Civilization

Disappearing from our sight, the man called Helioc, reappears behind Devel, jumping out of his shadow. Before I could warn Devel of the threat behind him, Helioc slashes at Devel's throat but as if he was expecting the attack, Devel only pulls out the sword on his back slightly, blocking the attack with the hilt of the sword.

Spinning around, Devel stretches out his hand to grab onto Helioc, only for his hand to pass through a thin black mist. Dancing around Devel, a red scarf could be seen appearing and reappearing in multiple places, as if there were doppelgangers. Slashes and stabs appear from a multitude of directions, some aiming for the head, others for the legs, and a few on the chest.

With pinpoint accuracy, Helioc's attacks aim for any and all vital points, but standing there with a smile on his face, grinning like a child, Devel, blocks all the attempts with his sword. Unable to breach Devel's defenses, Helioc steps back, spinning his knife around his hand as his piercing gaze, penetrates through Devel. Small glances could be seen as he finally takes notice of us.

"Who are these people with you?" - Helioc

"I'm glad you asked, albeit a little late but none the wiser. This is RavenStar. Currently, Bones and RavenStar are allied for the upcoming event, after all, neither of us knew this was going to happen." - Devel

I gently, tap Mikki on the side, signaling for him to play the part of Ian. With a glimpse in my direction, Mikki smiles as he walks next to Devel. Doing a small wave, Mikki beings to introduce himself.

"Hello there, Helioc was it? My name is Ian, from RavenStar and HavenFall. We are collaborating with Devel at the moment as the near future might require a simple collaboration. Looking at that sinister castle behind us, I'm assuming my guess is… Well, correct." - Mikki

Scoffing at us, Helioc brandishes his knife, ready to pounce on us once more when, another person wearing a bright white robe with golden highlights places his hand on Helioc's shoulder. Glancing to his left, Helioc sees the person and gradually lowers his stance, crossing his arms in the process.

"No need to get so heated there, Helioc. Nice to finally meet you, RavenStar and Devel. This is the first time we have met as well. My name is SanShiGo, I'm part of Lotus while Helioc here is part of Aqua. We have already met here about 20 to 30 minutes ago when we passed through our respective portals." - SanShiGo

"I thought you were in Aqua as well, SanShiGo?" - Devel

"I did my time there. I'm with Lotus now." - SanShiGo

"Hmm… I see." - Devel

Stepping up, Nina examines the people behind SanShiGo and Helioc before inputting into the conversation.

"With only 20 people here, and our 10 that is a total of 30 people. Assuming you came from different places, no, I'm sure you did come from different places, then that means each major location in the Glemt will have a Portal that leads here. Does that mean we are too early? There are 5 locations are there not?" - Nina

"Amazing observation skills there. Truly is quite obvious. Although, I doubt the other 2 locations will reach the end." - SanShiGo

"And why do you say that?" - Nina

"The level of players in the other two areas is lower than that of the three that are here already. While there isn't a mathematical system to show levels and such, from Lotus's extensive information network, I  can conclude that they are weaker." - SanShiGo

"Nina, he ain't wrong. The general populace of players are quite weaker than the elites and with there being so many players, the pool of weaklings is quite large." - Devel

"I guess that means we only have 30 people to clear this stage." - Helioc

"And what is this stage? We have only just arrived. I'm guessing there is a system prompt the moment you go near the gate or touch it?" - Rebecca

Putting myself out there, I converse with the 4 of them, making my presence known.

"And this is?" - SanShiGo

"Ian's wife-to-be. RavenStar's top woman." - Devel

"Shut up, Devel. Care to answer my question?" - Rebecca

"Doesn't matter who you are, we all have to, unfortunately, work together. Come, you will understand the reason once you approach the gate." - Helioc

Turning his back to us, Helioc walks toward the gate, merging with his group of people while SanShiGo shrugs his shoulders, retreating to his group of people as well. Glancing at each other, Nina, Devel and I quickly approach the gate with everyone else following closely. Right before we even touch the gate a blue screen appears before us.

[Welcome those who have proven themselves to be strong enough to arrive here. The final stage of the Third Event awaits you but be warned, it will be quite tricky from here on out.]

[Past this gate and approach the Reaper's Castle. The goal is simple. Kill the Reaper.]

[Those who make more contributions during the battles will gain more contribution points.]

[The Castle is vast, with many rooms and many corridors. Treasure may be found throughout the Castle but so will enemies.]

[A maximum of 50 people are allowed through these gates. Currently 30/50]

[Do you wish to proceed? Yes/No]

"No." - Rebecca

Turning to my left, I could already see the gears in Nina's head, turning. Figuring out the most optimal plan for the upcoming battle.

"Nina, there is no way we are waiting for the last 20 people is there?" - Rebecca

Replying under her breath, Nina looks at me while grabbing a hold of Devel, pulling him close enough to listen in on the conversation.

"Judging from who is already here, we can assume that they came from the Tower. The last time either of those two, Helioc and SanShiGo, was seen was there. As for how there are 20 of them, I can guess either the Barracks or one of the other locations also made it to the end and with some sort of deal, they were able to get SanShiGo through the Portal. Probably, one of Aqua's members also passed through the Portal with Lotus, and then they swapped once they arrived here." - Nina

"Then, in that case, there is a chance Sabrina can come through the Courtyard right? She was close to getting to the end but Lotus might get there first…" - Rebecca

"No, I don't think that will happen. If we are talking about the Courtyard, then Lotus's members who are there are quite weak. They were only able to acquire strong equips due to luck but they are unable to use them to their full potential." - Devel

"Interesting. Then all that is left is one location." - Nina

"Then, we should wait?" - Rebecca

"Do you know who is dominating the last location, Devel?" - Nina

"The Farmland is dominated by Lotus. I found SanShiGo's words quite contradicting since he is now part of Lotus, although I can assume he is lying. The man is as crafty as a fox." - Devel

"Then we can assume the people from Lotus will come soon as well, I doubt, SanShiGo will just waltz through the Castle at a disadvantage. He seems like the type of person who prefers to always have the advantage in battle." - Nina

"Shall we move to the side then, wait for people who might be coming?" - Rebecca

"I agree with Rebecca here. No point in standing around tense, we might as well relax while we can." - Devel

"Sigh… Agreed." - Nina

Walking off to the side, away from the other two groups, we decide to sit around in small circles, conversing with each other. Helioc and SanShiGo asked us if we are going to attempt to go inside the Castle but with Devel's rejection, they too had no choice but to wait around. However, in my eyes, SanShiGo expected this situation as the corners of his mouth raise slightly.

Time passes slowly, but during that time, Travys has become close to David while Song, Tsugi, and Frank were having a heated discussion. Devel sat off to the side with Mikki standing not too far, looking into the distance while Sylvia, Nina, and I chatted with each other. It wasn't long before two Portals appears around the same area, where we have appeared from, and emerging from the Portal was a familiar face.

Wearing a black and red witch's hat, with a purple robe and red runes along the edges. She glances around as she surveys the new environment, and to her surprise as well, as she turns her head toward our direction, she sees us. Almost dropping her long wooden staff, as she yells in surprise, I quickly stand up, rushing over to her and giving her a hug.

"SABRINA!" - Rebecca

"What the? Oh my god! Rebecca? Nina? Ian? What is- What is happening?!" - Sabrina

"Glad you could make it! Was beginning to doubt your abilities." - Nina

"I-What?" - Sabrina

"Welcome to the final stage of the third event, Sabrina. Let me get you up-to-date." - Rebecca