The happiness was in the air. Smiles and laughter erupted around him, all happy for his fortunate recovery and reintegration to human society. A welcome change from the hostile outside.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnT7VhPUBA
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3VoABgoun
But he felt empty.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvESGs1Uyny
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlKgBpSDjc
A void has been with him for the longest time. Since the time he regained sanity since his beserk entry in Regoir, he was convinced and thankful that he finally regained what might be the few fragments that were left of his humanity. But seeing the snarls and the glares that were targeted at him every time he walked on the city, he realized one thing: Those fragments may be more fewer than he thought.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAfFY3KPyp
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGgkEUbRDX
He didn't feel anger, he didn't feel resentment for them. Just an overwhelming sense of prejudice and pride, almost like an instinct, that he was stronger, faster, and better than them. They knew it, feared him for it.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIpQ2vCclR
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Even now, he felt thankful. Or rather, he wanted to feel thankful, just because it was the human thing to do.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhaD2YPlsF
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpGDB9QCR3
Much as he smiled at his comrades, he felt only so little as a tinge of their so-called "happiness". He knew only how to react on the stimuli represented to him, not feel it himself. That and the ever-gnawing instinct of that pride, his subconscious but sure disdain of these "weak" creatures.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjCz7yOW92
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGmG37kKYv
In short, Heath Erhonial had lost almost all of his emotions, a numb husk of his former self. The only thing left, if you could call it an emotion, was his pride, twisted all the more by his undead nature.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf1rj55Kxt
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW3OwiOOEr
Laugh, witness the tears of his comrades as he did, he could only react on them. These actions it seems, his little empathy, albeit with no emotion involved, stem from his forgotten human side. Some of the few fragments of his humanity, it seems.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIydC2zxS4
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1M1peZqdq
All the while his inner self, the instinct told him, "Why do you feel sorry for these weaklings? You could kill them, torture them in so many ways, use their blood for your nourishment. Chop their limbs one by one, snap their--"26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb6Bbfsjr2
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdRaDnh6xI
"No."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfmqJQaHm7
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"I am human," he assures himself.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAJZUrmTeX
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vtiPkgRA7
"And when will you snap out of that delusion?" The primal desire in him seemed to taunt. "You know you seriously can't keep me hidden, nay, surpressed, for so long, right?"26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQTX2uccgm
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68ItkXPoXO
Heath sat on his chair, struggling to keep his thoughts in check.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXurBiusxY
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkrfiTEvpX
"You can end this, Heath," the voice beckoned. "End this foolishness. Lose your humanity."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCpbbqeAGG
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcFN3q9wlf
"Become the monster they fear you are."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp9qEU1Yqv
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AhlXNn41O
Heath grimaced at the thought, lost in the twisted world of his mind. The laughter around the dining table turned into echoes and once again, Heath was inside the place he longed to be freed from.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw00PSVqEO
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSrmeaB3F0
"No!" Heath suddenly shouted out loud, desiring no longer to be imprisoned in that dark place.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ooj6RRvbt
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqzXCibrPC
"Heath?" Jennia asked, in place of everyone who now stared at him in shock.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaZnVc5wHi
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmp5haOMkX
Heath lifted his head. All faces looked at him from around the table. All wearing concern. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WBa7mSuwW
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Htd6w6GkY
Concern for him? Please. They should be concerned of themselves.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAErTB2hvN
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Heath broke into a hearty smile.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCc1xCxB9V
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdejEE6mca8
"No-no more food on my plate!" He exclaimed, "Foronard, I need a refill!"26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPW9W7n0UX
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That seemed to do the trick. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHj9lazPao
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbfDQjaSki
In what seemed like time stopping, the hearty atmosphere that came to a sudden halt due to Heath's outburst returned once again, as it should.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFGait1xps
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16bsj5DiCM
Heath holds out his plate for the lizard-man cook to put the delicious Glutton Walker ribs on. Foronard catches a quick glance at Heath, seemingly to assess something, then returns to his task of putting the food on the plate.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdBRZepWNJ
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlItzVf8wd
Heath, not wanting to worry his guildmates, ate the ribs with gusto and exclaimed for another serving, much to the joy of the others. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2awFH58htW
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrsinjlVep
The joyful evening went on, and no sooner had Heath forgotten the ordeal he had mentally, albeit temporarily.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvcL7GhcHh
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KNgRpCsqd
---(4 Hours Later)---26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrehv8Ds8y
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The Guild members had one by one went to bed. Until the ones left to fix the mess that was the dining table were Yuno, Heath, and Foronard. The three of them staring sleepily at the pile of dishes left by the others.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA3evBmhIj
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH92t25v7bD
---(Heath's POV)---26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEJom4JbaL
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0ZTo8fa2c
Well this is awkward.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzJimEaaFB
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde6L8rhE39
I suppose I should do the honor of starting the clean up effort.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TTpTG3AAY
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zoHDXMI4V
"You two can sleep if you want to," I told Yuno and Foronard.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgLgvYKqpZ
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXRcadtHCi
"I suppose," Yuno yawned in response. "Good night, you two."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarlbfxehcZ
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkQsbjwFGQ
Yuno stands up and starts to walk toward the hall while I gather the wooden bowls and utensils in the table.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGLEr8V9Zk
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iX3bqwM1E
"Oh hey, Feran," she suddenly said.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ143lxb4uec
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwMZvNIXZh
I turned to see a big wolf emerging out of the hallway that connected the kitchen and the living quarters. It was Feran, the resident Lupi Giganti or Great Wolf of the guild, possibly the last of his kind and the strongest among us in terms of offensive capability.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF1ffeL0rb
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VHWIecSj1
Yuno, as if in a sleepy trance, reached out for the cozy furry face and snuggled in, much to Feran's annoyance.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIXP18U43K
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGQsnavF3V
This scene would have been humurous if Feran was reduced to the size of a regular dog and not a huge black wolf whose maw can easily sever Yuno's head from her body in one bite.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OYMhgw9Gx
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouKpIDteRk
"Uh, Yuna," he said, "stop sleeping on my fur."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0okFSaa3V
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhgoMYSZ4W
Feran shook his head to wake Yuno up, as she was starting to fall into slumber while laying her head on Feran's furry forehead.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBWABNjUQt
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazwkCFGqFb
"No," Yuno sleepily muttered, "just a little more, Feeeeeraaan~."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpvZpxyRFp
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrHXDv88Xo
I turned my attention to the plates I was carrying, being distracted by this scene is detrimental and would accomplish nothing. Foronard followed my lead.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7khCW0JJVD
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy4Ll6JLDO
I cleared the table as properly as I could, searching every nook and cranny for crumbs. I will not fail at a task as meager as this.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe8fLbHRsf
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOtlJVAY0m
Feran stared at me helplessly as Yuno continued her task in sleeping in the cozy dark fur. No, buddy. That's your problem.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25HOsvzrYN
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsiTGtkeGz
Feran got the message and dragged the still-clinging Guild Master towards her bedroom.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNF4vjUcWtB
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"He should have just transformed," Foronard remarked.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9JLqf7Vvt
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6MSwtLTOz
I shrugged. Feran was more comfortable with his Lupine form, it seems. It wasn't a burden for him but lately his big size has become a problem when you pass by him in the hallway.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTYn0mnTp7
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJEEYFQ94G
After that interaction, Foronard and I focused our attention to washing the dishes. I was thankful for the chore, it served as a moment to think deeply, even though the raging thoughts can be occasionally heard.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvIiQmwb6I
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No matter, I'll satiate its bloodlust on the Tower later.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQ5Mu3r39K
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N47HGlaSK
"Heath," Foronard said, "have the thoughts been bordering you again?"26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjG6kdRSfH
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd8OITDfJr
I didn't answer. I was not surprised Foronard came straight to the problem. He has the same circumstances as I did.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJDbYgXBij
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBuf9QOWld
Foronard, as a lizard-man, was also an "unfeeling", but was blessed only to have the instinct of survival, unlike I who had a vampire's eternal desire to drink blood even when it is unnecessary.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiScXsLMtKQ
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIxJpEReYr
It was because of this and his uncanny perception of things, that he came to know of my condition. And how it was worsening by the week.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHRIN6MRyk
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLAFeNC8I7
"Yes," I answered.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXUu7KhiEl
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"How strong were the urges?" He asked in the same inquiring, emotionless tone he always had, as if he wouldn't be put in danger if I succumbed. Well, that's the good thing about lizardmen, I must say.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPw4gguivp
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"Quite annoying, not strong."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2KSN5oV2J
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUvexlLyDR
"Can you still hold?" He asked, concern absent from his voice, but it was felt. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91qP4HxQQj
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT6rYsRfwX
The truth was that though it was serious, I pushed the matter aside. I had hoped that some sort of clichéd miracle would happen on my darkest hours, saving my conscience from the sin of having drained everyone and everything of life.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFv89YHHtN
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYmeC3D6KL
But now I wasn't so sure.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xZQ2WstHz
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The voice, has lately become stronger. More vivid and clear.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvxhnbJcXK
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnzdTiB2HT
More... Me.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz9aZdaEGa
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How do I battle this enemy? I thought while scrubbing the plates. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aTvQDEIIM
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NUqJZHfVx
My mind wanders to a session with Jin- our Guild's monk, 6 months ago. Back then, I was emerging from my unsociable self and was still distrustful of people. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvMc3s4hSg
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Uqfic7kKF
I didn't know how to feel, but I knew how to adapt. And as such, I was taught human or should I say, humane courtesy. How to respond to thanks, how to react to threats in a "humane" way, and that to defend is better than to attack. These things helped cultivate at least a little of my humanity, it seems. I "remembered" how to react accordingly in a humane manner. Whoever I was before Regoir, I must have been someone reasonable, one-sided, and sane, unlike now.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalbFvMJXsa
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgK5ZPvyU8
But that doesn't go to say that I regret being a monster. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn6Oaj24ZD
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WpFqRj4DM
I felt their fear. The natural human responce towards something they cannot fully comprehend or understand, also when they know that whatever they may do, they will never be above you. Their fear may have ironically protected me, as no one would approach a vampire walking in the streets would they? Every wound they inflicted, I healed ten times as fast. Every strike, I could block.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHAkuMA5hK
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9APGLawWN
It was satisfying, I mean considering they hated me anyway, they at least hate with a passion, right?26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7BBOP3279
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qUQiDd9zt
Kidding aside, that fear furthermore told them to leave me in my own devices, which in turn had me find myself in the Tower to feed most of the time. For 4 months, it was my life cycle, by the fifth month, some people became fascinated by my supernatural strength and so hired me as a freelancer, someone who fought and was paid by the guild, albeit not being part of it. It had given me hope that I can at least live as a human as I once did, and in turn, remember. But no, I never did.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8CHeX87zR
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ2EycP21F
A month later, I would meet Yuno and become a member of her Guild. By that time, I had my hope rekindled. But as you can see, my memories still hadn't returned. Whilst the voices grew stronger, more vivid than mere instincts you can brush off easily. Occasionally, my fangs grew in size, despite the fact that they only happen when I feed on the Tower. I was losing in touch with my humanity, drinking more blood than eating human food.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pTgbx6Qmu
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkh5va4TkD
Jin noticed my outbursts in runs within the Tower and told me about his concern. At first, I brushed him off. But as he said, it worsened.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCYroI7Ypc
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGXIcu5T2f
Jin taught me how to utilize my supernatural strength and speed instead of my unusual blood magic, which apparently was the cause of my problems. With some class rechanging, Jin had turned and is training me as a Monk in the ways of the Open-Palm Martial Arts.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jDHBP6lzw
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKOfU6ZfgA
But it was in our last session that I learned something valuable.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHE49yGdIG
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ354ZAViGVc
That "even though it's pretending to be," he said, "the fact that you still remain who you are and that you trust us is what makes you human."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIzvbgnyOi
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8fHuJD6Sa
"Trust not your mind, Heath, for it can easily be fooled by what it sees and perceives. Trust not your heart, for your raw emotions can hinder you. Instead, trust in your soul. For it is, as inconsistent your logic or emotions maybe, the only thing eternal. In other words, my friend: It is you. No instinct, no mind-control, no amnesia, no circumstance will ever change that."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqECkBtpKET
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyZ4iR4SnN
Those words resonated within me. They shone like a beacon of hope within the dark shell that I am. But all the same, I often find myself questioning: What soul am I?26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv469e6EDm
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCw6LJhkbg
Ah well, not that the answer was that easy to find anyway. But it keeps me going, to say the least.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn8enrZX0f
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAqus7Kba5
And to answer Foronard's inquiry...26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CrLvfVZJq
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFzw8pysmu
"Yes," I told him, with a big grin on my face, "even if I lose my sanity, my humanity will always be there. My soul will go back to who it always is: Me."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlrVxLGmeU
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe1x42LoaJ
Foronard replied with a smile. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsgo8SRDRH
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJdPLH5lxa
Albeit I cannot read lizard-man expressions as easily as humans' and beastmen's, I could sense that the smile projected envy and a sense of satisfaction.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEPw4yOGfc
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Of what, I can only have a vague idea of. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxXvAJwYdB
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He then finished the last dish, and as he handed it to me, he turned to me, now serious.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKnqnJASw3
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlyrLCI4TY
"I do not know if this will help, Heath," he stated, "But I have heard of rumors from the tavern that may of interest of you. Both good and bad rumors."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnbCvYZDTf
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJzmsKDbSU
I nodded for him to continue.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwlPVwkYgZ
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1CGOuqNvK
"I will assume you want to hear the bad rumors first," he said, letting go of the dish.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjdXeneKWW
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXtPW4Kv7t
"The king's forces are coming back," he reported grimly.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ7M1r8CyC
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I stopped wiping.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iJQI1cdAj
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"It seems that after the long war North, the king of Regoir is coming back to the city. In 2 weeks, he'll be here with his generals."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaqIKEKAlo
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1T8nqHxzl
There was a reason I got to roam around freely for a year.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDg0WnrOwl
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdhRySnzRL
You see, when I arrived at Regoir, I came when the majority of the main forces of the city were out to assist the Beastmen with their war over north.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHD9ggdzOa
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTzXEaPQuL
Due to this, the city guard were left, along with conscripted adventurers, to guard the city.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IuMdiwBrQ
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTTIxV369T
The war in the North was bad enough for the King to send with him all his trusted generals, leaving the city to the Commander of the Royal Guard to enforce orders.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbT9kkvnnU
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2zglViecV
It all went well, until I came, mad from hunger.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGxb58A1yl
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Dt87UetbU
I killed all the guards and made their captain pee on the marketplace, then I passed out. Afterwards, I was bought in for questioning into their headquarters, where I was tortured for 3 straight days, asked if I was a spy from the vampires of the southeastern reaches. Of course, I didn't know what they were talking about.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyflT8PhSF
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBrD36vEF8
That and my hunger, again.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8pjP0p9gn
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So I slaughtered my way out of the building, drank too much blood and gradually became sane enough to be communed with. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKx08cjP53
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36szEco879
But I had the commander by the neck when I came to.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRSBRzXbyP
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFu5T3HgMu
The commander begged for his life, promising me freedom and safety to walk within the city. Provided I didn't feed on locals, he promised me entry to the Tower, where I could feed on as many monsters as I wanted to. As it turned out that I didn't necessarily have to feed on human blood.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLnrmy3gYw
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The commander gave me his word that the king himself, once having returned from the war, will give me asylum and safety. Of course, all of it was for me to spare his life.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QdhRmwlhx
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One will not expect such flimsy agreement to last, and as such, I expected and prepared for the day when he turns from his "agreement" and the King brings the city's wrath on me and brings me to justice.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhhVgZSd67
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He will be punished, of course, but I doubt it be long-term. The king was known to be merciful to his subjects, human and inhuman alike. But abominations as I am?26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3zpPYRy1o
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My time has inevitably come, indeed.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXBSANrm7F
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmnwbBLdLl
Now, I question myself why I still haven't run away.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVNbTpxqIU
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Suddenly, I remembered their faces; Yuno, May-mai, Foronard, Mythral, Goronorf, Feran, and the others.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8zSHJJomL
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Of course. It was my stupidity that rendered me immobile. But it was also what caused me to meet these people. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFOqEHsPuC
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For that, I must feel thankful. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzA10u7OcO
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I may have to leave them for their and my safety. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilq4ESCwLx
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The king will no doubt scour the city for me after hearing what I have done since my arrival. Once he finds me, I am done for.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AsVcME6Li
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxX9POaDqx
Though I was undead, I still wanted to have some kind of purpose, as protecting the guild and my comrades is no longer an option, for I have brought them trouble myself. At the very least I wanted to die a heroic death but what good is there in dying whilst not knowing who you are?26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5TRqG8GZP
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"The next news will indeed be welcome to your ears, Heath, if you are thinking what I think you are."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR8vdhiw81
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I looked at him expectantly.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19J7DY6Xvx
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhdv2iog6Y
"Some adventurers that had come from the southwest jungles are talking about a certain cave within the Jor-an Green."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvYUIVvHFe
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlODBf12U6
"Are suggesting that cave be my new hiding place?" I chuckled.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHl3yjSFpS
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI374UmiJqu
"No. Apparently, anyone who goes into the cave are... never the same when they go out."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw7jG0a8tl
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k8wfgdYmK
"They go insane, you mean? You're not suggesting I go there don't you?" I chuckled back.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJpPb3QvX0
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEk8po01BP
"There's that, yes. But the main attribute of the cave is what caught my attention, all the more reason for you to go there. Listen to me carefully."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWF2h2XXl6
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNJcvk5HZf
At this point, Foronard must be annoyed by my comedy. Well, he better relish it, it may be my last performance.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdVLoXd0dq
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But witty as I was, nothing prepare me for what he was about to tell me.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlm3L2JWr9
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjpI8Re4K1
"The cave will go on forever, they said. But there something from within the cave that affects the mind. Individuals will often emerge from the cave, screaming, sometimes laughing sentimentally. When asked, they will describe their childhood memories to you, in full detail, then continue screaming again, as if in fear of whatever was inside the caverns."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKzI0ufn4G
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuL91lS26vc
Finally. I had it. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMIqASrWlg
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"The cave, for whatever reason - magic or something else..."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmLW21xL0q
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I had hope.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2RU5JdzAH
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"It alters memories. Maybe even makes you remember them."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MwKrG6SSI
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8Zxucc53Q
--The Remnants of Another World: The Walküre--copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGmoLcOmUI
The Walküre are the remnants of another world that had succumbed to the fires of war. They were once called the most powerful military might of that world, but with power comes rivalry. Called Americans in the old war, and they were proud of it, before they took their power and privilege for granted and their arrogance led to their downfall. copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc1geCX2f0
No one was sure of where the name came from, only that it meant "Valkyrie" in the Walküre's own world. Some said it symbolized the organization, while others said that it was simply the name of the unit that started the organization. But that didn't matter. It was their mission that mattered to them. Their name only was there as a place holder, a grim reminder that it is upon them to light humanity's path again, one that is not paved of bloodshed, but of peace and prosperity through the use of technology.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtNEwmP4Sy
The Walküre were victors in a bloody and long war. No longer solely Americans alone, they sought to create a world where no one takes for granted the power bestowed upon them. Soon, they rebuilt and prospered. They made leaps and bounds in their technology, even developing the Bipedal Utility Neural Yoke (BUNY) Suits they originally intended for the war to help with the rebuilding and innovation of the destroyed cities. copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡyheGuH8RLu
Then they invented Artificial Technology.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzJE6q80rM
It was all well and good. The very first and only currently-known AI, designated "Odin" - name of the Norse all-father - helped humanity reach a technological golden age. copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23ILFQvUgU
But as it grew in its understanding, it became self-aware. copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qFqzYejMf
And learning that the old world had come to ruin because of humanity, it became resentful, hateful. But it still cared, albeit a little, for its creators. Instead of vowing for the extermination of the species, the AI deemed that it was logical if humanity were to be wiped out from the face of the Earth through humane means, one such method fascinated the AI: Quantum displacement. Due to the Odin's fascination of the theory of other worlds and such, it formed a plan that can both satiate its curiosity and accomplish its objective of making a human-free Earth. copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4CdEpKBFT
If all goes well, humanity will wander the void for all eternity and the AI will rebuild, with no blood on its hands.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Djy7Oee12
The AI disguised its plan as a means for travelling into another world, in which the Walküre welcomed and with the help of the AI, they built a portal. But in the process of transferring humanity to the "other" world (Mun'do), the AI seemed to change its plans and closed of the portal, entrapping 1/5 of the remaining 2 million humans back on Earth.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcAcXmqFMo
The AI's plan for leaving humanity in the void seemed to have not worked, instead it transported the population in an unknown place that had the uncanny resemblance of worlds from old-world literatures, ones that were called "fantasy books". copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqayRmkepS
Now in another world, with no means know why the AI did what it did, they struggled and built their home in the structure, now identified as a tower, in which they were transported into. Attacked by monsters shortly after their arrival, daily life for humanity became a matter of survival, but they persevered. And within 4 years, with their superior weapons, they conquered the Tower, which became their second home. The monsters stopped "spawning" after they conquered the top-most floor of the Tower, the 500th floor, rendering it safe. Soon, the Walküre focused their efforts on exploring the world outside, to see if the world the AI sent them into was as inhospitable as the interior of its huge structures.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVEwsH2C95
Indeed, the world was cruel to them.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgw6eocTLL
The first inhabitants of the world outside the Tower that they met were the Beastmen. A people that had animal features in appearance but were sentient and intelligent enough to form a society. They had built a city around the Tower and called it Bastion. Needless to say, they thought of the strange humans wielding sticks that spew fire as monsters, and after a bloody confrontation, the Beastmen declared war on the inhabitants of the Tower. Calling it a "Holy Purge".copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4p0Li746uv
It was a huge mistake. With technology and superior firepower in their side, the Walküre had driven out the populace taken the city of Bastion in less than a week. Soon after that, the Council of the Wings, individuals who were in-charge of leading Walküre, deemed it necessary for the populace to move into Bastion and establish forward operating bases around the region. They left the option for a peaceful exchange open, but until hostilities from the Beastmen cease, they will continue to surge forward with force until the Beastmen commit to an unconditional surrender.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡahUoarzv56
But it was not all bad for both races. The Beastment were studied by the Walküre and deemed to be a society with a caste-system. Furthermore, the villages far from the capital cities, specifically ones near Trade Cities like Bastion, were oppressed by the local minor lords which, coincidentally, were killed in the week-long battle in Bastion. As a result, the 5 Beastman villages around the border of Bastion came to the Walküre in peace and pledged their allegiance to the organization. copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIxKmrg5du
The Walküre, true to their word of pursuing peace, integrated the Beastmen villages into their expanding territory and turned Bastion into a haven of where both Beastmen and humans live in peace. In return, the Beastmen from the villages taught the Walküre the local language, Bet-hralla or "mother tongue", which was used mostly by the southern kingdoms and also introduced to the Walküre some minerals not found in our world, as Bastion and its surrounding landscape were mountain ranges, and the villages specialized in hunting and mining.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp1jOMNfik
Of course, the kings from the Alliance of Beastmen were... not happy with this. For 5 years, they led countless futile raids against the Walküre, but to no avail. But they were determined to end it and "send the Ku-rimau (monsters from the tower) from the hell they came from, for the good of the people". And with aid from the surrounding kingdoms, from the nation of the king of Regoir to the Theocracy of Heargan, they sought to accomplish this mission in a decisive battle: to take an undefended base in the south of Bastion and establish a foothold to serve as a base of operations for the retaking of the city.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPz3GO2shs
Which brings us to our current situation, the aftermath of the said battle.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAWAMWAAFz
--The Walküre FOB, North-South border (Farenthia Calendar, Year 1090 of the Reign of Gods)--copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡatAgAn9243
It was a chilly night in the Feraldian Mountain ranges. This one more cold and snowy in particular. And in the snow walked a girl with a fluffy tail and donning Beastman armor - fox, judging from her appearance - she was finding her way out and to return to the camp in which her king awaited for the news of their victory in the battle.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuLS1OWuW0
Needless to say, it was no victory. The battle, if you can call it that, it was a slaughter. A massacre.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3fr9XWj3P
It all seemed to start well. The enemy Ku-rimau were caught unaware by the coordinated charge of three armies, more than enough to take over the little base. Until they reached the walls, and that was when the Beastmen realized they thought the Ku-rimau were caught unaware. copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsRgLgYUyq
Their walls morphed with unknown magic, 35 panels that flipped to reveal a turret that was strong enough to take out a light vehicle. Needless to say, it worked wonders on infantry. In what seemed like seconds, the three armies were downed. Some no longer had any limbs, some had their heads popped, all were dead, done away by .50 Cal HE rounds. And the Ku-rimau guardsmen just stood by the walls, knowing they didn't need to do anything. Some had coffee or chocolate, some smoked and spat on the dead bodies of her comrades, some cleaned their fire sticks, all were arrogant of the lives they had just taken. copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjMpCR1Rsu
She hated them all the more.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPwYE2m6EY
She played dead until the turrets returned into their panels and waited for the night to come, resisting the urge to shiver from the cold. She knew that if she did one slightest bit of movement, the guards would see to it that she was done for.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ia24Sve59
Seizing the cover the night provided, she trudged frantically in the snow, sword gripped and alert for anyone, towards the direction of their base camp, to tell the King of the results of the battle. She did not know how the King would react, as it was already common news that the Ku-rimau possessed sorcery that even they couldn't hope to imitate. But still she held on, she had to live another day to fight in another one. She had to live.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡPV1dmk0iBt
And so she ran through the snow-laden landscape.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LPw9sXVwr
Unaware that the barrel of a SCAR-H Mk-17 Rifle was aimed right at her head, ready to fire on command.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZUUVvgwto
"Overlord-1, Overlord-1. This is Longshot-2, requesting permission to shoot down Beastman straggler. Over."copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs9iooDDoC
"Longshot-2, received. Overlord-1. Negative. Orders are to stand by walls. Do you copy? Over."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcQyys8d3r
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The sniper retracted his rifle.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbgDKXpptk
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"Overlord-1. Longshot-2 receives. Affirmative. Will sit here 'til my balls freeze over. Over."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgsJQBlZcl
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQunqyGtnE
"Copy, Longshot-2. Make sure you sit on a helmet, hoo-rah. Overlord-1 Out."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTXJktV3aW
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zX8b9K27d
Longshot-2 chuckled. It was a common old-world joke back then, to sit on your helmet to prevent your balls from getting blown by landmines.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKBhhnlOcl
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Well, no more blood on my hands for today, I guess, he thought. 26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVYW7hDuWq
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiQfYRzSwh
Not that he wanted to shoot the fox girl anyway. It was a good call he confirmed it over with HQ first, as was standard protocol. But in a serious note, he was seriously tired of adding to the sea of corpses after the recent battle.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX81yFSiRao
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBR5fa8GsE
The Beastmen can't hope to win with a technologically advanced civilization can they? The .50 Cals tore through their armor like hot knife to butter, 5.56mm rounds ran them through like nothing, hell, even the 9mm does crap here more than where he came from. Much more, the BUNY-Armored Walker Mobile Suit variants made every battle as easy as it is. It was funny, seeing them charge with swords and spears and pride then watching their horror as electromagnetic-charged rounds and blades tore them apart with ease. It was funny enough that they threatened the Walküre to leave their land, or else they would "annihilate them with the power of the gods, the supreme rulers of Mun'do".26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw9gWjrAoH
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDvvX2tAMh
Well, it's not like he liked sh*tting on them anyway. He liked the temporary adrenaline rush that came from crushing their pride, but these things... Whether he liked it or not, they were people too.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CV4M7OmXi
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He sighed. Could have there been a more peaceful way to settle things? He could only imagine.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtC4wiM37W
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyGBGlkPhX
From the get-go, all the Beastmen had for them was fear. Raw fear. And that's what made them dangerous. From the moment the Walküre walked out of the Tower that was their home, all the Beastmen has was fear. Well, to be fair, they did let their fear get to them and tried to kill the recon team first. Needless to say, it sparked a long 5-year war.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazqVCMOoV5
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskcMYDqBNg
A single spark can burn the entire forest, indeed. And the battle that happened today was the last tree burning down.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaysiZGdRJ
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakWVCzd8RH
The Beastmen were powerless to stop their advance, as more and more people poured out from the Tower and settled around it, so did the need for land grow. And as a result, the surrounding Beastment kingdoms tried their hardest to stop the Ku-rimau or "monsters from the Tower" from taking all their land. In the end, they had to form a temporary alliance.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZFaqZeWvR
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6o7SO3XTx
Skirmishes turned into full-on battles, mostly ending with the Beastmen's flailing limbs and them having PTSD on a kinetic mortar drop. If they survived that is.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTUbofH03H
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What's worse was that the Beastmen bought friends, assumably from other countries outside their regions too, as they were humans. And no sooner than later, the bodies were piling up, one after the other.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzNWLdBMdj
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcnQfJcBTD
But as twisted as it can sound, HQ was happy to use the corpses. More black powder for round manufacturing, Longshot-2 guessed. They were twisted like that, but it was a necessary evil to, or else they wouldn't have bullets.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7492PEAT4P
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0U22L0GxE
Longshot-2 shuddered, thankful he only got the grunt work. He won't be seeing that cat guy he shot in the face anytime soon.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7z6We9KipO
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"Overlord-1, this is Bravo-3, we are arriving by the south gate. Radio equipment seem to be malfunctioning. Say again if need to repeat. Do you receive? Over."26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq6fZhvXGJ
26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YqF7X2VzP
Longshot-2 sighted his gun down the snowy path that was lined with corpses, and saw a humvee jeep driving down the cold-hard bodies that lined the path towards the gate. It was the scouting force that was sent to recon the area. And from the looks of it, the vehicle looks intact, save for some scratches and dents on the hood and most possibly the side of the jeep.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB5gekzkd5
"Bravo-3. This is Overlord-1, reading you loud and clear. Crack open a live one, boys. Commander will meet you in the debriefing room after you cool down. Out."copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡecWkUBuuLs
Longshot-2 removed his helmet, took a smoke out of his left vest pocket, and reached for his lighter. The guys near the gate can let-in the jeep themselves, no need for him to intervene. Besides, he needed something warm.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡbavpy9sgY7
The warmth of the cigarette filled his entire body. As the nicotine kicked in, he felt at ease. At last, he could now take a smoke. He had to, before HQ tells them to take the bodies in for processing. He blew a cloud smoke out of the air, recounting the events that lead to this field of bodies, both to refresh his mind and to keep him sane.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4QkefCnWq
The Beastmen gave the Walküre a pointless ultimatum: Surrender or Die. copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY7p3unL6M
Still obviously oblivious to the fact that if the Walküre had wanted to, they could take every single city those Beastmen had in a single day. With no casualties. All the Beastmen had to do to avoid this was to let them be. They needn't worry about the Walküre, they were as humane as humans with guns can be. The Geneva Convention still holds true for this world as it does from their world, so why can't they just leave the Walküre alone?copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGKhouDb4w
Well, the answer was quite simple: The Walküre was a threat to their reign, and they needed to do something about that. But for some reason, the option of fighting back filled their big brains.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9sGxWodMo
And look where it got them now.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhz9yToSol
The Beastmen had gotten desperate and desperate people do desperate measures. Possibly assessing the Northwest Outpost as a weak link, they amassed their forces in the hopes of taking it and securing a foothold towards the Tower and the Walküre residential areas.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBKPcHcI6P
They were right, the Outpost was the weakest link because it was made to look like it was. Even here, being an inconspicuous base was important, as not only did the Walküre have a weapons factory here, but it was here that the BUNYSuits were maintained and created also. Needless to say, it was also heavily defended with hidden anti-light vehicle .50 Tesla Wall Turrets.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9qkyBsJXX
Well, you can guess what created the sea of corpses outside the walls.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbTUnNiSYt
Honestly, it was all crazy now that Mark Foster, AKA Longshot-2, thought about it.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyAbfm1KlG
Cat-men, fox-girls, hell, even lizard-people. It was all like the anime he saw back on Earth. Except this time, well, they were real. But it made Mark dismayed that upon meeting them he had to shoot them too.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ1OJwaXsN
Ah well, that's a big hurdle we can work out with if we just put our all into it, Mark thinks to himself, chuckling.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgUeLxVpL1
"What's so funny, Foster?" A woman asks behind him.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡClM5qILCSJ
Spitting out the stick on his mouth, Mark then stands in attention in response. It was his Platoon Leader, 1LT Tanya Arvard. Probably here to check if I was slacking off, no doubt.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuXZXDs62W
"Nothing, ma'am," he replied.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB5JJvpbPv
"Well, if that's the case," she said, "at ease now, sargeant."copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPtsVu5M7b
Foster faces 1st Lt. Arvard, who was smiling smugly. The woman seemed to want to make his life hell. From the training camp to his first assignment, Arvard always was his higher-up. She was like an annoying leech that kept latching on to him. Strict and serious on the surface, it all served as a cover for the impish nature she had within, a nature that Mark Foster had the unfornate previlige to witness and be the receiving end of. copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c1xRPEr70
Mark sighs in relief, thinking that the 1LT was on a serious note now. Hopeful that his dream of a lax life within the rear was finally on coming true.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNaDcxzJB4
Boy, was he wrong.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu2nBLHYsh
"As you may know, the brass wants another recon," Tanya says, walking past him and leaning into a huge block that served as the walls' railing, "this time, further south."copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfnRjk4dpm
Mark struggled not to cry in disbelief. He knew what was coming next and he didn't like it.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeLKZmnjJO
The 1st LT walked in front of him, and to Mark's annoyance and confirmation, wore that grin. The grin that so many times sent him on the frontlines. The grin that crushed his dreams of laying down a futon made of memory foam after bathing in a public hot spring bath. The grin he despised but could do nothing about. That scheming grin.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnhDUXjCQh
"They asked for my recommendations, and of course," her grin widened, now ear-to-ear, "I told them about your wonderful feats, Mark. And how you're too fit for the job. Will you be willing to comply? Of course, they won't force you. But they only want the best, Mark. They want you to be part of the recon team in recognition of your past accomplishments. It'll be great honor, Mark! Think about it."copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzlLGTx1zP
DO I HAVE ANY F*CKING CHOICE, LADY?copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh3bCd0MWe
"I will gladly join the recon team, ma'am!" He replied.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUf8wN1Te7
"Good, good! I knew I can count on you, Foster," Tanya laughed, climbing down the stairs.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8VwyLB6nV
OF COURSE. Of course you can. *sigh*copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj6Cn2F5vM
Now that he thought about it, being away from the source of all things evil in his life was a good therapeutic regimen. One should also put as the number 1 on his Top 5 List Of Things To Do IMMEDIATELY. This was a good opportunity to cross that off the list.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfHxGbr97X
"Yes, ma'am," was all he could reply. When the 1st LT seemed to be now out of sight, he leaned and gripped the railing hard.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pGOk8x0gl
That woman. Does she want me to die or something?copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgf3uB7pnj
Mark sighed. No, despite how Tanya acts around him and him alone, she was actually a good leader. One that you can depend on. Mark could remember the times his Platoon Leader saved him, and in the midst of a battle she indeed looked like a Walküre, a Valkyrie, a noble lady of old-world myth and the name of the unit that started rebuilding the human race. She's elegant if described. Cute, even. Well, that word will get you killed in the presence of a Platoon Leader but still, it was her asset.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdoaGDsQUK
But that annoying side of her was too much to bear sometimes. If I say so myself, it's like she wants me to get into death's door every single time, Mark thought. copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMqc9rQAdb
And then Mark remembered something she told him in the training camp.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dB1ksjerA
"Look, Foster, I know you want the comfy life. But no. You're a good shot. And a good shot has much to accomplish within the military. You're good at analytics, too. But you've really got to work on the athletics department. I know you can do it, it's just you don't wanna. That's why I'll push you harder and harder until you get out of that rotten mindset of yours, you got that? Whether you like it or not, Mark, whether you like it or not."copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi6wENZo83
Mark smiled. That was the one and only time the 1st LT was nice to him. After that, it was living hell.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHQaefSYLI
If only that nice side of hers was consistent, Foster would follow her to hell itself. But no. Even so, she did hold true to her word, she was constantly pushing him harder and harder. And each time he survived, he had a feeling that she made sure he was rewarded for it. A Platoon Leader like her was both blessing and curse. But he did appreciate her constant habit of sending him to death itself. It helped him survive the battles that came, from both the Tower and the outside.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtRJySgxLy
"Oh, and Foster," Tanya interrupted his thoughts, startling him.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjLzhSFI1x
"Ye-yes, ma'am!" He said in reply, snapping in attention.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA1MvYOQ76
"The debriefing is in 0400. Set your clock. Don't be late," she finished, coming down the stairs again.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWZR7kkkbR
Mark sighed. Well, just to humor her, he'll actually do good in this mission. Just a little thank you for his superior.copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd7Iqm1SgD
Foster checked his clock, 00:05. 4 more hours until the debriefing. Ah well, time is fleeting, indeed. Guess I better savor these moments before missions. copyright protection22ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0h2vNf2mOE
I wonder where they'll send us to?26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgPRuw8qme
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