2.37. UNIDENTIFIED ASTRAL BODY

{CONTRACTS:...}

There were a few hundred options available for the contracts. Rewards for each mission varied, and so did the contents. Things like escorting demons from point A to point B, carrying cargo from point C to point D, joining the fighting forces in front E, or killing unidentified astral bodies.

Rewards weren’t necessarily monetary based. Weapons or tickets for forging better tools were among the commissioned compensation. Though, most of them did come with quite the sum.

Which is still something I’m working hard to wrap my head around.

“What do you mean by escorting pureborn demons?”

“Purborn demons are real demons. Remember how there’s the mortal sea and the spirit realm? Pureborn demons are born from the spirit realm. To them, the mortal world is like the sea.”

“And we’re ships?”

“That's the sort of analogy most of us use. Interesting, isn’t it?”

Lucifer’s words were accompanied by a tired chuckle.

She was free today and invited me out for a walk around Oala mall.

“We’re ship out in the sea. Pureborn demons don’t have the capability to fight or defend themselves in these waters. On the other hand, if we mortalborn demons go to the spirit realm, our attributes become greatly suppressed.”

Is the suppression different, or similar to the encounter with The Seraph? My attributes back then were suppressed due to the difference in ability.

“Yes. It doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran or an amateur, there will be some degree of suppression. However, it also depends on the type of Seraph. Some don’t cause attribute suppression, or weak suppression. Which path do you want to take?”

“The right one then.”

Lucifer and I turned at a junction. We entered a section where random Chirtmas ornaments jumped on and off screen.

“Do you know what attributes are?”

“If I’m to make a guess, our abilities?”

“I’m not sure what you mean but, the theory is that attributes are our base abilities. Tools used to gauge attributes don’t exist. So we can only make assumptions based on comparisons. If we didn’t have attributes, some of the more unrealistic stunts wouldn’t be feasible in the astral world.”

So that’s why.

“Did any angels come and attack you the past few days?”

“Just yesterday, a gang of angels ate at the restaurant. I thought they weren’t going to kick up a fuss. Who knew they’d plant a mine? I drove their heads to the ground.”

“You didn’t kill them?”

“No, I didn’t. They can call for surrender since they were the ones who initiated the attack. Plus, it’s not the first time they came to me looking for a fight,” Lucifer gripped.

So this is what she meant by the battle maniacs.

I looked at the contract list once more.

The mortal realm is the sea, the spirit realm is the land. Other bodies like tankers and merchants are simply pureborn demons crossing the sea.

TBH, this is a really interesting concept.

“How about these unidentified astral bodies?”

“They’re your typical monsters. Those are rare to come by. Though, sometimes they affect the logistics of the spirit realm so we have to get rid of them. Want to see one? We’re actually undertaking one of such contracts later this evening.”

“I wish I could. I don’t think I can stay till evening.”

“No silly. You can just stay at home. I’ll invite you to the astral space. Just accept it and you’ll be dispatched into the fight.”

What? Is that how it works?

“You’ll understand it once I invite you. Just accept it later.”

“Alright.”

Randell was looking at some random items displayed on the shelves of the nearby pharmacy. Makes me wonder if it's some preprogrammed dynamic to make AIs feel as if they were alive, or could curiosity actually be modulated into their program?

“Lucifer. I actually have a dilemma.”

“About what?”

“I’m associated with angels, in a sense. In fact, I have an angel teacher who acts as my sparring partner. He’s the one who spared my life, and the person who tried to get me to ally with the angels.”

“Do you want a drink?”

“Drink? No thank you.”

“It’s just juice.”

“No, it’s alright.”

Lucifer walked up to the fruit bar.

“He bribed you with stuff didn’t he? I’ll do the same then.”

What? Do angels do that? Actually, I couldn’t say Cain didn’t do something like..

“It’s alright, you don’t need to buy me one.”

“Then pass it to your etler, I’m sure xe’ll like it.”

“It’ll melt by then.”

“Just toss it in the freezer when you get back home, simple right?”

Having ordered 2 avocado milkshakes, Lucifer passed one to me. I had no choice but to accept otherwise it would be a waste.

I stared at the drink. Shin’s memories resurfaced. He’d usually pass up on things like these as they were really expensive.

“Considering?”

I nodded.

What is important in life anyways? Lucifer just spent her money on me like it’s nothing.

Shin was a loner, a workaholic whose main goal was to secure enough assets so that he didn’t need to worry about money. He wanted to get to the point where he could draw without needing to worry about finances.

But.. I’m not just Shin. And this isn’t the same world.

What should I prioritize, honestly?

“Thank you for everything Lucifer.”

“Don’t mention it. Later in the evening, I’ll call you for the UAB extermination, don’t forget.”

“I won’t.”

===

“Press the dough down like this.”

“Like this? Is this alright?”

“Yes, yes, that’s good.”

“Fold it in a little more.”

“How about this?”

We were wrapping dumplings in the kitchen with grandma and grandoa. Minced meat with carrots, onions, and baby crickets. A small block of cheese was hidden inside each piece.

These sorts of shared interactions were rare when we lived with our parents. Most of the time, meals were prepared by aether alone. I only helped out occasionally.

“This one looks really beautiful, Avner.”

I shook my head, placing another completed dumpling on the plate dusted with flour.

“How are you so fast..”

“Practice.”

“Since when?”

“You help your aether at home, is it?”

“Sometimes.”

More like, Shin made these with Novelle before.

“I can’t wait to eat these.”

“You can tell who made who just by the shape of it.”

“Hahaha.”

Lia dangled hirs head.

The deformed ones were made by Lia. The ones that looked a tad too small or big were mine. And those that looked just right were from grandma and grandoa.

“Thank you for helping out. I’ll put these into the steamer, it’ll take around 15 minutes.”

“You two have to wait a bit longer for dinner alright?”

“No problems.”

“I’m so hungry, I can’t wait.”

{Lucifer Saunders has requested for your aid}

{Call distance: 27km/10km}

{A penalty of -17% all attributes will be applied}

Accept or deny. How unexpected.

So this is how contacting other people works.

There’s a penalty if the call distance exceeds 10 kilometers. Then let’s not delay this.

Accept.

The scene warped and I found myself on top of the skywalk connecting an ELRT station to a hospital.

A chill crawled up my arm.

Even from this distance, I could feel it.

Working out the direction with the Boundary as the guide, I made my way to the center of the astral bubble.

Running down the unfamiliar streets, the cars and people frozen in time, I weaved my way through the city and did my best to find Lucifer. Explosions and crackling of electricity rang out alongside the SFX of kaijus screaming.

“You’re our newest member eh?”

I bumped into another demon.

“Pardon?”

“I’m Raon. What’s your’s?”

“Avner.”

“Avner. So you’re the fledgling. Here’s an advice from me. You should always have your weapon out. Don’t jinx it.”

This guy’s weapon was a fancy bayonet. Its quality is incomparable to the bayonet I saw used by that craft last time. Sleek, matt black with red lines running across its body.

He pulled the pump.

A multi-purpose bayonet.

“This way!”

“Roger.”

2.38.

The screams grew louder, I materialized Arondight.

Seeing this UAB, I was beginning to question Lucifer’s sanity. How is this a small fry?

“Nice weapon. Go support Lucifer, go!”

He parted from me and went towards the stairs. No. He climbed the building side with incredible parkour deftness. Eventually making it all the way up to the roof.

Attached to the skyscraper in front of me was a colossal starfish. The veins that made web-like patterns along the five arms were pulsing from the center outwards. An eyeball sat at its core.

Its body was sea-blue, gentle lights course along the side of the feelers.

Floating all around in the hundreds were glowing blobs. They were like drones.

This thing was a hundred times bigger than a bus.

We have to kill this thing?

Red lightning flashed, creating a mesmerizing Z-line. An odd popping sound similar to bubble wrap rang throughout the streets.

I pointed Arondight:Day towards the kaiju starfish.

Pillars of light descended.

KKKWWWWWIIIIIIIHHHHHHHH!!!

Suppressing my urge to drop dead and cover my ears, I kept my arms raised.

Again and again, columns of light struck down against the starfish. The pillar of light didn’t necessarily follow a vertical trajectory. It was slightly tilted so that the buildings didn’t get in the way.

KKKKWWWWWWIIIHHHH!!!

It began flashing purple. My arms began to cramp.

Mana existed in this world.

In terms of fantasy, it's a source of energy required for magic.

In this world, it’s the source of energy required to utilize hexes.

And for some reason it seems, my mana is bottomless.

I finally lowered my sword.

Smoke rose from the site of impact. There was a cave-in at the supposedly indestructible ground of the astral plane.

The eyeball in the center had blue blood leaking from it. The square pupils narrowed to a slit, a small red twinkle..

The sound of high pitch convergence, a chill that made all the hair on my body stand.

“WATCH OUT!!”

I made a dash towards the alley for cover.

A static sound blew through my ears, white light covered everything.

I was blinded for a short few seconds. Nevertheless, I was still alive.

The concentrated laser fire ceased, following that was the buzzing of my ears.

I looked upon the small crater that dug into the building.

The sounds of my thumping heart.

This exhilaration.

This adrenaline.

The buzzing began to subside, I peek out.

The starfish now had its wild tentacles out, smashing everything at random. The blob count had increased and they were all flashing purple.

“Avner.”

“How do we take that thing down?”

“Calm down, we still have time.”

Lucifer grabbed my shoulder. I turned around.

Her black hair was an absolute mess. The red katana integration in her hand reminded me of the blood dragon I fought in the past. Red veins wrapped itself around her arm.

“Hey, are you alright? That attack should’ve taken a lot out of you.”

“I’m fine.”

“Is that so? I’m so glad you joined our fleet. You’re an absolute monster for a fledgling. But it raises so many questions. Avner, did the angel give you this weapon?”

“It’s my hex, not a tool from the angel.”

“W.H.A.T.? So this is Arondight?”

I let Arondight scatter into light.

“Yes.”

“What in the world.. are you a fledgling? What even is this hex..”

The ring of explosions resumed once more.

“That..”

“Those are the other fleet members, let them do their work.”

I peek out one more time.

A barrage of never ending laser fires. Black tears in space. Red blinking bombs on the starfish.

Has my eyesight always been this good? This is weird.

“Do you need this?” Lucifer held out a small vial with a clear fluid inside.

“What’s that?”

“A mana potion.”

“No thanks.”

“Are you sure? I heard that hexes which create weapons normally require a lot of mana to maintain.”

Come to think of it, Lucifer might be more knowledgeable than Cain. Cain said that my hex was the first of its kind. It spoke differently to what Lucifer knew.

“All we need is to kill the thing and we’re done right?”

“Yeah, that’s it. Really, I didn’t think you would actually cut down its health by so much. I only brought you over to experience what a battle is like. If you’re this strong, why were you suppressed by The Seraph? Wrong question, I forgot your system hadn't been activated back then.”

Was there a correlation between the system and pressure? I recalled how Lucifer was still able to move back then.

“Ready?” Lucifer leaned out.

“Ready.”

“Let’s go.”

She dashed out first. Her integration allowed her accelerated movements as she left trails of red behind her.

As far as my own skill is concerned, there is a limit to how fast I can move myself.

Rush in or attack from a distance?

It’s obvious which choice is safer.

But that’s not what I’m here for.

I materialized Arondight and shifted my grip. Arondight:Twilight.

I pressed against my feet, and pushed forward.

The starfish kaiju’s eyes locked onto me.

Purple blobs floated over.

I swung the lilac blade.

“Who’s that oi?!”

“He’s pulling all the agro. Attack those in clumps!”

Weapons varied from halberds to something like a grenade launcher. Lucifer’s fleet consisted of more people than I thought.

Drawing moon arcs 5 meter in length. The blobs exploded in a flurry of colours. I took the gap in between and rushed past.

A red dragon roared. Crashing into the starfish.

KKKKKWWWWWWIIIHHHH!!!

The focus of the blobs shifted to Lucifer.

I drew moon arcs in succession. Aiming for the tentacle base that was close to her. All the while keeping track of threats close to me.

The supporting snipers were doing a great job covering for us. They shot down the blobs that were aiming for our blind spots.

The bastard sword user tore another crack in space, suking the nearby blobs into another dimension.

The halberd user sliced down the tentacles and controlled the freshly created blob agro in the front.

The detonator kept stacking the red blinking C4s on the starfish.

And I’m here filling a random gap, not knowing what my role was.

The cohesiveness of this team is amazing.

“DETONATE IN 5. EVERYONE RUN!!”

2.39.

The red lights began to flash wildly.

Beep. Beep. Bee. Bee. Be. Be.

Everyone scattered.

Be. Be. BeBeBe..

KABOOM!!

The sounds of scattering fluid.

A grand explosion.

{ANNIHILATED}

{Congratulations. 7SEAS has downed a Behemoth class UAB}

“Yeessss!!!!”

“WEANNER!!”

“That was easier than I thought ahahaha!”

“Lucifer, you pulled in a crazy bastard on our team, who is this guy? He’s not even 20.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Ain, you’re our newest member, Avner right? Wow, you surpassed my expectations.”

“Nice to meet you too.”

The starfish corpse began to fade. Certain parts scattered into particles, others just sort of glitched out of existence.

“Don’t forget to collect the materials. I need to sell them later.”

“On it.”

7SEAS consists of about a dozen or so members. For this excursion however, only 7 were involved.

Ain Riverol. Male. The halberd user. He was the vanguard who took down the freshly created blobs so that they didn’t overcrowd the place.

Abby Hawk. Elf. The detonator. No question, MVP of the day.

Itto Teein. Male. The bastard sword user who was able to tear a rift in space and time.

Raon Levorc. Male. The bayonet user who directed me to the battlefield.

Levi Stew. Elf. The sniper from afar. Also the one who sullenly went to collect the resource without showing any excitement about the fact that we just killed the kaiju.

“Good work everyone.”

“Is this guy an experienced veteran? I thought you said you brought a fledgling to observe the fight?”

Lucifer pointed at my crown.

“Fledgeling. I have the same question too.”

Was there a characteristic to it that makes my status obvious to others? The size of my crown perhaps?

“I still don’t believe it.”

“Hey, are you seriously a fledgling? How did you do all those stunts?”

“Don’t you think there’s something off about him?”

“I feel the same way.”

“Maybe he’s just crazy talented. People like those exist.”

“I don’t believe in talent. There must be some other reason he’s like this. Naturally high attributes?”

“You have a lot of questions to answer when we get back,” Lucifer tapped on my shoulders.

Queries aside, we went to check the material drops. A large pulsing iridescent crystal, a few squishy gel substances and blue jewels scattered everywhere.

“This could be good. Everyone, collect them up and toss them here.”

“Roger that.”

“Will do.”

“There’s so many.. I’m so beat.”

“It’s all money you know?”

Lucifer was the one who engaged the starfish, so she holds the authority to collapse the bubble. Right now we need to help collect these jewels so that she can bring it back to the real world.

Ain was picking up the nearby crystals with me so he asked.

“How much mana do you have anyways? Aren’t you tired? After using your hex so violently.”

“I don’t know. I don’t feel anything, actually.”

“You cheat, man..”

We collected everything in our vicinity and tossed them into the bag.

“There, we’re done, mostly.”

“Anymore over there?”

“All clear.”

“Thank you again for coming despite your busy lives, everyone.”

“Nah, just send us the reward. It’s all good.”

“I’m in need of some money too, so..”

“How about him?”

“Avner, you’ll have to send me your account number when we get back. I’ll transfer the money over. Depending on which digital exchange you use, you might need to download a different one. Do you use GoE?”

“That’s the one I normally use.”

GoE. Pronounced as Go, E. It’s the transaction medium which converts currency into the various NFTs or coins that are used in the exchange of goods. There are others like QuickCash or Exchange. GoE is one of the more prevalent exchange services used in Alska.

“Okay, then just send me the account number.”

“Will do.”

“Anything else before I collapse the space?”

I want to return to eat the dumplings. I feel hungry.

“No.”

“All good.”

“About this guy. But well, we’ll probably hold a meeting in the future so we can discuss it then.”

“Yeah.”

“See you later then.”

“Thanks for today.”

“Avner, you’ve got to fight for the ranking ya? I want to see how high you’ll go.”

“Take care and stay safe everyone.”

“Goodbye~”

“Bye.”

I closed my eyes and felt the world shift around me. The pain of nausea struck me. Soon, the smell of steaming dumplings transmitted to my nose.

Someone poke me from the side.

“Big bro, you’re acting like this again.”

I let loose a breath and opened my eyes. Lia stared at me intently.

“Just thinking about stuff.”

“What are you thinking all the time? That girl Novelle?”

I shrugged. Perhaps I am.

“Can you help arrange the plates? I’ve washed them already.”

“Got it grandoa!”

While Lia went to assist, I drew a 7 in the air.

For a UAB that size, not taking any damage is quite a feat. I think. My erosion value remains a healthy 90.

Honestly.

This is no different from a game.

One where only the chosen are allowed to join. One where you put your life at risk.

I shook the thought out of my head and helped Lia clear up the table. Innis could be seen playing with the steam coming out from the gap of the pot.

The first batch of dumplings were completed. Transferring it to a plate, my grandma started on the second batch.

“Which is mine?”

“This one?”

“Ugh.. it broke.”

Those were either mine or Lia’s.

“It was a good attempt. You’ll get better with practice.”

“How does it taste?”

“You two try it first. Your own hard labour.”

Lia picked up a good dumpling using hirs chopsticks, blew on it a few times before biting into it. A string of cheese stuck between hirs teeth and filling.

“Hot,” xe was blowing steam from hirs mouth.

I grabbed a broken sample and tried it for myself.

“It’s good, really good.”

“We still have some ingredients leftover. We can make dumplings again tomorrow if you want?”

I nodded.

“Yes!” Lia exclaimed.

These were delicious.

Reminds me of when Novelle and I used to make these..

???

Odd. I don’t recall making dumplings together with her though? How did I come to such a thought?

2.40.

Two thousand dollars was deposited into my account.

My fingers twitch. I was holding back a grin.

It felt so simple.

So supernatural.

Earning money as a demon mercenary.

There’s probably some correlation between the spirit realm and mortal realm. Else, exchanges like this wouldn’t have been possible.

That said, to think you could earn money like this as a mortalborn demon..

Doesn’t this mean I no longer need to panic about making my debut as an artist? Working as a demon to earn my main income while I work slowly to build up my career, patiently, without having to rush.

When the income I can generate through creating art exceeds a certain threshold, I can then decide to quit as a supernatural mercenary.

Novelle must have rigged <Cookie Cult>.

This is crazy.

Now I’m wondering if there are other, easier options of earning money as a demon? I need to look up the available contracts.

On one end I have a voice telling me that I’ll get myself too deep into this angel-demon war and lose sight of my initial goal. On the other end, there’s a voice telling me to YOLO because being a demon isn’t something normal people get to experience.

Moreover, I have cheat attributes when it comes to handling weapons.

I don’t really know how to feel about this.

“Haah..” I pressed my head against the table.

[Are you okay Avner?]

“I’m fine. Just in a dilemma.”

Seeing possibilities open up like this, I’m exhilarated. What else is there to this angel-demon world?

“But I need to focus. I need to choose one or the other.”

Would it be better to live my life as a mercenary, or as an artist?

It’s one or the other.

Or maybe both.

“I know. I’ll relegate my study time. I’ll take art classes for senior high school.”

Then I’d be following the main storyline of <Cookie Cult>. Avner is a student in class 4A, if I recall. Rurita Nightingale, and where the story takes place is in class 4I.

I know that my parents told me to take science classes. However, seeing as they aren’t here, I get to do whatever I want.

“It’s decided.”

[Have you come to a decision?]

“I have, yes.”

[Congratulations then, Avner.]

“Speaking of which. Randell, can you give me an honest answer to a question I have?”

[What would that question be?]

“AIs, are the product of the spirit realm, correct?”

There’s no way AIs with such a deep level of understanding could ever be born so early in the year 21XX. There has to be some supernatural influence behind them. That’s the hypothesis I came to.

[Are you talking about TinyArmies? They recently have an update where you can venture into the twilight forest.]

“I don’t mean that. You know, nevermind.”

Maybe they were programed to play dumb. In that case, I’d be better off not knowing.

Stretching my arms, I rose from the floor.

The time now was 6 in the morning. I’ve been drawing since 4 am.

Grandma and grandoa should wake up soon.

[“Good to hear that. Sorry for the late reply.”]

[“Thanks. It’s alright.”]

Randingo had been off the grid for a few days and only replied today. I learnt that he wasn’t a member of 7SEAS. I wonder where he went?

[“How did it go? Were there any conflicts? If you have anything, we’re here to help.”]

Demons or angels, both were unexpectedly kind and logical. Like any society, whichever side you’re on, both considerate and indiscreet individuals exist.

I’ve seen angels outside that acted as if they didn’t see me. I’m sure the same happens for demons that encounter angels. Whichever faction you’re part of, everyone has their own lives to care about.

[“For now, all is well. Thank you for providing me. I’m now part of a fleet.”]

[“Which fleet?”]

[“7SEAS.”]

[“Nani?!”]

[“What?”]

[“That’s last year’s fifth place holder for best fleet in Alska. They just allowed you to join?”]

Competitions and rankings are part of this experience. Can’t forget that.

[“Yes?”]

[“No fucking way. I’m speechless. Be careful, they usually take on some fairly dangerous contracts. Opt out of it if it’s too dangerous. I’m sure Lucifer wouldn’t mind.”]

[“Will do.”]

[“Stay safe. My fleet recently just had an out war against a full armada trying to intercept a mercantile fleet. We had a few casualties. Hope that serves as a reminder not to bite off too much then you can chew.”]

[“Okay..”]

[“I’m serious alright? Then see you. Till next time.”]

…

No doubt about it. There’s a lot I can do as a demon. I just need to dig deeper and explore.

[“Good morning.”]

[“Good morning, Avner, Lia, how are you two doing over there? Have you woken up yet?”]

It’s mom and aether.

[“Lia is still asleep.”]

The sound of the door opening. I noticed my grandparents yawning while holding their backs.

“Good morning grandma, grandoa.”

“Up early again boy? Did you sleep enough?”

“Good morning.”

[“Want a video call? Grandma and grandoa are already awake. I’ll go do something about Lia.”]

[No need, Innis is already on it.]

That’s convenient.

Lia came out of the bedroom, hirs hair bedraggled. Using hirs arms, xe rubbed the sleep out of hirs eyes.

[“Morning Lia.”]

My parent’s AR hologram greeted hir.

Lia put on hirs glasses.

“Mom, aether, father.. good morning!”

[“Just woke up I see.”]

[“You don’t normally sleep so late. It’s because we’re not there, isn’t it?”]

“Um..”

[“What are your plans for today?”]

“Nothing special. We’ll just go out with grandma and grandoa for breakfast later.”

“They’re good boys and good girls, don’t worry about it. How’s sister-in-law?”

The hologram shifted.

There was the sight of my mom’s mother on the bed.

[“Good morning dears.”]

“Good morning grandma.”

“Morning!”

“Oh, it’s been a while.”

[“Haha, how have you been?”]

Our grandparents had a small banter amongst themselves. The hologram split. Lia and I talked with our parents; father’s parents with mother’s grandma. Two calls happening simultaneously.

We spent an hour in conversation.

[“Take care alright. Call when you’re free.”]

“We will. See you and take care.”

“Take care grandma, see you.”

“I pray for a miracle sister-in-law. Stay strong.”

They waved goodbye, the holograms sizzled into static and disappeared.

“How pitiful. Having cancer so young.”

“Remember to take care of your health, Avner, Lia. You don’t want these diseases growing in your body.”

“Yeah.”

“What do you two want to eat today?”

“The usual, I suppose.”

“To the breakfast place again.”

“There’s still some barley water. I think we can finish it this morning, I’ll bring a cup for everyone.”

===

“Big bro.”

We were at the zebra crossing. A caution sign was floating above the road, the light hadn’t turned green.

“What?”

Today was especially cold. Snow could be seen collecting on the roads and sidewalks. Shovel bots were busy displacing the snow which had piled up over the night.

Blowing out frosty mist from my mouth, feeling my nose heating over, I tucked both hands into my jacket.

“What happened to..”

A green, chunky animation of a crossing man in green began playing. Cars came to a halt.

Lia cut of hirs sentence and we began to cross.

I tuned into my heart.

My feet touched the other side of the road, the feeling eased.

I turned to Lia.

“Yes?”

“What happened to.. Pu’er.”

“Oh. That. I rejected hir.”

“You.. okay. No wonder hirs ShareWiw posts are.. do you want to know?”

I shook my head. Xe looked disappointed. Nevertheless, xe held back from showing me anything.

We reached the old-school breakfast spot and found a seat. Grandma and grandoa ordered the usual, I took my hands out of the pocket, about to order when I heard a pin drop.

I looked at the ground.

The black hairclip which I left in my pocket.

I accidentally dropped it.

The black hairclip which Novelle used to pin on my hair as a joke.

I hadn’t thought too much of it previously.

So why did I only recall its past now?

===

dotturndot: Wooozies. A lot of seeds scattered here and there– a deep history and lore behind Avner’s situation.. wait, is his name even Avner? Anyhow, fighting kaiju starfish and becoming a mercenary, do you think it’s an interesting world mechanic? Too bad it’ll be boring if I write the same thing next time. Need to switch things up a bit.

Now then, it’s been a while since Pu’er went missing, so next chapter we switch to hirs POV.