In the midst of a vast abandoned library somewhere in the far corners of the world of Ethris, a human male sat in a lotus position in the middle of a rather complex magical formation.
All around him were floating books that were tinged with the same lime green glow that the magic formation gave off. Some were open with their pages rapidly being flipped through while others were closed and either floating towards him or back to their shelves.
This continued for another few hours, with the number of books surrounding him slowly dwindling. After the space around him was empty, he gave a disappointed sigh and stood up, dismissing the search spell he had been using as he did.
“I expected a lack of information considering how old this establishment is, but had at least hoped to find a few other leads to the locations of sealed Spirits or at least confirmation that there really is a Kistune-tsuki sealed near Loksha. Without a live specimen to observe, I fear things do not bode well for my research on the Spirit Race,” the man said, adjusting his glasses by using two fingers of his gloved hand to push on the bridge.
He brushed his clothes off, which consisted of a long sleeved turtleneck, a tight pair of pants, and a hooded cloaking, all of which were black with a red trim.
As he began to walk towards the entrance, he heard the familiar ping of a system window. Without breaking his stride, he began to read it, giving a wry smile as he read the contents and recognized the last name.
“Isabelle huh? Even in a virtual game, little brother attracts trouble as always, though I guess I should refer to him as a little sister in the game from now on. My twin is probably having a laugh about this right about now.” he said, his wry smile widening into a grin.
“Who knows? Maybe I’ll meet her on my way to Loksha, if she isn’t there already. Either way, my problem of finding a live specimen is solved even if Loksha turns out to be nothing but a false lead,” he continued as he opened the door to the library, pulling his hood over his short and neatly combed brown hair as his green eyes stared off into the horizon.
--------------------
STATUSNameAndrew Lazulu (Sagis)Fame25058Level156GenderMaleClass TreeMageClassSageClass Level132GuildN/A
RACERacial GroupHumanRaceHigh HumanSub RaceAscended
TITLESBlack Sage
Master of the Elements
Seeker of Truths
JOBSJob 1ScholarJob 2SpellsmithJob 3Librarian
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The Artam continent, which held the Flinas Kingdom where Loksha was located, was a part of a larger landmass. This land mass, known as Crigess, held two other continents, Izalic and Boldice. These three continents were separated by three mountain ridges, each of which started at the edges of Crigess and meet in the center at Mount Ardan, Crigess’ largest mountain.
Travel between the three continents were usually carried out in one of three ways. In order of shortest and most expensive to longest and least expensive, they were by boarding an airship at one of the aeroports, commissioning a ride on a boat at one of the ports, or by paying a toll at one of the various mountain passes.
The only free route available to all was also the longest and most dangerous: climbing Mount Ardan. It was a challenge that few took and even fewer survived, as it was so tall that not even the best airships could reach it’s peak. Anyone person who managed to make it to the top, regardless of gender, age, or race, was spoke of across all three continents as a legend.
At the very top of this behemoth of a mountain stood a tavern, it’s existence unknown to all but those who made it to the top alive. As if mocking the harsh conditions on the mountains slopes, where the air was blistering cold and fierce monsters roamed free, the inside of this tavern was almost always warm and lively, with food and ale so good that any who made it came back for more at some point.
Today was no different, as cheers and laughs were common as the taverns occupants shared tales of their adventures with one another. At a table near the taverns back wall, a particularly noisy group sat, roaring with laughter or cheering as the largest among them shared the tale of his most recent sparring match with one of the tavern’s other regulars, a Earthen Dragonoid whose short stature gave no hint to her monstrous power.
At about 8 feet tall, the man was even larger than the ogre that Isabelle had fought. He was dressed entirely in furs, with fur pants around his legs, fur boots around his feet, and fur bracers around his wrists. Draped across his back was a large bear hide tied by it’s front legs around his neck.
Although he looked human, the thick white hair on his muscular chest and thin spiked blonde hair that peeked out from the bear head that he used as a hood clued others to his race, a Royal Penguin Beastkin.
Finishing his story, he was surprised to hear a ping as a system window opened in front of him. After giving the contents a quick read, he began to roar anew with laughter, drawing confused looks from the Residents in the bar.
“It would seems that a certain pair of famous siblings has added a new member to their ranks, and just like her elders the young one has greeted the world by causing as big of a commotion as she can.” he explained to the others, standing up and reaching for a single bladed axe leaning against the wall that was even bigger than he was.
Lifting the heavy weapon with one arm and slinging it over his shoulder, the huge man left the tavern. On his way out, he sent a message to everyone is his guild to be on the lookout for a Traveler by the name of Isabelle Lazulu.
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STATUSNameDokin Ragnar (Dok)Fame20871Level178GenderMaleClass TreeWarriorClassVikingClass Level141GuildDen of Madness (Guildmaster)
RACERacial GroupBeastkinRacePenguinSub RaceRoyal
TITLESBear Slayer
King of the Mountains
Man Among Men
JOBSJob 1DrunkardJob 2WrestlerJob 3Lumberjack
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Deep within the Alzen Forest, a vast sea of trees on the Izalic continent, there was a sunlit clearing with large rocks scattered across its grass. In the middle of this clearing, a group of Travelers were taking a break, most of them using a cluster of rocks as seats while one was tending to a large pot of stew and a pair of slime girls played nearby.
The two slime girls were almost identical to each other, the only noticeable difference was that one was white and the other was black. They both looked like young girls, looking to be about the same age as Isabelle’s new form, with long slimy hair that reached to their waists in the back and framed their cute faces in the front. Both wore a frilly gothic lolita dress and a large ribbon on top of their heads that was the same color and texture as they were, indicating that their outfits were apart of them.
The one cooking was a tall woman who gave off a motherly feeling as she hummed a happy tune while she worked. She wore a red ribbed turtleneck sweater that was slightly loose on her even with the massive mounds that bulged out in front, along with a pair of tight black pants that emphasized her broad hips and plump rear. On her face, a pair of slitted blue eyes watched the food cook from behind a pair of pink rimmed glasses. There was a pair of black cat ears perched atop her slightly messy thigh length black hair, while a long black cat tail swung happily from her rear.
Off to the right side of the cook, a pair of individuals shared a rock as they sat back to back, tinkering with their respective weapons as parts lay scattered at the taps spread out by their feet.
One was a woman of about average height, with a slender waist and breasts and hips that were a little on the large side, giving her a slight hourglass figure. She wore a black leather jacket over a plain white shirt, and a pair of black leather pants. A pair of dark pointed ears poked out from underneath her mop of white, shoulder length hair. Her tomboyish face featured a pair of purple eyes, which were currently fixed on her work. She was currently maintaining one of a pair of magic pistols, the other of which was in it’s holster on her hip.
The other person sitting there was a woman a few inches taller that her companion but her waist, bust, and hips were about the same size, giving her a slightly more slender look. As for her looks the base of her body was human in appearance, but no one looking at her could possibly mistake her for one. On each arm at the halfway point between her shoulders and her elbows, a ring of fluffy white fur acted as a border between her human skin and the reddish fur that covered the remainder of her arms, ending in a cross between hands and paws. There was a similar situation with her legs, with an extra ring above her ankles giving the impression that her hybrid paws/feet were instead a pair of boots. A pair of red bat wings extended out from her upper back, while a red scorpion like tail extended from the base of her spine. A pair of black cat ears sat perched atop her red hair, which was tied back in a short spiky ponytail. She wore a red vest that buttoned up all the way to the fluffy white fur around her neck, along with a pair of red shorts. She was fiddling with the insides of a clockwork sword, somehow managing delicate movements even with her paws being larger than normal hands.
On the opposite side of the cooking cat lady from the two workers, the group’s lone male lay on his side particularly long and flat rock with his back to the rest and his head propped up with his elbow. He was slightly taller that the average male, with messy grey hair topped with a pair of wolf ears and bushy eyebrows. The only thing he wore on his muscled body was a baggy pair of shorts with a multitude of pockets and a hole in the back for his grey tail. His eyes we currently closed as he slept.
The last member of the group sat on a rock behind the cook at work, watching as she worked. One of her hands rested on her seat while the other held a wine glass, occasionally bringing it to her lips. The woman gave off a presence full of grace and elegance and her curves were second only to the motherly cook. A pair of black evening gloves graced her arms and a matching black evening gown flowed down to her ankles, where her feet were clad in a pair of black heels. Her knee length blonde hair was straight and silky. On her back, a pair of translucent butterfly wings shimmered slightly with rainbow light. On either side of her, four rapiers sat leaning against the rock, giving her a total of eight. She smiled as she addressed the humming cat.
“You’ve been in such a good mood lately, Lugra.” she said, and the humming stopped as Lugraz turned her head to answer.
“Why wouldn’t I be, Yuna? After all, last time me and Andy met up, he not only gave me these clothes to wear, but he also praised my cooking!” the cat woman said with an elated smile as Yuna’s turned into a wry one.
“You’re really all over that Lazulu guy, ain’t ya Lu? I’ve heard of online dating, but over a game?” the red furred tinker asked with a chuckle, looking up from her sword.
"You say that like we haven't met in real life yet, Mu." Lugra pouted.
“She’s got a point Mu.” the dark skin elf spoke up, finishing her maintenance and returning her gun to it’s holster.
“Thank you, Terri.” the cat girl said before returning to her humming while Mu conceded the point and didn’t say anything further. Lugra finished her cooking just as the whole group received a system message. After reading it, Yuna looked to Lugra.
“Did Mr. Lazulu ever mention a littler sister?” the fairy asked.
“No, but he did say that his little brother would be starting soon...That poor thing, to be transformed so early…” came the worried reply.
“Poor or not, what should we do about this quest Boss?” Mu asked, turning to Yuna.
“Isn’t obvious? We’ll be helping out, of course. Lugra, can you ask Mr. Lazulu where his brother started out while we eat?”
“Already asked. Andy said he’s not sure, but he has a hunch that it’s in one of Artam’s newly discovered towns called Loksha.” Lugra responded.
“That’s pretty far, so we’ll set out right after we eat. Understood?” Yuna looked around as her teammates nodded.
“Good. Then let’s eat.”
Mu got up from her seat and walked across the temporary camp to the still sleeping wolf man sleeping there. She then proceeded to kick him off into the grass.
“Huh? Wha? Is it time to eat?” the confused wolf man asked.
“Mornin’ Ran, ya big dope. Yeah, it’s time to eat. We’ve leaving right after though.” Mu responded with a grin.
“What? Why?” The wolf asked, further confused.
“Check your logs, ya lazy mutt.” was Mu’s only reply.
Ran’s eyes moved to the window that had popped up.
“An SSS Rank? Sounds interesting.” he said as he grinned, revealing a set of fangs.
“Alex! Mattie! TIme to eat!” Lugra called to the two slime girls who immediately responded.
““M’kay!”” they shouted in unison, uncrumpling the large ball of windows they had been using to play catch.
“How come those two only listen to you?”, Terri asked, “Not even Yuna can make them listen to her. And while we’re on the subject, How’d you meet Yuna anyways? You’ve been a part of the guild for a while now and the rest of us only know that Yuna showed up to a rendezvous with the three of you in tow.”
“Some things are better left alone.” Lugra answered the elf with a bright smile. Yuna and the slime twins, however, shuddered a bit. At that point, Terri decided it was best to drop the topic.
“Now then! Since everyone’s here, let’s eat!”, Lugra said, receiving a cheer from the rest. As the group sat down for their meal, they began to discuss which route they would take to reach Loksha the fastest.
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STATUSNameYuna Gracieu (Yunari)Fame24011Level169GenderFemaleClass TreeBardClassBlade DancerClass Level145GuildBad Company (Guildmaster)
RACERacial GroupFairyRaceTitaniaSub RaceRythmic
TITLESLady of Grace
Conductor of the Blade Symphony
Mistress of the Deadly Waltz
JOBSJob 1ComposerJob 2MuscianJob 3Connoisseur
STATUSNameRan Lupus (Ayuran)Fame19214Level151GenderMaleClass TreeWarriorClassBrawlerClass Level133GuildBad Company
RACERacial GroupMythicalRaceWere-BeastSub RaceWolf
TITLESBloodsoaked Beast
Army of One
Terror of The Moonlight
JOBSJob 1BerserkerJob 2DemolitionistJob 3Boxer
STATUSNameMu Schnell (Muyami)Fame17432Level140GenderFemaleClass TreeWarriorClassFencerClass Level127GuildBad Company
RACERacial GroupChimeraRaceManticoreSub RaceHumanoid
TITLESClockwork Prodigy
Grand Inventor
Speed Demon
JOBSJob 1Clockwork TinkererJob 2BlacksmithJob 3Metalworker
STATUSNameTerri Geweher (Mistake)Fame17412Level139GenderFemaleClass TreeRangerClassGunslingerClass Level123GuildBad Company
RACERacial GroupElvenRaceDark ElfSub RaceMoondancer
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
TITLESMagitech Genius
Grand Inventor
True Marksman
JOBSJob 1Magitech EngineerJob 2MetalworkerJob 3Engraver
STATUSNameLugra Materna (Lugraz)Fame14781Level124GenderFemaleClass TreeHealerClassSaintClass Level103GuildBad Company
RACERacial GroupBeastkinRaceCatSub RacePanther
TITLESMother to All
Mama Bear
Lover of the Black Sage
JOBSJob 1ChefJob 2HousekeeperJob 3Tailor
STATUSNameMattie Dolce (Yin)Fame10195Level117GenderFemaleClass TreeMageClassShadereaverClass Level93GuildBad Company
RACERacial GroupSlimeRaceCandy SlimeSub RaceWhite Chocolate
TITLESOne Half of a Whole
Deceptively Sweet
Little Devil
JOBSJob 1TricksterJob 2MascotJob 3Metamorpher
STATUSNameAlex Dolce (Yang)Fame10195Level117GenderFemaleClass TreeHealerClassLightbringerClass Level93GuildBad Company
RACERacial GroupSlimeRaceCandy SlimeSub RaceDark Chocolate
TITLESOne Half of a Whole
Deceptively Sweet
Little Devil
JOBSJob 1TricksterJob 2MascotJob 3Metamorpher
--------------------
On the coast of the Boldice continent, there lay a small and rather unusual country known as Demalheim. Black storm clouds constantly hung over the entirety of the nation, shrouding it in a permanent darkness regardless of day or night.
What made this country so unusual, however, was that despite having only existed for a single year, it was one most prosperous and influential nations on Boldice. As proof of it’s standing, Demalheim traded goods and information with nearly every other country on the continent and with many other on the other two.
Within an ominous black castle that stood in Demalhiem’s capital, a white pillar of light suddenly shone in the royal bedroom. This was an indication of a Traveler logging into TFO. The light faded just as quickly as it had appeared, it revealing a female demon.
Her rather intricate black dress nearly touched the floor as did her ankle length silver hair, which was cut short up front to reveal her stunning face and glowing crimson eyes. A red bow was tied to the back of her hair, from under which a pair of black horns curved around her temples to her forehead, giving the impression of a crown. A thick black tail ending in a large spade grew from the base of her spine and three pairs of demonic wings spread out from her back.
Though her curves were rather modest compared to the likes of Lugra, Yuna, or Lilith, she wasn’t flat by any means possessing a figure similar to Lynn’s. Even without their excessive curves, she still carried an aura of her own just like they did, only much more powerful. Different from Lugra’s motherly atmosphere or Yuna’s air of grace, this demon carried an aura of allure, confidence, and authority.
She left the room and begun to walk the halls of the dark castle, her steps unhurried as she strode as if she own the very floor beneath her, which, in fact, she did. Reaching her throne room, she sat down on the red leather seat set into the black stone of her regal chair. She then snapped her fingers once.
Instantly, a female demon dressed in a pure black maid uniform stepped out of the shadows. This maid looked like a slightly older version of Lilith, but carried a mature feeling to her that Lilith lacked.
“You have need of me, Milady?” the maid asked, kneeling on .
“Just you today, Jodie? What happened to Lilith?” the demon queen inquired in return. The maid hesitated for a moment before giving her reply.
“I’m afraid I must inform you that my younger sister has reigned in on the agreement that was made when she joined the guild, Milady.” the maid said at last.
“So she’s gone to join her master then? Oh well, I knew from the start that prying one of your line away from their chosen master would be something of an impossible task to begin with. Besides, wherever they are, they’ll eventually fall under my rule as Demalheim’s expansion continues. Let’s leave them alone for now.” the queen replied, her confident smirk gaining an element of amusement as she thought about the particular master in question, “Plus, I can understand her fascination with that man, having met him myself in real life. One thing is for sure, it’s never boring when he’s around and with him in the game, things are guaranteed to become entertaining.”
Almost as if it was wanting for her to say that, a system message popped up in front of the two demons. Reading it quickly, the demon queen threw back her head in laughter while even Jodie had trouble keeping her composure.
“Speak of the devil and he shall appear! You’ve outdone yourself this time, Isabelle!” she laughed before turning her head to the maid who was still desperately trying to remain professional. “Jodie, change of plans! I’ve decided that I want Lilith and her Mistress in my employee sooner rather than later! have Syndra search her contacts and tell that once she’s found their location, I want her, Argenom, and Chyrax to find a good country near them to turn into a puppet nation!”
“At once, Milady!” Jodie replied, quickly returning to the shadows.
Now alone in her throne room, the demon queen continued to chuckle to herself.
“I can’t wait to see you...What will you show me this time…?” she mutter quietly, her amused smile refusing to fade.
--------------------
STATUSNameChikara Reginia (SubeteNoJoo)Fame40934Level213GenderFemaleClass TreeMageClassTemptressClass Level198GuildChosen Revolution (Guildmaster)
RACERacial GroupDemonRaceSuccubusSub RaceLilim
TITLESDemon Overlord
Founding Sovereign
Born To Rule
JOBSJob 1SovereignJob 2GeneralJob 3Tamer
STATUSNameJodie Regalia (Aqua)Fame23018Level172GenderFemaleClass TreeRogueClassShinobiClass Level159GuildChosen Revolution (Submaster)
RACERacial GroupDemonRaceSuccubusSub RaceNight Touched
TITLESRight Hand of the Queen
Invisible Assassin
Princess of the Shadowflare
JOBSJob 1MaidJob 2AdvisorJob 3Tutor
--------------------
In a workshop on the edge of Loksha, a golem was laughing in a slightly maniacal fashion.
His humanoid body was made of vivid brown rocks and covered with with glowing green lines that gathered in the center, forming a kind of nucleus. The same green glow came from where his eyes would have been as well as from his surprisingly soft crystalline hair that was tied back in a ponytail.
On his body, he wore a yellow fur kimono with a red and orange flame pattern at the bottom, with buttons instead of a sash, and a matching pair of martial arts pants. His kimono only had a right sleeve, with his left arm having only a shoulder pand and an arm protector. On his feet, he wore a pair of sandals with straps high enough on his ankles to lock them in and keep them from sliding off. Lastly, on his head he wore the most badass bandana that one could ever hope to lay eyes on.
The reason for his lay in the system window that was open in front of him. Hours earlier, he had received a system message sent to all players detailing a SSS Rank quest to bring back an entire Racial Group from extinction, followed by a message from his guildmaster to be on the lookout for the player featured in the message.
At the time he had just shrugged, believing that the chances of him meeting that particular player were next to nothing. But the window that was currently open in front of him said otherwise.
The town you are in has become the Territory of another Traveler.TownLokshaOwnerIsabelle Lazulu (Ignix)Although you can enter a town owned by another Traveler, you will be forced to leave if that player decides to Blacklist you.
Continuing his (slightly) maniacal laughter, he closed the window and sent a message to his guildmaster receiving a reply that the man was heading there from Mount Ardan. Then, with a mischievous grin on his face, he headed out onto the streets, switching out his Crystal Tinkerer Job in favor of equipping his Trickster Job.
Ardan’s a long way from here. Should take a few days for the bossman to show his face. Plenty of time to have some fun messing with someone. And I know just the player.
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STATUSNameGondorrer Gravelbane (Wargon)Fame24132Level96GenderMaleClass TreeWarriorClassSkirmisherClass Level84GuildDen of Madness
RACERacial GroupConstructRaceGolemSub RaceHarzburgite
TITLESThe Mad
Monster Trainer
Crafting God
JOBSJob 1TricksterJob 2TamerJob 3Hunter
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A few hours after Isabelle gain control over Loksha, next to a damaged tree and a ring of slowly melting chucks of ice, a white pillar of light suddenly shone, tinged with a slight red. This was an indicator of a Traveler logging in after a particularly painful death. The light fade to reveal a 7 foot tall ogre, dress in nothing but a pair of pants, a belt, and a pair of gauntlets.
“DAMN IT!” he roared, swinging his fist into an undamaged tree beside him, breaking it in two and sending it tumbling to the ground.
“THAT DAMN FOX BRAT! NEXT TIME I SEE HER, I’LL MAKE SURE SHE REGRETS EVEN MEETING ME!”
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STATUSNameSterk Malaka (RandomG)Fame7912Level35GenderMaleClass TreeWarriorClassBrawlerClass Level21GuildN/A
RACERacial GroupHumanRaceDemi-HumanSub RaceOgre
TITLESN/A
JOBSJob 1TrackerJob 2GeneralJob 3Wrestler
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Far from Crigess, there was an island that was almost completely covered by a massive white temple. This was known as the Eternal Grand Temple and it was the headquarters of the Ethris Theocracy, an organization dedicated to the worship of all eight of Ethris’s deities and one of the world’s most influential powers.
The Ethris Theocracy was lead by it’s Council, a group of eight Grand Archbishops, each of which were from one of the eight racial groups patroned by the gods. It had been decided earlier on that no single race should hold the position at the top, so each Council member was chosen to represent the racial group they hailed from.
All of them being exceptionally busy, the Council only met in full to discuss matters they deemed urgent enough to warrant it. Such as when each of the received reports from the Travels that had joined their ranks about a Traveler seeking to revive the Spirit Races, a racial group their predecessors had persecuted in order to cement the Theocracy’s power. In the end, discussions came to a close with a 7 to 1 vote to issue an order to their followers that the Traveler known as Isabelle Lazulu was to be stopped at all costs.
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Author Corner
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Long SS is Loooong! Sorry this took so long guys, stuff happened and the side story came along slower than it should have. And I still have characters to introduce in Arc 2!
Fun fact: every character introduced in this side story, with the exception of Andrew and the ogre, is based on some else.
In other news, I’ll be taking some time to focus on school work for a few days, so in the meantime how about you guys come up with some suggestions for further Side Stories?
GrandFinale, over and out!