Chapter 3

Chapter 3 is titled "The Traps of Battle".

## Short Summary

Athermos, Vhagar, and Rayne leave the cave and head toward the Kurogaru Pirates' base. The trio ends up triggering traps and ultimately alert the Kurogaru Pirates about the fact they were coming. The trio decides on how they are going to fight the Kurogaru Pirates.

## Long Summary

Now in the cave and having expressed interest in fighting the Kurogaru Pirates, Rayne questioned if the two realized what they were doing as she believed them to be going straight toward their death. To counter this point, Athermos stated they weren't, and that he and Vhagar were powerful and weren't average people. Vhagar also added that he doubted he could die again, as he already died, before reinforcing the fact and he and Athermos weren't average people and had trained for situations like this. Realizing it was futile to argue, Rayne said she warned them but decided to take them to the base anyways.

While heading toward the base, Athermos came up with a plan of fighting and brought up the point Golatzar looked like a swordsman, asking if Vhagar wanted to fight him because of that. Vhagar simply agreed to it, stating he had been looking forward to seeing all sorts of swordsmanship since their journey began to try and improve the Vermithor Style. Before Athermos could say anything, Rayne quickly reiterated the fact they were underestimating the Kurogaru Pirates if they thought it'd be as simple as they were making it out to be. The trio then began making their way out of the cave and to the forest, with Vhagar deciding to ask what kind of abilities they had and how they fought. Vhagar also commented that any information that could be given would be quite helpful for the battle to come, and that he'd feel naked if he had no information on their opponents.

In response to this, Rayne revealed she had never physically encountered them, and as such has none of the answers for Vhagar's question. As such, Rayne stated that was why they were underestimating their opponents. Athermos was listening and decided to ask if there were other people on the island they should be aware of, which Rayne instantly replied that they were killed by the Kurogaru Pirates. Vhagar and Athermos both agreed that this was another reason to take them down, and even remarked they just got worse the more they learned. In response to Vhagar's consistent use of the word "captain" instead of Athermos' name, Rayne asked why he only referred to him like that. In response, Vhagar said he was the first mate and he just wanted to call Athermos captain as that was his title.

While walking through the forest, Rayne attempted to warn the duo that there were booby trapped areas though she was too late, as Athermos triggered one. This resulted in him being wrapped in Sea-Stone Rope, of which Vhagar asked if Ather was okay. Questioning why there was random booby traps on the ground and getting weaker, Athermos' weapon was slowly cutting through the rope. Rayne, after noticing this, stated that she didn't even realize they were carrying Meito Weapons, asking if they really were. In response to this, Vhagar confirmed this fact and stated Snow Flower was a cursed Meito Blade, while Athermos stated Kingane was just a regular Meito Blade. Helping Athermos out of the Sea-Stone Rope, the trio continue walking toward their destination, carefully avoiding more booby traps.

Rayne commented on the fact that Cursed Weapons aren't easy to handle and maybe the duo could take down the Kurogaru Pirates. Athermos mockingly teased Vhagar, who just responded that Snow Flower was easy going and had a good spirit. He did however state this was as long as they followed each others rules and Rayne once again warned what the traps on the ground contained. Accidentally triggering another trap, Vhagar grabbed Ather and moved them into a tree as Rayne had also dashed behind a tree for cover. However, once she gained a slightly level head, she realized it was an alarm and told them that the Kurogaru Pirates were coming.

In response to this, Vhagar stated they had no choice but to fight, and that they should leave Golatzar and the lesser forces to him, while Athermos and Rayne take on the captain. Rayne in response said they were going to get her killed and asked if she was to actually believe Vhagar could take on the second in command and the forces of the Kurogaru Pirates. In response, Athermos said that she can help them, as shouting began to get heard and was circling toward the trio. Rayne quickly said they were here, and she once more questioned how she was to believe their strength and warned this was their final time to retreat if that's what they wanted to do.

Athermos commented she could believe what she wanted, and even said no one could evade the trap, but they were still going to fight because of what the Kurogaru Pirates had. Vhagar also reinforced this by stating the duo should take on the leader, and he would handle the troops and second in command. Vhagar also said he wasn't alone, and told Rayne to take care of Athermos and guide him well.

## Quick Reference

### Chapter Notes

* Vhagar's swordsmanship style is officially named as the Vermithor Style.
* Both Athermos and Vhagar are revealed to be carrying Meito Weapons.
	+ Vhagar is revealed to be carrying a Cursed Meito Weapon.
	+ Athermos' weapon is named: Kingane.
* Booby Traps are first revealed to be in use in this chapter, notably an alarm and Sea-Stone Rope trap.
	+ Others include explosives that are only named, but not showcased.
* One of Vhagar's goals, to improve his Vermithor Style, is revealed.

### Characters Involved

* Hanish Rayne
* Dansei D. Athermos
* Kurogaru (Mentioned Only)
* Kurogaru Pirates (Mentioned Only)

## Trivia

* This chapter marks the first of a recurring trend establishing the enemies the Olympian Dreamer Pirates will come to face.
* This chapter establishes a trend of booby traps, specifically while on Treasure Island.