Razmund wasn't sure if he was ready to take this whole Hellscape on, but from the way he wanted it, it wasn't his choice anymore. Levandis voiced it and Mindarch gave an interesting ultimatum. It was exactly what he expected and feared, which made sense to him, since this declaration aimed at many factors.
Levandis essentially offered both Sides on a plate and called her subjects to eat.
It wasn't supposed to be so back-to-back, describing all Hunted one by one. Their bounties, pictures, and information spoken by Mindarch were all for the public to see, but also for each Hunted touched by the Encounter. Now, everyone knew what was against what, and his prey did too. Razmund lost his bargaining chip, though it was false.
Lisa long realized Ozeki's involvement
Each Challenger should have their unique stakes to consider when their Hunt was starting, and Levandis made interesting comments about the Encounter and Hunt. It clashed and elevated everything, and she more or less disregarded it and settled on freedom.
Razmudn hadn't expected Levandis to be like this. It wasn't entirely unreasonable, but her words still shook his core.
A God, Razmund thought. I haven't involved many of them in my problems or life. This one is so direct and crashing and looking. She demands a fix by using her tools. She wants this gone, yet... what is this? Does she? What is it that interests her? Me? My prey? That Anatidae... could be that, and I doubt she knows much about me.
Razmund was unaware of how Anatidades fascinated some beings. He thought about his first meeting with Murai, imagining that lofty glowing duck in the middle of an endless soul space. It scared him, cracked his spirit, and he felt scared even more than when looking at Death. It was strange, considering it was just one glimpse of his rather peculiar Appraisal.
Since then, many things changed, and his life flexed like his body numerous times. Portal's locations were one part of everything. Like his acts and power, the actual threat was this declaration of bounties, and Razmund realized it was higher than he expected. Yet, he still waited and wasted time, and for what? To get ready?
Hunters were unknown; he had no idea just how many or how powerful they would get with Ozeki by his steps. The rules stated by Mindarch were nothing concrete in that regard. It depended on Hunters, but Razmund knew there were some clear issues with it at present. In his last attempts, his Hunt was simple, feeling like a game of prey and hunters. He was both at those times, making his current issue hunting. Murai was his priority.
Mindarch made no excuses and declared freedom to regular Hunts. That meant some limiting factors that adhered to members, locations, time, denizens, gangs, and official matters of Hunters. It was also about Levels and knowing that one shouldn't eat what one can't chew.
His quarter of a million bounty was a bit excessive because of that, creating a notable coating that might trouble him. Add Ozeki with a bit lower bounty, and Razmund saw worse terms ahead.
Alas, it could pose a formidable chance because his prey was in similar shoes as him. Razmund didn't doubt that those opposing bounties were interesting. He had no history with Lost Brothers, so he might be overthinking this whole time, or thinking too much into everything. He didn't even know much about his prey, so he shouldn't judge or be overconfident. It hurt him so much almost two weeks ago.
At that time, Murai was significantly weaker, yet... so menacing. Razmund recognized a problem that someone wanted gone or caught. And now, it was failing. Murai was growing rapidly and his boundaries were unknown.
Hunters attacking Hunted should be equal across the board, giving the Hunt good pace and stability, followed by Voice. Razmund believed his previous attempts were very fair. This one might lack something special, but Mindarch and Levandis voiced what they could.
He even thought she made a bunch of excuses, considering this whole Encounter.
In most Hunts, fodder should battle against one another, with exemptions of some duels touched upon by Mindarch or Will of the Battleworld that either had some adjacent rules to the Hunt.
The Hunt had a simple nature. It was about bounties, snatching those Tokens by Hunters, killing Hunted, and in unique cases, catching them. There were also often cases when just one desirable outcome was aimed at Hunted. In this case, Razmund and Ozeki shall die, but it was a relatively loose idea. Getting their Token will work fine for most Hunters, while their Ends would be seen as much higher achievements.
It was about common sense.
As for those with Laws, they aimed for worthy opponents because of the desire to get stronger, while some weaklings could seek powerhouses just to appease them and see the future or learn. Killings in this case wasn't always clean or desirable, and Levandis told it from her perspective.
Who wanted to die?
Who would kill in a heartbeat, in cold blood, or simply because one could?
Those were silly questions that Razmund laughed at, and he would gladly send anyone to Afterlife if he had to.
Why the strong ones couldn't aim at weaklings, establishing dominance and power over them? They could be like a mountain stretching over the horizon. Weakligns shall see them, protrude against it, or walk around. No matter what, the power had its reputation, and going against a weakling was seen as cowardly or unsightly, but not impossible. Of course, this ideology was affected by Gods and Will of the Battleworld, so many places thought of it differently, or not at all.
Old World was a struggling place where the strong ate the weak, and it disregarded some pettiness or excuses by being brutal for the sake of being true. Battleworld had its merits in Gods, so it was correct to call it superficial, yet full of wonders, and not so different from the former planet because some things were almost impossible to change.
No matter what could hinder or regulate the truth, power, and desires couldn't stop as a whole. Gods were holding back the inevitable. That was a rationale that Levandis knew herself, and she liked when things were chaotic. Limits be damned, if her subjects wanted something, they should be worth it.
However, this was a curse for those little weaklings who were part of this world.
How was Razmund even considering those bounties or acts? He lived in a different time and space not that long ago, taking a life for granted, all for this world to shatter it all and turn him...well, into what? Into where? Since he overcame his previous life, he proved himself capable, so perhaps he was asking for a beating when he strode into this temple and stirred its rules under Levandis' eyes.
That was his perspective. He was wrong. He was just a side character with a heavy head.
“What do you think about this?” Ozeki glanced at Razmund, who was unnaturally calm and still glancing outside. The fog cleared and the night returned. “The Encounter changed the rules of this game, so there is no need to fret. You are ready whether you like it or not, right? We are going on a Hunt. Becoming a Hunter is what you plan for; I can smell that from you. Points are no matter but a target over our heads. We can get them back if they dare, so who cares?”
Ozeki stretched his arms and seemed relaxed and almost happy.
The game of Hunters commenced and there was no going back.
Everyone now knew their validations, doubts, and acts. Some might hesitate even more, skeptical whether they should act or do something. Some still waited for better timing, acting as true Hunters that would pounce at greater timings.
Mindarch guaranteed security and clarity, but he also expressed some interesting things. Lacking Network was part of it, and the rest came from Levandis, who warned them, and as something they didn't.
Razmund wasted time, whereas Lisa, David, and many other beings around Hellscape planned their steps ahead of time.
Razmund heard Ozeki and didn't reply.
“So... is this what you've expected?” Ozeki asked. “Hunter becomes the prey, yet you still are a Hunter yourself. Everyone is one right now. Prey too. Everyone here is an essence when they can die and we can take their entire beings. Hunted have their neat privilege. Wanna try it?”
“Yes, but definitions no longer matter for who is who. It's not that I seek answers or rough places, duels, or essences. Strength is all that matters to me, followed by our steps. So yes. Whatever you ride and think, I am all ears”
“Are you putting this much trust in me?”
“Why not? You are quite pumped about this, for whatever you've heard in that Voice.” Razmund turned back to Ozeki, his finger pointed to the plains beyond the window, showing a massive place filled to the brim with new problems.
“Pumped? I don't like that word, but there is a lot for me here. The Surface is different, while my Lady and Mindarch want my End, so what is there for me than to take it all in and survive till the end? The moment this Hunt is over, they will gladly take me back, so I am all pumped, I guess.”
“Tell me something wrong about it, Ozeki. This place is training grounds for most of Levandi's troops and where they are getting stronger. This whole temple is a huge proving ground and...”
“Nah,” Ozeki shook his head and stopped stretching. “This place is more than that. You and your Surface don't know its weight. It is no Dungeon. It is so much more.”
“Eh,” Razmund shrugged. “I know and met plenty of Extremes who talked about this place highly and with doubts. Centralis has its history and lessons, so let's not pretend to mention clueless facts. You don't have to lie to me either.”
Ozeki laughed and went along with him if this little Villain wanted it. “You do it too. Act... Well, I do too. Alright. What else do you know?”
“Denizens and Hunters are a bonus to this place's politics and are extremely close to how Encounter sounds. Hellscape is wide and big because it needs people to farm resources and provide power to its main God. It isn't about others. This one is hers alone.”
Ozeki frowned but kept silent as Razmund kept going.
“It boils down to Gods all the freaking time. What are mortals to them? I say that thinking bigger is better. Why the hell would anyone be angry by such chaotic chances is baffling. Countless demons should pry upon such opportunities, and try to seek the improvements they wouldn't have otherwise. They should be glad for things that move by us.”
“Sounds like something that Surface has, or... is it the Blessed that speaks from you?”
“Don't kid yourself. There are worse things than second fucking life. This place is a Hell that shreds insanity to madness. Not some measly little realm where worms try to make a living. Some are still that, but it is less than practical. Your Lady should be glad over this change that isn't far from her kin.” Razmund ended his speech, leaving Ozeki stunned and wondering if he heard him right.
By all rights, Razmund was correct because he had his own bubble, experience, and opinion. Some were correct but he was kind of a prick in how he talked.
Even though Ozeki didn't like him for his mere attitude, and even though he put his Lady's name in his mouth, he was right. This place should take such opportunities with fervent needs and a great time because it was an opportunity that never came twice for some people.
Some worries about politics, or what was right or wrong, didn't matter to this temple's internal structure. If something nasty was happening all the time, seeing another arrive was like tossing flames to a burning building. There was something worthwhile in all of this since this place might be close to the Surface because Lordis and Levandis formed some deal, and its depth was deep. Most of it was overseen by Mindarch anyway, making Challengers part of the arrangement.
Encounters were not prone to such places often, as they had different stakes and different weights. At the worst outcome, where the peak of Wicked, Gifted, and Blessed would act like arrogant little Gods, it would ensure utter mayhem. Surface, Sky, and Depths would all link, and repercussions wouldn't be some war. It would be straight-up cataclysmic.
Theoretically speaking, of course. Something of that magnitude never happened.
The Depths were smaller and crazier, often neck deep in their problems. Hence, Surface and many Sky Gods paid them some attention, and Encounters could individually or broadly influence everything in their Parts, or direct measures of some side tasks, Helpers, or location. Depths might be involved, or not. It depended on many factors that could truly shape and change the whole continent, and some fed-up Hell God might as well crash it against the odds and hopes of its maker.
Lisa took this Encounter here, through decisions that changed more than many could see. It was no choice. It was the best move she could've done, so she blamed nothing about it. Murai was the same and liked her idea.
Mindarch realized it long ago. It shifted regular challenge routes, yet still followed Gates. It could be weirder, as the Encounter could've changed. It didn't. At least not under Lisa's eyes and Murai's time in this temple. They were;t aware of what Ceila did, or what Vermillion wanted, or how a Judge literary descended from above. Nowadays, some were even curious, but Levandis and Mindarch played their cards safely, even if it didn't seem like that.
Which, if Razmund was honest with himself, he found strange. Encounters usually change under different courses, regardless of the overall Part, Sides, accomplishments, or acceptance. It could shift midway through a Part, turning the pace from inside our, or vice-versa. It didn't happen because it was nearly impossible to notice it, but the action of both Sides was making fitting routes that didn't shake Razmund's primary role.
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Murai was an animal. A prize. Not a player. He had his escaping, so if the change happened, either his course would change from escaping Seventh Death Forest to doing something inside this temple, or Gates, or something much deeper. Reasons were up to the deciders of the Encounter when it came to this, but with Ravine gone, perhaps that was why nothing changed.
Razmund was almost clueless about what to think. His task remained; so did his prey.
And with ignorance between both Sides, where neither knew the stakes, rewards, and tasks of the other, Razmud wondered what sort of mess Murai was if he was involved. What details were omitted, forged, or ignored? Some parts were up to his guess, stemming from the simple nature of Anatidaes and the visit.
“Fine... Fine. Forget it then. I don't care about your words anymore,” Ozeki said. “Still, I have my doubts about Lost Brothers. Are there only three that are worth something, or is that devil the worse? He has the same bounty. Strange. I feel hurt. There are six of them in total, while we are a pair. Then, we have those.... two. A ghost... eh? An Anatidae Child.”
“Do you think it is unfair?” Razmund asked.
“Hardly,” Ozeki smirked and moved from the window, glancing sideways to Lint who was still thinking about the prior message. “This place will make it fair. We do. Or we don't. What is even supposed to be fair here?”
“It doesn't matter to me,” Razmund said resolutely. “My hunt is indifferent to what this temple offers. It has been like this since I stepped into the Death Valley. I have a single task. It isn't as if these Sides are meant to chase one another. It is just a result of what someone wanted, while this Hellscape does its Hunt to quench the thirst and give it what it does best. So, does it go against my Side all that much? Who wanted to hunt that duck for the past week than me? Get that? We are going to hunt everyone here and kill them. How? Don't ask me. I never questioned it.”
Ozeki got the right idea, but it wasn't as if his heart was ready to take this to his mind. He was still subject to himself, rather than theories or Razmund's voice. Sometimes, these things intersected like nothing in this world, giving clarity or chaos to his heart. For some devils, their choices were often unavoidable like finding reasons for madness.
“I will do anything. Sakes and stakes differ like Skies and Hells, but... 200, 000 points? That is somewhat... poor. My former power doesn't give it much regard, or is it calculated differently? Or not at all? I wonder if it is even my current worth, or if it is some sort of limiting factor, or aimed at you, or others. In fact, what the fuck! Your quarter million is shameless. It should be lower. Your opponent king is the same. It is nonsense for a Child, but that doesn't mean I can't try to play too hard, or too little.”
Ozeki kept smiling and wished to go out of this castle straight away. However, now that his position and status were even more exposed, he shouldn't be silly and start to gather intel. He had his men and forces, and he planned to use what he could to push this Hunt and allow Razmund to go deep. And who knows, perhaps he will be put against opposite Helpers if he is lucky enough.
“You can do whatever is right for you,” Razmund said. “As I've said before, coming for you is just a stretch to create a better position. If you wouldn't, someone else would. My main points are different, and you are a tool like me.”
“I don't fear, unlike you, punny man.” Ozeki laughed and stopped when he heard awkward silence. “Well, what now?”
“With this proclamation, all situations will change drastically. Nobody will stop me from the opposing party, so hunt it shall be. We move. Our opposition will be hunted like us because their stakes are different, but they have mixed targets of difficulties. We? We fight with Laws. Yours or my points are just big droplets, yet we go at them without respect. Why? The world doesn't care. This place doesn't either. I don't give a shit either way. Hunters shouldn't no longer be weak, but what about before that? My prey went ahead and where?”
“Droplets, eh?” Once more, Ozeki didn't like the sounds of it. “Speaking of it, it is true that you said some interesting things. A Child hunted be you... albeit it is an Anatidae. What is going on with that?”
Razmund shifted his steps and walked closer to the window. “I don't know. There is no need to know. Our point is to stick together, so who cares about it? Their weight is no match for ours, don't you agree?. I wonder how much it makes sense... or what this Gate plans with it. Especially this opposing King of mine, so perhaps it doesn't matter to be curious.”
“It is an Anatidae. What else have you expected?” Ozeki laughed. “It is worth asking some places and people. I know someone.”
“Nah. It is not normal. I didn't even know much about these little creatures before meeting one myself. I was lucky.”
Ozeki found it ironic, considering he had quite a few personal feuds and experiences with them. “Says my personnel as well, or the various brokers and companies that looked into it. Now, nobody will because Network is gone, so scouting and old-school ideas will move up next. Perhaps some personal interrogation would work too? Are you familiar with torture?”
Razmund sighed.
“Hey, I don't think that is a bad idea. For a human, you are sometimes insensible.”
“That thing is a fucking duck... What am I supposed to think?” he whispered back.
“Oh, Blessed is speaking again. I wonder about your past, but we are talking about this world. Speaking animals is least surprising.”
“That one didn't.”
“Well, it is a new child of these beasts, so that isn't surprising. However, it is a big deal to some places and beings. Why? Politics, so don't give me any look. Their position and births are sensitive. It means a change is coming, but... you know something else, do you? ”
“Crafty fools are unable to dig through mud, huh?” Razmund chuckled. “But no. I know nothing. Just the fact that a Blessed Anatidae is too tough to seek isn't surprising. It means a chance instead. Now, curiosity is unnecessary for you and me. You shouldn't try to convince me.”
“It is weird. That is all.” Ozeki said and still hadn't lost his edge. “For example, few things are public... Like, really, really public. That Anatidae's overall picture is a mystery. I couldn't touch it because Lurrs didn't change their minds, Mindarch was stubborn, and who knows what my Lady wants. Besides you, who saw its true color, or who could do it justice? Mindarch? That poor spirit stopped all curiosity and showed very few fights. They were just shadows anyway. Without aura, tsch.” Ozeki clicked his tongue and hoped for him to speak.
“True,” Razmund stretched his arms, knowing that his or Murai's situation was different on many points, but the public should just figure them out at their pace and he didn't need to know it. It wasn't his concern. His target never changed. I just increased.
“Weren't there some targets that survived its charade in the last Gate to add some context? Notes of abilities, overall efficiency, or power. Who or what has it killed?” Frankly, Razmund wasn't interested in that topic when he entered this temple, let alone later, but since Ozeki started it, he asked anyway.
“You think I haven't looked at it straight away? No one shared a thing. Most got fitting punishments when speaking is like dreaming. Most of its enemies died under its beak or magic, while most were beasts anyway. Clueless fools. For some reason, fodder from the military wasn't used much, even when it is clearly stronger than expected. Also, it is weaker than you by a large margin, so....” Ozeki walked to him and poked his shoulder. “How come? There was one survivor on Island 68, a kid from 93rd, while the Last Island was... entirely closed. No one knows what that Child fought, but the outcome is here, walking in this Gate.”
“Ho? Did it bother with 93rd Island? How unexpected, I fear. It had no shackles, so it killed because it could. I would do the same. With that said, even if you have so many information brokers under your grasp, it still escaped?”
“Yeah. But something is missing. Some colors,” Ozeki said, turning desmopant. “You.” He poked him again.
“Me? My information should be right where it should be. Some stuff is hidden, and some is not. Current readings are what they should be: out of my sight or care, or this place and my Voice is different, or... perhaps it is all wrong?” Razmund hesitated and frowned. “What got known about me, if my prey is like that?”
“Thanks to your reputation and vigor, a lot of nothing and something. I know how strange it is after I fought you. Swordsmanship and your key abilities are one thing, and escaping your blade isn't easy, while the readings are elsewhere. Mindarch is sick. And you've grown from the last time and expanded what you could throughout these Gates. It is almost wonderful. Mindarch let out some barebone shadows and gave you some screening. In eyes alone; no aura and fewer words. Nothing more. It was mockery, a tempting thrill for this Hunt. I think you are being used to quench the unrest and become a scapegoat.”
“And?”
“That fight against Marshal Luno was most notable. Intent gave it a nice knock, even if the shadows make it poor. Wished I was there.” Ozeki sighed and patted his shoulder.
Razmund snapped his hands away and grunted. “Whatever. Like everything, they incentivize sensitivity since readings and information gathering are essential. Mindarch plays with them for the sake of this Hunt, or... Levandis does? Information is like a resource in this temple. With money, you can get them, or by force, your own eyes, and so on. When you can't, one has to know yourself more. It is the confidence of the Old World, or so I like to tell.”
“Confidence? Interesting. Now, that isn't Blessed who is speaking. Money isn't everything. All I want is the basis of your Encounter and that Anatidae because you know more than you let out. Its information is worth more than you, whose price and stake are low since you are on my side. I fought you too, so I get what to expect. I get your weight, so tell me what that which hides,” Ozeki offered his last try to seek this curiosity that clutched him from the inside out.
Razmund paused for a while, attempting to seek what he knew himself. Murai was an interesting variable. Nothing about the Centralis Kingdom changed that. Not even his reputation, or his entire Side. He might be an Origin, harboring deep and questionable faces, but he didn't have to know about the Reason. It wasn't because he feared it, but because he didn't want to know it and it was neither stupid nor clever.
He had his target set the moment he understood what was at stake. That was all for his heart. If he failed or not, that mattered. Not some knowledge, or the lack thereof.
“I don't think about that little beast. You shouldn't either because you will be greatly disappointed in return. Knowing everything is a weakness. Its Level is low, yet there is something that makes it fair. What? Who cares about that, actually? Its Helpers are tough. Is that not enough for you?”
“Knowing more is not wrong.”
“This Hunt of mine is not for your head. Its mine. It also reeks of Surface and Sky more than anything else. You won't get it, Hell dweller. Only here, in this Gate, it might get unfair. ” Razmund said, as if the matter of fact mattered a lot, but only to a few certain people. Ozeki seemed to understand where he was getting with it and loved some ideas.
But not the whole truth.
Ozeki accepted being used, although he had different expectations because he was an honest devil and soldier. Razmund held his ideas similarly to him and didn't ask for more. Ozeki knew that was false. This human beside him was no simpleton or someone who would bow to some reasons or words of God or his kingdom. He was too tricky for that and too different like every damned Blessed who survived and grew a lot.
“Just what was promised to you...” Ozeki sighed and began walking away, aware that Razmund wouldn't budge and talk too much. It was also fair because he didn't want to talk about his own stakes. “If we don't see each other hearts, that is also fine. It is reasonable if you want to be like that, so I will ask somewhere else.”
“Else? Seeing this is funny,” Razmund shook his head, almost laughing out loud. “Gods are involved in this more than one would guess. Encounters are always like that, you might say, but this is not related to this Hell yet still moved here. The Sky is prompting something. A change in order because something big happened. That is my guess. Encounters are like fixing keys. The Surface is their taker. How it evolved into what it should be might be counted on one Side. Mine, right? Wrong. I am nothing. Nobody is in the bigger picture besides the Gods themselves. I doubt there is something meaningful in it for me or you in that case, but is there? Me? I am just a crashing hunter that often breaks and does shit. Here or outside, my target is that duck and it alone, while you can seek whatever you want. Others. Not it, got it?”
“I know how both Sides don't know the stakes of the other, and it often means many reasons,” Ozeki argued and gave him a long look. “But some bits are obvious. You know something. It gives it wonderful additions and great timings because that is my trust. Changes can come out of it too and create a mash of interest that could intertwine and twist, but only if it is working and desirable for Gods, right? I call it bullshit because what Gods are without the choices we mortals create? So, you coming at it is the reason and cause, while it, coming here, was a variable that stirs it up? For whom? Gods?”
“Myself included, it is like a game. Anatidae in question is a beginner Blessed and I am an experienced player who fixes the game. Am no master, but regardless, that is what I call it. It puts some intricacy into the equation, while everyone could get their part if they want. And that Anatidae, its feathers aren't that young or well-developed yet, so it must be around a year old according to my touch and the brief start of this whole mess.”
Ozeki whistled, apparently getting quite a lot out of this simple idea. He already touched upon some ideas and Razmund couldn't or didn't want to hide the truth. “So it is true how Encounters goes before the grudges of Gods and mortals alike?”
“Who knows? Everyone starts what they want. Balanced or Voiceless, even kings can kill peasants. Wars are unbreakable like the hatred of human hearts. Voice can't break what is already broken, and there is a certain privilege to act as if it's just and lawful. I certainly don't take my guesses where they don't belong. Don't need them. For example, when I thought I killed it, I didn't. I am sure I did enough damage. Broke bones and a toss into the water would kill most beasts.”
“Hm. You are basically describing Chaos itself. Gods often like to change and touch ideas they shouldn't. You did too, eh? Water, was it?”
“I didn't even think much of it at that time, since the term Anatidae didn't even come to my mind. It is crazy to regard their physicality or stories as facts since they are so rare.” Razmund talked surprisingly more than he liked, which Ozeki appreciated.
“That is true. They are no story for children when one sees the truth. They don't move unless needed, but this one is a Blessed we are talking about. Its instincts and family aren't around, or they might be problematic, or... the reason for everything? You encountered it alone, so... what about the Mother?”
Razmund shrugged and wished to know what exactly this meant. The Mother was an important topic and a point of danger, and for some reason, nobody gave him more explanations. “It might be bad. They aren't seen much in the Somalis continent, but the Surface still knows them. Be it the Seventh Death Forest, Death Valley, or the Centralis Kingdom and its subsidiaries, history can point to some ideas, but many other beasts are much bigger threats,” Razmund explained his ideas, leaving a lot of questions behind, but not too many of them.
Ozeki knew much more about them than Razmund, so he hummed and nodded. “I see, but a Blessed one?” What was said was far more than enough for him, so he reconsidered some choices and thought of his history and knowledge. “Regular ones are insane enough. This means if this is deeper as you suggest, no one knows what to expect. They are little if they want to be, or crazy if you force them into a corner, or calm if they desire it. That is why they are so problematic. They are vivid like nightmares and worse than devils. Some... devils, sure.”
“Don't care. Cracking them apart is like any other animal hunt.” Razmund dismissed his worries.
“So, this whole mess suggests your side, or is it backward? For you to be forced against it, what sort of mission does this Anatidae have against yours? There must be something big or relatively simple. Or, your mission and reward and Origin go along the difficulty. Wait, what difficulty? Just what started this at all? You started it by killing it, or have you forced something else, or the other did?”
“You ask too many useless questions,” Razmund had enough of this devil.“You should focus on your task. You wanted some bits and I gave you a bone. Nothing else needs an explanation. You haven't said your part, so bear that in mind.”
“Ha! Got that picture a day ago. So, what's the plan?.” Ozeki piqued his brows, wondering if following this human was a terrible or wonderful idea. Perhaps both. He didn't mind either because the worst choices were often the best.
“Wait a day and I will follow up with grasp and crash this Hunt. We go together. We also need information. I leave that to you. That should put good wheels into your head, or give rise to my little friend's peril. I bet its resources are nothing like mine. Foolish beginner, heh.“
“Do you plan to use money or something else? Force, for example, or... don't tell me you want to rely on me for everything?” Ozeki smiled and cracked his fists.
“A bait questions its worth? That's hilarious,” Razmund laughed. “Hunt pulls a lot of greed into the equation, and you are the same. Like the Encounter, it is surprisingly similar. They are excuses too. Levadis worded it well. She has no need to consider a lot if others don't do it either, but no matter what, mortals do care about their bliss, worth, and what they can have. That is natural. Gods often forget that because they are lofty and powerful beings.”
“I don't deny that,” Ozeki relaxed his hands and face. “Fine. I will do what I can and bid for time if that's on you. My opponents will wait or die, while you do your stuff. I can't care less about some animal that has nothing to offer apart from... well, it isn't mine. What's the point in that...” Ozeki hummed in wonder and walked away.
Razmund realized he lied. This devil was in no way ignoring Anatidae; he just knew others wouldn't ignore it, or others intrigued by it would pose a threat or variable. Unknown to them, one such variable had already moved a few days ago and didn't change a whole lot of things. For Ozeki, those might be orders of magnitude loftier, and he wouldn't touch them, for he knew this place and Anatidaes had their history, and who knows what else hid behind the scene.
Razmund didn't get it either, which made him arrogant, stupid, and like most Blessed.
It wasn't fitting, but secretly, Ozeki was similar yet fascinated in silence, waiting for the storm to come, while hoping that his Lady would be very happy, or the exact opposite.
For now, Razmund eyed the Hellscape and Ozeki was yet to leave.
“Do you think we can make it worse?” he asked before Ozeki left, but the devil laughed and said nothing.
Razmund wondered how the height of power worked, what was neglectable, or prone to this place. There were variables like Extremes who might get involved, though Razmund hoped it wouldn't happen. But with his Voice gone and reasons set on fire by Levandis, he might forget the rules of Surface and take Ozeki as a shield.
It was fine to become a demon.
Hunts had numerous benefits and the limiting factor was the maximum amount of power that Challenger held. Razmund had Ozeki. Murai had Ultium and the rest of his party.
That was wrong, or not entirely right.
There was no sense of balance from the start. Appointing Razmund against Murai was sinful on rules that adhered to this world, which was something Ozeki realized. He hoped for some answers from Razmund but he didn't mention everything, so he ended up expectant yet unfulfilled.
There was more to this than two devils around Level 80. They were also enough to dial this Hunt in interesting ways, giving Mindarch a great time and Hunters everything they needed. Weaker Hunters would attack weaker Hunted, or, under special or rudimentary forms of duels, they might see reason in stalling or trying their best against more powerful opponents. That, however, seemed dangerous right now.
Powerful Hunters and Hunted often fought and opposed fitting opponents, and there was a point in weakness.
The Encounter was like a looming shadow that shall veil this Hunt, devoid of the one who made them right. Vermillion watched it from the shadows, soothing things out for herself and Murai alike like a fox moving her chess pieces, and some pieces might move on their own, not at all, oppose her, or crash everything into pieces.
Everything was set in place, waiting to grow and get stronger, and even if it wasn't as someone wanted, it would flow at its best capacity.
“Of all the things and devils, I rely on myself... without trusting it all. I will fail.... again, won't I?” Razmund doubted himself and left the room like Ozeki, leaving Lint alone.
From the shadows of the red curtain, Ozeki stepped forward and glanced at the remaining Lint. “He is that afraid? I will do what I have to do and want, so what does that leave to us?” He whispered, eyeing those swirling flames and shadows of grey fog behind him.
[Just try to not mess things up and regard the bigger picture,] Mindarch said in a ghostly form. [Judges are problems. Levandis decided to rethink her choices and gave this Hunt a new justice. It is freedom. She is sincere, but you wouldn't want to hear what else she had planned out. Trust me. Detail us on your mission. That should be fine, right? It might be a spark, or contain your peril, for there are flanks in Chaos, with you, us, and... everything.]
“Nah.”
[Do you want to touch that Anatidae all that much? Is it a hope of your heart?]
“Can I?” Ozeki touched on a single sentence that he cared about from this spirit. Lint shook his head in disapproval.
[We don't recommend it, but your mission is yours, for it was worded, but by whom?]
“Who knows? Maybe it is like that human. Caring is thinking, and I don't do that.” Ozeki smirked.
[If you do something bad or good, maybe something terrific or nasty will happen. The Surface has been far too lofty for their good, and this entire situation isn't like Razmund said. It stirs Hells more than the Surface. Centralis is just one piece to a puzzle, while some things move and strike all hearts. Your own will quench or stop because of it, Ozeki.]
Ozeki laughed at that idea and expected something good.
Mindarch knew the Hunt was about to turn to a new leaf, and Murai was no longer at a losing end that pivoted above a massive chasm and a single throbbing needle-thing thread called Lisa.