Civilization

"I don't think I have to tell you, but that means the curse is near the end of the 'duration' and something will happen. Of course, other things happened during the time you were 'unconscious' but I thought I would start off with that first. After all, you should know the curse best out of all of us." - Kingston

Placing my hands together, as I lean on my thighs, I let out a low sigh.

"I see… I was anticipating the last phase of the curse, but I didn't think it would happen whilst I was in battle. I didn't even realize that it activated, or maybe I saw the notification, but it was already too late, and I had already lost consciousness, or maybe I was just too distracted with the fight that I ignored it, or maybe-" - Ian

"We get the picture, Ian. It's fine, things happen, don't worry about it. What matters is that you are technically all better now. Back in the real world, you know what I mean. Nothing can… Technically harm you." - Evan

"Reassuring aren't you, Evan." - Sabrina

"Just trying my best." - Evan

"What happened after the curse activated from your perspective, Kingston?" - Ian

"Long story short, you were a god-damn killing machine. Or at least that is what it could have been if Devel and I didn't stop you. If we were defeated, then you would have proceeded to killing everyone that participated on the mission to the Abyss. Thankfully, I acquired a second contract with the Demon, Feirna, and with Devel's help we were able to stop you." - Kingston

"Devel, helped us? I thought he was our enemy?" - Ian

"Well… I think Sam has a little explaining to do with that. Devel already knows of our connection to Sam and the creation of RavenStar. What's more is that he might have more information about the merge than we do, especially when he was dying, he was speaking to me as if it wasn't him. Like, my head was hurting from all the information that was being dumped inside it." - Kingston

"Devel knowing about RavenStar is understandable. I'm sure it isn't just him as well as we needed to get a name out there for ourselves in order to interact with the bigger companies. My company isn't part of the gaming community and the only was to break into it is by introducing ourselves and attending meeting, functions and events. A lot of paperwork and other things are included, which other intelligence agencies will be able to find out.

As for information about the merge, that is something I am unaware of, and I will need to look into that. My best bet is that there is another force at play here that is connected to both sides, much like how there was a connection with Amelia Watson. I can't say for sure what it is or what the information that Devel knows about the merge or if there are more people that know about it. Assume all the top companies knows about the merge and accept it." - Sam

"Didn't you tell us something similar before?" - Nina

"I think so…" - Sam

"Right, because this information is something I had been suspecting for a while now. If we, a small group, even though we are back by your company, knows about this world changing event, then I'm sure larger companies will know as well. They aren't stupid, and they have their own means of gathering information, so it is likely they found out about this one way or another." - Nina

"It's more of, how much do they know and how much they are willing to share, right?" - Rebecca

"Exactly, Rebecca, a good deduction. We can assume Lotus knows the most about the merge, even if we have interacted with a significant figure, and after Lotus it will be Aqua and Bones, with us coming last out of the 4. That is not to say other companies don't know about it either, since the forum has a multitude of 'guild' recruitments and companies are hiring in real life as well.

I also always thought it was weird how they are employing so many people, but the game has no way of giving the company money. After, thinking about it some more, I realize they may not be gaining money, but they are gaining ground, territory, status, power etc. This is an investment, for when the merge happens and we, ultimately, have no choice but to live in a different world." - Nina

"Okay, okay, I think we are getting off-topic a little here. I understand the need to talk about the merge, but I thought we were here to talk about Ian. Frankly, there are too many unanswered questions about that topic, and we have no means of acquiring them, so it is better to let time figure it out. Answers will show themselves to us, so long we are patient, and we keep an eye out for them." - Evan

"Okay, well, I can update Ian about what happened after Devel died and killed him. It isn't as important. Instead, how about Rebecca and Nina tell us what happened at the Tamer Village. The both of you haven't said anything about it yet, so I'm curious as well." - Kingston

Placing my hand over Rebecca's, I look at her in the eye as a small smile appears on my face. Curiosity brims all over, as the whole events that took place at the Tamer Village was still a mystery to me, and also the first time a HavenFall split into two groups to accomplish different tasks.

"Was everything okay during that part? There were fewer people there, but the strength of all the tamed monsters would have been greater than everyone who went to the Abyss with me." - Ian

"Well…" - Rebecca

"Rebecca… Do you want me to say it or do you want to explain it?" - Nina

"Sigh. You do it. I already explained everything to you in the game, and I'm sure you will do a better job at explain since the events that took place are more linked to you." - Rebecca

"Alright, Ian. Let me be straight to you, we succeeded in taking down the Tamer Village, however, the price was extremely high, and the repercussions are likely to affect quite a few individuals. "- Nina

"A success but a failure at the same time? Were there a lot of casualties?" - Ian

"A lot, yes, and more to come. Initially, the group sent to attack the Tamer Village, arrived at the scene, ready to engage in warfare, only to be countered by a monster called Number 88. This monster had tendencies to expand and constrict, with the abilities to morph its body and teleport into the shadows. It could also fly, using a small tornado below its feet, and absorb creatures, gaining part of their ability.

Dealing with this monster, the group was able to whittle it down, sending it away while Yor distracts the monster. The Village on the other hand was found to be empty, not just by them but by me as well. Sylvia and I, infiltrated from the side, and seeing the empty village, I assumed they had all went to the front to help with the attack. I was wrong, as a second theory appeared when I discover a cave at the end of the village.

This cave had words, lines and sigils, all written in blood, with a pool of the same blood at the deepest part. There, we discovered the Tamer. He was killing and drawing the blood from the monsters he tamed, increasing the amount of blood in the pool, one monster at a time. His strongest monster, the Zivotinja Variant, was different to how you initially describe it, Ian, and I can only assume it was due to this blood pool and a book the Tamer wielded.

He must have found a way to increase the strength of his monster, as the book also summoned monsters from within, which included these Crimson Birds, who spat fire all over the wooden village. With the fire burning everywhere and some of Celine's monsters killed in the flames, we could do nothing but watch in despair. However, I needed to find a way to stop the flames from spreading, as it would eventually reach the Krepost and destroy the forest.

Sigh… The solution I found was to rely on Selino, the Queen of Spiders. She had helped with the escape as you all know, and I was able to ask for her help again but this time at a cost, 30 beasts. I obviously said yes, but Celine didn't like the idea. Can't blame her, but I had no choice. I'm sure once you are back, there will be some complaints from her side.

Other than that, we haven't gone back to the Tamer Village and have been recuperating at the Krepost. If you were wondering where was Gewari and her scouts, she went back to the Krepost in case we were ambushed, but soon rushed back, only to be too late as Selino had already finished her role. Last night was rough for us, mentally more than physically." - Nina

Listening to Nina, intently, I felt a rollercoaster of emotions as the whole night seems so crazy. So many things happened and now, new enemies are included in the mix. More worried were added, but nothing was relieved. No, maybe the fact that the Tamer Village is gone is a good thing, as HavenFall's growth might be affected by them.

"Damn… So much stuff happened at the Krepost. I had a pretty relaxing night. Expanded HavenFall's wall out a bit as Lucina has decided to expand the farm. Knocked down some trees to make some room. Start on paving the path to the Krepost. Nothing exciting, but damn, hearing what you guys went through. I kind of wish I was there." - Evan

"Question, Nina. Did Selino say anything?" - Ian

"What do you mean?" - Nina

"I feel like there was a connection between me and her. I had this life-like dream before waking up to Adam punching me." - Ian

"Sorry about that, by the way." - Adam

"Don't worry about it, you just did what you thought was best." - Ian

"Hmm… I remember her saying something about you will find her soon. Although, I thought that was because you will be heading back to the Krepost after exiting the Glemt. I'm starting to feel like there is something more…" - Nina

"Me too. I'll just have to find out once I get back into the game." - Ian

Interrupting the stale atmosphere, Sam claps his hand, turning to Adam and Eve.

"Alright, on that note, let's get something to eat. Ian is most likely hungry. Adam, Eve, please get the cooks to prepare us lunch. Everyone, we can discuss after getting some food in our stomachs." - Sam