The most livable spaces were in the first five Provinces. Everything afterward was filled with dangers that needed proper standing or reputation. It wasn't for normal denizens to seek them, for these were the locations where major demonic legions held their posts and most training and preparations for wars happened. Also, there was an abundance of beasts and breeding grounds, but those were kind of separate and not very public.
In general, those places were known as Bloody Provinces. Sectors there were mostly infertile plains, filling the region with rather empty atmosphere, colors, and death. There were fewer trees because the ground was barren over prolonged fights. Shredded flesh and blood might be the cause, or the reasons were much deeper. Powerful individuals and the aftereffects of their terrific fights could change the landscape.
However, at some points in history, interesting flowers of demonic and Vitality-inviting properties were often found in these places, causing greed and many further fights. It was nothing that Murai found interesting since he didn't plan to visit these places. He just liked the sound of it from David's words.
Hearing him talking was good for sightseeing and a rare time between his training and waiting for his Replenishment to do its thing. Murai never fought, but he sure took his time for granted and observed new people around him with steady time. It was the usual stuff, albeit premeditated by Lisa. He trained his Shaping on top of Bagus, spent further time in the Heavenly Manual, and thanks to Itrosh seizing every chance to impress him, he didn't bother with travel and fights, let alone with meals.
He only needed to worry about Lisa, who was still nervous and kind of tensed, and Sector 45, which was in the desert. And that wasn't all about it, of course. The location was an issue that Lisa had in her mind. Not Razmund. Not the Hunt.
And now, Murai was getting some idea why it was so shitty and strange since David described the doubts Lisa was too bothered to explain.
Ip'ur Mountain was right under Vorvish Star, one of the many glowing suns on the ceiling, and a rare outer space material. Each glowed and impacted many Sectors at once, and Ip'ur Mountain was right below the biggest star, surrounded by scorching desert. Then, there were many mountains and deep valleys around Province 4, providing shelter and places for mining.
Since it was a fairly long way ahead, traveling wasn't easy. Desert won't be a change of pace either, so Murai had to accept it and take it with a grain of salt.
They continued the journey, following the plans and roads for the next two days without any prominent changes to this Gate. Razmudn didn't arrive, nor did the Hunt start.
But numerous battles happened every day around Murai, who was like a prize on top of Bagus. That was about expected according to David. Many gangs, groups, and unrest could no longer linger when nothing came from Levandis or Mindarch. Thus, many fools could no longer wait and slowly crept behind Murai's group, eventually reaching them. Nothing odd. Many wanted to catch Murai for nothing but his mere flesh. They weren't even Hunters. They were just stupid for mismanaging their hopes by colliding with his team that they shouldn't necessarily kill.
The situation on the Surface was inaccessible, yet it should be far from stability. Nothing became drastic. Hellscape kept going, living.
Marthosh kept sending messages when he could, giving them readings, rumors, and situations that sometimes changed their road. He also included numerous curios changes that many companies started to use. Those included stable rumors from Surface and the whole fiasco about lacking Will of the Battleworld. For the most part, nobody important made their moves; the situation delved into Gods who were further trying to calm the Surface.
Lordis was unable to change the status quo. With Ravine's main component, a few days won't solve anything.
In the Hellscape, the military kept their silence, and even Lurrs, the family that Levandis was part of, never did a thing to this team.
As for Razmund's Encounter's proclamation and days passing, many ideas about it turned the whole Hellscape ablaze. Thanks to Razmund's words and plans, almost everything about it became clearer and many guessed that David's company became the opposite Side of Razmund's. That meant the whole charade surrounding Murai was stemming from connecting workable interests that were older than just a few days.
Razmund truly put many beings into a frenzy, and while some of it backfired on him, something still happened that he hadn't anticipated. Like many, he discovered Murai's Helpers; a situation that he doubted would've ever occurred.
Lost Brothers weren't some excessive force to reckon with, though they were a small and unexpected deal for him. Not every gang wanted to spend their lives for a chance of quicker death under his claymore, yet this group proved to be a much bigger issue than expected. Not only did its owner reach his prey, but also Ultium came over, whose prowess was rumored to be unequal around Level 70. Then, Itrosh and Bagus's mention came at another gust of wind, carrying the last nails to his coffin.
Four Helpers around his Power Level and Level. That was terrible, but not weird. Their acceptance was odd, however, since the timing wasn't very good. He already had Helpers one Gate below, with most of them being at a similar power as himself, if not much higher. Thus, this new group of enemies had its validation for existence, yet... it still crashed his hopes in something called secrecy. He doubted many knew of his Helpers.
It was yet another failure.
If the whole Gate knew about everything, it was no longer as good for him. Razmund hoped to catch his prey without lifting a finger or deal with the aftermath personally by using this Gate. He failed in that order successfully. Many moved to him instead of bothering with that team, since he was alone and his worth was heavy and full of previous grudges. His status as a Delver and core member of Centralis Kingdom guaranteed this treatment.
This change wasn't small and forced his outlook and plans back. It was required. He was shocked someone even took his prey's Side... but perhaps he was far underestimating demonic factions and Anatidaes in general. Again, he was warned, so was it his fault, or was it expected?
Perhaps he should've anticipated some Helpers from the get-go. Murai hadn't gotten a chance to get a thing before entering this Gate, or before.
Now, it bit Razmund back, clutching his neck and heart. The majority of this Gate became twisted in ideas following these changes, while Murai was oblivious to most of it, as he trained and remained on top of Bagus for the better part of the last couple of days.
With some flow of rumors, one could see lower Gates riding into chaos. The Hell Party either caused it for Gate 4, but even Gates below that point had some troubles. There were some living spaces, and that meant trouble. Demons and many locations held various demonic races, so it wasn't common to expect something else. Some nests were also there, hiding deep, growing Divine Beasts and all sorts of insanities for Levandis's needs.
Hundreds of interested parties observed the happenings in the Hellscape. Some for fun. Most waited for their opportunities. Those that couldn't wait mostly ended up cut in half by Razmund, or hunted down by Itrosh or Ultium.
Nothing cracked Murai's position. Razmund slowed down instead and no longer cope with his ideas.
But there wasn't much about him. Each Side carried their plans for the better part of days without bothering one another and they were bound to a clash. That was a determination that one Side decided in the past days.
By now, the clash was moving ahead. Everyone had their Tokens, which were like keys to acquiring wealth. Getting them wasn't easy. In a duel, or this Hunt, it was acceptable to see them as protection items seized by power and rules. Well, those above Level 70 thought of them as less important, though depending on a Token or circumstances, they could mend their Level and stabilize their foundation for a good while.
For an extended time, things were moving up a notch.
“I think I've made a tremendous mistake,” Murai scowled to Lisa. After a long travel, they rested in some random mountain range in Province 3, Sector 24. It was part of a huge mountainous range that stretched further, surrounded by forests and small grassy plains. Allevated high from the ground, they've reached the halfway point of their journey after a few days.
It wasn't a terrible pace. Lisa expected to get here later, but she had her high standards that Bagus could only laugh at, and some fools around this gate or some rules wouldn't stop them either. Lisa feared they would because she decided to go ahead without waiting for anything. For some reason, it worked so far and Mindarch never stopped them. The lack of Hunt was the main cause, she knew.
The terrain slowed them down. Fights, not so much. Itrosh and Ultium left them from time to time, returning in an hour or two, either injured or fine. Bagus was generous and didn't care for problems or lacking fights. He carried Murai as if he wanted nothing out of the Encounter, and when things got worse, he often carried David as well. Groundwork was either at running speed or walks around the Sectors.
It wasn't as easy as it sounded. Gangs made up of denizens and fools of this Gate didn't make all their enemies. There were beasts all around them, living in the Sectors, marking danger zones, brewing places, and various open farms for mounts or nature.
Animals and beasts lived in groups, usually settling for unique settlements or natural areas that were wide, or shaded. Caves and forests were perfect for them, or hidden around the shadows. Most beasts cared about their territory it was natural. They didn't care for Encounter or Hunt, so when some groups trespassed over such places, troubles soon followed.
Ultium's gaze or rare lift of a finger solved this most of the time, though not where there were thousands of them, or when some beasts did possess some power.
Lisa figured that unconventional roads slowed them down as badly as some public roads because of that.
Murai took the past few days for vacation. His current location was pleasant and his time to train was finer than ever. Their whole team often rested for the night, and this time, they picked a nice platform around mountains, giving him a view over a mesmerizing night-time Hellscape. He couldn't see much of the living spaces anymore, but the visible walls of this cave felt like he was in a weird place.
Then, the dark fog and aura of the night felt like he was in the middle of a strange space and room simultaneously. It didn't feel like a separate realm or cave anymore. It didn't feel terrible thanks to the huffed star and vegetation around. He could see himself living here, increasing his strength and hunting for food, or fighting if he was free.
Well, some parts were futile attempts when he glanced at the scorching hot campfire aside, where Itrosh waved at him, showing him a meat she hunted down.
Food was one way to get Anatidae's attention, Itrosh knew, so she used her cards well and was in charge of feeding Murai for the betterment of her heart and past days. Murai didn't refuse her. He had to eat, and with the food from the Hellhole Tavern being long gone, he would never decline such an easy choice.
Lisa was aside of him, shifting in the air, and assuming things far more than ever. “Are you worried? You of all beings? Don't be like that, nor quack some jokes. I think regrets are yet to arrive, or some mistakes. Frankly, your training goes well under my guidance and timing is still good.”
“Eh?!” Murai quacked a sharp noise. “Your guidance? Are you kidding me? How generous...”
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“What? I was seeing it myself...well, apart from your time with Pillage. Wanna show me those Twin Blades again? I can give you some ideas about them myself, if I may say so.”
Murai sighed and shook his head. “I know what to do and your help is unnecessary. You haven't been a proper mage before, am I right? Morgoth Succubus or whatever, it didn't seem your Blades would do much of anything but hurt some flies.”
“Says you. Too bad for you,” Lisa smiled and took a deep look around the dark Hellscape. “Choices go side by side with every Encounter. Razmund has his; we have ours. Time waits, but Razmund better takes his time because that asshole has done enough. I thought he would've caught us sooner, or done something, you see. But no. We are working with this Gate alone. I am afraid...”
Murai suddenly laughed and made weird noises. “You told me that a couple of days ago already. Hopes or not, perhaps he fled the moment he realized our party. Time, Hunt, or him, it awaits everyone or nobody. Some silly Hunt will do something too and this Gate looks at him too. Sometimes, going against the craze of Chaos is inevitable, or sometimes finer like a boundary. We have what? Encounter's Helpers is a weird system, if I am honest, but you mentioned it to me to some extent. They carry some boundaries, but I don't know how sensible they are, and even you have your doubts because of some... distrust? I say you have your issues... trust issues.”
“Like I give a shit. What is insensible about those we use anyway?” Lisa asked, shifting her head to look at him and his hoodie. It was always the same, locked and bound without any uses. What a shame, she often thought but didn't want to touch it, and Murai hadn't done much with it either.
“Helpers can make Encounters problematic for all parties involved, but what if there are no Helpers and many still influence everything, or if one side has them and the other doesn't? You said something about balance, pacts of Gods, and some Judges, but it sounds like a nuisance instead. Is that great? I doubt that word even exists.”
“Should I agree or disagree?” Lisa said, shrugging her arms. “I spoke what is right and I have my priorities set straight.”
“Right priorities? Is allowing numerous involuntary or forced assistance a tough or easy ordeal? The Helpers themselves are tipping power that could turn the balance off. This party is exactly that. Razmund has his Helpers on his side, or... what's up with him if he goes against our side? What is first? Where is some balance if he has more powerful Helpers, or if they are too weak? How does it resemble something made by Gods?”
Lisa shrugged her arms again. “Don't ask me. It would've meant some touches or boundaries, or more potent Helpers. However, some limits and boundaries set up by Gods is the questionable part. It didn't seem to be the case, or... ever with you. It is a guess. Nothing stopped us, and who knows what is with Razmund, to begin with? Nothing stopped him either. Probably. It is part of strategies and information gathering. He means trouble. If the difference is small... well, there is him and you, so perhaps I don't know anything anymore and speak nonsense.” Lisa gave up, sighing at the same time as Murai.
An awkward half a minute later. “Wanna bet something?” Lisa suggested
“Nah. Most parts are weird anyway. Bets are for those who can afford the guesses, wins, or losses. I don't dare to bet anything. Not with you.”
Lisa seemed dejected but not hurt. “Very well. What else is in your head? You have been contemplating over this situation for the past days, or this rest.”
“What else then....” Suddenly, something flashed in the air, stirring with great smell, soft hues, and droplets of bliss. Murai caught a flying meat stick, chomping on it without any intent. It happened on its own, leaving Itrosh giggling aside.
“You caught it,” she said as she patted his head, crouching down and feeling proud.
Murai growled at her, accepting her sacrifice and her hand. Their conversation, like always, wasn't all that obvious. Sometimes, Lisa spoke human tongue out loud, or not. Murai was never an obvious one, and some topics were better to be spoken with their willful connection. His quaks left their mark. Lisa read him like an open book anyway. At least in terms of this simple communication.
It was a good way to do things when he ate.
“I think a lot, alright,” Muai spoke to her soul. “That is what I do all the time. That is what time of rest and soul does. That is what lives do. Helpers are not helpful entirely if what I am getting at, but to me, there are sides and weight to them. It could be small, or massive. It could crash us. Everything. What to trust? What to make of something that seems forged, forced, and strong? I say that ignoring and focusing on what lies ahead is good enough and that seeing their generosity needs critical thinking so it won't bite us back.”
Lisa listened to him in silence, contemplating whether she should mention some things that she hadn't found worth it, hidden or lacking.
“Though, there are details where outside help goes around anyway, right?” Murai continued. “There are Helpers that are accepted, and those that are not. What of them? What of the outer issues? They won't get anything from a Pledge or Battleworld. They could anger the rules and crash the balance apart. That is my idea. If they can take punishment, I mean, what is wrong or right? Where is some sense of justification in this world or reasons? Couldn't Extremes, for example, do some silly things regardless of anything? Then, what are the rules in the grand scheme of things?”
“Yes. You are thinking. Bravo,” Lisa clapped her hands and stopped with a few moves. “You get some idea. Some are too deep. Some are plain wrong. Good. Means you listen. Power runs the rules. There is a catch to a lot of loops and details. What if too many fools get involved? Whole countries, sects, or powers up to Tier S? What are rules if punishment can't cause a change or fix?” Lisa asked a bunch of good questions.
“Then the Battleworld has nothing to do with that. It became a mess of how Encounters are often described. To that end, isn't that kind of fitting? Every one of them is a so-called mess of majestic proportions so what do some limits matter? It involves running of politics, many valuables, a laughable amount of lives, values ranging from dirt to Blessings, and Gods are always included. Ends too, if a Holy or Divine War happens. Mortal ones aren't worth mentioning. My Major Task is part of it, you see. Perhaps I am starting to see some pattern.”
“I remember everything, Murai Hisagi. Overthrowing the Centralis Kingdom, huh?” she laughed at how it sounded, considering it came up to his little duck in the middle of a dying time. “Sounds easier said than done, doesn't it?”
“Sure, it does. Such messes and helpers are no helpers at all. Rules can do nothing but accept high numbers and problems on the go. I bet Gods are happy for it; bunch of pigs. Stirring problems and shit. I don't like how it sounds like they have hands in everything, yet they create it and let problems slide, or turn it worse. There might be no point in making abnormal changes, or the point is exactly that? Create problems and more mess? It's all Chaos, isn't it?”
“You know what, sure. Call it that,” Lisa smiled and listened to his ideas. Most of it was his perception. It was good to listen to him from time to time. “Chaos is a steady way to get this world going. It's people, I mean. Gods are the same. They seek advantage and hope to get people going, and people are important to them too. What else is there, you wonder? The lives, perhaps? What is Blessed anyway? What is the point in this struggle decided by someone else? Could we go meet with Razmund and shake hands? Find peace...”
Murai mostly went with the flow, so he gave her his piece of mind and perspective. “Sounds silly. Absurd. Peace is never an option with this kind of thing. I don't want it. He doesn't either, I bet. It should be up to the one who made the Encounters what they are, but rules and chaos rules. Finding a fine line in it might be impossible. There is nothing clear when Chaos and Order clash, so is the Encounter following this idea, or is it just a way to create trouble? It shouldn't be fine, so it isn't fine. So the question is, what's the point of creating them?” Murai shook his head and was slowly bothered by Itrosh's patting.
Lisa nodded and waved a hand for him to continue.
“It isn't fine. Finding a steady line between both Sides could be a monumental task, yet if they aren't fine, why or how to fix them? Helpers do that, or we do? For the start, what if we oppose it, and me and Razmund reach a stalemate or straight up stop our pursuit? What then? It would stall and fail, or change under a new Part? Would it become different or clash with some outside factors?” Murai explained his understanding, causing Lisa to nod in affirmation.
“Those are pretty good concerns. No one would know what would happen next,” she said. “In simple terms, it wouldn't ever happen because the two parties met in some clash that is too diverse and crazy. There is no way Razmund will ever stop. There is no way to reconcile. But it is a valid idea. I wonder what would happen indeed. For now, I hope nothing bad, considering Razmund's involvement and... rather... I don't know,” she shook her head and went in the air, flipping her sona and glancing even further away. “I don't like how this Encounter sounded from the get-go. Forcing this to you sounds like an excuse on someone's part, aiming at you.”
“Parts, me, you, Razmund, or some rules, but you know what?” Murai asked, turning his beak towards Lisa's face when he was done eating. Itrosh was still sitting, glaring a hole into this Anatidae that ate her meal and let her pat it. She wasn't interested in what was going on in their head, or what Lisa was doing. Itrosh got used to their way of talking within a day.
“What?” Lisa asked and curiously glinted her eyes.
“For once, I can't help but honestly agree with you. I think my life will soon be over. Fuck... Is the world spinning right? What if the meteor strikes us apart if I agree with you!?” Murai screeched, wondering if the ceiling was sturdy enough for it. Flipping his wings, he shot aside, followed by Itrosh who wanted to catch him, continuing patting. Leaving Lisa behind was good for her.
She watched the surroundings form a lofty place, all by herself but not alone. “Ah, Murai. What a weirdo as they expected,” she mumbled, accepting this discussion for what she enjoyed.
She had things to worry about, pass for another time or to a different route. All she needed was a time for him to grow up. That would solve almost everything, right? She kept telling this lie to herself throughout their journey, but a huge chunk of the Encounter was like that as well. She hoped for the best, but what if that wasn't good enough? Expectations were wounds, carrying problems and weight she didn't want to bear.
Lisa wanted so much more, yet Murai wasn't optimal.
She needed something pivotal for ruin; something she could grab and follow like a fist or a tool. With Murai, it was unthinkable. She was discovering it herself how naive she was, so she wondered what she should do with him and herself, and what was out of the question. This ideology was turning upside down recently, or from the very beginning of their first meeting, she was stupid. Her status based on the souls might help something, but not in this way.
What could change? She hoped Murai would manage whatever he was starting with his power, magic, or cores. If what he promised warranted this gamble and time, she shouldn't be worried because Murai was taking shortcuts at a young age in this world. It was also full of questionable decisions, which should break his Limitters apart. She bet on that, but when? In a month or even longer, was what he said.
Breaking some boundaries should be possible because he was Anatidae with memories and a soul outside of anything normal even to this world. Every planet besieged by Old One was like that. Some survived. Others did not. Thus, it must work, or she will die full of regrets like in her first life.
“Oy, it is time to get up, fellas,” David suddenly shouted, waking everyone up on their rare occasion of a few hours-long break. Getting some sleep or food was good for them, apart from Lisa, of course.
Itrosh and Bagus seemed as fresh as they had been since the journey started. So did Ultium, who still wore his fitting black suit. He was sitting beside the campfire, unbothered by dirt or her looks. Lisa was fine too, similar to Murai who was struggling in Itrosh's clasp, fighting her fingers and attempting pats. Magic flew, and beak moved, and Itrosh found it all fun and hilarious.
She handled him like a kitten, but he fought for his life, snapping his beak at her fingers or slapping her with wings or beak. It didn't work that much. She was quick, acting like it was a fun game. Murai didn't mind this game, but he disliked how she handled it. He will gladly play with her on the ground or much later. Not like this. Contrary to his frustration, Itrosh would've accepted that idea if she knew about it.
For now, Murai never considered his Will to get to her head. Aside from Ultium and Bagus, Itrosh felt... well, not much better than David, who appeared slimmer and less bulky since their departure. His belly wasn't as pronounced and his coat was better. Nobody paid much attention to that.
So far, the situation wasn't terrible nor all that great. The sources of the Encounter, Razmund's path, and rumors were relatively open, thanks to many acts all around the Hellscape. Razmund went on a journey similar to Murai. It either led to them or... what if it led to somewhere else?
Razmund was here for the third time, so he knew how to get the gist of what to do, and this place wouldn't stop him.
It left some confusing bits and weird messages, as it seemed that Razmund wasn't doing anything important besides fighting it out with a bunch of gangs. But with David's connection and his company, Marthosh worked with what he could. He predominantly hid instead, since Murai's Helpers were all parts of Lost Brothers and David forfeited his business to him. That endangered Marthosh and their business because most fools of this Gate went for easier prey, and even if Lost Brothers went out of David's hands, it was still related to Murai.
It led to some problems that David expected, so he never blamed Marthosh for leaving or not stating messages that well. He left his business to him after all, alongside information gathering, and many other things.
Hiding and being cautious for a couple of days wasn't a problematic part, nor was the current mess where most powerhouses were cautious and Helltrim City was under its regular traditions. After all, killing might be hard, but other things weren't. Death might be even a blessing for some beings when devils and demons move. It could be so much worse in Hell and this place was near to that.
Those who moved to such cities were those who didn't care for their safety, so most of them were fodder or unhinged demons who were killed by the officers in the city or by clashing against some forces.
Hence, David and the rest of the group were blind for a day until Marthosh bribed someone with enough wealth to work for him. In this manner, they found out what the hell was happening on the last day.
It was the third day since Murai arrived at this Gate. He had a limited idea of what was happening with Razmund. It wasn't as if rumors were powerful when many voices and people told a variety of messages. Some were fake for sure, due to forging information, fake news, or bribery done by unknown people.
Marthosh wasn't one to discover most things; he was just working with things he found out from others. Thus, clarity was questionable. Information about Razmund was all over the place, largely mentioning his power and ride through the Hellscape. Most substantial reports were scarce, like his most probable power level, equipment, or weaknesses.
It was as if someone forced the information away, or no one had a clue about them. Perhaps both. Razmund had yet to fight anyone like Luno in this place, which was good for him, but worse for more precise information. He was also cautious and didn't make some crazy moves against weaklings. He even pretended to be weaker, which further complicated some information gathering.
But today, everything changed. Even when the sun dimmed and dark fog scattered around the ceiling, acting as night, it was still fine to see the surroundings. There was no moon. Just hazy light coming from the foggy artificial star.
The situation that Marthosh discovered wasn't good at all. Razmund got a new Helper in the Hellscape, and it wasn't a good Helper at all. He forced one of the many military figures into submission, forcing him to bow down and accept the Pledge. Right. It worked for him too. Force was one way to find Helpers too, albeit this was one of the rarest methods to do so.
It was one of the biggest names in Province 2. A former Captain of the First Legion, Level 78 devil, and an important component of her current Second Legion. Uruk Ozeki was his name. He was Named Devil, which made his Bloodline carry the power through the connection to someone else. It was essentially marriage, which connected the name, Bloodline, and power. No one knew what the other side of his connection was, but it was bound to have significant power, benefits, and great merits. Some thought it could be some succubus that Levandis kept close in her troops or even some Lurr.
Overall, Ozeki was a figure who was quite terrific under the threshold of the Extremes because he was old and quite experienced. After all, his Level used to be bigger than 78. Because of the strange ways the devil powers worked, his Level wasn't corresponding that well with his power anyway. He used to be stronger and gave some Extremes great duels. Once. Now, he was still stronger than Razmund, yet defeating, forcing, and killing were different things.
In this manner, all hell broke loose, and Razmund gained the last Helper he could manage and work with. Of course, no one knew that was the case. His proclamation still left some chaos and distort, giving others a fake change, or anger instead.
He used every opportunity to gain momentum and power. All that was available to him spoke of his resolution, care, and utter Will to finish this once and for all.
All he needed to do was to move accordingly, use Ozeki well, and crush Murai's team. Then, he would crash Murai himself. And even if that might fail, it didn't mean the end. The last ditch effort was still Gate 4, but Razmund wasn't relying on it. He was proud and with Ozeki, his confidence increased.
He will catch his prey right here, in this very Hellscape. If not, forcing Murai to give up was fine too.
There was no escaping him, Razmund believed.