As they emerged from the eerie depths of the dungeon, Asuka and Iris found themselves surrounded by the familiar sights of the dark alleyway that led back to the bustling streets.
Asuka Nakamura
Class: Priestess
Level 7
MP: 130/130
EXP: 55/70
AP: 250/500
WST: 1000
---
Endurance: 1
Speed: 2
Precision: 4
Strength: 1
Arcane: 13
The echoes of their recent battle still lingered in their minds, adding weight to the decision they now faced.
Asuka cast a sidelong glance at Iris, her expression troubled as she mulled over their predicament.
The betrayal they had faced within the dungeon had shaken her confidence, and doubts gnawed at her thoughts like persistent shadows.
"Iris, do you really think it was just a coincidence?" Asuka's voice was tinged with uncertainty as she voiced her concerns.
Iris furrowed her brow slightly, her gaze thoughtful as she considered Asuka's question.
"I don't know, Asuka. It does seem suspicious, but that's a pretty big conclusion to jump to."
The weight of Iris's words hung in the air. She was right. If they ran with this assumption, it would change things irreversably.
But Asuka couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that clung to her, the nagging suspicion that their recent attack might have deeper roots within the High Rollers.
"What if it was orchestrated, Iris? What if someone in the guild wanted us out of the way?" Asuka's voice quivered slightly, betraying the turmoil of emotions churning within her.
Iris shook her head, leaning against a wall.
"Dylan wouldn't stand for such tactics."
Asuka paced back and forth, her mind racing with scenarios and suspicions.
"But what about Haruka? She's always had it out for me, Iris. What if she manipulated this whole situation?" Asuka's voice wavered, the vulnerability in her words belying the strength she typically projected. "What if she asked them to take us out?"
Iris's expression softened with understanding, her gaze meeting Asuka's with unwavering support.
"If you think Haruka is involved, we can confront Dylan about it. Look, I don't want to say our lifestyle is good in any way, but we can definitely say one thing about it, and that is that he trusts you."
Asuka nodded slowly, but the doubts she harbored were taking up all the space in her mind.
Specifically, the fact that Zenith was, in fact, out there.
If that was true, then...
[Shouldn't I just leave?]
"Iris, I just... I don't think we can trust anyone from the guild anymore," Asuka said, her voice tinged with frustration and determination. "Even if Dylan is still on our side, it's clear that others are working against us. Anytime he's not around, our safety would be at risk. And..." Asuka hugged herself. "Even when he is, it would still be at risk."
Iris nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful.
"I... I get that. It's just... I mean, it's a pretty big choice you wanna make here."
"It is," Asuka replied. "But, there's something else I need to tell you. Another reason I think we shouldn't go back."
As they strolled through the dimly lit streets, the sound of their footsteps echoing against the pavement, the cool evening air wrapped around them. It sent chills down Asuka's spine as she said:
"Iris," Asuka began, her voice soft yet tinged with urgency, "I've been hearing rumors lately."
Iris glanced at her, curiosity sparking in her gaze.
"What kind of rumors?"
Asuka hesitated, searching for the right words to convey the uncertainty swirling within her.
"People are saying that a... woman has been seen fighting monsters in the city. And, I think it could be that girl I told you about."
Iris furrowed her brow, processing Asuka's words.
"You think it might be Zenith?"
"The description was exactly what I saw when I ran into her last time. I think it's her."
They walked in silence for a moment, the weight of Asuka's revelation hanging between them like an invisible barrier.
"It's worth looking into, don't you think?" Asuka finally said, breaking the silence with a note of determination in her voice. "Besides, if she survived that situation I saw her in, it means she must be pretty strong. I think she could make for a good ally," Asuka tried to argue in a way Iris would agree with.
Iris looked away, considering it.
"Well... If you think that's what we should do, then... I mean," Iris shrugged, "you're the brains of this duo. All I know how to do is kill shit. Let's find her."
The weight that had been pressing down on Asuka's shoulders lifted slightly at Iris's words. For the first time since their betrayal, she felt a glimmer of hope.
"Thank you, Iris," Asuka said sincerely, gratitude evident in her eyes. "I couldn't do this without you."
Iris chuckled softly.
"That's what friends are for, right?"
---
{Zenith}
Now that she had a proper weapon, Zenith felt she could take a moment to figure out a course of action with regard to her main mission.
[How do I save Asuka?]
Her mind churned as she walked down the road. She knew she needed a plan, a strategy to rescue her friend from whatever peril had befallen her. She couldn't think of anything, though.
And, before she even had a chance to, a cacophony of desperate cries shattered the silence.
"AAAAAH!"
"NO, NO, MY EYES!"
People screamed and cried.
[What the hell...?]
Ahead, a group of Players huddled together, their faces contorted with fear as they faced a horde of merciless orcs.
All of the orcs ranged from level 5 to 10. It appeared that Zenith had stumbled upon a raid.
[Crazy,] she thought, blinking. [Well, good luck with that.]
Zenith turned and went to walk away, but before she could, a certain snake's voice spoke up.
"Zeniiiith, remember your duty," Tamira's telepathic voice resonated within her consciousness with a sickly sweet tone. "What will your goddess think if she sees you leave these people alone?"
Strangely, it didn't sound like Tamira was feeling particularly compassionate, like she wanted to help. No, it just sounded like the situation, specifically nudging Zenith forward like this, amused her.
[I can't quite figure you out, Tamira.]
"Do you need to?"
[... Maybe.]
Still, with a resigned sigh, Zenith stepped forward, her hand tightening around the hilt of her sword.
[Fine, fine, I'll save them... But they better give me something good in return.]