Chapter 5: Factions and Guilds

Staircase to Third Floor

West’s PoV

“Stupid good for nothing L.A. bonus.” I grumbled to myself as we ran up the staircase

“Oh come off it.” Tycha chuckled “At least this raid ended without a hitch.”

“That may be true but what good is two-handed mace going to do me?!” I yelled at him, and dropped my shoulders “I still can’t believe that bull crap…… no pun intended… I ended up giving it to a player who needed it. Free of charge too that was bogus but I couldn’t really ask for anything.”

“You’re just too soft.” Asuna replied bluntly

I turned my gaze to her “Don’t even go there. I don’t think I’m below telling.”

“Y-You wouldn’t dare!” Asuna’s face grew red

“Try me.” I glared at her and she at me, before I chuckled “Just some food for thought Asuna.”

“Hmph.” Asuna pouted, and continued to run up the staircase before we came to exit

It was night time on the floor, and fog covered most of the floor. It looked rather eerie and mysterious about what lurked around this floor.

“I really hate this floor.” I grumbled to myself, as we walked down the hill

“Why?” Asuna asked, and Luna replied

“Well that’s because this is the first floor in which humanoid monsters are the mobs, and use rather annoying sword skills.” Luna explained further “This also the floor which we choose a faction to reside until the tenth floor.”

“What happens when we run into another player in a different faction?” Asuna questioned

Tycha replied bluntly “This is technically the floor where Player vs Player combat is implemented. On these floors no one can be marked a criminal player if they are on a different faction than you of course.”

“So that means there are higher risks of player deaths on these floors.” Asuna concluded

“She can be taught!” I exclaimed with a smile, and everyone laughed at Asuna’s expense “In any case there is some good news about coming to this floor though.”

“And what would that be?” asked a little moody

“After we choose our faction we can register our new guild.” Diabel pointed out “We have the minimum amount of people to do so. Also, I do believe it would help us on the later floors than just being a player group.”

Asuna nodded in understanding as we approached a fork in the road. I took the left heading away from the main town. In this case I was going to faction the quest first instead of going to the main town. They would just have to wait for two hours to gain access to the new floor. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with the players and to say the least the ways to choose your faction varied and this one would be most beneficial for us. I know it won’t help our image, but you know there are several other of these types of ‘Rescue’ quest, and they respawn so I don’t see the problem here.

As I turned left suddenly, at least to Asuna, this lead to a question from her “Why we leaving the path?”

“To greet our Faction quest giver. We are going to side with the Dark Elves.” I stated as we continued to walk into the thickening fog.

“Are you sure this is the correct way?” Asuna asked doubtful

“I’m oh so very glad you’ve gotten more emotions lately Asuna.” I responded bluntly “Have a bit of faith ok?’

I heard a sigh in return and we continued along in the forest. If I remember correctly we should be getting right on top of them here shortly. Sure enough the sounds of swords clashing became apparent in the distance.

“Ahh see there we go.” I said quietly and jogged forward a bit with everyone following suit. As we got nearer I knelt down to a crouch. In front of me was a female dark elf and a sun elf. “Same old routine.” I muttered

Each of them had a golden exclamation above them, and Asuna glared at me “Did you do the Dark elves because of the fact it was a girl?”

I stared blankly back at her and then gestured at the Dark elf “Do you see the clothing on the Dark elf?” she nodded “Black is my favorite color, and that ugly yellow on the Sun elf is ridiculous. You must realize that the armor we get from this point is going to be based on those two colors.”

She seemed taken a bit back at my honest answer “Though the actual truth behind it all was because Luna wanted to help the Dark Elf. Because quote on quote she was ‘HOT’” I gazed over at Luna rose an eyebrow and gave an amused smile

Luna glared at me, and dared me to say what I wanted to say, so I shrugged. Diabel spoke up finally “So are we going in or not? You want new swords don’t you?”

I nodded “Yeah your right, this quest should award us all with some new gear….. hopefully.” I turned to the small field around me “So how this should work is to focus on defense and staying at range. He’s an elite mob, and in the end the Dark Elf girl is supposed to sacrifice herself with a ‘Dark’ spell or something of the sort.” I looked over at Diabel “Sound about right?”

“I wouldn’t know.” He shrugged “When I chose a faction it was the Sun Elf. Of course at that time the girl elf was a sun elf…..” as he was finishing his sentence he was receiving quite the glare from Asuna. Wow to think there would be a girl against chivalry, interesting.

“In any case get ready.” I looked over my gear real quick “Me and Tycha will charge in and ‘Switch’ out on aggro, and it should work. Got it?” Everyone nodded “Ok then Diavel ranged attacks and stuns, Luna some DoT’s would be nice, and Asuna some SAFE hits if you would be so kind.”

Everyone nodded at their tasks given, and moved into position. I stood up with Tycha following suit, and we walked into the field, with everyone following from behind. The quest box popped up and we all chose Dark Elf. The Sun Elf began to shout, and we ignored him. As always we went into our standard battle routine.

15 Minutes Later

“Well that’s different.” I muttered as I watched the Sun Elf shimmer, and shatter. I gazed over at the Dark Elf who had a blank face, and a golden question mark above her. “That wasn’t supposed to happen at all.”

“I thank you adventurers.” The Dark Elf bowed “My name is Al’vashir, and I owe you my life.” After that the question mark disappeared an exclamation mark appeared “Would you have a moment?”

I looked back at the others “Well we came this far I don’t see why not, any objections?”

“I’ve got none.” Tycha shrugged remaining indifferent

I gazed around and they all seemed on board “Alrighty then.” I turned and faced Al’vashir “How can we be of assistance?”

“I would like you to accompany me back to our base camp. I would personally like award you for saving my life.” The exclamation point disappeared from above her head, but oddly enough a question mark didn’t appear above it

“This just keeps getting better and better.” I mumbled, and motioned for others to follow. The NPC seemingly started to walk into the forest into a thick fog “Ok guys be sure to stick close, this fog does not go away, so if you get lost just use a teleport crystal.”

I didn’t get a response, but I knew they understood well enough, and so we set off with the NPC Al’vashir. This was very strange even for this games launch, I wouldn’t have thought they would change it this drastically. This could almost be equivalent to an entire change of the quest line which can be dangerous. I pulled my friends list, and clicked on Argo opening a chat window.

To: Argo

Came into a different scenario here on the Dark Elf questline. Idk if it’s the same for all the other ones. Just some food for thought, be safe coming up you know as well as I do that this starts the PvP zone.

From: West

With that done, I closed my window, and kept my eyes forward closely watching Al’vashir. I didn’t want to lose sight of her. That was how thick this fog was getting. I felt a tug on my cloak and I glanced back to find Tycha gripping it with Luna in his other hand, followed by Asuna and Diabel. Well it definitely works in this case. It felt like we had been traveling for quite some time but it was only about twenty minutes before we arrived at the sudden appearance of the Dark Elven base camp. It came out of nowhere, and the gates stood tall, with two sentries posted at the top, and two at the bottom.

“Halt!” A guard called out, and walked up to greet us “Ah Lady Al’vashir it is good to see your return. We have been worried.” He gazed at us “And who are these swordsmen?” His voice was anything but nice

“These kind swordsmen saved my life.” Al’vashir explained “They have earned their place among us here. I wish to speak with my father, The Elder, please escort them to the front of the armory. You have my word that they will not cause any trouble.” She gazed back at us eyeing us, daring us to prove her wrong

“Geez not like we can do much, we would die by sentry fire before anything else.” I let out a sigh “You have our word.”

Nodding in approval Al’vashir walked ahead, and the guard motioned us to follow “This way swordsmen.”

As we made our way through the camp, I couldn’t help but feel how alive it felt. Unlike on previous floors, the NPC’s didn’t really do much except be essential to the players, and yet here they had their set tasks, and guard posts. If one didn’t know any better, you would believe they were alive. There weren’t any buildings so to speak, those wouldn’t be present for these factions until the 7th floor. That is of course to prior knowledge, so that meant all the housing, at least the Elven housing, were tents. I gazed at my clock and it read about nine at night. So instead of heading to the actual human town tonight we’ll just have to stay here… if that was even an option.

I let out a sigh, and Asuna spoke up “What’s the matter West?” Her eyes had a genuine look of curiosity

“He’s probably thinking of where we have to sleep tonight.” I gazed over at Luna who had answered for me. “Sound about right West?” She looked at me with a small amused smile

I nodded “Yeah… I’m not going to go walking through the woods at night here. Too many mobs around to risk it for a feather bed.”

“Wise decision.” Diabel nodded in approval “We also don’t have near enough potions in stock to go out during the day.” He looked up at me from his Main Menu “Hopefully we can stock up here.”

“I see a few vendors over there.” Tycha got my attention tapping my shoulder and pointing off towards the gates we came in. “We can probably stock up there, and do some needed repairs. That is if we ever find out what’s going to happen here.”

I heard footsteps coming from behind, and turned to look and find Al’vashir walking with an elderly elf “It would seem we are about to find out.”

“Thank you for being patient swordsmen.” Al’vashir greeted us with a bow, and we returned the gesture. She gestured to the elderly elf with her hand “This is my father Al’vashim. He is our elder of this forward camp.”

Al’vashim began to speak, despite his old age and looks, his voice still retained some youth “I would like to personally thank you for saving my daughter’s life. She has made it her personal obligation to ensure that you are awarded accordingly, and I can’t help but agree.” He turned to the armory tent “In here you will find a vast majority of different of armor and weaponry. You each may choose one of desire.” He looked at me and Tycha with a small smile played on his lips “As for you two, you can choose two if it they’re swords or shields.”

That instantly made me perk up “Thank goodness, these two swords were not going to do me much good.” I opened my menu and unequipped my swords, and put them into my inventory

“I really don’t need any new shields but I’ll see what they got.” Tycha responded

“Before you enter, I would like to say one final word.” He looked at all of us, and pulled out five necklaces “So long as you have these necklaces, any Dark Elven encampment or city will bid you safe entry.” We all took a necklace from him, and he smiled “Now the vendors here will trade with you, and after you choose your piece from within this tent you may come back and purchase anything from within. You have my thanks swordsmen, and may the Animal Spirits watch over you.” With that he made his leave, and an eerie wind blew in through the camp

“You know I think they changed a huge part of this questline.” I said aloud, and turned to the group “Alright let's cho..”

“Do you all have another moment?” Al’vashir spoke up interrupting me

I turned and looked at her not really amused “How can we help you?”

“I do not need help but instead I will provide it.” She responded kindly, and pointed over to a lone tent “I will be moving back to our main camp and that tent will remain empty, but I asked my father, and he is willing to lend it to you swordsmen. It may not seem like much, but it is something to keep the wind away.”

I gazed at the tent doubtful, before I saw a shimmering effect around the entrance “Ahh ok it’s somewhat instanced, it’s bigger on the inside.”

“Is there um…. A bath?” I heard Asuna speak up from the back. What is it with her, and bathing? We are inside a game, we necessarily can’t get dirty.

“Why yes there is.” Al’vashir nodded and pointed over to another tent “In there you will find a hot spring bath, you are free to use it.”

Relief flooded over Asuna’s face “Thank goodness.”

I rolled my eyes “Alright, Thank you Al’vashir.” I bowed my head, and turned my attention to the group “Let's get our new gear.”

30 Minutes Later

“I did not think the swords would be that much better.” I stated as I walked out. Once again the swords didn’t have much to offer look wise, but the stats were rather nice. Just as they were they were better than my starting blades if they would have been max upgraded. I also decided to get some new gear as well. A new black cloak, and leather jerkin. There were some rings for sale, but I knew that some dropped from mobs so I passed

Tycha walked out with some new gear as well “I figured the shields wouldn’t be much better, but at least I got some good gear out of it.” He had gotten a black leather jerkin as well, and a loose pair of leather pants. He had also gotten some new leather gloves. “At least I feel more complete.”

“I agree.” Asuna nodded in agreement walking out of the shop. She had decided to get a new rapier, but transfer the ‘soul’ of the sword to keep the aesthetic. She even switched out her red skirt, and white top for a black leather jerkin, and black leather pants as well. Surprisingly it complimented her very well. “I never understood the women’s armor choices in this game.”

“You me both.” Luna chuckled, walking out with her new Katana. She had gotten some new light mail armor for her upper body, and pants. It was black as well, and with an under layer of leather to prevent irritating rub rashes. If you could get those.

“I heard it was because, the majority of the developers were otaku’s or mangaka’s.” Diabel stated as he walked “So when you think of it that way it really makes sense. Oh! Before I forget to mention that most of the actual developer staff were female as well.” Which seemed to stop Asuna’s retort. Well played good sir! In any case he was wearing something similar to me but without the cloak. Though he actually had gotten a new bow with the free piece of gear. It was pretty cool looking. It was made of a dark oak tree, and dyed to be black. It looked almost as if they used antler horns instead of wood.

Since we all got new gear we ended up selling our old stuff which was enough to cover the new gear costs barely with the help of selling some trash items. Then we stocked up on potions, before we decided to head to temporary home for now. As we approached I saw the entrance shimmering like before and ducked into the entrance. Sure enough it opened up to a rather large space with plenty of space for everyone. It even included a divider, which I had no doubt was sound proof as well. Go figure.

“Well as always the ladies get the bath first.” I gestured to Luna, and Asuna with a bow

“So who gets it first?” Asuna asked looking at Luna, and I froze for a moment

I spoke up, concerned “Can’t you both just share it this time around?” They both looked at me, with Luna raising her eyebrow “After all this would be good bonding time for you both, and well if I am to be bluntly honest….. you both take forever.” The silence dragged with thick tension

“I don’t see why not.” Asuna shrugged, and dragged Luna along

Me, Tycha, and Diabel stood there dumbfounded, and Luna herself was surprised “Well I’ll be damned.” I murmured “Could it be so?”

“Could what be so?” Diabel asked, and I shook my head

“Nothing to worry about.” I chuckled inwardly “Let the girls have their bonding.”

Hot Spring Bath Tent

Luna’s PoV

“What. What. What. What. WHAT?!” I screamed inwardly, since when was Asuna comfortable with stuff like this? “Is it actually possible I’m that lucky or something?!”

“Are you okay?” Asuna looked at me with her light brown eyes, her hair swaying to the side. I think my heart just skipped a beat “Your face is a little flushed. I didn’t think we could get sick in here.”

“What?” I felt my face for a moment, and shook my head “No, no just tired. Lets uh um get to the bath.” I continued to walk forward to the tent.

When we reached the tent I moved the flap, and inside was a rather large area. Sometimes I think they cheat at designing this stuff, but hey I’m not complaining. It didn’t look like there was pre bathing areas so we would just have to climb in…….. now we both felt awkward. Then I got an idea.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“You know we could just switch into those swimsuits that we ‘secretly’ bought.” I looked over at Asuna who seemingly looked disappointed but then perked up “Yeah you’re right.”

So with that we changed into our swimsuits, and sank into the hot spring. It definitely felt better than the previous baths we had taken, but it wasn’t a full experience either. Each of us let a content sigh as we rested at the bank of the hot spring. I think I’ll have to thank West later for this.

“So I’m curious about something.” Asuna spoke up breaking the silence

“What’s that?” I asked with my eyes closed

“How do you know Tycha and West?” She asked somewhat quieter. I opened my eyes surprised by her question. “I know it’s considered rude to ask about a player’s real life, but it just seems…”

“It’s alright.” I said with a smile and scooted closer to her, almost shoulder to shoulder “I admit I was surprised by your question, but it’s alright I trust you enough.” I looked up at the ceiling of the tent looking at the unique designs “We are actually friends IRL. Believe it or not, we've only been friends little over a year. I met West in an art class, and we ended up having the same lunch period a following semester, and hit off really well. We both enjoyed writing a bit, and talked about our personal characters.” I laughed a bit about how we put our characters in hilarious situations. “Then Tycha, I met him in an art class as well, and really hit off. Both West and Tycha never really had met before, and with their vast personalities I didn’t think they would get along. I sure was wrong.”

“How so? They seem to bicker a lot to me.” Asuna grumbled

“That’s all part of the fun for them.” I giggled “They tease each other all the time, and yet they have a really deep trust between the both of them. I’m sure that they have told things to each other that they wouldn’t tell anyone. It just proves to show that it doesn’t matter what you like you can be friends with anyone.” I looked over at Asuna and smiled “Don’t tell either of them this, but they both are kind of like big brothers to me. They don’t really realize it, but when the boys in school come up to me, and try to ‘proclaim their love’ to me.” I air quoted “They would stare them down intensely and get them to leave, because of how awkward it was for me.”

“Could it be that maybe they….” Asuna began to question

“I know what you’re thinking.” I looked back up at the markings “They’ve told me repeatedly that they don’t feel that way, and I believe them. Neither of them have made a move at all, and literally treated as if I was a little sister.” I chuckle remembering some of the conversations I’ve had with them. Before I realized one little thing, and it kind of brought me down.

“What’s wrong?” Asuna asked worriedly “If this is making you sad we can stop.”

“No, no it’s fine.” I shook my head, “I just hope that West is truly alright.”

“What brought this up?” Asuna asked surprised at the sudden turn

“Well…” I looked at Asuna unsure “He was the one that got us hooked on this.” Her eyes widened “He got us to sign up for the beta, and we were lucky enough to get on it as you know. We loved this game, and on the day it was released he made sure that we had the free time to log on and enjoy the finished product.”

“So you’re saying that he probably feels responsible.” Asuna concluded “For putting you all through this.” I nodded “That’s stupid, in the end it was all our choices whether or not to log on.”

“Yes, but even though I consider both of them big brothers, he is the big brother to us all.” I stated looking at her “He’s made sure that he looks after both of us, and have someone to talk to or lean on. He doesn’t burden us with anything of his personal life. So I know, even if he doesn’t show it there is some part inside him that says ‘it’s his fault we are here.’”

We sat there in silence, the steam wafting up and out of the tent. Finally Asuna spoke “Well you may not be able to take the blame away from him, but you can at least support him.” I looked over at her to see a caring smile “After all you’re family, and that’s what they do. I’ll try my best to support him if you will.”

I continued to look at her another moment, and nodded myself, and smiled “You’re right about that. Thank you Asuna.”

The Next Morning

West’s PoV

I woke up around five in the morning to find everyone fast asleep still. It was surprisingly comfortable inside this cozy little tent with all sorts of animal furs, and feather pillows. Yet it still wasn’t home. Which reminded me, we may want to start looking for a place to call home. I opened up my Main Menu, and gazed through my stats. I moved some things around in my inventory, and placed my new ‘skill points’ that I forgot to do after the boss fight. Then I looked at my Col, and it was starting to build up nicely. In the beginning I had immediately started putting cash aside for when our guild started, and purchasing our guild hall or at least housing since housing is upgradeable.

Though it was wiser to buy it out right considering there was always an extra little expense in purchasing the expansion. That one solo dungeon really helped line the pockets, even if it was on accident. Right now if I so wished I could go and purchase a house at the Town of Beginnings, but to be honest those houses were not that great. There was actually a place on Floor 22 where I wanted our guild hall to be. It was a medium sized castle structure and perfect for a guild. Not only that but the actual surroundings were perfect, there weren’t any monsters except in the lake, and the dungeon. It would definitely be an essential place to relax after a long week of fighting on the front lines, or just coming back too.

Yet I still had to take into consideration the maintenance of the guild hall, and even some other expenses, but we would get a cash flow going once we get it all started. There was so much to do that I didn’t manage to do back in the beta. If I remember correctly, my guild then had about ten members in it. I had tried to find them, but when I looked at the stone tablet in the Town of Beginnings, I found some familiar names crossed off, and the ones I just didn’t know. I gave up on trying to contact them. As I continued to gaze through my Menu, I felt a tug on my coat.

“Hey Westy snap out of it.” A familiar feminine voice spoke

I looked up from my Menu and gazed around, and finally looked down to see Argo smiling “Oh hey! Didn’t expect to see you here. How’d you find it?”

“I found you on my mini-map. I already chose the Dark Elf faction so I thought I’d come and find you.” Argo said with a smile

“Why find just me though?” I rose an eyebrow “Shouldn’t you be off Info Farming?”

“Aww you saying you don’t enjoy my company?” Argo teased poking me in the stomach

“I wouldn’t say that.” I ruffled her hair “Just at the tone of your voice, I'm assuming there’s going to be an assembly.”

“No I was serious just coming along to see you, and get some info here as well.” Argo finally admitted

“Is that so?” I pondered the meaning behind it all, but alas I came to nothing “Well in any case there’s not much here to know. Aside from the questline seemingly been changed the layout is the same. Though they could’ve eased up on the fog a bit.”

“Oh that’s because you weren’t allied yet.” Argo waved her hand “They got it to where if you walk around another factions land the fog will get thicker, but now that your allied with the Dark Elves you’ll have no problem getting through without any danger.”

“Well that’s a relief.” I nodded and made my way over to the merchants. “That’s all I really got for you Argo.” I looked at the new open window to purchase some potions. “Thirty seems about right.” I murmur to myself

“So are you still going to make that guild?” Argo asked as she checked out the merchant stock writing it all down.

“That’s the plan, but I got to get to the human settlement.” I responded by looking to see if there were any decent neck pieces, or rings.

“I see.” Argo murmured to herself

“Hey you alright?” I look down at her “You’ve been kind of off.”

She looked at me with quizzical eyes “So what?”

“So what?” I look at her “If you need help all you gotta do is ask. If it’s something more I’m more than willing to listen.” I stared into her eyes

She seemed to blush a bit more, before speaking “Listen Westy, I’ve already broke rule number one, but I want you to figure out what it is for yourself. I don’t want to hurt myself.”

This was an interesting development. She seemed so insecure right now, and I didn’t like it one bit. Then there’s this rule number one she keeps bringing up. I knew it had a deep meaning back on floor 2, but to be honest I don’t have the foggiest what the meaning could be. I can’t tell what’s going on her mind. I can’t focus when I stare into her eyes, and the way she teases sometimes, I just can’t tell.

After a moment longer I close my eyes “Alright Argo. I shall ponder upon this for the time being.”

A genuine spread across her face “Thank you.”

I look back down at her “No problem.” I cast my eyes off to the side “You can come out now.” As I said that four mangled bodies fell to the ground from the other side of the merchant’s stall “Sooooo how can I help you!”

“Oh crap he’s pissed.” Tycha got up and stepped back, with Luna quickly by his side

“W-we didn’t mean anything by it!” Luna squeaked “We were just curious!”

Both Diabel and Asuna nodded furiously, and I eyed them closely while Argo tried to control her laughter. “Hmmmm fine.” I shrugged and turned away and heard a sigh of relief “But, I hope you won’t do it again.” They all shook their heads in agreement, I chuckled and looked back Argo “In any case would you like an escort back to the human settlement? Like I said there isn’t much here info wise I’ve stumbled upon.”

“Let me check out the armory, and then I’ll gladly take you up on that.” Argo smiled, and ran off to the Armory Tent

Tycha walked up from behind “You do know what rule number one is right?”

I looked at him confused “Of course I don’t know. Why would I lie right to her face?” Tycha slapped his hand to his face “What? Do you know?”

“Sometimes it amazes me how dense you are.” Tycha shook his head and walked off

“Hey you ignored my question!” I called out to him

“Figure it out yourself, I’ll let you know if you’re on the right trail or not.” He waved his hand and walked over to the group. Leaving me here more confused than I was when I started.

“And he calls me his friend.” I grumbled, and walked over to the armory to check up on Argo. I walked in and found her writing furiously down the prices of said gear, including stats, and durability. “As usual getting all the little details.”

She looked over at me and grinned “That’s rule number two Westy, look at every little detail, you may never know when it will be useful.”

“Well I can’t argue with that logic.” I agreed, and then I gave her a once over “Do you need any new gear? The more I look at it doesn’t look like you got anything new yet.”

“Nah I’m good this’ll last me this floor.” She waved away her hand in a dismissive gesture, and continued to write down the information.

I eyed her for a moment before walking over to the weapons vendor. I looked through the stock list, and chose a good dagger ‘Elf’s Bite’. As I hit purchase, Argo had just finished with her list and made her way over to the weapons vendor I was at. Letting her through I made sure she was occupied with the other vendor. I looked through the leather armor in stock, and picked out a new cloak, chest piece, pants, gloves, and shoes. With that in my inventory, I looked at my stock of Col, and winced. That took a hit, but nothing a little grind can’t fix. I don’t know why but it truly felt worth it. Though I won’t give it to her now, I’ll put it in the mail.

As I continued to watch her look through the inventory of the vendor I began to question what I just did. I didn’t even buy myself a full set of gear, or any of my future guildmates. I scratched my head in confusion. This isn’t me at all, I usually have a reason but now I don’t know what to think. My mind is telling me something, and my heart is telling me something else entirely. What it’s telling me, I haven’t the slightest clue. She finally finished her inventory and looked over her info, probably searching for any typos.

“Well that about wraps up things here.” Argo let out a sigh, and looked over at me watching her “What?”

I realized I was still staring “Uh, nothing.” I shook my head clearing my thoughts “lets.. *Ping* Hello?” I opened my messaging window, and I rose an eyebrow in surprise

“What is it?” Argo walked over and tried to read into the window “Will come down here, I don’t have a ladder you know.”

“Alright, alright.” I swung the message window over to her

“That works too.” She mumbled and read the message, and went a bit red faced “Are you sure you have them under wraps Westy?”

“Sometimes I wonder myself.” I grumbled, and pulled the message back over to me.

To: West

Since you’re taking your sweet time inside the armory we’re going to go on ahead to the human settlement. We won’t register the guild yet so don’t worry about that. To be honest you should invite Argo to the guild, she already lynches off us enough as is. Which brings me to my next point, I’m sure you’re more than capable with her by your side coming here, I mean after all you did rather well in that dungeon. Try and be her ‘Knight’ in shining black armor will you?

From: Tycha

“There are times, in which I ponder how I don’t punch him in the face on a daily basis.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, and sighed, “In any case, I guess we should get going.”

Argo nodded in agreement “Y-yeah Westy.”

I rose an eyebrow “Something wrong?” I bent down and looked her in the eyes, and was going to say something. Though as I made eye contact, I lost the words. Her emerald eyes stole my very breath, and I don’t know why. I felt my face heat up, and I cleared my throat and looked away “Uh never mind let’s, um just get going.”

“R-right!” Argo stuttered, and we left the armory.

15 Minutes Later

The fog was still present as ever, and thick enough to be cautious of the surroundings even though it was broad daylight. Yet I didn’t feel tense, as much as I felt anxious.

“What’s up with the atmosphere? I’ve spent plenty of time with Argo, I shouldn’t be having these problems.” I ponder to myself “Then there’s Tycha’s bullshit. When we get back to the real world I’ll be sure to kill him there.” I look down at Argo who surprisingly has her hood down. I can understand that she wants it up most of the time though. Yet her curly brown hair was rather pretty if you asked me. It wasn’t too long, but past her neck. It would probably be longer if it was straightened. I like it, it suits her very well in my opinion.

She gazed up at me, and blushed a bit “What are you looking at?”

I realized I was still staring and moved my attention forward “U-uh nothing in particular.” I rubbed the back of my head and sighed “Well at least that broke the ice, I have something to ask you Argo.”

“To join your guild right?” She responded somewhat bluntly, and I nodded “Well I’m listening.” She stated as we continued walking

“Well she doesn’t seem too opposed to the idea, it would seem.” I thought to myself and gathered my thoughts “Well I’m not going to force you to do anything.” I started off “To be honest there’s nothing I can really offer you here, except first-hand knowledge from the ‘frontlines’ and place to call home later on.” I glance to the side to find her still looking ahead “That’s about all I got.” I rubbed the back of my head “A guild should be a place where you are welcome, and not there out of obligation. I personally wouldn’t mind if you joined considering everyone knows you that’s going to be in it.” Then I thought of one last point “I also won’t expect any free info because of the fact you’re in it. I understand that’s your profession, and you should pursue it.”

With that we fell into a comfortable silence. Argo didn’t answer me, but I wasn’t going to force her too either. Sure I would be disappointed if she didn’t join, but it’s not like she would act like a total stranger either. As we started getting closer to town, Argo stopped and faced me as I walked a bit further ahead.

I looked at her, not pushing for anything. “Will you let me give you a decision tomorrow?” She asked me quietly

“I don’t see why not.” I responded with a small smile, “I’m not rushing you by any means, and besides I know you’ll want to get that info out.” She blushed a bit “I knew that was probably the case.” I chuckled “Get going!” I jerked my thumb back with a smile “I still got to form my guild anyways.” She looked at me a moment longer, and pulled up her hood, and ran off with a smile on her face. After I made sure she was gone I turned back to the woods “Ok you can come out now.”

In that moment a sudden tension filled the air, and I knew why. They knew I was not particularly happy. Tycha stepped out with a plain face “How long?”

“About five minutes into the walk.” I responded bluntly, and crossed my arms tapping my fingers “Mind telling me why you were tailing us?”

The others slowly came out, but Luna stepped forward and smiled sheepishly “Well let’s just say we are entitled to our own secrets.”

I raised an eyebrow “Is that so?” I glare at them a moment longer, and let out a sigh “Whatever lets go get our guild formed.” I turned around and made my way into town. “Well come on then this guild won’t make itself.”

10 Minutes Later

Luna’s PoV

“Well that sure is a unique name West.” I reply as we walk out of the guild building into the semi crowded street. “What made you come up with it?”

“Just a little something to inspire a bit of hope is all.” He replied with a chuckle and made his way over to a mailbox “As long as we keep a good image, and keep up with the frontlines. Our guild will be a small light.” After fiddling with mailbox he finally closed it, and walked over to us “So if that’s the case we have some grinding we need to do. After all this floor won’t clear itself.”

“You’re right about that.” Tycha responded with a chuckle “So what we waiting for?”

“For Diabel making our guild emblem, and banner.” I replied and sat over on a nearby bench “He and Asuna are good at it, and volunteered to do the designing.”

“Couldn’t it have been done later?” Tycha grumbled and crossed his arms

“Now now Tycha.” I waved her finger at him “If we get it done now then we don’t have to worry about it later.”

Tycha cringed “Your logic is sound indeed.”

And I chuckled “Come now we shouldn’t have to wait too much longer.”

I ate my words of course. It took them over a half an hour to design it, but I wasn’t disappointed with it at all. It had a white background, and black silhouette of a person breaking the chains tying their arms together. It definitely stood what we were fighting for, and what we represent as a frontline guild. Our little guild emblems were really neat that could be dyed onto our cloaks and weaponry if we so wished, but right now everyone accepted the small pin that we could attach to our chest.

“Well that settles that.” West said with contempt “Now let’s get some grinding done. I want two levels today, and no exceptions!”

“Roger!” We all responded and we ran off into the foggy forest

Later That Evening 10:00 PM

“Wow that was a nice grind.” West stretched his arms “I didn’t think we would all get three levels today but hey I’ll take it.”

“Well it helps when you got decent gear like this.” Asuna gestured to our current gear sets “That store bought gear was quite nice, and Col well spent.”

I nodded my head in agreement “Those quests we completed and gear from them weren’t any better than what we have but we still got some stuff out of it such as some rings, and gloves.”

West nodded and yawned “All in all a good day. So let’s go get some shut eye. The inns on this floor have baths.” West eyed both me and Asuna “So ladies feel free.” We both smiled at him

“Well thank you West!” I responded with a fake cheerfulness

“Spare me your sarcasm.” West chuckled, and jerked his thumb at the inn “Go on. Second floor to the left you can’t miss it.”

We took his advice, and rushed ahead into the inn to indulge ourselves in a well-earned bath. Thankfully there were two baths so we didn’t have to have that awkward ‘bathing suit’ situation again. Yet part of me wondered what Argo’s answer would be. I find it obvious that she likes West, and it’s not surprising really, he's a really nice guy. In here and in the IRL. He really didn’t change who he was when he logged on and he certainly hasn’t changed that much since. Though what I’m curious about is if West likes Argo? I can’t tell with him sometimes, given that he acts like a big brother to most, but to girls I believe it can be taken completely different. If I also had to be blunt. He was plain dense to these kinds of things.

Boy’s Lodging

West’s PoV

“ACHOO!” I jerked forward holding my poor nose “Ow! That hurt!”

“Geez I didn’t think you could get sick in this world.” Tycha chuckled at my pain “That was some sneeze.”

“I agree, and if you don’t mind my saying so.” Diabel was mock cleaning his ear “Did you have to be so loud?”

“I’m sorry.” I rubbed the back of my head “It came out of nowhere so I couldn’t control my voice.”

“Hmmm someone’s thinking about you.” Tycha grinned and laid down on his feather bead

“I highly doubt that.” I disregard his statement rest back myself “Man that was a good run, let’s keep this going.”

“Easy now West.” Diabel spoke up and I looked over at him “As it stands getting more levels for now on this floor will be much more difficult the quests we take won’t give as much EXP this time, and neither will the mobs.”

“I’m very well aware of that Diabel.” I responded to him shutting my eyes “That’s why we call it a ‘Grind’ good sir.” I stretched out and sighed comfortably “It will be the same on all the floors from now on.”

“All I’m trying to state is try not to get us burned out.” Diabel tried explaining his point

“Diabel, we can’t get burnt out.” I responded quietly “We are trying to get home, and we have to keep pushing forward, we can’t afford to get burnt out. What you’re referring to is people giving up.” I opened an eye and looked over at him “I know for a fact the longer we stay here, eventually people will give up on the frontlines, but that isn’t for a long time now. Yet there will always people who will be trying to clear this game. We are those people Diabel, at least that is what I believe.”

After that little speech I rolled over, and pulled the covers over myself, signaling that the others should do the same, we had a full day of grinding tomorrow after all. We need the rest to be able to do that. Of course as I finish that thought a message box opens up before me, and I smile at who it’s from Argo the Cat

Next Morning

I walk out of the inn and wait in the town square. The message I received from Argo last night instructed me to meet her in the town square at six thirty this morning. I knew what it pertained, but I had no idea what she would say. So I took a seat on the fountain in the town square and stare at my feet. As time ticked away, I heard the approach of boots walking on ground walking towards me. Gauging by the quickness between steps it’s who I’ve been expecting.

I look up and come eye to eye with Argo the Cat, her emerald eyes making my heart skip a beat “Argo.” I state bluntly, despite my beating heart

“West.” She replied in the same manner, and it was then that I realized she was clad in the armor that I bought her yesterday

“You like your gift?” I ask casually

“Yes I do.” She smiled, and twirled showing it off “I told you not too, but you did anyway.” She glared at me as if to scold me “But thank you all the same.”

“So what can I do for you this foggified morning?” Gesturing with my arms to my surroundings.

She stared for a moment longer, and I could feel her anxiety from where I was sitting “It’s about your request from yesterday.” I rose and eyebrow, and beckoned her to continue “I thought about it most of the day yesterday, and night as well. I have come to a decision, but first I will ask one more question.”

“I have nothing to hide.” I responded instantly

She smiled “In IRL do you have a special someone?”

Instantly I replied “Nope.” Then I blushed madly “Wait! What kind of absurd question is that?!”

She was blushing herself, but she was still smiling “Oh nothing in particular, but if you really wanna know that’ll cost ya.”

I grumbled to myself, and crossed my arms “S-so what’s your answer?”

“I’ll join you guys.” She replied with a smile “Though I won’t be around too much, but I’ll definitely be there with you guys. This of course means no free info though. I’m going to keep you up on that offer.” She pointed a finger at me

“I never go back on word unless I absolutely have to Argo, and it has never happened. Though something trivial as that I do not think it will.” I opened up my menu, and sent a guild request over to her, and she accepted “Welcome to Breaking Fee, Argo.” I toss her member pin and she caught with her hand

“It’s great to be here!” She replied with the brightest smile I have ever seen.