The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 34: The vestiges of a Witch (Part 1)

Chapter 34: The vestiges of a Witch

Aria Friend:

We gathered just on the edge of the research camp. By the time we had exited several other groups of players had entered the area. We weren't the only ones who were excited to explore the Field of Blades, though by looking at their expressions, a lot of that excitement had become melancholy or anxious curiosity. For certain, the only space that showed such wanton destruction on an equal scale was the Sand's Heart.

"We've got the pass now, do we just head to the fortress?" I asked Vanter as we prepared our gear.

"That's about it," he replied. "We'll go over the plan once we reach the boundary."

"Rightio," Endi saluted him, the atmosphere really hadn't changed her mood much. "It'll be interesting actually fighting those ghosts."

"Right...," Erin who remained beside me was on the opposite end. "I know this is a game and all, but can we kill spirits like them normally?"

I laughed, "Enchanted weapons and magic aren't really what you'd call normal, but yes what we have is fine or at least I'm pretty sure." I eyed Vanter for confirmation. After all, I had never really played Areithia Onling before the past few months. As for combat after the fall, I generally only found myself facing Rift Walkers... and people.

"If we didn't have the right gear, we'd be in trouble but we're good," he smiled reassuringly. If it was Ardy who had said that I'd trust it fully, but there was something about Vanter that was harder to be fully confident in.

"Hey Friend number 2!" the voice called from nearby. Crozen and his party of followers walked closer. Aside from the two we had fought already there were four others following him. They looked like support staff more than anything else. Like a camera crew that was following a celebrity's documentary.

"What is it?" Erin replied for me, standing between the two of us. Her eyes flicked to hovering light that took in the space around us.

"We just finished with head researcher as well. How about we help each other for the next part of the quest?" he smiled sweetly, an expression that made me feel like gagging. "Together we'd gather the materials faster, right?"

"Nah we're good," Erin refused bluntly.

"Hey, we both want to explore the fortress. I get we've had our clashes but might as well make this faster for everyone right?"

"No, I mean we're good," she grinned and gestured to Vanter who held up the silver pass. "We managed to finagle a way in already."

"What?" he was shocked. "But- how did you?"

"Connections," Erin shrugged. "Speak to the right people here and there and suddenly you're receiving quite the warm welcome."

"Care to explain?" When it came down to it, Crozen wasn't just the number one streamer for no reason. He made the best guides and content for the game. If people only watched him for his stellar personality, he'd never have made it so far.

"Nope," Erin poked out her tongue mischievously. "Isn't half the fun to figure those things out yourself? Beside the quest should be fun in itself." I couldn't help notice Vanter look away, meaning the full questline would be a bit of a drag. "See ya next time." Erin waved and urged us to move on, leaving Crozen and his crew behind.

Crozen's lips turned to a crude smile, "Fine but watch your backs. You may have beaten me this time but I always get first place eventually."