The fight with the floor's Abnormality... It was a teddy bear that was in tatters. Something Albion had when he was younger. It was in tatters, with some parts of its cotton just sticking out. It was old, it was big and its stuffing was pouring out by the second. Lost an eye, but even then Albion couldn't help but feel a little sad for this abnormality.
Just looking over at it.
"Don’t hit me, please… I’m already worn and torn, my cotton stuffing is sticking out everywhere." Albion didn't fight it. Lowering his weapon as he braced himself to be strangled to death by the Abnormality. Seeing its tears as he died. Over and over.
"Why? Why aren't you hitting me?" The gentle voice usurped Albion's ears.
"I had a teddy bear like you when I was younger. It's okay." Albion said as the teddy bear offered him a hug. Crushing his ribs, where it pierced through into his heart. Albion's head exploded because of the intensity of the hug itself. This would repeat. Again and again. It was like Albion was void of any logical thoughts. Just overcoming the emotion of abandonment that he had felt. Like he was left behind as the survivor of every single damn thing that had happened to him. The grief kicked in as he gave himself into the embrace of the Happy Teddy Bear. Dying again.
He kept going until the bear was satisfied.
"You're a kind one, aren't you? Let's do it again, okay?" Those were the teddy bear's last words as it vanished. Leaving Albion to see its pages.
Actualization of Happy Teddy Bear.
Nostalgic Embrace of the Old Days. Targets one enemy with 'Affection'.
Striking enemy with affection will stack damage within 60 seconds.
When 60 seconds are up. Damage is transferred immediately to target with Times 3 Multiplier. Timid Endearment. When an enemy breaks free from 'Affection.'
Stay away from them for 30 Seconds or attacks will be halved.
Affection breaks if you are hit. Display of Affection. Marks enemy with Affection.
When enemy is marked with 5 affection.
Nostalgic Embrace can be used. Enemies marked with Affection will only receive damage of 1 per attack.
When Albion reached the second path of Malkuth, he found three figures standing in front of him. Wearing long red coat with golden markings over it. One wielding a guan dao, a pole weapon. Another one tied her hair into two buns and the last one was a blonde who wore black gloves.
"Hello Director." The three of them greeted.
"We're Section 2 of the Liu Association. I'm Lowell. The leader. This is Cecil and Mei." The red haired Lowell introduced to the others as the menu popped up.
Unique Reception.
The Fragmented Heart.
The Lost Heart.
The Missing Piece.
The Forgotten Prince.
The Edge of the World.
The Last To Know.
The Fragmented Piece of You.
"Are these Abnormalities?"
Yes. They are Abnormalities that were born from your World.
Some were born from your heart.
Albion turned to Takibi who was also present with Salvador and Yuna, this time they were looking at everything before them. The many Unique Receptions that have unveiled themselves. Albion looked into the Fragmented Piece of You.
This was going to be his choice. Stepping into the bright light that brought the Director and the Librarians of Malkuth's floor stepping on to join him. The Fragmented Piece of You... It was an abnormality that Albion recognized just from the glance. It was Lisbon who wore a white dress with glass heels. In her hand was a blade. A rapier that had suited her in the past, it made Albion wonder about the current Lisbon. What was she like now?
The environment was a barren land with broken and shattered blades strewn all around them. They were the remnants of the many that have fallen before her. Lisbon did not smile, there were cracks to her cheeks.
"Stay back. I'll have to handle this one myself." Albion said as he went on ahead, drawing the katana from Mook Workshop. Looking at this Lisbon. Albion felt his heart flutter a bit. His thoughts to his target of affection, as Pale Hands and Display of Affection began to take effect. The flames of Scorched Girl and frost of Snow Queen had the katana imbued with the two elements.
The elements danced as Albion charged straight at the Lisbon before him, an abnormality born from his heart? Perhaps the days he spent in the library that amounted to two years had changed things completely. The swordsmanship this Lisbon showed him, suited her as how he remembered her. The knight.
She was a knight who would use her swordsmanship to break through enemies. Her fast rapid pierce attacks with her rapier was inline with her nature as a fencer. A gold medalist fencer, her footwork was careful. Dodging Albion's attack but the blades that appeared by her side would join to overwhelm Albion.
The Fragmented Piece of You? The name itself was a reminder to his view of Lisbon. Albion's thoughts were reminded of the past when Lisbon would train him, because of Albion that lacked class abilities. Just seeing how the blades would standby to strike him from the side while Lisbon kept him occupied from the front.
This battle? It was not a delight. It was sorrowful, because every time he looked at the cracked face of this Lisbon? It felt like a part of him was being cut open. Tears from his eyes, because he was slowly understanding what this Lisbon was. The fragility of his heart. The desire to be strong and the doubt that had came with it. The intense doubt as Albion struck her three times with Pale Hands that led to a stagger, then then making her a target of his affection. Striking her 5 times to use Nostalgic Embrace of the Old Days.
Chaining multiple attacks to push The Fragmented Piece of You back.Stacking damage with each attack. Just seeing how Fragmented Piece of You smile to Albion, as he slashed her chest. Stacking all that damage to his blade as he struck at The Fragmented Piece of You. Feeling something inside of him die as a result. Letting go off the blade as Albion covered his face. Digging his fingers deep to his skin as he bled. His tears mixed in with his blood, he felt something that he needed to tread out from his emotions. Love?
Perhaps the longing of such things were better for him to leave. Lisbon was someone else in the world, perhaps she was much stronger than before. Perhaps she had become an S-Rank. Or maybe she had already gotten something else from it.
Fragmented Piece of You.
EGO Page.
Actualization As this is your own abnormality.
It will remain actualized passively. Fragment of The Knight. You gain access to the Knight's sword techniques. Useful for the long sword. Fragmented Blades. The swords that float around the Abnormality can now be used. They will aid you as pieces of defense. The Forgotten Fragment You now hold the a Fragment.
The names of these Abnormalities will be different.
Collect the fragments to restore power to this abnormality.
It's name will be changed.
The next path's abnormality
Fairy Festival is ready.
"We're going to the next path. Facing off against the Fairy Festival."
"As you command." They bowed as the door opened, where they found themselves in a forest that had blood. With a large creature in front of them. The Fairy Queen with its elongated arms, two little arms by the chest, a pair of fluttering wings at the back. The legs were like that of a preying mantis but with razor blades as its feet. Then there were the Fairy Masses that were just a bunch of heads conjoined together on a body that was smaller than their heads.
Lowell, Cecil, Mei, Salvador, Yuna and Takibi readied their weapons while Albion was going to use the Pillars to block off the Fairy Queen in a cage. That will buy them some time. Yuna's cello case opened up to strike at the Fairy Mass that made its way to her, then followed up by Salvador who used his blade that was emitting heat. Lowell, Cecil and Mei were handling it well too. Lowell would handle the assaults from the front, while Cecil and Mei would use their fists to break the Fairy Mass's joints.
Takibi was fine, slashing through at least three Fairy Masses with one swing. His title as the Cerulean Blade was no joke, and a little bit of the lessons Albion had gotten from Takibi was able to grant him a bit of that prowess. Fast slashes that were in a combination, switching hands as he swung the blade. The rapid changes were also a source of the speed that Takibi had, the Water Dragon swordsmanship. Emphasized the blade's river like form, one cannot block a river. Merely stopping it before it breaks through.
The goal was to get rid of the small ones. So that the fight with the Fairy Queen would not have any interruptions. She was breaking and rampaging through the pillars while Albion added the use of Chain to keep the Fairy Queen back. Replenishing the pillars as he chugged down bottles of mana potions to keep it stable. The Fragmented Blades were on standby, at least a dozen of them. Standing by in case of the Fairy Queen breaking out.
This fight. Albion wasn't going to waste time. He wasn't going to let anything stop him. He's going to clear this floor as fast as he can. When this is done. He was going to find Lisbon, and solve the orphanage's problem. The Fairy Queen broke the pillars, in a fit of rage as her servants had been killed.
"My fairies are dwindling in numbers… I need them to serve and protect me…" The Fairy Queen's eerie screech had affected them, a great wind pushed them back a few steps as it began its Predation. Trying to get its jaws to Albion who began lighting matches by the dozens, throwing it straight into the Fairy Queen's mouth.
"Focus heat on the limbs! Takibi the joints!" They followed his orders and began with their assault, while Takibi went after the Fairy Queen's joints. The Fairy Queen's mouth had enveloped in flames from all the matches that Albion had thrown in, Salvador and Yuna had their blades heated up with his while Lowell swung his guan dao to increase the heat. While Cecil and Mei went in for the heavy strikes to the limbs.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
Takibi slashing the joints as the Fairy Queen fell in front of him. Scorched in the flames and the joints broken.
"No! My fairies!" Albion readied the great sword. Gripping the blade with both hands as he raised it, looking at the Fairy Queen who was glaring at him.
"Sorry." A single swing would do the Fairy Queen in.
Floor Restriction Lifted.
You may bring the current Librarians out.
The next path of Malkuth is being optimized.
Please return at a later time.
Albion turned to the others who nodded.
"I could use some training. Do you guys mind humoring me for a bit?"
"Of course." Salvador said as they went out to the Lobby, now seeing the Scorched Girl run around chasing Pinocchio. Snow Queen was standing by the sparring area, resting her palms by the pommel of her blade. The Heart and Lungs of Aspiration were sorting out books while Bloodbath was manning the register while Roland was there to sort out books.
"Oh? Salvador. You're a librarian now?"
"Hm? Do I know you?" Roland then put on his black mask.
"Ah. Roland!?" Salvador was surprised by that revelation as Roland took it off.
"So you were the one who had dealt with me during my first expedition to the Library. I had always wondered where you were after the Smoke War."
"It's the past, Salvador. Where you're headed next is much different. We're going to be working in the Director's Office. The Lynx Office. So Fixers like us have a job at least. Or to be more precise the people that got swallowed up by the Library. oh, Lowell. Xiao's on the next path of Malkuth. So just be a bit more patient." Roland said as he passed the books to Bloodbath that began to put it in the list of books to be burned.
Scorched Girl was still having fun with Pinocchio, both of them giggling as Albion could see Pinocchio change shape, this time looking like a human boy. Instead of his wooden body, replaced with human flesh. Albion turned to Lowell who seemed relieved. Clenching his fists as he had a smile.
"We'll get there Lowell. Just hold on." Albion said as he went over to the sparing arena, where Salvador and Takibi were the ones to greet him. The Snow Queen gave the signal to start as the two sides charged head on. Albion using Durandal to his best abilities, swinging the blade as he parried Takibi first. Narrowly dodging a thrust from Salvador. Salvador's experience as a Fixer and Takibi's intense swordsmanship. This was a horrendous match up, but it will be a good time for Albion to test out Unchained Lynx. Feeling his attacks and defense increasing as he was able to take the blow from Takibi but his health chipped by 5 with each strike he failed to deal with.
Salvador was no slouch, he may be aged but his swordsmanship with the two blades that were expanding heat was going to be troublesome. Albion did not want to use Arbiter or Snow Queen for this fight. He needed to see how his fighting skills would fare on their own. Even with Myo's Prowess and the Strongest by the Red Mist was only to increase his strength but it was not enough.
He needed speed, he needed techniques. The fights he had with Salvador and Takibi was granting him insight to how they fought. Salvador was calculative, but his three swords were different. His Zweihander cleaved through a path, then he would draw the swords by his hip to unleash fast strikes while the Zweihander moves to the back. Another sword with heat to keep Albion at the distance. Takibi would come from above,trying to break through Albion's defenses.
"Whoa. He's going at it." Roland remarked as he watched them fight. Albion's fighting style isn't just about brute strength. It had more to do with strategies. Roland could see that Albion's reckless fighting style was high risk and high reward but it also had an air of possibility. Like he was analyzing this fight as he went along. If he used the Mook Katana it would have been faster, but it seemed as if he wanted to see how far he could go with the Durandal instead.
Lowell, Mei,Cecil and Yuna were enjoying their meals that was prepared from within the library. Watching the fight from where they were.
"He's insane. Fighting those two at once." Cecil said.
"I doubt it. He's just testing his limits." Lowell commented in as the others took notice of how Albion's erratic fighting had developed as a result of his technique.
"Roland, do you know anything about why he's in a rush to get stronger?"
"Beats me. Whatever it was, he's desperate." Roland said as he grabbed a can of beer from the books. Taking a few sips as he watches the situation unfold. The fight intensified with Albion on the defensive, watching him draw out Frost's Touch to take the head on attack by Salvador's Zweihander that turned red and Takibi's blade that was coated in ice. The blades clashed, unleashing a strong mist all around them.
When the fight was over, Albion was on the ground. Clenching his fist as he slammed it to the side.
"I still have a lot to learn. Let's go out." Albion said as he got up. Seeing Roland who carried a briefcase. The Dawn Office and the Liu Association Section 2 have made their appearance by the lobby door.
Current Malkuth Floor Roster
Salvador - Malkuth Floor Captain.
Head of the Dawn office.
Former Smoke War Veteran.
Wields a Zweihander from his time with Zwei Section 6.
His swordsmanship skills suit him as a veteran. Wielding a Zweihander for heavy attacks while using the two broadswords by Sigma Workshop.
Yuna- Second in Command of Malkuth Floor.
A member of the Dawn Office.
An experienced fixer that uses a cello case with metal blades that strike at enemies made by Sigma Workshop.
Lowell - Assistant Floor Librarian.
Director of Liu Association Section 2.
Uses a Guan Dao, primarily known for his combat prowess and his care for his subordinates.
Cecil -Assistant Librarian
A member of Liu Association Section 2.
Likes to tease Lowell about his relationship with his wife.
A close ranged fighter who fights with her fists.
Mei-Assistant Librarian
A member of Liu Association Section 2.
Likes to tease Lowell about his relationship with his wife.
Close ranged fighter.
Takibi, Assistant Librarian
Swordsman that had resided in the library thanks to Snow Queen.
Master Swordsman of the Water Dragon swordsmanship technique.
This team specializes in burning enemies with heat attacks with exception of Takibi who uses ice.
You may bring them out.
However, when attempting Malkuth floor objectives. They must be present.
Stepping out where Albion and the Malkuth Floor Librarians found themselves in a Guild War. Seeing Hunters of different sides attacking each other. Going in for the kill. Gunfire ripped the silence in the air as blades began to clash. Metal on metal as the grunts and groans of the many Hunters were heard.
"I thought that this place would be peaceful? It looks like the Smoke War's chaos from where I am standing." Salvador remarked.
"A Guild War is essentially when Guilds go to battle with one another. This happens from time to time. Our office is not part of it. So let's just leave them alone." Albion said as he walked forward, a bullet struck his helmet. It just stuck there like a needle piercing a dense cotton ball. Unable to move past it, Albion took the bullet and flicked it back to the sniper's position. Breaking the scope.
"We're not part of this Guild War. Just let us pass." Albion spoke as his voice echoed through the area.
"If you don't want to die, then you shouldn't have stepped on the battlefield!" A Hunter said as they ran at Albion with a knife. Going for Albion's throat. Yuna dropped her cello case and lifted the lid. The metal blades from within skewered the Hunter.
"What do guilds fight for?" Mei asked as she stepped to Albion's side.
"Territory. Guilds that control the territory work with the Hunter's Association to sell dungeons for Hunters to raid." Albion said as an arrow went over to his head, where Mei caught it before it hit him. The others took up positions by Albion's side, weapons drawn.
"Director, what do we do?" Albion turned to see the corpses of civilians who were involved in the Guild Wars. It was an ugly sight, he had seen the body of a 10 year old child that had been burnt to ash. A woman in a business suit whose mangled body was hanging by the streetlight. He felt somberness and a hint of rage at what he had just witnessed. Roland appeared by Albion's side.
"Sheesh. I didn't think we'd be involved here. This one is by the Dust Pipes and Wild Cats. So.. What do you want to do, Director?" Roland's answer had given Albion the answer he needed. Albion pulled out his phone, dialing for Olivier.
"Yes, Director?"
"Where's everyone else?"
"Everyone's on standby. Roland said if it was Dust Pipes we're to wait until you give the order." Albion looked at Roland who yawned out of boredom. Dodging a gunshot by taking a step to the left.
"Get the Lynx Office here. We're joining the Guild War between Dust Pipes and Wild Cats. We let them run wild and there will be more victims."
"Understood, Director." Olivier hung up as Albion fixed his gloves. Then checking his matchbox, seeing the 20 matches inside. Turning to the Malkuth Librarians who stood with weapons at the ready.
"Kill the Dust Pipes and Wild Cats. I don't care how you do it. As long as their dead." Albion said as they see him use Fairy against a Hunter with an M4 Assault Rifle. Causing them to explode with just a gesture of his right hand. Cracking his fingers as he raised his hand.A snap that created a shockwave that had struck every Hunter that was hostile to them within a 10 block radius. Two more snaps as Pale Hands staggered them. The Hunters that were staggered could only keep their eyes on Albion, only to be burnt away by Salvador's Sunset Blades. Burning through the armor, as their health began to chip at a fast rate. Salvador went with Roland first, leading the frontline.
Claiming four heads with one swing, as they ran through the area with their blades. Salvador was swinging his Zweihander. Fast and clean swings. When the other Hunters were free from the stagger effect, they went after Salvador's back. Salvador did not need to worry as a guan dao broke through the Hunter's charge, Lowell had stopped the Hunter's attacks dead in their tracks. Cecil punched the Hunter's chest, three blows to the chest.
The mithril armor they wore was being crushed inwards. Extending damage to their bodies while Cecil's fists began to generate heat. Heating the hunter from inside out before being sent flying from a kick. Yuna simple raised her cello case, as the metal blades went out to seek the targets in front of her. Slicing and dicing through the enemies. Running ahead while they watched how Takibi leaped into the air. Using White Reflection upon the many enemies that began with their assault against him.
Reflecting the attack back at each attacker with double the force, body parts and heads were flying as Takibi landed on his feet. Albion was not taking it easy, he was going at it with the Crystal Atelier's short swords. Slashing through the Hunters.
"Activate Black Silence." Emitting silence with his gloves. Enveloping the area in silence. Their radios had died and all they could hear?
Was the sound of their heartbeats. The Black Silence's gloves had unveiled its nature, while Albion would be continuing to cut through with his movements. The B ranks and C-Ranks of the Dust Pipes and Wild Cats were feeling the fear kicking into their bodies. Shock at the sight of the danger that began to spike.
The situation had turned sour, nothing was going their way. Albion's only thoughts was of anger. Anger because Guild Wars should never include civilians yet the two Guilds allowed it to happen. It was a stern rule that was meant to be followed but in practice, nobody would be willing to face against Guilds that were notorious. Ones who don't see the normal people as people, but rather as threats.
To Albion, the answer was simple. Just destroy the two Guilds completely and he was going to do just that. Using a Pillar to crush a Hunter into a pulp. Chain to keep the Hunters contained, then using Pillars to send them flying into the air. Swapping out for the shotgun to blast them off like clay pigeons. Albion tapped his helmet's ear, making a call to Olivier.
"Olivier... How's the situation?"
"We're handling it. The Fourth Pack Leaders went ahead to handle the Wild Cats. Roelica is guarding the house with Argalia, because they caught a few people trying to break in to the orphanage. Seems like they initiated Guild Wars in various districts."
"Hunt them down, Olivier. Tell the Fourth Pack to do the same. Don't let them get away." Albion said as a Hunter ran at him with his fists. A jab to the face. The impact didn't even faze Albion as he grabbed the Hunter's fist. Crushing it as the Hunter fell to his knees, looking at Albion's glowing eyes. Mouthing something but Albion couldn't be bothered as he stabbed the Hunter's neck. Watching the Hunter's life slowly fade away.
Obtained the following books.
Wild Cats Fighter.
Dust Pipes Mage.
Wild Cats Assassin
Dust Pipes Brawlers.
Wild Cats Monks.
Dust Pipes Infiltrators.
Wild Cats Snipers.
Dust Pipes Archers.
Quantity is 20 books each.
"Can't wait to burn these and see what it's all about."Albion said as he turned away. This time to the Dust Pipes and Wild Cat's hideouts.