The Spire (POV)

Log 9

> You say "So first we have to figure out how the Shadow Guard tick"

"What do you mean exactly? Like, how they move and why?"

"Exactly like that.", you nod.

"Well, I guess it can't hurt to find out.", she smiles.

> You say "So apparently, they can be shot and hindered, but they don't seem to be perfectly neutralized"

"Correct."

"Well, how do we distinguish between the two?"

> You say "Well, I guess if it disappears? If my knowledge of Shadow monsters is any use, most of their kind fade away when killed..."

She thinks for a moment.

"Well, it looks like you do know a thing or two about them."

She chuckles a bit awkwardly.

You smile in return and nod.

> You say "So do you think they're affected by the Sun?"

"I would assume so, but I reeeally don't know. You'd have to take one out in the light for a while to be sure, but I imagine so."

> You say "So, that's where I come in! I'm going to get one to chase me, and you can watch from afar!"

"What? Why would you want to do that?"

"So you can research how to kill them."

She seems a bit concerned about that, but nods.

This might be a bad decision. You are an agent, and she's just some random girl you found in the desert. Your life is more valuable than hers, all things considered, so why would you willingly endanger yourself? You decide not to think about it

> You say "So Uzu, I guess I should go lure one out now, huh?"

You nod to yourself.

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Wait, really?"

"Well... Yeah."

She happily nods, seemingly forgetting her fears of a moment ago.

> You walk towards Vusmith with Uzume.

"Alright, I guess we should go get one."

"Yes! Let us go now, quickly!"

Uzume seems to be pretty chipper for going on a potentially dangerous quest.

You arrive at the edges of Vusmith. The Shadow Guards don't appear to notice you, and you easily blend in with the shadows.

"Alright, so here's what we're going to do..." You begin to explain.

> You say "I'm going to shoot one, and when it calls out its buddies to attack me, I'm going to step out the town's border"

"So basically what you're saying is, you want me to stay here and look pretty."

> You say "Well yes, but actually no"

She smirks, then smiles at you.

"Well I'll do my part, but I don't know what your plan is in case they come."

"Plan? There isn't one."

> You say "If they come for you, then you can rest assured, that I am most definitely dead for real"

"Nice save."

"But if they don't come for you... then I suppose you can go home."

She smiles, and walks off into a delerict building

> You come out into the town square.

You continue towards the center of town, keeping your eye on the shadows. You reach the clearing, and you sit still

> You shoot one of the Shadow Guard.

You raise your rifle, and fire.

The bullet thuds into the creature's chest, and it predictably lets out a grievous noise. But, unsurprisingly, it doesn't go down.

"Well this is interesting...", you say.

The creature moves forward, and you get your shotgun ready. You know you'll have to act quick.

The creature leaps into the air, aiming directly at your head.

> You drop the shotgun, and run.

You dive out of the way, and behind a metal mail-box. You quickly reload your rifle, and duck behind the mailbox again.

The creature lands behind you, and you immediately turn around to fire at it.

> You try to escape the town as fast as possible.

You get out of your hiding spot, and begin sprinting towards the edge of Vusmith.

The creature follows, jumping after you, shrieking in an unknown language.

Shadowy tentacles start to rise out of the ground, presumably to grab you. You run as fast as you can, but you notice that the tentacles are extending...

> You jump around and try to avoid being grabbed by the tentacles.

The tentacles grab a hold of you, and you are lifted off the ground. The creature holds you in the air, and looks at you.

> You say "Soo... long time no see?"

The creature looks at you, and you stare back.

"I remember you...", the creature says.

> You say "Well, too bad you didn't kill me for good last time"

The creature drops you on the ground, and you notice how much further it is to the edge of Vusmith...

"Last time I saw you, you weren't supposed to be walking around. I was sure I hit your artery..."

"Things change"

"No matter. I will finish you properly this time." The creature lets out a guttural growl and prepares to strike your head with its shadowy appendage.

You move out of the way, but fail to avoid getting grabbed by the tentacle.

"You move too slowly this time." The creature says and snaps your neck.

"I'm so kind... I let you live longer. Too bad your little white haired companion isn't around to save you anymore.", the creature says, sneering at you.

You fall down, dead.

"And that's how it could go wrong!", you happily say to Uzume.

Uzume looks sad, but nods in agreement.

> You say "Well, that's what you're here for! To save me if I ever get caught by one of them Shadow Guards!"

Uzume's eyes widen in surprise, then she smiles and nods.

"That's right! I'm here to save your ass!"

You both laugh.

You reach the Town of Vusmith, for real this time.

It's just as big as it was before, if not even bigger. The Shadow Guards, of course, part of the landscape. You couldn't mess up now,

A single mistake could kill you.

And multiple mistakes would kill her.