Chereads / Training Is The Only Option / Chapter 25 - His-story Rewritten, Friendships Rekindle: Hello, Evil Twin

Chapter 25 - His-story Rewritten, Friendships Rekindle: Hello, Evil Twin

The next morning…..

EXT. LOUDO'S GUILD (D)

Aimer received at knock at his door, as it turns out it, Aurora was there to inform Aimer that the Guild have completely gathered around in the training center. Aimer's first reaction was to 'get on' with this mornings program, he and Aurora left his office a few seconds later before going down to the training area. The duo got there just in time to see Nobara sorting out the Guild numbers.

He was approached by Aimer, "How are our numbers looking?" Nobara realized Aimer's presence, replying with, "33 sir." Aimer glanced over at his troops, amongst them he saw a familiar face, "So ever since we've only recruited five in addition." Nobara and Aurora both nodded.

Aimer stole his Guild's attention, "listen up"—he bagan his speech but paused immediately after, he looked at Nobara and Nobara looked at him with a look, "there's no other way to say it"—Aimer turnt back to his Guild, "Most of you hear fall short for the requirement in what I had in mind for today but even so as the 'individual' you are each valuable towards the Guild. It directs me towards todays agenda, I thinks it's time you level up and for that to happen we have to go hunting: today we test our limits. Are you with me men?"

There was a small chattering amongst the group, each hunter wore a different expression; Aimer stood in silence seeing it all. Until Guild turnt back to him, Cassie spoked for everyone when he said, "Yea, maybe you're right but so what? I'm sure everyone starts somewhere, you can deny it yourself, your leadership says otherwise. So we trust in your guidance."

Cassie's speech arose morals and faith amongst his guild-mates; Aimer, he stood with a smirk thinking to himself, 'Cassie, you cocky bastard, you finally spoke up.' Aurora noticed between the Guilds' and Aimers' reaction and somewhat felt relief. "Alright fellow men, let's go hunting," Aimer and his Guild set out for the Lairkeeper Association.

EXT. DISTRICT 6, LAIRKEEPER HQ

Rumor was, there is a spike in the amount of entrance across the country, recipients have been constantly busy with substantial evidence from warnings to prevent these breaks from further causing destruction and that all Guilds need to be aware and be prepared for the inevitable outbreak that could spark the 'war of end times' according to Lairkeeper President, Arshaam Bishop.

The Loudo Guild was there, amongst them so were many others, "Don't tell me… these are all the Guilds," Elzer (male; 24; 6'0-foot tall; spikey laid down hair & light golden eyes aka the gloomy-genius) a member of Loudo Guild mentioned when Aimer replied, "Yea, you mean your competition." Loudo's Guild members couldn't help the fact but feel tense after that. Meanwhile Aimer went in to check out the floating holographic image of entrances (that included their threat level, expected monsters and its destination) he ran into Guild Leader Bijoux, somehow they came across and had their eyes on the same Lair.

"Ah, Harvester," Bijoux said. "Please, Belafonte's just fine. So, what brings you here?" "The same as you," Bijoux paused for a moment and the two stared at each other. He then continued, "Look, let's not make it too much of a matter but how about both our Guilds join forces on this one. I for one wouldn't complain." Aimer thought about it for a sec, "Hm, not a bad idea. Tell you what, why don't we shake on it, call it a learning experience from one another." Bijoux and Aimer sealed the deal with a handshake, this created more of a commotion than ever: "At least someone of us put or differences aside?"— the collection of Guilds at the HQ record as the Loudo and Mente Rosa Guild conjoined their members to clear a lvl. 2 Lair (lvl. 2 in this case being runner-up to the most dangerous lvl: "1").

On their way out, whispers of corresponding guild leaders thought that the Loudo Guild siding with Mente Rosa is on the hinge of becoming a 'permanent threat'; they took the only {Level 2} entrance available and if they succeed in clearance, most guild-men couldn't bear the thought.

EXT. SUNDAM, BEYSHORE SCRAPYARD (D)

The area was barricaded, streets were shut down, and all that could be seen in the clear, floating above the junkyard was an oval, open, crack in space—mirroring black, percealent stairs. El Kay (Lairkeeper) agents accounted fir dozens of members from both Guilds, knowing the Entrances' threat level their sole duty was the best they could do: prepare for future fatalities.

Ahead of his group, "Well, you're quite the big one" Aimer took a closer look at the Entrance. "Loudo Guild, let your training begin," Aimer, he sorta disregarded everyone else and marched his Guild into the Entrance. 'Well Solo Harvester, show me what you're made of' Bijoux, he kept the thought to himself, his Guild following his approach inside the Entrance.

EXT.

{Entrance} GROWTH LINE FOREST

{Threat lvl} 2

{Expected Monsters} Knights, Kobolds, Ogres, Kitsunes, Wraiths

On the other side, the forest maze was the size of a diamond with graining lines dividing off into all different sections, you could imagine the Guilds reaction to lairs' twist and turns…"Holy moth- we've breached the Entrance…" Mayger, well he yelled across the labyrinth.

"Mayger, really?" Bijoux shook his head at the sight; Aimer walked over to him, "So how do we plan on doing this?" Bijoux turns, "I suppose we could let the rascals let loose for once. See where their skills take them." Aimer smiled, "You know, that's a good idea. Mines' have been a bit out of shape if you ask me" he an instant chemistry with Bijoux even though they've only known each other for a few hours.

When Aimer and Bijoux decided to coordinate their Guilds {approaching footsteps} the slight tremor and hopping around of little stone fragments showed signs of company; the Guild Leaders at hand readied their Guilds. "Incoming," someone yelled, ahead were as you can expect, a swarm of monsters ranging from every court: peaking from every corner or stone, popping up from behind bushes and in trees, even digging tunnels climbing up through the earth. Simultaneously, "Guild, move out!" we watch as the Loudo Guild (having 33 members) and the Mente Rosa Guild (having 66 members) spread out after the monsters; Aimer and Bijoux sat back and watch.

"Look at that, already off at a good start," Bijoux further commented. "Well don't be too sure of that, in Lairs things tend to not go the way as planned," Aimer added. "Speaking from experience I see. Either way it doesn't look like they'll be needing our help anytime soon… so, for how long have you worn a mask?" "Pardon?"

"I've heard the rumors Belafonte," Aimer, he showed no reaction to this, if he did he knew he'd be giving away his identity too easily, instead he slightly turned, "Belafonte? Who is that?" Bijoux wore a flattering smile, "I can't tell if your joking because that mask of yours. Either either your secrets safe with me, confirmed or unconfirmed, if it is you who saves the world… what the hell does it matter?" Aimer felt a little relief under his mask, "You're not making any sense. It's like me saying 'oh, I forgot to tell the readers I'm wearing a mask'." Bijoux became confused, "You wouldn't get it. Let's keep going." Aimer went to and from the 4th Wall when he seen the monsters finally dispatched.

EXT. SUNDAM, LANDING OF LALAM (D)

Elsewhere, Guild Leader Lorenzo was being escorted through an harbor, it was him, the chauffeur and one other person, his son or who we know him as Louis Santos De Crosse.

Louis "Father, it is only right we make things right. The Loudo Guild shouldn't even be a problem in the first place since they were under the jurisdiction of the Society," he said. Lorenzo quickly stated, "You've spoken enough. I don't think this frustration with the Guild but with its leader, is it not?" Louis bit down horribly, "Hahaha, you got me, got me good. He's the reason for all this rage. His mere sight sickens me." "Then why not do the job yourself." "He's become too powerful." "Must've been hard coming out saying that. You have no power, your other options are money, murder, manipulation—which can you execute?" Things got a whole lot serious.

EXT. GROWTH LINE FOREST

Quarter way through the lair our parties have yet to confront any tangible threat, they've warded off so far a 'hell-pile' of monsters, though mostly lower-levels who proved to be not much of a challenge.

"Our Guilds' coordination has been performing absolutely remarkably, wouldn't you say Mr. Belafonte?" Bijoux and Aimer were still walking slowly behind their Guild, conversing with one another. "Well I've been letting you steer the ship and you've been doing a good job, let's hope there's no bump in the course," Aimer replied. "Oh, don't be so serious, if anything's to happen you have me." Bijoux, Aimer and everyone else all traveled the same path, the withered out all fake turns, as in because the lair was the shape and size of a maze there was bound to be roadblocks to avoid.

Around halfway, still no sign of any other monster of sorts, the Mente Rosa and Loudo Guild came across a crossway—exactly as it sounds however on a geographic scale and using the shape of a diamond, the group would be stuck or found at the center of this diamonds' (Lair) girdle. There was even a multitude of paths laid out before them in the form of a giant net. Aimer and Bijoux deduced it's best they part ways, given the conditions their other option was to travel to both ends of the girdle and travel in the direction up the crown. "May good luck be with you," Bijoux final words to Aimer. "Yeah, the feelings mutual. Alright Guild, let's go clear ourselves a Lair." Here the Mente Rosa and Loudo Guild went there separate ways; hope to meet at the end.

EXT. SUNDAM, LALAM DOCK (D)

"There's only one solution I see, that there's none. I'll handle it, you've done enough of embarrassing yourself and now you've turn to me for help…" "But father, please! Can't you just send someone after him, hire someone or something," Louis tried convincing his father. "See, this is why nothing gets done. Someone else has to do the worrying for someone, how predictable. I promise you Louis, if this is all you're cut for then there's no future for you in this Guild. Just think about what I said, go back and think clearly…then we'll see if you're thinking straight," Lorenzo patted his son shoulders, walked away from the dock and back to the car, "Are you coming or are you staying?"

EXT. GROWTH LINE FOREST (E)

About three-quarters done with the lair, Aimer had the Loudo Guild doing some serious damage on his end, his only job so far has been collecting 'monster cores' all the items, skills and so on would be kept by the individual who dealt the final strike: fair and square. While he stayed behind and collect core after core from dead monsters his Guild led by Nobara,

Aurora, and Cassie's leadership charged border after border. They were expanding there knowledge on the battlefield; gaining levels and increasing their stats; receiving the opportunity to come into contact with more powerful items—of course because every time they couldn't defeat a monster the Guild would relentlessly entreat Aimer in exchange for his aid; Aimer never cease to displease.

That was until…..

…..minutes later

when….

"EVERYONE, GET BACK!" something managed to appall Aimer, he became incredibly apprehensive for his Guild protection and surged ahead of them. "I WANT EVERYONE TO STAY BACK THIS INSTANCE!" Aimer's skill [Animal Instincts] kicked in at hightail, his item [Sharkanha's Mark] indicated 'it' was near. "It's here," Aimer, through his cold gaze he thought he laid eyes upon the most beautiful thing ever, that nine-tailed fox—til' he found out he was looking at a three-thousand-year-old Kitsune.

The Kitsune unhurriedly walked the canvas of carcass, "My army...which one of you little SHITS destroyed it?" She opened her vicious mouth, revealing the epitome of a Basking Shark's interior. The Kitsune lunged forward, striding on all four, hightailing at Aimer before…

…the inevitable.

{shling! tzing! tzing}

Aimer and the Kitsune were engaged in battle, the Kitsune made three slashes: two Aimer repelled with his items [Soulshard] and [Soulsilver] the other with the tail of his cloak.

Aimer was pushed back, though in the meantime he thought to himself 'Her strength is incredible, or is it because I haven't been fighting this whole time? [Skill: Truth-seeker] hmm, she's also at peak Horizon-level with a tremendous boost in stats, furthermore… she speaks.'

Aimer stood there for a second in patience— watching, observing this monsters every move. He suspected that if the Kitsune should strike again with the exact same power or greater he'd be putting his guild members in danger.

'With both my [Apostle] and [Longinus] skill I have a chance of surviving any attack—my Guild however, I'd like to think otherwise. None of them with their current level and skills stand a chance against this monster, it'd be one in an instance. My only course of option is to use everything thing within my arsenal to stop all her attacks.'

Aimer had his mind made up on protecting each individual of his Guild and when the Kitsune let off the second strike, a magic beam so powerful Aimer's initial reaction was to [Fade] but taking into considered the safety of his Guild Aimer took the blast head on {BOOM!} coming out unscathed in the end with a glare so cold that the Kitsune froze. Aimer danced around the Kitsune at impeccable speeds, at one point clipping two-ends of her tail. By this time the monster let out a burst of energy before pouncing back at Aimer.

Guild members had eyes observing from corner in the Lair. Fact of the matter, though they were sitting-ducks in this situation, they took this a an opportunity to watch and learn from the fight. Seeing there Guild Leader out there risking everything kind of lifted their spirits, removing any doubts that there's a chance he might lose. As our fight progress Aimer slowly gained the upper hand, he had to admit to himself that the Kitsune was far superior compared to any other monster he's met—that included the Titans.

'Tsk, she's not giving me any clear openings. So far I've gotten to seven of her nine tails. If it wasn't for the similarities in stats and the fact we're standing on almost equal level…this would've been a breeze. (Aimer released a heavy sigh) in any case, I still a few tricks up my sleeve so let's get this over with!' Aimer to the Kitsune.

"Human… oh you displease me. You make such a ridiculous face yet you have the upper-hand. Well how about, take me if you can," the Kitsune let out a blood-curdling scream, freezing all life in the environment. Shockingly this had no effect on Aimer, "I'm gonna shut you up" he said. Aimer vanoshed from his spot and for the third time he was exchanging blows with the creature.

Aimer charged at the Kitsune 'Arghhhh {slish! slish! zxing!} you're a fast, {sheik-shling, hya!} strong, {hyuk! sheuk!) smart {wapow! kaboom!} and intelligible being, but today you chose the wrong opponent [Item equipped: Morphling]….

Aimer's battle continued at high-speeds, switching from a dual-sword standard to cold, hard, brass-knuckles. Aimer threw a few punches here and there simultaneously avoiding every attack he could. In a split second Aimer switched over into using his composite sword adding to his strategy: attack and defend. The composite sword was the best choice, by slashing back and forth Aimer the sword would extend then retract before the Kitsune could grab hold of it.

"….throughout this fight I've notice one thing, as a Kitsune would never, ever, ever forget to protect its neck," Aimer ended.

What might've seem to be a struck of pure luck was actually very premeditated and thought through before proceeding forward. In the Kitsune last moments, Aimers composite sword to its fullest, encasing the Kitsune in this unorthodox geometric shape. "End me human, hehe, end me. There's far worse to come." As a final attempt, the Kitsune, instead pleading for its life it begged for Aimer to end it.

"Then let them, that way you won't be alone in the afterlife," Aimer motioned a finger: the sword shrunk in size (like chains interlocking around the surface a giant ball) in this case, the Kitsune. "Goodbye," Aimer snapped and we hear the closing of zips—the Kitsune was chopped into tiny little pieces such as minced meat, the only body part that fell intact was her head.

There was a ringing after that only Aimee could hear.

[You've leveled up] x1

[You've leveled up] x2

{DING} Congratulations, you've slain your first Kitsune!

{REWARD} - [Skill: Death from Above (mythical)]

Description: the user gains the ability to summon and manipulate a 'death beam' from above to erase any one target while dealing damage to the others.

'Death from Above, yeah sounds good' Aimer read the merits. He turnt to his crew, "You can come out now, the situation's handled." "You, you really pulled it off," Nobara came out with the others. "From here on out, we focus on clearing this Entrance." "He, he really pulled it off," the words echoed again.

EXT. GROWTH LINE FOREST (Nearsend)(E)

At the table of the diamond, or end of the diamond-shaped Lair both Guilds reunited in the heat of the matter. Aimer apparently stumbled upon a distraught Mente Rosa Guild, where most of its members were unconscious, if not, dead. Bijoux was the only member barely conscious yet still capable to speak. Aimer got to him first then rushed his Guild to tend to the others.

"Here [Healing Potion (uncommon] before you say anything take this, you'll need the strength to recover," Bijoux downed the bottle. "What happened?" Aimer brought forth the question. Bijoux pointed upwards, "Look up there…do you see it? That thing is what happened, it's the reason why we're stuck here and this is our result from engaging in battle. Ever since then it's just been sitting atop those walls." Aimer took a second glance up, there were mud walls all around that towered so high as if it could block out the sun. "What is it?" he said. "It's an Oni. I can't tell it's level but over the course of battle it's clear to me that-that monster is on par with a Sky-Dweller at least." Aimer remained silent with his eyes fixated on the beast, "Is that so?"

Aimer's item [Morphling] changed into its bow form (Uniques Bow). "What are you gonna do?" Bijoux asked. "Me, oh I'm gonna give it a go," Aimer pounced high and mighty into the sky. "No, don't get any closer," Bijoux tried warning Aimer before he leaped into the air but then Aimer learnt the hard way. {Vwoosh!} a strong force swept Aimer back to the growing we're here collapsed {Doom!}. 'I see now, so there's a barrier,' he said to himself.

Aimer pounced back up to try again, this time, he shot five arrows {fwit! fwit! fwit! fwit} into the air, his item [Mophling] changed forms again (Monclear's Glaive) the moment he left the ground. [Skill Activated: Animal Instincts] Aimer sensed he approach the veil of the barrier, [Skill Activated: Devourers Warp] he bent space to his Will and bypassed the barrier; Bijoux watched with amazement and the Oni now saw Aimer as a threat. Aimer was reaching closer, and closer to the Oni and his Glaive was contested by four blades the Oni suddenly revealed.

Aimer stared into the Oni's eyes, "I'm not done yet!" [Skill Activated: Death from Above] Aimer newly summoned skill created a voted above the monster, the Oni made the mistake in glancing up and failed to realize the five arrows Aimer manipulated towards it. The Oni had two choices: to either evade the blast or the destroy arrows—the Oni chose the latter when it broke up the fight between itself and Aimer to discard of the incoming arrows {sish! sish! sling!}. This choice however, concluded the match. Aimer changed his weapon back to its composite sword from and latched on the Oni's legs and in one fell swoop, pummeled the monster inside the mud wall {wapow!}. Quickly after, Aimer placed the beam at the Oni and kept firing without remorse.

{DING}

You've leveled up x1

'How ungodly! Though badly injured I managed to sat here and watch 3-minutes of a total beatdown. How horrific, I could say I'm disappointed in this situation but I am nowhere as powerful as you are… Solo Harvester,' Bijoux contemplated if what he just witnessed, how could he be possibly human? His contradictions came to an end when Aimer came back to him with pair of ribs from the Oni's torso. "Impossible, I saw it yet I can't believe. It's just impossible." Aimer rested his hands against Bijoux shoulder and replied, "When it comes to me…I think you get the gist of it. Now let's get you and your Guild home safe and relay massage that the Lairs' been cleared."

Aimer shouldered Bijoux as so the rest of his Guild with the other Mente Rosa members, and in due time the Lair began to collapse.

EXT. SUNDAM, BEYSHORE SCRAPYARD (E)

With due diligence Aimer and his Guild crossed back over through the entrance: all of them carrying an injured member of Mente Rosa. Secret agents that remained at the Entrance while the Guild went in were speechless to what they saw; both bystanders and observants stared and watched in awe, some with their devices held in hand and soon the propaganda would spread.

The Mente Rosa Guild and its injured members were turned over to officials for immediate medical attention. From here out the Loudo Guild was tried by news reporters and journalists all striving to get the 'big catch of the day' led to Aimer informing his group to ignore them. Unfortunately for them they got snatched up in the drama; Aimer took it upon himself to exit the scene without alerting anyone of his disappearance.