Shin Kagami

Kagami watched the young boy with messy brown hair take a seat at one of the tables and order a cup of black coffee. She had seen the boy before and knew he was a regular at the shop, one of the rare ones, but she couldn’t recall if she had ever helped to man the front when he was here. It was probably the first time.

Kagami glanced at Kofi with a glint in her eyes and Kofi shook her head and looked away. The real owner of the coffee shop had seen that look before. Last time Kagami wore that expression, she kicked someone out of the shop without any hesitation. Kagami got an earful that day. Sure, she couldn’t deny the customer was being disruptive but she couldn’t pick and choose her customers. With how few they get, a bad customer isn’t necessarily a customer they don’t want. So Kofi contained her sigh and thought a silent prayer.

While Kofi was beginning to regret her decision, Kagami had already gotten to work at making the coffee. She couldn’t tell what the young boy’s regular order was, just that he didn’t want sugar or creamer, so she took a crack and guessed what he would enjoy. Kagami grabbed a few of their more lightly roasted ground beans, wanting to make sure that the charred taste wasn’t very overpowering for the young boy. She focused on creating a blend of beans that gave an earthy and nutty flavor profile for the gloomy customer. The smell of the coffee beans began to waft throughout the shop. And then she took her time with the French press, though that was pretty standard since Kofi always taught her to make sure every drop was quality and deserving of the customer.

Soon enough, it was ready. Kagami prepared a cup and saucer and enjoyed the earthy and nutty smell of the coffee as she poured a cup. Ever self-indulgent, even if the customer didn’t enjoy the coffee, Kagami was content with knowing that she would have. Not a moment later, Kagami delivered the cup of coffee to the customer.

“Good morning! Here’s your black coffee.” Kagami crouched down at the edge of the table and looked towards the boy. “Tell me if it’s to your taste. I’m Kagami and the owner isn’t working today, so I’m sure what your normal order is.”

@Monarch

Kagami sat up on her bed and rubbed the sleep away from her eyes. The first rays from the dawn and the chirps of birds hadn’t yet reached the musty attic that she awoke in but she was already getting dressed in her usual attire. She could very well cheat and just change her appearance with the «Disguise» skill but she’d grown fond of changing into her work uniform. The apron she wore reminded her that she had something to look forward to for the day.

As she finished getting dressed, there was a familiar knock on the door. A woman’s voice called for her from behind it. “Are you up yet?” Kohi was Kagami’s personal wake up call every morning when the store was open. She wouldn’t let the girl miss another day of work after the first time she slept in during the first week of her new job.

Kagami walked to the door, opened it, and smiled gently. “Of course I am. It’s been months since my circadian rhythm’s been rewired. I swear on my life that there’s no one who wakes up earlier than me.” She put her hand over her chest in mock salute. Kohi shook her head and snickered before heading down the stairs to the store so they could begin preparations for the day and Kagami followed right after her.

Un Noir. It was a quaint, tiny coffee shop on the first floor. It didn’t get much foot traffic, especially as the newer floors were unlocked and people climbed Aincrad in tow of the frontliners, but that didn’t matter to Kagami. At least, if it didn’t matter to Kohi, she also couldn’t care less. After all, it wasn’t like this shop was in any danger of disappearing from a lack of funds. It was in a safezone and Kohi was an NPC to boot. Kagami was confident when she found this safe spot that it’d never disappear.

For a while now, Kagami’s been doing menial tasks and occasionally helping to brew the roast for customers of the shop. Every now and then, Kohi would give her another task like a master to their dutiful apprentice. Taste a new blend, serve a customer, investigate beans at the market. Today was a bit different though as they flipped the signboard and advertised to the rest of the world that Un Noir was open for the day.

“Kagami, “ Kohi said. “I know that you don’t like surprises but I want you to act like the owner of the shop.” Kagami opened her mouth in protest, but Kohi cut her off. “Don’t worry. I’ll step in if there’s any major issues but you need to learn how to deal with situations you haven’t dealt with. You’ve been good at learning on the job, so I’m expecting good things.” Kohi gave a tight smile.

Kagami felt like Kohi just wanted to see her struggle, but she could only sigh before tying her hair up into a bun. “I guess I’ll do it then…” It was the start of an interesting day indeed.

@Monarch

Stats: Non-combat but starting at level 11.

Kagami’s eyes were empty, peeking behind their knees, and staring at something no one else in the room could see. Their face looked like a porcelain doll, ready to shatter at a moment’s notice. A bomb could have went off next to Kagami and they wouldn’t have flinched. The virtual reality that Kagami chose to be their true reality gradually slipped away from them, and the memories from the outside world snuck their way in. They could see the desks at the schools they attended in front of them, the cold, empty room they slept in, and their damned face in the mirror.

The only thing that grounded them was Raidou. Kagami was brought back to their (virtual) reality when they felt Raidou’s hand on their shoulder. His words still fell on deaf ears, and his face blended together with Kagami’s father’s. Kagami snapped out of their delusion. That look of approval didn’t suit his face. Kagami stared at Raidou’s back as he walked onwards to the front of the stage. Kagami couldn’t help the smile growing on their face. It all felt so stupid. But they were completely happy with that.

And as everyone walked up towards the stage and pitched in with their accusations and questions to further emphasize their accusations, Kagami caught onto the words of the noirette. Just, what if, it wasn’t an attack on everyone? What if the attacks were just on Srona and Brienne? Not that it mattered, but those two in particular were extremely important. Kagami sprinted out to the foyer to grab a drink and a couple of cocktail weenies to enjoy while waiting for their turn.

“I agree with the lady here.” Kagami gestured towards Mishiro. “From what I know, there was no indication that Dagan was attacked. However, I’d love to be corrected.” They clapsed their hands together and looked towards Tiberius. Awaiting for the confirmation. “If that’s the case, the only real attacks were Srona and Brienne. And my guess would be that Srona was attacked before they tried to kill Brienne so that there would be no medicine to treat her. If that’s the case, Dagan was just an unfortunate coincidence.

“Assuming that’s the case, may I propose a timeline of events?” Kagami started pacing back and forth and from one side of the stage to the other. “Sometime before this all occurred, a group of trainees took weapons from Braso’s armory and left the Targok training camp. These trainees may have started working as independent mercenaries or displayed themselves in the labor market and willing to accept any job. Like Fudral has mentioned, food and medicine do not come cheap.

“At some point, Hugh or the radicals who are in his party or that support his party, were looking for solutions to remove Brienne from power. They probably weren’t thinking of a grand scheme, at least not yet, so they decided on an assassination. That’s when they found out that there were some trainees from Braso they could hire. The warriors of Braso has their reputation precede them, so they would be a safe choice. Even if they failed or were discovered, it would help out their platform anyways. I can see the headlines already.” Kagami waved their hands in front of them. “Braso warriors attacked and killed President Brienne. Can we really trust the other territories?

“However, there was just one problem. Srona’s medicine stores. If medicine could be brought to Brienne in time, could it save her life? It was a risk in their plan, so they chose to burn it. A shortsighted decision made for a shortsighted goal.” Kagami looked towards Percival for any sign of approval or understanding.

“On the day the events occurred, Destin randomly asked an adventurer to seek out these phrases and to make their way onto Dagan.

“Dagan, coincidentally, had a cave-in that the adventurer helped with. After helping with the cave-in, Tiberius asked the adventurer to go to Srona to ask for medicine to help with the injuries.

“After arriving in Srona, they find out that all of the medicine storehouses were being burned down. These medicine storehouses being burned down for the explicit purpose that President Brienne will not be treated in their upcoming attack. The adventurer helps with the fire and also helps Percival to gather materials to create some healing salves to replenish their destroyed stock. Percival then asked the adventurer to help inform Brienne about what should be done.” As the cogs turned, Kagami had a mischevious smile on their face. “It seems that Percival trusts Brienne a lot and enough to ask the adventurer to talk to her specifically. Maybe that’s why he was upset with Brienne’s lack of a response.” Kagami may not have had a lot of luck in romance, but that didn’t stop them from creating pairings in their mind. They'd make a good pair after all. Based on absolutely zero evidence, at least.

“Anyways, that was when the adventurer reached the Ordsean presidential estate before the group of trainees. The attack then happened, but President Brienne was safe and was able to identify the bandits/trainees as being from Braso thanks to her bodyguard.” Kagami paused for a couple of seconds. Noticing a gap in the investigation. “Do we still have that bandit’s body? Has Sir Fudral verified, or can verify, that they belonged to the trainee?” Kagami continued on with their conjecture.

“Lastly, the adventurer travelled to Braso. Of which, it is no importance other than gaining the trust of Sir Fudral and providing us this critical information about the trainees.

“Now that the assassination attempt has failed to remove Brienne from power, the radical supporters or party members that ran against Brienne needed another opportunity to fix the problem.” Kagami’s tone was sarcastic and they made air quotes to emphasize that last word. “So, now this summit was made. Obviously, it could have benefitted all, but it was purposefully designed to harm Brienne. This summit has had key officials not attend by choice of the official mediator, and the official mediator has done nothing to step in between the representatives’ fights. Their goal had shifted entirely. They no wanted to longer physically harm Brienne, but to remove her from power by making her goals seem impossible. The denial to coordinate food, medicine, and protection and the further division and breakdown of relations between the territories would have been a perfect result for Brienne’s opponents.”

Kagami clapped their hands together and turned towards the representatives and the other players. “How does this sound?” Kagami then faced Hugh, staring the official mediator right in the eyes. “Would you consider this to be accurate?” Kagami rested their hand on the pommel of their sabre and smiled. Being self-aware of how it looked, Kagami spoke up for one final time. “This is for protection. Not for mine, but so that no person will be harmed. That, of course, includes Ms. President Brienne.”

Kagami's eyes were locked onto Brienne. They didn't have a problem with what the Ordsean president said, and they also didn't have a problem with the Ordsean president either. Her thoughts on the territories uniting and how to walk past these incidents fell too closely in line with Kagami's. The problem was with what was left unsaid. Too many things happened behind closed doors. Too many variables and too many possible red herrings to waste their time. They didn't know how long this summit would continue for, and it felt like a waste of time to try to hold an investigation committee right here and now for a truth that may never be found. But everyone else was so caught up in it. It felt like there was no other choice but to continue on.

Kagami had a rough idea of the series of events but there was a lot missing. On one end of things, Percival must have talked with Brienne after the incidents but Brienne refused to acknowledge that the Srona and Dagan incidents were attacks. That's why the alchemist decided to attend. So Brienne could be convinced that there was something amiss. On the other end, it seemed like internal conflict was abundant in Ordsea. Kagami wouldn't be surprised if politically-motivated attacks or assassination attempts were commonplace in Ordsea. This is why Kagami hated politics, which is also why Kagami liked Brienne. She wasn't a leader because she wanted to, she was a leader because Ordsea and everyone in the five territories needed her. Kagami had nothing but pity and an odd feeling of pride towards Brienne.

Kagami walked up to the podium almost automatically. They hadn’t even thought about what they wanted to ask. It just seemed like a given that something needed to be said, but Kagami didn’t want to ask anything. Kagami looked back towards Demian and Raidou. The two players had already asked everything that Kagami wanted to ask in a public setting. Kagami stood there in silence, staring at the two of them, and kept thinking and thinking of what could be said to progress everything that they worked towards. A few moments passed before Kagami began to smile at the two players. It seemed sincere. Apologetic almost. It fitted. There were things Kagami wanted to say, just not in a public setting. Kagami wasn’t only worried about the representative’s reactions to what they were going to ask and say, but it just felt wrong for this conversation to not take place behind closed doors. It might have been possible if the time and occasion was different. Kagami could do nothing but ask for forgiveness because they simply weren’t.

Kagami turned back towards the representatives. The first matter was to air out the laundry and figure out what occurred between the incidents and now. “Mr. Percival, it sounds like there were conversations between you and Ms. Brienne after the incidents and before this summit. I think it’s important for the audience here to be made aware of what has happened since the incidents occurred.” Kagami paused for a second. “And that doesn’t just apply to Mr. Percival and Ms. Brienne. That applies to everyone.” Kagami punctuated their final sentence by hitting the podium stand lightly with their first with every word.

But up next was the hard part. Kagami felt like it was almost a crime to try to talk about this publicly. The best president that Ordsean may ever see might lose their office before they accomplish everything. Kagami’s head swirled around, torn between their indiscriminate love for the NPCs and the responsibility they felt like they had. It would be simple to leave everything behind. Kagami had done that up to this point in their day-to-day life, but that wouldn’t solve anything. Everything that the representatives stood for, everything that the NPCs on this floor stood for, Kagami was worried that it could all crumble away if Kagami stepped away from the next few questions. Kagami steeled themselves, and hoped that they were not wrong about President Brienne. More importantly, Kagami hoped that the Ordsean president could eventually forgive them for the next few questions.

“I understand that during the attack on the Ordsean presidential estate that Ms. Brienne was concerned about the attackers stealing some secret documents. Can you share what those documents could be? Their contents may be helpful in finding who is behind the attacks.” Their voice was hollow, more than ever, as if Kagami was reading off a script and held hostage. “I- I… Give me one moment.”

Kagami looked down. Their emotional mask was falling apart. Everything was beginning to be laid bare for all to see. Kagami could feel the stares at the back of their head. Crazy. Emotional. Delusional. Whispers from the audience crept into their head.

“Doesn’t she know that at the end of the day, the NPCs are just that? NPCs?”

“That girl needs to go away. She hasn’t helped with anything since she first talked. Just acting like a drama queen.”

“I hope she knows what she’s doing.”

The world began to spin. Kagami’s thoughts were running wild. Yet, when Kagami looked up from the podium, their eyes were squarely locked onto President Brienne. There was no cordial smile, there was no solemn look. Kagami wasn’t using the Disguise skill, nor were they trying to act. It was just a simple look of pity and sorrow. “Ms. President Brienne. I- I know this isn’t a light topic, but I need to know. What the hell have you put up with since you started running for election? Whatever it is, it’s just wrong. I know just how painful it is to recount memories like those, let alone speak of it. I haven’t even spoken to you the first time I came up to this podium, but I know that you’re not a politician. I am almost certain of it. You’re simply someone who wants the best for everyone. Someone who stepped up to the plate; not for political gain or power, but simply because something needed to be done.” Kagami paused for a second to catch their breath. “You’re probably the best president to be in THAT seat right now. Whatever you’ve endured is not your fault. The only issue I could possibly see is maybe you’re too protective of people you should not claim your own. Look around you.” Kagami raised their hands to the audience. “These are your people. The way you and I feel about uniting the territories is too similar. I’d want nothing more than to walk away from these incidents and figure out the next plan of action, but that isn’t possible. Everyone is suffering because of the idea that these attacks occurred, not just from the results of it. Your people are the kind people in the five territories that desire no harm. Your people are everyone who’s trying to live their lives peacefully. And I hope that you can unite them along the way of your presidency. But your people aren’t the attackers. Your people aren’t ones that would attack you or the people around you, burn down medicine storages, or trap people in caves. I am not saying to persecute people who don’t want unity… just those who put evil thoughts into evil actions. Please, for the sake of everyone, even if it’s painful to speak to your memories, please speak. Your people are depending on you.”

Kagami slowly turned and stepped from the podium, wobbling a bit as the world still spun around and took the nearest theater seat which happened to be next to Raidou. Kagami hugged their knees. Even if those damned voices were still ridiculing them, Kagami decided to bear it. Kagami took it as an opportunity to see it as atonement. They wanted to understand and share whatever pain that Brienne was feeling. After all, Kagami couldn’t help but feel like they were a big cause of it.

Kagami watched as Demian took the podium and asked a few general questions. They didn’t quite understand some of the questions like the one about Braso guards helping the Srona gatherers. If it was Demian’s intent to confuse, then they were succeeding. If it was because Demian had additional information that weren’t in the dossier, then Kagami needed to work around yet another incomplete testimony. It was hard enough already gathering information from the incomplete and biased testimonies of the representatives. Kagami just hoped that the truth could be gleaned from it all. At the end of the day, everyone was working off of testimonies and, in theory, it was completely possible for each incident to be written off as an unfortunate coincidence.

For the time that Demian was up at the podium, Kagami took note of the way the man walked, stood, talked, even shifting about in place to face the representative he questioned. Demian was very direct and faced things headstrong. There were no other ways to interpret his questions. There was nothing wrong with that, of course. Kagami felt like there was probably no correct approach to resolving the summit. Maybe even Raidou’s overtly disruptive methods were necessary in the long run. But being direct just wasn’t Kagami’s style. They much preferred to coax the answers out of others.

As Demian stepped down from the podium Kagami stepped up to ask a few burning questions. “I also have a few questions. Mainly for Ms. Brienne and Mr. Destin.” Kagami gave them each a warm smile. They cared to not lean over the podium and only shift their body ever so slightly to indicate to the two representatives. Kagami kept their hands to their side and made zero gestures. Even if there were some malice or suspicion in mind, it didn’t need to be brought forth. All that Kagami needed to convey at that moment was respect for the two leaders. “Ms. Brienne, I understand that you recently won against Mr. Hugh when he was running for re-election in Ordsea and are part of the United People’s Party that pushes for unity across the territories. Could you describe more about the political situation in Ordsea? Recent events, political views, whatever that comes to mind helps.” Kagami paused for a beat. “And Mr. Destin. There are some rumors that there was somebody present and bore witness to each of the incidents. The rumors particularly mentioned they met with you the day of. Could you describe what was discussed during the meeting and the intent behind such a meeting?” Kagami bowed before stepping away from the podium, always facing towards the stage.

“Both of them are pretty suspicious to me. Destin being absent even though this is his home territory and also helping arrange the use of this theater,” Kagami admitted while flipping through the notes. It helped that this wasn’t their first time reading a dossier or memos. All Kagami wanted was the big picture of what had led to all of this and the floor in general. Hopefully it was enough to understand what was going on in this floor. “And now, being the one to conveniently place whoever it was at the heart of each incident. All while being obsessed with how the territories were divided in the first place. More of an enigma than I’d like to be honest.”

Kagami continued to ramble on and think aloud. Some theories and conjecture. “Though Hughes is more suspicious to me now. Especially if the story is true that he purposefully excluded Destin from this summit. He helped to organize the event with Destin. He ran against Brienne who is pro-unity which could speak bounds on Hughes’ political position… It seems like Raidou agrees-” Kagami handed back the dossier to Demian, now satisfied and caught up with what they wanted to know. “The rest don’t strike me as suspicious, but I could be wrong. Maybe it’s stupid to rely on intuition, but I doubt that Brienne, Percival, Fudral, and Tiberius were complicit in any incidents.”

There weren’t many other thoughts for Kagami to share. If anything, it helped narrow down the questions. “What I do want to know is Hughes’ political platform and what happened in the election before the latest one. And how it came to be that Destin’s guidance led someone to bear witness to each incident that occurred. I doubt that it’s by chance. I can’t shake off the feeling that this entire thing was planned from the get-go.”

Kagami blinked slowly and hoped they weren’t staring at a reflection of themselves. They shook her head. It couldn’t be. Maybe they shared the same love for dramatic flair, but there had to be some differences. Kagami refused to be like Raidou. Especially with how inviting that Raidou was.

For one, Kagami was still rooting for the representatives. Even if Kagami thought they were idiots and shortsighted, that wasn’t their fault. All of them were blinded by the disasters that they were trying to avoid for their own territories, and Kagami couldn’t blame them for being concerned about their own territories first. They were idiots, no denying that. Kagami let out a long sigh. They just weren’t past the point of no redemption.

For two, Kagami wouldn’t dare threaten the representatives by any amount. Not out of fear, but out of the same respect that was why Kagami refused to give up on the leaders. Kagami just wanted to present the harsh facts that everyone’s livelihood depended on what was decided here at this summit. “… if you resist you will need more than a wheelchair… I will have it removed from your mouth…” Unthinkable. A witch hunt it may be, but not one without cause or without reason. The only issue Kagami had with the investigation was the timing. It wasn’t necessary right now, especially because the prime suspect hadn’t arrived yet. Destin and Hughes both had to be here.

As Oji stepped away from the stage and another man took his place, Kagami listened intently to his words. The more he spoke, the more Kagami was sure that he knew more than any other person who had spoken thus far. More importantly, if Kagami was right, they were on the same path of thinking.

Kagami offered a handshake and an inviting smile to the man with rusty hair. “Kagami.” Even if Demian never took the handshake, Kagami was more than content to speak to the empty space between them. Not loud enough for the representatives to overhear though, of course. It wasn’t yet time for them to consider it. “So you also think it was Destin. That this may be all one elaborate plan for this very meeting. I don’t have a single clue on who this Destin is or what their goals are, but I do know that I trust Destin and Hughes less than that guy over there.” Kagami pointed at Raidou. “And you seem to know more than anyone here. So why don’t you spill the beans between at least the two of us. I’m not like others. I don’t mind a couple spoilers.” Kagami’s smile continued to curve upwards. A cheshire smile.

“One last thing.” Kagami wanted to tack on one final question before the representatives took over. “If you bring a crystal from one territory to another, is there any point where they can no longer be moved or they change?”

A mix of emotions swirled within Kagami, but their smile persisted. They made sure of it by using their Disguise skill. A smile was definitely not appropriate given that Tiberius had just publicly condemned Ronbaru and Ordsea, but it was definitely better than the annoyed look that Kagami wore underneath the skill. They turned to face Oji and spoke softly so only the man could hear. “Hey Oji, mind if I ask for a quick favor? Hold me back if I start moving towards the stage in a few minutes, kay?” Kagami turned back to the stage and the representatives with their everlasting, artificial smile.

Kagami wasn’t really surprised with how the representatives were acting. If anything, it should have been like this from the beginning. Actual confrontation of legitimate concerns instead of fancy words. Kagami just hated how shortsighted everyone seemed to be. It was good that the representatives were no longer trying to piece together the clues on who was the culprit. It was overshadowed by how the entire summit had devolved into accusations and halfway alliances. It was extremely disappointing to Kagami. They only saw their desired end slip further and further away.

Kagami felt as if every single representative was too focused on their next action and not enough on the consequences of it. Refugees, smuggling, legitimate war between territories. If whatever Tiberius was planning actually happened, the 27th floor will be as lively as it was deadly for the people who lived here. All of this over a set of incidents where no culprit could probably be identified. Because of that, Kagami had to hold themselves back from speaking a cruel truth that could potentially destroy the floor. No territory, not even Srona or Dagan, would likely ever be exempt from suspicion of being involved with the culprits. The incidents sparked a fire that can only be extinguished by forward movement since the only thing awaiting them at the end without banding together as a whole was misery. Kagami clicked their tongue and muttered under their breath. “Idiots.”

Kagami had a lot of respect for Tiberius. A man of strength and a leader for his people. Stoic, unwavering. But the Farmer’s Guild's leader’s head was stuck in the weeds because of those exact same traits. Kagami wracked their brain on how to approach Tiberius and try to mediate the present conflict. How could they convey that Brienne may be innocent and that Ordsea and Ronbaru was as important as any other territory? That each and every single one of them was important. A farming analogy? They knew none. Brutal honesty? Could work but could deteriorate the little communication they have going on already.

Zero good answers showed up. So, Kagami just decided to blindly shoot into the dark, changed their Disguise skill to have a solemn expression, and spoke up to the representatives. “Two things. First, who is specialized with logistics and planning? Before we begin deciding that people should starve to death, die without medicine, or provide zero military aid, we should figure out if there’s a way to ration off the available resources in a way that everyone can survive.” Kagami looked at Brienne for a moment, hoping to indicate that if Ordsea and Ronbaru brought anything to the table, it had to be now.

“Second, if this was truly an attack, as Frudal mentioned, it was meant to weaken you all. It wouldn’t make any lick of sense for any leader here to do such a thing.” Kagami lied as easily as they breathed. Merchants could want scarcity so that they could sell food and medicine at higher profits. Soldiers wishing justification of security proliferation. Leaders with some sick power trip. Even someone wanting this exact summit to be held. There were countless reasons why a leader of a territory would aid in doing exactly such a thing. Kagami just hoped the representatives’ shortsightedness helped in just this one instance. Kagami stared down the leaders. “You’re all here to solve problems for your territories altogether. That’s why we’re all here. Whether you like it or not, what happens in any territory will impact the others. Probably more than any one of you could imagine… As long as there are people around you, it is your responsibility to lead them. You may be divided into five territories, but the fates of your territories is sure as hell united as one.”

Kagami already decided to attend the summit on the 27th floor the moment they caught wind of it, but it would be a lie if they claimed some grand reason behind their decision. Helping with an investigation? Potentially unifying the territories towards a common cause? Maybe even a full reunification if it all went well? All great causes but they weren’t the reason why Kagami wanted to attend. No. It was far more selfish. The only thing that mattered was that the free food alone was good enough to pop their head in. But free food with a show? What more could you possibly want? Kagami fully intended to take full advantage of being trapped in a virtual world and live a life of indulgence by kicking back and enjoying the summit with some food in hand.

At least, that’s what Kagami planned after reaching the theater and taking a seat. The beginning announcement was certainly beginning to bore the player. If the summit was just going to be a slew of “speak nice, do nothing” politics, they’d rather just pack up some food and leave. No show was better than a bad show. Then, Percival’s shouts rang across the theater and changed everything. Even when bound to a wheelchair, Kagami felt the lead alchemist’s passion towering above the representatives and shrouding the entire room with a gloom. In contrast, Kagami couldn’t stop a devilish grin from forming across their face. Things were finally getting exciting. They decided to root for Percival and his passionate anger, as if the entire summit was just a play unfolding in front of them and Percival was nothing more than the vehicle for conflict. If Percival’s initial outburst was any indication, everyone at the summit was in for a wild ride. And Kagami was all for it.

After the announcement ended, Kagami quickly rushed to the foyer and grabbed their first round of refreshments, not wanting to miss out any discussions. They were disappointed after returning with a plate full of food and a cup in hand. By the time they reached their seat, the meeting had already calmed down and the representatives were waiting politely for inquiries from the crowd. Even Percival laid silent and waiting despite the fire behind his eyes. But Kagami was patient. As long as Percival didn’t give up, neither would they.

Kagami let out a quick scoff when some older man named Oji stepped up to the plate and asked a simple question and an honest chuckle when hearing Percival’s question. Sure, it might’ve been nice to play detective, but Kagami couldn’t see the point. “What else did you think? I can’t be the only one to have heard Percival yelling out ‘Someone set fire! It was a direct attack on us!’ as if it was happening right now and in front of his eyes,” Kagami thought aloud and to no one in particular. Though if any good came of Oji’s question, it was that Tiberius finally speaking up.

In the few short exchanges that’s occurred. Kagami could gather just a few things. The two major incidents were in Srona and Dagan. Percival and Tiberius. Some fire, some cave-in. Things that you could write off as mere accidents. Reasonably so, or that’s what the President Brienne wanted everyone to consider at least. Ordsea. No clue what happened over there, but nothing enough to stoke the flames. But just like President Brienne was entitled to her own thoughts, so was Tiberius. Kagami couldn’t read minds, but they definitely smelled the distrust between the representatives of the territories that were impacted and the territories that were not impacted amongst the panel. A few conspiracy theories swirled in their mind as the summit continued onwards.

A girl with red hair tried to redirect anger to some unknown, foreign entity. Oji once again tried to calm down Percival. Kagami didn’t even notice Oji’s wording until Percival commented on it, though it did bring a wry smile to their face. Kagami understood Oji’s desire to keep discussion civil to keep things progressing. If anything, it would help the storylines that Kagami formed in her head. They wanted nothing more than Percival and Tiberius to rise above the occasion and start taking some decisive action. Kagami just didn’t expect Percival to threaten leaving the summit.

Like a bullet, Kagami shot out of their seat. Ready to storm the front of the stage. Yell out that Percival can’t just give up yet. Not until he knows what Srona must do. But the dwarf Fudral beat Kagami to the punch. And frankly, in a much calmer manner than Kagami felt like they would ever be able to. Probably for the best too.

But Kagami couldn’t ignore all that they heard. Sure enough, it made sense with how the territories on this floor seemed reliant on each other. That an attack on one was an attack on all. There was just something missing… and the cogs continued to spin. Fudral. Braso. Some kerfuffle with some warriors and attacking the Ordsea’s presidential estate. Brienne. No further incidents. There was just one thing that was lacking here. Why was Ronbaru not involved at all? If anything, wouldn’t Ronbaru be the greatest suspect? And even more, where was Destin? “Surely, something that mattered to all territories should have Ronbaru’s representative here," Kagami thought.

Kagami, still standing, began to walk down the aisle to the front of the stage. Their heart began to thump out of their chest. Their legs were numb, and Kagami could barely register the ground beneath their feet. The moment they spoke to the representatives, they’d no longer be a passive watcher of this play. Though, that wasn’t why Kagami was excited. Kagami was excited to see everyone on the stage solve this mystery or, at least, decide on a path towards this floor’s future. It would no longer just be a play. It would be an amazing story to experience.

Kagami wasn’t sure if the girl ahead of them had the same idea with their question about the other regions and a timeline, but Kagami would patiently wait their turn before iterating upon the previous girl’s question. “And what of Ronbaru? Did nothing occur to them?” If allowed, Kagami would also monologue in hopes of bringing things closer to an end. Possibly the end that Kagami desperately wanted to see. An end with the representatives at their peak. “And even if we find the culprits? What of it? They’ll get punished. And then what? I am as upset as all of you, but does it matter who caused the incidents? Do we close off this chapter of our lives and write it off as a mere incident to be recorded in a single line of history?”

Kagami fought back a smile. This wasn’t the time to look happy with how serious the summit has been and the implications of what they were about to say. But if there was any time to be dramatic, it was now. Kagami clutched at their chest and made sure to look at each representative before finally turning back towards the crowd while speaking. “If an attack on one is an attack on all, if the territories are so damned interconnected and reliant, why do we still act separate? There may be an answer from the past but if truly no one knows, what does it matter? Call me overly pragmatic, but I can’t see that as an excuse for how to act in the future!”

(pag main wanting to join waitlist, insert emoticons of fingers pointing at each other here)

“You should be a bit more selfish,” Kagami said. “The bounty rewards that us travelers receive are already increased… And we know the risks so no one owes anyone anything that isn’t already contracted.” It was a pointless statement to make. A redundant one at that. Kagami was already prepared for Mama Fahri to talk about how the kindness that they have received should be reciprocated in greater kindness. That lecture never came.

Mama Fahri forced out a hearty laugh. “Hahahaha, maybe I should but not before the sun returns.” The silence crept back in between the two as neither of them wanted to voice their uncertainty. Mama gave a smile and tried to say a few words of hope but her grin and voice were a bit weak and wavering, tired and tiring. “Speaking of the council and the weather, we should start heading to The Table. Maybe they’ll have a solution this time.” She rummaged through a few drawers and eventually found the plaque announcing her absence. It read: “The matron of this inn is not currently present. Anyone in need of the inn’s service can help themselves and leave the appropriate payment on the counter.” After placing it onto the plaque, Mama Fahri and Kagami were off to attend the village meeting.

It took almost an hour to reach the top floor of the central building between Kagami’s incessant worrying about Mama Fahri tripping on the ice and Mama Fahri endlessly tripping after giving assurances that it would not happen again, only saved from a bad fall by Kagami. Despite the duo’s hilarious cycle of misfortune, they eventually reached the central building of Lhasri and climbed the stairs which took them from the empty bazaar on the bottom floor to the top floor that housed The Table.

The silence was awkard for Kagami full of unending eye contact full of unconditional care. Searching for any way to escape, she weighted her options. And truthfully, anything was worth trying if it meant breaking the silence and hopefully becoming free of guilt. “Yeah, you too,” Kagami said with a voice that shrank into the distance. The storylike picture became tainted with concern and the silence much more awkward with no escape in sight.

But Kagami would be saved by the bell when a player entered the inn and brought the elements with them. His armor was worse for wear and his frostkissed face was covered with exhaustion. Yet his work was for naught, if the empty sheath was a worthwhile indicator. The two players traded places as the man trudged towards the counter and Kagami rushed to close the door behind the man. A bag of Col was dropped on the counter, and a few magic words were muttered that would let him have a room in the inn before he continued his long journey that led him up the stairs leaving only a trail of melting snow behind.

Kagami sighed. That wasn’t the first person to come by in that manner since she’s been staying at the inn. He certainly wouldn’t be the last. But it had definitively gotten worse since the everwinter started. She used to warn the newcomers to try to leave most of the snow outside and keep the door closed as much as possible. Now, it seemed pointless as all of her pleas fell on deaf ears and that energy was better spent on brandishing mops and rags.

Even Kagami’s frustrations were heard but were discarded by Fahri. “I feel bad for them. The council and those travelers are trying to help everyone survive these harsh conditions. I don’t want to trouble them anymore than I need to. Plus, you’re always there to help out.”

Kagami stopped in the entryway of “The Fading Junco.” She frowned at how it fared the weather. Its windows that peered into the small common room were now boarded up and sloppily sealed where the howling wind succeeded to break in. The once elaborate wooden decor that let the otherwise non-descript building was warped from the merciless elements. She shook off the snow and ice that clung to her clothes and headed inside, making sure that the door was only open for that short instance.

The inside of “The Fading Junco” was much homelier than the outside, though not by much. Woolen blankets lined all of the walls and even the wooden boards that covered the windows. A few candles deceptively enlargened the empty lobby. But to make up for the bleak conditions, the most notable thing was the short, portly woman across the counter that greeted Kagami with a smile. “I was half expecting that you left and took my mug with you.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it Mama Fahri.” Kagami smiled and leaned over the counter to hand Fahri the mug. She clasped their hands and gave them a small shake. Showing how much she had learned from Mama Fahri including how the servants of Kunchen, the majority of NPCs of the floor, showed appreciation for the minor things in life. “I really enjoyed the tea while it was warm. Thank you so much… really.”

“Many thanks to you child. May many gifts come your way and may they guide you.” The gentle smile transformed into one of radiance and pride and the room grew a bit warmer in its presence. Tightening her grip, Fahri met Kagami’s eyes. Seeing a set of eyes with years of happiness, Kagami couldn’t help but try to return the same thing. She felt guilty, trying to appear as happy as Mama Fahri and hoped that her imitation was good enough to pass as the real thing.

Stats: Non-combat but started at level 8.

Winter had come early for the mountainous settlement on Floor 15. Several days have passed since the last time the sun graced the NPC residents of Lhasri with its presence and the remaining vestiges of warmth petered out. All that was left were the monotone gray sky and the piercing cold which took its place as the uncontested force of nature. It wasn’t long before the city life dwindled and the streets died quietly as few dared to challenge the unforgiveable weather and continue about their daily life.

But to the players who stayed around and remained inside of the small village, life continued without much change. The biting frost carried by the wind posed only a small discomfort and any damage they would have received was negated by the sanctuary properties of the safe zone. Kagami was even enjoying the cold and the small cubby in front of a shop that she tucked herself into. If anything, she had embraced the everwinter. Kagami loved how the steam from her tea quickly froze and lingered and the world’s absolute silence save her breath and the crunching snow when she shifted her weight. It was refreshing that all of these small details that the frigid weather brought into her ever-momentary life.

But like every moment, it passed. Ice slowly appeared in the cup of tea she made until it and Kagami’s bittersweet smile was all that was left. She poked at the ice to break the thin membrane with a hunting knife she carried around and took a sip from whatever tea remained, wondering if some of the tea could still be warm like a river under a thin layer of ice. She dumped out the rest of the tea with disregard before heading back to the inn that she was staying at while in town with hopes to find something interesting for the next moment in her life.

Current Level: 8
Current SP: 17
Link to SP Tracking: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16jPBqYRSZ3litVeklNqFiZSWHglBLk1OymHlFeCYMcQ/edit?usp=sharing
Item Upgrades:

As Nian’s hand disappear from their side, Kagami steeled herself expecting some form of physical punishment. She closed her eyes in anticipation, ready to accept what came righfully came her way. It’s okay… I won’t feel any pain here.

But all Kagami felt was a small tug forwards and her legs beginning to walk by themselves as she trailed behind the mysterious stranger. "The way I see it, you need a vantage point from a higher perspective. Be thankful, commoner -- a lesser king would've left serfs like you to rot." They took off, king and commoner like a parent and child. The leader imposed themselves on the follower, while the commoner submitted themselves to the whims of the leader.

She couldn’t decipher the other player’s puzzling words. Her mind began to fill itself with questions about who the other player is and what their intentions were. Why did she call me a commoner and a serf?… What did she mean a higher perspective?… Why would anyone truthfully concern themselves with me? None of these questions were ever spoken aloud. They were things she would have liked to know, but none of them were things she expected Nian to divulge or answer truthfully. All that mattered at the moment was a single burning question. “Where are you taking me?”

@Nian

Kagami was still lost in thought and absentmindedly flipping through random forms when the other player approached her. She flinched as the stranger began to impose themselves onto her and when their grip eventually found her upper arms. “What in the hells is wrong with you…” As Kagami reflexively spun around to face the intervening player, she activated her only extra skill and «Disguised» herself as the stranger. Kagami stared at the person in front of her for a few seconds. While their appearance couldn’t be more identical, the expressions they wore couldn’t be more different.

Nian wore a piercing glare. Surrounding her was an air of active dominance and the utmost confidence to execute and achieve that will. It seemed that Kagami’s mere existence was an annoyance and eyesore to her. That Kagami would be far below the acknowledgement of Nian if she hadn’t continued to use «Disguise» absentmindedly. An implicit and subtle hint of disgust as if to say, “Who are you to show yourself like this in front of me?”

Nian’s mirror opposite, or rather Kagami disguised as Nian, was disheveled. Strands of black hair covered her face and eyes and her body was tilted backwards in preparation for what felt like an inevitable blow. Her eyes widened and darted between Nian and random passerbys, NPCs and players alike, silently pleading for help and forgiveness. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, as the words she desperately sought to defuse the situation failed to materalize. The air of confidence and endless indulgence that Kagami had experienced just a few days ago had gone with the wind.

The eternity of a few seconds didn’t last forever, as she turned willed her Disguise skill to deactivate. Her whisper was as silent as the wind that flowed through the Town of Beginnings. “I- I’m sorry.”

@Nian

Kagami strolled around the Town of Beginnings, taking advantage of the ever-growing silence of the settlement and the cloudy skies that broke apart every so often to provide pillars of sunlight. Her movement was wobbly and unsure as her mind was elsewhere, and her figure changed form to a variety of different individuals as she absentmindedly used «Disguise» over and over again.

The young woman was still processing the events from a couple days before when she had fought and killed her Gemini and figuring out what she had in store for the future of Aincrad. Kagami noticed the posters floating in the wind and remembered the joy that so many players had felt from the news of successful floor boss raid after successful floor boss raid ages ago. The stories of various frontliners crept into her mind; the veterans and the mainstays, the newcomers and hotshots, and the various scandals between the members that has ultimately brought their orchestrations to a mostly screeching halt. Willpower and strength. Kagami believed that the first component was trivial, she had already proved her unwavering determination which led her to use the abnormally strong, beginner-friendly healing potion to defeat one of the easiest fights she would have yet. Yet, the power and strength needed to change the world felt constantly out of reach and as advancing towards it made it seem more elusive every passing moment.

She let out a heavy sigh. After the death game announcement was made and, for the better part of five years, Kagami felt in control of her own life. But now, she felt as if she had willingly given up control by choosing to fight her Gemini. The void in her chest from when she fought her Gemini continued to fester slowly invading the rest of her body and thoughts. It wasn't uncommon that she needed to lie down to stop her head from spinning. Or for the everpresent brain fog and dull headache to disrupt anything remotely close to leisure. Or her body burning up and freezing at the same time for no apparent reason. Or the feeling of being constantly out of breath while her lungs were still full of air. She would love to blame it on Cardinal, yet Cardinal had nothing to do with it. Anxiety, panic attacks, the constant stress that doesn't cease even while she sleeps. Those were the root of the symptoms, and the root of those was Kagami herself. Kagami felt as if she was thrusted back into the same endless positive feedback loop that she thought had ended once the death game started.

The mask she wore for herself had cracked underneath the pressure that she had put onto herself. She felt as if she had a complete loss of control over her life. Kagami unwittingly pitted up the determination to fulfill the vow that she swore against her desire to give up and submit to the loss of control. Neither contradictory or mutually exclusive as she could live with both, but the latter impeded the former. She desperately wished to give up, but life would continue to go on without her and would eventually crush her. "I need to seize the fate with my own hands... but-"

@Nian

It took a bit of time for my laughter to calm down and regain my own senses. An absolutely rare yet absolutely happy moment. The facade of the NPC helper, of Celeste, merged and mixed in me. The bored me wasn’t present and in a moment, someone new had replaced her and when Hellion pressed his suspicions against that I wasn’t an NPC, I was ready to give up the facade and come clean.

For a moment, I was a fish out of water. I constantly opened and closed my mouth, unsure of what words should exactly be coming out of my mouth. My eyes darted back and forth, frantically seeing if there were any other onlookers. I was glad that I hadn’t yet turned to face Hellion, otherwise he’d have seen my panicked face. I froze… at least until Hellion tricked to tickle me.

I had never been someone who was very ticklish. All I felt was Hellion trying to run his fingers along parts of my body during an extremely awkward silence. After the attempt passed, I cleared my throat and spoke. “I guess Kayaba didn’t program me to be ticklish.” I stood up. The only sounds there were was the rustling of clothes as I picked myself off the ground and the howling of the wind and the leaves being dragged along its current. I broke the silence. “We should probably go find more materials for Zackariah.”

@Hellion

I heard stories of people who have attempted suicide by jumping from a high place. There’s always two things that are consistent. The first is that the moment they lose control and go over the edge, most of them regret their actions immediately and they realize that all of their problems were temporary and solvable or at least endurable. The second is that once if they get past the shock and regret, the view was beautiful. I kept that in mind as my eyes did not leave the sky above me as I fell towards the ground. It was no night skyline or a beautiful mountainside at sunset, but I appreciated every second nonetheless. It was a further bonus knowing that this simple fall wouldn’t harm me in the slightest because we were in a game.

To my surprise, the impact wasn’t as harsh as I expected it to be. The slight tingling sensation was present indicating that I would normally be in some type of pain but it was subtle. The ground was also warm and I was fairly certain that I hadn’t soiled myself nor there was igneous activity on the first floor. Then he spoke, pretty much directly into my ear. “Good job Celeste, you managed to fly. Such a talented AI assistant.”

I fell silent for a few seconds, trying to gather my bearings and get a grasp on the situation. Why would anyone even bother trying to risk self-harm for someone they just met? On top of that, why would anyone even bother trying to risk self-harm to prevent a non-existent threat from occurring, regardless if it would befall a cheeky player or an immortal AI?

My thoughts were then abruptly cut off by a wet plop landing on my forehead. I scooped part of the liquid and held up my finger above me so that Hellion could see the golden, amber-like substance as well. “Do you think this counts as a material?” I figured that what just transpired didn’t matter to me and I forgot all about the setting that I had set for myself. I burst out into an honest laughter.

I returned Hellion’s smirk with my own. “Thank you. Hope you have a good place in mind because six months has allowed me to try just about everything in the Town of Beginnings.”

After his quip regarding the potion’s taste, we fell into silence for a few seconds. During that moment, I heard a faint buzz emanating from the forests canopy. I put my finger to my lips and hushed Hellion before climbing the closest tree trunk. I stopped at each branch that would support my weight and look down as I distanced myself from the forest floor and Hellion shrunk. It took me a couple minutes to reach the top where the buzzing of the beehive was incessant. As I reached out to the hive in an attempt to collect the honey, the bees swarmed me. I swatted them away, trying to ignore their baseless threats until I fell off.

“Well, hopefully you get the ability to buy the materials soon. Even I can’t tell what Cardinal has in store for you guys.” I let out another sigh as I began to scan the horizons once more, only to be disappointed with a bunch of nothingness amongst the plains. The only reprieve of the situation was that I did notice that there was a forest further ahead. “Let’s head over there. Might get better luck over there.” I smiled at Hellion before twirling around and walking towards the forest with my hands held behind my back.

“Well, thankfully my sisters and I haven’t been around for long. It’s been about… I think 6 months?” I looked behind and flashed a half-smile as I started to delve further into the mindset of an AI bored of its existence that it had yet to even fulfill. “But it’s been a super boring existence. You are the first one that I’ve seen approach me. These info brokers you talk about, never seen or heard of one still investigating these quests.”

As we neared the treeline, the wind picked up and the branches swayed to its mercy. “As for what I do for fun? There’s not much I can do. I’m tasked with living in the Town of Beginnings and act like a human player to the best of my ability until my directive is activated. I can’t exit that place without someone asking me to accompany them on a quest.” My mind was much too occupied with the conversation that we were having to even think about finding a material around us at that point. “But whether I can eat and enjoy food, sure I can!” I gave Hellion the most honest smile that I could muster. After all, I wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to eat.

“My sisters and I aren’t really designed to do the quest for you or walk you through what you need to do step-by-step. Neither are we all knowing…” As we stepped outside of the storefront, I took in a breath of fresh air. I silently hoped that we’d never have to enter Zackariah’s domain ever again, but the quest dictated that we had to re-enter the shop to craft the potions. “I don’t have a catalog of player shops. I do have a catalog of NPC shops. As of right now, there are none that would benefit you. All closed down by Cardinal a few years ago. The only NPC shops that are left sell bland food, equipment that might as well be made from foam, or lodging.” I let out the sigh. To me, the First Floor was one of the most tranquil, but it was the most template floor out of them all. I begun to spin another web. “It must be nice to be able to travel to the other floors.”

As we walked through the towering gates of the Town of Beginnings, I watched as Hellion kneel down to pick a blue flower that brilliantly matched his eyes. Immediately after picking it, he praised his luck and joked about finding things for people. “Pretty good.” I started to scan my surroundings. There wasn’t much as far as the eye could see since the floor was mostly plains with some forests here and there, but a white object on the ground caught my attention. I ran towards it and presented the boar tusk in my hands. “Think people would buy materials from an NPC? Not that I have the authority to sell stuff in the first place.”

I let out an internal groan as Hellion went along with the act. If he flat-out denied it, I’d have the enjoyment of trying to convince him; if he accepted it, I would have fun testing the boundaries of his belief. But instead, he played along with the act like a parent playing make-believe with their child. I could try to convince him, but I felt like he’d just as readily accept the fact that the person in front of him was an AI.

I refused to admit defeat. I puffed my cheeks and pouted. “You don’t believe me, do you? Treating me like a child and a liar just because I was in sleep mode.” I audibly grumbled. “I hope that attitude of yours changes when you meet my sisters.” I let out an exaggerated sigh. “But I will concede. I know where we must go.” On that note, I led Hellion through the alleyways and towards Zackariah’s workshop.

As the door was opened, I was immediately hit with a pungent odor of several chemicals and odd concoctions being mixed together. “Ladies first.” I rolled my eyes and pinched my nose before entering the doorway. “Real classy Hellion.” As we went further into the workshop, a visible purple cloud progressively enshrouded the room. It wasn’t until I called out the NPC’s name that the cloud and odor disappeared. “Hey Zackariah, you here?”

A moment later, the old alchemist appeared behind his counter. “Oh, hello there. Pardon the mess. I don’t…”

I stared off into space and tuned him out as he gave his standard dialogue. The quest had been documented ad nauseum in such a way that I would know what to do like the back of my hand. Eventually, the notification popped up and queried Hellion and I whether we wanted to participate in this quest. I immediately accepted it and turned to Hellion. “You can at least lead the way outside right? After all, men are supposed to be the escort.” I smirked.

I wandered the rest of the festival and eventually happened upon something that looked like a rock garden, but the area was much less spiritual. Instead of the delicately curated, raked lines that I often saw, various footsteps disturbed the gravel astrewn about. The NPC there offered me a try at the activity, asking me to get a magpie to return a gift. As I reached into the cage, a thought happened upon me. Either Cardinal was smart enough to program in purposefully choosing the right magpie, talking to it, and then it finding the proper gift or everything was already randomly generated. In an effort to prove my theory, I kept the cage open as the magpie flew into and out of my hands without a word of exchange. It eventually returned a few moments later and gave me a small jar of ashes. “Guess I’m giving an AI too much credit.”