Now one might wonder what happened to a particular girl that left William's room before he entered First, prior to the Avalon.

All he knew was that she had left but a little more than this actually did occur.

Exiting with a strange look on her face and her hood off, Amy, the following stalker, finally realized who she was, the infamous beast queen blood. To her, that was the only name she knew as no other had been given or openly released. As her mental condition had made her somewhat famous, she had a number of people who knew her which included all of the elites.

Amy's mind whirled into overdrive.

Recruit!

An opportunity for a good recruit had appeared and Amy had already begun forming a plan in her mind to pull this wonderful player in. If she did, she would have another elite in the guild.

Amy quickly walked over and intercepted, pulling the beast queen out of sight from Williams’s door.

She had quite the ordeal in doing it as the quiet as Jennifer, still attached to her, semi-planted her feet in protest. It was an expected action as no one continued down the rabbit hole willingly.

"Beast queen blood. It's nice meeting you."

Beast queen blood just starred, being a little annoyed but mostly dazed over resent affairs.

Amy continued, "I have some information you might be interested in. William will be on the Avalon very soon and I was planning on recruiting him into my guild Paroxysm. Would you like to join him?"

Beast Queen Blood got flushed but didn't respond.

"Hehe, make your best time to get to the Avalon and I'll leave a message on how to contact me with the guild hall. He's already there so don't delay. I'm sure you want to spend more time with him."

Beast queen blood got even more flushed then took off. She ran all the way out of the building, took an air taxi and then bolted to her room to play.

There wasn't much time to look but her room was very cute. She had pink and white items along with her known daily accessories. Some of it was a plushy bed sack, white drapes and blinds, and a photo of her and another older girl too young to be her mother. That photo was right beside two soft and cuddly plushy white tigers.

Without delay she jumped into first.

What came into being in First was the exact same girl, albeit, one with abilities befitting the title beast queen.

Climbing out from the roots of a large tree she had made her den, beast queen blood began bolting through the forest. She was searching for something and she quickly found it, a giant white falcon.

Still increasing her speed, she approached it before it could react and made it her mount. It was a quality of those with beast blood to command a single full blooded beast without question, provided they were stronger.

She was definitely stronger.

The falcon flew faster and faster and faster, getting nervous as it did. The creature was headed straight for a dragon line gate and it knew that it would die in there.

Beast queen blood didn't intend for it sacrifice itself though as she connected to it to close it wings and tilt forward.

"*screeeeeech!*" was what left the falcon's mouth as beast queen blood pushed off her back and into the gate.

The falcon was overjoyed to not enter the gate but felt immense pain from the impact and could only fly away exhausted, never to be seen again.

Beast queen blood on the other hand took off like a hot torpedo in space.

She felt hated this part and put everything into defence.

There were no problems at first but as she strayed further in, her proximity to the centre dwindled, sending her straight into the high winds.

She hid her tail between her legs and ears beneath her hands but still felt the thousands of razor blades sinking through her skin.

It hurt. Allot.

But still, out she came on the other side though battered bruised and bloody.

She then began to fall, slowing herself down on the branches of some trees before landing on the ground with a thump.

Above her was the Avalon. She had gotten where she wanted to go, mostly.

She began to walk, then jog, run and finally run with hands and paws on the ground. At the same time her white tiger blood regenerated her, returning her to a healthy demeanour in due time.

At this pace it wouldn't be long until she reached a point at the Avalon that could pick her up and take her to the guild hall.

***

John heard his name William and was confused. Who was this girl? Why did she know his name?

"And you are?" John inquired.

"Tia. Earth. Tia. First. Tia. Sweets. You? Forget?"

John racked his brain then considered, 'that Tia.'

"Tia from the other day in the botany reserve?"

Niera was lost in this conversation...

"That. Tia."

"Well what a strange coincidence, you heading to the Guild hall as well?"

"Yes. I. Go. There... With. John?"

"I don't mind. Niera, this is Tia. It's my first time meeting her in First but I've met her once on earth."

"On Earth?" Niera was a bit taken back by the development but turned to Tia and bowed. "A friend of John is a friend of mine. I apologize for striking your subordinate so severely."

"It. Fine. Well. Deserved."

"Btw Tia, call me John here."

"Kay. John."

"And if your okay now, could you please get off my lap."

"But. Comfy."

"*sigh*" John put his arms at her waste and lifted, bringing her into the air as he got back to his feet where he put her down.

All three then went to the guild hall, passing a small teleport magic array as they did. The ship was simply too big, walking there would have taken ages.

***

The guild hall was a large and rowdy place.

It could easily fit close to a ten thousand 'regular' sized individuals with about 1500 of them here now.

On one side was a huge diner and bar worked over by a number of bustling workers consisting of both sexes. The servers were easy to spot having been outfitted in attire befitting maids and butlers of the Victorian era with the bartenders having similar attire but with modern bar scene inspirations mixed in. For the gals that meant they showed allot more skin and he guys, allot more new school class.

Opposite to this were the expensive markets of high quality goods. It housed a number of premium quality items that players with the money could buy. If one wanted cheaper goods, there were any number of places to go on the Avalon but here was 99% of the best that could be offered.

Those stores had everything, from potions to weapons to strange pieces of art.

John eyed a particular stall selling masks and walked over.

Resting over a wooden dowel was a long black piece of cloth less than the width a hand. It was embroidered and fancy but still looking to be a simple cloth.

Pointing to it, "How much for this?"

The merchant behind looked up from working on one of his masks and gave an unamused glance. As a merchant he wasn't easily swayed by the girls at John's sides, he was only concerned by the fact that John had pointed out something cheap.

Looking back down, "ten gold."

John pulled out the funds and gave it to the merchant who in turn gently folded up the cloth and placed it in a bag, who then returned his attention to his work.

Slipping it into his soul realm, John put it away.

"What was that John?" Niera asked, now out of earshot from the merchant.

"Seer cloth."

"Seer. Cloth?" Tia ask while Niera inspected the material from memory.

"Hmm? How to put it..." John pondered.

"Paranormal augmentor? Might be its best description."

Tia tilted her head. It wasn't an item she recognized.

"Never. Heard. But. Thanks. Info. Then."

"No problem ."

They continued on to the back where it opened up for the main feature.

Lining the entire back wall was one long desk with many attendants behind it talking to those in front of them. Above it was floor after of housing bulletin boards with energy streams capable of floating you from level to level.

This was the core of this guild hall branch where assignments, requests, and inquiries were made about everything and anything.

Seeing a free attendant, John approached.

"Hello sir, how may I help you today? Are these two your companions?"

The attendant was gawking at Niera which made Tia annoyed.

"Sort of... But more importantly, a friend of mine said she would leave a method of contact her at the guild hall."

"Is that so, her name?"

"Mirajia Redknight of the guild Paroxysm."

"One moment. Mirajia, Mirajia, " the lady touched a crystal ball in front of her and repeated the name out loud.

"Ah here we go... Says to meet her in the diner, table 308. If she's not there right now she'll be there soon."

"I see, I'll be going there then."

"Is there anything else?"

"No, you've been very helpful."

"Not to worry, it's what I get paid for. Please enjoy your stay aboard the Avalon."

John walked away and aimed a question at Tia.

"What did you need to do aboard the Avalon?"

"Information."

"About?"

"Everything."

"Right.............. So Niera, let's show you where you need to be looking."

John took her to the desk's side and entered the light. It brought them to the second floor.

Walking up to the oversized board just as large as the over sized desk below, John placed his hand.

"Elder dragon." John spoke.

Beneath his hand there was a sheet of paper pinned to the wall. Its contents were irrelevant, something about a farmer needing an escort for his product. Yet still the edges glowed a feint blue light which then concentrated to form a dot. From this dot this dot it became a line that began traveling across the board.

It was searching for something and the trio began following it as it traveled towards the board's center.

There they found a new sheet which made Niera and John step back after reading it.

Rally point is Trent. Please come or send a representative for your group to register.

-Advent.>

"Well," John began, "it looks like you have found your way Niera."

"They intend to kill an elder dragon? How? Why?"

Tia, "interesting. Advent. Strong?"

John responded, "Yes, Advent is strong but they shouldn't be that strong. Something is off with this."

"Hmm. Interesting."

John directed himself towards Niera, "I've shown you how to search the boards. Use it to find out what you can and when you're done with that, come find me. Though if I'm done first, I'll find you."

John turned to leave and Niera's eyes narrowed while she placed her hand on the board. He took the second stream of light which gently lowered him to the floor below.

Finding himself at one of the dinner's entrances, he waited, eventually being addressed by one of the maids.

"Good evening sir, how may I help you?"

"Table 308 please."

"Right this way please."

John followed her as she weaved between tables, eventually finding her mark.

"Table 308 Sir. Is there anything you would like?"

"No, this much is fine. Thank you."

"My pleasure sir. Then I'll be taking my leave."

The maid curtsied and left to serve a less attended area.

There was just one person at this table, a fair looking lady with a glowing red mane of fiery hair.

At her side was a bone staff which was likely to be expensive, given that parts of it were glowing with energy. Her clothes consisted of a black form fitting robe that did not make it to the knees which continued on as thin black leggings. It wasn't modest in the slightest for she wore laced heels as well that stopped at her calves. To run in those you would need something akin to an air walking spell, they weren't cheap.

She turned around, the spitting image of Amy's face coming into view.

"Oh John, I presume. I'm glad you made it. Sit. Sit."

"Mirajia, it's nice to finally meet you." John returned and took a place beside her.

"Yes. Sorry if I'm a little out of sorts. It’s just been one of those days. This is our guild table you see, so I've been here taking care of this and that for the people who drop in."

"I see. Is this a bad time?"

"Not at all. I really wanted to meet you and frankly, could use the distraction."

"Well, that's good then. It is nice to meet a fellow classmate."

Mirajia waved a hand and a handsome, well poised butler came over to her service.

"Ma'am, how may I be of assistance today?"

"One nine heavens dew and John, would you like something?"

"Silver leaf spring water." John replied. It was a cheap drink, though at the upper end of a commoner’s budget. He was really selling his cover.

The butler left with a bow returning in a few moments with their drinks.

Mirajia continued, "So John, how are you enjoying first?"

"Can't complain, I've enjoyed my fair share of adventure and can go where I please."

"Is that so? Been anywhere special lately? Memorable maybe?"

John gave a resounding yes in his head but said, "Not really, how about yourself?"

"Oh plenty, with our guild ship active we've been going to remote areas to take on higher densities of monsters."

"That's fascinating, what have you managed?"

"Well, one of our more memorable fights was probably a king salamander. It got pretty hectic still, we pulled through. Growler got the finishing blow but it was largely a group effort. Other than that, most of what we've been doing is subjugation over large areas so not as concentrated."

"Sounds like you are all working hard."

"Yes, but being there for each other has its own rewards so we enjoy it. And we get allot more done together while going to places we couldn't go alone."

John smiled.

"So John, travelling alone?"

"Usually, but I've picked up a passenger recently. She needed help getting to the Avalon so I lent a hand."

"Well aren't you the gentleman. Doesn't that count as something memorable?"

John shrugged his shoulders, "I'm too laid back to consider anything memorable."

"Heh, is that so."

At that moment a young man came up seeking Mirajia's attention.

"Mirajia, assault squads 3 and 4 have finished prepping and are awaiting instructions."

"Understood. Have them board a shuttle and get underway. I'll be leaving with the last shuttle."

"We will be heading out then."

John poked his nose in after he left. "Looks like you are busy."

"*sigh* yes, this business in Trent has caught us by surprise. Our guild ship is out on mission and those of us stationed on the Avalon are taking public transports. We'll get the shield to the fight but it won't be passing through Trent, hence the workarounds. It's a real headache and the main reason I can sit around at the guild table twiddling my thumbs. I'm here working as a check in that makes sure everyone gets on and going."

"Sounds rough."

"*humph* it's what I signed on for so I don't mind. And its better this way as I can make sure no one gets left behind."

"Well at least you’re taking care of them properly."

"I guess Jennifer is on the shield then?"

"Oh? Are you curious about Angela? Is that a hint of interest I hear in your voice?"

John spoke his head, "no, but I presume I'm correct?"

"Haha, I'm just teasin. Yes, she's with the shield, along with growler and a few others."

"How come they left you behind alone then?"

"They didn't have a choice. Someone's gotta play the role of administration or it all falls apart."

"So you would have gone if you could?"

"Yup, I'm pretty strong you know but it just wasn't in the cards this time." Mirajia gave a wink.

"That's too bad, I don't think I could manage sitting still in first.”

"Yah, you move around allot don't you John. How's the life of a scout?" A small hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"I've gotten lucky with it a few times in being first to a few places. It's enough to get by comfortably for awhile."

"That's good. Ever think of doing more with those skills?"

There it was, subtle yet undoubtedly present. Do you want more out of first? Well I run a guild that could help with that. Want to join?

John could tell where this conversation was headed. Though he wasn't sure why she would want a scout. Was she just focused on numbers?

John gave a knowing smile, answering yet not answering her question. "So water Mage huh? How's that coming along?"

"Oh, it's going good. It's a pretty balanced class for healing and control type attacks. You can make terrain muddy, fog to cut vision, high speed water bullets, and thunder strikes from rain clouds at the later stages but I'm not there yet."

John pondered her answer. If she was still calling herself a water Mage it meant she had a long way to go. Water mages typically branched out into storm mages for attack or water fairies for healing. Both used their best abilities over a large area.

There was a storm Mage among those in Advent. What Paroxysm could do as a guild, he could probably do with one long hurricane spell. Though he better be running after the casting because the results were dangerous even to the caster.

"Well keep at it. Water Mage is a good class."

"What does scouts branch out into by the way. I'm sorry to say my knowledge is lacking on them."

"Hmm? Typically a stealth class of some sort. Force recon or infiltrator are two that come to mind. Never trained the skills for them though out of a lack of interest."

"They sound strong though."

"Yes and no. They may have the element of surprise in a fight but still don't have the combat potential to take down other classes. Their purpose remains to scout and don't do it any better with the extra skills."

"Why did you choose the class path then?"

"It was a bit random and is still a good exploring class. It gets me by."

"What about leading others to new areas? Act as a squad commander and logistics provider."

"No one would follow a scout."

"I could tell them too. They'd listen to you then."

"That's not how you run a group. Besides, I like my freedom."

"Haa, I don't see the merit in you operating on your own. It's dangerous and you might put your traits to use while in a group."

"Let me worry about those things, I've managed to now. And my traits wouldn't be better in a group. Scout vision though long is obscured by many things, uneven terrain and forests just to name a view. No, I'm better off alone."

"Muu, still I'd like to invite you to paroxysm. I'll definitely find a role you can support us with."

"I refuse."

"What about a signing bonus? A thousand gold maybe?"

"No."

"Ten thousand?"

"No!"

"A hundred thousand?"

"Mirajia, what's this about?"

"Hmm? I just want to get you to join, there's nothing suspicious about that right?"

"There's plenty suspicious."

"150 thousand?"

"Mirajia...?"

"200 thousand."

"Mirajia! What would your guild think if they saw how you were spending the hard earned efforts of the guild?"

"They trust me so it's fine."

"It's not fine with me."

"300 thousand!"

"Mirajia!"

"What? What is it that you want that will get you to join?"

"Mirajia, you don't have it so just stop."

"500 thousand!"

"Mirajia!"

"Is gold not enough? I could set aside private quarters on the shield. Fund a small group to exclusively follow your commands. How about that?"

John sighed.

This was going beyond a friendly meet between friends with common interests.

"Ok, what's your-" but before John could add the word, 'agenda' there was an uproar from behind. When he turned around there was an elegant silhouette of a part human girl, part white tiger speeding towards him.

She leapt forward at incredible speeds, moving from table to table with unmatched finesse. Glassware filled with liquid didn't produce so much as a ripple when she passed them nor did the table cloth beneath them slide in the slightest. This tiger girl had complete control of her body and the only reason John noticed her approach in the crowds of many were the arising comments like "hey!" And "watch it!"

John instantly recognized who it was even though her main body continued to disappear behind crowds. That tail flailing in the air was a dead giveaway as it curled left and right to help her balance in all of its black-white striped glory.

Looking at the table, John saw there was no fish at their table and was perplexed. What was Addy doing here?

Getting ready for a fight John with one hand fiercely gripped his chair, preparing to launch himself off of it should the need to defend himself arise.

But it didn't, Addy aimed for a spot directly beside John and timidly came to a stop, not showing any signs of hostility. Her claws were retracted and her tail was swaying not twitching, showing that she was relaxed.

After squatting so deep that her butt was nearly rubbing the floor, she grabbed John's free hand and placed it on her head.

It was so very soft and John couldn't help moving his fingers around a little to take in the feeling.

"Nyaa!" Addy let out in the most content cat like call John had ever heard following which she rubbed her cheek against his thigh as if a real cat.

...

John's mind was at a complete loss.