Chapter 64:

  Lighting The Fires

  (Lucas's POV)

  I sat with my legs up to my chest, holding them close as I watched the television in the main living room. The giant screen depicted an image of City W with a red banner underneath and the headline: Severe Gate Breaks Causes Citywide Shutdown.

  A man sat behind a desk looking like your typical newscaster. They were reporting on the multiple outbreaks that have happened, and I could only listen with rapt attention.

  "The city remains on lockdown as the seventh Gate Break over the st week has caused mass panic," he spoke in a smooth, yet monotonous tone, "The third, seventh, eighth, ninth, and eleventh district have taken the heaviest hits. However, thanks to the quick response from the major guilds, along with many of the Pyers from smaller guilds, the damage has been mitigated."

  The screen switched over to various images of the districts, showcasing stills and live footage of the fighting. Magic flew through the air and bdes cshed against monstrous flesh. It was...horrific. Not because of the graphic content, but because I knew that this was only the beginning.

  How many more gate breaks would there be until things would settle down? Would it only continue to build until the entire world was covered in..."No," I shook the thought from my head, "Let's not focus on that." I tried to reassure myself, but the thought was there as the newscaster continued to speak.

  "Over the st week, Aegis has colborated with the other top guilds," they expined, shuffling through some papers on their desk, "Due to their quick response, there have been no casualties as of yet, but injuries are on the rise. We head over now to a press conference being held by Elizabeth Falcrest, the Heir to Aegis Unlimited and the head of the Aegis Guild."

  The video flickered and appearing on the screen was a podium before the Aegis Guild headquarters. My heart immediately fluttered in my chest as I saw her. Elizabeth.

  An involuntary sigh of relief escaped my lips ever so softly. I knew she would be okay, but it was hard not to worry. Seeing her completely unharmed, resplendent in her armor and as regal as ever was still reassuring. I felt a gentle hand upon my shoulder, and looking up I saw Maya looking down at me with gentle understanding.

  I nodded appreciatively to her silently, which she returned in kind, before our attentions went back to the screen.

  "Miss Falcrest! Miss Falcrest!" a reporter cried eagerly, "Is it true that another Gate Break opened today, shortly after the seventh? That would now make eight in the past week."

  This was contrary to what the reporter back at the studio had said previously, but with the current state of things, new information was constantly being released.

  As the question was asked, Elizabeth's eyes gazed coolly over the crowd and towards the one who spoke. She smiled ephemerally, a chilling yet calming expression. A hush so quiet fell over the crowd that the only thing which could be heard was the sound of their breaths.

  "Unfortunately, yes," Elizabeth answered, her voice ringing out loud and clear, filled with a practiced sympathy and even more practiced determination, "Thankfully, Reina and her guild, Haven, were quick to the scene. With her skills and leadership, the situation was resolved quickly and with minimal damage to structures and civilians."

  There was a collective release of tension as relief washed over the crowd, but they were far from being rexed.

  "What about the other districts?" another reporter spoke up, "Is it true that District Three has suffered severe damage? Isn't that area under Aegis's jurisdiction?"

  Once again, Elizabeth's gaze fell upon the one who spoke, but this time there was something different to this time. While it was subtle, I noticed the sharpness in her eyes as her smile widened to appear inviting, but beneath the surface she had found her prey. It was bound to happen. Even in the chaos, there were always people trying to tear her down.

  "It is, yes," Elizabeth answered calmly, and the reporter went to open their mouth to speak again, but Elizabeth didn't give them the chance, "However, the damage done to the district is nothing in comparison to the lives that were saved because of the efforts of brave Pyers who risked their own lives to protect the people."

  There was a murmur of agreement that rang through the crowd, and the reporter who had asked the question shrunk back a bit in discomfort from her words and gaze, but Elizabeth wasn't letting go after sinking her teeth in.

  "After all, property isn't as important as the lives of our people, is it?" Elizabeth inquired, digging her teeth in further.

  "No, of course not," the reporter answered nervously, clearing their throat as they tried to compose themselves, "I just mean that a lot of people were dispced. Their homes are gone, and the rebuilding cost is-"

  "Taken care of," Elizabeth cut through their words easily, causing them to falter slightly.

  "E-Excuse me?" they blinked in confusion.

  Elizabeth's demeanor shifted as she appeared to stand taller at the podium. A slight self-satisfied smirk was hidden behind the fascimile of kindness.

  "Forgive me, I didn't mean to interrupt, I just don't want there to be any kind of mistake," Elizabeth's words were yered in honeyed sweetness, but beneath was the viper ready to strike, "Aegis did not cause the damages, but will ensure that the district is taken care of."

  It was a warning to any who dared report that Aegis destroyed District 3 in their fight with the monsters from the Gate Break. The reporter froze under Elizabeth's pressure, the guise of a caring, gentle individual belying the devil underneath. It was...attractive. Dangerously so as I felt my heart flutter even more wildly than before.

  "With that said..." Elizabeth continued, rexing slightly, "It is true that the fighting was intense, but all civilians were evacuated safely and are currently undergoing treatment. Until things settle down, they will all be given safe haven, as well as provided daily necessities. Once it is safe again, Aegis will begin working with various construction companies to rebuild and see everyone back home as soon as possible."

  The reporter who had originally asked the question slumped back in their chair, regretting having been tasked by their superiors to ask the question. The look on their face was definitely one of someone who had been pressured into asking such a question. I almost felt sorry for them...almost.

  Elizabeth didn't stop there. Seeing the anxious faces of the crowds hadn't fully dissipated, she took a deep breath and stood proudly before them.

  "I know that you are afraid," Elizabeth's voice carried out over the crowd, "It is natural to feel scared, helpless, lost...especially when the world has been thrown into such chaos."

  The crowd shifted uneasily, but not a single one disagreed.

  "However, do not be discouraged," her voice held strength; a resolve unlike any other, "Over the past week, I and many other Pyers, have worked tirelessly to ensure that you remain safe. That when all is said and done, you are able to continue living without care. That you know you're protected. To enjoy your life and live freely."

  Her eyes pierced through the camera on the screen, and for a brief moment I felt as if she was looking directly at me..."No," I realized, "She is looking at me..." I felt a small smile curl upon my lips fondly as I understood that, while she spoke to everyone, her words were directly specifically at me.

  As if to reinforce this, her [Living Mirage] appeared behind me, leaning down from behind the couch to wrap her arms around me. There was purposeful warmth to the embrace, and while I knew that it was only a clone, it was still a part of her. A piece that loved dearly.

  Leaning my head back against them, I felt her lips press affectionately against the top of my head. Their words, in her voice, whispering to me.

  "My sweet Lucas~," she said, fondly caressing my cheek with her hand, "Do not worry. I will always be here for you."

  "...I know," I muttered knowingly with a smile, patting her arm lovingly, "Don't think just because you're only a part of her, that I don't love you just as much."

  "You ftter me," she replied, though her words were filled with joy, "I speak for the both of us, we...ah, forgive me. It seems I am needed."

  I tilted my head a little in confusion, but it didn't take me long to realize what she meant. My gaze drifted to the screen where Elizabeth was still speaking.

  "We must stand together," she stated passionately, rousing the crowd, "Now, of all times, I send this plea to the world. Stand together! We cannot let past grievances get in the way of our survival. Let us forget the fights of the past and move forward together in order to stand united against the threat to all of our lives."

  I felt proud of her, listening raptly to every single word, and I knew that everyone there and throughout the world was glued to their screens. However, dread soon fell upon the crowd as the familiar red flicker crackled through the air, and the sound of the city's warning system began to py. My heart stopped for a brief moment, falling into the pits of my stomach.

  The [Living Mirage] began to fade away and was repced by Maya's comforting touch. Elizabeth had called her mirage back to her, most likely having sensed the incursion. She remained calm, even as the people began to panic, unsure of what to do or where to go.

  Across the bottom and top of the screen, scrolling across it in big bold letters across a red banner were the words: BREAKING NEWS! A NEW GATE BREAK HAS OCCURED NEAR AEGIS HQ! PLEASE STAY INSIDE OR SEEK YOUR NEAREST SHELTER.

  Everything happened fast after that. The sky cracked like shards of gss as the camera panned towards the sound. From just down the road, a rge pawed cw was tearing through into this world. Dark fur covered its body, and from within the cracks that formed, golden predatory eyes could be seen, along with dozens of others behind it.

  With one final push, the creature broke through, jumping onto the street. Its full form was revealed now. They were a tiger about the size of a horse, if not rger, with bck fur and red stripes. Horns grew from its head from which lightning could be seen crackling between like conductors. One by one, more started to join it.

  "Hellcats. A-Rank Monsters. Their leader might be S-Rank," Maya informed me quietly, then clicked her tongue almost in pity, "They sure picked the worst spot to appear...poor kitties."

  The genuine sympathy in her tone, and the delivery was enough to make me ugh, though I tried to suppress it as it came out as more of a scoff. Maya smiled amusingly at my reaction, but on screen was where our attention was drawn.

  In almost comical, cliche fashion, everyone stared down at the beasts until the Hellcats took notice of them. The rger Hellcat, the one who had broken through first, took a single step towards the crowd. Even through the screen, I could feel the pressure it gave off as everyone instinctively took a step back from it. The Hellcat seemed almost...pleased with this. A cat-like smile spread across its face, baring its teeth.

  Time seemed to stand still in that moment. A moment that felt like it sted a lifetime before suddenly the Hellcat began to move. With great speed, it took off towards the crowd, and that's when the screaming began. It was mass panic as people began cmbering over each other to get away. Immediately, the camera was knocked over, chairs were pushed down, and barriers tossed aside.

  However, though my gut was clenched, and heart tight in my chest, I did not panic. I remained glued with held breath to the screen, because I remembered what everyone had seemed to have forgotten. Elizabeth was there.

  A fsh of ethereal blue-green light erupted somewhere past the crowd. Through the din of it all, a voice rang out with a commanding, powerful tone. One that demanded obedience.

  "Enough," Elizabeth ordered, "Calm yourselves."

  The crowd came to a stop, shifting around. Someone fumbled with the camera, lifting it to show what was happening. Whoever it was, I was appreciative of their efforts, and I'm sure everyone else watching from home, or wherever they were in the world, were as well. In the past, such things would have been immediately cut, but due to the nature of the world having changed, documentation and what was allowed in media has as well. There were still limits, but they had been rgely lessened in order to report everything on the Gates and Monsters as possible.

  What I saw was Elizabeth calmly walking down from the podium, all eyes having turned towards her, though the camera slowly panned down the road to reveal the charred remains of one of the Hellcats. It id, still flickering with Elizabeth's ethereal fmes, in the middle of the street. Nearby, all the other Hellcats, including the leader, had come to a full stop.

  "You all seem to forget...I'm not dead, you know," Elizabeth chided, casting her eyes over the crowd, her tone icily serene, "Now, please. Pick up your chairs. Help those you've knocked over back up."

  One by one, each person did as they were told without compint. A few looked rather sheepish, and a murmur of apologies rippled through the crowd. The camera began looking around the crowd, revealing that along the perimeter were poised several Guild Members of Aegis. Some stood casually at attention, while others perched upon mpposts and nearby vehicles. None of them look very concerned, but all of them were focused. Their eyes sharp and ready to act.

  "Watch well," Elizabeth called out, "Though we are under threat, do not forget your humanity, least you become the beasts themselves."

  I rolled my eyes at her dramatic speech, finding it rather amusing as she was ying it on a little thick, but she was right. People often lost all senses of themselves in a crisis. Of course, it was rather instinctual to run from danger. I couldn't fault them for that, but how they conducted themselves should still be important.

  "Help each other. Stand united," Elizabeth continued, stepping before the crowd between them and the Hellcats, "And always remember..."

  Elizabeth's aura slowly began to fre to life. It started as a flicker along her shoulder before growing in intensity, dancing down along her arm as she raised it out to her side. The fmes twisted delicately around her before coalescing into a hand that covered hers. From the fiery hand came an arm, then a shoulder, and eventually a full body that completely mirrored Elizabeth's.

  Her [Living Mirage] manifested in a hauntingly beautiful fashion. Liquid metal collected into Elizabeth's hand before extending and solidifying into a wickedly elegant bde. Her mirage mimicked this with a flickering, fiery bde of her own.

  "Though they call me by many names," her voice echoed with power, resonating out with authority, "I am Elizabeth Falcrest, and this is my world."

  I smiled as I heard the cheers erupt, and then gnced up at Maya.

  "Has she always been such a show off?" I inquired jokingly.

  "You saw her when the Dragon showed up," Maya replied, her eyes sparking with amusement, "You tell me, Sir."

  "I supposed you're right," I chuckled, reaching up to grab Maya's hand, squeezing it gently, "It's kind of cute, honestly."

  "She's not the only one," Maya teased, "That's cute, I mean."

  I blushed slightly as Maya returned my touch with one of her own, holding my hand firmly. On screen, the camera captured the action which happened shortly after Elizabeth's decration.

  Walking forward, each step Elizabeth made was followed by her mirage. The Hellcats watched on carefully, prowling back and forth. Then, with a deafening roar from their leader, the Hellcats split into two groups and ran towards her. They were attempting to fnk, but...

  As the first one leapt for her, she moved fluidly in one direction as her mirage went the other. A single, simple movement of her bde cut two Hellcats in half. This was followed by another as she danced a dance of death. It was a Ballet of Sughter, and all were entranced by her performance, myself included.

  One of the Hellcats began charging electricity between its horns, shooting it towards Elizabeth. For a moment, my breath caught in my throat, but Maya's reassuring touch was comforting. Her thumb caressed across the back of my hand, and I was able to rex if only a little.

  The lightning never touched Elizabeth, or rather...it never harmed her. Catching the lightning with her bde, it followed along the metal and was sent back towards the creature with terrifying velocity and destructive power. The creature exploded in fur and ash.

  She was in perfect sync with her mirage as from behind, another one tried the same, but was met with ethereal fme that dissipated the lightning and engulfed the creature, burning it to a crisp. This was the turning point of the fight as the remaining Hellcats began to realize how outmatched they were. They were backing away slowly, attempting to retreat behind their leader who was watching Elizabeth warily.

  Walking with her mirage, Elizabeth approached the Hellcat leader with purposeful steps. It leapt to action, getting down on all fours, its fur bristling as electricity began to gather along its horns. However, unlike the other Hellcats, the electricity began running along its entire body and began to turn a dark red.

  The pressure from the gathering energy began cracking roads and breaking gss in the vicinity. Loose debris began swirling about and the people gathered had to hold onto their hats and other accessories or lose them. Leaping into action were the Aegis Guild Members, several of them combining their efforts to create a barrier around them. The force was immediately negated within, settling the flying hair and tempestuous winds.

  However, outside the barrier, the camera continued to pick up the fight. Elizabeth and her mirage were staring down the Hellcat leader rather nonchantly. Raising their bdes in the air, ethereal fmes ignited, followed by several tiny modules of fme which surrounded them. They appeared like little motes of light, like will-o-wisps. Despite the danger, I couldn't help but find it...beautiful.

  Then, in a blinding fsh, the Hellcat released its lightning with another deafening roar. The lightning bsted out from it, tearing at the road and buildings. With a single motion, Elizabeth and her mirage brought their swords down, a line of fme following their swing as it was released towards the lightning. One by one, the will-o-wisps shot out from them in various directions.

  The impending csh erupted with immense power that blinded the camera for a brief moment before it adjusted. Dust was everywhere, but as everything began to settle, I saw Elizabeth and her mirage standing unharmed within a geometrical hemisphere created by ethereal fme. Each point of the sphere was connected to those little motes of fme. It was like a net made out of her fire that prevented the explosion of energy from leaving the immediate area and limiting further damage.

  Beyond Elizabeth was the now struggling Hellcat leader as its left foreleg was completely gone from its body. The other Hellcats cowered as Elizabeth raised her bde once more, and together with her mirage, she finished the job as an inferno of fme engulfed them all. By the time all was said and done, all the Hellcats id in smoldering piles and the surrounding area, while damaged, was rgely intact.

  Most importantly, no one died.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV, Cont.)

  The wind caressed my face as I leaned against the balcony of the penthouse. There was a vague sense of vertigo as I took in the city before me. My fear of heights was still ever present, but as I felt a familiar, gentle hand upon my shoulder, the feeling lessened to a manageable, dulled level.

  "It's cold," Maya's words were as kind as her touch, "Are you sure you don't want to go back inside?"

  I gnced at her with a gentle smile, noticing the bnket in her arms, for she already knew the answer. The city was silent, save for the sound of distant fighting and the occasional crackling of red lightning, followed by fshes of crimson. I couldn't do anything about it except wait, and somewhere out there was Elizabeth.

  Ever since the video from the news spread around the world, she has been busier than ever. Even her [Living Mirage] was unable to stay for long. The st time I saw the mirage was maybe three days ago, and it was only for a brief moment. She had come to deliver a message, direct from Elizabeth's mouth, rather than Maya through their [Message] skill.

  She had wanted it to be a little more...personal. She had apologized for being unable to return, as well as inform me of the current state of events. With the Critical Dungeon in Italy having been cleared, it was the start to a long list of events that would occur one by one.

  First, Gate Breaks. After the first week of them, which had already passed, there would be another week of even more of them, and not just here. All around the world. Even Dungeons that had been deemed retively safe, such as Material Dungeons, could overload and break.

  Second, another Critical Dungeon. However, she was regretful that she didn't know which Critical Dungeon it would be. While she had a rough estimation, it wasn't always the same one each time, but they weren't so random that it couldn't be calcute. She just had to be extra vigint and thus would need to continue observing everything.

  "Well, if you're going to stay out here..." Maya's voice cut through my thoughts as she wrapped the bnket, and her arms, around me, "We should at least keep you warm."

  I chuckled, leaning into her fondly.

  "I appreciate it," I replied, giving her a light kiss upon the cheek.

  She blushed lightly, pulling me close as she remained silent. Her gaze passed out over the city with a discerning eye. I watched her with intent, looking at every subtle movement that she made. To say I was entranced would be an understatement.

  There was a gentleness now to her stoicism that I always found comforting. It reminded me that she was finally living for herself, and that warmed my heart.

  "If you keep staring..." she whispered, her eyes flicking to me with a coy mischief, "I might have to give you something to actually stare at."

  "Oh, really?" I smirked, "Such as?"

  Reaching a hand up towards my face, Maya turned my head towards her as she pulled me in even closer. I could feel her body firmly against mine, making me very self-conscious of the fact that there was nothing between us except thin pieces of fabric.

  "I have several ideas," she teased, trailing her hand down my cheek, "Where should I start?"

  I closed my eyes and gave in to her touch. I focused solely on the feel of her skin against mine. The way she traced along my cheekbone, down and around my ear, and finally...along my jawline towards my chin. Opening my eyes, I stared longingly into hers with a loving smile upon my lips.

  "Aren't you sweet," I whispered, holding firmly to her lower back as I held her close, "Trying to distract me."

  She examined me with a keen warmth. There was purpose in her eyes and love in her heart. She knew exactly what she was doing.

  "It's better than you eating away at yourself," she replied softly, "If you think I'm going to let you sit alone with your thoughts, then you're wrong, mister."

  "Mister?" I raised an eyebrow at that, almost ughing from how it sounded, "Really?"

  "Yes, mister," she repeated, putting a coy, teasing emphasis on it, "Do you have a problem with that?"

  "Heh, not at all," I let myself finally ugh, shaking my head in amused disbelief, "You're something else, Maya. Honestly, you know exactly how to ease the tension in my heart."

  Indeed, I did feel more rexed than before, and it was all thanks to her.

  "Well..." she shrugged casually, as if it was no big deal, "What can I say? You'd do the same for me."

  "Yeah," I nodded knowingly, "I would, but even so. I'm grateful."

  Maya brushed aside some of my hair fondly, the corner of her lips curling into a small smile.

  "I know you feel useless," she spoke quietly, her tone full of understanding and affection, "Trust me, you're not. For now, however, you have to trust her, you know."

  I took a deep breath, reaching my own hand up towards Maya's face. Cupping her cheek, she leaned her head against my hand.

  "I do," I told her honestly, "And I also trust you. I just-"

  Suddenly, she moved her hand to the back of my head. Her fingers ran through my hair and gripped tightly, pulling me into a deep, intoxicating kiss. All thoughts left my head in that moment as my hand upon her face instinctively moved to the back of her neck to hold her there.

  I was left in a daze as she finally pulled away after what seemed like forever. An eternity of sweet bliss that I wish hadn't come to an end.

  "Then trust me and shut up," she told me in return, "I'm speaking to those thoughts of yours."

  I ughed, smiling dumbly. My thoughts had definitely shut up, though they were still on the edges of my mind.

  "You're right, you're right..." I gave up, pulling her head down to rest against my shoulder, "I just can't help it. You two are the most important people in my life, family notwithstanding of course. It's only natural that I...ah~!"

  I shuddered pleasurably as I felt her lips upon my neck, soft and gentle, followed by a little nibble. My entire body shivered from her touch like a current had run through it. Immediately, my thoughts become muddled. She smiled into her kiss, knowing that her pn was working.

  I cursed her silently, albeit pyfully, "Damn it, Maya..." I had to struggle to keep my composure. She was really good at what she did, and while I still thought of Elizabeth, hoping for her return, Maya ensured that I would never be lonely, and that I stayed warm for as long as I was out here. Distracting me whenever my thoughts began to run away from me.

  -----

  (Elizabeth's POV)

  The world was in an uproar. The fire had been lit after the video of Elizabeth fighting off the Hellcats had been broadcasted. It was all according to pn in order to get the world off their asses and actually start taking things seriously. Since then, however, she had been incredibly busy.

  Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth flicked her wrist to clean the blood of the recently deceased Troll from her bde. Lumbering, yet surprisingly agile creatures about ten feet tall with long, gangly arms and sharp cws. They were faster than what most people might think when they thought of a Troll, despite their slow methodical movement when walking.

  Their lumbering nature was just a falsehood. The moment a Troll spotted its prey, they would use their unnaturally long limbs to propel themselves forward at incredible speeds. With hides stronger than most rocks, they were tough and durable. What made them even more dangerous was the fact that they could regenerate their wounds. Unfortunately for them, one of the main weaknesses for Trolls was also one of Elizabeth's strengths. Fire.

  They always had a hard time regenerating back what had been incinerated or cauterized. Likewise, acidic attacks were also very useful against them. Anything that would corrode their bodies and prevent their flesh from knitting itself back together, or in some cases completely regrowing, was effective. Since their skin was also much like rock, blunt attacks that could pulverize them also worked.

  Taking a look around, Elizabeth saw around a dozen Trolls in various pieces strewn around the once lush, beautiful park in District 5. A bittersweet sorrow filled her heart as she saw the park now covered in viscera and torn up from the most recent Gate Break. Her gaze fell upon a bench across the pond nearby, now shattered and broken where a crater now was.

  Her memory fshed to just months ago when Lucas had taken her on a date here, before it was interrupted by Yuki. It had been so peaceful, but now...it was littered with dozens of Troll corpses as various Pyers began to harvest their cores and clean up as best they could. The reason she was here was because this pce was special. That date Lucas had taken her on wasn't the first time she's been here. She had many memories of this pce with him.

  "Captain?" Richard's voice called to her, snapping her out of nostalgia, "Everything alright?"

  "Yeah," Elizabeth nodding, releasing the form of her sword so that it went away, "Just thinking. This pce has a lot of memories for me."

  From atop the corpse of the Troll that he had killed, Richard was silent. There was understanding written all over his face as his expression turned gentle.

  "We'll get this pce back to normal," he said after a moment, "It'll be as good as new. You'll be able to take that boy on many other outtings."

  "Heh, damn right I will," Elizabeth let out a soft chuckle, appreciative of the sentiment, "What about the others? Have you heard anything?"

  Jumping down from his perch upon the Troll, he fell in beside Elizabeth as she began to walk.

  "Ailyah just cleared the underground Gate Break," Richard began his report, "Electric Lizards in the Subway. They were trying to eat through the power lines."

  "Was Reina there?" Elizabeth asked, gncing out of the corner of her eye at Richard, "I heard Haven answered the call."

  "No," he shook his head, "Several Hellhounds had broken loose in the tunnels near the children's hospital of District One. There were rumors of a Cerberus leading them, so she responded to that. However, Ellen, her daughter, went with several members of Haven to back Ailyah up."

  "There were rumors?" Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, "I take it the beast is dead?"

  Richard's face twisted in what Elizabeth could only assume was sympathetic pity.

  "Honestly feel bad for the poor thing..." Richard said, scratching the back of his head, "You know how much Reina adores children. I heard it became nothing but a smear after she was done."

  It was true. Reina had always loved children. Though many thought her to be aloof and cold, she was far from that underneath. Before she had Awakened, Reina volunteered many hours helping out at orphanages, hospitals, and schools. Much of her money was also donated to causes that sought to treat and fight diseases in children, as well as help put a stop to child hunger and homelessness.

  Now, after having awakened, Reina was able to do so much more. Underneath the icy exterior, Reina was just a child at heart. She joked, teased, and pyed around. One only had to look back at the excursion into the Wild Zone, and her interactions with Dimitry, to understand that. Of course, that didn't mean she wouldn't get her hands dirty.

  She was a cunning woman who was confident in her skills and appearance. She wasn't stupid enough not to use that to her advantage, but she didn't really think herself above anyone. Ever since awakening to magic, she was still volunteering at local schools, hospitals, and orphanages in order to brighten the children's spirits. She'd show them magic in exchange for a few smiles.

  Elizabeth had always liked Reina.

  "Sigrid and the Twins took several Giants down with Adamant in District Four," Richard continued after Elizabeth hadn't said anything, "Though Dimitry had been dragged by Julian to take care of a couple Basilisks that had broken out in District Nine."

  The thought was amusing to the both of them, with Elizabeth rolling her eyes at the image. Even after the Wild Zone, Dimitry still detested the creatures. Now that Elizabeth could really bme him, as when push came to shove, he would stand before the Basilisk's with stalwart strength to rival that of Titans...even if he compined while doing so.

  "It's been almost two weeks now..." Richard sighed wearily, "Just how many more breaks will there be? Even ones we've cleared have overloaded. Seriously...what the fuck is going on?"

  "...I wish I could tell you," Elizabeth said, regretting the fact that she couldn't actually tell him, "I can only assume it has to do with that dungeon appearing in Italy."

  "The one everyone is calling a Critical Dungeon?" Richard shivered at the thought, "It definitely wasn't pleasant. You really think there will be more like that?"

  Elizabeth came to a stop at the edge of the park, where city met nature. Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth looked around at the world before her. Pyers ran by, equipped to fight and harvest. There was a time where their expressions might have been more carefree, but now they were hardened into a resolved understanding. This was real. It wasn't a game anymore.

  The first wave, when the Gates first appeared, was always the biggest reality shock, but the moment Critical Dungeons appeared and the world was thrown into chaos, the second biggest reality shock happened. This wasn't just some fun game where you could fight monsters and "level up". It was real. More real than anything else, and those who had forgotten it over the years were solemnly reminded of that.

  It was a blessing in disguise that in this life, they had not experienced how it was when it first happened. Elizabeth would never forget the blood that ran red in the streets. It soaked into the earth as if it was parched, but soon overflowed into rivers of crimson. She could still feel the ground beneath her feet squelch with every step. She could still taste the air with its acrid iron scent.

  It had been...horrible, and it didn't get better for many, many regressions. Now, though the streets were damaged, and blood ran through them...it was only from the monsters they had sin.

  "Yeah," Elizabeth finally answered with a nod of her head, "That's why we need to be ready. I fear this is only the beginning, Richard."

  "...Damn," he muttered, adjusting himself and stretching his shoulders, "Well, I better get to it then, huh?"

  He gave her a determined grin before disappearing using [Fsh Step]. He was off to hone his skills and help with any other Gate Breaks that may occur. Meanwhile, this left Elizabeth alone with her thoughts as she also disappeared from where she was standing, only to appear on the roof of a nearby building. Once there, she sat at the edge and looked out over the city and the Pyers with their hardened expressions as they fought to protect their livelihoods.

  Over the past couple of weeks, many Pyers were injured. Some severely, while a few unlucky ones met their end. Thanks to several powerful Clerics, however, life and death were but strings to be pyed, but it wouldn't st. [Revival] was a skill only the strongest of Clerical Pyers could use, but there were drawbacks. Though they were brought back, there was a limit to such things.

  First, it could only be used safely twice. When brought back, the recipient would suffer issues with their cognitive and motor functions that took time to recover. If someone was revived a third time, they would be unable to recover such functions and become completely inert. A simple husk of themselves. A living body with no one home.

  Second, it wasn't a skill they could use constantly. It took time for the Cleric to recover and use it again, but more importantly, and most sickening of all, is the third drawback. If coupled with the skill [Puppet Master], one could control such husks for their own purposes. In fact, what remained of those revived more than twice were extremely susceptible to control, and under certain conditions could become monsters in their own right. What were essentially...Zombies.

  This was something that Elizabeth had discovered in one of her regressions that had gone drastically wrong. A zealous cult that embraced the chaos of the changing world had gained the power of both [Revival] and [Puppet Master]. They quickly grew in influence when their members who supposedly died were returned back to life.

  This intrigued Elizabeth who had constantly been searching for such a thing, but the truth was far from optimal. [Revival] was amazing, but those who used the skill didn't care for the drawbacks. They used it with abandon, controlling the husks with [Puppet Master] and through a vile ritual, turned them into Undead that soon swarmed the world. Eating away at the minds of those they revived, they used them for whatever sick and twisted pleasures they could think of.

  Elizabeth burned that world to the ground, and ever since had made sure that the skill [Puppet Master] was never discovered again, and all records of such a ritual were stricken from the world. However, she made [Revival] known to the world through the Clerics of Aegis. Helping them unlock the skill, she then went on to reveal the drawbacks to it. This was in order to prevent others around the world from abusing it.

  If the public knew about the drawbacks, those who had the skill would be more reluctant to use it more than what was recommended. This wasn't a cheat death button, but a stop gap to help mitigate some of the damage. It wasn't perfect, and she couldn't monitor everything. So there were a few who believed themselves capable of breaking the limits of [Revival], but unless they were a Saint or Saintess, this was impossible.

  That's why Hannah was so important to Elizabeth. To be able to use [Miracle] and [Revival] without the negative effects on the recipient was critical to Elizabeth's pns for the future. Unfortunately, Hannah couldn't revive everyone. It would take up too much of her time, and the toll it would eventually take on her health would be detrimental. In this, Elizabeth had to be selfish.

  She had done all she could for everyone else by making [Revival] known to the world. It was up to them if they would respect the drawbacks or not. That's why those below were so focused. They were reminded of their limits after having grown compcent in the cushion that Elizabeth had provided for them. It was a harsh reminder, but one they needed to learn.

  "...I can't protect you all," Elizabeth whispered to herself, "I won't sacrifice him for you. Not again. You must conquer this with your own strength. I've provided what I can...now show me what he always say. That you're actually worth fighting for."

  In a fsh of fme, Elizabeth vanished from her spot on the edge of the roof and began making her way throughout the city. She observed those that Lucas had willingly given his life for. The people that he always asked her to give a chance to. To prove to her that not all of them were vile creatures needing to be exterminated.

  It wasn't that she hadn't learned such things over her many lives, but that she had simply grown distant from it. She was solely focused on making sure Lucas could live, and that she would be able to live a full, happy life with him by her side. Everything else was secondary.

  This was a reminder for her. A reminder of the world that Lucas cherished. She saw as people helped one another. A Pyer enhancing their strength to lift debris from a bridge colpse that had trapped civilians underneath. Another who provided them with potions and healing magic to help their injuries before another group of Pyers escorted them to safety for further treatment.

  She saw the kindness. She saw the warmth. She saw the good in their hearts. It was just as Lucas had said all those years ago. There were many worth saving.

  However, there were others who were far from being worth the air they breathed. She saw them escorting civilians through the twisting alleyways of the city, away from what looked like a building that had colpsed due to a fire which had been mostly put out. Samanders, snake-like creatures with humanoid upper bodies and va-like skin, id dead in the street. Most likely what had caused the damage, but Elizabeth's eye was drawn to the Pyers who were with the civilians.

  Within their eyes, she saw their intent. There were no hospitals or emergency treatment tents in the direction they were leading these people, and none of them offered help to the injured, even as one woman was limping badly from a burn on her leg. It was another survivor, soot covered older man whose clothes singed, that was helping her along.

  Elizabeth counted at least twenty-three civilians and about eleven Pyers. When the woman with the injured leg stumbled, the older man lost his bance and the both of them fell. Everyone stopped from the commotion, with only the civilians going to help.

  "Can she walk?" one of the Pyers called, feigning politeness, "We should get moving before more appear."

  "Can't any of you help her?" one woman who was kneeling down to check on the girl's leg asked, "Aren't you Pyers? Don't any of you have anything that-"

  "We can't afford it," a different Pyer from the first interrupted, "Healing Potions are expensive, and we have to conserve our strength."

  The woman looked distraught at such an answer and scowled at them before going back to attending the injured leg of the other woman. Meanwhile, the Pyers all exchanged silent gnces with one another, barely containing their malicious snickering. Looking around the alley, one of the Pyers decided that this was far enough and nodded to the rest.

  "Well..." one of them stepped forward, a man with dark hair and leather armor, "Perhaps we could figure something out...for a price, of course."

  "W-What?" a young man asked in confusion, "Isn't it your job to help us? What do you mean for a price?"

  The man in leather armor sneered at the young man and knelt before the injured woman. She was probably in her mid-twenties with soot covered auburn hair and freckled skin underneath the soot and ash. Emerald eyes looked up at him in hesitation and fear.

  "I'm sure we can figure something out..." the man pced a hand on the thigh of her injured leg, "Can't we?"

  Immediately, their hand was smacked away by the older gentleman who had been helping her.

  "Have you no decency!?" he excimed in an outrage, "You mean to take advantage of us in this situation?"

  The man in leather armor took looked at his hand as he flexed it.

  "You should be asha-" the older gentleman continued before the man in leather armor backhanded him hard.

  This sent them reeling to the ground as others rushed to his aid. The Pyers all ughed at him, finally showing their true colors.

  "Ashamed?" the man in leather armor asked, "It's you who should feel shame. We risked our lives to save you, and this is how you show appreciation?"

  Three of the eleven Pyers took up position in at equal distant intervals. They wore robes and each held a staff. Lifting it into the air, magic erupted from them and created a barrier around the group. Elizabeth perched upon a nearby roof, looking on with disgust.

  "You've nowhere to run," the man in leather armor continued, "You have two options. Die here, and we say we couldn't save you, or pay us one way...or another."

  As he said this, he once again pced his hand on the woman's thigh, and it was at this point that Elizabeth couldn't stand to watch any longer. Alighting from her perch, she dropped silently to the ground just outside of the barrier. Without so much as breaking a sweat, she casually walked through the weak barrier, causing it to shatter into ephemeral dust that dissipated harmlessly.

  With the barrier broken, all Pyers turned towards Elizabeth in surprise. Their eyes widening as recognition entered them.

  "H-Hades!" one of the Mages excimed in shock, falling back on themselves, colpsing to the ground, "What are you-"

  The shadows near them sprang to life, restraining and silencing them. Followed immediately by every other Pyer present. [Shadow Bind] was as useful as always to deal with pests like this. From within herself, Elizabeth called forth her [Living Mirage] which appeared gracefully from her and walked towards the injured woman.

  "Elizabeth Falcrest..." one of the civilians recognized her, their tone full of awe.

  "The War Goddess?" another whispered as if they couldn't believe it, "What is she doing here?"

  "Does it matter?" a third asked.

  Elizabeth's mirage passed by the man in leather armor, casting a cold, fierce gaze upon him, but otherwise completely ignored him as she knelt before the injured woman and offered her hand.

  "Take her hand," Elizabeth told them calmly, containing the rage within herself, "She will lead you all to safety, and to the help you need."

  Tentatively, the woman reached out towards the mirage who helped her to her feet gently before lifting her in her arms. The woman blushed, surprised at such a feat, and sheepishly hunkered down.

  "Are you able to walk?" Elizabeth asked the gentleman who had been hit before.

  "Yeah, I can manage," he replied, being helped to his feet by the other civilians, "Thank you. I won't forget this."

  Elizabeth nodded and watched them follow her mirage until they were out of the alley and away from what was about to happen. She had made a promise once that she would always give people a chance. A promise that she has always kept and always would keep.

  Lucas loved and cherished this world, and through him, she had begun to see the beauty of it herself and that there were many who were worth saving. Good, kind souls who made the world a better pce. These people, however, were not worth saving. The moment they had taken advantage of the chaos for their own benefit, they had thrown away that chance.

  Now, they were simply a cancer that had to be removed. In the world that she sought to create, there was no use for them. They were not worth the air they breathed, let alone the lives they were so graciously given. Was it so wrong to remove such vermin which tainted the world that Lucas had helped her grow to love?

  As she drew her bde, she didn't think it was wrong. After all, the promise she had made to him had been for people, and in her eyes...all she saw before her were monsters. Thus, her promise would remain kept.

  -----

  Nikushimi