+2 STR.

---

Terry dusts himself off after the battle.

"Well, that was fun. Now I'm gonna-"

Terry then witnesses Marron and Toast officially becoming girlfriends.

This is pretty much his reaction. The top half, anyway.

He then sits down on the floor.


Terry equips the Cloudwalker Insignia in place of the Cardboard Amulet.

Nezira puts two points into SKI.

She decides to get a few things done...

---

First, she decides to try and make something to protect the baby Gallows against the Iti hivemind until it can be properly, lastingly shielded. She grabs a Silver Ingot, maybe three blobs of Thyme Matter, a Secretary Slicer (temporarily, not using one of its crafting charges), a Mantle Cluster, and quickly asks Venia if she can borrow the Entropic Key. "Hey, I think I might have figured out a way to protect the Gallows-chick from the Iti hivemind seeping back in until we can give it more lasting protection, but I'll need the Entropic Key. Do you mind if I borrow it?"

With the Key secured, she takes the Mantle Cluster and passes the Secretary Slicer over it several times, channeling its Null Zone skill until the cluster is completely cleansed of all its elemental affinity, nothing but a blank slate. (She then returns the Secretary Slicer to the inventory.) She takes the Entropic Key and charges up a low-power Purge, before melting the Silver, stirring in the Thyme Matter, and releasing the Purge into the melted alloy, purging whatever tenuous connection to the Iti hivemind Thyme Matter has, but leaving behind an attunement to it that will be useful for the intended use.

She quickly solidifies the now softly-glowing, whitish-purple silver, draws it into wire, and measures the baby Gallows before weaving and welding together a complicated wire harness that should enfold its body and head when fully attached, but which is able to be easily removed and readded and which shouldn't restrict its movement at all. She adds a few intricate designs on important parts of the harness which suggest runic designs or magical circles. She also adds a large socket woven in on the chest for the Blank Cluster, although, given plans, it won't be blank much longer.

She carefully sets the Blank Cluster on a pedestal, takes the Entropic Key in hand, and focuses, a white aura building around her as the Purge charges, before pointing the key and directing the beam directly into the Blank Cluster, charging it with the Key's power to purge entropy -- and, more pertinently in this case, the power to purge Iti of their connection to the hivemind. She breaks the beam off once the cluster is glowing gently with white light, and hands the Key back to Venia before carefully slotting the Purging Cluster into the Gallows' new wire-woven harness, completing it.

---

/working

What is this? Who are these people? For some strange reason, Packo is completely immobile, and can't move. Something... Something new has appeared on his mind. A feeling he had never experienced before. It was... Fear?

"WHO are y-you?"
His voice gets less and less audible with time! Who is he even talking to? He seems to be talking to everyone else in the vicinity!

Packo is feeling something that he can't comprehend. Just because of that, he knows that this weird experience is going to... Shake him. Packo gains +2 SPC!

<SURPRISE ROLEPLAY UPDATE>
Just near the foot of Yggdrasil, Marron meets up with Toast. Marron appears to be in awe of the gigantic tree, barely comprehending its sheer size. She pivots around on one foot to face her friend.

MARRON: Ah, sup Toaster!
MARRON: Just so you know, your one-liner was kinda… dorky.
MARRON: Sorry, it’s true.
MARRON: ...
MARRON: Anyway, how’s it going?
TOAST: Kinda… disappointed, actually.
TOAST: Since we've been fighting Iti for the last day, I haven't been able to do cool stuff like back in the forest.
TOAST: Wait, you weren't there for that, were you…
MARRON: Nope.
MARRON: Anyway, um…
MARRON: I…

Marron awkwardly shuffles around, before her face lights up rather suddenly. She reaches briefly into the inventory, rummaging around before pulling out a small, gift-wrapped box.

MARRON: Right! Here!
MARRON: It was kinda weird seeing everyone copying your style, a-and I kinda wanted my scarf to be a personal thing…
TOAST: (It was a bit weird…)

MARRON: So… I made you a new one!

Marron passes the box to Toast, a bit of a glint in her eyes.

MARRON: C’mon! Open it up! I worked even harder on this one!
TOAST: A-alright!

Toast takes the box, and looks for a place to sit and open it. Taking a seat on one of the many gigantic roots, she starts tearing apart the wrapping. Her efforts are soon rewarded with a long scarf, not unlike the original, but with some notable differences. The fabric is a vibrant pattern which shifts like the northern lights and sparkles like the night sky. Attached is a brilliant gemstone which flickers through a rainbow of colours. Toast appears stunned by its lustrous appearance. Marron’s sufficiently nervous as she tries to chat up Toast.

MARRON: S-So, how is it?
MARRON: W-While it’s kinda similar, I decided to do something that I haven’t really dabbled in before while making it.
MARRON: I decided to try and infuse some of the magic from the Aurora Crystals into it by grinding them up into a nice powder, and mixing it into the fabric…
MARRON: I mean, I burned the first attempt at the scarf and might’ve lit my workstation on fire, but the second attempt went well enough! It sorta has this cool gradient effect, which turned out better than I even hoped...
MARRON: I also learned how to carve the crystals better, so the gem of the brooch is far more shapely and vibrant…
MARRON: I-It might not be much else, or even much better, b-but I hope you appreciate the upgrades!

...She takes a large breath. Seems like she ended up rambling for too long. Toast, noticing the pause, finally speaks up.

TOAST: This is…

Toast looks down at the scarf in wonder, trying to find the words.

TOAST: ...amazing! It's so beautiful, and shiny, and it's got crystals…
TOAST: Plus; it was made by you!
MARRON: D-Does that really make it so much better?
TOAST: Of course! I don't think anyone else would make something like this for me!

Toast hops up from the root and wraps her friend in a tight hug. Marron blushes warmly and promptly wraps her arms around Toast as well.

MARRON: I-I don’t know w-why, but I was worried you wouldn’t like it…
MARRON: I’m just glad you’re happy!
TOAST: I-I am. I so am. Thanks…
TOAST: Oh!

Toast's face lights up, as she remembers a recent project of her own. She pulls away from the hug and checks her pockets. A curiosity piques up in Marron, who tries to get a good luck at whatever wonders might be held within. Eventually, the taller girl seems to find what she's looking for. With a triumphant look in her eyes, she pulls out a square of plain, folded cloth. Maybe it's a handkerchief or something.

TOAST: Ta-daa!
MARRON: ...Eh?

Handing the cloth to Marron, she looks quite excited.

TOAST: It's not as beautifully wrapped as your gift... but open it up!
MARRON: A-Alright!

Marron begins to slowly unwrap the cloth, slowly and carefully pulling away the layers. Soon, she finds the cloth unfolding into a much larger piece, then larger still. The plain weave seems to magically shift in color and style as she does so, eventually revealing itself to be a scarf; not dissimilar to the one she had given Toast. However, unlike that one, this scarf seemed to made of crystals, manipulated and linked to form a fabric-texture. As the morning light hits it, it refracts prismatically, imposing a rainbow of light against Marron's clothing. A warm gemstone flickers to life under the light, shifting between Toast's orange and Marron's maroon.

MARRON: …
MARRON: O-Oh my god.
MARRON: I-Is this made of pure crystals or something!? How’d you do that!?
TOAST: W-well, magic is... versatile?
MARRON: T-This is amazing! D-Do I really deserve s-something like this!?
MARRON: Y-You’re almost making me feel inadequate, if I’m being honest...
TOAST: H-hey! Your gift is awesome! I couldn't make anything like it in a thousand years, even with all my magic.
TOAST: You… you have a knack for this kind of stuff. I-It's awesome.
MARRON: Ah geez, you’re just being humble…

Marron sits up and stretches, before taking a moment to wrap Toast’s gift around her neck.

MARRON: It’s kinda toasty- I love it!
MARRON: ...That pun wasn’t intentional, I swear!

She climbs atop one of the roots, before sitting down atop it and kicking back, now reclining on the root. She looks up towards the canopy of this one single tree, watching the morning sun waft through the small gaps in the branches and leaves. Toast follows her eyes, gazing up in awe.

MARRON: I wish this place wasn’t wasn’t so… beautiful!
MARRON: It’s making me wanna just waste a day... doing nothing but soak in the garden.
MARRON: Back on Nightmare Mountain, I was a pretty decent gardener. I can appreciate these sorts of things…
TOAST: It… kinda reminds me of where I lived. T-there aren't any enormous trees or violent uprisings there… b-but it's almost as beautiful as it is here.
TOAST: It's almost as beautiful as…

She trails off, instead looking over to where Marron was perched. Taking a deep breath, she takes a few steps towards the root, and sits a bit further down from her friend.

TOAST: ...A-actually, I-I did want to ask you something, while we're, um, here.

Marron sits up, looking into Toast’s eyes.

MARRON: Hm? What is it?
TOAST: W-well, I don't know how people usually ask this…
TOAST: I-I'm still kind of new to 'culture' and all…
TOAST: And usually I'd just ask but…
TOAST: I-I'm not really sure how to…
TOAST: (argh maybe Alt would know what to say here)
TOAST: A-and now I'm just rambling on and on and on…
MARRON: Hey, don’t be shy! If you have something to say, I’m listening.

Toast takes another deep breath, clenching her fists.

TOAST: O-okay…
TOAST: H-here goes…
TOAST: wouldyouwanttogooutwithme
MARRON: ...Toast, y-you’re mumbling...
TOAST: I-I was just wondering if you'd…
TOAST: liketogooutwithme
MARRON: Y-You’re still doing it! Y-You alright? I-I won’t get mad, i-if that’s why you’re nervous!

Toast sighs, unclenching her fists.

TOAST: I… really like you.
TOAST: And I don't mean that 'like' like I 'like' Ette, or I 'like' Chloe…
TOAST: But I like you a lot more than that…
TOAST: I-I don't know how else to describe it, except as a sort of warmth around you that I don't feel with anyone else!
TOAST: A-and… I was wondering if y-you…
TOAST: ...If maybe you felt the same way about me.

Marron takes a moment to process what Toast just said. Her face slowly yet gradually lights up with a surge of rose as the gears in her head cause her to realize exactly what she meant. She’s speechless.

MARRON: I-I, u-um, y-you really… f-feel that way about… m-me!?

Her eyes begin to fog up, and small, hopeful smile crosses her face. She talks slowly- either she’s carefully choosing her words, or she’s having a hard time even saying anything...

MARRON: I-I… I l-like you t-that way, too!
MARRON: D-During t-that month without y-you, I-I realized h-how miserable it was to b-be without y-you…
MARRON: A-And… w-well, a-apparently y-you were without m-me for a year! I guess it’d make sense we’d both end up feeling like t-this…
MARRON: I-I didn’t know h-how to a-approach y-you about this...
MARRON: S-So… i-is this… l-like...


She seems to be unable to finish her sentence. Toast smiles at her friend's reciprocation of her feelings, but her voice is still tinged with a peculiar mixture of nervousness and excitement.

TOAST: I-I don't know how these things u-usually go…
TOAST: B-but… maybe we could start with a hug?

Without even really properly responding, Marron tosses herself towards Toast. On top of the root, they share a tight embrace, with Toast practically lifting Marron up off of the ground. Still embracing, the two spin around in a daze of ecstasy. The sun, being a master of dramatic timing, shines a ray of light down upon the two of them. Eventually, Toast puts Marron back down on the ground, and the two look into each other’s eyes.

MARRON: S-So…
MARRON: W-What do we d-do now?
MARRON: I-I don’t know how this works, either...
TOAST: M-maybe we can do what other people do...
TOAST: L-like… holding hands, and…
TOAST: I don't… really know else what people do.
MARRON: W-Well, we c-could always just… see what happens.
MARRON: Take it one step at a time. L-Like an adventure!
TOAST: I… I like that.

Holding hands, the two of them synchronize their hop off of the root. They land on the grass below at the same time, sharing a quick giggle together as they walk down south of Yggdrasil. The both of them, if only for a moment, forget their worries. They forget the hordes of Iti, and the raging war swirling around them. They forget that moments later, they’ll be thrust back into the thick of it.

Right now, each of them only have one thing on their mind.

Each other.

---

ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: Because You
A Heart Bracelet has appeared in the Inventory!

A normal update will occur tomorrow.

Craftpost.

EN decides her armor needs work to keep up in this modern age of green-tier and yellow-tier gear. She wanders off a short distance from the rest of the party, specifically going back to Yggdrasil's Flank, and in particular to the one crater. It's a convenient crater, actually. Could probably act as a forge of some kind, with the proper structuring... She cracks her knuckles, then gets to work, filling in most of the lower part of the crater aside for a part where she could place what she needs to forge. The rest of the crater, she surrounds with a stone brick structure, effectively creating a proper forge to do stuff with.

"Hmm..."

Time to ignite the forge. She tosses in some logs and an Aurora Crystal, resulting in a nice hot flame safely out of all but the most suicidal of people, then she glances down at the slot for the crafting mold. After some consideration, she knows what to do, gathering up a bunch of Titanium and Durasteel ingots and taking off her Power armor Ponch, then moving to place them in the forging slot. Her eyes glow hologram blue, and an image of the thing she wants to make hovers in the air in front of her...

"Hopefully, this works."

The flames of the forge roar hot. The combined materials soar in heat. EN doesn't even bother using an actual hammer or any sort of tool to craft, instead apparently quite fine with using her bare hands to force the metal into shape. The flames keep roaring, then eventually die down. EN sighs, moving to pick up what should hopefully be a completed craft...

(T3) T-103 Hoplite Vest
Imagine Fallout power armor, except it's a greek skirt thing.
(+6 MHP), (+5 DEF), (+2 RES), (Aspis Shield), (-1 MOV)
Resists: Physical (20%), Physical (20%), Magical (-30%), Magical (-30%)

Aspis Shield: As a free action, you may pick a cardinal or diagonal direction, creating a range 1 cone. Enemy attacks that originate from or pass through this cone deal 10% less damage to you and all allies.

Because apparently nobody’s noticed it for about an entire zone, Keiko forcibly removes the +1 STR she has in her trinkets column, then proceeds to back it up by adding +1 STR to it via skillpoints properly. She uses her remaining skillpoint to +1 her SKI.

...With her own respective battle over, Keiko also manages to pick up the shouting of somebody who’s clearly got no idea what the hell’s going on. Given what her job technically is of playing ‘not have everyone turn into corpses’, this kinda falls into her jurisdiction. It’s only going to create more work for her if some dumb kid eats something he shouldn’t have or thinks that touching the glowy purple syrup is a safe maneuver. ”■■■■ kids…” Keiko mutters under her breath, before starting her march to the approximate location of Packo. ”Why do these newbie adventurers always try to start their grand journeys before they hit the legal age of adulthood where they come from? Does nobody ■■■■■■■ tell them what common sense is, or are they that delusi-”

And about now is the point where Keiko notices the wreck of a ship occupying the space almost directly nearby Packo, and connects the dots. You can see her hand slowly rise up to her face, first to bring a cup of coffee to her mouth (before throwing the cup on the ground - strangely, it decomposes almost immediately when she discards it), and then to apply her palm directly to her forehead. ”Son of a ■■■■■, it’s worse than I thought. This kid’s a civilian, isn’t he? I’m not a psychologist, and I doubt anybody would entrust children to me…” She monologues as she slowly approaches the panicked newcomer.

”Hey, buddy, now’s not the time to lose your head.” Keiko states once she finally meets Packo’s field of vision. Presumably, this has as much effect as somebody with a normal voice tone of ‘I am practically dead inside’ trying to reassure somebody would go. Keiko is not exactly happy about that. ”...Kid, are you even listening to me?” The girl continues, staring down the new guy. She groans. ”Kid…” Given how Keiko acts, it shouldn’t be a major surprise that she decides to get their attention in a particularly aggressive way.

By slapping them across the face. ”SNAP OUT OF IT!” Keiko shouts in a warcry as the devastating blow connects. It’s okay, that’s what SHP is there to defend anyway. Keiko breathes out, now confident that her existence has been noticed. ”Yeah, yeah, sorry about slapping you on the face and all that, but the point is, well…” And unfortunately, Keiko had not planned for how exactly to explain the situation too far ahead. Thankfully, she has some tools to help her improvise a bit and ensure that Packo’s eyes will stay on her. Ripping a considerable number of pages out of her notebook, she begins to fold them into various shapes as she lays them out on the close and conveniently flat-ish surface of Packo’s broken ship.

”The year is who gives a ■■■■, and apparently nobody has any limitations on their common sense anymore. ‘Oh, let’s just keep running bots after the first launches catastrophic events!’ ‘Oh, sure, let’s down these spices like I down alcohol to forget my problems! What could go wrong!?’ ‘Whoops, somebody just died! Let’s use stuff from those old, glitchy bots I made to try and revive her! That won’t be unstable at all!’” Keiko begins, the sarcasm made about as clear as possible. ”And look where all that ■■■■ landed us!” She shouts, before directing Packo’s attention at the one, the only, The Sphere. You couldn’t miss it, given the sheer size of that lad. ”Now we’ve got to bust our ■■■■■ trying to destroy the ■■■■■■■ Death Star over here before it blows up and an immigration crisis in the billions barrels down on the afterlife!” Keiko is still pretty loud through all this. However, she seems to recognize this volume of hers, and starts to calm herself down. ”Geez, even for me, that’s a bit loud…” A second cup of coffee disappears into her mouth. Somebody should tell her that coffee is a stimulant...

”So, here we are now. Steal the four plot crystals, break into the Sphere, cause explosion, get out. For better or for worse, welcome to the party. Any questions?”

<ROUND NINETY-SIX>
First, crafting!



In addition, Version 1.1.7 is now out! This features mostly small spell balance changes.

...Anyway, shall I get to the meat and bones of the update? No? Well, I'm gonna do it anyway!

---

Venia decides to do a whole lot of talking. First, she speaks with Ga'aunt. What happened to her, exactly?

GA'AUNT: Hm. I believe you were merely overwhelmed by the energy of the key.
GA'AUNT: ...The energy is familiar; pulchritude, perhaps?
GA'AUNT: The power of charisma. We believed the Butterfly to be weak to it.
GA'AUNT: We cannot fathom why it was weak to the energy, but we suspect it has something to do with The Sleuth.
GA'AUNT: I wish I could recall more, but alas- you know how it is.

Mr Krabs then promptly teleports Chloe and Venia to Nia. Chloe barely has time to scream before realizing she's a few feet away from her old friend. The blonde raises a hand to speak, but appears to be breathless from the ordeal.

NIA: Oh, hiya Chlo!
NIA: I'm glad to see you're alive! I mean, not that I doubted you... but maybe I was a little worried!
NIA: I knew you could handle yourself.
NIA: ...Did you do your hair this morning? How'd you even find the time? I mean, it'll probably get messy real soon, so is it even worth styling it?
CHLOE: ...Ni... ah...
NIA: ...Chloe, you alright? You're more red-faced than usual!

Chloe manages to recollect herself, and flings herself towards Nia, hugging her. The two embrace for a moment, before stepping back to talk.

CHLOE: Nia, why are you here...?
NIA: Like, here on this planet, or here at this tree, or here in this universe?
CHLOE: Middle. Middle option.
NIA: Oh, um... Xavier wanted me here!
NIA: Xavier decided that going after one glyph wasn't very efficient, so he sent me to go and 'borrow' the other one!
NIA: Plus... he also hoped that I'd find you guys!
NIA: Xavier was super ultra mega mad when he learned that you came to this planet, Chlo. He was even angrier when he learned that you were working with those people he's stupidly scared of!
CHLOE: So...
CHLOE: Why aren't you trying to kill us? Like last time?
NIA: Whaaaaaat? I would never : P
NIA: Anyway, he wanted me to tag along with you guys!
NIA: He said it was for the sole purpose of keeping you safe, Chloe! I can assure you he has the purest, cutest intentions.
NIA: ...He also wants me to spy on you guys. Or at least, keep tabs on your progress.
NIA: He didn't say that explicitly, but I'm pretty sure that's what he wants. Can't be helped. Boo. : (

...Nia's face blinks out of existence, showing ": (" .

NIA: Anyway, that's why I'm here!
NIA: Why are you here?
CHLOE: Glyph stuff. Omo says there's a machine that's sieging this place, so we can't exactly get inside to claim the Glyph.
NIA: ...Is THAT what those explosions were? Huh. TIL.
NIA: Anyway-

Nia turns to face the other girl there- Venia. Nia stops and stares at Venia for a moment, moderately enthralled.

NIA: : O
NIA: Chloe who is that
NIA: she's BEAUTIFUL
CHLOE: ...She doesn't like complements.
CHLOE: also she's wearing the weirdest stuff right now how could you find that-
NIA: Beauty is more than clothing!
NIA: oh
NIA: She's... stunningly, overwhelmingly average!
NIA: wait you didn't answer my question
CHLOE: Oh, uh, sorry!
CHLOE: She's Venia. Venia Praefortis. I think she wants to talk to you, so... I'll leave you to it?
NIA: I do!
NIA: I, uh, I mean yes! Yes, leave me to it!

Nia quickly introduces herself.

NIA: Um, hiya!
NIA: I'm Nia! Nia Khioneas! It's nice to meet you!

The two of them begin to talk. From her angle, Venia can't help but notice her eyes- she doesn't seem to have any. In their place is a black absence, with the <eye> present in each void. Fortunately for most onlookers, her blue-framed and blue-lensed shades make it easy enough to forget that there's untold horrors back there. Venia asks if she delivered the message to Xavier.

NIA: The message wa s delivered as planned.
NIA: ...I meant that it wasn't delivered as planned! It had like, this grip on my throat and it was aaaaaaaaaugh.
NIA: I'm surprised it's not just always doing that to my voice- maybe it's tired. Or maybe it's a big ol' gorilla who likes tormenting cute girls.

NIA: Anyway, is my condition really that bad?
NIA: It's like, sure, it takes control of my body and voice sometimes, but at least it's not like... the death plague, or whatever!
NIA: ...Okay, maybe it's actually the pits : (

Venia them promptly throws up a puddle of goop that's not actually vomit. Nia smiles innocently the whole time, with just a hint of "oh god why" on her face. She seems... considerably less enthused than earlier.

NIA: ...A-Are you alright?
NIA: W-What do you even call that? Is that the fabled death plague that everyone in school wishes they'd catch!?
NIA: I-If that's the death plague, then I don't want it! Especially if it's a slow killer like that...
NIA: I-I hope that you succumb to it I mean get better!

She then mentions joining the group. Nia nods rather promptly.

NIA: Oh, definitely!
NIA: You guys kept Chloe safe, and even if Xavier wasn't making me do this, I'd join you guys anyway since you all seem swell.
NIA: And cute.
NIA: Is that girl from that game Chloe hates still here? She's fun. I like her.
NIA: Uh, anyway.

NIA: Let's give it our all, everyone!

Nia has joined the party! With her comes a new set of achievements, a new NPC Job, and of course, her character sheet!

...Anyway, Mr. Krabs then force-sucks the Flux out of the Stone Rose, leaving it withered and dead. 5 Flux bleeds out of it. He also goes and vacuums about 10 truly battle-grade splinter piles from around Nia. Venia would then go off to start the duel, but that feels like something to reserve for the end of the update. Oh well.

---

Destiny and Chloe then chat a little. Despite Destiny saying that she's a nice person outside of battle, Chloe seems... iffy about that.

CHLOE: wait wait wait
CHLOE: Y-You purposely kill people (even if they're heretics) in the most brutal way possible?
CHLOE: E-Even if they've done w-wrong, s-should you really make them suffer!? Just f-freaking like, kill them! Make it quick!

CHLOE: A-And there' a god that's like, basically 16, who also tortures people to death?
CHLOE: I-Is every god brutally gorillaed up!? What's wrong with you people!?

Chloe tenses up, and a fierce look crosses her face. Destiny then opts to talk with Nia, who's standing right next to her since Chloe was at Yggdrasil.

NIA: Oh, uh, quick word of warning;
NIA: I'm not sure if she still does it, but Chloe has a habit of randomly punching people when she gets properly pissed.
NIA: It's... uh... not pleasant. Girl hits hard.
NIA: Careful, alright?

NIA: Anyway...
NIA: I'm Nia! It's nice to meet you, scary murderous lady!
NIA: I'm a robot! Kinda! I'm like a human mind, in a robot frame- it's kinda complicated, and I don't understand it fully yet... but I feel mostly fine!
NIA: As for how I am... well, why not stick around and see?

She gives a coy smile towards Destiny and leans towards her. Mere seconds later, she's giggling like a... thing that giggles. So uh, like Nia.

---

Boshi talks with the Ashstormer. He gives him two options. Come with them, or run away and go tell the rebellion's leaders.

ASHSTORMER: i'm gonna go with the run away and give them the news
ASHSTORMER: ...
ASHSTORMER: so can I go, or

...The Ashstormer stays put while Boshi heads to the East. There, he finds not only a lake, but an endless tide of soldiers, explosions, bulets, swords, and a bridge that the game seems to want you to cross. Truly, this is the essence of peaceful gardens.

---

Bergilmir decides to rotate his special here, as he edited his post. Now it's a piledriver of death! He also takes a moment to talk with Nia. He opens up with talking about his arm.

NIA: Oh, hiya! It's you! That guy who... cut off his arm and... uh.
NIA: ...
NIA: I still don't know why you did that.

NIA: W-Well, at least it's serving you well! A shame you couldn't get an upgraded model...
NIA: I actually got a bit of a software update after losing my previous arms, and they've been slightly optimized! Better servos, improved projection capabilities- those sorts of things!
NIA: If you'd like, I could take a look at your arm and try and upgrade it to the next level! Free of charge! Or time! If you don't have plans for it, lemme have a look!

He then asks how she's been doing.

NIA: Pretty great, actually!
NIA: Besides the occasional bit where my vocal processors are pulled around and taken over, I've been possession free for like, a whole day! And all of today so far, as well!
NIA: Haven't been sleeping well as of late, though. Despite being in a robot body and all, my brain still needs periods of rest, so I need to like shut down and stuff...
NIA: Xavier made it so I can't sleep for more than like, eight hours. I can't even take naps in the bits in-between! It's stupid.

NIA: Anyway, how have you been doing?

She stands around, bobbing happily in place, awaiting an answer.

---

Simeon and Zahlia then visit Nia as well.

NIA: Hiya! It's also fancy seeing you, too!
NIA: ...Fancy? Why do we say like, "fancy meeting you"?
NIA: Meeting someone isn't really fancy. Fancy is top hats, cute dresses, and holding your pinky out while you drink stuff.

Zahlia then says "hi".

NIA: Hiya! I'm Nia.
NIA: And you are...?

...Nia seems like she's getting overwhelmed with all of the people she's meeting.

---

...Nia then promptly re-meets with Emerald. He asks a bunch of questions.

NIA: Oh, everything's been fine!
NIA: I'd elaborate, but then I'd just be copy-pasting text or something.
NIA: Robot body healed up well because Xavier kept lots of spare parts around...
NIA: Aaaand... I'm also not on the inside of the shield...? Weird.

Nia gains +3 Uncertainty of her Position in Space-Time. Emerald then skips off to the East, also finding himself at Sequoia's Lake.

---

Auth takes a moment to revive all the Rebels. Thankfully, this doesn't end up blowing up in his face, but most of the Rebels in the area end up running off into the woods as they come to. Only the Ashstormer remains, who's still awaiting an answer to his question. Auth, unfortunately, doesn't even get as much as a "thanks". He then runs off to the Gardens, and due to 'forum game shenanigans', ends up talking with Marron, who's threatening the life of a Bladedancer.

MARRON: ...
MARRON: Fiiiine. We can let them live.
MARRON: If they come back to murder all of us though, I'm going to kick your gorilla.

Marron then runs off, probably to complete a forum-game induced stable timeloop. Auth then revives even more Chairians. Unlike the Rebels though, none of them end up running away and instead remain put, awaiting who-knows what. The Yggrider speaks up as he groups up with the remainder of his squadron.

YGGRIDER: ...Now what?
YGGRIDER: We have been defeated. Leave us to our shame.
YGGRIDER: Not that we're in a position to negotiate, but let us leave and I promise we won't do you any harm.
YGGRIDER: ...If we're going to do anything, we're going to try and find those soldiers who went to retrieve that child.
YGGRIDER: They haven't returned yet, and I'm quite worried for them...

While you're probably going to let them go, it's worth getting an actual response, right? He then gets his specter to converse with the Chairian Trio in the library.

PRINUS: ...So you're saying that Miss Omorika... betrayed us?
GUM: oh what really
GUM: whaaaaaaaaaat
PRINUS: ...

The group stares at Auth as he continues talking, the tension even greater than before. He goes on about her motivations (that he doesn't know), and how that they share a common goal.

PRINUS: We want to stop the Iti, believe us.
PRINUS: However, the Sphere is going to be sent over to the Tabletopians in a nice little package soon enough. We can get rid of both the Sphere and the Tabletopians in one tidy, little package.
PRINUS: It sounds like you don't want us to do that.
GUM: you're into the whole 'revenge plot' thing?
GUM: man i just want the sphere out of my life
PRINUS: I mean, I do, too.
PRINUS: We're just going to need to deal with it while construction continues.

PRINUS: Sure, you might've saved us back then, but what do you think you're doing, getting our own leaders to betray us!?
PRINUS: Bollocks to your intent. You're out to ruin us! I'm going to-
GUM: to let you walk away
GUM: because one good turn deserves another
GUM: or something
PRINUS: ...
PRINUS: Okay, fine.

Gum pushes Prinus across the room, before gesturing to the door. Auth, without much reason to stay, motions to leave. He could probably say something before exiting the room, though. Moreelsewhere, Auth takes a moment to confirm to Nana that they're going to go grab her friend.

NANA: Alright.
NANA: ...You'll let me come with you though, right?
NANA: I just want to make sure she's okay...

---

Brutishace spends some brief moments tending to the Chairians at Yggdrasil's Approach. While this doesn't really do too much, it does net him a bit of good will.

---

...After about fifty billion million years, the update has finally processed! Acacia's duel will start up tomorrow, as I'm celebrating Thanksgiving today and therefore will actually have Monday free to do that part of the update.

Sorry for the incredibly slow update- hopefully, it'll get better from here.

...An achievement unlocks, due to Auth having a load of MP. Neat!
ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: Proudmoore

D-Did he get slapped in the face as a greeting...? Is this weird human figure also from Licheria? There is no way...

Packo doesn't even flinch with that slap. Instead, he starts talking, as if he was ordered by his boss. It definitely isn't the first time he feels pain, but he still feels... Something.

"I have a question... What's your name? My name is Little... Packo is my surname... So my name is Little Packo, Bread Seller From Licheria, Member of the MOLD...

You can clearly see bread crumbs on his mouth. It seems he was eating bread before he suddenly teleported here.

W-What is happening...? Why do I feel... Like I can't move? I don't get it... What do I even do?

He starts looking to his surroundings. You can feel how big this person is - almost like an animal.

That's a very big ball.

"If we destroy that Big Ball... I don't die here? Seems that he's worried about his own safety. The mix of feelings in his head is so intense, that he is still processing it. Baby steps... But at least he can say he made a friend! Licherian or not... It is a friend.

Talk mode hopefully

"Erm, Nia? I think there's something that we need to talk about right now."

-VENIA RP STUFF-

Venia's response to the compliments strain her smile just a bit, and then she sighs. "... I, guess I should just accept the compliment... Eugh, at least its from someone being genuine about it... Haven't heard that reaction before."

Venia's response to the message not going as planned, as well as Nia's general comments about her condition being the pits, takes Venia a while enough for her puking session to be over with. Forum RPing being weird

"Where was I? Before I, uh, started getting the blurs? ...Yeah, the reason why it's not eating your words all the time is because it takes up energy, and it wants to conserve that for, uhhh..." Venia bites her lips, eyes clenching. She frowns in silence, then she sighs. "... OK, It isn't pretty what it'll do when it goes terminal, but I don't want to say it outright unless you're ready for it. Promise you'll stay calm? This could get stressful."

If Nia affirms, Venia continues. "IF The Butterfly-the Chaos-the Rose-if the stupid little parasite gets enough power, it will use it to corrupt you as thoroughly as possible. That control over you it only occasionally has right now will become permanent if it succeeds." Venia says, as calmly as she can. "It is progressing, as well; the last time I saw you your eyes were just red and had its 'zero in pointed brackets' symbol in them, but, uh, now the eyes are completely gone, and the symbol is larger, expanded out of the eyes, hovering there. Not sure if you noticed that at all... I'll give you a mirror if you want, just to see. Point is, it's getting worse, not better."

If Nia requests it, she does hand Nia the mirror (or rather, holds it for her) in case she asks for it.

"... Good news is, you're not beyond saving, and you're in the early stages to boot. Trust me-a guy far later on in the corruption was basically blurring extra limbs or giant eyeballs into existence. It's not over, not yet."

If Nia does not wish to hear or doesn't believe herself ready, Venia skips over that chunk of dialouge and proceeds straight to this one,trying her hardest to put it in an encouraging tone:

"Well, OK. No matter how bad the condition is right now, or how bad it will get in the future, just know that we can help! Uh, you see. I'm, uh. I'm the resident expert on En, En, uh, Flux. Chaos. The stupid red stuff. I, uh, also come from the, uh, future! Science marches on, and I, uh, obtained information on robotics. Uh, my father was very interested in the subject-of robotics, not flux-and I wanted to carry the torch... And, I did make Mr. Krabs over there. Uh. In other words, uh, I'm basically the most qualified to, help you, in our little group. It's my duty, I suppose. And I'm not the only one! Uh, we'd all love to help you. Most of us came to, uh. Free Ire from his madness, from his disease, but if you're suffering from it too, even if it's not as severe as his right now, we're obligated to help," Venia says, gazing upon the Entropic Key, then Nia again. "I'll need time to obs, obs, to look at you while you fight and such, and gather materials, do prepwork, more research, and all of that, but I'll see what I can do for you."

Venia lets Nia respond to that before continuing.

"...Uh, Chloe, Nia, you were telling a story about how Nia ended up like this last you two met, but you cut it off... Could you continue with that? I, uh. Yes. It's important. I need to know how she got like this, what lead up to it and what the whole setup is like now. With that wicked little parasite in her system, well, uh, well, every detail could be important... Like. Especially if it's unpleasant."

"... Just think of it like, like ripping off a bandage." Venia says, encouragingly.

-CRAFTING SPREE AGAIN-

Venia decides to go around and be helpful with upgrading some of her companion's equipment.

The Game Master is abruptly blessed with the power of fast templating for faster updates! Huzzah!







---- { <|0|>|----

-VENIA GIVES NIA FAT STACKS OF CASH-

Venia gives Nia 600 Credits, Therma and the Infernal Sharpshooter's Rifle. "I would like you to restore these weapons properly, but I'm also very interested in how you're actually doing this, for the record, so, uh. I'd love to see how you get these bad boys to work properly again... Just as much for research into Flux and the Thyme Field as for actually restoring them." Venia says, sitting down with Nia as she works in some weird mythical zone of gameplay and story segregation.

---- { <|0|>|----

-DUEL ACTION-

Venia spawns in on G17 and moves into G16. She uses Terraform, forcing up a wall of stones (similar to the Sandbags) on I14 and J13, as well as a fount of magic energy on her own tile (a mana well) She beckons Marron to set up Fury on her from a safe position-D16.

Then, Venia starts shouting from behind the wall.

"A synch-that's what you're gonna call another fight with us? I honestly laid down the challenge preparing for a disappointment. Your last attempt at fighting us was the disaster that's gotten you into this situation to begin with, and you definitely had a lot of time up on Neru to do more than just get shot, so you have no excuses! Pretty obvious now why Abies was into Omorika over you! And pretty obvious to me that he'd flip your lid at your disgraceful behavior harder than Spark did! Attacking your own allies, nearly murdering a cleric, causing mass defection? Why would ANYONE in their right mind allow you to lead them?! Because you're good at moving around some wood? Some stupid family name that you've singlehandedly ruined?! Don't think so! Now, Come on, little cinder! COME ON!"

She's pounding the wall right next to her-making a lot of noise, making it very obvious where her position is.

---- { <|0|>|----

-MARIA THINGY-

Maria leaves the premises of the Lab as Nezira puts the harness on Buddy. "Bye, Buddy!" Maria shouts as she heads back upstairs.

She checks the time. It's still early in the morning, just somewhat less early than before. The slow revelation that she hasn't actually brought any of her toys with her dawns upon her just as her insatiable appetite for childish entertainment surges forth. And then, of course, she notices Chaos, pretty much one of the few living beings in the house. She gets onto the couch, walks upon it to the right armrest, sits upon that, and looks at Chaos.

"Mister Chaos! Mister Chaos, can you tell me a story?" Maria asks. "I love stories!"

---- { <|0|>|----

-TEXT ERROR?-

Reminder to Ire to change the text of Purge to display proper range.

Brutishace remembers something he heard about a Magic Club from Toast in the Yggdrasil's Approach and takes interest. It'd be a way to get more in touch with his teammates, at least. He assumes Toast would lead this club, so he seeks her out... and finds her strolling with Marron, both in euphoria.

It would be incredibly ill-timed to kill the moment, so he scurries off elsewhere and silently ponders to himself, leaving Toast and Marron undisturbed. The Unsettling Skull seems to have fallen silent, at least. This moment between Toast and Marron reminds him... maybe he should speak with his own family. They're likely to miss him, and some of them might even like it here.

Once Toast has a free moment, Brutishace approaches her and subduedly asks her for admission:

"Hey, I've heard there's a magic club around. Could I join in?"

The Battle of Sequoia's Lake
Charge!!!

Is this a free for all, or is the Legion friendlies this time?

I'll join the battle unless somebody had a plan before or after this post.

Dont worry, I have good reflexes. If she attempts to punch me I'll be sure to dodge or counter her.

Destiny turns around.

And Chloe...
I guess you don't understand it, and there's no real analogy I can come up for for normal humans. But to me, heresy is more disgusting than what I do as retribution. It is an insult of the highest order.

Destiny then walks over to Sequoia's Lake and initiates battle.
However, on the middle of her walk to Sequoia's Lake...

Aaaaaaaaaa...
Hellish Primordia what is-
aaaaaAAAAAAAA-
BY THE FROGS-

A young girl, blonde and in a light blue dress, crashes into Destiny.

Ptooey! Why didn't my ice magic work?!
Bloody hell, Crya what are you doing here?
Do you know how LONG it has been?
It's been 5 days and you've been gone! That's WAY too long for a goddess like you! You missed the Pantheon meeting!
I didn't know at all that this would take this amount of time, and if else Redstone would have come to fulfill the promise, and that would be even worse than me.
Oh, alright!
Anyways, I'll be seeing you when you get back-

The girl attempts to fly, but completely fails whatsoever.

...
WHAT HAPPENED TO MY POWERS?!?! WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN TO THE OCEANS?! HUMANITY IS DOOME-
Crya, calm down. It'll take decades for the ice caps to stop melting in the absence of your presence, we looked into the future.
Well why didn't you tell me, huh?
You teaching humanity proper irrigation techniques that day, and we forgot to tell you about that. Whoops.
Anyways, for starters, don't get into any fights, you're likely powerless and will get slaughtered. Second of all, avoid the blonde girl for now, I used you encasing that guy in ice as an example for what we do to heretics, among other things. She seems quite disgusted by it for some reason.
DESTINY WHY ME?! THAT WAS ONCE ONLY! I USE COLD SNAP EVERY OTHER TIME!!!
I hate you. You've existed for thousands of years now and yet you still manage to act like a child.

The Man moseys over to Sequoia's Lake and pulls out a pair of binoculars. Doesn't really do anything, but it looks cool I guess.

Terry t-poses, then levitates into every Yggapple and Fruit Tree and Sap Tree in Zone 3, collecting all of them, while still t-posing.

---

---

Terry goes to Auth.

"Auth! Marron and Toast are girlfriends now!"

While the Yggdrasil's Approach battle rages, Koharu simply stands there. She's having a flashback sequence, it seems.

---

FLASHBACK
She feels strange, as if a haze has left her mind. Before her stands a lady in a hazmat suit.

"Stand back! Who are you?!" she asks.
"You may call me Nullpetal. I've cured you." comes the reply.
"Cured?! You call this 'cured'?! I'm--"

She realizes something.

"STAND BACK!"

She almost instinctively conjures a magic circle, from which a blast of fluoroantimonic acid sprays out.

"We'll need to work some things out." Nullpetal is unharmed.

"Oh... you little--" She's cut off by a sudden pain in her head.

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!! What did you do?! Stop it!" she shouts.

"That was the personality altering device. You'll feel very different in a short while..."

And that's the last thing she remembers.

---

"Personality altering device, huh..."
In the present, Koharu continues her existential crisis. How much of her is fake? How much of her was... designed? And why can she only remember it now?

She shakes it off and caps her wand with a block exchanging focus. She ponders these questions while starting to replace the megabark ore at AK28 with stone brick painted the color of the megabark ore. (She's also using the power of the flashback to mine/replace faster.)

She also +2s her skillpoints into MP.

Boshi turns back to the Ashstormer, and shouts; "(Alright, then shoo! Get going, before we change our mind!)" He then turns back to the carnage ahead of him.

Boshi and Hat Kid scan the area ahead of them, watching the carnage unfold. Looks like they aren't getting through without a scuffle. They reduce their STR by 2 and increase their HP by 2.

The duo prepare to push through the bridge at the center of the lake.

BATTLE INITIATED: LAKE SEQUOIA

---

Now, it feels like I'm forgetting something... oh, right, Mustache Girl.

She's still there in the trees outside the Old Gaiadiamond Mine, waiting. She seems to be getting impatient; her backup hasn't arrived in the past hour or so. She decides to give everyone a notification.

"HEY, I've been waiting here for an hour now, looking at these Yggcrawlers! When are you gonna get here!?"

If it's possible to initiate it now, do so. Might get people in there finally.

Hex zips into the Yggdrasil area, then looks around.
HEX: What a beautiful place. Nice Tree. Shame it's being firebombed.
He then dashes off at a absurd pace, running through the gardens, a red blur, snatching all the bark, fruit, ore, and just really everything he can get his hands on.
He then opens up his character interface, dropping his new points into DEF and MP.
~~Duel~~
Hex dashes E13, and uses Fury on himself.

<DUELDOP>
Venia arrives alongside Keiko, Marron, and Hex at The Way Forward. The wind rustles through the grass, creating sprawling trails through the grass. Her group is an interesting bunch. One of them is a Chairian clad in the latest Chairian magitek, armed with what appears to be an automatic energy weapon. One of them appears to be part Chairian, part Spider with a bit of a nervous look in her eyes. The last of them- a Lancer who has taped several plates of metal to their already studry shield- appears to have taken that nervous look, and multiplied it by fifty. Acacia scoffs, and raises her weapon before Venia can even say much.

ACACIA: Ugh. You guys.
ACACIA: Let's just get this over wit-
???: Acacia, hold up!

The spiderwoman raises a spindly arm as she races to the front, no weapons in hand. A rather large Splinter Spider scuttles along behind her.

???: Why don't we... let them talk first?
???: If you really wanna smash em', surely you couldn't at least give them a few seconds...?
ACACIA: Uuuugh, fine.

The group of four stands idle and listens to Venia's terms of combat. No killing. There's a gift for Acacia should she win. Something mysterious if they lose. The lancer and the spiderwoman breathe sighs of relief.

???: Oh, thank goodness...
???: Not a deathmatch. The way Acacia described it to me, it sounded like we'd be fighting tooth and nail...
???: oh thank god I thought Acacia was dragging me to my death

The rifle-wielding Chairian however, seems disappointed.

???: A shame.
???: That means there's no chance of somebody shutting this broad up.

He butts Acacia in the back with his rifle lightly, prompting Acacia to unleash a spire of wood from below his position. He seems to anticipate it, moving to the side- not particularly fast, but quick enough to avoid any damage. The spiderwoman continues to talk.

???: S-So anyway, why don't we introduce ourselves?
???: Maybe make some friends. Maybe make Acacia more friends!
HERSILIA: I'm Hersilia! I'm one of Neru's primary caretakers, and like, one of the few people Acacia trusts to tend to her.
???: Acacia? Trust?
HERSILIA: Don't act so mean! We're friends!
ACACIA: Yeah. She's actually alright.
ACACIA: I have friends, Wattle! Go gorilla yourself.
HERSILIA: U-Uh, anyway! Wattle, why don't you introduce yourself?

The cybernetically enhanced Chairian steps up. His voice sounds... unnatural. Chrome, somehow. Can a voice sound like chrome? Probably not, but eh.

WATTLE: I am Wattle Aneura.
WATTLE: While I care little for Acacia's plight... or for Acacia, for that matter, we are siblings.
WATTLE: It would be a crime to not aide her in combat.
ACACIA: Basically, he wants to prove he's 'better than me' by shooting you gorillas.
ACACIA: If he ever talks about 'honor' or 'the thrill of a good fight', you should ignore him, because he attaches tech to himself like the disgrace to the family name he is.
WATTLE: Untrue.
WATTLE: Also, quick observation- there are more buildings to the west. I believe that if we are to fight, it should be done there.
WATTLE: More cover from any Iti that might be strolling by. Interesting terrain.
ACACIA: Yeah. Sure. Whatever.

ACACIA: Anyway. Whatsyourface. Since we've all politely introduced ourselves, why not remind me who the hell you are?

The Lancer clears his throat, still shaking a little. He's kinda small, and trying to hide behind his shield which is honestly like the size of his body.

???: H-Hi! I-I wasn't meant to be here, b-but Acacia was walking by and she was muttering a-about how she needed someone d-durable to guard h-her...
???: S-So she literally grabbed me from my position, a-and I didn't really want to be h-here...
CLAUSA: S-So hi! Good t-to see you guys again, even i-if it's like this. I-I'm Clausa! H-Hopefully, y-you remember me...

...At the very least, Marron seems to recognize him.

MARRON: ...Weren't you buried-
CLAUSA: ...Yeah.
CLAUSA: P-Please don't kill me. I-I didn't sign up for f-fighting duels like this!
ACACIA: Yeah, yeah. Shut up.

Acacia taps her staff on the ground.

ACACIA: Anyway, let's head to the west and go check out those buildings.
ACACIA: As stupid as he is, my brother is smart in at least... three- no, two ways. Buildings sound fun. Maybe I could launch one of you into them...

Both groups head to the west, and arrive in a small maze of broken buildings and scattered trees. Then, the two of your split up- one group heading to the north, and one to the south of the broken village.

ACACIA: I'll make this quick.
ACACIA: Not that it'd end any other way! Without your stupid cheap tricks, this'll be a synch!
ACACIA: Prepare to die!
HERSILIA: B-But not really!

You are accosted by...

ACACIA
The Chairwitch

---

Normal update tomorrow, unless University Happens™.

Do note that you may swap team-members still! It might be worth picking in an attempt to counter the enemy team's composition. Joining this battle also won't count towards other battles, so make use of this if you want!

Even for Marron. Now there's two Marron's running around.

Auth is aware that what he's about to say sounds like lunacy to those who aren't in the know. But still... he's going to try and explain it anyway.

uA: I thank you for the faith you have shown in me. I feel obligated to inform you of something in regards to the sphere.
uA: You don't have to believe me. I don't actually expect you to believe me. Still... I feel like I want to tell you.
uA: The damage potential of the Sphere goes well beyond Tabletopia. Allowing the Sphere to detonate will kill more then just the Tabletopians.
uA: Sussui itself is probably not going to survive the awakening of the Sphere. More lives than any of you can consider are at risk so long as the Sphere yet lives. Those not on Sussui. The ripples from its awakening will kill so many people it's difficult to imagine.
uA: We're here to protect those people from the Sphere. It is unfortunately thankless work. But we do it because it's the right thing to do.

Auth bows on his way out. He didn't have much to say on his small speech, but he hopes that it had some sort of impact.

Auth's spectre then returns not five minutes later.

uA: Oh, and damaging this Spectre wouldn't have had any effect. I'm controlling this remotely.

Auth leaves. For real this time.

----whoa lookit this break thing----

Auth nods, smiling to Nana.

uA: Yup. We're going that way anyway, so you can come with us.
uA: Before we go in, though, can you describe what your friend looks like to me?
uA: Just so that the rest of us know who we're looking for, right?

Auth briefly looks around, before Auth's focus shifts yet again.

----oh no its happening agaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin---

Auth doesn't seem to care that he doesn't even get a 'thanks' from the Rebels, seemingly more relieved that their entire group is okay. He can't give a response to the Ashstormer, but he gives a thumbs up and then runs off to the Legion. After healing all of them, he listens to them.

uA: Well... I mean, we were never going to stop you. I, personally, am more concerned that all of you are okay.
uA: However... can you tell me about this 'child'? Seeing as we're going to be checking the Gardens anyway, we can probably go over ourselves and check for the unit. If you're okay with that.
uA: Just tell me what happened? Our group can have a look around for them when we get near the area. We don't want anyone hurt either, to be frank.

After Auth is informed of the story, Auth proceeds over to Yggdrasil... where he sees someone. Well, that someone is Nia. But Auth had minimal interaction with Nia, even in the battle... so Auth honestly has no idea who that is. He probably forgot.

uA: Uh... hello? It seems some of us know you...
uA: Man, I feel bad asking this, but who are you? I... don't know who you are. I feel like I should, but I honestly haven't a clue.

Seeing as the party is going to be working with her, Auth feels really bad not knowing, so he feels that he should at least have some sort of interaction with Nia.

---break no 3. more to come.---

Auth sighs as he hears Terry appear near him to inform him of events he already knows about. And he tells Terry as such.

uA: I am already fully aware of such a thing, Terry. The thing is, I don't know why you are telling me. Isn't there someone more... appropriate to tell? Like... someone who isn't me?

Auth sighs, before smirking slightly.

uA: That does remind me that I had something I wanted to do in congratulations for them if they ever did something like that, though. I'm going to need the kitchen when we get back... so I'm going to need Ette to keep Marron distracted when we get back. I should go and talk to her about that.

Auth thinks quietly to himself, before shaking his head and going about the other business he had to do for the time being.

---woo final break---

Auth walks over to the Duel Arena... because he needed to check something at the house, but the Duel Arena was in the way. He walks clear, but looking around...

uA: Oh... I guess this is where that duel is happening...

Unfortunately aware of circumstance, Auth is sure to remain clear of the field... but he appears to be interested in watching the fight play out.

uA: Uh, if it's alright with all of you, I'm going to hang around here to watch, from outside, for safety... make sure nobody gets seriously hurt, and heal everyone up after the duel is finished. It'd be bad if anyone was hurt longer than they need to be...