Yona

             Wulfrin's answer was harsh, and Yona wasn't able to tell if he was concerned, or if he was just being a big ol' grouch. Yona wasn't tier one anymore though, so whatever the players could be in for might either be a nothingburger with the reward at the end, or the Cardinal might have a balanced encounter in mind...only one way to find out though, and if things went to shit, there was always the Teleport Crystal.

                   Yona followed Larbrook through the maze, assuming Wulfrin was watching their backs while following behind. Soon the three reached a central looking room. "Behold the resting place," Larbrook began. "Of the Hoya of Minos." 
    Larbrook's words were true, for floating above a pedestal was a beautiful silver pendant in the shape of a Hoya Flower, with an exquisite sapphire in the center. "Dibs!" Yona called out as she rushed over to retrieve the treasure. Finally, a treasure worthy of tales was now in her grasp...right? Well, if it didn't have much too it, it would definitely look nice on her, at least. And with the sapphire, it would compliment her outfit, too. Then Yona noticed something in the wall. She tilted her head, then slowly walked over, and pulled out what turned out to be a slip of paper, possibly left behind by someone else. Using her capabilities as an Appraiser, she learned it was made by another player. Right, this was a quest, meaning there was probably someone else out there that had this treasure too... "Looks like someone left a note here." She revealed.

"He be warned, who has the power, to take the King's prized flower. The voice of mockery should not ring, lest you awaken the wrath of the fallen King."

           Yona blinked. "I mean, I only called dibs on a treasure taken from a hero, no mockery intended. What's the worst that could happen?" She thought...but she had thought too soon.

*Thud...thud...thud...!*

    Yona's attention turned towards the source of the noise, finding a wall away from the pendant, between the two corridors that led to this very room here, and it looked as though the wall was somewhat out of place, as if it were constructed more recently than the rest of the maze, as though it were sealing something away...
            Yona stashed the pendant in her inventory, dropped the note, and drew her weapon. "Ok, looks like something big's awake." She guessed. Larbrook readied himself for battle. "This seems...new." He observed. "I have heard tales and been told the paths here, but never had I anticipated this." He noted. Yona could feel the Binding Stone shaking. This was not the time.

                               The Wall burst, and Larbrook charged towards whatever was getting out. He managed to knock it back, and as the dust was clearing, he would call out to the two players, "Come, warriors, I believe your talents may be needed here!" before heading further in. Yona decided to follow.

    The room she saw was fairly expansive, and the walls were lined with engravings, markings, a relief or two, and plenty of what looked to be large stone coffins embedded in the walls. In the center of the room was some kind of Crystal, floating overhead, oddly colored and pulsing with an unsettling aura that glowed a troubling shade of purple. Three creatures were present in the room. At first glance, they appeared to be Minotaurs, but then Yona noticed signs of putrification. These minotaurs were...undead. Furthermore, at the end of the room opposite to the freshly opened entry, was an ornate, grandiose stone coffin that opened up to reveal an undead humanoid figure, wearing some kind of old bronze armor, as well as a tattered cloak that must have been quality cloth back in its time, and there was also a circlet on the figure's head. Above this entity's head, Yona saw the name display, <<Minos the Risen>>.
              At first, Yona was somewhat confused. Then she remembered what the treasure she'd grabbed was named. <<Hoya of Minos>>...yeah, that'll change things in this case.
     Larbrook now had one of the undead Minotaurs distracted, leaving Yona and Wulfrin to handle Minos and his other two undead minotaur goons. "Looks like we'll be doing this the hard way..." Yona decided. After all, what they've faced so far hadn't been too dangerous yet, right? "Wulfrin, I think we should take care of these punks here so they don't cause trouble for anyone else!" She called out, before turning her attention to the enemies that were before her.

      She rushed in and unleashed a flurry of attacks against her three targets, but the one with the polearm managed to knock Yona's Falchion out of her hand. She quickly moved to retrieve it, then met eyes with the stronger of her adversaries. "You dare to take my treasure from me?" The monster questioned, probably because the system knew Yona currently had the pendant. "Well, you did kinda take it from the hero known as the Hoya,-"
             "Who first stole it from me!" The undead enemy interrupted. "And now I see that thieves have come crawling in here, to plunder my treasures and murder the guardians of my labyrinth, of my tomb?"
      Yona simply had a smug smirk on her face. "Like this wasn't gonna happen one day?" She countered. "Tombs get raided plenty of times for resources and treasures that can't always be guarded. Tough shit, pal."
      This angered her enemy. "Foolish girl, I'll water the grounds of  this resting place with your blood." He threatened. The binding stone was shaking again, but so far not a single non-player entity had noticed. Hopefully Wulfrin wouldn't notice the odd rock shaking on its own either.

ID# 243671 BD: 1(Crit fail)

ID# 243672 BD: 8+1=9(hit)

ID# 243673 BD: 6+1-1=6(hit)

AoE-I: 15x11=165 Damage to Revenant Minotaur 2 and Minos the Risen!

[0-0-0]Wulfrin | HP 260/260 | EN 44/44 | DMG 16 | MIT 44 | ACC 3 | REC 2 | LD 2
[0-1-1]Yona | HP 300/300 | EN 38/40 | DMG 15 | MIT 27 | ACC 1 | EVA 2 | LD 3

Revenant Minotaur 1 | HP 500/500, 60 DMG, 1 ACC
Revenant Minotaur 1 | HP 335/500, 60 DMG, 1 ACC
Minos the Risen | HP 835/1000, 75 DMG, 1 ACC, 1 EVA

                   "Um, excuse me? What the hell?" Yona thought. "Did you just steal my kill?"

       Yona stood dumbfounded, her arm still outstretched with her weapon in hand. The audacity.
                        She turned her head to look at Wulfrin. It had been five odd seconds and she was still staring with her jaw wide open. For whatever reason, Wulfrin thought it was a good idea to just go home. Just what was his deal?
   Larbrook looked to Wulfrin. "Surely, you have shown great valor, warrior." He began. "Of course, I know the location of the Legendary Hoya's personal Pendant, the Hoya of Minos, stolen from the hero long ago, supposedly by the one who had this very labyrinth built. If you are willing to part with the east and west Hoya Pendants you've obtained from the minotaurs slain, I can guide you to its location. What say you?" He asked.
                        Deeper into the labyrinth? More info on the tale? A relic of a long lost hero? Oh, this could be good! Yona's expression changed, hopeful. "Yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes let's do it!" She responded. She then looked to Wulfrin. "Come on, who knows what else awaits us?" She said, hoping to convince Wulfrin to just let this happen.

                                         Wulfrin pointed out that Irons weren't used in putt putt golf, that it was used in the classic form of the sport. Frankly, Yona didn't care. "Well it worked, so I think it's fine." She noted with a smirk.

    The players moved on to see where the hole ended. It seemed to be a bit trickier this time, and both balls were safe and sound. Wulfrin managed to get his ball smoothly into the hole after some careful planning and strategizing. Normally Yona would do the same, but today she felt a little brash. Going for a Diagonal shot, she got the makeshift putter and swung hard. The ball plinked rapidly, spinning as it traveled upwards on the incline, also still bumping from wall to wall, until with one last spin, landing into the hole. "Heh, looks like we tied on this one." Yona noted.

                    After looking at the hole for a few seconds, she then pulled out both balls, and tossed Wulfrin's over to him. Larbrook seemed to notice something, but Yona didn't seem to pay much mind at the moment. "Who knows what hole awaits us next? I'm kinda eager to know, at this point." She added.

                                "Grave, if you're reckless like you look." Came a deep voice. Yona stopped, confused. "...Heh?"
                   She turned around, to see something approaching from the dark. "Behold, the Minotaur of the West." Larbrook announced.
                                 This Minotaur looked calm, aged and decisive. The fact that he spoke must have meant that he'd lived long enough to learn a fair number of words in the players' language. "I presume you're seeking battle glory?" He asked. He then readied his axe. "Many a young, not ready traveler think they can best me. How can you know you won't die easily like they do?" He added.
              Yona shrugged, then drew her Falchion. "Only one way to find out." She pointed out.

        Yona would rush in and attempt a thrust, which she quickly pulled back and proceeded to try an upward strike. Oddly enough, this feint was not effective. "Would hit, if I had one hand weapon, no shield. ...Heh, could be real fight then." The minotaur remarked. He then shoved Yona back, but she managed to hold her footing and not fall onto her rear. "Come then, try your luck."
                   "Ah, so you'd like a fair fight then? I mean, I suppose I'd be down for it, since the other person with me took down your Eastern friend in one fell swoop...but ultimately, he'd have to agree. If he decides to jump in, that's not on me." Yona remarked, as she took position to prepare herself to defend as she began to plan her next move.

Minotaur Hunting Posts: 5/5, West Hoya Minotaur found!

ID# 238656 BD: 3+1-1=3(miss)

Wulfrin | HP 260/260 | EN 44/44 | DMG 16 | MIT 44 | ACC 3 | REC 2 | LD 2
Yona | HP 300/300 | EN 38/40 | DMG 15 | MIT 27 | ACC 1 | EVA 2 | LD 3

Govarron, Western Hoya Minotaur: HP: 150/150 | DMG: 45 | EVA: 1

                        It didn't take long to get moving again.

      Wulfrin finished up on his end of the impromptu Mini-Golf Hole as he explained direction, then handed a ball to Yona before the two players would make their way back to seek out the next Minotaur. Soon, Wulfrin would find another spot to try a little fun along the way. Larbrook was still confused as ever. Adventurers turned out to be stranger than he first anticipated. Wulfrin decided it would be a par five, and Yona was ready to take her turn. "Alright, let's see what we've got here..."
                 Yona took a look at the visible corridor and then to where she was to tee up her ball. After she did so, she looked around her and noticed what must have been the remains of some kind of polearm, but the shape and sturdiness of this weapon remnant seemed just right for... "I think...I might go for the Iron this time." She remarked. Curious to see how this would play out, she positioned the object, ready to use as a golf club, and aimed her shot.

    *Pwak!*

"There we go!"

   *Pwak!* *Pwak!* *Pwak!* *Pwak!* *Pwak!* *Pwak!* *Pwak Pwak,* *PwakWakWakakakakak...*

                Yona had no clue what happened as the ball disappeared beyond the corner, but her confident grin was unwavering. "Alright, guess it's time to advance a bit and see what happened to the two balls." 

Minotaur Hunting posts (3/5)

                                Wulfrin decided to try his hand at the makeshift golf, though it seemed that their target had found them in this very moment, interrupting Wulfrin's shot. It roared out and charged at the players, only to get one-shot by Wulfrin's attack. "That was...way too easy." Yona thought aloud. "There...there is another one out there, right?"
       Larbook nodded. "Indeed, the Minotaur you have slain was of the east, the Minotaur of the West remains, should you seek to challenge it." He revealed.
 Yona looked to Wulfrin. "Well, if we've been going left and reaching the East Minotaur, guess that means we'll need to start going right to find the West?" She guessed. It was a wild guess, but a guess nevertheless. At least it was a start, and the group still had plenty of uses remaining for the chalk. What was the harm in trying a different method for a different target?

Minotaur hunting posts: 1/5

                              The search was starting to get a bit...boring. Unsure of what to do other than follow the standard maze procedure, she simply began following Wulfrin's lead at this point...
        Then came the unexpected. Little balls scattered around. This had to be a player's doing. When Wulfrin spotted the makeshift club, Yona was admittedly curious about it. When Wulfrin offered for her to give it a try, she thought about it...then smiled and nodded. "Eh, why not?" She remarked. She then placed the ball down, and began to examine the club. The NPC traveling with the two was very confused, but he didn't seem to have anything to say as of the moment. Yona then took position, and squinted her eyes as she calculated how hard she should swing, and in which direction. Nearly half a minute passed, but then...
         *PLACK!*
    Yona swung with considerable force, knocking the ball into the air, which then began practically zigzagging along the walls, before eventually bouncing off the floor a few times and rolling into an indent; a spot on the floor that lacked a brick. Yona then looked over to Wulfrin with a smug grin. "Well I'd say that went well, what do you think?"

          Not too far from the players' location, a creature was resting within the halls of the maze. The sounds of rapid clacking echoed through the maze, its ears twitched, and it awakened. It got up, lifted its weapon, and began to look around, hoping to find the source of the noise...

Minotaur hunting posts: 4/5

                What Yona found to be odd was the lack of monsters on the way. Maybe the two players were just too powerful for the common monsters of the floor so they just kept their distance? It seemed likely, for the moment. It wasn't long before the pair, as well as the NPC, reached the entrance to the labyrinth. But if even the forest itself was a natural labyrinth due to all the thick mist, then... "Hey, Wulfrin..." Yona began. "Have you been to this forest before, or do you just have a lucky sense of direction?" She asked with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.
             When Wulfrin suggested an idea, Yona thought for a moment. "If we kept our hands on the walls, it can't guarantee we'll know where we're going, especially if we get caught in a fight, we might forget which direction we were going..." A few seconds later into thought and her eyes lit up. She rummaged through her inventory, then pulled out two pieces of chalk that she normally used for visualizing plans or ideas to herself or others. "We could use these! As we go along, we mark the walls with chalk as we go. That way, we'll be sure to know where we've been, and can trace it to leave once we're done!" She suggested. "Thoughts?" She asked.

Minotaur hunting posts: 2/5

            The other player noted that he hadn't heard the legend of the Hoya. Before Yona could give her response, he asked the NPC to tell. From what Yona could gather, the Hoya was a local hero who fought minotaurs. Was this Faune Mythos, or were the minotaurs an actual species on this floor-
            Oh, never mind, they existed, and only two are left, according to public rumors. Well, in that case, the minotaurs must have done something awful if they nearly got their entire species wiped out by one Faune. Taking out the last two for a little experience...well, Yona was gonna need experience anyway, so why not finish the job?
   Yona looked to the other player. "I'm in." She decided. Even if this wasn't the rumor she was looking for, it was at least something she could do. "Anyway, before we start, I don't think we've met." She pointed out. "I go by Yona, what about you?"

                              Alanin's kind gesture was a nice addition to the moment, not that Yona wouldn't see right through it, in her opinion. "Wow, this guy's still trying to get points? There's not much to say about him if he ain't persistent!" Yona thought. The guy must have thought himself as a white knight. Still, having some nice warm rolls on the side wasn't a bad idea...Maybe she should one-up this guy by putting all desserts on her tab.

                      "So, since we're all here, I'd like to say something, if nobody minds..." She began. "I've been hearing rumors about a set of ruins, not much is known about it other than a name said to be relevant: Vindemia. Few have tried to explore it due to there being a large monster at its entrance...but if any of you are feeling up for an expedition sometime, feel free to let me know or send me a message." She offered. "You don't have to answer now, of course...just...think about it, ok?"

      It wouldn't be long before Shulko returned, with all the food that had been ordered. "What a day this is becoming, right? I wasn't expecting Lancelot to get rolls for the table, but in hindsight, I should have. Heh." He remarked.

                       The topic would shift to the current situation, then silence would follow for a moment before the NPC waitress returned. "Are any of you ready?" She asked.
                     Yona nodded, as she'd taken the time to skim through the options while the conversation was going on. "I'd like the Deepwood Boar Chops, the ones with a honey and berry glaze?" Yona requested. Koharu spoke up next. "I would like the Ramen, thank you." She requested. Once the other three players made their orders, Avani would nod her head in understanding and leave for the kitchen to notify Shulko, most likely.

             Yona stretched. "Well, this was definitely better than doing nothing by myself all day. Even the debate was worth it." She remarked. "And it's nice to hang out peacefully from time to time, too."
                Koharu nodded her head in agreement. Shulko had a nice place with plenty of options...and Yona had heard this place had an extensive menu...Shulko was really going all in to make The Carefree Magpie a place for everyone, wasn't he?
                     Well, everyone's got an ambition and a reason, both in this game and outside it!

                          Yona sipped her wine as she watched the long conversation between Aurami and Koharu play out. The two basically shared their experiences in their school lives when Vigilon had helped them out of tight spots.
             "Damn, he's been playing the role of hero even before this game?" Yona thought. "Huh...so dependable in a pinch, even if he doesn't win...well, guess that might be part of why the ladies always seem to count on him, he's always got their back."
                  Now if Yona could just keep the attention of people she took a certain kind of interest in...ah, but priorities first! Yona needed to get herself comfortable in her new life as an adventurer, with plenty of currency to keep her afloat! How could she invite people to her place, properly have a nice place to stay, and still have a reasonable amount of her old life's positive aspects if she didn't have the funds for all that?

                 Alanin appeared to be listening intently. "On the surface, he sounds like a just and compassionate man." He commented. "I suppose I should meet him the moment I get a chance."
            Yona wasn't sure what he meant by that, but as long as Alanin had good intentions with it, what could go wrong?

                           A cute girl approached the table, asking if she could sit with them. Alanin went right to white knighting, it must have been a total oof for the guy when she wanted to sit next to Krysta instead of him. While the guy still pushed the chair in for her once she'd sat down, it didn't change the signs of disappointment hidden in his eyes.
                Yona smirked. "Looks like the Chivalry Card didn't play out like you'd expected, huh? Nice try, but I think you just got turned down." She remarked. Alanin looked a bit shocked, while the newcomer looked to the ground while blushing, maybe over embarrassment from Yona's remark? Did she go too far with that one? Like, she totally had every intention to call Alanin out, but maybe she could have done it differently.

   Koharu asked the girl if she was a regular, but the answer turned out to be that she was a first timer at this place, and that she knew someone who was working here. While the girl grabbed the drinks menu that was present on the table, Yona began to wonder if she knew either of the two pretty NPCs. Probably the pinkette over at the bar, the current vibes they both gave off suggested that they'd get along well together...
          But as fate would have it, the answer turned out to be Shulko, who'd taken a quick moment to check on everyone. He ended up spending the moment introducing everyone to the girl, who he'd given the nickname Sweetheart. The girl also happened to be a friend of Vigilon. Yona chuckled. "Wow, looks like Vigilon must be popular with the ladies, huh? He's got so many female friends!" She commented. Alanin didn't seem to appreciate Yona's comment, but Yona didn't care.
               Shulko then began to introduce the players around the table, addressing them by the nicknames he'd given them. When Alanin's turn came around, and Shulko called him Lancelot, Yona found herself bursting into a fit of laughter, it was just too good. Yona only continued laughing when Alanin found himself unable to come up with a proper argument against this choice of nickname.
       When the laughter died down, Shulko introduced Yona. Yona nodded her head in agreement when he claimed that she seemed like a fun type. Shulko would ask if the girl needed anything, and after the answer, he would return to the kitchen after telling them to play nice and not overwhelm the girl. The girl would reveal her username as Aurami, and Krysta would make her response. Yona's username was already known to Aurami now, so for now she'd give the girl a little breathing room in the conversation.

            The light blue haired waitress would return after a moment, with all the drinks requested. After placing them all down, even Aurami's, she would address the players at the table. "I'll give you all some time before I ask for your orders. I'll be back in a moment." She said before walking off to help a different table.

           Shulko would get the players seated and then make for the kitchen to take care of a few things. Yona took a quick look around while she waited. She spotted two NPCs that appeared to be working here. Yona smirked. It seemed that Shulko, by coincidence or on purpose, had hired a pair of pretty girls to help him out. "Heh, lucky..." She muttered.

     The pretty blue haired NPC approached the table of four players, asking what they'd like to get started with. Krysta asked for a green tea and Alanin stuck with a basic water. "Amateurs." Yona thought, the smirk remaining on her face. "A nice, fruity red wine would do well, please." Yona said to the NPC waitress. The near deadpan look the NPC gave Yona ended up confusing her, maybe it was a cultural thing? She seemed to accept the order anyway, so maybe it was something else. Koharu was the last to make her choice for first order. "I'll have the Strawberry Melon blend."

     With all four answers given, the NPC waitress nodded her head and made her way over to the kitchen, probably to let Shulko know.

          Shulko offered to let the players have some food and drink on the house at his establishment, a place called The Carefree Magpie. Ellyria declined, and proceeded to have one of those dramatic "I'll be back" exits. "But...we don't even know who won...Was she expecting absolute dominance over the conversation or something? Pathetic, talk about a sore competitor..." Yona thought.

         Koharu, Alanin, and Krysta would all proceed to accept Shulko's offer. "Then it's settled." Yona decided. "Let's end today on a high note!"
                    Granted, it hadn't been that much time since the debate started, but the mental exhaustion was real, best to have a break, hopefully strengthen bonds and potential friendships, and take it easy for the rest of the day. After the heated argument that just went down, it would definitely help to get through the rest of the day without any conflicts.

                     The players present may be adventurers who lived from one battle to the next, all fighting for their freedom and/or their ideals...but they were still young, so why not take it easy every now and then? After all, they won't be young forever...

                 The debate was now over. The spectators of the debate began to file out of the building, save for that informant who was gathering up like, sixty nine recording crystals that he'd just recorded the whole debate with. Yona took a short moment to have a last word or two with the guy. "Confident that they're gonna sell, hm?" She asked. The informant's expression was full of anticipation. "Thanks so much for helping that debate become what it was. The topic, the drama, the points... If I sold these at three thousand five hundred, I'll be making a serious chunk of bank with these!" He replied. "After all, I'm sure there'd be plenty of people who might be questioning some things...this'll give them the information they need for sure...now if I could just find those kinds of people..."

        Yona then made her way back to the others. "Well, I guess that's that...So, what now? Anyone got something planned I could tag along for?" She asked.

             Yona got back into focus when the subject changed. Once again, real world scenarios...and unfortunately, it was a good point.

         Ellyria and Koharu would have a little exchange on the differences between love and infatuation, and Shulko would add to that with some really good points. Yona decided to add in one of her own. "In both reality and fiction, there’s a recurring problem. The Love Triangle. Two people love the same person, and at first, it may sound simple. However, the real problem is that the relationship type involved stirs up more jealousy, hate, and infighting. Monogamy declares that only one can win, and the other must leave heartbroken." She explained.

"Objection!"

                  "If we’re being honest, the common love triangle is just two men being attracted to a woman, and said woman is backed into the triangle’s corner because she’s either afraid of harming either of the two’s hearts, or couldn’t be bothered to love them back." Ellyria responded.
            "Just follow along for the sake of the discussion, would you?" Yona shot back.
        Koharu was in thought, and she took this moment to speak up. "Well…she has a point, but so do you. Polygamy won’t solve every love triangle, especially if the potential partners are monogamous, toxic enough to let jealousy blind them, or are possessive of who they’ve fallen for. We humans are believed to be territorial beings, so it's dangerously easy to become possessive of a partner." She noted. "The fact that Poly is a valid option though, just shows that while it doesn’t always work, and while it might not be everyone’s thing, it is a valid option depending on the situation and the people in it. Like Shulko has pointed out several times already, it’s all a case-by-case basis." She explained.

               Ellyria deadpanned. "Do you people really think you can just have your cake and eat it too?" She asked. Yona rolled her eyes. "Both Monogamy and Polygamy have the same risks. Just because certain risks are more likely in Polygamy doesn’t make it inherently toxic. As was stated before, it’s not the relationship types, it’s the people involved in them." She pointed out.
            Shulko nodded. "If there’s one thing your argument states that is true, there’s definitely a lot of people out there that aren’t ready for a commitment…but what they need is therapy, not condemnation to die alone. There’s hope for them too, though I’ll admit that there are definitely some nasty manipulators, victims and abusers out there who will refuse to change for the better." He added.
   Koharu would have something to add as well. "People give people a bad reputation. Human judgment is often flawed, and tends to look at whole groups instead of the individuals causing the problem. That’s why the phrase 'A few bad apples spoil the whole batch' came about. It was about reputation and how a few bad or toxic people can ruin the names of everyone around them, or anyone sharing their belief in a healthier manner. Not to mention that there are people who will slander or hate something, be it a good thing or not, just because they don’t understand it." She explained.

         Silence followed, and Yona chose to add one more thing. "Love. It’s a wonderful thing. I won’t deny that it’s been twisted, muddled, and corrupted by the frailty of human nature. But we who know the difference between what’s healthy and what’s toxic will be able to see the signs, and have better odds of finding love, be it with one partner or more, that actually works out. Sure, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find the wrong one every here and there, but that’s part of why you take the time to date, it’s a way to enjoy each others’ company while you connect with one another, and gague the situation to see if it’s worth tying the knot. The results might not be what you’d expect, and most of the time, you may find things that your list of ideologies did not check or approve of, but if you love each other, cover each other's weaknesses, and admit that there’s always gonna be a flaw in someone, you just might get the partner, or partners, you’ve needed." She explained.

               There didn't seem like much else to say, so Yona phrased it like a closing statement.

                   Yona was having a mild glaring contest with Ellyria. Yona now figured that there would be no way for this person to see the light, that this one was a lost cause...but alas, she'd have to argue with her anyway in order to stop her from her aggressive advances against the point of view that she, Shulko, and Koharu were defending.

                Alanin would put the discussion back on track. "Anyways… plenty of Polygamous relationships have a secretly greedy, selfish or possessive individual leading them while the rest blindly follow. While Vigilon does not seem like that kind of person, based on what I’ve been told, it doesn’t change the fact that, male or female, plenty of those who are polyamourous simply want to sleep with as many as possible, as if it’s a game of dominance over human beings." He claimed.
                         Ellyria turned her gaze, as if trying to form a response. Yona snapped her fingers due to having won the glaring contest, then she took the opportunity to make a response before Ellyria could. "That’s why it’s best to not confess to such people. If you know you’re good and that you can treat your lovers fairly, and know that a real relationship is a two-way street, then let the people you love confess to you. 'To confess is to be be conquered', a remark about the dangerous reality of possession in relationships being the apparent norm. Become the 'possessor' in order to throw the term out the window." She explained. 
         Shulko started laughing. Yona was confused by this. "What's so funny?" She asked.
    "Ah ha ha... Love is not a game, Yona...it's War!" Shulko then nearly faceplanted on the deck of his stand and slammed his fist down in a fit of laughter once he'd said this remark. Koharu was also chuckling, but Yona was completely confused as to what they found funny or were referencing.

                   Ah, yes, good next topic, the next generation can really test a relationship at times. Koharu and Shulko gave some good points that Yona could stand by. "See, these two get it. Krysta knew some points about the true nature within kids too, but honestly, they’re not really something you’ll be one hundred percent prepared for. My parents thought they could have the perfect kid, but they got my brother and I instead." She added with a smirk that carried utter nonchalance.

    "Then you simply had terrible parents with unattainable expectations." Krysta remarked.

  Yona took a sip of her coffee. "No shit, Sherlock." She remarked. "Point is, kids shouldn’t determine the fate of a relationship. It’s the people involved in the relationship itself, not the kids born from it. Granted, how a parent treats the kids can affect the kids and how they grow, as well as the relationship itself…but again, that wouldn’t be the kids’ fault. Both raising children and being in a relationship comes with responsibility, on all sides of it." She explained.

       Alanin nodded, taking both sides' contributions into thought. "Having discussed that, let’s try a different question… Let’s say one of you started a Polyamourus relationship, you have two lovers. One day one of your lovers asks if they can have another lover, how do you respond?" He questioned. This was a real-world problem, at least in theory, so it was a practical one to use for the argument. At least he was taking it seriously in a good way.
         Shulko pointed his index finger upward. "I'll take that question. As much as I’d like to be an individual beloved, it would be wrong to sacrifice a lover’s happiness for my own. I’d treat it like any other situation in such a relationship: get to know the person, gauge the situation, and talk it out with everyone involved until we reach an agreement." He answered.
                   "Yeah, is it really that difficult? Plenty of people prefer one or two lovers, and that’s fine. The kinds of things you’re talking about is kinda like when two relationships collide, either becoming one big relationship or unwittingly tearing one of the two apart. Hear out your heart, but listen to and consult with your brain and make the decision yourself, even if you need others’ help to do so." Yona added. "It's a joint effort involving critical thinking, communication, and most likely, compromise as well."
          Koharu waved her index finger like a metronome. "Not to mention, since Poly is varied in quite a few ways, some say that everyone involved loves everyone there, and that’s not always the case. Sometimes it is, but times like those are uncommon. Krysta and I don’t have to be in a relationship to be Poly with Vigilon, which is helpful to know because she and I both prefer men, from what I know. We can be friends to each other despite being so involved with Vigilon, and it’ll be just fine." She pointed out.

           With all three players having given their effort, hopefully someone among the opposing side should be able to see the light and understand...at least, that's what Yona hoped.

              Well, Krysta had a good question, that, Yona had to admit. Ellyria took the silence that followed the question as though it were a score for her side. "We...come to think of it, I never thought of that question myself..." Koharu remarked, seeing the flaw in her side of the argument, or at least, the fact that their knowledge on the subject wasn't perfect, something Yona could never blame anyone for. Perfection does not exist.

     Of course, Yona wasn't going to let Ellyria get to have her little "victory." "The current success rate for monogamy isn’t looking too hot either, even if it’s currently doing better than poly. I wouldn’t mind having just one partner, but it would be nice to have multiple. If I was just being used for flings, however, that wouldn’t exactly be healthy, now would it? I’d know better, and choose different partners with a better sense of loyalty." She noted.

"Objection!"

             "Polygamous and Polyamorous people don’t know the meaning of loyalty, even if they pretend to know. You can see from their life choices that they’re far too hedonistic to be practical." Ellyria shot back. Yona's scowl was enough of a response. "Ugh, always back to the same stupid point and selfish stance..." Yona thought. "She's never gonna see past that, is she?"
         Ellyria continued. "Polygamy knows no reality, it is selfish and irresponsible. We aren’t adults surrounded by peers, we’re a select few surrounded by children and immatures." She added, once again tapping her free hand with her pointer.

     Koharu blinked. "You’ve been pretty harsh since you got here…more so than Alanin and Krysta have so far. Can’t you just, I dunno, be a little nicer?" She asked.
          Ellyria slowly shook her head. "I understand that you'd prefer a softer blow. However, unfortunately for you, truth carries pain, especially for those unwilling to admit it." She stated.

      Nuh-uh, Yona wasn't gonna have this.

"Objection!"

           "That’s just an excuse to decide that you’re right without taking anyone else’s thoughts into consideration." Yona shot back.
              Ellyria blinked, unamused. "Sometimes I just don’t know how to respond to you." She said plainly.

   Yona smirked, took a swig of her coffee, and slammed the mug down on the deck of her stand. "Good, then you can shut up and listen." She remarked. "All relationships require communication and consent. Otherwise there’s something you’re doing wrong. You may think Polygamy is just cheating under guise of multiple partners, but that’s just not how it is. Besides, those examples you gave with those recording crystals seemed to suggest it’s always the guy who’s a singular beloved with a bunch of lovers. While that’s common, in both history and fiction, it’s become a stereotype that’s been frowned upon by people seeking perfection, and perfectionism has been spreading as much as religion itself, in many various ways. It’s impossible to be perfect, no matter how hard you try. I know my parents did. I don’t see anything wrong with me having multiple partners, as long as they’re fine with each other and don’t try to do anything stupid, as equality and cooperation is what’ll keep the relationship afloat, regardless of partner count." She explained. "Now, does that little truth sting to you?" She asked, her smirk unflinching.

          Ellyria appeared to be unfazed. "As if you could find that many trustworthy men." She retorted.
   "Would you have a problem if there was a girl or two among them?" Yona questioned curiously.
            Ellyria blinked. "...What kind of question is that? I only believe you shouldn’t date unless they’re among the practical few, and stick with only one." She answered.
       Yona nodded. "…Ah…So you just distrust the guys." She remarked.
  Ellyria didn't look comfortable about this, not that Yona cared. "Stop trying to figure me out like you’re some kind of psychologist." She shot back. Yona, of course, was enjoying this. "Heheheheh."

                  That was the last straw. Ellyria was going to pay for this.
       Yona's blood boiled as Ellyria spoke her latest two Objections, in a row. When the opportunity rose, Yona decided to take a stand.

"Objection!"

                "Listen here you thick-skulled, self-serving, people-judging tower of pride who’s clearly 'subtly' slipping in the victim card into all her arguments, you have no right to force us to believe what you want us to! The world won’t come to an end if you don’t get your way, so stop trying. Lots of people who think they know what’s what end up failing at a lot of stuff, that’s just a given in life. Now get off your damn pretentious high horse and get back down to earth, ‘cause I’m not done yet." Yona began. She slammed both her hands onto the deck of her stand. "People demand unrealistic expectations out of other people, that’s true, but it doesn’t mean that the majority of people out there are evil or stupid, they might just be as broken as the rest of us and probably need therapy, rather than whatever BS you prefer. Some people may have been influenced by the media, yes, but this would mainly be the media’s fault for indoctrinating consumerism. If you think you can achieve any form of 'perfection' or 'purity', give it up, it ain’t gonna happen, you’ll only make people hate you." She pointed out. "There are definitely people who are genuinely nice, and if they expect kindness in return then it’s either become normal for people to be nice to them and they get caught up in it, or the person believes in karma. As for your 'common rabble' remark, based on everything else you’ve said, you must think you’re better than everyone else, and because of that you should have the right to reign over them." She then clenched her hands into fists and pounded them both on the deck of her stand. It was enough force to make <<Immortal Object>> appear in front of the deck. "Well, you f***ing don’t and that’s just how it is. People can be free, people can make choices, no matter how good or stupid, and people can band together to stand against people who make bad choices, as well as people who get too big for their own skin and think they can have supremacy over life and their own kind. If you think this means little to you because you are 'superior', well, too bad, the truth hurts and I doubt you’ll ever really understand."

*Take That!*

          Ellyria was now bending her pointer close to the breaking point. Yona's counter-rant had clearly ticked her off. Khavius looked to Yona and tapped the deck of his stand with his gavel, not that it made Yona feel any less justified about her current course of action.
        Shulko chuckled. "Is this gonna become an evisceration session? Well, anyway, pretty sure we can be friends with many good people and date a few of them. If it works out, it works out, no need to get worked up over it." He remarked.

"Objection!"

     Again? Seriously?

      "'He who is friends with everyone is friends with no one.' 'Whoever enters a polyamorous relationship sets themselves up for failure.' These words were spoken by philosophers." Ellyria claimed.
      "Any other cherry picked quotes you feel like using?" Yona asked.
   "'Consider the average intelligence of the common man, then realize fifty percent are even stupider.'" Ellyria answered, and quoted. Shulko had something to add based on the latest given quote. "I am not unaware that there are plenty of dudes out there who are dum-dum stupid. Plenty of them wreak all kinds of havoc and make the rest of my own gender look bad…but you wanna know something really stupid? Thinking that the actions of one makes the whole bad, and not even actual good deeds from another individual will change your mind." He pointed out.

             Buzzwords ruin everything when in certain contexts, because in certain contexts, such buzzwords are nothing more than words of slander used by the two big philosophies to verbally stab each other with. Equity sounds nice on the surface, but in the wrong context, it's just another ideological buzzword beloved by one side and despised by the other. Hurt people hurt people. The world moves on, but for some reason the people don't.

          When Ellyria threw the buzzword into the conversation, it would go south unless the people involved kept their heads on straight. Yona let out a highly audible groan, and faceplant onto the stand of her deck, then slam her fist down repeatedly. "I understand you're probably thinking of the greater good, but let's not divide the house, ok?" She said despite still being within a faceplant, muffling her words slightly.

      Thankfully, everyone seemed to be keeping their heads intact instead of being triggered. Wonderful, there were some people with critical thinking skills in the room. What a relief...
    Alanin and Shulko exchanged thoughts and opinions on limitation between the two sides of the current debate, then Krysta would add some thoughts of her own. Unfortunately, Yona found a major flaw in the cultural quote she'd given.

"Objection!"

     "Chasing rabbits? That’s hunting, which can be attributed to stalking or something worse. In an actual relationship, both sides are actively seeking each other out, without destroying either side." Yona pointed out. "You might want to be careful and remember context when picking out quotes to support your side of an argument, just saying." She advised with a smile and a wink.

            Shulko scratched the back of his head and took another swig of his energy drink. "Anyways… Alanin, the caution aspect you mentioned is a surprisingly valid reason to choose monogamy over polyamory, but if we’re being honest, caution can turn into fear if taken to its own extreme." He began, while taking out another energy drink from his inventory. "If two girls were to approach me and confess, and I liked both of them back, I just need to see proof that the two can get along and I’d have no doubts that the three of us would be happy together. Otherwise, there’s bound to be a broken heart." He pointed out. Taking another sip of the energy drink, he'd continue. "Being Polygamous yet committed is an entirely different scenario than what most think of someone who isn’t monogamous. Monogamous people have a 'one and only' ideology, in which no one else can interfere. This actually limits the amount of people that those who aren’t strictly monogamous can date. If anything, though, one potential positive of polygamy would be that less people would find themselves dying alone." He explained.
             "And if some people deserved to die alone?" Ellyria asked.
        "…Oh, shove off." Shulko retorted.

    With a nervous smile, Koharu would try to lighten up the conversation. "There really isn’t a need to be all doom and gloom here." She noted.

                Shulko would claim that there was a lack of understanding, and then make attempts to tell the differences between Polygamy and Open Relationship in hopes of preventing further aggression...unfortunately, Ellyria didn't listen.

     Alanin's attempt to accept Shulko's point while holding his side of the argument failed to calm Ellyria down, who had a whole damn rant to give.
                      Yona deadpanned as the rant went on. The bias was so noticeable, it could be seen from beyond Aincrad, maybe even space. "It's becoming very clear to me now that this woman puts herself on a high pedestal while throwing everyone else to the swine pens. Unbelievable..." She thought. "Ye with little faith in humanity, how doth thy know the roles are not reversed?" She silently mocked within her mind. While Yona was aware there was plenty of evil among the human population, she didn't think they were too far gone, unlike this idiot here.

      Koharu asked who hurt Ellyria, who tried to deflect the blow by claiming her point was sound. "No it ain't." Yona shot back.

                 Krysta would make some points to Ellyria and Shulko. Shulko stated his opinion on the questions, that in the end it was all a matter of perspective. Koharu wasn't able to come up with anything to say that could counter the given points effectively, so Yona took a sip of her coffee and verbally stepped in. "But I can. What’s seen as casual for one person may be serious to another. It’s all a matter of perspective and culture. The relationships he seeks may seem like dumb flings to you, but to him, they just might mean the world to him. Some cultures accept or tolerate polyamory, but others don’t. While that’s kind of how it is, things are changing, as are the times. You might wanna get used to it." She explained. "It's like what Shulko said, to be honest. It's all a matter of perspective."

     Alanin nodded his head. "It’s true that we live in a day and age where more and more is becoming acceptable." He began. "However, some of it is being used by people as excuses for what is merely a search for freedom, and/or control in their life. They want something new to define them, and they want to achieve their dreams. We and our generation are still young, and thus we still have much to learn in terms of reality. Some of us know more reality than others do, but it is likely that many of our fellow youths, as well as those even younger than us, will continue to chase fantasy, before reality either puts a wall in front of them, or ends them." He explained.
           Ellyria pulled out a small pointer and tapped her stand with it. "These fantasies lead to delusions of entitlement. Those who walk the path of polyamory are likely doing so because they believe they have the 'freedom' and 'entitlement' to sate their addictions and desires as much as they please, whenever, wherever." She claimed.
                             Koharu didn't like where Ellyria was going, and neither did Yona, to be honest. "People will still learn things from experience, as well as trial and error. Nobody’s perfect, but it’s not like the majority of people are Karens or 'Nice Guys'." She pointed out.
      "Understandable, but it is better for people to learn from history and the mistakes of others, rather than their own. If they could just be kept in line, they would know that." Ellyria countered.

"Hold it!"

           "The hell did you just imply?" Yona questioned angrily.

               Ah, so Ellyria was one of those people...wonderful, just wonderful...

   Koharu questioned Ellyria, and the situation that sparked the debate would be explained for all present to hear. So it was true, this was about Vigilon...
     Ellyria proceeded to claim that Vigilon shouldn't be dated at all and that all three in the opposing side of the debate were not healthy. Yona blinked, just what kind of condescending ass says stuff like that?

           Alanin took a deep breath. "…Are all of your claims, points and stances going to be aggressive ones?" He asked. Ellyria looked to Alanin, then closed her eyes as she turned to face the opposing side once again. "Healthy relationships are rare, so in most cases, it is better to not date, let alone marry." She claimed. Yona would not stand for this. She slammed her hands on the deck of her stand. "Are you seriously saying people would be better off dying alone then finding someone they can share happiness with?" She questioned. Ellyria seemed unfazed. She looked to Yona, as though evaluating her based on all that she'd spoken so far. Then she would move on to answering Yona's question. "That 'happiness' is subjective. 'Love' has become the most addictive set of neurochemicals due to apparent depravity. Sadly, this will inevitably result in millions of people who are unfit to date anyone, let alone more than one individual." She claimed.

"Hold it!"

               "Let me ask you something…are you willing to date anyone? Why or why not?" Shulko asked, hoping that getting Ellyria's opinion on this might clear up any confusion and reveal the reasons for the aggressive stance she'd taken. "A fair question." Ellyria remarked. "I don’t want to date anyone. My reasoning is that I cannot trust anyone well enough for a healthy commitment, and there’s only one thing on potential partners’ minds…" She stated. Shulko gave a mild chuckle, and took another sip of his energy drink. "Love and relationships aren’t just casual bedroom games. It’s about being committed to one another and being a permanent part of each others’ lives." He pointed out. Ellyria appeared to be somewhat relieved...but only somewhat. "At least that’s one thing we can agree on, and for a moment I’d thought you’d be the sort to be in the other direction." She commented. "Never judge a book by its cover. Personally, that claim you made earlier wasn’t necessary." Shulko added.

       Yona had a bad feeling about this. She didn't exactly appreciate where Ellyria seemed to be standing...

          Unbelievable how this masked player would turn out to be the biggest ass in the room. All she's ever done in this debate is take up the aggressive stance. Each point made is a deliberate attack or proclamation of personal belief. Ugh, she needed to get a grip.

            The moment Ellyria made a direct verbal attack on Shulko in response to his comment, Yona would react with words. "Whoa there, that’s a excessively aggressive and assumptive stance you’ve got right now! Tone it down!" She called out. Koharu pointed out that Ellyria's jab was uncalled for, which was an understatement. Koharu didn't let go of Shulko just yet, but it seemed that, by the looks of the two, their relationship appeared to be platonic. Nothing wrong with friends coming together to defend each other.
    Koharu continued. "Just because we’re defending polygamy doesn’t mean we’re strictly polyamorous, you know." She pointed out. Shulko scratched the back of his head. "Take me, for example. I really don’t have a preference, I just work with whatever makes me and my partner, or partners, happy." He revealed.
                Ellyria wasn't fazed in the slightest. "Happiness, or short-term satisfaction?" She questioned. 
    Yona already had enough.

"Hold it!"

         "Listen here you, this is a debate meant for sharing and comparing ideologies. Sure, there’s a few remarks in which we speak against the other’s ideology or point out a flaw, but that personal attack you just made?" Yona slammed both her free hand, and her coffee mug, onto the deck of her stand. Oddly enough, the mug didn't break. "Detestable!" She called out.
                 Ellyria looked like she might have been deadpanning, but that didn't stop Yona.
       "And quit trying to drill your 'I am superior and you are all lowly worms for not having the same ideology as me' BS onto us! It’s ridiculous!" Yona added.
               Ellyria rolled her eyes while shaking her head. She looked back to Yona. "Putting words in my mouth will get you nowhere. The three of you talk pretty big in defending your wants as though you could do whatever you wanted, without consequence. Should I start speaking as though you were children?" She remarked.

          Three times. Khavius sighed. He looked to the item near him on the deck of his stand. He usually saved usage of it for the considerably rare trials, but he needed to get Ellyria's attention.

           "I will intervene here." Khavius began. "Ellyria, I will ask that you stop at once. I will not tolerate such constant and blatant verbal assaults in here. Understand?" He said to Ellyria. 
         Ellyria closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She nodded her head.

   Alanin had a comment to add. "The point of a debate is not to force another into joining your side and condemning them if they don’t." He noted.
                         Ellyria looked to Alanin, then closed her eyes. "People who act carelessly are bound to find only pain, suffering and misfortune. Such is life, and one of humanity’s many flaws if they are left unchecked." She claimed. 
           Was she still keeping this up?? Yona drained her coffee mug and slid it off the deck, it shattered upon impact with the floor. "You’re really getting on my nerves here. What do you hope to gain from all this?" She questioned. "Well? Out with it."