No one's POV

The enormous galleon pulled slowly into port. From its anchor shaped like two swords, to its warrior-esque statue adorning the ship's bow, to the towering mast protruding from the ship's hold like a mighty halberd, it was every bit the ship of a tribe of warrior women— and it garnered the attention to match it as the troupe alighted to the land below.

Even the brawny fishermen littering the dock were immediately abuzz with excitement and confusion as the Amazonian women disembarked, led by their young, masked goddess.

Tione: Kali!!

Tione shouted, still clad in her blue swimsuit. With Tiona on her heels, she made a beeline toward the incoming ship that, by chance, had pulled halfway into the city port. The gathering crowd quickly moved aside at the menacing aura radiating off the two sisters. By the time Aiz and the others arrived, back in their normal attire, the air choking the wharf was liable to explode at a moment's notice.

Tione: What are you doing here?!

Kali: We haven't seen each other in years and that's the first thing you say to me?

Kali, countered disenchantedly, indifferent to Tione's rage.

Tione: Answer me!!

Kali: A little sightseeing is all. Problem, Tione?

Kali posed before sending one of her girls to meet the highly flustered city official headed their way. Given they already had the proper port-entry permit, it did seem they'd made prior preparations for the trip.

Tione: That's bullshit...!!

Kali: No, it's undeniable truth. Wanted a change in routine is all. A little stimulation, you know?

Kali's lips curled upward coyly as the crease between Tione's brows deepened. Behind her, Tiona kept quiet, unable to conceal her look of dubiety. Aiz, on the other hand, couldn't seem to keep her eyes off two different women in the group—the two sandy-haired Amazonian warriors next to the goddess, so alike there was no way they weren't sisters.

Aiz(mind): They're strong.

The battle-hardened intuition of the Sword Princess told her as much. Both women before her could easily stand shoulder to shoulder with the best of their first-tier adventurers.

Aiz(mind): Level 5s maybe...? No, Level 6s? How can it be possible, for a Familia outside the city?

A thought that, if true, was a little terrifying. She was certain they belonged to a familia outside the city. And while Aiz herself didn't know much about the world outside Orario and the Dungeon, she did know that leveling up outside the Labyrinth City was a difficult task. When taking that into account, these two sisters and the first-tier aura they were giving off seemed even more remarkable.

Aiz couldn't help but wonder just what kind of training they'd undergone that would give them the ability to take out a viola with such ease.

Aiz(mind): And that one...she hasn't taken her eyes off Tione this entire time.

Her gaze flitted to the woman who'd killed the viola, her face expressionless beneath her semi-long hair. The vibe around her suggested she was even more taciturn than Aiz herself.

The woman next to her, hair tied up in a ponytail that descended all the way to her waist, was currently eyeing the confrontation between Kali and Tione with a little smile.

As though feeling the pair of eyes on her, she threw a glance in Aiz's direction. Aiz's muscles instinctively tensed at the almost reptilian way those two eyes bored through her.

Kali: Aaaanyway! It's been a long time...

The tiny goddess continued, looking up at Tione and making a rather lewd gesture toward her chest as her eyes traveled downward to stare pointedly at Tione's breasts.

Kali: You've grown.

Tione: And just where do you think you're looking...?!

A husky murmur escaped Kali's lips as her eyes flicked toward Tiona.

Kali: Meh...you haven't changed at all.

Tiona: What're you lookin' at, huh?!

Tiona barked back. As the girl began stomping her feet in indignation, Aiz stepped forward like always to hold her arms behind her back.

Kali: I've heard of you guys before. Loki Familia, yes? Where's your goddess?

Loki: I'm right here.

Loki stepped out from the crowd of people, walking past Tiona and her tantrum to face Kali head-on. The scarlet-haired goddess's gaze was surly, her lips curled upward in a grin that exuded impertinence.

Loki: I thought somethin' was goin' on...Heh. No biggie. As you can see, these two kiddos are mine now. You need somethin', runt number two?

Kali: Hmph. Our first time meeting and you're already being a disobliging asshole. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have business with these two.

Loki: Oh-ho-ho! Pickin' a fight, are we? On our first date? Come at me, you vertically challenged piece of trash!!

One provocation leading to another, Loki erupted—a magnificent first impression if ever they'd seen one.

Lefiya: P-please calm down!

Aki: You're making a scene!!

Lefiya, Aki, and the others pleaded, moving forward to calm their raging goddess. Kali, on the other hand, completely ignored the entire spectacle, turning, instead, toward where Tione was still glaring daggers in her direction.

Kali: At any rate, we're going to be here for a while. If you folks are doing the same, perhaps we'll meet again.

Tione: Don't make me laugh...

Kali: I'm sensing some animosity. Do you really hate me—and the rest of your tribe—so much?

Tione: I never wanted to see you again...ever!

Tione practically spit, both at Kali and at the rest of the Amazons behind her. Kali's eyes narrowed behind her mask. Then she turned on her heel, taking the rest of her troupe with her.

Kali: I couldn't help but miss you, my beloved daughters.

Kali finished before she and her familia left the wharf behind them.

Lefiya: Daughters...?

Lefiya murmured curiously as she watched the departing group and Tione, who remained stock-still on the dock. Ever so hesitantly, she turned toward Loki, whose peers were still restraining her.

Lefiya: Do Misses Tione and Tiona...know that goddess?

Loki: Hnnnnggghh...Guess there's no point hiding it... That's their old familia. Their very first one, too, from before they joined ours.

Lefiya, Aiz, and the others sucked in their breath. Tiona, however, simply gazed quietly at her sister's back before turning her eyes toward the infuriatingly sunny sky above.

(Timeskip)

Asuna: Kali Familia consists of the goddess of Telskyura and her followers.

Later that night. They were in the room they'd reserved at a local inn—their home base for the length of their investigation—as Loki, Riveria, and Asuna explained the situation, everything about Tione and Tiona, and the deep connection they had with this Kali Familia.

Aki: Telskyura...that's a peninsular country far to Orario's southeast, right?

Riveria: It is. A solitary island surrounded on all sides by sea and cliffs...known for belonging to no one but Amazons. I'm sure many of you have heard of it.

Loki: S'just like with Ares and Rakia. And Astraea and Azbaya. A nation-state familia or whatever you wanna call it. I mean, not that I think that tiny tramp's fit to rule or anything... It's pointless! That brat and I'll never get along! The only one who grinds my gears more than that pip-squeak is that Jyaga Maru midget tramp...And what's with that creepy mask, huh? Ugh! Pisses me off!!

Asuna: Quiet, Loki. Now back to the topic... Telskyura is a country of Amazons. It would seem the only men allowed on the island are slaves or those used for breeding.

Lefiya: From the little we learned about it in school, it seems to be a very savage country. Or, at least, that's the impression I've always had...

After Lefiya added her thoughts, Riveria explained further.

Riveria: You'd be correct. From what I've heard, a day there doesn't go by without battle cries and cheering crowds filling the air, everyone devoting themselves to relentless combat. It is a nation of blood and war...the Holy Land of the Amazons. It's one of the few world powers besides Orario, and they possess incredible capacity for war. And not only that, they're completely isolated compared to other countries. Information about what goes on inside their borders is extremely limited...

It was here that Riveria stopped. Eyes traveling back and forth between Aiz and the other women seated on the sofa, Asuna continued for her.

Asuna: There are rumors that their two captains, the sisters Argana and Bache, have both reached Level Six.

There was a simultaneous gulp of dread from all those listening. First-tier adventurers were rare enough already, even in Orario, but for them to be the same level as Riveria and Asuna and the other elites was something else entirely. It was so easy to forget about the world outside the walls of the great Labyrinth City, and this piece of news was enough to leave them speechless.

Aiz: Riveria, Asuna, how did they get that strong? Without the Dungeon...how were they able to level up?

Aiz asked, unable to wrap her thoughts around the perceived dilemma. The group of Amazonian warriors they'd come face-to-face with earlier that day immediately sprang to her mind. It wasn't just the two sisters in question, either—all of them seemed strong enough to hold their own against a top-tier adventurer. How could they possibly have grown that strong without the boon of the Dungeon?

Riveria and Asuna were silent for a moment. Then...

Asuna: Consider Orario... The Labyrinth city is centered on the Dungeon. It's not just populated with adventurers. The economy runs on many industries. From daily life to entertainment, all of it revolves around the Dungeon. To become stronger in Orario, one dives deeper in the dungeon. For that power, we have a city dedicated to the world's best dungeon. That is Orario.

Lefiya: The, what about Telskyura...?

Riveria: "Become Stronger". Everything in that country is dedicated for that mission. Anything is done for that purpose. Through the rites they perform every day in the arena...ruthless fights to the death, not only against the monsters they capture but even against their fellow warriors.

Once again, Aiz and the others found themselves at a loss for words.

Loki: Yeah, some explorer wrote about it in his chronicle or whatnot. About how he snuck into Telskyura and barely made it out with his life...and the constant killing that took place day and night in those rites.

Riveria: You mean the Curious Tales of Rastillo Furough?

Loki: That's the one! There's a copy in the manor's archives!

Loki replied with a fervent nod, reciting it for them now as though flipping through the pages then and there.

Loki: 'I, too, shall emulate their hymns. An Amazon of the land is a true warrior'...I can still remember that line.

Asuna: Or in the Amazonian language 'Ze Wega'-'You are my true warrior'.

Silence settled over the room. Whether they'd heard of Telskyura before, like Lefiya, or were just learning about it for the first time, like Aiz, they were all at a loss for words. But not because they'd learned the truth about the island of Amazons. No, it was because they remembered that Tiona and Tione, too, had once been members of this Kali Familia, and the realization was enough to shake them to the core. Lefiya was the first to speak, voice straining from her parched throat.

Lefiya: Then...Misses Tiona and Tione both...?

Loki: Born and raised in Telskyura. Least, that's what they told me upon joining. So I can assume they went through the whole rigmarole, too...

It had been five years since the two sisters had converted to Loki Familia. Loki leaned on the back of the sofa, eyes traveling toward the ceiling as though she was reliving that very day in her mind.

Tione: We've killed so many of our brethren, and you still want us to join you?

That was what Tione had asked when Loki had approached them with her invitation. Riveria and Asuna closed their eye in silent reflection. They'd been there, too, together with Finn and the rest of the elites. Lefiya and the others could barely contain their shock.

There was no way they could have known that the eternally innocent Tiona and the lovestruck Tione constantly attempting to court the captain could have had such horrific pasts. Even hearing it now, they could barely believe their ears.

While, certainly, none of them had ever asked about the two girls' history, neither Tiona nor Tione had ever shown signs that something darker resided within them.

Aiz(mind): I never knew...

Not even Aiz had known. Back then, Aiz had been even less interested in matters aside from her training and had known only that they were getting some new members in the familia—nothing more. She didn't start interacting with them until Asuna had approached her and told her to start interacting with the other Familia members.

Aiz:...

The conversation coming to a close, Aiz turned her gaze toward the open window. She could see Tione outside, standing on the wide balcony with her back to them.

(Timeskip)

Tiona: C'moooon, Tione. Let's go back inside!

With Tiona's incessant pestering in her ear, Tione continued to stare out at the city beyond the balcony's railing. The hotel they'd booked was a grand Southern-style inn right in the center of the city. And from the balcony on its fifth and highest floor, one could take in the entire port and its connecting bay in a single glance.

Tione: Why did they come here?

Tione murmured through her fatigue, letting her eyes drop to the city below. It was a question aimed at a certain goddess and her followers, currently located somewhere within all that shadowy darkness

Tiona: I know how you feel, but thinkin' 'bout it's not gonna do us any good. Maybe they really did just come to sightsee.

Tiona posed, acting no different from usual despite her sister's melancholy. As she leaned over on the railing into Tione's line of sight, Tione looked at her long and hard.

Tione: Why are you acting like this is no big deal?! Kali, she—None of them would have any reason to go somewhere if there wasn't fighting involved!

Tiona:...

Tione: Do you even remember what they made us do? Do you?! If you do, then wipe that stupid grin off your face!!

Tione exploded. The outburst was enough to spark Tiona's rage, as well.

Tiona: What're we supposed to do, then, huh? Tell me what it is we can do! Just put our heads down and charge right in? Are you even listening to yourself?

Tione: That's not what I'm saying, you idiot! Stop putting words in my mouth!

Tiona: Then stop putting words in mine!!

Tione: Yeah, well, I couldn't stand you acting all 'la-di-da, nothing's wrong'!

Tiona: Oh, couldn't you?!

Aiz and the others in the room were listening in on them now, shocked into silence at the scene taking place on the balcony. Having had enough, Tione turned her back on her sister with an angry jerk. She marched past Aiz and the others already gathered at the window, past Loki with her arms folded behind her head, past Riveria with her one eye closed, past Asuna who had her arms fold around her chest to make her way out of the room.

No one knew what to do for a moment. After throwing a glance at Tiona, shocked and silent on the balcony, Aiz raced out the door after Tione.

Lefiya: Miss Tiona...are you all right?

Lefiya asked as she and the other girls drew around her once Aiz had left.

Tiona: Mmn...I'm fine...

Lefiya: We, um...heard that...that you and Miss Tione used to belong to the familia of that Lady Kali we met today...

Tiona: It's true.

Tiona's response came without hesitation. The elven mage— and the other girls around them—swallowed hard.

Lefiya: Then...erm...well—

Tiona: Sorry, I don't really know if I should be talking for both of us if Tione isn't here...

Tiona cut in before Lefiya could find the right words, her eyes dropping to the floor. Silence wrapped itself around the room until, after turning her gaze skyward, Tiona spoke again.

Tiona: But...I can say that we never wanted to see them again...ever.

Aiz: Tione.

There was a voice from behind her. Tione turned away as Aiz ran to catch up with her, the bluish shadow of the corridor tinting the world around her.

Tione: Isn't this a sight, you chasing me? Usually it's the other way around.

Tione muttered sarcastically, averting Aiz's gaze.

Aiz: Because...because if Asuna is not with me, it'd be you and Tiona were...always the ones who helped me...whenever I caused trouble for everyone else...

Aiz spoke bit by bit, coming to a halt. Tione could tell she was trying to speak her mind, and the usually taciturn girl was selecting her words with the utmost of care. But the warm support of her friend did nothing but irritate her now.

Tione: Aiz, please. I want to be alone. I've...become something I didn't want to become.

Aiz: Tione...if there's anything at all I can do—

—let me know. Or, at least, that's what she would undoubtedly have said before Tione interrupted her.

Tione: You have secrets, too, right? Things you don't wanna tell us?

Aiz: !

Tione: So don't you think that's a little unfair? Saying nothing about yourself but expecting everyone else to bare everything to you?!

Tione snapped, thrusting Aiz's goodwill right back at her. Aiz's gaze fell.

Aiz: I'm sorry...

The near-whisper seemed to echo in the corridor. But it was Tione who was truly sorry at what had just transpired. Quickly, as though running away from the other girl, she hurried on ahead.

Tione: What's wrong with me...?

She cursed at herself, filled with self- loathing as she made her way not back to the common room but to an empty private room, yanking open the door and stepping inside. She let herself collapse onto the bed. All of a sudden, she was overcome by an intense feeling of fatigue.

Tione: Why...why did they have to be here...?

As her eyelids grew as heavy as lead, her dreams called her to sleep.

(Timeskip)

The next morning, Aiz and the others split up into groups before heading out into the city. They needed to gather as much information as they could on the sudden appearance of the violas in the lake.

Citizen 1: A giant, man-eating flower? No idea. Weird stuff's always coming up out of the lake and ocean around here.

Citizen 2: If we're countin' hits to the hull, these ships are takin' constant beatings from monsters and whatnot. That's how we shipbuilders make a profit!

Citizen 3: Haven't had many casualties wound here lately. Mewen's been pwetty peeshful.

Citizen 4: Whenever beasties crop up, we just leave 'em to Njord Familia. Those fishermen are a lot stronger than your average adventurer. If things really got out of control, well, we'd simply contact the Guild and they'd send us help from Orario.

Aiz, Lefiya, and the rest of the recon group went from person to person— a young human man managing an open-air shop, an elven ship captain, a tanned catgirl wandering around selling ice-cold juice, and a dwarven bar owner currently in his apprenticeship—asking for any info they could offer on violas or other monsters in the lake.

Lefiya: It would seem no one knows anything about the violas.

Aiz: Yeah, yesterday's sighting must have been the first...

Lefiya and Aiz looked out across the bustling crowd of the city's main street from their vantage point in front of a small alleyway. They and the rest of their group were taking a much-needed respite from the sun's rays.

Aiz: I guess that means... the lake and the sea are both safe...

Lefiya: It would seem that way...If those giant things really were appearing frequently, they'd be causing quite a lot of damage.

If the violas were tough enough to give even first-tier adventurers a run for their money, frequent spawnings would be a cause for panic. From what they'd heard from the laymen of the area, however, the lake and its surrounding sea had been perfectly calm as of late. Which meant they'd reached something of an impasse.

Lefiya: Certainly there's no way the violas are being killed before they're able to cause any damage...right? Then what could possibly be going on?

As Lefiya racked her brain next to her, Aiz simply stared off into the busy street.

(Elsewhere)

Aki: The drainage channel seems...in order.

Aki and Line were on their way back to Melen after checking out the river nearby that acted as Lolog Lake's drain receptacle. The Guild had long been banging their heads against the wall at the raider fish and other monsters that used the river as a way to gain access to Orario's sewer system, turning it into a cesspool for breeding. In fact, only a short while ago, Loki and Bete had even discovered a viola in the old sewers. Rather than using it as a way to travel from the lake to the city, it seemed more likely that the flower had been using the sewers as a way to return to the lake. Which was why Aki and the others were checking up on it now.

Line: The mythril grate seems firmly in place...

Aki: I'd heard they were going to fix it ever since those monsters did a number on it, but I didn't know it was finished already.

Drainage water gushed out in great, heavy deluges from behind the silver barricade at the hole to the main sewage pipe. They were a short ways to the northwest of Orario, having descended the gently sloping hill that led to the entrance of the city's sewers.

True to Line's words, the drainage pipe, with its view of the city walls and their accompanying guard post, had been effectively sealed off thanks to the mythril grating covering its opening. Not only would it be able to hold back large monsters like the violas, it looked as though it would have no problem keeping out mid- and small-scale monsters like the raider fish, too. And it showed no signs of breakage.

The girls watched as the clean, purified water, free from its preprocessed stink, poured into the pool below.

Aki: Then there's no way those flowers could have reached the lake from here...unless it made the trek quite some time ago.

Aki followed this up with a grumble as she brought a hand to her slender chin in thought.

(Elsewhere)

Njord: Nasty-looking flower creatures, huh...? Come to think of it, we were pretty shocked by those things yesterday.

Njord mused in response to Loki's question, a large sack hoisted up on his shoulder. She was in Nóatún, Njord Familia's home. As Aiz and the rest of her followers went about on their investigative missions, Loki was off collecting information herself. Currently she was interrogating Njörðr, her old friend, in his home's storehouse connected to the lake-facing port.

Loki: You're the main man around here, ain't ya? You haven't heard about any, you know, suspicious goings-on recently, have ya?

Njord: I'm afraid I'm only the 'main man' when it comes to matters of the fishing variety. I don't dip my fingers into any other pots and have no delusions of becoming the next Poseidon. I'm constantly up to my ears in fish. No room for talk of these 'suspicious goings- on' of yours.

Loki: Oh, gimme a break!

Loki shot back from behind him, seated cross- legged on a nearby crate.

Njord: You'll have to forgive me. I must admit I was quite surprised when I heard of your true intentions in coming to Melen...

Loki:...

Loki stared at his back in silence.

Njord: Things have been peaceful here in Melen for many years now...at least, until what happened yesterday. Ask anyone around here and they'll tell you the same.

The violas' attack on Kali Familia's boat the day prior had been the first thing to rile up the port in quite some time. Though Tiona and Tione might have been the ones who forced the giant flowers to the water's surface, the fact still remained that the violas had been there in the first place. To think they'd simply have stayed there on the lake floor, minding their own business and not attacking anyone was unreasonable...right? It seemed much more probable that some creature tamer had set them loose there—or, at least, that's what Loki thought.

Loki: That reminds me, you still on bad terms with the Guild?

Njord: Hmm? Ah...same old, same old, yes. Even though we aren't adventurers, they still constantly try to bring us over to their side, and every time we refuse, they tax the hell out of our shipments of fish.

This same practice had been going on since, or perhaps even before, Loki and the others had first come to Orario through Melen's harbor.

Njord: Not much we can do, unfortunately, given that Orario's not only right next door but our biggest business partner to boot. They say it's the general consensus from their side, but I know it's a lie—more like a petty revenge tactic. I could see through it from the very beginning. Makes me jealous of Demeter Familia and the preferential treatment they get despite their different affiliation.

Loki: We've had troubles of our own, too.

The "Guild" Njörðr spoke of that was making life miserable for him here in the lower world wasn't the main Guild Headquarters in Orario. There was another Guild here in Melen.

Njord: Have you already gone to the Guild Branch Office?

Loki: Yep. Riveria and Asuna's actually there right now.

(Elsewhere)

The stone lobby of the Guild Branch Office was considerably smaller than that of the main headquarters in Orario. While it was a decent-size building in and of itself, the giant pantheon that was the lobby of the headquarters, bustling with activity day and night, was simply too big to make a proper comparison. Most of the relatively few uniformed attendants who worked there did so not at the front counter but, instead, performing routine office work such as filing port entry permits and checklists of commercial goods.

It was just one of the sub-branches the main Guild in Orario had established outside the city. While the roles of each branch varied depending on their location, this building in Melen acted as the gateway to the sea, directing all matters relating to the port and managing the import and export of goods—magic-stone commodities, for instance—for the city.

This atmosphere, so different from that of the main headquarters, currently surrounded Riveria and Asuna as they stood alone before the front desk.

Rubart: Giant man-eating flowers...? Hmm...can't say I know 'em!

Asuna: You're quite sure?

Rubart: You think I'd lie? We haven't heard anything about this kind of new species, not even from the main headquarters in Orario.

Rubart retorted, clearly annoyed at having to respond to the same question three times. It was puzzling. Even if the upper echelons of the Guild, Ouranos, in other words were limiting information on the new monster species, for information not to be shared even within the organization—especially considering how many people had already witnessed the violas during the Monsterphilia and the event on the eighteenth floor—it wouldn't make sense to try to cover things up.

Sure, there wasn't any pressing reason to involve the branches outside the city, but still...

Riveria: And yet this monster was spotted. Does this not call for an investigation and preventative measures on your part?

Rubart: We can just leave it to Njord Familia. Even if we did try to look into it, that lot'd likely tell us to mind our own business—that the waterfront is their jurisdiction. It's the same every time.

Rubart spat out, his words evidence enough as to the shaky relationship the two groups shared. As obvious as it may have seemed, there was no reason for the Guild to hold sway over familias outside Orario. And the fact that they had no legal right to force Njord Familia to do much of anything surely made them an annoying lump they'd rather be rid of.

Riveria, however, knew the fishermen would be no match for the violas— their strength was simply too great. Unfortunately, her words were getting her nowhere.

Rubart: What's more important right now is that gaggle of Amazons that made port. We'd like you to do something about them.

Rubart's brows arched in irritation.

Asuna(mind): Are they crazy...?

Riveria(mind): What's "more important right now...?

Riveria and Asuna couldn't believe what they were hearing. But even as they shot him a look of disbelief, the branch manager continued.

Rubart: While they haven't caused too much trouble yet, we've already been getting complaints from our citizens. Terribly hard to approach, it seems. Words just don't get through to them! And apparently they've even been running off with merchandise without paying...

Asuna: You are the ones who permitted them entry to the port, yes?

Rubart: Well, yes...but...it's a little more complicated than that. The city has an autonomous government that operates separately from the Guild.

Riveria: And the city granted the Amazons their port entry permit?

Rubart: Yes. Melen used to be nothing but a tiny fishing village constantly threatened by monsters. But after Poseidon Familia set up camp and Orario's prosperity helped it develop, it really flourished into the 'Gateway to the Dungeon City' it is today.

It was a well-known story—Poseidon Familia deciding to use Melen as its base—and it made sense considering how many aquatic monsters appeared offshore. They'd plugged up the hole in the bottom of the lake and, ever since, had been monitoring and maintaining the giant lid while upholding peace on the water's surface. Then, once the Leviathan Seal had been put in place fifteen years ago, Poseidon and his followers had left the port city with the assurance that the seal could never be broken, off to quell the threat of sea creatures all over the world. Njord Familia stayed behind, supplying the city with their fish.
Though Riveria already knew much of what Rubart was telling her, she listened in all the same.

Rubart: The Guild invested in the city early, even going so far as to help it expand...but after all these generations, the head of Melen's still never given up its autonomous government.

Of course, what Rubart failed to mention was that any city would resist being commandeered if given the chance.

Rubart: You probably know this already, but Meren isn't just a company under the Guild's patronage. It's also an entry point for people and communities all over the world, so there's that to think about, too.

Riveria: Yet this gives you no trouble with Orario?

The neutrality of the large-scale port was one of its key factors. After all, a controlling government would only lead to decline. Though Melen focused the majority of its efforts toward Orario, there were still many ships that used the port as a relay point on their journeys to other destinations. There were also the shipments of cargo destined for its surrounding cities and towns to consider. If the Guild started being fastidious about who could use the port, their clientele would simply move their business elsewhere.

Even from an outsider's perspective, preventing the Guild's unilateral reign over Melen was in everyone's favor.

Rubart: Well, a compromise was reached, and it was decided that the government would be split in two. To put things simply, all matters related to Orario, trade included, are to be handled by this branch office...

Asuna: And everything else is taken care of by the city?

Rubart: Exactly.

At the time, the decision was heavily influenced by the support of Poseidon Familia, which still acted independently despite cooperating with Orario, and Njord Familia, which was acting as a good neighbor. All in all, it was just as complicated a situation as the branch manager described.

Rubart: True, we didn't actually raise any objections to Kali Familia being granted a permit, so I suppose we are partly responsible...but it was the city that fought tooth and nail to get them in here, thanks mostly to that bastard Murdock.

Rubart finished with a curse, a disgusted look on his face. At the end of all things, Njord Familia was loyal to the city of Melen. While the relationship between them and the Guild wouldn't necessarily be called antagonistic, given the Guild branch's history of conflict with the city, they certainly weren't the best of friends. Riveria was already well aware of this, at least.

Rubart: At any rate...it feels like we've got some wild animal prowling around the city.

Riveria and Asuna:...

Rubart: Which is why the Guild, as your administrative body, is asking for your cooperation.

(Elsewhere)

Alicia: So please! We promise we've no ill intentions...If you'd be ever so kind as to hear us out!

Alicia pleaded, holding in her urge to cringe as she forced an ingratiating smile.

Murdock: Go away.

They were in Melen's west town, at a building that seemed to have been built to glower at the Guild Branch Office in the east—the Murdock estate, home to generation after generation of Melen's governors. Alicia and Narfi were there to collect information but hadn't even made it inside; they were presently being barred entry at the door by a Mr. Borg Murdock, the current head of the family.

Murdock: I have nothing to say to you, Guild dogs.

Borg was an aging human man with a tuft of white hair protruding from his chin. With no sign of a sagging belly, instead he boasted a physique that could rival any of the fishermen's on the wharf. His eyes were sharp, and though he lacked hair on his head, by simply adding a cap to the picture, one could easily picture him as a ship captain from the old stories.

Alicia: But we're not here on Guild business. We're here about the giant flower creatures that appeared in the lake yesterday...as part of an investigation. If you have any relevant information you could give us, we would be ever so appreciative.

Murdock:...

Borg was silent. Simply looking at the elf for a few moments in all her innocent sincerity, he finally opened his mouth.

Murdock: Go away.

He said nothing else. Then he turned around and disappeared inside the manor. Alicia and Narfi could do nothing but make their own exit back through the gate, at a loss as to what to do.

Narfi: I'll admit, I had higher expectations for that interaction, considering he's the governor and all...but apparently that was asking too much.

Narfi mused, scratching at her cheek in dumbfounded astonishment. Alicia sighed.

Alicia: I've heard the city and Guild don't exactly see eye to eye on things...but to think it was this bad! Guess we're outta luck. No point in beating a dead horse.

Faced with a feud that had been around longer than either of them had been alive, the girls had no choice but to leave the mansion behind.

Murdock:...

From one of the windows of the mansion, Borg watched them leave, eyes narrowed with acrimony.

(Timeskip)

The sun, having reached its peak, had already started its afternoon descent toward the western horizon. Aiz, Lefiya, and the rest of the reconnaissance groups were making their way back toward the pier.

They didn't have to go far past the commerce area with its trade ships, passenger ships, and fishermen's dhows to reach Njord Familia's fishing pier. The merchants and travelers dressed in their foreign clothes gave way to fishermen and women, all bustling about in their work. This rare type of familia—neither adventurers nor merchants—was still novel enough to the group of girls that they couldn't help but scan their environs in wonder.

Most of the trawlers wore nothing over their broad chests or donned a set of short sleeves and long pants. Everyone was going about their own business, from the burly dwarf who passed by with an unbelievably large fish on his shoulder to the group of harpoon-wielding prums currently maneuvering their boat out to sea. Some were hard at work hauling great nets full of fresh and saltwater fish alike to shore—everything from giant dodobass to shiny red shrimp—while still others were grilling up their catches of fish and clams for an afternoon snack. The smell of salt and sound of popping oil were enough to draw in the eyes of Lefiya and the others as they walked along, none of them having taken their lunches yet.

And among all the crunching and the munching of seafolk ingesting their freshly caught fish, they caught sight of Tiona and Tione.

Lefiya: M-Miss Tiona? What are you two...doing?

Lefiya asked, somewhat taken aback.

Tiona: Got hungry while asking these folks for info. They said we were free to have a bite, too, so long as we paid up, so...here we are!

Tiona responded, her mouth currently full of enough grilled fish to rival the surrounding workers'. It would seem Tiona and Tione's luck collecting info had been about as good as Aiz and everyone else's. The others in their group, already having eaten their fill, were taking a load off nearby.

Aiz: How is...Tione doing?

Aiz whispered discreetly as she threw a glance at the Amazon in question.

Tiona: Mmmn...still a little testy, but I think she'll be fine. We made sure to keep away from Kali and crew this morning, and I kept an eye on her to make sure she didn't get into any trouble.

The atmosphere around Tione had been tense since the night prior, and the others in her group, hume bunny Rakuta included, had found it hard to truly relax. Currently, Tione was masking her irritation with food, asking for seconds, thirds, and fourths—"More"—with stern glares daunting enough to elicit stammers of surprise from their brawny mealtime companions.

Tiona: Usually it's her keeping tabs on me...

Tiona laughed awkwardly. Even she could see the irony in the role reversal.

Aiz: What about you? Are you okay?

Tiona: Me? I'm fine! You know me—thinking's not my strong suit.

The young Amazon responded with her usual smile, almost as though completely indifferent to the entire situation. Perhaps it was just Aiz's imagination, but something about the innocent smile was different than usual—strained. But she wasn't about to press any further.

???: Geez...you girls can eat! Even for adventurers! I guess first-tiers really are in a class all their own.

One of the particularly strapping men gushed as he watched the two sisters stuff their faces together with the other fishermen around the grill. He was a human man nearly two meders tall with a crop of black hair above his jet-black eyes.

???: What about that skinny little thing over there, huh? The Sword Princess? Can she eat like you two?

Tiona: Nah, she never eats as much as us. Really likes her Jyaga Maru Kun, though.

Aiz: And you are...?

Aiz turned her eyes in the young man's direction.

Rod: Me? I'm Rod. The captain of the Njord Familia.

Aiz was silent a moment as she formulated her words.

Aiz: Mister Rod, then...do you and the others in your familia fish a lot?

Rod: That we do. S'bout all we're good at, really. We fish the lake, a'course, but even all the way out to the sea, too. I've probably spent more of my life on the waves than here on land.

Fishing was Njord Familia's be-all and end-all. As burly as these men of the sea happened to be, neither they nor their patron deity had any delusions of grandeur or bones to pick with other familias. In fact, they seemed more like an organization of fishermen than a true familia.

Rod: Most men in this city grow up to be fishers. Guess it's thanks to Skip Njord.

Lefiya: Are there any fishermen in the port who don't belong to Njord Familia?

Njord: You probably could if you wanted, but no one does. The Skip's a great guy, and his blessing comes in real handy. Gives you more strength than the average trawler.

Rod replied, glancing toward one of the storehouses where a slender young human was lugging around a giant net all by himself. No doubt, a Status was carved into his back, as well.

Njord: If your goal is just to make a livin' with fishin', you'll do it a lot faster at the feet of the Skip. And even if it's sailin' on the high seas, you'll have a much easier time with his blessin', especially given how many monsters are lurkin' out there.

In today's day and age, even fishermen needed the power of the Falna, if only to give them a better chance at defending themselves. Out on the ocean and surrounded by water, a man had no one to rely on but himself.

Rod: And besides, well...we all love Skip Njord! He's taken care of us since we were knee-high to a minnow...and he's been protectin' this city for centuries, all the way back to the time of our fathers, and even our fathers' fathers, may they rest in peace.

Njord had been in charge of the fishing in Melen for so long, no other familias had ever even tried to set up their own fishing gigs—which was one more reason why Njord Familia's grip on the city's fishing industry was so strong. The love, respect, and trust Rod and the other fishermen had for their patron deity was all too evident in the intrepid captain's smile.

Lefiya: Do you ever hunt monsters purposefully, Mister Rod?

Rod: Hmm? Ah...sometimes! Every once in a while we'll get a request from the folks here in among the orders of fish.

Then what the townsfolk had told them earlier had been correct.

The fishers here, what with the help of the Falna, would probably have no trouble taking care of the type of monsters that appeared on the surface— weakened from generations of breeding and never having stepped foot in the actual Dungeon. They were strong enough to take out their fair share of sea pirates, after all. Rod himself had already reached Level 2, what with his many years spent on the open ocean and the countless battles he'd seen. And from what Aiz could see, there were at least a few others in the group besides him whose strength could easily rival a low-level adventurer's.

So long as things didn't get too crazy, they'd be able to deal with any trouble themselves, meaning the times they were forced to send for help from Orario were few and far between.

Aiz: In all your experience on the lake and ocean, did you ever see...a large flower-type monster?

Rod: You mean that thing from yesterday? Didn't get to see it myself, as I just pulled into port this morning, but...you sure that thing wasn't an aqua serpent?

Rod asked, lacing his thick arms across each other. Aiz and the others nodded. The captain's brows furrowed. Out of all the fishermen, he was easily the most acquainted with Melen's waterfront.

Rod: I do have an idea. I've often seen it when I'm fishin' in the lake and ocean. A real long thing, like a snake, almost...swimmin' in the water below the ship...

Everyone:...!

Rod: Even I thought it was an aqua serpent at first, but— This thing you're talkin' about's never attacked us. Not even once!

He looked around at the rest of his men, who all nodded in agreement, both at never having been attacked and never having gotten a good look at the creature in question. Befuddlement crossed the faces of the group of girls.

Njord Familia member: Rod! We've got trouble Those Amazonian ladies are causing a huge ruckus on the main road. One of 'em's got ahold of Mark!

All at once, the entire wharf plunged into panic.
As the color drained from Rod's and the other fishermen's faces, Aiz and her group found themselves thrown for a loop.

Amid the building clamor, however, Tiona was the only one who quickly scanned the area around them.

Tiona:Crap—!!

Mere moments later, Aiz, too, noticed the cause of her alarm.

Lefiya: Miss Tiona, Miss Aiz, is...is something wrong?!

Aiz: Tione's gone.

Tiona: She's flown the coop!

Aiz and Tiona responded in unison. Before Lefiya and the other girls could register their surprise, the two were off, sprinting away from the pier.

Aiz: Lefiya! Get Loki! She should be in the storehouse nearby!

Tiona: We're going on ahead!

The two first-tier adventurers called back as they raced as fast as their legs would take them. Even as the commotion built behind them, they kept their sights set straight on the city.

(Timeskip)

Near the centered of the city, Argana was currently holding a citizen in his neck choking him to death.

Citizen 1: P-please f-forgive...him...! Y-you were just so b-b-beautiful that he... couldn't stop staring and...and didn't watch where he was g-going, so p- please...!!

The Amazon's head turned toward the tear-stricken man with an almost audible creak.

Argana: In my country, bumping into a warrior...is a challenge to fight to the death.

The man's face paled instantly. Her grip on the fisherman's neck tightened with a series of cracks, and the man's body spasmed in response.

As frightened screams began erupting from the crowd, the woman's companions, another group of Amazons, simply watched in amusement. Her sister, too, hair of the same sandy hue, merely stared out across the goings-on in apathy.

The man appeared to lose consciousness, his arms going limp, as his assailant narrowed her eyes in amusement.

Only then.

Tione: Let him go.

An arm reached out, the same copper color, and grabbed her wrist. It was Tione.

Argana: Tione?

Tione: I said let him go, Argana.

But the Amazon's—Argana's—smile never faltered, even at the bone-crushing grip on her arm. In fact, if anything, it deepened.

Finally, as Tione's murderous glare continued, she released her grip on the fisherman's neck with a shrug, almost as though having lost interest. The man's body fell to the ground with a thud, and she shook off Tione's hold on her arm.

Argana: Where were you? We searched for you...you and Tiona.

Tione: I see you can speak Koine now. So fighting's not the only thing in that monkey brain of yours.

Tione snorted, glaring daggers at the woman in front of her as the fisherman's companion rushed forward to drag him out of the way.

Argana didn't so much as flinch, her eyes filled with amusement.

Argana: Kali taught it to me. She teaches us many things. The pleasure of growing stronger...and how to understand those who are different from us. We wanted to know...what are our prey screaming? Are they angry? Are they begging for their lives?

The naked sadism elicited a look of pure revulsion from Tione, who stuck her tongue out at her former comrade.

They were still the same as ever. Interested in nothing but power, bloodshed, combat.

Tione felt her blood begin to boil, face-to-face with the red thread of fate that connected the Amazons to their native country of Telskyura.

Her hand instinctively curled into a tight fist.

Argana: Have you heard, Tione? How strong the outside world has gotten? They have turned into snakes...just like us.

Tione: Don't you dare lump me in with the likes of you!!

Something snapped inside Tione. With an almost audible crack, all the years spent remedying her brash nature, her coarse tongue, came undone as her features lit up with rage. Argana continued to smile that same crescent moon smile, head slowly twisting to the side.

Argana: Then—shall we see just how strong you've become?

For a single moment, no one so much as twitched along that wide road. Then.

Argana and Tione: Gnnngh!!

The two women launched themselves at each other. Argana's left arm blocked Tione's kick, and Tione's left arm blocked Argana's kick. In less than an instant, the grand hand-to-hand duel had begun.

Tiona: Tione?!

Tiona and Aiz arrived a second too late. Screaming at the throng of onlookers to stay back, they made their way toward the center of the panicking crowd, where a barefoot battle of fist against fist was currently taking place. Long sandy hair tangled with jet-black as the two women exchanged punches and kicks that would leave an ordinary person crippled. The thick, dull sounds of the blocked blows thrummed in the ears of everyone present.

Aiz and Tiona sailed over the crowd of pushing, shoving onlookers, just about to put a stop to the fight, when—

Aiz and Tiona: !

Someone else stepped forward from the crowd to block their way.

It was the other sandy-haired Amazon, the one who shared the same blood as the woman in the brawl.

Tiona: Move, Bache!!

Bache: rhu muu...

Aiz couldn't understand the words, but she could understand their meaning—that the woman had no intentions of letting them pass.

Tiona's eyebrows positively bristled, and she charged toward the woman's right side, fully prepared to push her way through, as Aiz zoomed forward at a similar breakneck speed on the woman's immediate left. The very breaths of the two first-tier adventurers were perfectly in sync as they prepped for the combo technique they'd cultivated in the Dungeon's depths —only for Bache to take on the two of them at the same time.

Catching Tiona's iron fist in one hand, she let loose a simultaneous kick in Aiz's direction.

Aiz and Tiona: ?!

Despite being airborne, Tiona found herself instantly in the clutches of a circular throw, while Aiz, despite her speed, felt the Amazon's kick slice through strands of her golden hair.

But there was no time for gawking. Hands slamming the ground, the two of them prepared to right themselves for the next onslaught. Bache, however, was already two steps ahead. Spinning like a chess piece, she let loose a rapid-fire barrage of blows and kicks to their heads, torsos, and legs, coming at them from every direction and striking both Aiz and Tiona at the same time.

Aiz(mind): She's fast!!

Aiz could barely believe her eyes at the sheer velocity of the attacks coming from the seemingly dispassionate warrior.

She knew right away that this wasn't an opponent she'd be able to defeat without her sword. Pulling her backup sword out of its scabbard—Desperate was still in maintenance—she looked up to see the rest of the Amazonian warriors joining the battle.

Amazons:...!

They must have felt Bache was at a disadvantage now that the two first- tier adventurers were fully prepared for battle, and they charged forward with weapons flashing.

Bache kept her focus on Tiona as the group of Amazons targeted Aiz, who quickly found herself drawn into her own free-for-all as the bare-fisted duel between the two Amazons intensified next to her.

Argana: Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! You've changed, Tione! You've really changed!

Tione: Ggh—!

Meanwhile, the battle between Argana and Tione continued, Argana's laugh eliciting even deeper rage from the younger Amazon.

Every punch Tione launched, Argana continued to fend them off with ease. Even the most powerful of attacks, enough to completely demolish an enemy, were useless if one couldn't land them.

Tione: Gnngh!!

One of the kicks connected directly with Tione's back, sending her sailing toward the side of the road in front of a nearby food stand.

Somehow, she'd been able to absorb the blow, and her arms tingled from the impact, but she shook it off, fully prepared to dash back into the fight when—she noticed it.

Tione: Huh...?! A kid?!

Right behind her, a young human girl was crouched in fear.

Tione(mind): What are you doing here?!

She almost screamed, only to remember she was the one who'd lost her senses and recklessly begun fighting in the middle of a crowded street. No doubt, this girl simply hadn't been able to run away in time. Tione found herself at a loss for words as she stared down into the girl's tear-stricken eyes, when all of a sudden, a shadow overtook them.

Argana:...

It was Argana. And her laugh was enough to make Tione's blood run cold as she held her fist aloft. Tione would have just enough time to duck out of the way. But the girl wouldn't be so lucky.

Considering the incoming strike was powerful enough to send an entire carriage flying just by grazing it, the small body would be crushed. Even the resulting shock waves would be enough to snap her tiny limbs.

Argana, however, showed no concern. She had no reason to be concerned. The only person in her eyes was Tione.

Tione: ngh!!

Tione yanked the girl out of the way, leaving herself wide open for Argana's incoming fist.

Tiona and Aiz: Tione?!

There was a thunderous crash as Tione's body was launched through the food stall, splintering it into pieces as she careened into the wall of the building behind it. Tiona and Aiz forgot about their own battles, whirling around to see a giant cloud of dust billowing up from the nearby building.

Tione: Gn—...ghnn...!

Tione grunted, spitting up blood. While she'd somehow been able to defend herself against the full force of the attack, the impact had still created a giant crack. Argana, on the other hand, simply stood there blinking in silence, a strange look on her face.

Argana: Did you really just...protect that girl? You really have changed, Tione...You've gotten stronger...and you've gotten weaker. You are...no longer a warrior.

Her body drooped, almost as though she had lost all will to fight. There was the sound of weapons dropping from the direction of Aiz and Tiona, both of them still stopped where they stood, as Tione slowly staggered to her feet.

Argana: The old you would never have protected garbage like that. I see now that you shouldn't have left...You should have continued your battles in Telskyura...with us.

Tione: Are you...seriously saying that to me...?! Who would...who would ever want to stay in that place...?!

Tione hissed, glaring with deep-rooted resentment. Argana's eyes narrowed as a small smile formed on her lips.

Argana: You still regret...killing Seldas, don't you?

In that instant, time seemed to stop.

Argana: And yet, by killing her, you grew stronger, did you not?

Tione's eyes went red.

Tione: NNNGGHH!!!

An unintelligible roar erupted from the depths of her throat. Forgetting herself, forgetting the pain, she let the madness take control and charged toward the other woman in an uncontrollable rage.

???: That's far enough!

It came the moment before her fist hit its mark. A hand appeared grabbing Tione's hand before it make contact. Tione's body gave an instinctive shudder. Her tightly curled fist loosened as she returned to herself. Argana turned in the direction of the voice.

It was Asuna, the strongest Loki Familia member. Being called the strongest is an understatement. Her martial arts far surpasses Tiona and Tione, speed rivals Bete, magic power that surpasses Riveria. Swordsmanship that far surpasses Aiz. And most of all, she was the last survivor of the former strongest, the Hera Familia.

Asuna: If things get any more heated around here, people are gonna get hurt. Not cool.

Asuna's cold eyes was enough to make even Tione's rage to subdue. Even Tiona and Aiz lowered their fists and sword respectively, eyes directed toward their leader as if in fear.

Tione: Don't interfere Asuna! I need to kill this—

Asuna: Tione~ I said stand down. Didn't you hear a word I say?

Asuna gave Tione a cold eye and Tione instantly shudder at the intensity of Asuna's glare. The pressure emitting from one girl was so big that Tione back down immediately.

Argana: What's this? Are you scared of this elf so much that you listened to her.

Argana seemed surprised by how obedient Tione had become just by this elf standing in front of her. Asuna then look at the other Amazon.

Asuna: You as well. Back off! If you know what's good for you!

Asuna's voice was cold, but it was an indication that if Argana still want to continue to fight, Asuna will fight in Tione's place. Asuna's cold attitude irritated Argana.

Argana: An elf with that attitude! Don't make me laugh!

It seems that Argana wasn't gonna let it go. So she launched herself towards Asuna with the intention of hitting her, but Asuna didn't even drew her rappier as she easily dodges all of Argana's barrages strike.

As Asuna was dodging Argana's attack, she easily land a counter on Argana's chest by punching her straight there as Argana was easily sent flying backward holding her chest.

Argana: Not bad!

Argana continue to rush towards Asuna, but Asuna easily counter and block every attacked that Argana has on her. She make sure to counter the attacked that doesn't involved around her, so the citizens won't get hurt than before. She went for a counter and hit a 3 solid punches, first Argana's face with her right, then Aragana's stomach, before elbowing her in the face even more irritating Aragana that she couldn't even land a hit on the elven warrior standing in front of her.

Argana: You bastard!

Asuna: Stand down. Or you want to go an all out war with us?

Aiz, Tiona, and Tione were shocked by how one-sided the fight is. Even Bache and the other Amazons were all speechless, that an elf that was known for their lack of combat, was easily able to handle their strongest.

Argana: An Elf saying things like that! I won't accept this!

Argana once again launched towards Asuna, and Asuna could only sigh in disappointment that she had no choice but to knock Argana out. So she once again dodge and counter all of Argana's strikes.

She counter her once again, landing blow for blow of punches on Argana without destroying the area nor involving the citizens as the other citizens were watching her in awe. Asuna then landed a huge axe kick on Argana's waist before standing her flying back.

The moment Argana got on her feet, she glare at Asuna full of rage.

Argana: Don't underestimate me, you worthless elf!

Asuna: *Sigh*...

Argana seemed to have enough playing around, and rushes in trying to decapitated her, but all Asuna did was clenched her right hand into a fist tightly and waited for the right moment. The moment she saw her chance, her left feet stepped forwards making her stance and just at the right moment, she land a huge punch on Argana's face and sent her flying towards one of the wall.

Asuna:...

The moment the smoke cleared, they all saw Argana who was laying on the destroyed wall unconscious. Asuna the glared at the other Amazons as they were all stare speechlessly at the defeat Argana. Asuna ignore their stares and speak at the Amazonian language which surprises Aiz and the others once again.

Asuna(Amazon Language): I suggest you all started treating her wounds. If by any chance that you people still want to continue, I'll be gladly to face you all on. And stay away from Tiona and Tione. Make one move towards them again, well, I don't think I need to say it.

Asuna's cold voice make all Amazons standing there shudder. Not only does she defeated Argana easily, she's even able to speak their language.

???: Bache, grab Argana and stop what you were doing.

It was Kali, carting along a number of her followers. Loki, together with the rest of Loki Familia's adventurers, including one very out of breath Lefiya also made towards the scene.

Kali: Apologies, Loki. Seems the outside world was a little too much for my girls.

She shook her head with a sigh and a seemingly forced grumble as her eyes met Loki's.

Kali: Shall we share the blame? After all, your Sword Princess and her friends did a number on my girls, too. Especially that elf that could speak our language and even defeated Argana.

Loki: Oh, whatever. Just scat, will ya? And I don't wanna see you or any of your 'girls' again.

Loki scoffed, brushing her hand at them as though swatting at a bug. While Bache had come out of her battle with Tiona unscathed, the group of Amazons Aiz had been fighting hadn't fared so well and were in various states of injury. The girls in question were glaring daggers at Aiz and her sword while Aiz herself seemed none the worse for wear despite having been vastly outnumbered.

Tione:...

Bache grabbed Argana and turned her heels as they made their way first past Aiz and Tiona and then, finally, Tione. The rest of the Amazons, too, fell in line obediently behind their goddess and made their exit.

Lefiya: M-Miss Aiz! Miss Asuna! Miss Tiona! Are you three all right?!

Lefiya immediately started for the three girls.

Aiz: I'm fine... thank you.

Aiz replied as she resheathed her sword, appreciative of the elf's efforts in fetching Loki.

Asuna: I'm fine... She didn't even scratch me in the slightest.

Asuna said while stretching her arm wide after the one-sided fight she had with Argana. Tiona rubbed at her arm.

Tiona: Yeeeouch...she really did a good one on me!

She hissed, and, indeed, bruises were already beginning to pop up all across her copper skin. As much as she bemoaned the pain, however, there was something more important on her mind, and she threw a glance toward her sister.

Lefiya: Miss Tione...

Lefiya and Aiz, too, noticed the direction of her gaze. The girl in question was standing in the middle of the deserted road, her back to them. Her eyes followed the retreating group of Amazons until they'd disappeared in the distance.

Loki: Seems this is more serious than I thought...

Loki murmured, and the words caught on the breeze and circled their way toward Tione. Tione brought a hand to her still-aching chest, oblivious to the blood that stained her mouth, as the wind played with her long black hair.

Tione: Ngh...

Tione(mind): Seldas.

The name stirred in her heart—a name she'd kept buried for so, so long and, with it, the memories that haunted her. It was a piece of her past she didn't want to remember. She felt lost, confused, simply staring up at the sky overhead, as blue as the landscape of her memories.