There was no doubt Anatidaes held an interesting reputation in this temple, and Ozeki was well-acquainted with their shenanigans. These beasts could turn this temple ablaze, but it wasn't all about the visits. They meant trouble, and they could wreak havoc everywhere, though wasn't it normal for numerous other similar species as well? In particular, many Divine Beasts were even crazier in reputation simply because of their higher numbers, which gave them an obvious advantage.
Ozeki liked underdogs, although not on every occasion, and he didn't partially like how Anatidaes felt. It was personal; he didn't prefer their size, their heads, smell, and so on; it was difficult to fight against them when one was large, unfamiliar with such enemies, or underestimating them. It was like being beaten by a baby. It wasn't a good feeling.
The last time meeting an Anatidae gave him a not-so-pleasant time that kept lingering in his heart. Not in fear or anxiety, but hopes for a rematch. They were proud. He was proud. Living as well, of course, hoping for a change.
Now wasn't a time for that. Ozeki figured this one was the odd one out of the bunch, considering the absolute lack of interest. It was as if it came out of nowhere, opposing Razmund, even if it seemed to be a Child Anatidae. That was the most peculiar thing that Ozeki kept for himself, unwilling to talk about it to him. It was doubtful he could fight it as well.
But what about his status? He was a Helper, and its rulers should set him closer to going against the other Side at all costs. Balance be damned, he should and could catch Murai all by himself.
Well, not anymore.
“What about it?” Razmund said coldly, holding the last bottle of wine that he found. Calmly, he flickered his hand to open it up, letting the crimson delight pour into his glass.
“Answers. You know about your Sides, and while I know a little less about one of them, the Encounters are something else. They don't come here often, you see, but I know what they do and are. Origin or Reason, I don't care what is who. Few know that for certain, but who else but you would know about it the best? The one who started it is you, isn't it? All points are scattered around in that direction. Everyone great knows how Encounters form. Two Sides filled with grudges or some Tasks go against one another, while some Gods decide rules on impulses. Winners take some prize, losers... are lost, or judged in punishment or some absent task. Then, the Parts go onwards again, unless the Reason or Origin isn't too far from the Gods who decided them. It could change also, right under yourself or your prey' acts.”
“Uh,” Razmund shrugged his arms, giving him no answers. “I kind of forgot about half of what you said midway through your tone. Was it boring? Am not sure. Wait. Yes. It was.”
“Hey!” Ozeki raised his voice, getting up from his demeanor and speaking his truth. On a chair filled with beast hides, he couldn't take his anger and seat for granted.
Watching Razmund, he was all so inclined to get this conversation going or turn it physical, but he failed to care about the last word. Razmund was stubborn about this topic for some reason. He hardly said anything about his prey or purpose because it was his task! It was about pride, a matter of facts, and stubbornness.
Ozeki didn't detest that and felt he was the same.
But Anatiades fell into a special category and he wanted to know more.
What if someone stole his prey, killed it long behind them, or blackmailed them instead? That idea was familiar in the Centralis Kingdom, as those Encounters were well-known there. Everyone taught Razmund to not mention too much about the rules of such games. Especially not to some beings of Chaos.
This one was far too important to share with a Helper. It seemed like a stretch to question something Ozeki didn't have to know. All he had to do was act accordingly and give Razmund a ride and secondary help.
Razmund had no lack of desire; he wanted to play his cards regardless of anything else. It was arrogance at first, which then turned weird the moment he met setbacks and realized his pursuit wouldn't be easy. Wanting more out of everything wasn't surprising, conspiring his overall new reputation and status, even if he wasn't asking for a lot. Just one clear target was all that was in his mind. Nothing else mattered more than that ending line.
Ozeki bet that his pursuit was far from normal, thanks to all the little notes he started to see, and he wasn't sure why this human was so hesitant. What was hidden in his head, or... what wasn't there? It could be entirely possible that Razmund was yet another foolish tool of some God, and for what? Godly desires were tough to seek, and there were no doubts that he wanted to shed blood and live like a maniac. Or was that Anatidae special in some ways? Which wasn't, in fact, special? There must have been some precourse that Ozeki was unaware of, or both Sides were more complicated than he thought.
Ozeki allowed many questionable thoughts to raid his mind, and how many of them weren't fine wasn't his concern. As Razmund's Helper, he wanted justice for himself. All the Helpers were like that. It was about benefits. A game. He shouldn't go far from that course if he was sane. It might not be that hard for now, or so he thought.
Murai was less in the picture. Killing, or forcing something beyond common means was also included. More was just a guess. Not a fact he knew. Just a hunt for a duck sounded weird when so many high-class fools were rising around the Hellscape, so Ozeki found some fun at present.
In Razmund, not so much; he was one part of it since the second Side trapped most of his attention. Ozeki didn't gather too many facts to change his outlook. That meant he didn't have to regard it too much, and being confident might be correct. Too confident might be debatable. Murai's journey was something Ozeki forced from his sources, which then gave him many ideas, and most of them pointed to a couple of things: a weird ghost, followed by Murai's prowess, and then those Helpers.
Putting his hands on the table, Ozeki tried to grab the half-empty bottle that was the last wine.
Razmund flickered his hand, smiling as he poured numerous mouthfuls down his throat until he showed him the empty bottle. “Oh, all dried up?”
Ozeki glared at him, eyes shining like bloody moons. “Speak.”
“Fine. I can tell how it is, you horny devil. My opponent is a handful duck that I've met once. A week? Maybe more... well more like two. It is possible to fit on your palm. Squeezing it is recommended, but glaring too much could leave some scars and frights,” he replied, tossing the empty glass away as if it no longer mattered, and making a dramatic pause. “Of course, there is more for you when there is worth. We will go out soon enough, you will follow me, and we will fight until we make it. Something stirs things further. I can feel it, which is why I don't act yet.”
“Or you can't? Don't want to?”
“Rest is good...” Razmund excused himself and didn't want to sound weak; he fought far too much in the last couple of days and his preparations were almost over. He had Ozeki to thank for most of that since pursuing him did leave its mark.
Ozeki raised his hand, grabbed him by his shoulder, and pulled him up to his face. “Nonsense. Did you waste time on beating me or killing those gangs? Doubtful. Even with your little Voice gone, too much time has passed. I don't like that about you.” he expressed his impatience, but Razmund had none of it. He glanced aside as if feeling something. Even Lint appeared aside, glaring at windows when something massive was brewing around Province 2.
“Oh, I think there are some things to say and see. A glow-up. It is about numbers and sense. It makes many things more easy to grasp, don't you think?” Razmund asked, still in his grasp.
“You want more time and information on your target and your enemies? A complete chaos too? This temple won't slow it, but crash it. A bloodshed of this caliber that would come out of will be hard to tame when you involve me and your opposition. I almost applaud and cherish such an idea. A whole new stage is gonna open. A grudging Encounter between a pair of Blessed from the Surface is its origin, us, and this Gate, so are you telling me this is easy to grasp?” Ozeki asserted his opinion, clutching his shoulder as if he would never let go of it.
“Why so red?” Razmund chuckled, noticing that Ozeki was almost red-faced, looking more than fierce, or was it his eagerness that changed him?
“Don't try me!” Ozeki barked at him, almost spitting on his face.
“Alright. Now, shut up,” Razmund said, and casually moved his both arms. He freed himself in a matter of a second and wished to punch his face, much to his dismay. “Answers are already close. Look out.” Razmund pointed aside, directing Ozeki to the window.
There, beyond, and everywhere, the ceiling was turning irregular, similar to the overall ambiance of this cave. A dark fog started to disperse and move in irregular patterns, huffing the starlight, and broadening like a storm brewing in the sky. Such fog was usually around the bright crystals or artificial suns, acting for a night, but this one was switching, turning to greyish fog.
It was like a storm brewing all over the ceiling, spinning in size and unnatural speed until it was forming down like a spiral. It was the start of something great.
At last, Mindarch was turning the tides to a new time, and everyone in the Hellscape wanted this for the past days, bearing witness to his message and the start of this Hunt.
“See, Ozeki? It's not like the temple wouldn't put this Encounter to their use. What Sky starts, Depths can cherish or crack apart. I expected it sooner. How or why, Reason or Origin are nothing but tools. I accepted it long ago and am already providing benefits to many people with my mere existence, regardless of some differences, balance, or rules. Everyone takes it well as long as they are brave and powerful enough. Like in the Old World, almost. Funny, isn't it?”
“Eh?” Ozeki grunted and lacked his usual voice when he realized the truth. Perhaps he was too harsh about this situation and had to rethink his choices.
“Some take it well; others don't. Battle is whatever it could be, while the opportunity is a choice. This world isn't simply taking everything for granted. Its people do. Gods are just us, but more powerful. Lofty.” Razmund wasn't making excuses or lies. He told his perspective to Ozeki and did not need proof.
“I... know that,” Ozeki mumbled as he stepped aside, glancing outside. “I just don't like you.”
“Likewise.” Razmund chuckled and turned his head towards the window, and pointed with his glass as cheer. “A proven validation is worth a fortune, and a Surface Challenger like myself is hard to come by. All sorts of other parties do the same thing at many heights of this world, hoping or bidding for their time or choice. In fact, why think of it negatively at all? What is a stop? Why Gods makes rules? What is this place? What it will do when we are going to crush against the rules or numerous desires, or what if too many people do that at the same time? It isn't a riot. It's a sham. Nothing will stop it, as it is natural like the Old World that no longer exists.”
“That is your point. This world and Gods have theirs. It isn't about the Old World or people. It isn't so simple.”
Razmund sipped some wine and no longer argued; he had said enough.
High-ceiling windows were quite good for what was beyond them, and who else would have them than some lofty devil's castle? Perhaps many others had such standards for living, but devils had it from nothing but basic principles, courtesy, and reputations. There was no doubt that the high-raised castle on top of a large cliff had great views of the surroundings, allowing them to see the grey storm that was turning brighter.
“My Lady,” Ozeki mumbled and got the picture outside into his eyes. “She is about to care for it. You included. Myself included, I fear or hope. Which is stronger? Gods or the people. Could they forfeit us? It isn't that simple, but you are convinced about some things, while very wrong about others.”
For some reason, Razmund seemed surprised about Ozeki's remark. “Mind telling me specifics?”
“No,” Ozeki laughed. “To see you deal with what you desire yourself is part of the process and my mission. I will give it my justice.”
That excuse wasn't something Razmund liked.
The grey storms outside, looking like dozens of artificial suns, turned brighter until lines and waves turned into a bunch of massive rectangular screens. Some spots were darker to provide contrasts, while the lighter colorful brightness was great for making shadows, dense points, or waves. There were many of them throughout this Gatel not just here.
Those facing Razmund and Ozeki were more than a few kilometers wide in total because making many smaller ones was unnecessary. Around the Hellscape, they filled the sky and stopped most conflicts. All for the sake of giving Levandis some face.
This wasn't all about Mindarch, for he was not enough. She decided to solve it herself, giving her interest to the current happenings, much to many surprises. For some, it would be the first time even hearing or seeing her face. It was rare to see their Goddess.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Ozeki hadn't expected it, but Razmund did. She was about to speak to her subjects and crack them down. She wasn't alone in quenching the unrest or being a little forceful. All of the Sky was hoping to prevent or lessen the horrendous effect that Vermillion caused.
Some embraced it. Most Hell Gods did.
Calming the situation was no joke since most didn't want to lose touch with their historical efforts and regimes that took years of nurturing, or lifetimes of history to grow. Most Gods didn't want to lose anything, be it their subjects' loyalty or numbers, or efforts raising their reputable efforts around the Divine Kingdoms. Unsurprisingly, it turned strange when their subjects outside of their Kingdom no longer had the blessings of this world itself. It wasn't their fault, for it was so keen to this world, that no one expected it to stop.
Such loss was heavy, though there were some winners and great times, but no one was certain about the origin or where this would stop.
In the Hellscape, what was happening in the ceiling was a rarity that happened a few times a year, although this one was on the extreme side of things. All the Hunts had this starting vision, announcing bounties and the Hunted in this manner. Those were up to Mindarch alone, or someone from the military or the Lurr family. The last one that needed Levandis's attention was when a Divine War occurred, giving rise to her message when she found some drama on the Surface extremely gratifying. That was many years ago, so for it to happen again was surprising.
The screens flickered, rendered their lines, and changed. A huge dome of dozens of screens emerged, with one facing the castle, where Ozeki, Lint, and Razmund watched it with great interest. Screens sizzled, danced, and wavered in their effects. Then, a picture of Levandis materialized, looking shining grey and darker for shadows, giving her unnatural charm as if she were a faraway witch, god, ghost, or divine beauty.
Ozeki fell to his knees, waiting.
Then, her ethereal voice penetrated every cranny of Hellscape and other Gates, right when that divine face and upper body moved, smiling and speaking.
“It has been a while, denizens, problems, dear friends, families, assholes, animals, kids, elderly, some beasts, and who knows what else lies under the Surface and my domain.” She spoke like a Ruler, showing a dominant voice, power, and charm like few Gods could.
“As you might know, certain problems have arrived in my backyard, while some of them need some attention, not everyone is everything. I am here, speaking and doing it justice. You see, the world is in a turbulent time, dear subjects of mine.”
Levandis leaned forward, showing her collarbone and widening her smile, though everything about it was Mindarch's careful touch, for it was imagination evidence that he materialized.
Levandis angled her face and glanced forward. “I am furious... All sorts of troubles are observing and waiting for this to be fixed, yet it won't happen. This is the Sky we are talking about. This,” she pointed around until her palm offered nothing to the screen, “is Hell. So, let's get to the point. Fixing isn't needed when power and some meanings simulate everything, whether they could solve something, ignore rules, or straight up forget them. I tell fuck that and everyone who thinks this world or time needs such pettiness. What goes in the Sky isn't my concern, while everyone here is under my eyes. Do you want trouble under them?” Her eyes sparkled, and her tone shifted, giving her dominance and tones so much weight, that many figures could not bear with it and fainted.
Countless figures became nervous and started to pray to her.
It calmed her down, which was apparent from the shift screens and her light sigh. “It will pass as any storm does, so bear the weight of my existence and words for what it is. For now, the military will take things into their hand, as no war is needed right now. Killings are; they are fair like many other things in this world of mine. I won't stop anyone pursuing their dreams, but they should bear such costs, for the Old World was no punny place for a weakling, got it? I hope you do. Anyone who doesn't and will stir troubles when it is unnecessary, or away from the norm, shall go out of my sight. I beseech Military Curtew to all Gates and my Hell, followed by a Hunt that needs something else.”
She fixed everyone with voice alone, stopping many steps and fights in a single minute. Very few could truly comprehend or feel her aura when she spoke from very far away, but her mere existence showed its merit. Everyone and everything was inferior before her. It was the truth.
This message went through Mindarch, so it was no wonder it had no clear aura, but most took her voice in the same manner as if she was before them.
Her subjects knelt, protruding themselves before this divine image, and waited.
“Let's start a course that will try to fix what I want. Many hope for something in the Hellscape to start. Some interesting parties need some attention, worth, or chains, or so I've heard,” she shifted her face back and looked much more relaxed. “As you know, the Encounter is here to stay, much to some dissatisfaction from some of my subjects. I beg to differ, but what choice and rules do is put chains to reactions, and my temple is public. Anyone displeased is just a petty idiot who underestimates those willing to go beyond the rules. I call them cowards. My temple provides worth for everyone regardless of anything, but not everyone is equal. That is the harsh truth. Encounter is part of what can happen, so... dear subjects, if you aren't satisfied, take your life away, wait, or do what you can while bearing your choices for yours.”
She smiled, looking like a serpent ready to pounce. “Many awaits for what shall happen with that, but Mindarch and little Kil had trouble getting everything to work, while I found some...well, I had to do it instead, how sad. So much work right when I woke up.” Levandis sighed, shedding thin tears that she wiped with her hair. Then, she put her hand up and messaged her temples, looking depressed and overworked for a moment. It made her seem sorry and many of her subjects, regardless of Level and interest, felt ashamed and sad.
“So much for being a queen, huh? Anyway, there is no need to trouble many of you since my Hunt shall start in the Hellscape and end there as well. Many of you should just wait, do something or nothing. Why, you might wonder? It isn't because of rules, but because the Encounter and Hunt are tightly knitted, and some judging dogs are supervising. Mindarch!” She laughed as if she played her part way too well. Then, she signaled Mindarch to do his job.
Right as she said his name, the screens cracked apart, before flowing together and forming fewer bigger screens, leaving Levandis smaller and less detailed.
Now, most of the screens were hundreds of meters wide, thus the resolution and details in them weren't that great, but they would do well since there wouldn't be any movement, flavoring, or enchanting of the moving pictures. Screens moved to many cities or important Sectors. They hovered around the sky or the ground.
On each screen, a wide smiling ghostly face emerged, creating a familiar picture of Mindarch's rough face that many denizens knew.
[Greetings everything and everyone around this temple.] Mindarch said calmly, showing his ghostly, yet professional-looking face. [This message is sent to most Gates and a couple of other curious places. As Levadis said, there shall be some keen interest put into the Hellscape alone, so bear our minds for what it will do, as we have spoken.]
Then, the screens shifted again, giving him and Levandis less space. Others crisped and began to storm, swirling in their fog of grey brightness and darker hues. None of them made any sense yet, but some features were turning better.
[Encounter and Hunt!] Mindarch shouted and large letters spread around the screens [There are numerous twists and sides to them, but Hunt is our home ground. Encounter is here at its clashing interest, so it doesn't need any adjusting. It has its Sides and rules, obviously, but our Hunts and precious course of Challengers are much better, right? It shall start right now!]
Mindarch sounded more excited the further he spoke.
[FIRST!]
The scene with letters flickered, revealing the pictures of Murai's entire party which had all members in poses. Each member had a screen or numerous ones that fused or parted into a few other styles, poses, or scenes, creating many perspectives. But every one of them surrounded Murai, a little duck wearing a hoodie, looking far too imposing than the physical realms or reality. It was like a really demonic duck with its hoodie on and its eyes were blazing white.
Mindarch was extremely gratified with these images and his work; he hoped Murai appreciated them.
[These are the first Hunted for anyone worth some merits, time, or power. Hunters shall get their starts done under the usual rules, so bear with it for what they can do. Information is key. All under my voice this time around!]
Strangely, even after a day delay, Mindarch shamelessly ignored the delay. The fact that many battles and Ends occurred didn't even matter to him or Levandis.
Murai's screens glowed all of a sudden, exhibiting Anatidae sitting in full view, looking much brighter and imposing, overworked with details and power.
[This is the first one in a while. Tiny but deadly, it is as many feared. A new Anatidae is here to stay and give rise to problems. Surprisingly, it is the central stage of this Hunted and Hunter conflict, creating not only the Hunt but Encounter also. It isn't inevitable to think of it as disastrous, however, but many shall think about it with thin layers of doubts, as it battled and fought well so far, and its reputation and power are below the fodder. But who knows? Perhaps it will get stronger here and what you might get out of it will end up different. It might be weak, yet strong.]
[As the leader of this Hunted party, it acts as a King regardless if it is weak and growing!]
[Kings are worth a crown.]
[Catching or killing this Anatidae shall give 150,000 Hell Points!]
Mindarch made a dramatic pause right behind his impressive tone, filling Gates with an echoing voice, and surprising many beings with his readings. 150 000? Was it a lot or not?
Silence spread until other new screens changed.
[The next ones are his party members, or to be precise, most are Helpers because of the Encounter. They are connected and adhering to their King.]
The screens with Itrosh glowed next, giving her unusual beauty and savagery that was contrasting and charming to reality. [Experienced adventurer of a Silver Rank, she is Itrosh, an employee of Lost Brothers. What a poor name... Anyway, as a Helper in King's name, she has a bounty of 30,000 Hell Points for killing or catching her. Token blazes.]
Then the glow turned to David, who looked less than impressive and more like an overworked accountant.
[Fat, but trying to lose it, he is a leader of Lost Brothers.]
[10,000 Hell Points...]
Then things quickly changed to Ultium, showing a serious-looking devil in a suit, barely smiling, but looking much more impressive, tall, and lofty than David. Mindarch played with numerous images and liked quite a few of them and he couldn't decide which was perfect. [This here is a devil. Member and prime manager of Lost Brothers, he is dangerous like a natural disaster, but his worth and mystery shall shroud all Hunters and give this Hunt a unique taste. Nothing significant is known about him, so it is better to note that everyone digging around should be careful, for the truth might hide some lies and secrets.]
[His bounty is set at 200,000 Hell Points.]
[Big and burly...] Mindarch turned his tone to softer hues, showing the large screens that depicted Bagus, a mighty Griffin that turned into Grifhart. He looked as impressive as Murai, with wings stretched, beak clutched, and his eyes shined in a grey light. Mindarch made him appear more majestic than he ever felt and was.
Bagus was more like a big good dog if Murai ever had a word to describe him, so the current images made him quite captivating.
[Lawful Grifhart is a dangerous part of great Griffins. Beware and take care of his Hunt in any capacity, as his history and untamed potential make him quite dangerous around those learning, or figuring any Laws. He is a beast....well, be warned, he is a Divine Beast.]
[100,000 Points!]
Mindarch paused for a dramatic effect once more, until he huffed all of their images. Someone was missing, but very few beings understood who.
[The cause!? Who was the one that started this all, you might ask? Was it the King? No... No. NAY!] Mindarch said resolutely without showing his face. The screens depicting others turned to a single one, and even when Mindarch's face didn't remain, he was laughing and speaking the same.
[She is the motivation for this Hunt to begin with, or for everyone here to be tensed and active. She is the one who started it all!] Mindarch shouted, proclaiming the truth to everyone.
[Motivation is a guess, though her truth is the most problematic, right beside the reasons. Everything followed its course since they arrived, so many did their best, me included. Now, in the Hellscape, she is here. There is not another King among them, for this party is deeper than that. She is a Villain! An absolutely detestable existence that created this entire situation.]
[For now...] Screen and foggy matter flickered and turned brighter than ever, revealing a humanoid ghost of voluptuous properties, dense curves, sharp details, and more or less, obvious nakedness to many Gates and millions of eyes.
Lisa looked straight out of some fantasies, looking unlike her usual ghostly self, giving her sona and body lovely charm and divine vision. Usually, she kept her features kind of ghostly and vague because turning her physicality sharp was redundant and painful. She rather acted in the most efficient forms her current lifeform allowed, yet she still looked pretty if she had to say it out loud. Legless and like a ghost and Fairy at the same time, frankly, her expression and Sona Shaping weren't that great, so she wasn't active and doing what she wanted.
Here, on this large sharp screen that revealed her nakedness, she looked straight out of a divine drawing, almost too foreign and alien to a small team currently going through a mountain overseen by a large screen.
Mindarch felt immense satisfaction after creating the pictures he and Manager Kil had in mind, and since Lisa's appearance looked like a Fairy, they changed and enchanted all of her features to perfection. To him, this was the greatest result of his games, so he hoped she would thank him later.
[The Villain has 200,000 Hell Points for anyone catching her alive!] Mindarch announced, laughing like an evil spirit because this decision wasn't the easiest. In fact, it was devious.
[That is all for this Side, so be aware of these Hunted, and be careful of what you want to do to them, as what you will endure, kill, or catch, might not be what you want. They are a party. A team! All together, they are ruthless killers who have already fought plenty of battles against those impatience enough, or those hunting an Anatidae Child going through this Gate. For now, their ride to their destination is unknown to anyone. Sniff around and look at it from a hunting perspective. Rules are uncertain, for the Hunts provide benefits of doubts. Therefore, the Network is seized for the duration of the Hunt, similar to most purchases.]
[Pursue those Hunted before they disappear from Hellscape, dear Hunters.]
[Next!]
The large screens exploded all over the Gates, leaving many denizens bummed and disappointed. Even Mindarch was the same, shedding a tear when he watched his masterpieces going away, turning it into the opposite side. There weren't many of them. Just two, because Hell Party wasn't included in anything. It was a personal matter and challenge, and thanks to the Paradise being vacant of any personnel, it was easy to let it remain hidden.
Now, around the Gates, the screens showed Ozeki and Razmund. Both looked and materialized like villains with darker grey undertones and sharper features. Razmund looked handsome, but his unblinking eyes and claymore in hand looked menacing. Ozeki was a devil, so it wasn't hard to make him vicious. Unlike Ulitum, who had a certain charm to him thanks to his youthful, well-kept, and suited appearance, Ozeki was a warrior and soldier.
[This right here is a troublesome party that crashed our home, following the previous party. One is worse than the other, however. He is the one who crushed this party! The other Villain!]
Razmund's screen glowed in red light. [He is The Villain! An utter evil presence and piece of shit and a Blessed who went here numerous times, killing and seeking gifts of our Lady. Everyone knows his mess, reputation, and where he comes from. His presence of those similar to them gives no heed to attention. He is a Falconer and sword-filled maniac below the Laws, Razmund Dietrich. Kill him and be rewarded with 250,000 Hell Points!]
Throughout the Gates, murmurs spread and questions arose. A quarter million for him? That amount should interest many figures, but the previous party was more numerous and quite rich in points as well. Thus, it was perplexing how to look at it. These bounties weren't correlating to strength, however. If they did, Murai and Lisa would be several times more inferior.
[All in the name of Midnarch, I beseech anyone the chance of this Hunt. Everyone willing to shed blood and seek their battles can participate, as long as the presence of our government works. The military will oversee it from a distance, followed by my keen presence, but each party thinks of the strength of Hellscape's security and lacking rules in disdain. Hence, the rules and workings matter little, if any. Kill who you can and hunt who you wish. Those capable will be sought. Those powerful gifted gifts. Those lacking killed.]
[Lasty...] The screens flickered to Ozeki, who glowed like an old devil freak in red color and hues of blood. [Lost in hopes, Ozeki, the former member of the First Legion decided to betray us. He is a villainous Helper, taking part in this Hunt against his own home. He is no villain, but since his party is no different from one, he is our enemy.]
[Points for his End go for 200,000 Hell Points!]
[Elevate Hellscape from its unnatural flow, denizens, and those who hope for chances and even more hopes.]
[Lastly, the rules of the Hunt are following: Hunt those seeking their portal before reaching it. Play by the rules of Hunt as usual. Level or restrictions play as follows: kill those fit, fight those fit, despair when it isn't right, and think twice before you act. Despair in hopelessness, for this is power.]
[Requirepments for participation: None apart from knowing the dangers of seeking the Hunt, and becoming Hunter via Pivotal Cities. We don't stop those without the license lightly, so be aware that some repercussions might come from it.]
[Take care and good luck!]
[Mindarch, peace out.]
Screens flickered and fused back together, giving Levandis another ethereal look.
“As you've heard my precious attendant, the official start of my Hunt shall start. It is the same as many times before, so you might wonder... what goes around the corner, might never return. My place has my rules, yet I state to fuck them like the Sky, right?” Levandis smirked and leaned forward. “That is right. I don't matter. For those seeking trouble, make your hope for yourself. Not my Hell. Seek End or remedy, but do not fret or cry. Despair instead... or” She paused before clapping once. “Give rise to a new light. See you on the other side when the time and power is right. Good luck perishing, oh subjects of mine.”
The screens exploded to mist, right when she leaned and revealed bits of her upper body, turning the sky over the Hellscape back to normal, and many hearts and blood flowed much faster.
Razmund watched this show from the high-raised castle, right beside Ozeki, who was kneeling and smirking. “Now, this is interesting.”