the capacity to love my family. It’s why it’s important to me, instead of just wanting revenge for the sake of revenge. When I looked at Ayev, I saw someone who just wanted revenge for the sake of getting revenge, and I remarked about it looking like a mirror because that was what I had become.
Nest: Well how does that affect me?
Boone: Why do you want to survive or why do you fight to extend your survival
Nest: Well…I guess it’s because…
Nest has to pause, thinking about the point of all of this 
Nest: There’s people who believe in me…someone sees it, I know they do…I have to keep proving them right, every single day
Continue down the craggy path 
When they are 50% down the craggy path, the sky has grown way darker than just storm clouds, as more hollows appear 
Nest: Where the hell are we even?
Boone: I have no idea, but I don’t think Larkin is that far away from us, gut feeling
Nest: Did they just rendezvous inside a cave full of hollows or something? It seems weird for the sky to be dark in this area
Boone: Maybe, let’s just keep our eyes on the sky for a minute
Continue down the craggy path
When they are 55% down the craggy path, the Soul Falcon, who was hiding inside Nest’s armor, moves to Nest’s shoulder
Boone: There was a bird in your armor the whole time?
Nest: I think it senses something, it’s a strange fellow, but one that gives me a sense of strange familiarity
Boone: I wonder what it wants
Nest: Maybe it knows someone believes in it too
Boone: Or maybe it’s looking for someone else to protect
Nest: Well, I know this falcon believes in me, so I’ll believe in it
Boone: I believe in you too
Nest: Thank you
Boone: If anything else gets in our way, we’ll just simply deal with it together
Continue down the craggy path
When they are 60% down the path, a strange rustling noise is heard from the trees
Nest: I wonder what that’s about
Boone: Wait…
The two feel a familiar sense surround them
Nest: Boone…
Boone: I’m looking for it an-
Without warning, a vicious figure of their familiarity jumps out and lands on top of Boone but Boone shoots it off of them, Nest helps them off the ground almost immediately after. The familiar figure now at a distance looking back with those vaunted red eyes as more hollows appear 
The Buzzard: Looks like my two favorite people are here, together, alone
The Buzzard laughs evilly as the two adventurers stare back at him, not moving a step
The Buzzard: What’s the matter, no big speeches of revenge? No cowering in fear? No friends to bail you out? No allies to save the day? I wonder how you even came all this way by yourselves
Boone looks at Nest, and she looks back
Boone: We don’t need anyone else here with us
Nest: I’m done cowering in fear
The Buzzard: You’re done being scared of me, that’s so cute, you really t-
Without warning, Nest just walks forward and punches the Buzzard in the face, making the shadowed monster stagger for a second
Nest: I’m being serious here
Boone: Let’s deal with the monster in our way
The Buzzard: No grand speeches of revenge, you’re just gonna brush me aside, like that’s gonna ha-
The Buzzard is quickly cut off by Boone firing a powerful shot into The Buzzard’s chest
Boone: I’m done being the audience of your theatrics
Nest: We’re ending this now
Fight against The Buzzard
When The Buzzard is at 90%
The Buzzard: It’s going to take a lot more than that to get rid of me. I can’t be disposed of so e-
The Buzzard is promptly cut off by The Soul Falcon dive bombing into the Buzzard’s stomach, with Boone going in and punching him in the face
Resume against The Buzzard
When The Buzzard is at 80%
The Buzzard: Oh, why so quiet? Did the big mouthed heroes suddenly think they were too sto-
The Buzzard is once again cut off, this time by a piercing bullet through his wings by Boone.
The Buzzard: Rude!
Boone: Well killing my family is rude, that shot’s a drop in the bucket compared to that
Resume against The Buzzard
When The Buzzard is at 70%
The Buzzard: Do you think you can treat me this way, interrupting me constantly wi-
The Buzzard is interrupted once again by Nest running up and punching him in the face again, knocking some of the darkness energy out of his figure with just the force of her left hook 
Nest: Let’s just say I don’t give a damn about what you think
Boone: It’s a good thing it’s just the two of us
Resume against The Buzzard
When The Buzzard is at 60%, he tries to fly up and dive bomb Nest but she anticipates this movement and jumps up, grabbing The Buzzard
The Buzzard: HEY. GET OFF OF M-
Nest: No, I don’t think I will
Nest proceeds viciously pound on The Buzzard’s head, knocking him back down the ground with just her fists. As The Buzzard falls to the ground, Nest is caught by her avian friends 
Boone: I didn’t know you could absolutely pummel like that
Nest: Me neither, is this what dad strength is like?
Boone: A little yeah, let me show you what that looks like
The Buzzard, still reeling from getting mercilessly pummeled back to the ground by Nest, is caught completely off guard by Boone running up to him and throwing him square into a tree trunk 
Nest: You just THREW him?
Boone: Yeah and to think this was only a few days after he broke like all my bones
Nest: Well that’s due to our friend Iehn
Boone: She is pretty awesome
Resume against The Buzzard
When The Buzzard is at 50%, Larkin and Lark2n arrive on the scene, but they are in a tree, observing the three figures 
Lark2n: What is that thing?
Larkin: The Buzzard, it’s an evil creature
Lark2n: Should we go fight it
Larkin: It actually looks like those two have it covered
Lark2n: Huh
Larkin: Let’s stay up here just so we can use the element of surprise to help them out in a pinch
Resume against The Buzzard
When The Buzzard is at 40%
Nest: This is somehow easier than when we all jumped him for the Dark Mirror Shard
Boone: I’m just having fun
The Buzzard, too shellocked to even speak, is once again rattled by Boone firing a barrage of bullets into his body 
Nest: Beating up the source of your trauma makes for surprisingly great therapy
Boone: I mean that’s not wrong, I’m feeling better already, but I don’t think that’s exactly going to translate to civilian life or is a healthy coping mechanism
Nest: Yeah I’ll see a therapist when we get back home, but I can schedule that later
Resume against The Buzzard
When The Buzzard is at 30%
The Buzzard: Alright, I’m tired of this nonsense, I’m going to end this now
Boone: Oh no…The Buzzard’s going to use his “deadly wave attack”
The Buzzard: You’re damn right I am
The Buzzard tries using that attack he’s used several times in the past to knock down his enemies, but it simply doesn’t work on Boone or Nest this time
The Buzzard: What the fuck!!
They just sort of stand there, smiling at him
Nest: I’ve already accepted the part of me you exploit
The Buzzard: What, HOW did you discover how my attack worked?
Boone: We just kind of figured it out
Boone and Nest start slowly walking towards The Buzzard
The Buzzard: No, stop that, stop getting-
The look of fear on The Buzzard’s face is amplified as Nest and Boone get closer and then start absolutely beating him. From the tree, Larkin and Lark2n are stunned watching The Buzzard just get mercilessly assaulted by Nest and Boone. Punching and kicking him mercilessly 
Larkin: Well I’ll be damned
However, during the assault, Lark2n sees something flying from behind
Lark2n: Wait, someone is approaching
Larkin: Huh?
Whizzing by the two of them is someone else, ready to interrupt Nest and Boone
The Buzzard: Hehe..hehe
Between punches, The Buzzard starts laughing and before Nest and Boone can figure out why, a blast of purple energy knocks them both away 
Ayev: Surprise!!
Larkin: God damn it
Lark2n: Do we intervene now?
Larkin: Hold, it’s not an opportune situation yet
Nest and Boone get up, to look at Ayev and the severely beaten Buzzard 
Boone: Is there a reason you’re here, Ayev
Ayev: I want revenge, and two partly guild members alone, seemed like the perfect opportunity
Nest: So you couldn’t have let us take the shard from the Buzzard?
Ayev: I don’t care about that creature of darkness, just your guild
The Buzzard: Thanks for the assist mercenary man
The Buzzard gets up and joins Ayev in the sky 
The Buzzard: I think it’s time to end this dynamic duo
Ayev: No arguments here
Nest: This won’t be the end of us
Boone: Didn’t hear no bell
Fight against The Buzzard and Ayev 
When The Buzzard is at 20% and Ayev is at 90%, the fight ends as Boone and Nest begin to finally be outgunned by the two, with Ayev firing another energy beam to knock them back 
Boone: Well, this sucks
Nest: Heh, we actually had him beat
The Buzzard pulls out the Dark Mirror Shard to gloat about not being beat into unconsciousness by two lone members of the Century Corps
The Buzzard: Looks like you never got your shard, Ayev
Ayev: Yes
The Buzzard: Finish it!
Back in the treeline, Larkin and Lark2n see Ayev ready to fire again, springing them to action 
Larkin: Alright, let’s move now
Lark2n: Gotcha
In the blink of an eye, Larkin descends from the treeline and pummels The Buzzard on the head, sending the Dark Mirror shard careening from his grasp and distracting Ayev
Ayev: There’s more of you puny guild members
Nest: Looks like someone arrived just in time
Larkin: Sorry, we’re fashionably late
Ayev: We’re?
As Ayev was distracted, Lark2n rises above the treeline in his goo monster form 
Lark2n: Remember Larkin, you owe me for this
Larkin: Aye aye captain
The Buzzard: No…I need my shard
As the Buzzard tries to scramble for the shard and as Ayev tries to fire on the group, Lark2n rushes forward in his liquid monster form and swallows the two whole, carrying them away through the forest and away from the group. 
In the chaos, Boone scrambles and picks up the shard before the two villains can come back
Nest: Thanks for the save Larkin
Larkin: No problemo
Boone: We finally have the shard
Larkin: Oh crap we finally have the shard, WE WON
Nest: That’s awesome!
Larkin: We’ve got to back to base right now
Nest: You are right, let’s go
Mission End
It’s around dinner time when the group of Larkin, Nest and Boone arrive back at the Century Corps base camp, where various people are doing tasks, like stocking supplies or combat training. The three of them renter the camp to see a few familiar faces there
Hoard: Oh, you guys are back?
Nest: Well we only told a select few people where we were going, but yeah
Boone: We are certainly back
Larkin: We’re like all the way back
Aiden: What does that even mean?
Larkin: Nevermind
Mygin: Did you learn anything from Lark2n
Larkin: Yeah, some stuff about Department X, but the main thing I learned, is that he needed a friend
Mygin: What?
Nest: He helped us out of a tough situation
Oiyrr: Awesome
Larkin: One could say, he’s a real one
Oiyrr: So did you procure the Dark Mirror Shard
Mygin: Not everything is about the shard
Aiden: They didn’t even go to get the shard, that involves fighting the Buzzard
Mygin: Correct and we don’t have a plan right now
Oiyrr: Well it doesn’t hurt to ask
Boone: Well…
Boone reaches into their armor and pulls out the shard
Boone: Consider it your lucky day
Everyone in the base camp goes over to look at Boone and the Dark Mirror Shard, stirring up commotion 
Oiyrr: HOLY SHIT
Hoard: Damn you actually went and got it without us
Boone: Nest and I were taking on the Buzzard by ourselves
Nest: And we were winning, before Ayev showed up and ruined everything
Ba-Bayost: Swag, I knew you had that in you
Nest: Like we were beating the shit out of him
Larkin: I can attest that they were in fact, beating the shit out of him
The commotion gets Lilac, Centus and Olivia to leave the planning room
Lilac: Alright guys what’s all the commotion a-
Lilac’s jaw was so wide open it looked like it was going to fall off of her face upon seeing the Dark Shard 
Lilac: HOLY SHIT, HOW DID YOU GET THAT
Boone: We just walked up to him and beat him up
Larkin: Well you beat him up, and I jumped down and dislodged the shard from his grasp with a nasty haymaker
Nest: If creatures of darkness could get brain damage, that definitely gave it brain damage
Centus: Well this certainly changes things
Lilac: Yeah no kidding
Olivia: Alright everybody, we’re heading to the White World ahead of schedule, prepare and get your rest
Nest: Aye aye mam
Everyone began to disperse before going to do their own preparations for tomorrow, this expedition wasn’t going to be easy
== Chapter 11 ==
The day is here, The Dark Mirror Shard has finally been recovered and thus, it is finally time to unveil its secrets. In the planning room, the Dark Mirror stands erect, ready to be completed by being rejoined with the shard. 
The standard people who normally occupy the planning room are here, with Boone in the planning room to complete the mirror 
Boone: Are we sure this is a good idea, like aside from the fact we need to complete it so we can go to a White World temple and learn its secrets.
Acantha: We aren’t sure this is a good idea at all
Lilac: Me personally, I forward the notion
Acantha: I just have my reservations, that’s all
Lilac: I wish you had reservations about possessing my body for your own ends
Acantha: Excuse me?
Lilac: Nothing…
Olivia: Well, it’s a risky plan, but learning about the mirror is what we came here for, so we aren’t going to just stop when the answer is almost right in front of us. Also, Hadane’s echo is still inside of Relic
Boone: Right, we need our friend back
Centus: Regardless of what might have led to these circumstances, we need to do right by ourselves and finish the mission
Acantha: Weird of you to say that
Centus: Why?
Acantha: Uhm…nevermind
Centus: If you say so…
Olivia: Ignoring that old crone, we’re all in agreement of what must be done
Boone: Agreed
Lilac: Let’s do it
Centus: All in
Acantha: Whatever
Olivia: Boone?
Boone: Here’s the shard
Boone hands over the shard to Olivia, who walks over and places it inside the Dark Mirror. The Dark Mirror begins to spark and charge, it hasn’t been complete in a little bit. The Dark Mirror’s dark patterns begin swirling fast, signaling that it is active
Acantha: Yeah, that doesn’t look good
Lilac: Olivia? What is your plan to get to the White World?
Olivia: In hindsight, I should have brought someone else with me that would make my life easier
Lilac: Huh?
Olivia: I am going to have to make the portal myself
Lilac: Like, right in the camp?
Acantha: Nuh uh, no way I let you do that
Olivia: Well despite the possible risks that come with it, we already know this camp is far from secure as the Buzzard flew through here and anywhere else has even more unknown variables. This is, in reality, the safest option.
Lilac: I must say, that is some sound logic
Centus: It’s risky, but then again we risk the chance of Hollow or Rahihi or Sextant incursions anywhere else, and we don’t have to worry about defending the portal and the camp at different locations if they are in the same location, not spreading manpower too thin
Boone: Should I get everyone ready?
Centus: I’ll go with you, and get the word out
Centus and Boone leave the planning room, leaving just Olivia, Lilac and Acantha 
Olivia: Lilac, I want to thank you for trusting me the whole way through, even when at times it sounds like you shouldn’t
Lilac: No problem Olivia, I’m glad that you and your guild came, really opened my world for me…
As Boone and Centus get the rest of the camp ready for the incursion, Nest is sitting near where Hadane is resting 
Nest: Listen, I know half your soul is missing, but you need to come back to me, we found the shard and we’re about to enter the White World
Hadane’s body sat still for another second longer
Nest: Come on, get up, we’re gonna get you back in one piece together
Hadane’s body finally, at last, began to move
Nest: Yes….
Hadane, still halfway unconscious, finally woke up from her day long slumber
Hadane (Groggy): I’m awake now…
Nest looked at her friend, who looked back at her
Hadane: How long was I out?
Nest: About a day
Hadane: What’s happening?
Nest: We recovered the Dark Mirror shard, we’re about to enter into the White World and go to the Temple of Echoes
Hadane: How did you do that so fast?
Nest: You can thank me, Boone and Larkin, The Buzzard was easily taken care of, although he’s still active
Hadane: Well, we’ve got a job to do
Nest: I’m so glad you’re back with us
Hadane looked at Nest, and then looked at the ground
Hadane: You remember how I said I thought here I could fill the part of me that was missing?
Nest: Yes, I remember that conversation
Hadane: Well…maybe it was more like…the current form I’m in…isn’t who I’m meant to be
Nest: What do you mean by that?
Hadane: In a way, I might be witnessing the end of me, but the beginning of something else…
Nest: Hadane…
Hadane: We’ll deal with that when it happens, let’s get to the temple
Nest nods her head solemnly, as the two of them join the rest of the group in the center of camp. The walk to the center is short, as people are quick to notice Hadane is once again conscious.
Centus: Look who’s awake
Hadane: Yes, I am indeed awake
Centus hands Hadane her staff, they had taken it into their own safekeeping during their spell of unconsciousness
Centus: I believe you need this more than I do
Hadane: I believe I do
Hadane grabbed hold of her old weapon, feeling ready enough to do battle once again 
Ba-Bayost: Good to have everyone with us once again
Yoni: Nothing says adventure like all of us in one place
Hadane: I guess you’re right
Oiyrr: My plant buddy likes you, which would be unwise considering your skillset
Hadane: Heh, I guess I have that effect on everyone
Oiyrr: People liking you against what’s wise?
Hadane: You could say that
In the distance, only Hadane can see the ghastly pale figure of Iseri, barely making it over the horizon. The figure doesn’t move any closer, instead waving back. Hadane doesn’t respond, instead keeping the smile on her face. 
In the retreating silence, Centus speaks up
Centus: I’m going to address the camp, while Olivia and Lilac get ready for the portal opening
Hadane: Sounds like a plan
Nest: Oh alright
Olivia and Lilac leave the planning tent, and prepare for portal creation, while Centus goes up to the stand and begins to address the crowd 
Centus: Everyone!
Many members of the Century Corps camp begin to turn towards Centus as they continue their address 
Centus: As you have been told, just a few minutes ago, we are about to head into the White World for the revealing of the Dark Mirror. The portal is being readied, stand by for movement
Olivia, in silence, begins opening the portal to the White World, with Lilac and Acantha watching 
Acantha: I’ve got a bad feeling about this
Lilac: Let her work
Acantha: In the White World, I saw a terrible vision, locked underneath a seal of darkness
Lilac looks at Acantha 
Acantha: This aspect of torment, rendering hope useless and seeding woe in all it encounters. The Buzzard’s aura felt similarly to this dark vision
Lilac: Acantha, what is this?
Acantha: In the Red Realm I confessed to seeing a powerful force of Darkness, one worse than Optica, or one that seemed scarier to me. Whatever secrets that foul White World holds, clearly should never be uncovered, but our friend wanted to discover the truth.
Lilac: Listen Acantha, this might be dangerous, but clearly it’s a risk worth taking, let’s let Olivia open the portal
Acantha: I can only argue so many times before the whole thing becomes irrelevant, fine, do as you want
During Olivia’s opening, and preparations being made to enter the portal, a sharp noise is heard, a bunch of Hollows begin raiding the camp
Olivia: They’re after the Dark Mirror, stop them or else we’ll have done all of this for nothing
Lilac: Yes Ma’m
Begin Mission: Out of Darkness and Into Light 
Select your party and unit reserve, Olivia is not available for this mission 
The Century Corps rush to defend the Dark Mirror and portal from the attacking Hollows. 
Wave 1 of Hollows advances
When Wave 1 is defeated 
Nest: We’re not going to let this all be for nothing
Hadane: Agreed
Boone: Alright, we just need to defend for as long as Olivia is generating the portal?
Olivia: Well, it’s not done yet, give me more time
Wave 2 of Hollows Advances 
When Wave 2 is defeated 
Yoni: So, my wonder is how many Hollows did the Buzzard send at the camp?
Centus: He likely sent his whole army here, as much as he could
Ba-Bayost: I love a death defying stand
Oseci: I for one, would like to defy death, instead of just stand
Hadane: It can be done…
Wave 3 of Hollows Advances 
When Wave 3 is defeated 
Mygin: Upon further investigation, I believe the link between this valley and the White World is intrinsic, the two places have a fate entwined
Oseci: What makes you say that?
Mygin: I’m looking over the magics, over the history, over the records. There’s a link between the Dark Mirror and this place, a link between the White World and the Dark Mirror, every datapoint ends up linking, everything intersects.
Olivia: If you believe that to be the truth, the answers you seek lie just ahead
Wave 4 of Hollows Advances 
When Wave 4 is defeated
Uruo: With how many Hollows he’s sending, you’d think the Buzzard himself would be about to show up?
Lilac: Two of our own members went off and beat the tar out of him, he’ll only show up as a last resort, seeing two people stand up to him probably made him feel fear for the first time in his life
Boone: Yeah, when his pulse attack did nothing to us, he was terrified.
Nest: We’re really those guys
The Soul Falcon emerges from Nest’s armor to screech at the Hollows 
Nest: Look who it is
Wave 5 of Hollows Advances 
When Wave 5 is defeated 
Olivia: It’s almost open, defeat the remaining Hollows and we’ll be good to advance
Hadane: We’re going to make a statement
The Final Wave of Hollows Advances
When they are defeated, Olivia finally completes opening the portal, leading to the White World
Olivia: Well, we did it
Hadane: Just…give me a minute
Lilac: Well, do you think it was worth it?
Acantha: I don’t believe so, but I believe my objections are definitively mute, so I’ll let you take point
The apparition of Acantha vanishes back into Lilac
Nest: Looks like she finally gave up the fight
Centus: We’re about to take one more step into the abyss, we better get moving while we have the chance
Yerod: I think some of us are going to stay behind while the rest of you head into the White World.
Ba-Bayost: Why would you do that?
Yerod: More Hollows might attack while in the White World, we want to secure the flank
Lilac: Ah, so just the main force will be advancing?
Ohss: Hey, you’ve got this
Hoard: So we do
Proceed the rest of the mission without unit reserve.
Olivia: No need for further delay, I’ll…just
Olivia picks up the Mirror with her abilities and incorporates it into her set
Olivia: Handle this artifact of darkness myself
Centus: The primary objective will be defense of the Dark Mirror until we reach the Temple of Echoes
Olivia leaves your party if she was in it, she is replaced by a random member from the pool of Party Members. 
Larkin: Last one into the White World is a chicken
Larkin jumps head first into the White World portal 
Hoard: HEY
Hoard follows Larkin into the portal
Yoni: I’m not going to be a chicken
Yoni also jumps through the portal. The more immature members of the Guild begin rushing through Olivia’s portal 
Olivia: I guess I’ll be a chicken
Oseci: If that’s important to you
Nest: I like chickens
Oseci: I’d assume so
The rest of the adventuring guild members go through the portal, with all of them ending up in a world of light unfamiliar to some
The White World 
Larkin: I feel like this place is brighter than I recall
Olivia: Optica’s removal made this place more, well, light in a sense
Larkin: I don’t understand it
Olivia: I don’t pretend to know either
Lilac: How can you not understand how your own world works?
Olivia: I just don’t know
Centus: Well, how far is the Temple of Echoes from here?
Olivia surveys the surroundings, deciding on a path through the White World
Olivia: We’re going to have to traverse the Canyon of Spite.
Centus: The Canyon of Spite?
Olivia: A craggy structure made of the long suppressed spite and resentment of this world, it’s an interesting and tricky thing
Kutok: Look at “Ms Travel Guide” over here, trying to take my fucking job
Olivia: Thank you?
Yoni: You have a real future in the tourism industry if this goes wrong
Kutok: If this goes wrong we all die
Yoni: That prospect is a little scary
Aiden: “A little scary”, this place is terrifying
Mygin: I find this all fascinating, so how far is the “Canyon of Spite” from here
Olivia: By my estimates, not too far
Hadane: Heh, getting in a light stroll
Boone: It’s never that easy
Trek to the Canyon of Spite
When the party is halfway there, a strange howling noise can be heard
Mygin: What was that?
Olivia: That might be the primal scream of the canyon itself
Nest: It has a scream?
Olivia: All the spiteful voices, shouting their agony in tune
Uruo: Are you sure this is a “World of Light” and not a nightmare realm of the damned
Olivia: Sometimes it feels like a nightmare
Lilac: Well that’s ominous
Hadane: We need to press on despite this
Olivia: Agreed
Resume the trek to the Canyon of Spite
When the Canyon of Spite is reached, it’s howling cries can be heard, voices in the wind
Lilac: This is very foreboding
Mygin: It’s fascinating
A glowing purple figure appears with a familiar image to the members of Lilac’s Century Corps
Lilac: Holy shi-
Uruo: It can’t be?
Boone: What do you see?
The figures get closer
Hoard: Wow, we finally found Jumay, is she ok?
The figure Hoard addressed as “Jumay” takes a step forward 
Jumay (Spite): Old family, old friends
Lilac: Uhm, you’ve got those splotches of weird static on you, want to explain that?
Jumay (Spite): I have reached a peak of further enlightenment you couldn’t hope to ever achieve yourself
Purple Figure: She and I are united in spite, Acantha
The corporal apparition of Acantha appears again from Lilac
Acantha: How do you know my name and sound like me?
The purple glow diminishes slightly 
Acantha (Spite): I was your “echo”, your other half, I was left without purpose when you entered this child, being just the vestige of your memory, my other half was filled by spite
Lilac: This is unnerving
Acantha: I left you here “echo” to see what I could not
Acantha (Spite): My spite was wasted on a scheming witch such as yourself, in spite, we are united
Jumay (Spite): In spite we are free
Uruo: You are not free, you are shackled to your own vices
Jumay (Spite): I let reality consume me, I let spite set me free, I let it control me, so I have someone to blame
Acantha (Spite): I let spite make us stronger
Jumay causes a powerful reality rippling effect 
Uruo: We have to run
Olivia: That’s obvious
The Century Corps makes a break for it as Spite tries to attack them. Moving erratically and in an unorganized fashion, leading Spite to not be able to see where they moved next.
Lilac: I think we lost them
Uruo: How are we going to free them
Lilac: I don’t know…
Olivia: I’m out of my depth here
Hadane: Maybe there’s a purifier somewhere in the White World
Olivia: That’s going to have to be a discussion we table for later
Aiden: It really sucks seeing Jumay like that
Hadane: I wonder if we can reunite Acantha?
Lilac: Is there another physical body for her to inhabit, I felt shackled around that other Acantha, I felt like I was losing my own sense of identity
Hadane: No clue, but we’re going to reunite me
A black mark of death appears in Hadane’s horizon again, only she can hear it 
Death: You have a duty to fulfill
It vanishes just as quickly 
Hadane: I have a duty to fulfill
Centus: I guess you’ll see too it
Another whisper of the Canyon can be heard
Hadane: We still need to keep moving
Olivia: Agreed
Begin moving along the Canyon of Spite
When the party is 10% through the Canyon, The canyon howls again with a memory from the past
Memory of Phote: My lord, Spite is a monster, you can’t unleash it upon the world
Memory of Optica: Lowly Phote, Spite isn’t meant to leave this place, I give it dominion within my realm to unleash my will upon those who would betray me
Memory of Hedal: My liege, no one would dare betray you, you are perfection
Memory of Optica: They won’t, their fate is to be bound by my spite
The memory ends
Mygin: So if Spite was the manifestation of Optica’s spite upon her enemies, why would it infest Jumay
Olivia: Perhaps it evolved and changed to a greater purpose
Larkin: I’ve never seen a threat like that
Resume the trek across the Canyon of Spite
When the party is 20% through the Canyon, The canyon howls again with a memory from the past
Memory of Jumay: I’m just going out for a little adventure
Memory of Lilac: Why do you insist on pursuing this “feeling”
Memory of Jumay: I’m trying to achieve true enlightenment in regard to my light magic
Memory of Lilac: Why do you insist on further understanding?
Memory of Jumay: BECAUSE, I always felt like my power can be greater
Memory of Lilac: If you insist on pursuing this power, you may do so, but don’t expect to find anything in return
The memory ends
Aiden: You drove her away Lilac?
Lilac: Not intentionally, but she wanted to pursue her own power, I thought she was reckless for just thinking about how to make herself stronger, it turns out I was right
Mygin: She might have been right in her own right, she appears to be able to pull at the strings of reality itself
Lilac: Well, now I’ve got to save her from her own ambition
Resume the trek
When the party is 30% through the Canyon, The canyon howls again with a memory from the past
Memory of Acantha: Why do you resist, my plan will free us all from the bounds of the ground, my army will make sure the world is safer for everyone
Memory of Gladian: Do you realize how insane you sound, making this city fly high up into the sky just so that you can have an army, you already built an army?
Memory of Indica: You’re insane
Memory of Acantha: Am I insane or just enlightened
Memory of Gladian: Definitely insane, do you hear yourself, you’ve totally lost it
The memory ends
Lilac: You do sound insane Acantha
Centus: That is the Acantha I remember from years ago
Acantha: That was ugly to relive, not my proudest moment
Lilac: You sure deserve every bit of shit you get for this
Larkin: Yeah she’s a real bitch for that
Olivia: I’m gonna say I never did anything like that
Acantha: Whatever that was like 8 years ago
Resume the Trek 
When the party is 40% through the Canyon, The canyon howls again with a memory from the past
Memory of Death: It might be time for me to explain what your friend made me do to you after he won our fight
Memory of Hadane: How interesting…are you coming because my end is near
Memory of Death: In a way, it might be the end of you, the beginning of something else
The memory ends
Nest: What the fuck was that
Olivia: The canyon howls with memories of not just those connected to Spite, good to know
Nest: No, no, no, no, we’re not just ignoring what that was
Hadane: Yes that’s the Angel of Death, or the manifestation of death, it’s an entity that wears a cloak, has hollow eyes and calls itself Death.
Nest: Well what’s this “beginning of something else”
Olivia: Phoenix
Nest: What?
Hadane: There’s very real evidence to think that due to my fire affinity from before I had a soul, that when Iseri dueled Death to save my life, that Death put the soul of a Phoenix in my body, to ensure I had a further purpose in life and a soul to call my own
Mygin: Yeah you have a “soul of fire”
Nest: So that’s what this is about
Hadane: I’m sorry
Nest: No…no I get it, I understand
Resume the Trek
When the party is 50% through the Canyon, The canyon howls again with a memory from the past
Memory of Rahihi: You are banished from my realm
Memory of Uruo: What?
Memory of Rahihi: You clearly have no respect for my authority, so you can starve in the wilderness
Memory of Uruo: Have it your way, I shall oppose you every single living day
The memory ends 
Uruo: The canyon is really picking best hits right now
Yoni: Having an evil dad must be the worst. I've conflicted with my dad plenty of times, but I can’t say he was ever “evil”. My sister on the other hand…
Uruo: It’s not fun when the object of hatred in your life is you own kin
Olivia: I can attest to that
Larkin: Same here, it was not fun
Uruo: Even though I hate that man, he is still my dad, and I have positive memories of him from my youth, I just wish maybe he saw the world the same as I do
Resume the trek
When the party is 60% through the Canyon, The canyon howls again with a memory from the past
Memory of Ayev: NO NO NO, DAMM IT, No!
Memory of Lorenza: Catch it you BUFFOON
A noise equivalent to a glass shattering is heard here
Memory of Ayev: Damn it! I failed again, all thanks to the Century Corps!
Memory of Lorenza: Oh Ayev, you disgrace
The memory ends
Yoni: Speak of the devil….
Centus: Ayev saddens me deeply, they simply cannot see the grander picture, why they should let go of their resentment
Mygin: They sound like they would be the perfect avatar for Spite.
Centus: You would think so
Resume the trek
When the party is 70% through the Canyon, the canyon howls again with a memory from the past
Memory of Acantha: Well Lilac, I think I have an idea for you, a pitch if you will. We can find all the strongest warriors we can, and lead them in defense of evils that might arise. This world is full of people who are evil but also full of those who commit just acts and want to feel like they belong. You can help them, with my assistance of course.
Memory of Lilac: I think I see what you’re saying…
The memory ends
Acantha: I think that pitch has worked out well, in my opinion
Lilac: You sold a young girl an idea of adventuring after inhibiting her soul
Acantha: I get it, I’m checkered, what you can’t deny is that we are succeeding our mission purpose
Hoard: We are powerful and mighty together
Lilac: Well Acantha, I can’t say it didn’t work
Resume the Trek
When the party is 80% through the Canyon, The canyon howls again with a memory from the past
Memory of Optica: Your purpose
Memory of Relic: My purpose
Memory of Optica: Capture my essence
Memory of Relic: Capture your essence
Memory of Optica: And restore me
Memory of Relic: And restore you
Memory of Optica: If I die, so I may rise again
Memory of Relic: If you die, so you may rise again
Memory of Optica: Ah Relic, you will restore me to life
Memory of Relic: Yes Optica
Memory of Optica: Sleep now
The memory ends 
Olivia: Well, that’s why Relic wanted to acquire my essence
Acantha: Hmm I see, you didn’t willingly surrender yourself to the creature to facilitate it’s return
Olivia: Yeah and
Acantha: Well if you really were a scheming witch trying to revive that old terror, you would have surrendered your soul to the creature
Olivia: I maybe could have, but are you saying you trust me now
Acantha: I think I do, I’m going to help however I can to stop the Relic from absorbing you
Lilac: Now that’s some teamwork I can get behind
Resume the Trek
When the party is 90% through the Canyon, The canyon howls again with a memory from the past
Memory of Atoll: What do you mean by that?
Memory of Earth: My child, I believe the one you fought earlier survived those events, I no longer feel their presence swimming around below my exterior
Memory of Atoll: Well Earth, is there something we should do about it
Memory of Earth: I may be the voice in your head, but if you wish to pursue this lead or figure any further, that is your decision to make
Memory of Atoll: Noted, and if anything else happens I should know about please let me know
Memory of Earth: You can count on that
The memory ends, with everyone in the party looking at each other confused
Larkin: Ok, show of hands, who here knows an “Earth”?
Nest: I think that was the Planet, like…Planet Earth.
Hadane: There’s no way…the Earth is a living thing
Mygin: Unless there is…
Nest: Maybe like a symbiotic relationship….
Olivia: Ok but that is crazy
Nest: Is it, the White World is realm linked to Optica’s soul, is it not possible the Earth has its own soul, its own memories, this White World is connected to the Earth’s own memories via their brief connection.
Olivia: Wait…when you put it like that
Larkin: Wait, why was Atoll talking to it?
Centus: We can pontificate on all of this later, we need to keep moving
Olivia: Right, we’ll speculate on this when we get back
Resume the Trek
When the party has crossed the Canyon of Spite, the figures known collectively as Spite stand in their way, like they were waiting for them
Lilac: Well crap
Jumay (Spite): This canyon is spite manifest, it is our demain, did you really think you could leave without us interfering
Acantha (Spite): We will make you into marooned souls lost in the world of Spite
Hadane: Alright I think I have an idea on how to free them, it’s improvising but I think
Hadane falls over for a bit, but gets back up
Hadane: I think it’ll work
Jumay (Spite): Free us? We are already free in spite?
Olivia: Alright Hadane, your plan
Hadane: If I am indeed linked to a Phoenix, maybe my flames can purify them?
Olivia: Well it can’t hurt to try
Acantha (Spite): Try all you might, you will fail
Fight against Spite to free those it has captive 
When Spite is at 75% 
Lilac: I might have been wrong to dismiss Jumay’s enlightenment so soon, I can admit that now
Jumay (Spite): Spite is my enlightenment
Lilac: Well that still proves me right
Acantha (Spite): Our collective spite is against you, Acantha
Acantha: Lilac is her own person, you may just consider me her shadow, her own echo now
Acantha (Spite): You dare leave me behind!
Resume against Spite
When Spite is at 50%
Hadane: Let me try this
Hadane unleashes a rift of healing flames out to Spite, trying to cleanse them of the energy. The fire crackles and burns brightly, trying to free them from the grasp of Spite
Nest: Wow…
The flames appear to put a dent into Spite
Jumay (Spite): You will never shackle us back to our old lives
Acantha (Spite): We are free here, we don’t need curing
Resume against Spite
When Spite is at 25%
Aiden: We were worried sick about you Jumay
Jumay (Spite): Not enough apparently
Centus: This Spite thing is noxious
Boone: Those malignant entities appear to often bring out the worst of us
Olivia: My biggest fear is that The Buzzard is such an entity that was sculpted by Optica into her own whims.
Jumay (Spite): The Buzzard??
Aiden: Huh?
Acantha (Spite): We are similar in nature, although we don’t know it as The Buzzard
Mygin: What is “it”?
Acantha (Spite): Wouldn’t you like to know
Resume against Spite
When Spite is defeated 
Jumay (Spite): We will NOT be shackled
Hadane: Let’s try again
Hadane unleashes another, stronger wave of healing fire, using all her might to push out the wave of flames forward. Every member of the Century Corps backs away to avoid the blinding flames. By the end of the sequence, Hadane falls to the ground drained, but Spite seems to be purged from the bodies of those known as “Spite”.
Jumay: What, where am I now?
Jumay turns to look at the Century Corps
Jumay: Guys?
Jumay, Aiden, Hoard, Oseci and Uruo all get into a big group hug
Jumay: What happened, how did you all get here?
Lilac: Long story
The group hug around Jumay disperses to see Lilac
Lilac: Do you feel enlightened
Jumay: I walked into this world and sat in a “Well of Truth” absorbing the greater knowledge of myself, gaining this true power I might have always been meant to have. I can feel the fluctuations of the universe now and manipulate them to a certain extent.
Lilac: Well, it founds like you found your inner power, note that our potentially Phoenix friend is on the ground because we had to save you from a malignant entity
Jumay: I guess I got carried away, what do you mean Phoenix friend?
Hadane: Hi
Jumay looks around past her group to see the “other” Century Corps 
Jumay: Who are those guys?
Acantha: The real Century Corps
Jumay: The real Century Corps?
Lilac: Mygin can you give her the summarized version of events
Mygin: Basically we’ve got this Dark Mirror here, (Mygin points to the Dark Mirror, which Olivia is showcasing to Jumay), that the other guild came to the valley to decipher, and they’re the real Century Corps who Acantha led for years before she got turned into Lilac’s echo
Jumay: Ok, so is it Dark Mirror secret reveal time
Lilac: Almost
Lilac and Acantha turn to the former Echo of Acantha 
Echo of Acantha: This feels weird
Olivia: You will now be free to choose your own path now
Echo of Acantha: What do you mean by that?
Olivia: I was the Soul of Optica, but in separation I made my own identity, it’s time for you to maybe do something similar.
Acantha: You’re free to make your own fate
Lilac: I wonder if my “real” echo ever got the chance to decide for itself what it wanted when you supplaneted me
Another figure manifests from Lilac
Echo of Lilac: Hello Lilac, I was suppressed by Acantha, but I’m still here
Acantha: I didn’t even know she was here
Lilac: That is strange
Echo of Lilac: Yeah, if you’re giving me the opportunity to be another person, I will take it.
Echo of Acantha: We were two different people, now forever intertwined
Lilac: Is it time for some recombination
Echo of Lilac: We need a physical body for that, I think?
Echo of Acantha: Oh right, where are we going to get a physical body?
Olivia’s face lights up with an idea
Olivia: I think I know
Acantha and Lilac look at Olivia
Lilac: If we’re thinking of the same thing, you are either a genius or completely insane
Acantha: But…in theory it could work
Echo of Acantha: What’s the plan
Echo of Lilac: I would like to know
Olivia: For now, get in…here
Olivia opens up one of her mirrors, allowing the two echoes to fit inside
Echo of Lilac: No objections here
Echo of Acantha: I will oblige
The two echoes enter the mirror. Everyone turns to face Olivia, Hadane is currently being carried by Nest
Olivia: Alright, the Temple of Echoes isn’t too far from here, let’s depart for it and learn the secrets of the Dark Mirror.
Mission End
== Chapter 12 ==
The Century Corps are at the foot of the Temple of Echoes, about to make the final step to uncover the secrets of the Dark Mirror. The Century Corps stand poised outside the temple. 
Olivia: Well here we are, back where we started this odyssey
Hadane: Nest can you put me down I was on my own two feet for this
Nest: You can barely stand up straight after you used those flames to cleanse Spite
Jumay: Thanks for that by the way
Hadane: You’re welcome
Nest: You’re staying on my back
Hadane: You really want to carry me
Nest: I don’t, you’re heavy
Ba-Bayost: I can carry her
Larkin: Oh right Iehn said you were super muscular.
Ba-Bayost: Let me carry our potentially Phoenix friend
Hadane: No thank you, I can move…on my own
Ba-Bayost: Well I trust your judgment about this specific endeavor, fiery friend
Yoni: Everyone here has been phonetically phenomenal right now
Lilac: We’re big fans of alliteration here.
Olivia: Big fans of wasting time too
Centus: Whatever we learn should determine our next move
Larkin: We’re probably going to have to listen to Optica prattle quite a bit
Olivia: Oh, well, we’ve come so far already
Mygin: I’ll be the first inside, the pursuit of knowledge waits for no one
Oiyrr: Well, I can’t say I hate the energy
Mygin charges on inside 
Begin Mission: Revelatory Truths 
Select your party, no Unit Reserve is available for this mission 
Mygin walks into the Temple of Echoes, with the rest of the Corps following behind. The first thing they see is a monster made of Light energy.
Olivia: Looks like the rats have infested the sanctum
Lilac: The rats?
Acantha: These disgusting creatures of light infest every corner of this realm, that’s why they are “rats”.
Nest: I wonder if there’s someone like me who has this ability but for Rodents
Uruo: They might be far less agreeable than you are
Aiden: Well not every single bird is friendly
Hoard: Can attest to that, exhibit A, Nest
Nest: Hey
Hadane: Friendly banter aside, can we get moving?
Kutok: I’m honestly in awe of Olivia, she basically has an entire map of the White World in her head, it’s amazing we found this place without me having to step in
Olivia: Alright we’ll just have to purge this place of the Light Monsters
Fight against the Infestors of the Temple 
When the Century Corps is at 25% of the Temple cleared 
Nest: Why is the White World, so “infested” with these monsters, even after Optica’s death
Olivia: This world is her sword, her personal world of torture, disposing of her physical form in the distant past can’t remove the corruption this world represents.
Nest: Is it Optica’s world, did she create this place
Olivia: The White World is a weird entity, it appears to be connected directly to the memory of Earth, from what we’ve learned. It was around before I was born
Mygin: So this isn’t truly her world, she just made it her own?
Olivia: She shaped it to it’s very core, sculpting it to her liking.
Mygin: If the Earth truly is a sentient being, I wonder what that means for this place, or the Nightlands, what is the hypothetical Garden of Eden?
Centus: It’s not hypothetical, I was born there
Mygin: Really, did you always know the Earth was alive
Centus: My earliest memories were being created in clay by the first woman. She had learned that technique from a figure I had surmised as a deity, learning it in secret, learning how to sculpt life from nothing. That figure may have been the Earth, The Garden of Eden might be the “womb” of the Earth itself, given that all of the life of it came from it.
Larkin: Why is the “womb of the Earth” a weird pocket dimension you need a portal to access, or why would it have the Adamite Key?
Centus: Well let me try to put it like this. I called the “womb of the Earth” since it’s where life on the Earth came from. The Adamite Key was likely created as a way to keep the creatures in that realm from dying so they could be subjected to various tests. Somehow it was stolen from Earth and was used to curse me.
Larkin: So it’s really more like a laboratory
Centus: You could say that
Resume removing the infestation
When the infestation is 50% removed
Lilac: Olivia, what other secrets does this world hold?
Olivia: Well if I knew them, they wouldn’t be secret
Lilac: You know what I mean
Olivia: Alright, Optica hid all sorts of various things around this world, she took it shaped it into what it is now, using her own force of will.
Nest: Do you think the White World is alive, like the Earth is, and like an animal, Optica has been abusing it?
Olivia: Beating it into submission, “training it” in some sort of twisted way
Acantha: She’s a monster of the highest caliber, that would not surprise me.
Nest: What’s the weird alive dimension equivalent of animal control?
Olivia: I haven’t been able to gain custody of the world from Optica even though she has been dead for 8 years, iif that’s you’re asking me
Lilac: Have you tried?
Olivia: Not exactly, but maybe it could be worth a shot.
Resume removing the infestation 
When the infestation is 75% removed 
Boone: My main question is why the Temple of Echoes can reveal secrets about a “Dark Mirror”, isn’t this the Temple of Echoes, not the Temple of Mirrors?
Olivia: There are two answers, one is because this temple contains the “Chamber of Reflection '' which has mirrors because echoes are like another part of you that can be reflected on. The second more speculative answer is because Darkness is like the opposing force of Light, “echoing” it in a weird, poetic sense.
Boone: That actually makes a lot of sense.
Nest: Darkness being the echo of Light seems like it’s a little reductive, wouldn’t that make the Nightlands an echo realm to the White World? Does Optica have a counterpart of Darkness?
Olivia: That is not a realm I presume to have expertise in, but I’d assume not since it seems like whatever Optica and the previous guy did
Acantha: Ygmi
Olivia: What?
Acantha: The previous guy’s name, was Ygmi
There is a brief pause, before Olivia resumes
Olivia: Whatever Optica and Ygmi did to this place was a long process where they chipped away and sculpted this realm. I doubt that the Nightlands were molded or sculpted in such a way by outside forces, or if they can be modified in that way.
Nest: What you’re saying is that this is likely a special case due to some kind of technique or object or power Ygmi might have obtained and passed down to Optica.
Olivia: Likely
Kutok: My question is what power would allow someone to influence the very “soul” of a world
Olivia: That is a mystery, maybe we’re about to learn it
Kutok: My guess is, we still won’t know
Resume removing the infestation 
When the infestation is completely removed, the Temple of Echoes is void of Light Monsters, falling silent aside from the sounds of the Century Corps
Ba-Bayost: Where do we go now?
Olivia: Right, follow me
The Century Corps begins to follow Olivia through the chambers of the temple, stepping through it’s annals, having the light of silence permeate their movements 
Jumay: This place is a little intense
Olivia: You learn to live with it
The vigil of silence falls when the Century Corps reach the Chamber of Reflection, where the device that reveals the truths of the Dark Mirror is located
Olivia: Alright, do I have the honors
The large group of Century Corps members that have come this far look at Olivia
Hadane: The honors are all yours
Lilac: Reveal to us truths unseen
Nest: Make this worth it
Boone: It has to mean something
Olivia: The truth will be revealed to us
Olivia takes the Dark Mirror out of her arsenal and with her magic, lowers it onto the same plate that revealed the effigy of Optica that brought them on this journey in the first place.
As the Dark Mirror is placed on the plate, it begins to spark and crackle, pulsing with an unprecedented darkness. The darkness begins to ripple across the room
Kutok: I’m a little scared
Larkin: You need to keep believing in this
The darkness pulses, until the hologram of Optica finally reveals itself again 
Optica (Hologram): The Dark Mirror has been completed. This message will only play if someone connected to me has placed the Dark Mirror on this mantle. I will reveal what’s in its twisted reflection, the force of malice it is linked to. Since you can only access this in the events of my demise, I will assume my demise was caused by the force connected to the Dark Mirror, known directly as Malice.
Hadane: Malice?
The darkness around the room transforms into more of a memory, or a vision they all collectively begin to have 
Nest: Looks like the veil is coming down
A porous ooze of what looks like pure, adulterated hatred begins slimming across the ground in the vision, infecting and killing any creature. The slime of the creature emitting an unprecedented darkness 
Memory of Optica: What you see here is the purest form of Malice, a primordial entity of hatred, it can’t ever be killed, only its form temporarily destroyed. Hate’s nature as a suppressed emotion means it allows Malice to continually and slowly regenerate over generations.
Mygin: I wonder how Malice exists if the Earth is indeed alive.
The vision shows the ooze bonding to a massive avian predator, something that looks like a monstrous Vulture. It bonds with the ooze, transforming into a predator that soars the sky, picking apart creatures from the ground like a scavenger 
Nest: That…must be-
Memory of Optica: That creature you see is the first avatar of Malice, known simply as The Buzzard, for it mercilessly picks apart its prey like a Buzzard does.
Boone: So it’s not one entity, it’s a symbiosis
The vision shows another “Buzzard”, a large dragon bonded to Malice, fighting a fiery Phoenix. Someone below the Phoenix is holding a mirror, an object of light 
Hoard: That is not a nice dragon…
Oseci: There’s no way…
Mygin: So this was the great evil the Phoenix sealed away long ago
Memory of Optica: The Buzzard was seeking out this Soul Tree, to corrupt it and turn the valley into a corrupted wasteland of nothing but hollows, rotting and feeding him power over time
Lilac: We need to pull out everything we have to stop that
The battle between the Phoenix and “Buzzard” ends with the Phoenix dying a sort of final death to seal the majority of Malice inside the Dark Mirror 
Memory of Optica: Someone had taken that mirror, a former artifact of Light and sealed most of Malice within it. This was to stop its spread completely. In reality, Malice needed to be destroyed, not concealed. The “Malice” in the mirror is tainted and rotten, the “Malice” that remains is strong and vibrant, fresh and growing. Malice is still a powerful entity, and if it-
The vision transforms again to show the valley absolutely destroyed by darkness, hollows pouring out of every corner
Olivia: So this is what happens if we fail?
Lilac: This dark future is one we must stop at any cost
Memory of Optica: If it became powerful enough to kill me, I came up with a contingency to get rid of it.
Acantha: Hey I think that No-Good Witch finally came up with something that finally benefits us.
The vision ends, transforming everyone back into the temple
Boone: So how do we weaken it?
A little nook opens in the wall with a device 
Optica (Hologram): This is a device of light, aether and soul energy that is designed to isolate the host of the “Buzzard”, doing so will disrupt the harmony between the host and Malice. It should help you defeat Malice.
The Hologram finally vanishes, leaving just the Dark Mirror 
Boone: So we should probably destroy the mirror?
Lilac: I don’t think so
Boone: Why not? It literally just has more darkness in it
Lilac: The vision said the darkness in it was “tainted and rotten”, if we destroy it when the host and Malice are split, it might clash with Malice and help weaken it.
Boone: That might be a good idea
Acantha: You really want to trust Optica?
Lilac: Well, we don’t have a choice
Olivia: Well, the plan is, we take this device, this, “Symbiosis Breaker” and we use it in the final fight.
Oiyrr: We need to get back to the valley so we can properly strategize.
Nest: We need something else first
Larkin walks up to the nook and takes the “Symbiosis Breaker”
Larkin: We can’t leave without this
Nest: I meant we need part of Hadane’s soul
Hadane: Right, I need my echo
Olivia: I haven’t forgotten about Relic, we need to neutralize it here
Suddenly, the screeching of Light Monsters can be heard. 
Uruo: I thought we cleared the infestation?
Olivia: They are right on cue
Boone: Well you are quite the planner
Fight off the Light Monsters again
When they are defeated, the Relic shows itself, entering the Chamber of Reflection, dead set on claiming Olivia’s echo
Relic (Hadane): Hello, surrender to me what I need to complete my purpose
Hadane: Surrender to me the part of my soul I need to be whole again
Relic (Hadane): No
Hadane: Then no
Olivia: Alright, Relic, either stand aside or be slain
Nest: You have no other options, no other course of action
Relic (Hadane): I will not simply be shut down and left to rot in this White World
Nest: That was your last warning
Fight against Relic (Hadane)
When Relic (Hadane) is at 90%
Relic (Hadane): The sensation is strange isn’t it, fighting someone with the powerset of your allies?
Larkin: Not at all, Lark2n is basically my clone and I fought him often
Centus: Fighting Neve in the Garden of Eden was like fighting the version of me I had wished to destroy
Relic (Hadane): This is still unlike anything you’ve ever faced, a direct copy
Larkin: Are you even listening?
Hadane: Lark2n is a better copy of you than that thing is of me
Resume against Relic (Hadane)
When Relic (Hadane) is at 75% 
Relic (Hadane): My cold body has felt warm ever since I stole this part of you, I might keep it when I take the essence of Olivia from her
Hadane: You will get no such thing and remain empty
Olivia: Unless you are open to negotiation, there’s no way you keep Hadane’s echo
Hadane: Open to negotiation?
Acantha: Wait…I recognize this type of scheme, let Olivia work.
Hadane: As you wish
Nest: I wonder what your plan is
Relic (Hadane): It won’t be enough
Olivia: I think your mind will soon be open to change
Resume against Relic (Hadane)
When Relic (Hadane) is at 60%
Hadane: I think if this “Relic” is meant to imitate me, I need to step my game up, it has such sloppy form
Relic (Hadane): Do not use your destruction as an opportunity for retrospection and improvement
Hadane: With your current use of my abilities you couldn’t destroy a fly
Larkin: Excellent trash talk Hadane
Hadane: Thank you
Resume against Relic (Hadane)
When Relic (Hadane) is at 45%
Olivia: Are you ready to hear my offer yet?
Relic (Hadane): No, what could you poss-
Olivia: I will surrender my essence to you, to complete your mission, only if you restore Hadane’s Echo to her
The Century Corps are mostly taken aback by this, aside from Acantha and Centus
Acantha: For not being a part of Optica anymore, she still schemes like it
Centus: You are correct in this observation
Nest: Olivia, you better know what you’re doing
Hadane: Yeah, don’t do anything reckless
Olivia: Let me work here
Relic (Hadane): Wait this little echo matters so much, wait, that can’t be right
Centus: The seed of doubt has been planted
Resume against Relic (Hadane)
When Relic (Hadane) is at 30%, she stops fighting the Century Corps
Relic (Hadane): Ok, I will agree to this
Olivia: I’m glad you agree, complete your mission like a good little machine
Relic (Hadane) relinquishes Hadane’s Echo back into Hadane filling her again 
Hadane: Oh…wow
Hadane staggers upwards, feeling complete again
Nest: Welcome back to full power
Relic: Hand over the essence
Olivia extends her arm out towards Relic, who has opened up to accept it, but at the last second, Olivia pulls a mirror on it
Olivia: Hey echoes!
Relic: Error, complete transaction
Lilac: Oh my god she’s so smart
The two echoes she had put earlier in the mirror respond 
Echoes: Yes?
Olivia: I found a body for you, and it’s all yours
Relic: ERROR, ERROR
Echoes: Say less
The Echoes of Lilac and Acantha fly out of the mirror and into Relic’s open body, overpowering it’s initial directive, making the empty vessel home to a new soul, instead of a new echo
Relic: ERROR, ERROR, ERR-
Before Relic can prattle on any further, it’s mind is destroyed by the two echoes forming a new being inside its body
Acantha: It’s brilliant
Hadane: I’m still adjusting, so wait is the Relic dead now
The formation of a new being completes, the body formerly known as Relic stands up, completely new, showered in a violet light and violet armor made from the light.
Relic??: We aren’t Relic anymore, we take a new form in this place, we are a new person…
It’s a brief pause before the two halves are united into a true, real soul
Relic??: I would like to be called Acandra from now on
Lilac: Well, welcome to the Century Corps Acandra
Jumay: This has been the weirdest enlightenment ever
Acandra: I feel free, it’s a weird feeling
Lilac: Get used to it
Kutok: Don’t we have to march back to the portal?
Olivia: The portal I opened before should have closed, I will make a new portal here that takes us to the camp, it shouldn’t take long, just defend me until it’s complete
Lilac: You heard the woman, defend her
Uruo: Yes Ma’m
Hadane: That includes you too Acandra and Jumay
Acandra: I will do my best
Jumay: Me as well
Olivia incorporates the Dark Mirror into her mirror arsenal again and begins the work of making a new portal.
Defend Olivia while she makes the new portal
When the new portal is at 25% completion 
Oiyrr: I think it is weird the White World has all these monsters but no foliage at all, you’d think a world of “perfection and beauty” would have some plants
Olivia: Optica has no need for decorations, she has a need for shock troops.
Oiyrr: Plants can provide power too
Olivia: That’s not the power she built this world to emanate
Resume the defense of Olivia
When the new portal is at 50% completion 
Acandra: Having a physical form and working like this after being just disparate energy for so long is so odd
Jumay: Getting your bearing again can be tough, we’ve both been possessed by an entity of spite for the past few weeks
Acandra: It is a change, but one I will happily get used too
Resume the defense of Olivia
When the new portal is at 75% completion 
Larkin: One thing I don’t understand is why the Dark Mirror was found by The Buzzard, wouldn’t the Buzzard want to be far away from something that could wound him mortally?
Boone: He likely moved it to the seat of his power in the wilderness so he could kill anyone who tried to destroy it to weaken him. We chased him off briefly because Vivuhal used aether to weaken him.
Larkin: Well, that makes sense for why this whole thing started, his natural weakness to aether. I wonder why he is weak to it
Nest: Aether is an energy connected to life, it makes sense a being who twists others is averse to it
Resume the defense of Olivia
When the portal is complete, the light monsters retreat from the premises
Jumay: I am ready to head home
Hadane: We have a Buzzard to destroy, destroy for good.
Boone: It’s not going to be as easy as the last time
Nest: Well, we have an idea
Uruo: We just need to make a plan
Olivia: Well, let’s head back and plan
Lilac: The Century Corps will, win this day
The Century Corps walk through the portal and head back to the camp
Mission End
== Chapter 13 ==
Back at the Century Corps camp, in the planning room, sits Lilac, Olivia, Centus, Mygin, Uruo, Hadane and Oiyrr as they prepare for the final confrontation against The Buzzard to destroy its current incarnation and save Soulight Valley.
Lilac: The number 1 objective is clear, we need to destroy The Buzzard
Olivia: Obviously, but we need to also ensure the Soul Tree is protected
Hadane: I think I’ll need to “embrace a new beginning” and do what I always meant to.
Mygin: They last defeated The Buzzard with a Phoenix, we can defeat The Buzzard with a new Phoenix
Hadane: That’s what I’m thinking, although instead of simply sealing away The Buzzard, we destroy it completely
Oiyrr: You might need to enter the Soul Tree to do, being surrounded by the many energies of the tree will allow you to complete the transformation
Hadane: Understood
Uruo: The main problem with this plan is that the Soul Tree is located directly below Rahihi’s stronghold
Mygin: Right, we’d likely have to deal with whatever forces are inside the canyon that belong to him
Uruo: Taking down The Buzzard will likely also involve taking down Rahihi, taking down both of them is the only way we can save the Valley
Mygin: That means we’ll likely also have to fight the Sinners Sextant
Lilac: Well, if we take everyone, and maybe leave a small force to defend the camp, then we’d likely be able to breach the fortress of Rahihi easier
Olivia: We also need Larkin to use the “Symbiosis Breaker” on the Buzzard as soon as he gets in an ideal position
Centus: That “Witch” fellow has me a little worried, I hope we can neutralize her in an effective manner.
Olivia: So we deal with her when we get to that
Mygin: May I ask why Rahihi’s lowly attendant makes you feel uneasy, Centus?
Centus: There’s an eerie familiarity there, something I can’t explain. Like it’s someone I had known for all my immortal life.
Olivia: I’m sure you’ll get the truth you seek once we confront them
Oiyrr: I think the warrior near the Soul Tree might be under Rahihi’s control in some way
Uruo: What is the plan there?
Oiyrr: We are going to break his hold on the soul warrior if it’s there
Uruo: By fighting it?
Oiyrr: Likely
Lilac: So our plan is ready, we’re going into the canyon to the Soul Tree and then assaulting Rahihi’s fortress that overlooks it, taking the fight directly to his forces.
Olivia: We have a large force with us, we can make a significant dent in his army.
Lilac: Alright, so we agree on the plan?
Hadane: I’m all for it, part of this gig was the fact your life was on the line and you would need to make sacrifices, I’m ready to give my life to help defend the valley
Centus: I don’t think there’s a better course of action, I’m in
Oiyrr: I agree on this plan
Uruo: Let’s take down that bastard warlord
Mygin: You don’t need my approval, let’s do what we were meant to do
Everyone else but Lilac and Olivia leave the planning room. Acantha manifests from Lilac in front of Olivia in the room
Acantha: I’m feeling a lot better about you than I had previously
Olivia: What changed? I’m curious
Acantha: Well, you didn’t have to do that for our echoes
Lilac: Providing them another existence as a sovereign being beyond us was something you didn’t need to do, let alone risk Relic absorbing you for it?
Acantha: Optica would never do an act as selfless as that
Olivia: Thanks Acantha, it means a lot that you’re finally trusting me
Acantha: You’re welcome kid, but don’t betray my newfound faith in you
Olivia: I wouldn’t dream of it
Everyone leaves the planning room and goes to bed for the night. The next day, everyone is preparing to go off to face the final confrontation against The Buzzard and Rahihi. 
As the Century Corps are preparing for their final battle, Nest and Boone are congregating together, putting together their arsenal for the final battle against The Buzzard and Rahihi.
Boone: This is it
Boone takes out a picture of their family from when they were alive, they look at it with intent, before putting it away
Boone: We’ve faced these near impossible odds before, we will do so again
Nest: We beat The Buzzard to a pulp with our bear hands, but the job isn’t finished, his evil must be completely expunged from the valley
Boone: I’m finally ready to leave this in the past
Nest: Whatever happens, we do it together, and not just the two of us, all of us, we’re a team.
Boone: I find it impossible to disagree
Boone loads their rifle fully, looking at Nest as she gets ready to roll out on this expedition. As the two finish preparing, Hadane walks over to where Nest is and Nest turns to look at her
Hadane: Are you ready
Nest: I can’t believe it’s the end
Hadane: It’s only the end if you believe we fail
Nest: What do you mean by that?
Hadane: Like a Phoenix, I too will rise again from the ashes, I promise this won’t be the end of me
Nest: I’ll never see you again
Hadane: Only if you believe that
At that moment, everyone begins motioning to leave, so Nest, Hadane and Boone follow suit, joining Lilac and Olivia and the rest of the forces. Lilac is getting ready to deliver a speech
Lilac: We’re going out on our grandest expedition yet, we’re going to free the valley from the grasp of Rahihi and The Buzzard. It’s going to take everything we have to win this fight and wrest control of the valley back to the people who call it home. When we shatter the hold they collectively have over the valley, we’ll free the future of it for everyone we protect. And for those who aren’t part of what I’ve built here for years, we’ll unite under the banner of the Century Corps, two separate entities joining in collective efforts for a common goal, defense of the innocent, upholders of righteousness, arbiters of justice. Rahihi’s reign of terror over the valley is an affront to what we stand for and The Buzzard is an egregious affront to everything good and righteous in this world. We’re going to win this day.
A lot of people in the crowd cheer back, as Olivia gets a turn to talk
Olivia: We’re never going to falter. We have a mission, so let’s go out and do it. Those who came here in pursuit of the truth in the Dark Mirror, it has revealed its purpose. We’re now going to do what we always do, we’re going to stop evil.
The large group of Century Corps look at them and cheer. 
Kutok: Let me lead the way!
Oiyrr: I will assist with anything related to the defender of the Soul Tree
Jumay: Me and Acandra are going to stay behind and defend the camp, in case things go wrong, we’ll need it
Acandra: Good luck on your heroics, we eagerly await your triumphant return.
Lilac: Off to battle we go
Begin Mission: Battle Canyon 
Select your party and unit reserve 
Progress down the Canyonside Trail 
When the Century Corps is 10% down the Canyonside Trail, a group of Hollows pop up to block their path
Nest: He’s going to run out of these things eventually
Olivia: Proceed otherwise, get these blighted distractions out of our way
Fight against the Hollows
When you defeat them
Boone: We should probably get ready to engage any hollows or any of Rahihi’s minions sent to slow us down on the way to the canyon
Centus: We’re just going to have to break every single one on our way down
Boone: Well said
Resume down the Canyonside Trail 
When the Century Corps is 20% down the Canyonside Trail
Lilac: Centus, why didn’t you have anything to say during the speech?
Centus: I felt like you and Olivia had a real good grasp on everything, you are both incredible leaders of men
Lilac: Thank you, that means a lot coming from someone with a history as storied as yourself
Centus: Your kind words mean a lot to an old geezer like me, but you really are one of the most capable leaders I’ve ever known
Resume down the Canyonside Trail 
When the Party is 30% down the Canyonside Trail
Larkin: I wonder where Lark2n went?
Yoni: Are you really wondering that now?
Larkin: It’s just, I know he’ll probably pop up near the Arctic, near that potential secret Department X facility he mentioned but after he saved me, Nest and Boone from The Buzzard and helped us secure the shard, I guess I never got to say thank you
Yoni: You can tell him that when you see him again
Resume down the Canyonside Trail
When the party is 40% down the Canyonside Trail, Oiyrr stops to observe a plant that is covered in malice
Oiyrr: Looks like The Buzzard tried twisting and shaping this plant
Oiyrr pokes the darkness ground around the plant, feeling it’s pervasive malice
Oiyrr: This is the rot that will set in if The Buzzard gets his twisted way. We need to give some agency back to whatever warrior was defending The Soul Tree.
Olivia: We will, if we keep on pushing
Resume down the Canyonside Trail
When the Party is 50% down the Canyonside Trail, a beacon of light erupts from the Soul Tree
Hadane: I feel it calling to me, like we need to hurry
Mygin: It appears to be aware of the upcoming battle, calling us down there
Oiyrr: Let’s press on
Resume down the Canyonside Trail
When you are 60% down the Canyonside Trail, instead of Hollows, Rahihi’s minions and Sinners Sextant begin showing up
Lilac: We have more standing in our way, let’s remove them from our path
Uruo: None of Rahihi’s simple minions will stop me from giving him the fate he deserves
Fight against Rahihi’s forces and Sinners Sextant 
When they are defeated
Yoni: There’s someone I think we’re due to run into
Oseci: Oh, what do you plan to do with them
Yoni: I hope that in this situation, they’ll chose sensibility and aid us
Resume down the Canyonside Trail
When the party is 70% down the Canyonside Trail
Mygin: I wonder if these brave bands of warriors in the past had to fight off legions aligned with enemies of the valley?
Uruo: Well, do you think that’s a possibility?
Mygin: It could have been
Ba-Bayost: I have been a part of many bands of warriors throughout my time, and none of them are as cohesive as a united force as The Century Corps are. None of the forces that could have defended the valley are as strong together as we are together
Mygin: None of them?
Centus: Ba-Bayost might very much be right
Yerod: Everyone here is united in our conviction
Iehn: Amen
Resume down the Canyonside Trail
When the part is 80% down the Canyonside Trail
Uruo: I wonder how so many can spinelessly follow Rahihi?
Oseci: The punishment Rahihi gives to those unaligned to his cause is powerful. They are terrified for their lives
Uruo: I know those people are conscripted against their will, but his loyalists, that confuses me now that I’m seeing him again
Centus: Loyalty is often bought by strong, uncompromising leaders, regardless of their moral intent
Acantha: Can attest to that
Uruo: I believe Lilac’s leadership and the purpose of the guild has enough credibility and character to destroy whatever hold he might have in death
Lilac: That’s the goal
Resume down the Canyonside Trail
When the party is 90% down the Canyonside Trail 
Hoard: I think we need a Dragon here
Nest: Can’t you get some to come and assist us
Hoard: I can, some will definitely help us when we take on the full brunt of the forces of Rahihi and The Buzzard
Nest: You and I aren’t so different Hoard
Hoard: The difference between a bird and dragon is how large they are
Hadane: Creatures of the sky
Hoard: You must let us know what’s it like
Resume down the Canyonside Trail
When the party completes the Canyonside Trail, they see an easy entrance to go down into the canyon. However, it is blocked by three familiar faces
Shane: This is as far as you go
Farat: We won’t let you enter the canyon
Sinners Sextant Captain: Yeah, no pleasantries will be exchanged
Yoni: Come on guys, that Buzzard is going to destroy the valley for generations
Shane: Well we got put on guard duty and that trumps whatever greater moral conflict is happening
Centus: Be reasonable, there’s like a bunch of us and like 30 of you
Shane: They have a point…
Sinners Sextant Captain: Don’t even think about it
Yoni: I can tell you want to be part of something greater again
Farat: And what’s that supposed to mean?
Lilac: Let’s just say that I’ll let you and any other potential defectors into the Century Corps if you help us during our greatest hour of need
Sinners Sextant Captain: No, stop entertaining that idea
Farat: Hmmm, you really would
Yoni: Do you want to fight for the future, than follow my lead
Shane: What a great possibility
Sinners Sextant Captain: You fucking imbecibles better not
Farat: Actually we don’t have to listen to you anymore
The small contingent freaks out as Farat and Shane begin a mutiny against their Captain. 
Shane: Come on, get through here
Yoni: You heard them
The Entire Century Corps force just sort of walks through the contingent and down into the Canyon. The Soul Tree and it’s mighty warrior aren’t too far from where they are
Oiyrr: I feel it’s presence near us
Hadane: I am about to become something new
Hadane and Oiyrr look up at the Soul Tree, looking much more imposing in person
Hadane: Just a few more steps towards it
Advance towards the Soul Tree
When the Century Corps are 25% to the Soul Tree, a wave of energy is emitted by it that empowers Nest
Nest: Woah….
Nest staggers back for a minute, being caught by Hoard 
Nest: This power feels different
Hadane: I wonder what it’s doing to you?
Oiyrr: The Soul Tree’s power is one that might call out to natural beacons of earthly power
Nest: Do you think that I am a natural power beacon that the Soul Tree would willingly empower?
Oiyrr: It’s a possibility
Continue the advance towards to the Soul Tree
When the Century Corps are 50% to the Soul Tree, a pulsing green light is seen 
Oiyrr: It’s even more beautiful the closer I get to it
Uruo: Rahihi sure has a lot of people stationed here
Yoni: Wait guys, look
Yoni points to a crew of Rahihi’s goons doing something to the Tree like taking parts of it to as part of their Soul Energy harvesting operations 
Oiyrr: That is sick and twisted
Uruo: Once we crush Rahihi’s forces, we should be able to quell any possible energy harvesting operations
Continue the advance towards the Soul Tree
When the Century Corps are 75% to the Soul Tree, some leaves of it fall into Oiyrr’s hands 
Oiyrr: This energy pulses with the will of all things, like it’s connected to the energies at the core of everything
Mygin: You believe that this Soul Tree is connected to the Earth’s living consciousness
Oiyrr: It’s a distinct possibility, I feel it in the palm of my hand
Hadane: I will meet her soon if that’s the case
Continue the Advance to the Soul Tree
When the Advance is complete, the party comes face to face with the large Soul Warrior, with a strange device linked to it 
Evner, Soul Guardian: Hostile presence, I think you should leave immediately.
Oiyrr: Wow, so this is what the true Evner looks like….
Centus: Alright, let’s free it’s mind
Another figure steps out
Witch: Good luck trying to get rid of the device I implanted into it
Centus: You, I know who you are behind that mask
Witch: Well Centus, good luck trying to prove it
Nest: Enough games, what did you do to this warrior?
Witch: I made it want to follow the orders of Rahihi
Evner, Soul Guardian: My true purpose is to follow the orders of the warlord
Witch: Good luck trying to get past him
Witch runs away before anyone can start attacking “her”
Oiyrr: It’s time to free this warrior
Hadane: One more step before I do what I believe I was meant to do.
Evner, Soul Guardian: I will stop you from hurting the warlord
The device Witch implanted into the Guardian continues to spark
Fight against Evner, Soul Guardian
When he is at 80%, the device sparks again, releasing some stray electricity 
Olivia: Looks like we just need to keep attacking it
Oiyrr: I think we could do something with this electric stream
Olivia: What is this idea of yours?
Oiyrr: Larkin?
Larkin: Yes?
Oiyrr: Absorb the current and then fire it back at the Soul Warrior
Larkin: Oh, alright
As Evner continues swinging their axe, Larkin absorbs the electrical current and unleashes it back at Evner, damaging the device 
Evner, Soul Guardian: My devotion to Rahihi will not be shaken so easily
Hadane: We need to do this some more
Resume against Evner, Soul Guardian
When he is at 60%, the device continues to spark, not releasing another current but continue to sputter
Uruo: I think I can get some of the device off
Uruo sends one of his Ice Emblems at one of the antennas of the device, causing it to freeze and break off
Evner, Soul Guardian: The cold doesn’t faze me
Hadane: Hmm, you’re giving me an idea
Resume against Evner, Soul Guardian
When he is at 40%, the device goes back to having an electric current flow out of it
Larkin: I’m on it
Larkin once again absorbs the current and uses its energy to attack the device
Evner, Soul Guardian: That was still a most unpleasant situation
Oiyrr: We almost have you freed, we’re so close
Resume against Evner, Soul Guardian
When he is at 20%, the device continues to spark
Hadane: Since Uruo had the last one, I’ll take this one
Hadane unleashes a blast of flames at the device, scorching the circuitry of the device and making some minor components burn up
Evner, Soul Guardian: Stop trying to shake my faith
Aiden: I have an idea when it gets in range of a final attack that will destroy it
Uruo: I think I know what you’re getting at
Resume against Evner, Soul Guardian
When he is defeated, he begins to stagger but not truly fall, the electric current again begins flowing out the device with Larkin absorbing the current again
Aiden: Alright, have at him
Aiden places three reticles on the device, each different one making a part of the device weaker to Hadane’s fire, Uruo’s ice and Larkin’s electricity 
Hadane: I will fulfill my new purpose
Uruo: My father is done making pawns
Larkin: Get obliterated stupid device
The three of them blast the device on Evner to smithereens, freeing him from the mind-control Witch implanted into him. 
Evner, Soul Guardian: I feel normal again…thank you adventurers
Oiyrr: It’s an honor to meet the real you Evner
Evner, Soul Guardian: I see you have a plant distantly connected to my energy
Oiyrr: It was hard for me to not too
Lilac: Oiyrr, do you want to stay behind and help Evner defend the Soul Tree.
Evner, Soul Guardian: I would not be opposed to it
Olivia: Me neither
Oiyrr: It would be my honor
Hadane looks at the group, signaling to them what she is about to do
Hadane: I’m going into the tree, I assume you already know what it’s about to take place
Evner, Soul Guardian: Ah, you wish to transcend above your human form
Hadane: I’m ready to begin something new
Olivia: You were a great partner
Hadane: I’m well aware
Nest walks over to Hadane and gives her a big ole hug
Hadane: This isn’t the end of me Nest, it’s the beginning of something new
Nest: I know that it’s just…I didn’t want this to be the last time I saw your face, the last time I heard your voice, I didn’t want to ever have a last time
Hadane: Remember Nest, after this I am going to be with you every step of the way.
The Soul Falcon briefly pops out of Nest’s armor
Nest: Heh, my bird buddy wants to say goodbye to you as well
Hadane: He has every right too
Nest: I’m going to miss having this version of you in my life so much, the person named Hadane in my life
Hadane: It wasn’t an easy choice to make, but it’s my choice and even if it was my purpose, I could have chosen to forsake this, chosen to continue living as a human, but I know this is what I meant to do Nest, you need to let me do this
Nest: I know….but still, I’m going to miss you, and you specifically, so much
They break off the hug, and Hadane begins walking towards the Soul Tree
Mygin: Rise again Phoenix, may you be at our side during the eve of battle
Larkin: It was a blast having you around
Hadane: Thank you, everyone
Centus: It’s admirable that you made this choice, I don’t know if I would have done the same
Uruo: As the opposite to my natural element, I appreciated your fiery perspective for the time I knew you
Hadane: Again thank you
Hadane takes a deep breath in
Hadane: Iseri saved me, so I could live again, so I could have something to fight for, something to look forward too, this guild gave me a purpose with my new life, gave me something to do with it. It’s the version of me I love the most, like a real family of brave and strong warriors. I love all of you like I’d love my own family. I promise that I’ll rise again to meet you in battle, but for now this is goodbye
The Century Corps looked at Hadane
Lilac: Goodbye Hadane
Olivia: Again, this isn’t the end, we’ll see you soon
Hadane smiles and then walks into the trunk of the Soul Tree, disappearing from view 
Mission End
== Chapter 14 ==
At the bottom of the Soul Tree’s canyon, The Century Corps are preparing for the final assault on Rahihi’s fortress 
Centus: Alright, the plan is that the main force of us are going to directly strike at Rahihi, while the unit reserve is going to be fighting enemies throughout the fortress, putting a dent in the forces of Rahihi.
Olivia: That sounds good to me
Lilac: I approve of that tactic
Centus: Unit reserve?
Iehn: Acknowledged commander
Tranjoh: You can count on it
Kutok: We need to scale the canyon to strike back at Rahihi
Uruo: It’s going to be anything but easy
Nest: We’re fucking doing this
Boone: Damn right
Mygin: We’re going to go down in history, one way or the other
Olivia: Uruo, would you like to lead the charge?
Uruo: I would love that opportunity
Begin Mission: Fight For The Future 
Select your party (Hadane and Oiyrr are not available for this mission), unit reserve is not available for this mission 
Begin approaching Rahihi’s fortress 
When the Party is 25% up the way to Rahihi’s fortress, some members of the Sinners Sextant fly down to join Rahihi’s goons on the incline up to the fortress 
Yoni: We might have forgotten to account for the other force we’ll have to fight
Centus: You’re saying we’re likely going to fight against Ayev?
Yoni: It’s not just likely, it’s certain
Continue up towards Rahihi’s fortress
When the party is 50% up the way to Rahihi’s fortress 
Ba-Bayost: This reminds me of the time me and some adventurers took on the bridge of demons
Mygin: The bridge of demons?
Ba-Bayost: A bridge with a bunch of demons on it
Uruo: If you don’t consider Rahihi’s loyalists humans, this could be the Incline of Demons
Resume up towards Rahihi’s fortress 
When the party is 75% up the way to Rahihi’s fortress 
Oseci: A lot of people are going to finally feel free after today
Uruo: I get it, you’re finally going to get what you’ve been seeking
Boone: We’re about to make this valley a safer place for everyone, it’s something you want regardless of a desire to get revenge
Oseci: Damn straight
Resume up towards Rahihi’s fortress
When the party finally gets there, they need to break through the defense at the entrance 
Aiden: I think I have an idea, similar to the one from before
Aiden sends out various reticles on parts of the fortress’s walls and defenses
Nest: Let’s smash through this roadblock
Breach the walls of the fortress 
When the fortress walls are 25% breached 
Aiden: Alright, I’ll refresh the set
Aiden sends out another set of reticles to continue destroying the fortress walls 
Continue to breach the walls of the fortress
When the fortress walls are 50% breached 
Uruo: You would think a warlord like my “father” would have better defenses, especially against something like Aiden’s reticles
Aiden: Hey, you just play the game and if you win, you win
Lilac: Let’s just continue to break through
Aiden resets the reticles on the fortress walls
Cotninue to breach the walls of the fortress
When the fortress walls are 75% breached, a large dragon flies down near the party
Hoard: I said we needed a dragon
Nest: Oh, we should step aside
The entire Century Corps moves away from the wall to watch the Dragon work
Aiden: I’ll let it take the reigns
Aiden sends out a flurry of fire reticles and the walls and defenses of the fortress as the Dragon unleashes a wave of it’s fire on the walls, destroying a large section of the walls, allowing the party easy access into the fortress
Hoard: Thanks Dragon friend
The dragon flies up into the sky
Centus: Alright, the main force will advance to the Throne Room, unit reserve, I need our backs covered
Iehn: You can count on us Centus
Larkin: Make sure you come back when we win
Iehn: Don’t worry Larkin, we got this
Tranjoh: Alright guys, let’s make our own mark
Iehn and Tranjoh lead the unit reserve against the Sinners Sextant and Rahihi’s goons that begin pouring out of the walls 
Uruo: I know this fortress and the way to the throne room, follow me
Kutok: Stealing my shtick huh
Uruo: Oh you
Kutok: Nah I’m fine with it, lead us on the way
Approach the Throne Room
When the party is 10% of the way to the Throne Room
Kutok: I have to say, I thought this place would be more extravagant
Uruo: It was, I wonder what happened to this place
Kutok: Maybe your father decided extravagance was unimportant
Uruo: That doesn’t sound like him
Centus: I think that Witch person might have something to do with it
Uruo: What do you mean by that?
Centus: I’m going to cut open that mask
Continue approaching the Throne Room
When the party is 20% of the way to the Throne Room
Mygin: What are we going to do with this place after we win
Hoard: Uh, we’re gonna destroy it, the symbol of Rahihi’s power will be destroyed along with his rule
Mygin: Hmm, I can get behind that
Uruo: I’m surprised you are on board with the destruction of this place, aren’t you the history guy, wouldn’t you want to preserve this place?
Mygin: History is one thing, and that thing is written by the victors, we don’t need this object staining the valley anymore, when we destroy it, we can pave the way for the future that every innocent soul in the valley wants to make for themselves. We can put this in the past and only remember Rahihi in texts about the monster he was, the villain of the story.
Uruo: That is incredibly profound Mygin
Mygin: I may be knowledgeable about the past, but the future is the important part, it’s how the tapestry of history keeps expanding
Continue the approach to Rahihi’s Throne Room
When the party is 30% of the way to the Throne Room
Lilac: Rahihi must have expected an assault like this, or why else are there so many minions in this hallway
Yoni: I don’t think this was him
Centus: Ah, you think it was Ayev
Yoni: I don’t doubt it
Nest: I wonder why Ayev worked for a lowly warlord in the first place, aside from the promise of “hunting the Century Corps”
Yoni: No Nest, that’s exactly why they did it
Nest: Ayev really would work at a place that’s below their station to get back at us
Yoni: I believe that’s precisely it. They didn’t turn around after their old squad asked them to return, so I don’t think they can be swayed off of this course
Boone: I wonder if Ayev would stop if they found another reason to live?
Nest: Do you believe you would be as consumed with revenge as Ayev if you didn’t figure out, your purpose after your family
Boone: I think I was more consumed
Resume approaching Rahihi’s Throne Room
When the party is 40% of the way to Rahihi’s Throne Room
Oseci: I wonder how large the ego of someone who presumes to rule over an entire valley must be, it must be a ravenous beast that begs to be fed every single day
Centus: I’ve worked for countless tyrants and warlords, they have massive, insatiable egos that are fed by conquest and celebration.
Olivia: Optica’s real full of herself and ruled the entire White World as her personal dominion. I think that control probably got to her head
Hoard: Another reason this place must be destroyed, preferably by my draconic friends and family
Resume approaching Rahihi’s Throne Room
When the party is 50% of the way there, two familiar figures and a large group of Sinners Sextant block their path
Ayev: This is as far as you’ll go, I’m done letting you just hand failure and failure to me
Centus: Come to stand your ground during the final battle
Ayev: We’re not going to let you near the Warlord, that was our order and we won’t fail it
Kiko: Before you try any of that “join the right side” nonsense, the answer is no, we will not falter
Yoni: I don’t think everyone in your ranks shares that sentiment
Kiko: Shut up, we’re going to bury you in the hallways
Larkin: Someone really took the end of Department Lame really poorly
Kiko: They were my friends and colleagues for years you fucking asshole
Ayev: Your pursuit of justice, it’s all a mirage, all a facade, just so you can hurt people.
Centus: I took up this new life to help people, instead of hurt, you remember that Ayev
Ayev: No, you’re a traitor to our kind
Uruo: Are you going to stand aside, or are we going to need to break through
Ayev: You already know the answer
Fight against Ayev and Kiko 
When Ayev and Kiko are at 90%
Yoni: It is honestly impressive how you still have these people living like this
Nest: Me personally, if I was a member of Sinners Sextant I would have also defected
Ayev: They defected because of the honeyed lies you put in their ears, those traitors will be buried in the rubble along with the rest of your guild
Yoni: Maybe fighting for a future where they are respected was something that was important to them, but that’s absolutely ridiculous to think about. Afterall, getting revenge for your obviously evil bosses being thwarted is a totally normal thing to want.
Ayev: Ghice and Keighan are both gone an-
Yoni: And you’re a massive piece of shit, and they were too, probably
Centus: Can attest to that
Ayev: The ones you killed are the ones whose legacies I always try to aspire to.
Resume against Ayev and Kiko
When Ayev and Kiko are at 80%
Oseci: I used to be part of a band of warriors as well. That area you set up your base used to be home to us, The Wardens. When The Wardens were destroyed, I kept my purpose and fought for justice, as a wayward mercenary group only trying to avenge failed plots and legacies, I don’t see what purpose you have
Kiko: Our purpose is to destroy the Century Corps and everything they stand for, I thought we made that clear. The world we seek is one where the Century Corps are no longer in it.
Larkin: I shouldn’t be surprised that a wackjob who worked for wackjob incorporated is looking for revenge because we disbanded the wackjob club
Kiko: You don’t think you’d want revenge if we destroyed the wackjob guild? That’s your life and your purpose.
Larkin: If that were to happen, I would form a new guild with a new purpose, and continue to fight against evil. Avenging my old life would be part of the defense against evil.
Kiko: Again, why do you insist on defending against evil so much
Larkin: It’s something called helping the innocent
Kiko: Our organization was going to help the innocent by finding the Adamite Key and revealing the secrets of immortality
Larkin: You were going to have a select few or just make yourselves immortal, the whole purpose of defending the innocent is defending ordinary people who can’t punch above their weight, but that seems to be a concept lost on you.
Kiko: Only those worthy of Department X should have been privy to it’s triumph, that’s just the way it is
Larkin: Then I’m afraid empathy is also a concept lost on you
Resume against Kiko and Ayev
When they are both at 70%
Ayev: I wonder why some of you even fight with the guild, especially you Centus
Centus: You already know why, you already know that I’ve given up my life supporting tyrants and just being the wayward butcher. I am now mortal and I want whatever time I have left in this world to mean something. And I mean, really mean something. I don’t want to fight petty wars for petty nations and leaders, I want to make a difference and make up for my past mistakes. The life of the immortal soldier is one that I’m putting in the past. I am of the mortals now, I'm going to make the most of what I have left.
Ayev: You really think you can leave all of that in the past? The immortal Centus, the butcher of armies and warlord. History’s first murderer, it’s most reviled serial killer. What gives you the right to just put all that behind you, to act like you're better than me, better than us. Do you really have the hubris to believe that just because you fight with a new army, for a new ruler, that you’ve changed, you’re more of a good person. The truth is you will never be a saint, you are always the barbarian, the first of us and the worst of us.
Centus: Part of that may be true, when you’re immortal and have fought for so long, that in the end every life you’ve taken along the way means nothing to me, that I’ll never be saintly. The goal isn’t to erase all the pain I’ve caused, it’s to make it up for it with the time I have. I will never be clean, but I can make the world a better place
Ayev: You disgust me, you traitor
Centus: The imprisonment of that group of people under that city was wrong yes, but we put the past behind us and moved towards the future, you’re fighting a war that ended years ago
Ayev: I’m going to finish it, it’s never over as long as I breathe.
Resume against Kiko and Ayev
When they are both at 60% 
Kiko: By fighting for “what you believe in”, do you truly believe you can make the world a better place, do you really think that you can make wrongs into rights, do you really think that you can improve things for the future, for those who come after you?
Larkin: That’s a stupid question
Lilac: We wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t possible, the Century Corps is a testament to fighting for the future, against those who would jeopardize it
Olivia: You only stand before us now because we’ve fought for the future, we’ll do so again, time after time.
Resume against Kiko and Ayev
When they are both at 50%
Ayev: I call Centus a traitor plenty, but Yoni, you are also a traitor
Yoni: You believe me to be a traitor for not siding with my sister?
Ayev: I thought the purpose of family was to stand with them
Yoni: I stood with my real family, Lorenza was a psychopath and you knew that. You reflected on once again being an accessory to genocide.
Ayev: I’m just saying, you still betrayed your family
Yoni: I remember you actually deserting your post to Lorenza after the Chalice’s Destruction, where’s your loyalty Ayev, why didn’t you stand for your employer
Ayev: She wasn’t going to give us anything from behind her cell
Yoni: Ah I see, you’re a coward, afraid to make a real stand, you attach yourself to greater powers to hide yourself and act as grunt work, when it’s time for you to actually step up, you just stand aside and run away, to try and live another day and get revenge
Ayev: …
Yoni: You let everyone else tell you to leave, you let everyone else put themselves on the line for you, when are you going to step up? Oh right, you never will. Your preaching of loyalty, it’s all for nought as you simply are too afraid of not living to see another day.
Resume against Kiko and Ayev 
When they both are at 40%
Kiko: Why do you try to decry our desire for revenge as unjust? You sought revenge for Sien’s death, as a guild, that’s what eventually led to this
Acantha separates herself from Lilac to appear as a phantasmal figure
Acantha: That may have been true, but in the end, Zenial sacrificed himself as a redeeming act, to stop me. Despite the fact he could have easily held onto resentment, he could have made it impossible for the heroes to succeed. He instead chose to leave it behind and help save the city, and to defeat me. You know nothing of putting that aside
Kiko: AND WHY WOULD I?
Larkin: When Acantha revealed herself as part of Lilac, we could have struck out against them, decrying them as evil or pawns of a greater threat. We instead chose to work together
Lilac: Towards the future, that’s our goal. It’s something you can’t ever fathom
Kiko: THE FUTURE I FOUGHT FOR IS RUINED.
Larkin: Then why don’t you fight for a new future?
Resume against Kiko and Ayev
When they both are at 30%
Kiko: Ayev, I don’t think we should continue fighting
Ayev: No Kiko, we’re going to push on until we’re finished, we have a job to do
Kiko: Fair, we’re getting our revenge today
Resume against Kiko and Ayev
When they both are at 20%
Boone: Being an angel of vengeance, isn’t the life I thought it would be
Nest: Would you say that you’re ready to embrace a new purpose
Boone: One day I long for the simple pleasures of having a family again, one I can care for. That’s all irrelevant unless we move forward here
Resume against Kiko and Ayev
When they both are at 10%
Ayev: I’m not ready for this to be the end, I need to fight to see another day, I need to be victorious
Kiko: It won’t be the end, I have faith our mission is just, the Century Corps will eventually fail and fall
Lilac: I believe you’re both wrong and our collective wills are stronger than your own wills, you both are weak of mind and of spirit
Resume against Kiko and Ayev
When they are defeated, Kiko and Ayev collapse onto the ground
Aiden: Ah, I’ve got them in my sights
Olivia: Me too
Ayev: Do what you want, I’m not moving an inch
Lilac: Like we said, you don’t have the will to stand your ground
Olivia launches a powerful light attack at Kiko and Ayev which launches them through the walls into the canyon bellow 
Larkin: I wonder if they survived that?
Centus: It doesn’t matter, keep moving
Resume to Rahihi’s Throne Room
When the party is 60% to Rahihi’s Throne Room
Mygin: The dark shadow that hangs over the valley is about to be exorcized
Uruo: Father, we’ve defeated your goons, we’re not stopping until you’re next
Resume to Rahihi’s Throne Room
When the party is 70% to Rahihi’s Throne Room
Aiden: What is this guild’s purpose after defeating Rahihi, and I don’t mean the guys that came here, I mean the ones that were here
Lilac: We keep fighting for the future, and I think we can combine our forces permanently
Acantha: Do you think I can get my old grandmaster position back?
Centus: Unlikely
Resume to Rahihi’s Throne Room
When the party is 80% to Rahihi’s Throne Room
Kutok: The Century Corps is probably the best possible group of people aligned to fight for the future. We all joined this guild for some reason, whether we had no other choice or on our own will, we stand together and came together to know each other more, we made friendships and some of us made families. I joined because I had a debt of my own to pay off, like Centus did, but I stayed because of what I now believe in
Centus: I see, affirming what you believe in right before the final confrontation against the warlord
Kutok: Heh, you know what they say, speak now or forever hold your peace. I just love everyone here.
Resume to Rahihi’s Throne Room
When the party is 90% to Rahihi’s Throne Room, they can feel a dark shadow from the outside as various hollows appear in their path
Nest: Looks like The Buzzard has appeared here
Lilac: Well we need to depose Rahihi faster so we can get to him
Uruo: His days are numbered
Resume to Rahihi’s Throne Room
When the party has reached Rahihi’s Throne Room, Uruo uses one of his Ice Emblems to freeze the door and then shatter it. The party comes face to face with Rahihi, sitting on his throne, with Vakakoya by his side
Vakakoya: Brother
Uruo: We are not brothers
Rahihi: So son, you and your costumed friends playing as adventurers have come to dethrone me, shake my grasp on this valley, the one I rule as it’s true king.
Uruo: Just because you presume power from a specter, doesn’t mean you are a king. You’re a violent power obsessed maniac pretending to be a king. Me, I’m not pretending to be a hero.
Vakakoya: You are pretending you aren’t one of us, aren’t part of this lineage
Uruo: This lineage of yours, is a legacy that should be broken.
Mygin: History won’t remember you as the decadent prince you think you are
Rahihi: Your friends think you can depose me, like I’ll let that happen
Rahihi charges his scepter, preparing for battle
Rahihi: You will see why I rule as king, this power is righteous, like I am.
Uruo: Just because you decree something doesn’t make it true
Oseci: We’re going to take you down, and that’s a decree we will make true
Fight against Rahihi and Vakakoya 
When they both are at 90%
Vakakoya: The prince is the right hand of the king, we are the rule that keeps the order of the valley what it’s meant to be, why do you try to deny that this is the right path?
Uruo: Can you really look at everything that the people of the valley suffer through under your watch and say it is the right path. The way I see it, you are making their lives worse by making the choices for them
Rahihi: This insolent attitude is why I cast you from my light
Uruo: You didn’t cast me from your light, you freed from your darkness
Resume against Rahihi and Vakakoya 
When they both are at 75%
Oseci: I find it weird that I’m finally on the other side. I watched Rahihi’s forces march into the secret garden and destroy The Wardens, now I’m here destroying everything Rahihi stands for in his Throne Room.
Rahihi: You can’t destroy everything I stand for, when I stand for everything you wish to achieve
Oseci: It’s just a big fancy throne that doesn’t mean anything, since you are not a king
Resume against Rahihi and Vakakoya 
When they both are at 60%
Lilac: Freeing the valley from your destructive regime is something I’m going to cherish for a long time, this is our home, one that isn’t yours to shape and defile
Rahihi: I’ve been doing so forever, the King’s Scepter is the symbol of this will, the shaping of minds and armies
Lilac: Your lone will isn’t stronger than our collective power, our collective voices
Vakakoya: The only thing that is collective about you is the fact you are all collectively traitors and snakes, liars who hide in the grass and strike when it’s convenient for you.
Lilac: The only lie here is that you believe yourself to be decadent rulers who rule by someone sort of right you claim to have
Uruo: I will shatter this lie
Resume against Rahihi and Vakakoya 
When they both are at 45%
Mygin: The rule of tyranny perpetuated over the valley is about to be truly history, not part of the present or future, one day to be a forgotten ember of the past once enough time has passed.
Rahihi: My rule will never be forgotten
Mygin: Once you are deposed and the symbol of power destroyed, generations will grow up not knowing your rule, when someone asks about Rahihi, it will be because they don’t remember you, not because of any real decadent or great legacy you leave behind
Resume against Rahihi and Vakakoya 
When they both are at 30%
Vakakoya: You will not shatter this lineage, one day I will be king, replacing my father, as prince I am the next in line
Uruo: You are not in line for power, I will ice your ambitions
Vakakoya: You wouldn’t dare
Uruo sends of his Ice Emblems onto Vakakoya which freezes him solid, taking him out of the fight, the focus now being on Rahihi
Rahihi: The penalty for this transgression against the prince will be death
Uruo: I believe that is a punishment only reserved for those who have earned it, like yourself
Centus: As someone who has fought for tyrants in the past, I can’t see how Rahihi ever thought he was worthy enough to call himself a king
Oseci: The fraudulent pretender to a dynasty that was never real
Resume against Rahihi 
When he is at 15%
Rahihi: This throne will be my defining legacy, no one will fill it like I have
Uruo: No one will want to fill an empty vessel that is fundamentally purposeless
Lilac: Let’s break it apart, right now
Oseci: I’m down
Mygin: Let’s turn that thing to rubble
Hoard: I love destroying stuff
Aiden: Say less
Aiden puts five reticles on the Throne, which Lilac, Oseci, Mygin, Hoard and Uruo all attack, shattering the throne
Rahihi: How dare you destroy my place of power?
Lilac: The only power here is the power to feel powerful
Resume against Rahihi
When he is finally defeated, he sees the weight of the fight, Vakakoya is frozen and his throne is destroyed. He falls over in the defeat
Rahihi: How dare you shatter the throne of the king, but my will is strong, I will seek revenge
Uruo: Your will is weak, to think I ever tolerated you
Uruo picks up the King’s Scepter and shatters it with an ice spell
Olivia: And there goes all legitimacy he thought he could have had
Rahihi is speechless, almost mourning the destruction of the scepter, as he cannot bring himself to move. However, a scorching lava leg attempts to kick Uruo, but Centus parries the unexpected attack with their sword. Witch reveals herself to the party
Witch: It is me, his final lieutenant
Centus: Enough of this masquerade
Centus rushes over to Witch and cuts open their mask, before the lava leg kicks them into the wall
Larkin: What does this exactly change?
The cut mask falls off, revealing the figure known as Pandora 
Centus: I figured I couldn’t be mistaken
Pandora: Oh Centus, how astute you are
Centus: I thought I had killed you, explain how you live today?
Mygin: Who is this?
Olivia: I am confused
Pandora: I am Pandora, created by Earth to hold evil.
Lilac: So the Earth really is alive
Pandora: She slumbers right now, but I’m going to call her forward to consciousness
Nest: Why would you do that?
Pandora: I believe the Earth needs to be awoken to begin a new age, much like the first.
Rahihi is still looking at the ground, with Uruo paying close heed
Pandora: All that soul energy collection I authorized when I pretended to be Rahihi’s lieutenant was for my own purpose. In addition to that, the Sinners Sextant had previously been in my employ, so I hired them on behalf of Rahihi. I had been the true power behind the puppet
Rahihi tries to say something, but cannot 
Uruo: So you used that man to your own ends?
Pandora: As we speak, everyone who truly works for me is shipping the Soul Energy out of the valley towards my secret base.
Centus: Ah Pandora, you remain fundamentally misguided in your purpose
Pandora: Oh Centus, you thought you killed me, but I survived. I have the strongest will in history, I will see this done.
Centus: I cut you down in the Garden long ago, the fact you stand now is a grand error
Pandora: Call it what you want but I think you have bigger problems
Pandora points towards the roof, which the Buzzard rips through and enters the Throne Room with some hollows 
Pandora: You have fun with that
Pandora escapes The Throne Room to head to the roof. 
Nest: Look who’s here
The Buzzard: Everyone is here this time, how lovely. I thought I should dine on the other group of your friends, but oh Nest and Boone are here, I need to set things straight. I am the darkness at the core of all things, you can’t just walk up and beat me without a punishment worse than death.
Boone: I think you shouldn’t be allowed to slaughter many innocents without a grand punishment in return. Guess that I’m a regular person with a soul and not the “darkness at the core of all things”
The Buzzard: Glad to know a-
Nest: Well, Mr. “Darkness at the core of all things”, what if I were to posit a reason for why we were able to do that
The Buzzard: I’m listening
Nest: Come closer
As The Buzzard comes closer to the ground, Uruo jumps up and freezes his wings with an Ice Emblem. The Hollows begin ciricling.
Boone: Larkin, NOW
Larkin: Alright, I’ve got it
Larkin takes out the “Symbiosis Breaker” device
The Buzzard: NO, DON’T YOU DARE
Larkin smashes the device into The Buzzard, splitting apart with a great force of light, soul energy and aether that destroys all the Hollows in the room, letting Malice trickle away from the host of it
Malice: What a crafty trick
The face of the host previously wrapped in darkness falls away, as the Soul Falcon comes out of Nest’s armor. Those who recognize the face are shocked and appalled.
Nest: No…it can’t be.
The familiar face tries to step out of the pool of Darkness 
Malice: That face you see, it’s real, he serves me!!
Falconer: I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry
Nest: You……how could you….
Nest looks at the host of The Buzzard, Falconer, now separate from Malice as Malice hangs over the shadow of Falconer.
== Chapter 15 ==
The faces of the Century Corps members in the throne room are in a mess of confusion, shock and anger
Lilac: Who…who is that there?
Acantha: That’s Falconer, he was a member of the guild while I was there.
Lilac: So that is a former champion of the guild
Centus: It is odd to see him like this, to say the least
Acantha: To see him as an avatar of this malice is perverted and heretical
Falconer: Heh, like you have a right to talk
Nest: SHUT UP, you can’t say anything, how could you…work with that aspect of Malice it killed your friends, tried to kill me
Falconer: I’m sorry, I’m so so so-
Malice: SHUT UP YOU INSOLENT MONGREL. YOU SERVE ME, YOU DON’T GET TO FEEL SORRY
Falconer: It’s making me do terrible things, It’ making me it’s pawn
Nest: How…how did this happen
Larkin: We want answers damn it
Malice: This weak minded fool found the pool of darkness I left behind when the first Buzzard was defeated and that vessel was destroyed. The aether reversion reverted me into the first host’s form, with the poor human body of the previous host being torn to shreds.
Falconer: Malice, he-
Malice: Shut up, let me tell your sad pathetic story
Falconer: Yes…
Malice: He investigated it with his old friend, and well they both started succumbing to my darkness, to my power. She wanted to fight back against it, but Falconer’s little puny mind was so weak, my previous incarnation had broken his will. Broken his spirit, in the back of his mind he would have done anything to feel alive again. So I used it, I wrought out the space in his hollow mind so I could fly again, and the dust of his friend followed suit.
Falconer: Please, don’t make me re-
The gooey energy of Malice manifests a sword and then stabs it into Falconer. 
Malice: My puppet, my sweet little puppet. Don’t you know better than to resist me
Someone else begins laughing 
Rahihi: Hehe, hehe
Uruo: What are you doing?
Rahihi: I thought I had really seen it all, through all my rulings of the valley. My own son turned against me for crying out loud, and yet, to see a man so broken, so defeated. It almost fills my heart with joy
Malice: Oh, joy?
The dark shadow of malice moves over to Rahihi, skewering him with a dark blade through the chest 
Rahihi: Hahahaha, ahahahahaha
Rahihi continued to laugh at Falconer, at Malice, as Malice slowly killed him in it’s shadowy form, turning him into another mindless hollow as his body dissolved. 
Uruo: Well, I can’t say he could have ended another way
Uruo freezes the newly made hollow and shatters it 
Nest: I recall something you once said Falconer
Nest remembers back to her first battle with Falconer 
Memory of Falconer: We deserve a form of peace, don’t we?
Nest remembers that time he saved her, all that time ago.
Memory of Nest: Thanks for saving me, but we gotta go
The Soul Falcon that Nest had with her begins loudly cawing at the now paralyzed Falconer
Falconer: Stop it, I know I’m weak, I know I failed. I left the guild just so I could be at peace and then really got twisted into darkness. I know I’m a coward
Nest remembers the falcon circling over her
Malice: That falcon always looked so tasty, reuniting your soul Falconer, it could do us so much good
Falconer: WE ARE NOT U-
Malice stabs Falconer again
Malice: I’d find another host, but none are as beautifully hollow as you Falconer. Too scared to uphold the convictions to those you care about.
Falconer: I should have never wandered into the pool, sought out the truth
Malice: They say ignorance is bliss Falconer
Boone remembers the faces of their family, the pain they felt, Boone sees it on Falconer’s face
Boone: I get it, Falconer. You aren’t a monster, you’re a victim, just like everyone else here.
Olivia: It’s the ability to twist and pervert is what’s truly evil
Malice: I am hate personified, of course all of my servants are victims in some ways, I must cause hate, to keep myself strong
Nest: Falconer…
Falconer: I’m sorry Nest, I’m-
Nest: I’m going to free you from this creature, this isn’t the fate you deserve.
Malice: Ohoho, someone’s real brave now aren’t they, guess I’ll just have to massacre this entire valley before your eyes Nest, so you see that you were never really all that brave
Nest: I wasn’t brave, I was terrified of you, but I’m not sacred anymore
Malice tries to move with a Darkness Blade, but Nest parries the attack and breaks the very Malice itself
Malice: How…did you do that
Centus: She’s stronger than you ever thought
Falconer: Heh, that’s the Nest I remember, strong willed, unafraid to fight. Standing right next to me when we destroyed you, Buzzard
Malice: I’m done with this
As Malice goes to reform the Buzzard, Olivia remembers something 
Olivia: Take this
Olivia drops the Dark Mirror in front of The reforming Buzzard, it still being part of her arsenal.
Malice: No…you wouldn’t
Falconer: Oh…
Boone: I like the way you think
Aiden covers the mirror in reticles 
Olivia: Guild order, obliterate that mirror
Lilac: Aye aye captain
All 13 other members of the Guild present in the Throne Room send attacks towards the Dark MIrror. Nest sends a bird made of soul energy towards it, Olivia sends an attack of light, Ba-Bayost fires a volley of arrows, Centus slashes it with their sword, Yoni throws a punch at it, Lilac slashes it with their sword, Boone fires a volley of bullets into it, Hoard uses dragonfire on it, a hand emerges from Mygin’s hand to crush the mirror, Kutok fires a powerful attack aurora into it, Oseci throws one of his axes into it, Uruo throws an Ice Seal onto it and Larkin just charges at it. Every single attack combined completely shattered every single shard of the mirror, to the point where there is nothing left of it, freeing every single piece of tainted darkness trapped inside.
Larkin: We smashed that thing into dust!
Malice: NO, N-
The tainted and rotten darkness rushes to join Malice, severely weakening and harming it
Malice: AAAAAAARGGHHHHHH
Malice continues to scream in pain 
Falconer: Yes!! You’ve weakened it, now-
Malice: SHUT UP FALCONER, YOU ARE MY PUPPET, WE LIVE TOGETHER, WE DIE TOGETHER, DON’T YOU THINK ABOUT GETTING YOUR WILL BACK NOW
Falconer: Des-
Malice: ENOUGH
Olivia: That’s right that’s enough
Olivia shines a bright light into Malice, amplifying the powerful weakening darkness that has infiltrated Malice 
Nest: We’re getting you out of there Falconer
Malice: No. You. Won’t
Malice wraps around Falconer again and transforms back into The Buzzard
The Buzzard: I’m going to destroy the Soul Tree still this changes nothing
The Buzzard flies out of the hole in the roof
Lilac: Well this is a predicament
At this moment, a blast of fire widens the hole in the roof, Hoard’s Dragon from earlier and some birds made of Soul Energy arrive.
Hoard: My friend!!
Nest: My friends
The Soul Falcon on Nest’s shoulder caws at the Dragon and the Birds
Nest: The Falcon was part of Falconer, he helped me in the past, don’t worry Falcon, I’ll save your friend from his fate
The Soul Falcon looks at Nest again, and nestles against her neck 
Lilac: Then let’s go and save the day
With help from the birds, the Century Corps gets on top of the dragon who is on top of the roof. There, they see the Buzzard on top of the Soul Tree.
Boone: There it is
Mygin: How do we get it back over here?
Suddenly, a shield materializes around The Buzzard, one made of Soul Energy. The source is a shield generators also on the roof
Larkin: What the?
Uruo: Did Rahihi set that up?
The figure from earlier steps forward
Pandora: Hah, try again
Centus: You…
Pandora: The longer that Buzzard is around, the more Soul Energy I can remove from the valley to my base. It served my best interests, so I built it as a contingency
Nest: Clearly you see that it winning will only make the Earth you care about suffer
Pandora: That doesn’t matter right now
As The Buzzard begins attacking the Soul Tree, a blaze of fire begins radiating off of the tree. It pushes it back
Mygin: It’s back
Pandora: What’s back
Lilac: Oh we are so back
The shielded Buzzard is pushed off of the tree by a familiar shape, the Phoenix of Soulight Valley has risen again. 
Nest: Hadane…you’re back
Mygin: Her purpose has been realized, she has been reborn as a Phoenix
The Phoenix and Buzzard begin fighting in the sky
Olivia: We need to bring that shield down
Pandora: You need to get past me first!
Centus: Stand aside Pandora, I will complete history’s first murder to save this valley.
Resume Mission: Fight For The Future 
Fight against Pandora 
When Pandora is at 80%, the Phoenix launches a large blast of fire at The Buzzard who is unscathed by the attack due to the shield 
The Buzzard: Oh, look how puny you are
The Buzzard continues attacking the Phoenix, who is holding her own but is outmatched 
Centus: I should not be surprised that Pandora would support evil instead of good at the end of it
Pandora: It’s funny how decry me as a fundamentally evil entity yet you committed the first sin
Centus: It was with the best of intentions
Olivia: I think we’ve had enough of the past, right now we’re fighting for the future
Pandora: My ideal future is for it to be like the past
Centus: That’s not what I want
Pandora: Oh poor Centus, I don’t want to be immortal and live in Earth’s perfect paradise.
Centus: There’s more to that and you know it
Resume against Pandora
When Pandora is at 60%, a clashing wave of fire and malice wash over the air
Nest: Don’t worry Hadane, we’re coming
Pandora: She can’t hear you from down here
Lilac: Listen Pandora, why don’t you just stand down and let us destroy this device?
Pandora: How about, no
Centus: Pandora never listens to reason
Resume against Pandora
When Pandora is at 40%, the crackle of fire and darkness reverberates across the sky
Olivia: How do we expedite this?
Nest: Hadane is strong, in her current form she can hold off the Buzzard for long enough
Pandora: I hope you can hold on long enough to defeat me
Centus: We don’t actually need to beat you, we just need you to get scared and run off, like you always did
Mygin: You’re saying Pandora hasn’t learned anything even though they’re as old as you are
Centus: Precisely Mygin
Resume against Pandora
When Pandora is at 20%, more fire and darkness lights up the sky 
Boone: Alright, how long can our fiery friend go without getting a hit in before she goes down
Nest: She is strong, just a little bit longer now until she can hit back
Pandora: I’m almost done
Centus: Her self-preservation instinct is about to kick in
Resume against Pandora
When Pandora is defeated, they stagger back
Pandora: Good showing, unfortunately, that’s all the time I have for today
Pandora escapes off the roof down back into the Throne Room. Leaving the shield generator generating a shield of soul energy around the Buzzard exposed.
Aiden: I’ve got this
Aiden places reticles on the generator 
Ba-Bayost: Let’s destroy it like we did the mirror, we’re about to help you friend
Nest: Let’s do this
The Century Corps attack in unison, destroying the generator and releasing all the soul energy from it and breaking The Buzzard’s shield
The Buzzard: What, where did it go?
The Buzzard is enveloped in flames by The Phoenix.
Nest: Go Hadane!
Boone: Kick its ass
As the Soul Energy flows, it darts dancing around Nest, beckoning her to absorb it, the Soul Falcon beckons her too 
Nest: For me?
The Soul Falcon screeches at her
Hoard: This is how you become closer to your natural friends
The Soul Falcon chirps at her
Boone: Embrace this power Nest
Lilac: It’s time for you to embrace a new purpose, a new form if you will
Nest: I think I shall
The Soul Energy envelopes Nest and she grows wings of Soul Energy, truly becoming a Totem of Birds. The Soul Falcon also envelopes her, adding to Nest’s bird-like form. 
As The Phoenix and The Buzzard continue fighting Nest prepares to take off
Larkin: Look at you
Nest: I think this is my true form, who I’m meant to be, I need wings, I need to fly
Boone: Take to the sky Nest, join your friend in this fight
Nest: Boone, I’ll avenge your family for you
Boone: Heh, do me proud Nest
Centus: Make us all proud
Nest: I will
As The Buzzard tries to land a powerful blow on The Phoenix, Nest flies up and grabs onto him, feeling the tainted, rotten darkness. 
The Buzzard: Oh, you possess the will to stand up to me
Nest: I will, I’ll stand up to you, I’ll free Falconer from you
Nest (True Form) is the only member of your party
Fight against The Buzzard 
When The Buzzard is at 90% 
The Buzzard: Look how far you’ve come the adorable little girl who was terrified of me, now fighting me alone
Nest: I fought you before, Falconer was with me, he’s with me again
Aiden sends a reticle onto The Buzzard from the roof of the fortress 
The Buzzard: What?
Ba-Bayost: Nest, you can’t hear me, but here’s my best shot
Ba-Bayost fires an arrow at reticle, dealing serious damage to The Buzzard
Nest: Even when I’m up here in the air, fighting you, I’m never truly alone
Nest looks at The Phoenix, who is helping her fight against The Buzzard
Resume against The Buzzard
When he is at 80%
The Buzzard: Do you think you really stand a chance against a creature of Darkness such as myself all by your lonesome.
Nest: I’ve done it before, twice, you can’t scare me anymore, you can’t make me doubt myself
Aiden sends another reticle onto The Buzzard from The Roof, as a magic projectile from Mygin’s tome deals damage to The Buzzard. Reeling from this attack, The Phoenix lands another blow on The Buzzard. 
Nest: And again, I’m not alone, I never need to be
Resume against The Buzzard
When he is at 70%
Nest: My friend I fought against you with is in you, so it’s a good thing I kept making friends
The Phoenix looks at Nest with intent. 
The Buzzard: What good are your friends against my primordial, piercing darkness. Nothing
Nest: I think I disagree
Another reticle from Aiden lands on The Buzzard. Kutok sends a powerful aurora beam at The Buzzard from the roof. 
Nest: Our unity makes us stronger
Resume against The Buzzard
When he is at 60%
The Buzzard: You really think, such cheap tricks will defeat me, I will, make myself stronger
The Buzzard does a powerful wave attack that expels all the rotten darkness in it that the mirror sent into him, as hollows back down to the roof where the rest of The Century Corps is.
Nest: Let’s have our allies take point, Hadane
As Nest and The Phoenix keep clashing with The Buzzard in the sky, The Century Corps on the roof see the Rotten Darkness Hollows materialize.
Olivia: Let’s get this darkness here reduced to nothing
Centus: We need to help out Nest so she can get back to kicking ass.
Lilac: Affirmative
Larkin: Let’s help our friend
Hoard: Our feathery friend
Centus, Hoard, Lilac and Larkin join the party
Defeat the Rotten Darkness Hollows
When they are defeated, the Rotten Darkness flows back into The Buzzard severely weakening him
The Buzzard: AAAAAHAH AAARRRRGGH
The Buzzard screams from the pain again, splitting him open again to reveal Falconer covered in Malice
Falconer: Keep. Hurting. Us.
Nest: I’ll get you out of there my friend
Malice: You will fail
The Phoenix knocks The Buzzard down onto the Soul Tree
Hoard: We can help her directly!
One of Hoard’s dragons show up
Centus: Smart thinking
Boone: Heh, get your tickets to the show
Centus, Lilac and Larkin get on Hoard’s dragon and fly up to the top of the Soul Tree, where The Buzzard has landed 
Nest: Oh hey, you’re joining us here?
Centus: You had to knock him down, of course we’ll be there for the fight if we can
Lilac: It’s our purpose
Larkin: And you’re embracing yours
Malice: You’ll all die, YOU’LL ALL DIE
Hoard: I’ll help you from the air
The Phoenix then flies towards Nest, seeing the energy
Nest: I think we’re not done just yet
Hoard leaves the party, Nest (True Form) joins the party 
Malice: You’ll die, I’ll kill you all
Resume against The Buzzard on the Soul Tree with the new party
When he gets to 50%
Malice: I’M TIRED OF THIS
Falconer: Keep going!
Malice: NO
Malice prepares to unleash a huge wave of Darkness
Centus: Everyone duck
Larkin: Aye aye
The wave of darkness erupts from Malice, which crashes into the Phoenix hurting it
Nest: Wait, I’ll save you too
Nest dives off the tree after the falling Phoenix and ends up with it’s energy circling around her
Nest: What?
She hears the faint voice of Hadane
Hadane: Let me join you, we’ll be stronger together
Nest: Hadane…you and me
Hadane: Yes, we’ll be stronger together
The Phoenix energy flows into Nest, setting her ablaze, giving her a temporary new form, with her soaring up
Malice: Hah, your friend gave into despair after I hurt her friend
Falconer: No, Nest is stronger than that
Centus: She’ll be back here
Larkin: Count on it
Lilac: I believe in her
Nest flies back up to the top of the Soul Tree, ablaze, she seems brighter than a thousand suns, the energy of the Phoenix burning bright with energy in her own soul
Nest: Surprise everyone
Lilac: It’s not really a surprise Nest
Malice: What…is that
Nest: It’s warmth, something you won’t now because of your hollow emptiness
Larkin: I see you’re now a burning blazing entity
Nest: The Phoenix leant her energy to me, so we could be stronger together
Nest (Phoenix Form) joins your party 
Malice: That’s an impossibility
Falconer: I thought we were supposed to be stronger together Malice, that’s what the idea of The Buzzard is
Malice: Shut up you mongrel, The Buzzard makes ME stronger, not you
Larkin: That’s a pretty backwards way of thinking
Nest: It’s ok, we’ll show the Malice our true inner strength
Resume against The Buzzard
When The Buzzard is at 40%
Falconer: I was wrong for ever being part of this, forever a failure succumbing to this. Malice makes victims of us by praying on our fears, making us empty. I should have remained full of life, full of vitality.
Nest: It’s okay Falconer, the four of us fighting against Malice here and everyone who fought today are filled by each other
Larkin: I mean seriously, what would I be without you guys
Malice: That’s weak, you’re weak
Centus: You don’t even have control over your own vessel, that’s pretty weak now is it
Another one of Aiden’s reticles focus onto The Buzzard, which a thorny projectile from Oiyrr hits
Oiyrr: I may be down there and not up there, but I can help from this range
Centus: See how we’re better together
Resume against The Buzzard
When The Buzzard is at 30%
Falconer: I was empty because I had forgotten what true camaraderie was like, I had forgotten what it meant to be a member of the Century Corps.
Malice: Like the simple act of being in a silly guild could ever fill your heart
Nest: I think that’s being proven wrong right before your eye
Hoard’s dragons fire upon Malice, weakening it some more
Lilac: We’re all together, the valley was made better because of my Century Corps. Like it or not, we’re stronger together
Another one of Aiden’s reticles is placed upon The Buzzard, which Yoni and Oseci do a joint attack of Luck and Wilt to hit, making the rotten darkness in The Buzzard hurt even more
Malice: AAAAAARGHHHH
Aiden: Keep kicking ass, I’ll be there to help everyone else do the same
Oseci: Take that darkness
Yoni: You’ve got this
Resume against The Buzzard
When The Buzzard is at 20%
Falconer: Keep fighting against Malice, set me free, destroy The Buzzard forever
Malice: I WILL NEVER BE DESTROYED. AS LONG AS HATE LIVES IN THE HEARTS OF MAN, I WILL ALWAYS SURVIVE.
Nest: You sure scream like someone who screams like they’re afraid of death
Larkin: The pleaded whining makes me take Malice less seriously, all it wants to do is have us give up, so we press on.
Lilac: We’re nonstop
Centus: In all my years, there are few fights worth fighting to the extent where I’d come back from death to keep fighting it, but the Century Corps is the only fight I’d do that for
Another reticle Aiden locks onto The Buzzard again, which Olivia firing a piercing beam of light at it
Olivia: Keep shining on
Resume against The Buzzard
When The Buzzard is at 10%
Nest: About the hate thing, while hate is a primordial emotion, we can learn to let it go and cast you out. No holding onto resentment so it can fester into you, Malice
Malice: You don’t get it, some people want to do evil, they love evil
Falconer: All unfortunate victims of their circumstance, when The Century Corps makes the world a better place, they won’t need to resign themselves to that life
Lilac: We’re going to make this valley a better place, instead of the wasteland you wanted Malice
Another Aiden reticle locks onto The Buzzard, and a flurry of attacks from the Unit Reserve hit The Buzzard, stunning it in glorious fashion
Iehn: Keep on fighting
While The Buzzard is stunned, Lilac, Nest, Centus and Larkin get some good hits on The Buzzard before they get knocked off
Nest: We’re all stronger than our petty urges, maybe not alone, but together
Larkin: It gives me the strength to keep going
Lilac: The strength to fight
Centus: The strength to what’s right
Nest: If that’s weakness, you’d be winning, but you aren’t
Resume against The Buzzard
When The Buzzard is defeated, Falconer tries to separate itself from Malice, but Malice tries to restrict him again.
Malice: Losing here, doesn’t even matter, I’ll just fly away, get stronger, rise another day
Falconer: No, don’t let us escape
Nest: I won’t
The Buzzard tries to flee, but before it can get far, a shot rings throughout its body, destroying one of its wings. The shot is from Boone
Boone: You won’t get away from us
The Buzzard tumbles down towards the ground and Nest dives after it
Falconer: Destroy us Nest! Save Me!
Malice: NO, YOU ARE PART OF ME
Falconer: Give me the peace I deserve
Nest: Falconer, thank you
Falconer: No Nest, thank you
Nest: Goodbye Falconer
Falconer: I’ll tell Hyane, all about you
Nest lets the energy of the Phoenix flow through her and she unleashes a blast of fire that destroys Malice and Falconer both, destroying The Buzzard in a blaze of fire, burning every last part of him, every last particle of darkness. The Blaze that destroys The Buzzard is brighter than the sun.
Nest: Hadane?
The Phoenix energy that surrounds her begins to depart, as Nest falls towards the ground, but she is saved by Hoard
Hoard: Good thing I got you, Bird Friend
Nest: Thank you, Dragon Friend
Nest and Hoard go back up the Soul Tree, to pick up Centus, Larkin and Lilac
Nest: We did it guys
Centus: I saw it, say that Malice is gone
Nest: It has been reduced to nothing by the flames
Larkin: As it should be
Lilac: Our valley is safe again, let’s fly back
Lilac, Larkin and Centus get on the Dragon and fly back with Nest and Hoard to the roof, where the rest of the Century Corps, including the Unit Resreve and OIyrr now are
Boone: I saw the destruction of that being, it was brighter than the sun itself and made me feel like a dark shadow has passed over me
Mygin: We have sent another evil back to the history books and added another triumph, the next of many, into our own tapestry
Olivia: The light shall shine upon the valley again
Ba-Bayost: We really showed that evil what’s up
Aiden: Hell yeah
Uruo: The future that was stolen from this valley and its people will be restored to it, now instead of being hollow shells, they are free to find their own purpose
Oiyrr: The Soul Tree is safe, and that’s what I care about
Oseci: We are wardens, wardens for the innocent and against evil
Yoni: You didn’t just need luck, since we all had each other
Kutok: And we found our way here, together
Iehn: All of us
Tranjoh: Yeah, now let’s go back to camp
Lilac: I approve of this order
All of the victorious Century Corps forces head back to the Century Corps base camp to party for celebrating evil. As they left, Hoard’s dragons began burning Rahihi’s fortress to the ground, making sure nothing was left when the smoke cleared.
The very next day, Nest went out to the Soul Tree with Boone to see it again, in all it’s beauty, free from the destructive influence of Malice or the blighted constructs of Rahihi and his forces
Boone: I’m glad we lived to see another day
Nest: Me too, it sure is beautiful
The Soul Falcon emerges from Nest again
Nest: I think that maybe, Falconer is happy wherever he is now and that his falcon being with me is an example of the friends I make always being with me
Boone: That’s a great way to picture it, like a living shadow of their memory following you around
A smaller Phoenix emerges from Nest, nuzzling against her neck
Nest: Hey, it’s back
Boone: This is your other friend?
Nest: The Hadane who was a person, is gone as well, but this Hadane will be with me always.
Boone: And I’m your friend too, I’ll be with you whenever you need me too
Nest: Thank you Boone, promise you’ll find a new purpose
Boone: I have a new purpose, with the Century Corps
Nest and Boone look at the Soul Tree together, admiring its majesty 
Inside The Soul Tree
Falconer sees himself in the Soul Tree, joined with all the other souls of the valley
Falconer: Where am I?
Another figure appears before him
Hadane: Hello Falconer
Falconer: Who are you?
Hadane: My name is Hadane, Nest brought you up a few times
Falconer: Nest, she really is something special
Hadane: We should talk, we have all the time in the world
Falconer: That sounds fun, tell me all about her, tell me what I missed
Falconer and Hadane walk off together into the depths of the Soul Tree, to continue their discussion in that sort-of Afterlife they both are in
== Epilogue ==
At the Century Corps base camp, Olivia, Centus and Lilac are discussing in the planning room 
Olivia: Even with Rahihi and Malice both gone, we still have a lot of work to do
Lilac: I had no delusions that this was easy, forces naturally move to fill a power vacuum, we just need to make sure those are friendly occupancies
Centus: My main concern is Pandora
Olivia: We will deal with them again in time
Lilac: So priorities
Olivia: More Century Corps guys are coming over from the rest of the world, we need stability here after all
Centus: We have other minor things to take care of
Lilac: I personally wonder how the Grandmaster is going to take this moving forward
Centus: We’ll find out soon enough
As if it was on cue, two knocks on the door of the planning room can be heard 
Lilac: That has to be the new people
Centus: I’ll let them in
Centus opens the door, letting the two other figures in
Atlantic: Hello Centus and Olivia
Atoll: Also hello
Lilac: Oh, you must be the reinforcements
Atoll: Exactly
Atlantic: And you must be Lilac, the leader of the guild branch here
Lilac: Yeah and that’s me and-
The shifting shadow of Acantha emerges from Lilac
Acantha: Hey, that’s the asshat who killed me
Atoll: What the fuck
Atlantic: Ok ok timeout, what’s really going on here
Centus: Yeah so Acantha did a thing where she got into Lilac’s body and convinced her to make a new Century Corps that Lilac is in charge of. But Lilac is an ally
Atlantic: I don’t doubt that…
Atoll: Sorry I’m just confused
Acantha: Oh right you dummies forgot
Atoll: Ok, listen here-
Olivia: We have more important things to talk about
Centus: Oh yeah
Lilac: Wait, this Atoll guy…he was in the memory of the guy talking to Earth
Atlantic: Hey how did you know about
Atoll: How did you know that? Were you poking around my brain
Olivia: The White World revealed it to us, it’s a long story
Centus: Priority Number 1 is finding Pandora
Atoll: Wait, she’s still alive?
Atlantic: Seems like we really have missed out a lot
Atoll: I chucked her in the mantle, how is that possible?
Centus: Well that explains the leg made of lava
Olivia: Sounds like we need to have a discussion to catch you both up to speed
Atoll: Sounds like it
Lilac: I’ll be happy to do so
Atoll: We need to get you in a meeting with Gladian
Atlantic: Heh, but before any of that we need to know what happened
Lilac: Yes Ma’m
Lilac, sits down Atoll and Atlantic with Centus and Olivia to explain the events that transpired here to them 
Despite emerging victorious in this battle, the work is never truly over
== Yoni Bonus Chapter ==
Yoni is sitting in a place in the base camp, looking at various finances 
Yoni: And in terms of camp expansion, we have all the new people who came here, so we’ll need supplies, and we’ll need money to buy said supplies
Yoni looks at another chart about her personal finances, she remembers what she said about how any hole that’s a little too large would be questionable to the rest of her family. There’s also the issue of future excursions, and it’s not exactly like she’s getting paid more than what she’d be making if she stayed with her family in Rome managing their businesses and assets. 
Yoni: How are we going to pay for all of this
Yoni continues looking at her finances, and then goes to look at some other numbers, data about adventuring. Adventuring is an expensive endeavor, but it’s how her family got her fortune. Yoni looks and fanagales with some numbers in her data. 
Yoni: So if I pay for this, and then find something I can sell or profit off of-
Yoni’s thoughts are suddenly interrupted by being bumped into by Lilac
Lilac: Oh my god Yoni, I’m so sorry-
Yoni was a little startled by the sudden physical interruption, but she supposes she probably should have moved her work into a tent instead of on top of some random crate. 
Yoni: Oh no problem Lilac, I probably shouldn’t have been working on this stuff out in the open.
Lilac: What are you working on?
Yoni: To be blunt about it, my money. I wonder what I can do to get more money so I don’t have to worry about running out?
Lilac: Are you really running that low on money?
Yoni: Well no, but I’d rather not have to worry about that, if my bank account dips below the seven-figures my family will want to pitch in and help me out?
Lilac: And you don’t want them to do that?
Yoni: They have to pay damages to the city of Rome because of that thing my sister did that one time, and I’d rather them spend their own money on the city and their own adventures than have them have to focus on me. I’m an adult, I should figure out how to keep my own bank account in the million range.
Lilac: You are…very rich
Yoni: Was very rich, I had about 11 million in personal finances and donated a lot of that money already to people who need it. I’m also one of the primary financial backers of the Century Corps in addition to being one of its primary financial personnel.
Lilac: People in the guild can be one of its primary backers?
Yoni: Apparently so
Lilac: Hmmm, well as much as I’d like to continue this talk of finances, Atoll and Atlantic were planning a search for one of Pandora’s secret bases in the valley and I said I’d go with.
Yoni: A secret base?
Lilac: Yeah, Atoll was talking with Centus about potential areas Pandora’s bases could be and Atlantic and Atoll decided they’d head out to an area they suspected one might be
Yoni: Hmmm, well I need a break from scheming up how to make the numbers in my accounts go up
Lilac: Are you offering to come along
Yoni: I don’t see why not
Yoni and Lilac move through the camp to where Atoll and Atlantic are getting ready
Atoll: I don’t know how Pandora thinks she is, hiding secret bases all over the place
Atlantic: Technically all we’ve been doing as Century Corps members is raiding villainous secret bases so it’s nothing new
Atoll: Explain what you mean by that
Atlantic: The White World was one big secret base for Optica, we raided Henry Gavel’s secret base, you raided Pandora’s underwater complex, Department X’s base was raided during the Adamite Key hunt, Department X’s Baltimore lab was raided by Necra and her squad a while back, Olivia led a raid party on Kutakahra’s house, I was twice now involved on an attack on my own old home, the Century Corps attacked the Soulight Valley Sinners Sextant camp accidentally and they just raided Rahihi’s fortress
Atoll: Okay, I kind of see your point
Lilac: You left off the part where Hoard had her dragons burn the fortress to the ground
Atoll and Atlantic turn around to see Lilac and Yoni coming out behind them 
Yoni: Hello guys
Atlantic: Oh…uh…what’s your name?
Yoni: My name is Yoni, I’m what you might call “the big money lady”.
Atoll: Oh yeah the rich lady
Yoni: Can’t really call myself rich since the first figure in my bank account is a 1
Lilac: Yoni’s coming along with us because she wants too
Atoll: No complaints
Atlantic: Are you paying us?
Yoni: No, you already get paid…
Atlantic: Sorry, rude question
Atoll: My friend Atlantic has a lot stereotypes about rich people that she believes
Lilac: Stereotypes?
Atlantic: How many yachts do you own Yoni, since you are so rich?
Yoni: Is she for real?
Atoll: Yeah, these are totally out of t-
Yoni: My dad owns all our yachts, we own 2
Atoll: Okay nevermind
Atlantic: I thought all rich people owned at least 47
Lilac: What is a yacht?
The group can hear the turning of wheels as someone else approaches 
Tranjoh: Hey guys I heard you needed a ghost wagon
Atlantic: Did they just say, “Ghost Wagon”
Tranjoh: Let me show you what I mean
Tranjoh shows Atlantic and Atoll the Ghost Wagon in all it’s glory 
Tranjoh: Tada!!
Atlantic and Atoll look at it with a mix of awe and horror 
Tranjoh: So where are we going?
Atlantic: We’re raiding Pandora’s base and….how is that thing exactly a ghost?
Tranjoh: It’s possessed by the spirits of those who died inside the wagon
Atoll: Freaky
Lilac: Are you coming Tranjoh
Tranjoh: Yeah, why not
Yoni: Sick
Atoll: We should leave now since we’re already prepared
Atlantic: Sounds good to me
Lilac: Yeah, let’s just go
Begin Mission: Looking For The Door
Atoll, Lilac, Atlantic and Yoni join your party, Tranjoh joins your unit reserve 
After walking some distance from the camp, some members of Sinners Sextant move to attack the party 
Atoll: Well this is going to be more than just a simple pillage
Tranjoh: Is it fun any other way?
Fight against the group of Sinners Sextant
When you win
Yoni: They seemed disorganized, I wonder where their leaders are
Lilac: Well Ayev and Kiko were blasted off of a cliff, they might have a new leader
Atoll: Actually from personal experience you can fall from deadly heights and survive, if Pandora can survive falling in the Earth’s Mantle, than Ayev and Kiko can survive whatever distance they fell from
Atlantic: You seem pretty sure of that Atoll
Atoll: You bet I am
Atlantic: I bet you ten dollars there’s a new leader in charge
Atoll: You’re on
Begin heading down towards The Valleyside Cave
When the party is 20% towards The Valleyside Cave
Atlantic: Atoll, do you have any idea how Pandora might have survived you throwing her off that platform and her falling into the Mantle
Atoll: Well I don’t know Atlantic, that was surprising, and honestly terrifying how she did that
Yoni: My main question is,Pandora supposedly built a base underwater and hired Sinners Sextant.
Atoll: Well what about that?
Yoni: The ocean depths have intense pressure, like to the point where you need a submarine to even enter the deepest reaches, yet she built a whole underwater memory extractor or something under the Mariana trench so close to the Mantle. She had to get thousands of soldiers and tons of materials to the bottom of the ocean and then build that thing with debilitating pressure. To do so she must have had to use thousands of submarines.
Atoll: Well I didn’t exactly think about it like that, but we found out there was a false bottom, so Aoenen just drove the submarine through it and we could swim down there and you could breathe down there just fine, like we found this lost explorer down there.
Yoni: That still had to cost like a ton of money to even get to the false bottom, Pandora must be like, really rich
Atlantic: How many yachts do you think Pandora owns?
Lilac: I still don’t know what a Yacht is
Acantha separates herself from Lilac again
Acantha: It’s a really big, fancy boat
Lilac: Thanks!
Resume towards The Valleyside Cave
When the party is 40% towards The Valleyside Cave 
Tranjoh: One thing I’m personally wondering is why Pandora supposedly had secret bases in the valley, why wouldn’t she just put all her power in Rahihi’s fortress?
Lilac: Probably because she was planning to betray him, since she did steal all his assets and pay for Sinners Sextant, best to have a secret lair
Atoll: If she is in said secret lair, we’re gonna kick her ass
Tranjoh: Well why would she have more than one base?
Lilac: I imagine some of these bases would be like soul energy storage units, although I imagine we’ll find no soul energy where we’re going
Atlantic: So we’re going to the base to find what, where it is?
Atoll: There could be other stuff inside, like maybe she left some stuff about her plans, or communications or-
Yoni: Or money!!
Atoll: Are you always this cash obsessed?
Yoni: Sorry I like treasure
Atlantic: I thought all rich people liked treasure
Yoni: You’d be surprised
Tranjoh: Who doesn’t like a good treasure hunt?
Yoni: My dad didn’t, I had to argue with him for years to get him to even consider the idea briefly
Tranjoh: You think he didn’t want to adventure because he was probably already wealthy and didn’t want to chase more riches in fear that he might perish, leaving you without a father? Like, that just seems to be my observation.
Yoni: Wait, I never thought about it like that….
Tranjoh: See how he’s adventuring now that you’re an adult?
Yoni: Huh, that’s an interesting perspective, thanks Ghost Wagon warden
Tranjoh: You’re welcome, rich person
Atlantic: I mean she can’t be that rich, her family only has two yachts
Atoll: Weren’t you essentially kidnapped by some “rich nobles” as a child, how are you so out of touch with your sense of wealth?
Atlantic: They weren’t rich, just evil. And how do you know what rich people do?
Atoll: Atlantic, what was I doing before the guild?
Atlantic: Oh right, never mind that was rude for asking
Atoll: Thank you
Resume towards The Valleyside Cave
When the party is 50% towards The Valleyside Cave. They see a sizeable group of Sinners Sextant and two other Sinners Sextant members, who look familiar 
Sinners Sextant Member: Hey, stop hiding behind that rock and accept your fate dirty traitors
Shane: Who is even giving us our orders anymore, it feels like Ayev lost the plot on this one?
Sinners Sextant Member: We are uh, well I don’t know but you betrayed us in a pivotal moment and thus it’s revenge time
Farat: Pivotal would imply that the moment was important, and not just what happens regularly at this point, where we are involved in some big final battle against the Century Corps
Sinners Sextant Member: Listen you bring up some valid points, but I have no idea what I’m doing with my life, so as a scattered remnant of whatever Sinners Sextant force was left here and I was left behind because you two decided to believe a stranger that betraying us was a good idea, and now you idiots are stick behind a rock
Shane: Idiot would imply we’re dumb
Farat: Maybe let me handle the language stuff from now on
The Century Corps looks upon the scene 
Yoni: Whoops…
Atoll: Who are those guys, I don’t recognize them from the Mariana excursion
Yoni: Shane and Fart I think, they helped us when I asked them to betray their group
Lilac: It was an incredibly well timed betrayal
Atoll: I know who had a really poorly timed betrayal
Acantha: Ok, listen here you little shit
Tranjoh: Shouldn’t we help out our allies?
Atlantic: They have a point, let’s go get em guys
Fight against Sinners Sextant 
When you win 
Farat: Thanks for the assist
Yoni: You’re welcome!
Shane: Honestly we got really lost on the way to Century Corps base camp
Farat: Maybe we should have found an “ordinary” wagon like that one
Tranjoh: Hehe, hehe, sorry
Farat: Forgiven
Atoll: So, you defectors want to be part of the guild
Lilac: I believe I said they could
Shane: You did say that
Lilac: Yeah I’ll keep my word
Farat: Good
Atlantic: If you want you can follow us on what we’re doing, which is looking for one of Pandora’s hidey-holes
Shane: Pandora?
Farat: I think they mean that weird benefactor with the lava leg
Shane: Oooh
Tranjoh: Follow me
Shane and Farat join your unit reserve
Resume towards The Valleyside Cave
When the party is 70% towards The Valleyside Cave 
Atlantic: I wonder why we haven’t run into any of, any of, what’s that guy’s name?
Lilac: The warlord? That’s Rahihi
Atlantic: Why haven’t we seen any of his goons?
Lilac: I don’t know?
Yoni: Well typically power vacuums get filled
Lilac: I think the power vacuum for Rahihi actually was filled
Atlantic: Really?
Lilac: By The Century Corps, but like not in a tyrannical way
Atoll: The way you’re describing it sounds like it would be tyrannical
Lilac: Well, it’s not, by occupying the state of something like an order keeping entity, we’ll be able to keep a somewhat basic order on the valley before a force that gives the people of the valley the future they desire comes along to fill the power vacuum.
Atlantic: You’re making it sound like overseeing a period of change in your home is going to be easy’
Lilac: I know it won’t be, and not everyone wants to give up their old lives, but we’re going to continue to fight for the future
Resume towards The Valleyside Cave
When the party is 90% towards The Valleyside Cave 
Farat: Ghice often fought for money and pride, simply put he chased the bag and chased his ego
Shane: Where are you going with this?
Farat: Well, I was wondering, what exactly do Ayev and Kiko fight for? We’ve worked for them for some time, but what exactly do they believe in?
Shane: You…are asking the wrong person
Farat: I get that, but the largest unanswered question I’m hitting at is what is the organizational philosophy of the Sinners Sextant? What do they even do anymore? There’s no clearly defined objective other than “Destroy Century Corps”.
Shane: That is true, I know that much
Atoll: It is moments like these where I’m glad The Century Corps has a clearly defined mission.
Resume towards The Valleyside Cave
When the party reaches the Valleyside Cave, they don’t see any Sinners Sextant nearby, just nothing outside the cave, with an obvious wall
Farat: Well we tried, let’s go home
Atlantic: No, it’s never that simple
Yoni: I think either two things are possible here, a key is nearby or there’s a mechanism on the wall that moves it
Farat: That is ridiculous, what about the third option which is it not being here
Yoni: You’re welcome to try that too
Atoll: We’re already here we might as well try Yoni’s idea
Tranjoh: Oh, I’ll look around for the key
Tranjoh searches around for a key with their Ghost Wagon.
Lilac: So what mechanism on the wall would you say does it?
Farat, exasperated, walks into the cave to the wall
Farat: See, there’s no mechanism
Farat puts their hand on the wall
Shane: Farat, are you sure there’s really nothing there
Atlantic: Have you tried moving it Fart
Farat: FART!! Is that what you think my name is?
Atoll: That’s what Yoni told us
Yoni: Sorry I forgot a letter
Farat: Unbelievable
Shane: It’s not that unbelievable, your name is Fart afterall
Farat: Oh haha
Farat in anger, smashes their hand against part of the wall
Farat: Call me fart, that’s sooo funny
The wall behind Farat begins to descend, revealing the inside of Pandora’s secret base
Farat: Yeah laugh at me
Lilac: Farat, look behind you
Farat: And why should I do that, is it-holy shit
Farat sees the secret base being revealed to everyone 
Lilac: Well let’s go in
Mission end
Tranjoh: I didn’t find the key, so-
Tranjoh sees the Open Door and everyone going inside
Tranjoh: Oh hey wait for me
Yoni: Keep up
Tranjoh runs inside with the rest of the party, entering Pandora’s secret base with them. As they look on in the base, they see the metal walls mixing with the rocky top of the cave. Various machinery lining the area, along with some stray canisters of soul energy and a small plastic tub full of gold
Yoni: Ooooh, Oooh
Atlantic: Oh go ahead money fingers, take that gold for yourself
Yoni: Don’t mind if I do
Yoni rushes over to the tub and picks it up
Yoni: Tranjoh, can I load it into your wagon?
Tranjoh: I want a 10% cut
Yoni: Count yourself in
Atlantic: Well if they get a cut I want a cut
Farat: Ooh ooh me too I want a raise
Shane: You’re not getting paid right now
Farat: Do you want money or not?
Shane: Oooh I would like money
Yoni: Fine, I’ll give everyone 10%
Tranjoh: Actually I want 15% now
Yoni: Yeah, take my gold
Atoll: We just found it
Yoni: It’s mine, it’s mine
Yoni laughs a little, having fun with the situation 
Tranjoh: I’m being serious
Yoni: I know you are
Lilac walks over to a device, it looks like a communications relay
Lilac: Should I touch it?
Atoll: I mean, if you can tap into Pandora’s network…
Lilac: I’ll see what I can do
Lilac messes with the relay for a minute, before it turns on
Pandora (Relay): Ayev, how is my soul energy?
Ayev (Relay): As soon as I got knocked out of the fortress, I went over to check with your old forces. 87% of the Soul Energy you wanted to collect has been transported out of the valley, it’s being transported to the destination you have outlined.
Kiko (Relay): I’m not in the same place as Ayev, but I’m also connected to the relay, I’m currently rallying any forces that want to defect to your side after Rahihi’s defeat. We’ll be meeting in the destination you have instructed
Pandora (Relay): Any disparate forces of the world that want to rally to my banner, get them under my control. Any other stragglers from Department X, the Cult of Sheyane, Pionin’s Truth-
Ayev (Relay): Not from that group
Pandora (Relay): Why not?
Ayev (Relay): Nothing
Pandora (Relay): Regardless, any disparate combatants will be important for our plans. See you at the location
Ayev (Relay): See you soon
Kiko (Relay): I will too
The relay cuts out
Lilac: I think that was a message that was already sent
The relay is dead 
Atoll: We can’t intercept them, unfortunate
Farat: For being so pro-Centennial, Ayev has no problem working in everyone else to further their own goals
Yoni: They’re a snake
Atlantic: Lilac, can you try seeing where they’re going
Lilac kicks the relay, nothing. Nothing in this lair is online. 
Lilac: Seems like that was the last message before they killed the system
Tranjoh: Should we also bring the Soul Energy back to the base?
Tranjoh points to the disparate canisters of Soul Energy
Shane: That could be a good idea
Lilac: We might as well
Tranjoh: Load it up
The Century Corps loads the Soul Energy canisters into Tranjoh’s wagon and sets off back to the camp
Later that night at camp, Yoni is doing more calculations next to the new tub of gold they have
Yoni: So, I believe if I give 65% to all the people who were there, I still get 35% of it, and thus I’ll be able…to give it to everyone else later. Well this is what I signed up for.
Yoni is looking at the container when someone else walks up to them again
Lilac: I see the work never ends for you
Yoni: Heh, you could say that. I never had any presumptions that this wouldn’t be expensive, but I never really cared too much about my own personal financial growth. I could have stayed in Rome, taken over my father’s enterprises and become monstrously rich myself. I think my choice to help the Century Corps is worth more than any dollar in my bank account individually, it just so happens that this thing is expensive.
Lilac: I guess the good news is that Pandora and Rahihi likely still have hidden riches and treasures we have yet to recover, any asset would probably help get more money flowing into the Century Corps.
Yoni: I do thank you for thinking about operations from my perspective Lilac, I’m sure you’ll be a great part of leadership in the Century Corps when the time is right
Lilac: I’d want to believe that much.
Yoni: Now, do you want your share of the money
Acantha splits herself from Lilac again
Acantha: We, would like the money
Lilac: Oh you
Yoni: Acantha’s so old she probably cuts out coupons
Acantha: Pff, what, no, I never did, any such activity….
Lilac: What are coupons?
Yoni: You will learn in time Lilac, in time
Yoni laughs a little, before transitioning into giving Lilac her share of the spoils.
Category:Ultimatium Studios
Category:Stories
Category:Subpages