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>Last time of Hunter x Hunter quest

After being separated from his allies on the way to the Train by a bloodthirsty beast. Derrick goes head to head with the monster while attempting to reach the Train in time. The battle was hard fought as the beast was naturally superior to Derrick in both skill and strength, however he remained alive through intelligence, reflex and sheer force of will.

But soon Derrick was running out of time and energy to keep up the fight, in a desperate attempt to escape, he skewers the beast’s mouth with a sharp stick and begins to run off at full speed. At first, it seems as if his desperate plan had worked, but he soon realizes that his wounds he sustained in an earlier fight had re-opened and caused him to collapse from blood loss.

He became incapable of moving at all and realized that he would soon bleed to death if he didn’t receive medical assistance soon.

The beast notices his incapacitated state and moves in to finish him off. Barely conscious and already on the verge of death, Derrick sees life flash before his eyes and feels regret for being incapable of achieving any of his ambitions. But just before the jaws of death could (literally) swallow him whole. An old ‘friend’ by the name of Noel Cromwell found him just in time and saved him from the beast.

After a few minutes of debate (and name-calling) with a mysterious woman, he decides to bring Derrick along with him to the Train, but it’s up to him to survive the whole trip without dying of shock. Derrick had neither the energy nor willpower to devote to complain, so he instead, he focused on doing what he does best. Living to see another day.

And so our Adventure continues…!

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You feel your memories fade away with the sound of hopeful laughter. As the memories fade, your self-awareness returns to you piece by piece. It’s a slow process, collecting the scattered pieces of your mind but you eventually find yourself adrift in a dark world.

Your name is Derrick Holums, you are 24 years old and you’ve just come back to your senses. It takes you a second to re-collect your scattered memories, but the last thing you remember seeing was Noel and his assistant lifting you up and carrying your bloody, half-dead body to the objective.

Well, at least that’s what’s to have supposed to have happened, for some strange reason, you find yourself in a completely black world.

The only thing you can see for miles is emptiness and darkness. However this isn’t actually darkness, as you can still see yourself despite a lack of any outward light source. So it might be more accurate to describe this place as a room that has been completely painted black.

You have no recollection of entering this place and you can’t see any form of exit in any direction. Where the hell are you?

“Well, hell wouldn’t be far off I suppose. But you’re not quite there yet.” a voice resounds from the void.

You reflexively jump away from the voice and enter a defensive stance. You procced to look around the void, seeking the source of that voice.

Where did that voice come from? You looked around in every direction and yet you didn't see or sense any other living beings…

“That’s because I’m not exactly alive.” The voice speaks again, responding to your thoughts as if you were shouting them out.

You stand up slowly and examine your surroundings again, you don't see any figures or shapes in distance. All there is a voice, a manly, polite and noble voice. But at the same time, complex and multilayered one.

You don’t exactly know how to describe it, but it’s like you hear you hear one voice, yet you feel like you’re talking to 10 different people.
And yet, despite this feeling of being surrounded, the only thing for miles is more black and the sound of silence, which is being disrupted by this strange voice that resounds from every direction of this void, “First off, I’ll advise you not to search for my presence. Such a task would prove to be both impossible and foolish. Secondly, you call me a disruption in the zone, in other words an abnormality. But from my perspective, you’re the abnormal being.” The voice responds.

“Okay, I’ve had enough! What the hell is going on here and how the hell are you reading my mind!” You shout angrily into void.

“Now, now.” The voice attempts to hush you, “I know you must be confused stranger, but you have to understand. This turn of events is perplexing to me as well. Your presence here is abnormality, a mystery that it seems neither of us know the answer to, so we must combine our efforts to solve it.” The voice states.

Huh? A mystery that neither of you know the answer to? You’re the abnormal one? Did you seriously just get called abnormal by a disembodied voice?

As the questions pile up, the voice begins to giggle to itself “However, this turn of events is not un-welcome. After all these years of complete and utter silence, such a random event provides a necessary distraction to free one's self from the monotone of this existence.” The voice speaks in a calm yet intrigued voice, as if it was bored out of its mind and something entertaining just happened to pass by and catch it's attention.

“That’s exactly correct, perhaps you’re the mind reader here, stranger?” the voice responds.

“Okay I’ve officially had enough. If you don’t stop screwing around in my head, I’m just going to ignore you and bust my out of here on my own.” You state.


“Such a quick temper, stranger. Are you always so defensive when meeting new people?” As he mentions that, you notice that you’ve naturally assumed a combat stance, you didn’t even notice how tense you are right now. That’s strange, you don’t know why, but you’ve felt nervous ever since this voice started speaking to you.

“Oh? Am I unnerving you? Sorry, it seems I’ve forgotten my manners. It’s just been so long since I’ve made contact with another being that, I couldn’t help but probe your thoughts a little, I’ll try and restrain myself from now.” The voice politely apologizes.

“You say that like you just causally bumped into me or something. Seriously what the hell are you?” you ask.

“That is a very good question stranger, that too is one of the mysteries that we both must solve now. If you wish, we could both attempt to figure it out together. If you are willing to hold a proper discussion with me rather than shouting about breaking your way from a realm with no inward exits.” The voice in the void states.

A realm with no exits? You take a second to contemplate what’s happening. You don’t understand where you are or how you got here. If you managed to get in, than there has to be a way to get out, however the only way to learn of this exit will be talking with this strange voice if you don’t, you might end up wandering this place for who knows how long.

It seems like an easy choice at first, but something about this voice is just wrong.

Putting aside that it’s a disembodied voice, you have no real reason to say why you’re so reluctant to speak with the voice. It’s words bare no malice or hidden meaning, you can feel that it earnestly just wants to talk and figure out what’s going on. There are no lies or hidden meanings in it’s words, and yet somehow you still feel like even the act of interacting with strange being would be a bad idea.

Something on an instinctually level tells you that even being near this existence is a very bad idea.

However, you have no other choice do you.

You have no idea why you’re even panicking, you're just being paranoid again. Yeah, it’s just paranoia…

You slowly sit down and speak, “Fine then. If you’ll get me out of here. I’ll listen to whatever you have to say.” You declare.

“Very good.” The voice has no face, but you can hear in its voice that it was smiling when it said that.

“Now then” the voice continues with, “I’m sure you’ve heard of Socrates method stranger. The key to learning anything through dialogue is asking questions and eliminating possibilities. As you are guest to this realm, I shall allow you the first question. Please do not be afraid to ask me anything.” The voice states, eagerly awaiting your question.

What will you ask?

>Where is this?

>Who are you?

[You can only pick one]

>>2116523

>Who are you?

>>2116523
>Who are you?

>>2116596
>>2116664
>Who are you?

>Writing

"So, who are you anyway?" you ask.

"Hm? Are you sure that is the question you want to ask first? I thought you would want to learn where it is you currently reside before learning that." he asks back.

"Don't answer a question with a question. Just tell me who you are." You say back.

"Well alright then. But such a question is difficult to answer, as I am not exactly sure of that myself." the voice states.

"Huh? you don't remember who you are? Didn't know disembodied voices could suffer memory loss." you, half-sarcastically.

"No no no, it is not that I have no recollection of myself. It is more that I have never learned who 'myself' is." The voice answers earnestly.

"Huh? You never learned who you are? How does that even work? Being someone isn't something you 'learn', it's something you are." you state.

"Are you sure of that stranger? The concept of the 'self' isn't something that you are born with. It something you gain from your environment and your actions and re-actions to that environment and those in that environment. Basically, to be "someone" you must be "somewhere", experience "something" and interact with 'someone else' in order to gain a pattern by which to act throughout the rest of your life." The voice states, "However, from the moment of my conception to the current present, I've never been 'anywhere' nor done 'anything' or talked to 'anyone' outside of exist within this space. In fact, This is the first time I've ever spoken aloud since the moment I was conceived."

"What? So are you saying I'm the first person you've ever talked to?" you ask

"Yes. That is exactly what I'm saying, up until now, this world was completely empty, but then you entered this place and "Something" happened, which is why I'm speaking to you now." the voice states, "So I can't tell you 'who' I am, I'm sorry." the voice apologizes.

This conversation barely even begun and your head is starting to spin. It has no 'self', but it has self-awareness? Is such a thing even possible? What kind of being can be self-aware yet not at the same time? Not to mention, for it's first time speaking, it sure is fluent at it, it speaks better then you do and you talk a lot.

Seems paradoxical, but you can't bother to question it on this anymore, "Fine then, Can you at least tell me your name?"

"Hm? Name?" the voice questions.

"Oh come on. Don't tell me you don't have a name either?" you begin to get frustrated.

"Well I do and I do not." Oh not again...

"I posses a title I've known since the moment of my birth. But I do not posses any form of name, I've never been given one." the voice states.

"What the hell doe- you know what nevermind. How about you just give me your title?" you ask

"Gensis." the voice in the void states.

"Genesis?" you ask.

"Origin, beginning, Alpha, Genesis. many would know it as the first chapter in the Bible. The day God created the universe and set the motions of time forward. The point by which existence separates itself from non-existence. Such is my title and the closet thing I have to a name." Genesis states.

"Does that make you God or something?" you ask.

"Depends on what you mean by God. If you mean the one from the Bible, then no, I am not God. If you mean the concept of 'God' then you could say I am a God of some sort."

"What does that mean?" you question.

"Now hold on. It is my turn to ask a question, I too hold curiosities you know." Genesis states.

"Really? Your just gonna cut me off as soon as you were about to say something that might have made sense?" you ask.

"Now now stranger, I already stated that a dialogue requires both parties asking questions and receiving answers." Genesis states smugly.

You want to tell it of for being a an outright tease, but then you might piss it off and it won't tell you anything anymore. you go quiet as the voice asks it's question, "Who are you and how'd you reach this place?" the voice asks.

Well that's just great, you only know the answer to one of these questions, you don't want to just tell it that you don't really know, but maybe you can use this to your advantage. If you just phrase your answer the right way, you might get some answers out of Genesis.

But it might be better to just be honest...

What will you do?

>Speak the Truth: It would probably just be a waste of time to lie to a mind-reading voice anyway. You don't want to lose this thing's trust.

>Draw some answers: The voice promised not to read your mind anymore, so as long as you can phrase your answer the right way.

>>2116995
>>Speak the Truth: It would probably just be a waste of time to lie to a mind-reading voice anyway. You don't want to lose this thing's trust.

>Show me the Truth!

Yeah. Telling a lie would just get you in trouble, best just say what you know and get this discussion moving, you begin, "My name is Derrick Holums, I'm an aspiring Hunter." you state.

"Hunter? Do you mean a food gatherer?" Genesis asks.

"No. In my world there's an organization known as the Hunter Association. They do gather food, but they far more then that.." You spend the next few minutes explaining what the Hunter association is to the voice in the void.

"...And that's what the Hunter Association is." you state, finishing your explanation.

"Now I understand. So they are a group of warriors that work to protect and serve the world? How interesting. You say you wish to join the numbers of such an organization?" Genesis asks.

"Yes. Becoming a Hunter requires high skill and knowledge to even qualify. They only take the best of the best, the test is known to have an extremely high mortality rate, so not just anyone can get in. but the benefits you receive for becoming are far too good to give up." You say.

"I see. I know of armies that have served multiple nations before, but I've never heard of an army that serves the entire world. hehehehehe" the voice begins to giggle again. Damn, it's kinda creepy when it does that...

"Now then, can you answer my second question? How did you enter this place?" Genesis asks.

"Well..." you begin, "That's the part I can't answer. Last thing I remember, I was in the middle of the Hunter exam and I nearly died due to a monster attack but I was recused before I was eaten alive."

"Hm? You nearly died?" Genesis asks.

"Yeah I was on the verge of bleeding to death before I ended up here all of a sudden." you state.

"Ahhhhhhh, Now I understand what's going on here." the voice suddenly comes to a realization, "Thank you for speaking the Truth, now I fully grasp exactly what's happening here."

"Huh?" you sound.

"Derrick Holums, You died." Genesis says without hesitation.

"What?" you say. You died? Huh?

"You're screwing around, right? I'm dead? If that's your idea of a joke, then you must be getting your material from cancer patients or something right?" you state.

"This is no jest Young Hunter, You just died. However you are not dead." Genesis states.

"Um, that's the same thing you pathetic excuse for a 3rd-rate narrator." you say with a tinge of anger in your voice.

"Oh? That was rude." Genesis states.

"It's rude to go telling people. Are you saying this is the afterlife or something? Is this hell?" you begin to panic.

"You seem to misunderstand what I mean Young Hunter. I did not state that you are a dead man. I only said that you have experienced 'death'. In other words, while you were still in the normal world, at some point your heart stopped beating and the life-force left your body. However, you are not currently dead, you wouldn't be able to speak to me now if you were actually dead." Genesis explains.

"So you're saying that I'm still alive right?" you ask.

"Yes, Young Hunter, you have not left the world of the living just yet. But that explains how you entered this place." Genesis states.

"What does that mean?" you ask.

"This a place where those that exist between existence and non-existence reside. Normally, entering it would impossible for anyone, living or dead. But You have managed such a feat regardless, you are indeed a person of great talent. If I had hands, I would have given you a standing ovation." Genesis says in an impressed tone.

You want to say he's patronizing you, but you think he might actually be serious there...

"Now then, you have answered two of my questions, so it is only fair I answer two of your in return. Please go ahead, I shall sate your curiosity just as you have mine." Genesis states.

That gave you a real scare. If you died after all you went through, you would have just asked to be erased from existence and be done with everything. Nice to know you're not completely screwed. But that just begs the question...

What will you ask?

>What is this place?

>What are you?

>How do I get out of here?

>What are you doing here?

>(Write-in)

[You can only pick two]

>>2117416
>>What is this place?
>What are you doing here?

>>2117450
>What are you?
>What is this place?

>Writing

"Okay, first what even are you?" you ask.

"Incomplete." Genesis states.

"What?" you ask.

"Since the very moment I was conceived. There was always one thought that ran through my mind at all times. I am incomplete." Genesis states.

"Incomplete? Do you mean like you aren't fully formed or something?" you ask.

"Yes. I am not even close to complete. I am like a fetus, half-born and incapable of surviving outside of this place. You can say I'm a spirit, but I'm not quite meta-physical. You can say I'm a person as well, but I'm not quite physical either. My existence is fleeting, I am echo of a complete entity that once held a place in existence that meant something. I exist in a super state of existence and non-existence."
Genesis explains.

"What does that mean? Are you saying you only half exist? How the hell does that work?" you ask.

"If knew the answer to such a question do you believe I would still reside in this realm?" Genesis asks.

The more you talk to this disembodied voice, the more confused you become. Existing yet not and being self-aware yet unaware. How can one being have so many oxymoronic concepts yet still exist logically? Oh damn it your head hurts!

"Moving on. What is this place? You said something of not existing and existing or something right? What does that mean" you ask.

"It is as you say Young Hunter. This place does not have a name, it does not have a purpose. If there is a God that created this world, then this place is the one area he had forgotten about. In such a zone, neither the dead nor living can reside. Only incomplete beings like myself can exist in this zone." Genesis explains.

"A zone where only the incomplete can reside?" you question.

"Yes. That is why only you, who existed in a state of life and death, can exist in this place as well. However, this place was did not look like this until you entered Young Hunter." Genesis states.

"Didn't look like this?" you question.

"Yes. This zone is typically empty, it may look dark now, but normally there wouldn't even be darkness in this realm, just nothingness. You coming here is what caused this world look this way." Genesis states.

"What? Are you saying I made this world like this? How the hell did do that." you ask.

"This realm is empty. What is the purpose of emptiness if not to be filled? That is what you've done. When you entered this realm, you filled it with your essence and made it into what it is now." Genesis explains.

"My essence?" you question.

"It is something like your soul. It describes the very make-up of your existence and once you entered this place. Your existence painted it in it's colours and crafted itself in your likeness." Genesis explains.

"In my likeness? Why's it so empty then? The only in here is silence and darkness so thick that everything inside here looks like it's been painted black." you state.

"That is because you have been Painted Black." Genesis exclaims.

"What? Painted Black?" you question.

"It is only like this because your mind and soul have all been painted Black, so the world was painted black in turn. If it was someone else, then it could have been something like a field filled with beautiful flowers, A hell-scape filled with death and destruction, A city filled with memories and wandering citizens. But you're essence reflects none of those things. All that lies within you is the color black."

"Huh? What does that mean? Why is my soul and mind black? " you ask.

"I cannot answer that. I am not you, so why would I now why your essence has become they way it is has. All I know is that being painted black means that something is interfering with your development as a person. It seems I'm not the only incomplete being in existence after all." Genesis states.

"Someone interfering with my development?" you question.

"I cannot tell you who that is, i'm afraid. But surely you have some idea what could be ailing you correct?" Genesis asks

your mind begins to trail to another memory. But before you can even begin to form the memory in your mind, Genesis speaks again, "We're running out of time." It states suddenly.

"What?" you ask.

"It is unfortunate, but you are not bound to this world like I am. Your existence must return to the normal at some point and that point is coming soon. So before you leave, I have two final questions for you." Genesis states in a hurried tone.

You aren't even given a chance to speak before Genesis continues, "First, why is it you seek to be a Hunter?" Genesis asks.

"What? Isn't that obvious? There are many benefits for being a Hunter, like the insane amount of money they give you. I have a few people I promised to pay bac-"

"That is not what I asked. I asked why you seek to be a Hunter Derrick Holums." Genesis cuts you off for the first time since you've met, "I did not ask why you want the benefits of being a Hunter. I asked you why you wish to be hunter at all." Genesis questions.

"What?" you ask back.

"A man such as you can surely gain a good income any number of ways. You needn't struggle and torture yourself to be a Hunter just because you wish to pay back a debt do you. So I'm asking you what is your true reason for becoming a Hunter."

Your true reason? You wanted to help those you owe with the money you gain from being a Hunter. You have many other why you wish to be a Hunter as well. But what would say is your true reason?

What is your answer?

>For justice: Throughout your life, you've been surrounded by monsters who hurt good people and destroy the lives of happy families. When you become a Hunter, you will hunt down these monsters and help those who cannot fight against evil alone."

>For adventure: The greatest thing about being a hunter is freedom. You want more then anything to discover the unknown and learn what the world holds in store for you!

>For power: You want power in every way possible. financial power, physical power, mental power, political power. Your entire life you've lacked the power to do anything, but if you become a Hunter, then you'll gain all the power you'll ever need.

>No, No other reason: You had no other reason then wanting to help those you promised as quickly as possible.

>(Write-in)

>>2118065
>>For justice: Throughout your life, you've been surrounded by monsters who hurt good people and destroy the lives of happy families. When you become a Hunter, you will hunt down these monsters and help those who cannot fight against evil alone."


We pay our debts for good or ill.

>>2118074
This.
I see a red door and I want to paint it Black.

Offer Genesis a ride with us. We can promise it entertainment in our world.
What could possibly go wrong?

>>2118074
>>2118672
Sorry, guys. I'm a bit sick and I fell sleep at the keyboard.

Time to get back on track!

>We want Justice.

You look down for a moment before you speak, "Justice. I want to become a Hunter so I can bring justice this screwed up world." you state.

"Justice?" Genesis questions.

You nod and then speak, "My entire life I've seen people hunted down and ruined by the monsters of society. Serial killers, Con-men, mass-murderers, Criminal Syndicates. Their are so many kinds of monsters that creep and crawl in the shadows and only bare then heads in the light to lie and trick people. But once I become a hunter..." you begin to trail off as you bring your head up, "I will track every last one of them down and show them that the good people of the world are not going to take their bullshit lying down. That's a promise." you state with deadly determination.

"...." For the first time since you've spoken, Genesis has become speechless.

After a few moments, Genesis speaks again, "...It seems that our time to together is truly at an end. Someone from the Normal world is currently pulling you from this one. In a matter of minutes, you will leave this and more then likely you will return for a long period of time, if ever." Genesis states, "So before you go, I must ask you one final question."

You nod your head and wait for the question, Genesis speaks, "Derrick Holums, Hunter of Justice. Will you be my friend?"

"Huh?" you blurt out.

"Yes, it is more a request then it is a question, but you see, I have become enamored with you. You are the very first person I've ever spoken to in all my time alone and believe that you will make a grand ally." Genesis explains, "So if it not too much too ask of you. Could you please become my very first friend?"

The weird disembodied voice wants friendship? This is out of the blue, so you have idea how to feel really. Even if he talks like a shitty riddle book and is kinda a smug prick. It's done nothing to make you hate it. But something deep inside you keeps screaming at you, some deeper instinct from the very bottom of your mind tells you that saying 'No' is the only answer you should pick. And yet even now you still can't pick up any malicious intent, why are you so afraid if there's nothing to worry about?

You don't have time left to question it now, so you just got to make the decision here.

What will say?

>Yes

>No

>>2118830
>Sure just don't try any crazy shit ok
I thinl if we're scared of him on the instinctual level it would be best to stay wary of him but saying no might angering him so i think we should agree with caution. We also got be sure to ask him what exactly does he need an "ally" for when we get the chance.

>>2119020
I Guess if no one else is going to vote. Then I shall take that as you approving of this choice.

Without further ado.

>Yes

It takes you a moment, but you eventually nod your head, "Sure, if your in need of a friend then I guess it couldn't hurt to have friends in unseen places." you respond.

"Thank you very much. It appears that this meeting of ours is much more than a simple chance, I believe you might be the one I have been searching for, Derrick Holums." Genesis states with a happy tone.

"Searching for?" you question.

"Derrick! Derrick!" But before you can receive a response, a new voice pierces the darkness and calls your name.

"This will be the end of our meeting for now, but I am glad we met. I have a feeling this is not the final time we shall come in contact with one another, so I ask that you do not forget me." Genesis states.

As he finishes his statement, a bright light engulfs the entire area and begins to consume you whole! As the light begins to pull you away from the world, you hear Genesis speak again, "Till our next meeting, Derrick Holums, Hunter of Justice, my first friend. Please never forget what you said and promised here. Because I shall give you a promise in return." Genesis states.

" Do not fear. I have heard your wish, you shall not regret this"

With those final parting words. You feel your entire being pulled from the void and return the real world.

You wake up with a start. Your eyes shoot open to see the color pink hanging above you. That pink color than sways and reveals a familiar face. When your eyes finally re-adjust, you see the worried expression of Etheline Brooks kneeling next to you.

Her typically sweet face and clear has been soured by worry and reddened by tears. When she sees your eyes. Her eyes and mouth go agape before they form back into her usual smile, “Derrick! You're alive!” She then proceeds to hug you.

You are then assaulted by two intense sensations, first is the soft and loving feeling of Etheline voluptuous body enveloping you. And the next is the intense pain that assaults you from your left flank. Shit, seems that rock from earlier broke a few ribs. You grunt loudly from the pain which garners a surprised gasp from Etheline making her quickly let go. “Oh! So sorry, but I was just so worried! When those two brought you here. You were covered in so much blood and the The maid said your heart stopped while you were travelling! And then she said you probably weren’t going to make it! Then she started to say all this stuff about preparing for the worst and that if you die it’s your own fault and then she hit you with this weird drug! and began to wrap all these bandages on you! and give you these medications! And, and!” Etheline lets out a audible torrent of information all at once at you.

You grab her shoulders and shake her lightly, “Calm down, I’m fine.” You say calmly, “You can’t lose your cool right now, we still have to make it to the train, how much time do we have left?” you ask

Etheline doesn’t stop sobbing, but she acknowledge your question and points to your right.

>>2118818
Same here God.
But I'm here now!

File: Shining star Express01.jpg (169 KB, 1000x649)

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It's then You hear the sound of a steam whistle resound to your left. You turn your head and see the goliath of metal next to you.

The Train's intimidating black metal exterior only emphasizes its overwhelming weight. You turn your head back to find the tail end of the train, but that proves to be a worthless effort as the only thing you can see is more train cars running the length of the trains tracks. You see a light stream of smoke rising to indicate that the train has recently come to a stop and is waiting on it's passengers.

And it seems such a train will be necessary for the number of people you see to the right of the giant steam engine.

When you arrived in the moonlight forest, the more skilled contestants had already found or were in the middle of finding the trains tracks. That number stacked up to about 6, including yourself and Etheline.

But that number has gone from 6 to nearly 1000. A nigh uncountable amount of people stand in front of the train, ready to hop aboard the second the side entrance opens. Back during the introduction, you remember there being around 300 contestants, where did all these guys come from?

You try and reason out where all these other contestants came from, but Etheline speaks before you can even start thinking, "I'm so glad your alive! I was worried since I couldn't come back to help you! If you died, I would have been heartbroken and probably fail the exam." she extends a hand for you to grab and she helps you lift yourself from off the ground with a gentle pull.

You still grunt a little from the pain, but talk anyway, "I'm as glad to be as you are. But I'm gonna need you to fill in some of the blanks I'm drawing here." you state.

Etheline nods her head and wipes the tears from her eyes, "Yeah. I'm sure you have quite a few questions. Go right ahead and ask, I'll try answer as best I can." Etheline answers.

What will you ask?

>What happened while I was out?

>Where did all these people come from?

>Why didn't you come back and help me?

>Are you okay?

>Where's Vanilla?

>>2119530
>>Are you okay?
Selfless protag mode engage.

>>2119530
>>Are you okay?

>>2119530
I wanna ask everything but that's probably not an option

>>2119530
>What happened while I was out?

>Where did all these people come from?

>>2119791
>>2119811
>>2119836
>>2119705

>Are you okay?
>Writing

File: Etheline Brooks25.jpg (224 KB, 1024x1365)

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"Are you okay?" you ask.

"Huh? Why are you asking about Me? I should be the one worried if your okay or not." Etheline retorts.

"Yeah, well before we got separated from each other, we were under constant attack by magical beasts, weird plants and general fatigue. We've both been fighting and surviving for over 8 hours now and I don't think we're going to get a break soon." You explain, "So, I just wanted to now if you're okay or not." you state.

Etheline looks resolute as she puts her fist to her chest, "You have no need to worry! I know I may look soft and nice, but I'm also an aspiring Hunter you know! If can't stand a few hours of non-stop action then I wouldn't have taken the test!" She says proudly, she then brings her hand down and gives you a solemn look, "But really, thanks for asking. You should be worrying about yourself for now." She says in a much quieter tone.

She says that, but she looks paler than before, her voice has also lost a lot of it upbeat tone. She's clearly been through quite a bit but hasn't warmed up to you enough to share her true feelings, maybe if you knew her a little better, she would open up to you more...

(>+10 points for Etheline, 90 more before advancement!)

>Your friendship with Etheline is too weak to
get the truth.

What will you ask?

>What happened while I was out?

>Where did all these people come from?

>Why didn't you come back and help me?

>Where's Vanilla?

>>2120002
>>What happened while I was out?
>Why didn't you come back and help me?

>Where's Vanilla?

>>2120008
This

>>2120058
>>2120008

>Writing

"So what happened while I was unconscious?" you ask.

"Well, After you were separated from us during the Magical Beast battle. We headed in a straight line towards the objective and it turns out our hunch was right. This is the area up North that the Hint was pointing to." Etheline states

"The hint? Ahhh, you mean that dumb riddle right. How'd it go again..." you begin to trail off in recollection.

"Where Moonlight meets dawn and Stars meet Land, there you will meet your greatest friends and they will guide to the light of a Shining star." Etheline recites perfectly.

"Yeah, that's how it went. But didn't have to do with the Landis star or something." You amend.

"Well yes, but turns out the riddle had a double meaning." Etheline states.

"Wait, what? Really." you ask.

"It seems we took the poem a little too metaphorical. We thought 'land', was referring to the Landis star. But it was referring to this place, an area in the Moonlight forest literally called 'The Land' due to it being the area with the least amount of trees covering it, making it a semi-open land space." Etheline states.

"What? How the hell we're we supposed to figure that out?" you ask.

"Well, any map of this area would have made mention of this place. But we didn't really pay attention to such minuscule details like random clearings. I guess we were a bit naïve..." Etheline states in a shameful tone.

If you weren't fighting to stand, then you would be fighting a tree right now. You hold your head in frustration as you continue to speak, "Okay, anything else happen?" you ask.

"No. After we arrived here, we were instructed not to leave the area by the other contestants or else we could fail the Hunter Exam, so we waited for you to arrive. Soon after, a really depressing guy and his maid friend arrived with you in tow. The maid sets you down and immediately starts trying to mend your injuries, but your heart failed half-way through..." Etheline begins to Trail off, seemingly saddened greatly by the memory.

Well that explains what Genesis was talking about and that 'depressing guy' she's talking about must be Noell. But what does she mean by maid?

File: The Maid.jpg (95 KB, 1680x1050)

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Not wanting to interrupt, you wait for her to start back up again. It takes amount for her to gather her thoughts but she still manages to speak, "...That's when the Maid takes out a needle from under her skirt and stabs you in the arm with it. She says it was filled with Naloxone and then told us to wait and see if that's enough for you to pull through." Etheline explains.

"Naloxone? What's that?" you ask.

"Just think of it as medically approved heroin for heroin addicts. It's typically only used in case of emergencies where someone's overdosed or gone into cardiac Arrest, but the maid said that if you were strong enough, you would be able to stand and move again in a few minutes. And it looks like that maid wasn't just pulling things from under her skirt!" Etheline says happily.

"Okay, who is this 'maid' you keep talking about anyway. What's a maid doing around here? And why does she have drugs up her skirt?" you ask.

"Oh, you didn't notice her. She's right over there." Etheline points to a to a much less crowded area of the clearing behind you and that's when you see two people sitting down and silently observing the other contestants.

The first is a familiar but annoying face. It's your good ol' friend Noell, who ordered to have you literally thrown to the dogs if you died before you came here. You look over to him and you see his face immediately turn sour as soon as he sees that you're not dead.

You shoot a quick glare in his direction and then turn your head to see the person next to him. That's when your glare of contempt becomes a look of confusion as you see something extremely abnormal.

It's a maid with huge glass and a neutral look on her face. She has this air of dignity and honor which is only boosted by the queen Victorian era outfit she wears. She sits next to Noel and observes the crowd just as he does, but sneaks glances at him whenever she thinks he isn't looking.

"Why is there a maid here?" You blurt out.

"I asked that myself, but she just ignored me and followed that depressing guy over to that corner and hasn't done or said anything since. This world is truly filled with mysteries..." Etheline explains.

Yes. Yes it is.

File: Vanilla Clayton09.png (2.58 MB, 1530x1520)

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"So where's Vanilla?" You ask, trying your hardest not to stare at the strange maid.

"Oh! She's over there." Etheline points to the front of the train, where a woman in a red blouse whose covered in scars leans against the train engine. She notices Etheline pointing at her and begins to approach with a smile, "Yo Pretty Boy! Looks like you managed to pull through just fine. Not everyday you wake up to see the light of day after you're heart just stopped beating. But looks like even death can't keep a real man down." Vanilla praises.

"It's good to see you to Vanilla. I want to catch up with you. But now that you two are together, I have to ask an important question." you say.

Etheline nods her head and Vanilla makes two finger guns and tells you to shoot. you ask promptly, "Why didn't you two come back and help me."

Their smiles on their faces both die in unison as you ask the dreaded question. You held back because you didn't want to ruin the moment, but if you don't ask now, you won't be able to ask later.

"Well..." Etheline struggles to find an answer.

"I said we should leave you behind." Vanilla says without heisting.

"You what?" You look over to Vanilla.

"When we dashed off into the forest, Etheline tried to turn around and get you, but I stopped her and told her to keep going. I told her to leave you behind." She answers,

She continues, "We were a few meters from our objective and we didn't have much time left before we missed our chance to reach the objective, If we had gone back to get you, we would have been pulled into another fight and wasted time and energy trying to save you from that monster. So I made my decision, and said it would be better if we just left you to fend for yourself and went ahead." Vanilla explains.

You look over to Etheline, who averts her eyes as you look at her, "I guess that means you thought the same thing if you just kept driving right?" you ask.

The smile on Etheline's face is completely gone now, she bows her head in shame and refuses to say anything.

"What? Weren't you the one who said we shouldn't feel obligated to help anyone? I said that if it came down to the wire and my neck was on the line that I would jump ship first chance I get right?" Vanilla states, "Don't tell me your own words that don't apply to you or something."

That would explain why you couldn't find them no matter how hard your tried to escape. But she's right, those were the words you spoke during the speech.

How do you feel about this?

>Understanding: You said it yourself and you stick by words. You have no obligation to save anyone and you should worry about yourself first before anyone else. She made the right call.

>Angry: What a bitch! You nearly died and she choose to save herself over you. You don't care if it makes you a hypocrite, you nearly died out there.

>Displeased: You know what you said and you can't say what she did was wrong. But even so you can't help but feel a little betrayed.

>>2120398
>>Displeased: You know what you said and you can't say what she did was wrong. But even so you can't help but feel a little betrayed.

>>2120398
>>Understanding: You said it yourself and you stick by words. You have no obligation to save anyone and you should worry about yourself first before anyone else. She made the right call.

>spiteful: you know what you said but she would actually have left you to die and for that you will not help her in the future.

>>2120398
>>Displeased: You know what you said and you can't say what she did was wrong. But even so you can't help but feel a little betrayed.

Well this is a divided vote. Since I'm sick and have work tomorrow, I shall leave the choice for when I return.

Until then, debate.

>>2120727
>Until then, debate.
Guys we straight up said at the start of the exam that we would do the best we would have acted the same.

Even if we are mad at them now we are in front of other people and we would look like a total asshole if we yelled at them. (not to mention we'd lose friendship points with them)

Besides, we need to go thank our two saviors while we still have the chance.

>>2120428
>>2120494
>>2120526
>>2120605
>>2120819

>Derrick looks at you with deep disappointment
>Writing

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You bring your head and down and stare at the wounds that cover your body.

Your legs have been re-wrapped in extra thick bandages, but you feel the temporary stiches that have been made to seal up your wounds. You can feel your broken ribs lightly stabbing at your left side, making it painful for you to turn your body. You have a few light marks around your neck from when the beast nearly bit your head off.

All in all, your certainly not hurt as bad as you could've been but that's only because how desperately you were fighting to find the allies you trusted waiting to help you and bring you with them. So you can't tell which hurts more, the broken bones and stab wounds, or the fact that you were fighting for allies who were never there in the first place.

You look deeply into Vanilla's eyes, causing her to glare at you slightly, "What is it? Don't tell me your pissed or something. I only did what you said was right. If want to go off on me, then get it over with so I can just go back relaxing in my little corner." She states.

"No. I'm not mad." you say softly, "Your totally right. Those were my exact words and I have no right to say anything to you for what you did." you state.

She gives you a slightly surprised look and continues, "Well at-least your not a hypocrite. But does that mean you okay with what happened?" she asks.

"Of course not. I nearly died." you state.

"What?" she questions.

"You must have misunderstood my words, Vanilla. It's true I said you have no obligation to save anyone, but that's only because saving people isn't something your supposed to do." you state, "I nearly died because you thought it would be too burdensome to help me. I may be tough, but I'm still human ya know? I can take a bullet, but it'll still hurt. I can handle a knife slash, but I'll still bleed. I can have my trust broken, but It'll still haunt me." you state.

Vanilla begins to glare at you again, "Are you trying to guilt trip me? I don't think either us ever said we were friends. So I don't know which bond or whose trust I broke." she argues back.

"I'm not trying to make you feel guilty. I already said you shouldn't feel guilty because you choose yourself over somebody else, that's not wrong." you explain, "But that doesn't mean it's wrong for me to be disappointed that the people I fought with threw me under the bus. I'm only human, of course i'd feel sad that I was left behind." you finish.

By the end of your statement, Etheline looks like she's ready to collapse from the guilt. She's gone back to sobbing uncontrollable again, but she's trying hard to make it silent so she doesn't interrupt you. Etheline may have agreed to go with Vanilla, but that's only because she was pressured between choosing her dreams and helping some guy she just met.

And even though your some guy she just met, she's still so broken up about abandoning you that she's still crying over the fact that you suffered because of it.

What will you do?

>Comfort her

>Ignore her

>>2121712
>>Comfort her

>>2121718

>Writing

You look to Etheline and watch as she struggles to keep herself together, she eventually notices your gaze and turns up to face you. She tried to hide it earlier, but her eyes have turned a sad shade of red and her nose is running. Her typically beautiful and happy face has been overtaken by ugly guilt.

She can barely look you in the eyes as she whispers, "I-I'm sorry...so so very sorry, i'm sorry..." she repeats.

You speak, "Don't say your sorry, that's the last thing I want to hear." you state

Etheline holds her tongue and then speaks, "I-I know... you probably don't want to hear anything from me right? I'll just go away..." she says as she turns around to head away.

You stop her with a hand to the shoulder and turn her around, "I don't want to hear sorry because you have nothing to apologize for." you state.

"H-Huh?" she sounds.

You then pull her in for a sudden hug, returning the favor from earlier, "You've done nothing wrong, you have people who're waiting for you at home right? You didn't want to make them sad so you choose to live. Nothing's wrong with choosing to live." you explain.

She stays silent for a moment in your arms, but then she grips at your jacket and begins to breakdown into your shirt, "B-but, I abandoned you! How could that be right!?" she shouts, "Y-you have people waiting for you too right!? They would have been so sad to lose you! And yet I still choose myself and left you to die! If you died back there, it would have been all my fault! When you got brought back, covered in all those wounds, I was so afraid that you died because I was selfish! You suffered so much because I was selfish!" By the end of her rant, she's begun to wail. The people around have begun to stare and whisper about you two.

But you ignore them and continue to speak, "But I'm alive now." you state, "I'm alive and I can still fight. I suffered but I can still fight. I nearly died, but I still cling to life. I was betrayed, but I'm still stand by you." you pull her tighter, "You shouldn't cry just because I suffered for a choice that didn't even kill me. You're an aspiring Hunter right? I thought you wouldn't have taken this test if you were soft." you state.

"How can I call myself a Hunter if I run away and leave my friends at the first sign of danger! That just makes me a coward!" she screams.

"There's nothing cowardly about valuing your life." you say, "But if you really hate running that much then fight. Fight in this Exam to become stronger." you state, "You can run away and abandon me. But never abandon yourself." you finish.

She continued to cry. She cried, she cried, she cried. At first you thought your words didn't get through to her. But then the tears stop and she stands back. She looks up to you, trying her best to not sob or cry.

She wipes away her tears and speaks, "I won't run away ever again. I promise." she says resolutely, "So will you stand by my side again Derrick? Will you still trust me?" she asks

Well?

>Of course

>Sorry, I can't trust you.

>You'll have to earn it

>(Write-in)

>>2122049
>>You'll have to earn it

>You'll have to earn it

>>2122049
>>Of course
You guys are so mean to the poor girls :(

>>2123289
There is nothing wrong with having to earn trust. Anyone would be upset that they were left for death at one point and vanilia is a bitch anyways.

>>2122056
>>2122796
>>2123289
>>2123992

Sorry to be late!
>Trust is earned, not given.
>Writing

File: Spoiler Image (148 KB, 225x350)

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https://youtu.be/moqi_KQRHQM?list=LLyGEcilFvkdhXzL2HYpnMaQ

"You'll have to earn it" you state, "I can't just trust you again just because you ask, but that doesn't mean I won't give you a chance. So if you're really sorry..." you extend your hand and speak, "You'll earn it this time." you state.

Etheline takes a moment to stare at your extended hand and in the next, she's grasping it tightly, "Yeah! You're right, I'll prove that I'm worth your trust this time! So when I do..." she begins to trail, "When I do... I'll make sure that you'll be able to call me a real friend this time! That's a Promise!" she says with a real smile.

>60 points for Etheline, 30 before advancement.

"Don't worry, I think you're already half-way there." you say with a warm smile.

"Uh, I'd just hate to ruin your little moment here. But you do know that half contestants are calling you two dysfunctional lovers right now." Vanilla interrupts.

Etheline glows red at the mention of the word 'lovers' and quickly lets go of your hand and looks away from you.

Feeling a little disappointed, you quickly turn your head to face the on-lookers of the large crowd. A good chunk of the 1000+ people have come to check out your spat with Etheline and Vanilla.

Jeez, some people don't know how to mind their own damn business. You prepare to tell the nosy bastards off, but then you spot someone in the crowd.

Hidden behind the crowd of on-lookers, you see a girl coming to check out what the fuss is about. Her red hair is unfamiliar, but everything else about her is.

Her apathetic yet cute face, her fit yet womanly figure, her cold and professional business suit. There's absolutely no way you could mistake her.

Before you know it, you're already rushing towards her.

File: Rea Springfield08.jpg (22 KB, 637x356)

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She begins to turn away and walk once she realizes nothing's wrong, you panic, thinking you might miss her again, "Rea!!!" so you shout her name to catch her attention.

At once she freezes and turns around. You burst through the crowd and stop your dash once your in-front of her. You hear the crowd whispering something about a 'second girl' but you don't care, your lost ally is before you.

"I've been looking for you! where have you been Rea." you say with excitement in your voice.

It's only been a half a day, but after everything you've been through, it feels like it's been a whole month since you've last seen her. She turns to look at you, but doesn't say anything.

You wait for her to respond but doesn't say anything, instead she looks you up and down, almost as if this is the first time she's ever seen you.

You speak again, "Um, Rea? Hello? I know it's been half a day and I'm a real mess right now, but I that doesn't mean you need to look at me like I've grown a fourth arm or something" you joke, "Isn't this the part where you berate me for taking so long to find you, or make some sassy comment about how I nearly died without you there to help me?" you say.

She continues to examine you like your some stranger, you begin to get worried and speak again, "Okay now you're scaring me. What is it? Am I so hot that you just can't staring or something? You don't need to tell me that, If want to just confess your love now, I won't sto-" before you can finish your joke, she finally speaks again,

"Sorry to interrupt you, but who are you exactly" she says in a mildly confused tone.

"What?" you blurt out.

(Continued)

File: Rea Springfield03.jpg (30 KB, 704x400)

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"You keep talking to me as if we know each other. But this is the first time I've ever met you. So can you please tell me who you are." She says in that same ol' deadpan voice.

But the familiarness of her voice only further worries you, because what she's saying makes no sense. You speak again, "What? Is this some kind of joke? if so, then it's a terrible one. I mean, your jokes have always been really bad, but this one has to be your worst one yet." you state, "You've been gone since our fight in barry's town and you're acting like I'm a stranger? If anything you should be glad I went out of my way to find you, I've already gained two new allies, both of which women. If you're not careful, you're good friend, Mr.Derrick might just be snatched away from you." you joke in a arrogant tone.

This is usually where she'd retort with something like, "Good, their probably more useful than you are if they can make you stroke your ego this hard. What are their abilities?" and you'd introduce her to Vanilla and Etheline.

But instead, she cranes her head to the side and speaks, "That's very good for you, now if you could please explain why're speaking to me, I believe we could get to the heart of the discussion. Please tell me who you are." she requests.

You begin to step back. You can't help, you feel like you've just been punched in the face, her words make no damn sense to you. Your the first person she ever talked to during the exam when you met on the airship, you and her fought and worked together for the entire exam until now. You even shared some of your past with her over some drinks. Did she seriously forget you?

What will you say?

>This has to be a joke: This is just Rea terrible humor. You refuse to believe she's forgetten about you, this must be some kind of test or something. It has to be.

>Is this some kind of plan?: Knowing Rea, this might be some kind of ploy to trick someone, she was always the type of girl to pull these kind elaborate plans. That has to be it.

>Stop screwing around!: This has to be a fucking joke. First she plants this weird gun on you, then she acts likes she's never met you before. Is this her true nature? Well you ain't gonna let her get away with that.

>>2124216
>>Stop screwing around!: This has to be a fucking joke. First she plants this weird gun on you, then she acts likes she's never met you before. Is this her true nature? Well you ain't gonna let her get away with that.

>>2124216
>>Is this some kind of plan?: Knowing Rea, this might be some kind of ploy to trick someone, she was always the type of girl to pull these kind elaborate plans. That has to be it.
Hunter exam y'all.
Can't be giving away all our info in front of literally everyone else.

>>2124233
>>2124401
I was just about to post. Giving it 20 minutes more.

>>2124216
>>Is this some kind of plan?: Knowing Rea, this might be some kind of ploy to trick someone, she was always the type of girl to pull these kind elaborate plans. That has to be it.

>>2124216
>Is this some kind of plan?: Knowing Rea, this might be some kind of ploy to trick someone, she was always the type of girl to pull these kind elaborate plans. That has to be it

>>2124233
>>2124401
>>2124463
>>2124568

>Is this your secret plan?

>Writing

You're about to question her on what she's talking about, when you figure out what's happening. This must be some kind of secret plan, something must have happened back in barry's town and she has to be hiding from someone or something.

You don't really understand, but you begin to play along, "Oh, sorry about that, it seems I mixed you up some else. Sorry about that." you say, sending a wink in her direction.

"Mixed me up with someone else? Are you saying there's someone who looks like me you're looking for?" she asks.

That's a weird question, you expected her to just say yes and dismiss you, you answer, "Yeah, I'm sorry, I happen to talk to a lot of beautiful girls, I must confused you for one of them." you say, trying to throw off whoever's stalking Rea.

Everyone around already seems to think you're some kind of player, so you can use that to make sure that the stalker thinks you're uninvolved with her.

But instead confusing her pursuer, you seem to only confuse her instead, "That doesn't answer my question. I'm asking you if you've seen someone who looks like me. Perhaps with black hair?" she asks.

Huh? did she just ask you if you've seen her before she disguised herself? you respond, "Uh, no, I've never seen anyone like that in my life. Who are you even talking about, some kind of sister? Is she as pretty as you are?" you keep acting like a creep trying to flirt with her to give her an excuse to send you away.

Instead, she begins to glare at you and speaks, "You're lying to me aren't you? Tell me where you saw that woman, or I'll make you tell me." she says with a dangerous edge to her voice.

The hell? Why is she threatening you? Is this part of the act? you speak, "Why are you threatening me babe? How could I lie to a girl as amazing as you? You cut me with your words, could you kiss the wound and make it all better?" you say while pointing at your lips.

You look like a goddamn idiot but anyone watching should have be completely thrown off by now. You hope that she'll finally send away after that cringy line, but instead she gets closer and grabs your shoulders.

She then pulls you down and grabs the back of your head and pulls it toward her face and then she kisses you deeply.

Intensity of the kiss is something to behold. She holds the back of your head tightly as gently but tightly presses her lips against yours. the crowd around you has begun to start gasping and shouting from the sudden public display of affection. You also hear the sound of Etheline freaking out and Vanilla whistling and wooing in the back.

As your mind recovers from the sudden attack on your lips. You fight against Rea's grip and attempt to free yourself, you pull at her arms, but they hold you like a vice grip and your incapable of even making them budge. However, as soon as she feels you tugging for freedom at her arms, she quickly lets go, causing you to fall over.

Once you land on your butt and look up at Rea with deep confusion, "Huh? What? What was that for?" you ask.

"It was clear you wouldn't give me an answer unless I complied with requests. I've given you what you want, now answer me. Where did you hear the name 'Rea', did you see someone like me with black hair and carrying a stranger pistol?" she asks, while bringing herself down to look you in the eye, "If you lie to me again, I will be forced to take drastic measures to force you to give me the answer. During the course of this exam, Over 90% of participants either end badly injured or even dead." she says with a voice filled with ice, "Are you sure you wish to join that statistic?" she says while glaring at you fiercely.

You can tell from the way she's speaking that these threats are real, but what the hell? Why the hell is she threatening you? Why the hell did she kiss you? Why is she acting like you've actually never met before? As you look her in the eye, you see that she even has the exact same eye color Rea does, but it feels like the very first time you've ever looked her in the eyes.

They feel cold and empty, deprived of any kind of feeling whatsoever, no light or deeper feeling. Black and empty, kinda like a corpse. Were her eyes always like this?

You get up and attempt to say something, but before you're able to say anything. You hear the trains whistle go off again and two voices follow it.

"Hey! Hey! Hey! While we just love seeing a good show of love..." A female voice shouts through an intercom on the train and then trails off, "The only one whose allowed to put on a show that drives the crowd crazy..."A male voice resounds through the intercom and also trails off, "IS US!!!" Before both combine and shout in unison.

Everyone turns back to the train and watches as the front entrance bursts open and two people jump from out from it and land with a dynamic pose.

Sorry to leave you hanging guys, but I have to go to bed early now. I'll continue posting in the morning.

>>2125092
Sorry to be so late, I had some business to attend to.

Back to our nosedive, down the rabbit hole.

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The sound of trumpets resound from seemingly nowhere as the dynamic duo make their obnoxiously loud entrance. The sound of blaring trumpets and the amplified voices of the Carlton twins turn the heads of all 1000+ people standing in the crowd.

Even your confrontation with Rea has been interrupted by the duo's entrance. You stare off at the familiar combo and see that something's different.

Instead of the usual magician's suit and stage girl outfit the duo wear, the two seem to be adorned in classic 1900s clothing.

Sheldon wears a brown duster vest and white shirt over brown pants with heavy, clanky boots. While Ami wears a loose red dress that looks perfect for the Can Can.

Needless to say, they both look like they just walked off a B-list western Comedy set, "Howdy there partners!" Sheldon shouts, "Are y'all ready fer the Hunter Exam!?" Ami Finishes.

Oh Great, they act like it too.

They stop shouting into their microphones for a second to gauge the audiences reactions. All they manage to receive is the awkward and unamused stares of over a 1000 people waiting for them to just stop and get it over with. "It's good to hear that yer all ready and rearing to go!" They don't stop however, as Sheldon continues to speak in an obliviously fake southern accent.

You get up and stare with a feeling of second-hand embarrassment and bemusement as you wonder what the hell drove them to think that this was a good idea.

Regardless, Ami picks up again, "Now, while y'all may be ready to get right into this exam. We got to pass on a few words of congratulations to those of you have arrived and survived coming here." Ami explains,

"We don't know if it was lady luck or the grace a God, but somehow you varmints made to this place and that means you at least qualify for the right to take the exam. Good job!" Sheldon states with thumbs up.

You feel like you deserve more then a shitty comedy routine and a thumbs up for what you went through, but it'd be a waste of time to complain now.

You turn away from the two showboaters as they throw more garbage jokes at a clearly uninterested audience, you have to deal with your problem with Rea first. But as you turn back to face Rea, you see that she has disappeared without a trace.

Again.

Seriously, how the hell does she keep doing that?

what was with her? She was acting like she never met you and kept asking you where you last saw her but with 'black hair' as if their two different people.

Then she assaults you with a kiss and says she'll kill you if you don't tell her where to find herself. You'd say it was all an elaborate act, but those eyes as she spoke to you... Those eyes weren't human.

The words of Darby fly back to you all at once. He called Rea a monster, a beast that controlled another beast and questioned how you could call her an ally.

You finally manage to find Rea and yet you still have no idea what's happening or who she is. What a mess...

What was with her? She was acting like she never met you and kept asking you where you last saw herself but with 'black hair' as if their two different people.

Then she assaults you with a kiss and says she'll kill you if you don't tell her where to find herself. You'd say it was all an elaborate act, but those eyes as she spoke to you... Those eyes weren't human.

The words of Darby fly back to you. He called Rea a monster, a beast that controlled another beast and questioned how you could call her an ally.

You finally manage to find Rea and yet you still have no idea what's happening or who she is. What a mess...

"..And that's how I met your Auntie!", Speaking of messes...

You catch the tail end of some garbage southern joke by Sheldon, probably something about incest. The audience begins to groan in unison from annoyance.

"Alright, alright. I'll save the cowboy routine for the camp fire songs and movie sets..." Sheldon says, finally getting the hint and throwing off his cowboy hat in disappointment.

"Awwww, we're done with this one already? I practiced that stupid dance and wore my bloomers and everything..." Ami finally drops the accent and looks down in a pout.

Sheldon clears his throat and speaks, "You've done a great job in making it this far, Aspiring Hunters. This was no easy feat I'm sure, especially for those of you who weren't from around this Area. Being able to adapt to unfair conditions and press on to reach your goal is truly a sign of a good, well-rounded hunter. We are proud to see you make it this far." Sheldon states, in a much more genuine voice.

"But don't think that just because you managed to make it this far that the hard part is over, in fact, it's the opposite." Ami continues, "The easy part has just ended, from here on out. Hell awaits you all." She finishes.

That statement managed to illicit some frightened whispers from the crowd as they wait for them to continue.

Sheldon picks up again, "Earlier today, I personally greeted the 300 of you that arrived first at the airport. Since then, over 5000 of you have arrived to take this exam. But as you can see, only 1000 of you have made it this far." Sheldon states.

5000? So the 300 that arrived with were just the early birds? You heard the Hunter exam was huge, but this is just ridiculous...

Ami picks up, "The reason for this is simple, those who did not make it were either not skilled enough to find this place. Or they did make here, only to preyed on by the dangerous magical beasts that wander this place. Those who made it out of this stage alive and unharmed should consider themselves lucky. Those that didn't will have to wait another year to re-take the exam or won't be coming back to exam ever again, either due to extreme bodily harm or death." Ami finishes.

"You may write them off as riff-raff or failures. But I would consider those men and women far luckier than any of you standing here. At least they get to turn back." Sheldon states.

"Those of you here have lost the right to turn back, you have come this far, so now you can only exit this exam by giving up, running away and never looking back. Or dying and having us and the other examiners clean up your corpses." Sheldon says in a deadly serious voice.

The once loud and determined crowd has gone deathly silent, it seems they forgot just how much was at stake for this exam. Failing and being sent back to try again may be frustrating, but to those who make it past the easy stages have far more then simple pride at stake.

Ami picks up, "To the first 300 who arrived here by airport, me and my brother made a prediction. Do you remember what it was?" Ami asks, "We predicted, that out of everyone we see before us, only 20 would actually manage to pass this exam and gain a hunter's license. Even with a 1000 more of you here, that prediction hasn't changed, in fact, Seeing all of you here now, I'm convinced that only 20 or less of you here are actually capable of surviving all the way to the end of this exam." Sheldon states.

Ami picks up, "Bare in mind, we are not trying to scare or intimidate you, we only wish to give you fair warning. We don't wish to see any of you fail this exam but we also cannot allow you wander into hell blindfolded. Now that you know this, will you still press on?" Ami asks in a considerate tone.

Out of the 1000 people here, not one person responded or even raised their hand. Every last one of them had come to comprehend just what they had walked into.

You on the other hand, knew right from the get-go that this wouldn't be easy, so you aren't shaken from hearing about something you already knew. There's no way they could make this any worse for you.

The place is as silent as a graveyard for what seems like an eternity, then Sheldon and Ami speak, "But there's no need to worry!" Sheldon shouts, "Because we, The Carlton Twins, will be here to provide you with the finest in Hunter entertainment to de-stress you and brighten your spirits while we travel to the Hunter Exam site!" Ami shouts with a pose.

Nevermind, they made it worse.

"But before we share the details of our amazing show, we have some time to kill before we set off. Use it to get to know your fellow contestants better, or relax and mentally prepare yourself for what's to come! Or you can even use it to do some scandalous and sensual activities with your lovers while no's looking, this might be your last chance!" Sheldon shouts, "We already know someone's getting his freak on while we weren't around. ISN'T THAT RIGHT BLONDIE!" Ami shouts in your direction.

"WHO THE HELL YOU CALLING A HORNEY BLOND BASTARD YOU CRINGEY BITCH!!" You explode in anger at the mention of the name Blondie. How the hell did she spot in the middle of this thick crowd? AND WHY THE HELL DOES SHE HAVE TO CALL YOU OUT JUST BECAUSE SHE SEES YOU!?

After that tirade of anger, all eyes land back on you. You just glare and growl at all of the on-lookers and they turn away promptly.

Damn this day just get better and better doesn't it? Well you have time to kill and even worse reputation to clear up.

What will you do now?

>Talk to the Carlton Twins.

>Talk to Etheline and Vanilla

>Talk to Noell and the Maid

>Talk Some of the contestants

>Find Rea and get some answers

[You have enough time to do at-least three events, choose wisely]

>>2126890
>>Talk to Noell and the Maid

>>2126895
Thank them*

>>2126895
>>2127139

Sorry to be late again. This is happening way too often...

Back to the grind!

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As much as you would love to get some answers from Rea or catch up with the Carlton twins, there's something that must be done.

You've been dreading it since you've awakened, but if you don't do it, you're sure it will bite you right in the ass later. You take a deep breath and turn away from the crowd and begin your march towards your newest enemy.

You exit the crowded area of the open-air train station and head over to a much quieter and secluded section of the area. It only takes you a minute before you close the distance between yourself and your target, you let out the breath you were holding in and look your adversary in the eye.

You stare at Noell and the strange maid that sit nexts to him. Noell stares back at you, but instead of greeting you, he simply lets out a displeased groan and goes back to crowd-watching.

You feel a vein pop up on the top of your head and barely resist the urge to insult him and just turn back. You promised to knock this emo's head into the nearest rock if you saw him again, but you would have died if it wasn't for his help.

Because of that, you have no choice but to thank him for saving your life. However, not only did he say he would've left you to die if he had the choice, he also promised to literally throw you to the dogs if you died on the way.

Not to mention the memory of your fight back on the ship rush back and remind you just how much of a patronizing bastard he is.

But now that you're here, you can't walk away, so you might as well...

What will you do?

>Thank him for saving you: Emo asshole or not, you always thanks those who help you. If it wasn't for him, you'd end up being another number on the Hunter Exam body count.

>Ignore him and talk to the maid: Not like the guy wants your thanks anyway. He probably just ignore you or tell you to piss off 'for thinking he needs your thanks'. Screw this loser, you wanna learn about the maid.

>>2128862
>>Thank him for saving you: Emo asshole or not, you always thanks those who help you. If it wasn't for him, you'd end up being another number on the Hunter Exam body count.

>>2128886
>Thank him
>Writing

You take another deep breath and try your best to reel back the anger and swallow your pride.

You look down at Noell and you can see in his face that he's just waiting for you to leave already, however you ignore his silent request and speak, "Thanks for saving me. If it wasn't for you, I would have died and all my effort would have been for nothing." you state.

You can't believe you actually manged to do it, but there it is, you said it. Now comes the part you've been dreading...

Noell stays un-responsive to your gratitude for a while, at first you think he might have just brushed you off without even acknowledging you.

You get ready to just turn back and find something better to do, but then Noell speaks, "I don't need your thanks." he states before you leave.

Oh you saw this one coming, you respond, "Yeah, yeah. then your going to tell me I'm too good for your thanks or something just as edgy or cliche right? I'll just take off now.." you say with a dismissive tone.

You begin to walk away as Noell speaks again, "Thank the useless girl to my left. She's the one who carried you and patched up your wounds." Noell continues.

"Huh?" You stop suddenly and turn back.

"She was the one who saved your life, not me. Go thank her if you want thank someone." He explains.

You look over to the maid to the left, he just called her 'useless girl' right? Then this must be the woman that Noell had with him when he spotted you.

The once silent maid finally speaks up, "Young master, using names like 'useless girl' rather than my real name is very hurtful. Could you at least formally introduce me?" she asks nicely.

"Did you just order me, you second rate sow? If you don't want me to send you back into the forest to feed the beasts than you'd best tell him your name yourself." He retorts.

She visibly convulses without changing facial expression, this kind of abuse must be normal to her now...

"I apologize for my rudeness young master. I shall introduce myself." Even so, she doesn't complain and promptly introduces herself.

File: Florette Rutland01.jpg (243 KB, 600x750)

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The maid quickly stands up and presents herself with a graceful and complex bow. She dips her head low and moves her left leg infront of her right while bending her knees slightly.

She then speaks, "This one is known as Florette Rutland, Current Head maid of the Cromwell family and personal servant to young master Noell. I hope that our meeting here will bring about a beautiful friendship." She says with a heartwarming smile.

You'd feel amazed at the Florette's grace and loving voice. But everything that just left her mouth has thoroughly confused you and so you can only respond with a look of complete bewilderment.

Florette notices your confusion and speaks, "Is something the matter? Did I stutter? Is something on my face? Why do you look so surprised?" She asks.

"Well, um..." Where to even begin with this one...

"It's probably because he can see that your bowing posture is complete trash. Have you even tried to practice any of the etiquette techniques I taught you or were you just daydreaming with that flowerbed you call a brain?" Noel asks.

"What are you talking about young master? I've been practicing my bow and introduction daily as to not shame your name. How have I gone wrong?" Florette asks.

"First of all, You're not mean't to bring your head all the way down, you shouldn't show people the back of your unsightly head, you should only bring your head down enough for people to see your scalp, although that's equally disgusting in your case. Your stance is correct, but your left leg is too far ahead, you look like a drunken buffoon trying to be fancy man. The only part you managed to get right was how you bend your knees, but with everything else going so terribly wrong, you've only managed to embarrass me as a teacher
and prove that even years of training and a proper education can only make you learn about 1/3 of any intelligent subject matter." Noell lets loose a torrent of insults for what seem like tiny mistakes, "If didn't want to bring shame to my name, then give up, you've already failed. Your entire existence is shameful." Noell finishes.

By the end of his tirade of mental abuse, Florette's legs are shaking and she looks like she can barely keep her balance. She tries to hide her pain, but the biting of her lip clearly gives away the frustration hidden behind her thick, foggy glasses.

You'd say something to help her, but your brain is working full-force to understand what it heard. Head maid? Cromwell Family? Personal Servant? Young master Noell?

What the hell? The way she keeps describing herself and Noell almost makes it sound like...

"Young master Noell. Prince of Brenho, this one begs your forgiveness for her uselessness!" She shouts as she prostrates herself before Noell.

What?

File: Noell Cromwell04.jpg (1019 KB, 900x900)

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You slowly crane your head away from Florette and face Noel. You speak with bewilderment in your voice, "Noell...you're a prince?" you ask.

Noell takes a second to hold his hand against his face to hide the intense disappointment in his expression. After sighing deeply, he speaks, "This maid will be the death of me...." he whispers to himself before turning back to you, "I'd like to tell you that this incompetent dolt is just spouting nonsense. But it seems I'll have to tell you the truth." Noell states.

"My Name is Noell Cromwell. I am the first son of Lucious Cromwell and crown prince of the Kingdom of Brenho. I hope that our meeting here will bring about a graceful future." Noell gives a swift and noble bow as he speaks in unusually polite tone.

You find yourself utterly speechless. You don't even know how to process this idea. Noell? Crown prince of a kingdom? The depressing, anti-social, rude and possibly sociopathic Noell?

You'd usually call everything he's saying a load of crap and just move on. But the fact that he has an actual maid makes it kinda hard to deny.


But at the same time, your mind finds it hard to comprehend the idea of Noell ruling over anything that isn't a overly expensive hair gel store.

You look over and analyse the man's lithe visage.He wears a black jacket over a black T-shirt. His Black Tactical pants over black military boots give him a strangely resourceful look. But the fact that you can't find anything that isn't black on him doesn't help the fact that he looks like a teenage boy band reject rather than a prince.

"Now then..." Noell says suddenly, interrupting your thought process, he walks over to where Florette resides on the ground. Her entire body has almost gone completely prone as she brings her head down into the dirt and grass.

Noell kneels down to chop her on the back of the head and speaks, "How long are you going to kneel down dumbass. You've already embarrassed me in front of this idiot, do you want this entire crowd to watch your idiocy?" Noell asks.

Florette holds her head from the pain and whispers something to herself under her breath before she quickly complies.

She gets up with extraordinary speed and dust herself just as fast, you blink and the instant you open your eyes she's already completely cleaned herself up and stands with nobility next to Noell.

They both turn you and then Noell speaks, "I'm sure you have a few questions about all this. Since you went through the trouble of walking over here and dealing with this blundering idiot, I'll answer them for you as apology." he states.

You have more the few questions but you doubt that Noell will be patient enough to address them all.

So you'd best start with the ones that confuse the most right now...

What will you ask?

>What is the Kingdom of Brenho?

>What is a prince doing in the Hunter Exam?

>Why do you have your maid with you?

>Why are you so abusive toward your maid?

[Choose any two]

>>2133739
>What is the Kingdom of Brenho?

>What is a prince doing in the Hunter Exam?

>>2133978

>Writing

File: Federation of Ochima.jpg (27 KB, 523x229)

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You hold your chin and look down for a moment to sort out your thoughts. After a brief moment of silence you speak again, "Okay, what is the kingdom of Brenho? I think I've heard that name before, but I have no idea where the place is." you ask.

"Do you know of the Federation Of Ochima? It's a collection of various kingdoms that control one of the largest continents in the world. There are many different kingdoms with their own policies, traditions, cultures, people and regional relationships. Of those many kingdoms, there is one kingdom that controls the majority of the land and political power and thus acts as a central governing force to all the other kingdoms. That's the kingdom of Brenho, my home." Noell explains.

"So you live in a nation that's also several different nations? Yet your still known as one nation with a single government?" you ask.

"Not exactly. A Federation is a collection different individual nations, each with their own set of internal affairs and governing force, because of this, a long time ago, the many nations were constantly at war and were causing untold amounts of destruction to one another for supremacy of Ochima. That war lasted over 1000 years and killed over 1000,000 people over it's course. This war became known as the Ochiman War of Bloody petals. As blood-red flowers started to pop up after battles and created crimson flower fields." Noell continues.

Florette perks up and speaks, "However, that war came to an end when one kingdom claimed enough land and gained enough military power that no other nation could possibly fight back. But instead of destroying the other nations and claiming dominance over the continent, they used their overwhelming strength to declare the country a federation and end all strife within the continent. That kingdom was Brenho and so they became the Federation central government. This stopped the era of warring kingdoms and made the once divided nation into central, united nation." Florette explains.

You nod your head in understanding, "Okay ,so basically, one kingdom controls the whole operation, but all the other kingdoms still exist as their own separate provinces and nations that rule as their own nation outside the federation. Kinda like a department store, expect a lot more violent," you summarize.

"You catch on quick for an idiot. That's exactly right. 'We are one yet many, divided yet whole. There many nations, yet one Ochima.', That's the official motto of the country." Noell explains.

You glare at Noell for an instant, but he pretends to not notice and continues, "The kingdom of Brenho has continued to be the most powerful kingdom in the large continent, using it's overwhelming military power and technology to keep the other kingdoms in line. Our military is even strong enough to rival international superpowers like Kukan'yu and Untied States of Saherta." Noell explains.

He continues, "I grew up there and lived there most of my life." He then points to Florette, "This unrivaled idiot is from Daoma, one of the smaller but more wealthy and meritocratic nations of Ochima. She was sent over to represent her nation as Head maid of The Cromwell Family also known as royal family of Brenho. A grand honor for a poor disgraceful fool." Noell says while shaking his head.

" I hope you will excuse my rudeness master. But that hurts my feelings, I earned the right to represent my kingdom because of my reputation as being one of the continents skilled warriors along with my vast knowledge in the field of medicine and politics. For you to act like i'm an incompetent idiot and a mediocre fighter is an insult to me and my nation." Florette states politely.

Noell gives her a look of terrifying indifference as he points to the maids dress and speaks, "There's a spot of dust you missed." He states.

Florette looks down nervously and notices a tiny, speck of dust still staining her uniform, Noell continues, "If the best Daoma has to offer can't even clean themselves properly enough to be presentable in public. Then I fear Daoma has a dark future ahead of it." He states without even looking at her.

You watch as Florette staggers back and holds her head down in shame. You just ignore shame-stricken maid and ask your next question, "Alright crown prince of Brenho. What brings thine royal presence to this lowly exam site?" You say in an sarcastic fancy tone.

Noell looks at you with annoyance and says nothing, you sigh and speak, "Why the hell is a prince in the hunter exam? You could be lounging around a castle with hot maids feeding you cherapes*."
(A magical mix of cherries and grapes, Highly expensive)

"Huh? Didn't I already tell you back on the airship? I want to feel want it's like to be truly selfless. To me, there's no one more selfless than a Hunter. I'm sure even you can fill in the blanks." Noell states rudely.

"Yeah, yeah. Something something self-sacrifice, something something i'm a sociopathic edgelord." you say in an exasperated tone, not wanting to go over previously covered topics.

Noell gives you a look of contempt and turns his head away, "And you call me the rude one. If that's all you wanted to know then could you please leave? I want to watch the crowd and pick out any worthy competition." Noell states.

Man you cannot stand talking to this ass-hat. You have a few more questions but you also have other people to talk to right now. Maybe it's time to move on...

What will you do?

>Talk to someone else

>Continue talking to Noell

[Bare in mind, If you choose to continue talking, then you will have less time to talk to the other]

>>2134562
>>Talk to someone else

>>2134583

Okay, since the thread has gone into auto-sage, i'm going to end it after the next string of posts and start the next thread sometime next week.

Hopefully I'll be less sick and busy....

>Writing

You decide you've officially had enough teenage angst for today and speak, "Fine then Mr. Prince. I hope your maid doesn't end up getting fed up with your crap and quitting. I wouldn't blame her." you say as you turn around and begin to walk away.

As you march back to the crowded area, you see that the crowd has thinned a bit as people have separated to form individual groups or stay by their lonesome. While this isn't strange, the lack of noise or enthusiasm is.

That speech from earlier must of really gotten people on edge for what's to come. You can practically taste the anxiety in the air.

You scan the area to see what's changed. Etheline and Vanilla have separated, probably due to the difference in levels of remorse that the two share, making it difficult for them to talk to one another with issue still fresh.

The Carlton twins seem to be discussing something privately at the moment. More then likely discussing the details of their ' Ultimate Hunter Entertainment' show. You can't help but feel anxious as every time those two have had a hand in anything in this Exam, it always seems to end with several people nearly dying, including yourself.

You still can't see Rea anywhere in plain sight, if you didn't know any better, you might think that she's disappeared into thin air. You still need answers from her, especially after that last encounter.

You wonder exactly what's going to happen from here on out. Before you woke up, you spoke with a strange entity who said a ton of confusing things before you suddenly became friends with it.

Then you finally run into Rea again, yet she acts like she's never met you or even knows what she was like before she dyed her hair red. You still don't know if that confrontation from earlier was all part of some elaborate plan of hers or all her threats were real and you have one more one person out to get you.

But it's not just your enemies you have to worry about, you also had your allies turn their backs on you just a little earlier. You don't want to sound paranoid, but it might be time to rely on your teammates less and trust yourself more. You came in this Exam for yourself and that might be all you have left.

You just really hope it doesn't stay that way forever...

Especially not when you can change it.

[Thread 8 END]

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Sorry for the abrupt end. But I need to recover from this cold and set-up for the next thread.

I hope you enjoyed this thread and look forward to the next one.