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The group of honorable fixers finds itself climbing down the staircase most treacherous. Wooden planks groan and creak with each step taken, threatening to collapse under their weight.
Alas, the party reaches the bottom of the staircase, finding themselves in a pitch black room, it’s darkness impossible to pierce with untrained gaze.
“Damn it, just after we lost our last torch.” Ishmael groaned. “We should have stocked up on more.”
“In hindsight, you may be right.” Yi Sang let his gaze down, watching his steps to avoid tripping down the stairs as he descended. “I fear not one of us had the wisdom to predict that our Journey Mas- I mean, the dastardly evil dragon, would set up an ambush, solely to deprive us of our source of light.”
Twas indeed a foul encounter, meant to teach young adventurers the importance of bringing adequate supplies. I am afraid that without a source of light, thou will be forced to blindly stumble through the room.
“This is bad… wait, Ishmael, didn’t you have a spell for this?” Sinclair pointed out.
“Hm? Oh yeah, I guess I do. I’d like to cast ‘Conjure Light’ to illuminate the room.”
Hazah! With a mighty gesture, fair maiden Ishmael creates a ball of light, reveling the rooms contents.
The room thou find thyself in, appears to be outfitted with multiple crates scattered around it, and a door, directly opposite of the staircase thou have just climbed. The crates do look as if they held treasures and valuables within.
“Valuables, huh?” Sinclair took a good look around the room, while a grin showed itself on his face. “It’s about time I- I mean, we found anything worth looting. Isn’t that right, guys?”
“I dunno, Sinclair.” Ishmael observed the room with a far more skeptical eye. “All of this stuff is just kind of too unguarded, don’t you think? I smell an ambush.”
“Nah, you are being paranoid.” Sinclair waved his hand in a dismissive manner. “Besides, were there an ambush, my keen eye would already have spotted it. Right, Journey Master?”
Well, that depends, young Sinclair.
Can thou give me a roll to check if your eyes adjusted to the light yet?
“Well, let’s see...” Sinclair took a wooden, twenty sided die out of his cloak. He gently tossed it to the floor, and observed as it rolled a…
“...three.”
Thou eyes fail to spot anything out of the ordinary.
“It is, quite the unfortunate outcome, I fear.”
“Um, Ishmael?” The earlier confidence in Sinclair’s voice gave way to his usual, sheepish tone. “Do you mind checking the boxes for us?” The blonde rouge, turned to the party’s paladin.
“If I get stabbed, the next expedition’s supplies are coming straight out of your pocket...” Begrudgingly, Ishmael walked over to the nearest box, her shield and mace at the ready. But just as she is about to open it…
Fie! Tis an ambush!
Just as young Ishmael touches the box’s lid, half a dozen red kobolds with pickaxes, shovels and knives jump out of various boxes around you!
The biggest one, clearly the leader of this pack, appears out of the box young Ishmael was about to investigate. Mining tool in one hand and a shield in the other, the creature jumps out and yells:
“Faust would like to inquire what the four of you are doing in here.” Spoke a voice that didn’t quite match the kobold’s.
***
All four individuals around the table shift their gaze to the new voice. As expected, it belonged to Faust, currently standing in the room’s doorway.
Outside of their game, the sinners were well on their way towards N-corp, after the events that transpired in the corridor and Limbus Company’s headquarters. According to Vergilius, they still had two more days before they would reach their destination, so with nothing better to do at the rest stop, Don proposed setting up a ‘one shot’ campaign, featuring their newest team member, Sinclair, introduced to the game back in Hongyuan.
“Ah, Miss Faust!” Yi Sang spoke first. “It is quite unexpected to see you at this hour.”
“Faust prefers to eat meals alone, in silence.” Her expressionless gaze shifted to Don for a moment. “This hour is the most optimal one. Faust, in turn, hadn’t expected you. What are you all doing at this hour?”
“You have chosen a time most wonderful to come upon us, young Faust! We are nearly at the climax of a mighty quest of J&J, where a party of three young fixers are hired by the honorable seven association, to uncover...!”
“Faust has gathered as much, and is aware that this game has taken up a substantial amount of your free time for the past few weeks. I inquire why do it here, rather than in one of your rooms.”
Indeed, they weren’t playing in Don’s room, like they usually did. Instead of the sinner’s private quarters, the four of them have set up the board in the kitchen, on one of the tables they would usually eat meals at.
“We would have...” The orange haired sinner began explaining. “...but since Sinclair joined us recently, we decided there was just too little space for all of us and the map in there.”
“It is worth to mention, it was a rather tight space, even before our trio became a quartet.” Yi Sang added.
“We figured no one would be here this late.” Sinclair looked about ready to pack everything up if requested. “Sorry to be a bother, we can move if you want...”
“No, that won’t be necessary. Your presence is of no bother. Besides, you have full right to reside in any commonly available room to all sinners during your free time. I will simply get and consume my meal by the other table. Please, do no let my presence interrupt you.” Faust stated, before moving to the kitchen counter to prepare something.
“Worry not, young Faust! I will attempt to keep the noise level to the absolute minimum!” Don stated, before turning her attention back to the board. “Now then, where hath I… Ah, right! You may make a roll to determine thine order of actions!”
Their interruption aside, the group found itself returning back to the imaginary ambush, discussing what would be their best course of action. Ishmael proposed they should leave the room and let Yi Sang cast a fireball inside. Sinclair argued that would destroy any remaining loot in there, and opted to fight them in melee combat. Yi Sang spent the argument calculating what spell had the highest chance of dispatching the highest amount of kobolds before they could act.
In the meantime, Faust would occasionally shoot glances up towards them, as she prepared her meal. It was hard to ignore, with how vividly Don narrated every attack or happening in the battle. Once her food was ready, she sat down by the other table, where she continued to watch them play.
She wouldn’t admit it, but she was in fact paying attention to what was happening on the board. It was quite fascinating, letting her imagination take her away from the messy table in the kitchen, into the dark room, where Ishmael just landed a critical hit, dealing double the required damage to finish off a creature.
Before her little misadventure in the WARP train, she’d likely consider such pastimes to be a waste of time. But ever since that day, she developed an understanding of how exciting it may be, to have one’s fate rely on careful planning as well as a literal dice roll.
Sinclair let out a quiet ‘Yes...” as his daggers executed another foe. Ishmael let the air out through her teeth when hit by a retaliation attack. Even Yi Sang let out a genuine laugh, as Don described one of the attackers critically missing him, and falling back into the crate they emerged from.
It was… quite endearing.
The party finished the encounter and moved on to the next room. Inside were six statues with buttons attached to their bases, one large door, and multiple vents, threatening to punish the party for a wrong decision.
“...and on the door, thou can see the following message engraved in bold letters: ‘For every maiden that speaks truth, two speak of only lies – For every maiden with a key, five hold your…’ Young Faust, is something the matter?” The journey master turned their attention back to the white haired sinner.
Only now did Faust, as well as the rest of the sinners in the room, realize that she’s been leaning over Yi Sang’s shoulder. Her plate was empty for the past five minutes now.
The faintest blush painted itself on her otherwise emotionless and composed face. “Faust was… inspecting the table for damage.” It didn’t take a genius to notice how bad the excuse was, but she simply had no other on her mind.
“Sure…” Ishmael gazed at the self proclaimed genius a grin. “You know, we do have a room for one more by the table.”
“Indeed! It is said, within the noble rule book, that the finest part-ies are the ones composed of four members!”
“It is late, Faust has other matters to attend to.” Definitely not flustered by the proposition, the white haired woman turned towards the door. “Please make sure to finish and clean up before tomorrow’s breakfast. Goodni-”
“It would be quite the pleasure if you were to join us, miss Faust.” Yi Sang spoke up. “Please, do not take our invitation as a sign of mockery. We would be quite honored to have another fellow join our adventure.”
Faust remained in place for a moment, wondering what to make of this information. A part of her feared the mockery she’d suffer from the Gesellshaft for engaging with such a childish activity. Another part felt embarrassed at the thought of role playing, especially with Yi Sang by the table.
And yet, she found herself drawn in by the offer. Partially, due to how intruding and honestly fun it looked. Partially because it was Yi Sang, a fellow genius and Faust’s closest friend of all people inviting her in…
The white haired sinner turned back towards the group.
“Very well. Faust shall indulge in this game of yours.”
***
As the party finds itself stuck on the puzzle most treacherous, forsooth! The room’s darkness scatters, as a flash of pure, white light manifests in the rooms center.
The flash comes to an end as suddenly as it hath appeared. Within its place stands a pale, elegant figure, adorned in holy robes, wielding a magical staff.
There is a longer moment of silence, as Faust realizes it is her time to speak.“Greetings. According to Faust, you must be the group contracted by the Seven association on account of finding and eliminating the black dragon, correct?” Faust’s composure was certainly tested as she spoke, but managed to deliver her line flawlessly.
“That depends on who is asking...” Sinclair crossed his arms. “Who are you, and why are you here?”
“You may know me as Faust, the wise.” The smallest smile appeared on her face for a moment as she spoke the last two words. “The Seven association has hired and sent me, on account of your party not having a medical professional.”
“So, you are a cleric then? Thank the Head, I was barely keeping up with that moron’s injuries.” Ishmael sounded genuinely, out of character relieved at the news, as she pointed to the blonde rouge.
“H-hey, I wasn’t even that hurt last battle! Besides, it’s not my fault they aggro’ed me because you failed at casting taunt...”
“What my fellows are attempting to convey, it is that we are quite happy with you joining our team.” Yi Sang offered to shake Faust’s hand. “I am Yi Sang, a humble wizard.” He introduced himself.
“Call me Ishmael. The team’s paladin, healer, tank and de facto leader.” She also gave Faust a firm handshake before pointing towards the shortest team member. “And that over there is Sinclair, our rouge. Usually first to fall in battle, always first to open a treasure chest.
“Well, who else would you have opening them? I have a plus five modifier to pick locking.” Sinclair pouted at the paladin, while giving the new cleric a polite bow.
“I am quite certain your expertise will prove to be of great help in the awaiting challenges.” Yi Sang finished.
“Faust will do her best to be of assistance.”
“Speaking of assistance...” The orange haired woman pointed towards the large door. “We’ve been trying to figure out this puzzle for a long while now.”
“Actually, I think I know the solu...”
Shhh, young Sinclair. Allow your newest team member to try.
As stated before, the room you are in has six statues, each comes with a description beneath and a button to press. Thou can also see, written on the large door: ‘For every maiden that speaks truth, two speak of only lies – For every maiden with a key, five hold your your doom. Deduce the lies, and find the truth, or suffer the consequence of mine wrath.’
After a minute or so of inspecting the statues, Faust confidently walk up to the fourth one. “According to Faust, statues two and six are the only ones who can speak the truth without any statue contradicting one another. This leads to the conclusion that this...” Faust places her hand on the statue’s button. “...would be the correct one.”
Young Faust gives the button a firm push and…
Forsooth! With thine input, the hidden mechanisms within the walls turn and twist, as the door parts ways, revealing another corridor!
“I suppose they don’t call the ‘The wise’ for nothing.” Ishmael commented, as she proceeded towards the door. “Well done!”
“It was an obvious outcome. Still, your compliment is very much appreciated.”
And so, the party proceeded down the long, empty path.
“If I may give you advice, I’d stay close to our tank, miss Faust.” Yi Sang spoke up, when he noticed Faust staying away from the rest of the group. “Our JM has a tendency to turn empty places such as this one into... less quiet encounters. It is unwise to keep your distance away from the rest of your fellows.”
Fie, tis slander most unjust! The foul ambushes are the Dragon Prince’s doing, not thine reliable narrator’s.
“Yeah, yeah…” Sinclair rolled his eyes at the pouting Don “Anyway, Yi Sang’s right. It’d be safer if you stayed close to the rest of us.
“Faust sees the logic in your argument. I shall follow you more closely.” She said, as she moved her figurine just next to Yi Sang’s.
“Do not worry, miss Faust. I promise to provide you company, here in our group’s backline.” The mage spoke, faint blush upon his face.
Once the party reached the corridor’s end, they found themselves in front of a large wooden door. With a rather staggering amount of force, lady Ishmael pushes the door slightly ajar…
And a sight most surprising graces your vision! The rather large room is lined with about eight cages, a kidnapping's victim placed in each one.
All react with shock and terror upon thine entrance, but swiftly change to cheers once they realize you are the rescuers, rather then captors!
“Looks like all the missing people are still alive. That’s a relief… I mean, not like I care, I guess.” The rouge noted, while inside the room.
“That’s good and all...” The paladin was looking around the room. “But if the people are here, then where is the Dragon Prince?”
“That is a great question, fixer scum.” A new voice sounded from the corridor the party just traversed. “But if I were you, I’d be asking what horrible punishment awaits me for trespassing into his domain and interrupting his masterplan.”
The fixer’s attention turned to the new figure, standing in the corridor they just came through. As expected, down the corridor stood a tall, half man-half dragon in heavy armor and carrying a large hammer, accompanied by eight kobolds.
“Based on the similarity to the target’s description, Faust concludes you are the Dragon Prince, the man responsible for capture of these people.”
“Wow, look lads! We have a smart one over here!” It was at this moment, Faust realized Don was very good at sarcasm when she felt the need. Were it not acting, her feelings may have taken a hit. “Got any other brilliant observations for us, white hair?”
“Speak not with such brutish language to our cleric.” The mage spoke up, anger on his face. “You’d do well to surrender and break the chains binding the caged individuals at once, least you wish to be broken instead.”
Oooh, is that an intimidation attempt I hear from young Yi Sang? I would ask to see a roll to deduce it’s efficiency.
“It is…” A twenty sided die rolled across the table. “...an eighteen.”
Thine words do not affect the villain, yet you can sense hesitation stir in some of his minions. Some of them may imminently abandon combat!
“Good job, Yi Sang.” Sinclair complemented the man.
“Bold words, wimp.” The prince disregarded the threat. “We’ll see how cocky you are once I cave your head in with a hammer.”
It would appear combat is inevitable. It is time to decide initiative!
Combat broke out. Ishmael quickly rushed to the front line and pulled most of the enemies attention to herself, while Sinclair and Yi Sang peppered them from the back with arrows and spells. In the meantime, Faust struggled with keeping their tank above zero health.
Unfortunately, the Prince resisted the taunt spell.
On his first action, he rushed past Ishmael, completely ignoring her, as he went straight for the black haired man.
“You think you can inflict fear into my men and get away with it?” The prince swung with a hammer. “I will ensure that everyone will see how easily you fall!”
The attack was a success, taking half of the mages health in a single swing. The real Yi Sang let out a grunt, as Don announced the damage he had sustained.
Ishmael tried to go after the boss, but the kobolts surrounding her didn’t let her. Sinclair switched from his bow to daggers, as he desperately slashed at the foe, no hit finding its mark. Faust was forced to choose between healing Ishmael or Yi Sang, settling for saving their mage.
Forced into melee by the dragon, the mage swung his staff at him, doing a surprising amount of damage all things considered. Still, the man was keen on giving Yi Sang some well deserved payback.
The second hit nearly killed the wizard, three hit points away from becoming a stain on the ground.
Ishmael cast another holy smite, removing one more foe from her path. Still, at this rate, she’d still need two more turns before she could assist the rest of the team. Sinclair struck a critical hit to the prince’s back, dealing almost enough to defeat him. Sadly, both Faust’s magical strike and Yi Sang’s staff failed to deal the required damage before the prince attacked once more.
“Haah… you really are something else.” Tired and wounded, each word the prince spoke was seeping with hate. “I may die here… But I think I’ll take you with me!” The hammer was raised, and…
“I want to jump in front of Yi Sang.” Faust interrupted suddenly.
Hm?
“Faust wishes to block the hit with her own body. Is that allowed?”
Well, not usually, but… I am willing to make an exception this time.
Just as the hammer was about to make impact, the white haired cleric dashed ahead of Yi Sang, blocking the hit with her own, delicate body.
“M-miss Faust!” Yi Sang sounded almost as disturbed as if Faust was hit in real life. “Are you alright?”
“Do not worry, the attacks damage dealt was almost minimal.” The cleric reassured him. “Besides… is it not a cleric’s duty to keep her party safe?”
“My my, aren’t you two just the sweetest little birds.” The prince grinned, as he looked upon the scene. “Well, if you are insisting so hard that I should crush both of you together, then let me do just tha… HRK!” But there was no chance for him to finish, as a pair of daggers pierced him from behind.
“Damn, I am on a roll today with these.” Sinclair noted, as he looked upon his weapons. “Are you two alright? I still have a spare healing potion somewhere here.”
“It would be most ideal to have it, my dear fellow.” Yi Sang smiled.
“Save the supplies, Sinclair. It is my duty to tend to his wounds.” Faust said, a small smile on her face.
“Aww, you are all so cute...” Ishmael spoke up. “But would you kindly move your asses and help me out!? I am still surrounded over here!”
***
The session concluded half an hour later, with the party freeing and returning all the victims to their families. The board was gathered, the table cleaned, and soon the sinners were ready to head to their own rooms.
“It was a great pleasure having you join us today, young Faust.” Don was now alone with the genius, as the former was just ready to go to bed. “Tis only a shame you have only joined us just as the story’s climax was around the corner.”
“Faust believes she also enjoyed this experience more then she expected.” The woman admitted.
“I am, however, happy to announce that we are planning on hosting one more session tomorrow, the time similar to today. Would you be willing to accompany us again?
“As grateful as Faust is for being invited, you should consider today as a rare exception, rather then a constant. Faust is very busy, and taking part in such trivialities, as pleasant as they may be, is not something to be expected of of her.”
“It is a great shame then… but very well, I shall respect thine decision.” Don turned and headed towards her own room, before stopping one more time. “Yet, if thine mind changes, I shall keep a spare character sheet, just for thee!” And with that, she ran off.
Faust remained alone with her thoughts. The Gesellshaft didn’t seem to notice the game. Or at very least chose to ignore her. It happened more and more often these days. Still, it would be unwise of her to do it again. Should this become a common occurrence, the other Faust will likely take this opportunity to mock her further and deny her access to information in the future.
It was only logical for her to stay away.
***
Vergilius looked through most of the bus, in search for the white haired woman. He still needed to consult her regarding the distortion they’d be catching once they arrive in N-corp tomorrow, but she was nowhere to be found in her room, nor the main area of the bus.
Finally, he heard her voice coming from the kitchen. The Red Gaze entered the room, his eyes focused on his clipboard more then anything.
“There you are, miss Faust. I was beginning to worry you have ran off somewhere. Now, if you would have a moment, I wanted to question you about...” Vergilius only now looked off his notes towards the woman.
...only now realizing she was sitting by the table with four other sinners, deeply invested in a board game of some kind.
“Ah, Sir Vergilius! What a fine time to join us. We were just about to...” Don began to explain their current predicament in the fantasy world, but neither him nor the person he was addressing paid her much mind.
Faust’s face was barely red in embarrassment, which with how long he knew the woman for, it was about as embarrassed as she could get.
“I-I will be with you shor…”
“Oh, no, do not let me interrupt you, miss Faust. This can wait.” He said, smile painted across his face as he left. “I’d hate myself to be the one to stop you from having fun with your friends.”
Before Faust could protest, the man was already out of the room. One could argue that she should go after him, to help resolve whatever matter he wanted to ask about.
But on the other hand, he did say it could wait…
And she couldn’t just leave her party alone, in the middle of combat, could she?
“Um, Faust? It’s your turn.” Ishmael lightly budged her with her elbow.
“Hm? Oh, right.” She cast her gaze back towards the map before her. “Faust would like to cast ‘Guiding Bolt’ at the undead.”