Ever since Endyr activated Split Double for the first time, the System hadn't made any unusual announcements. The side it had shown in that alleyway almost seemed like a dream, but Endyr never forgot. The System was more sentient and aware than it let on, and had its own agenda it wanted to fulfil by helping her.
Yet Endyr could not deny she had let her guard down after a week of peace and quiet. In her mind, the System would only make an appearance when something extraordinary had occurred. Endyr had just left the campus grounds and joined the Guild, but the System said nothing at the time. Perhaps it had waited until Endyr was deeper entangled in the mission to make its move or perhaps there was another reason, but Endyr was caught unawares regardless.
But Endyr rapidly calmed her frustration and the slight fear that bubbled up at the notice's appearance. No matter the excuses she gave, Endyr was following the path the System laid out for her, starting from leaving the Academy. She knew all too well the power those at the top wielded and how going against them was suicide. This was no novel or anime with a hero who can defy physics as they see fit. Trying to argue and negotiate with a God? The only thing you can negotiate over is the type of coffin you prefer.
In Endyr's mind, insanity and power went hand-in-hand. Boldly declaring that she would defy the machinations of the System was no different from signing her own death warrant. She needed the System, as it was her only advantage over the dozen or more Gods that were after her head.
The fact that the System lacked any open malice or negative intent was also a factor of her decision, and it didn't seem like the System could wantonly detach itself from her either. The two were stuck together, and fighting over control would only drag both of them down. Every parasite knows that symbiosis was the best option.
Endyr refocused her attention, realising everyone was looking at her in confusion. Realising she had cursed out loud, the tips of her ears turned slightly red and she coughed into her fist. "Sorry, ignore that. I just remembered something unpleasant."
Anne blinked at her several times before turning back to everyone else. "As I was saying, killing Kismet or multiple Grandmasters will net you additional rewards. Finding information about the Coven's purpose in Sky Cross this time will do the same. The regular rules apply: anything you find is yours to keep. However, we may ask you to hand over certain dangerous objects, and you will be compensated with something of equal value instead. Is everything clear?"
Nobody spoke up, affirming their agreement with her terms. For the next fifteen minutes, everybody checked up on their equipment and planned out their strategies. Miniature groups formed from the twelve people present: Himmel, Aryll and Ruby were part of the same Adventurer team, Erich and Johan whispered to each other in the corner and Arnold and Menes openly discussed pointers.
The twin Priestess' approached Sheva and tried to strike up a conversation with her, but the tall woman seemed determined to reveal as little as possible. As such, the conversation went nowhere and seemed quite awkward even from a distance.
The two people left out naturally ended up gravitating towards each other-or rather, Kulkiri strolled over while whistled and saddled up beside Endyr.
"Howdy, my name is Kulkiri Mist. I'm an Adventurer and also a storyteller on the side. What's your name Miss?"
Endyr looked at the man wrapped in bandages from the corner of her eye and silently ignored him, inspecting her Status instead. Kulkiri said nothing more, simply standing there with a stupid grin on his face-the only part visible apart from the eyes. After a good minute of silence, Kulkiri stretched out his hand.
"Howdy, my name is Kulkiri Mist. I'm an Adventurer and also a storyteller on the side. What's your name Miss?"
Endyr's eye twitched slightly as Kulkiri asked the same question, only this time with his hand out. Yet she still maintained her silence, flicking through her Stats and Titles while paying no mind the the grinning clown of a man beside her. Yet even Endyr's patience was pushed when Kulkiri leaned right over her shoulder.
"Howdy, my name is Kulkiri Mist. I'm an Adventurer and also a storyteller on the side. What's your name Miss?"
"....."
Endyr spent a moment contemplating whether or not to sew Kulkiri's mouth shut or simply punch him in the throat before releasing a heavy sigh and putting away her Status. She then turned to him, her eyes cold to the point of frost nearly seeping out. Yet the orange-eyed man paid no mind, and his smile only grew larger at finally receiving her attention.
"My name is Endyr Syndrine, but you already know that. After all, I both introduced myself and allowed you to see my Guild Badge. That has all the information you need to know about me" she said coolly.
Despite all the signs of disfavour, Kulkiri paid his rapidly approaching death no attention and merely laughed as he shook his head. "I believe that, as comrades in this life-and-death struggle, we should get to know each other as much as possible! And personally trading information is the best way to grow bonds. After all, we shall be fighting side-by-side against the evil Blood Coven! Who knows whom will live and whom will perish?!"
Kulkiri raised his arms in the air, half-shouting his excuse as he explained it. Endyr looked at him through half-laden eyes as she sighed again. "That Priestess claimed this is a routine operation. Besides, everyone here is a Grandmaster at least, while we have two Epics from the Harvest Church. Death is quite far away."
At this, Kulkiri leaned closer to Endyr and whispered softly in her ear. "Are you sure about that? The Blood Coven has been around since the Third Era, and could withstand the collective might of both the Churches and other Secret Gods throughout the Fourth. Plus, Vampires are categorically superior to Humans in every way. Blindly believing in past reports and experiences will have you end up in a ditch someday."
Endyr leaned back and pushed Kulkiri away, disgust flashing across her face at having her personal space invaded. Yet within her mind, she was rapidly digesting everything he had said.
'It's true that this time is unusual. My very existence points to the fact bad things are happening or are going to happen across the whole of Orvonia. In that case it is only natural that the Gods become more active too. The System claimed some sort of "Apocalypse" is fast approaching, one I am supposed to herald...'
Kulkiri straightened up and began to distance himself from Endyr upon seeing her lost in thought. "Well, I understand if you struggle to trust me so soon. Don't worry, I will fight my way into your heart, my fair maiden!"
At that moment, Endyr felt that Kulkiri Mist had a natural talent for being a jester.