Lounging upon an overturned desert tree she sat, contemplating on the same thought that simply wouldn't allow her rest.

Guess I have to make a choice huh?

The mixture of excitement and fear blended into an odd feeling she couldn't quite place, in any case, waiting no longer held any merit.

Feeling the familiar pain pulsate in her chest had tossed the figurative last straw in her mind.

Bastard gave me this "gift" so I suppose not dying a slow and painful death to a fire burning inside would be a good thing. Fireroot ahoy!

Besides, she had a master plan for bypassing her speech problem that would probably persist for some time.

I've just got to draw in fire! That sounds so cool!!

Her eyes lit up as she hovered over her status, the excitement of possibility flaring up like an inferno. Then, the cold reminder of what happened just a few hours prior came rushing to a melancholic face, one she wasn't proud of at all. The silly part of it all was, she could see the sadness in her reflection which rippled slowly on the cold crystal clear water. The oasis around her making up just a tiny portion of her surroundings, it served as a fine temporary home. It was a figurative high ground in terms of the surroundings, she could see for a mile or so to three dunes in nearly any direction. There was, in fact, only one path she couldn't see very far, but luckily, it was directly opposite to the would-be revenge-seeking pursuers.

{Name: Dita}

{Lvl 20(MAX). Nightgloom}

HP: 230/230

MP:310/310

SP: 6/6

AP: 105/105

{Attributes}

Current status points: 195

Current skill points: 225

Strength: 39. Agility 16

Speed: 21. Dexterity: 16

Constitution: 0. Movement: 5

Magic: 14 Intelligence: 0

Luck: 30. Defense: 21

Resistance: 20 Mind: 17

Power: 19 Charisma: 26

Fire: -18 Water: 5.

Ice: 2 Wind: 5.

Earth: 25 Light: 19

Dark: 48 Lightning: -10

Decrypt lvl. 2

Blessing of Ancor lvl. 2

Bloodroot lvl. 2

Acolyte of Prejudice lvl. 2

Lucky lvl. 2

Nocturnal lvl. 2

Fenfire lvl. 2

Heartbreaker lvl. 1

Murderer lvl. 1

{Allignment}

-15

Having almost nothing to go on in terms of the risks involved in evolution, she stared at the menu in deep concern for her safety for the numerical value she assumed was time.

Well, the way I see it, my best bet is to blend into the foliage and evolve! Hopefully, my pursuers won't choose to follow right away. Let's go luck! Don't fail me now!

She braced herself, wincing in the figurative pain she expected, only to be disappointed by a lack thereof. She felt fine, that is until the woozy feeling hit her. She began to lose consciousness in a less than graceful manner, falling flat on her face in the process. K.O.

So my guess was right huh? Guess there's no avoiding it after all.

[No, of course not.]

So then when I wake up I should be able to handle fenfire!

[Well, yes, at least the most basic stage that even a child could master.]

Though I guess the bigger question is if I'll wak-- HEY WAIT A MINUTE!

[True, you could be dead right now and on a fast track to being my slave. Hello little Dita.]

The crooked smile of the very bad devil man had fixated on her, completely and utterly unapologetic of her circumstances.

You can't just invade a girl's thoughts like this! It's personal!

[Well, be as it may, It's my business to be in the business of others, I trust you understand?]

Not at all!!

[Well, let's just agree to disagree! Plus we've got far more interesting topics to discuss! Particularly one that you'll be interested to hear!]

His exaggerated spectacle of movements crescendoed her along with the big evil idiot, given she was, as per usual, stuck in his hand, haplessly swung along like a decoration.

She wasn't going to ask, if for no other reason than to deny him the control over her, even if she was curious.

[Oh, if you play coy with me, I might just have to play around with your evolution! Can't you see it? All the possibilities and hodgepodge monstrosities that would suit you?]

His devilish features only emphasized a mixture of feelings, in fact, she couldn't quite tell if he was being serious or not, which made her panic a bit.

No!

[Then why don't you ask politely this time. You see, we can do this all day, but it's to your advantage to cooperate with me. I promise I'm not half bad, and besides…]

His smile widened and his eyes had a cruel flash of red summoning a shiver down her spine.

[You'll have to trust me.]

Hmph, this is all your fault in the first place!

[What was that? Please evolve me into a pet?]

Ok! Ok! I get it, please tell me about the opportunity.

She hated to give into him, and she knew, without a single solitary doubt, he knew, and worse yet, he loved it.

[No, no, all wrong. You've got to grovel properly!]

Please help me oh great one.

Her eye twitched as the forced words came out of her mind with bitterness and hesitation.

[Hmm.. still not good enough but I'm feeling generous. Aren't I the best?]

He glanced with a gleeful expression down at her expectantly.

Y-yes.

Stumbling on her words by sheer spite, she had at least survived even if she left her dignity in the dust.

[Well, I've got a quest for you. Something of a task well suited to your particular path. You see, this word is highly favoring knowledge as a form of power, particularly of the arcane, or more accurately the unknown.]

And? What is it?

[Don't rush perfection now, I was just about to get to the good part! I need you to find something for me, well, to be fair, it could be someone.]

A gathering quest? Isn't that too generous even for you oh great one?

[Ah, your malice is truly admirable, how you inject venom into each word, I'm impressed! However, there's a bit of a catch.]

Why am I not surprised…

[Oh you will be. After all, this isn't just any someone. It's my brother's soul was dealing with. You know, Mr. Boring who tried to give you the life Lilith wanted? Yes, if you haven't gathered he's quite smitten with her.]

So then, if you killed him in the first place, what's the point in me finding him of all people?

[That is the question, and unfortunately, I can't tell you until you find him for certain. Well, I could give you a hint, but the sad truth is, not even I can find him, us gods are such pitiable creatures that need to make a great sacrifice to descend upon the world. Woe and pity, blah blah blah. ]

So I just find him? That's it?

[Ah, my dear little Dita, you're not very quick on the uptake are you? That's never it. Oh! But I'll give you a good place to start.]

Hmm?

[Don't sound so bored! It's something you should know quite well! School! There are quite a few in this world you see, on both sides.]

Both sides? Is there some kind of a war going on?

[Well, truth be told, it's less of a war and more an existential misunderstanding, you see, there are numerous factions that go about killing one another. But they pale in comparison to the distinction. It's a distinction close to your heart, isn't it? ]

What are you getting at?

[Monster or "the civilized species" which side do you consider your current self?]

Aren't I the second? Given I can think and communicate?

[Wrong! Spectacularly so! You see, the definition of both sides comes down to a much more political stance. You may be intelligent but you're still considered a monster, care to guess why?]

Bigotry? Fear? Misunderstanding?

[Oh! Looks like our contestant is set for a comeback! Yes on all fronts, but also due to one much more crucial reason.]

That is?

[Experience points! Levels! The whole damned thing. Kill or be killed, Darwinism, the survival of the fittest, you name it. The end goal is the same, but the sad truth of the current state of things is the two conflicting forces are at war with each other for experience points. Or in a more layman's way of putting it. For power.]

So it's a glorified battle of who has a right to be strong?

[Not precisely, but for the most part yes. You see, the monsters have a distinct setback, not all of them are smart, the "dumb" monsters are not always hinderances but for the most part, about five or ten percent of monsters are of proper intelligence.]

Then why don't they just accept the intelligent ones into the "civilized species"? Wouldn't it make this whole conflict a moot point?

[Precisely! Yes, it would, but that's also the problem. You see, a certain goddess doesn't want the two sides to get along, or rather, the church of a certain goddess doesn't want it, for better or worse, the rhetoric of common knowledge is "monsters are evil!" or "civilized races are evil!" And so the cycle of two halves fighting to eradicate the other for the sanctity of their people exists.]

So does that mean no matter what, I won't be able to interact with humankind peacefully?

[Don't look so sad, nothing is ever written in stone. Change takes effort and if you truly want to reach them it's certainly not impossible. You said it yourself, you can communicate can't you?]

I guess, but why did you tell me all this in the first place?

[Two reasons, you're going to be helping me search the first of many points where my dear old' brother could be. Particularly a monster school for those seeking to learn and test their mettle. Also, you'll hear plenty of what I just said there. But I didn't want you getting yourself killed by trying to defend humans or something. That would be rather dull don't you think? If you die it should be glorious! Something worth remembering! ]

I certainly don't want to die, so flashy of not, if and when I do, I guess doing something worthwhile is better than fizzling out.

[See! Now you've got it! A sprout after my own heart. Oh, and before I forget. You should know, other monsters can view your status, thus they will know you're a bit of an oddity. It shouldn't be too much of a problem but.. ]

She dreaded the possibility his "but" could hold but braced for impact all the same.

[You may be a bit popular.]

Huh? Why? Me? Popular?

Her mind had fizzled out like a short circuit beautifully lacking in the comprehension of what was just said.

[Well, you see you have a particular affix to your status that signifies you as a killer of the perceived enemy of monsters. Oh, good job escaping the humans by the way. I didn't think you and your fork could make it out. ]

She felt a pang in her heart of guilt at being reminded of her deed.

[Don't look so glum, remember, they were trying to kill you, and besides the poor idiot bit off more than he could chew with a level four fire spell.]

Still. I just never thought it would happen so soon.

[If it's any consolation he probably would have botched the spell even if you hadn't cast bloodsucker on him. Think about it this way, now that you were named his killer, you've given his sacrifice meaning through your growth! A lot better and less embarrassing to dying to his spell without your tampering right? ]

She could feel it, the uneasy feeling of being consoled by a devil. Somehow, she couldn't hate him for just that moment, just that one. Considering saying thank you, she figured he could read her feelings to know she felt a little bit better thanks to him.

[Ah, look at the time! It's time for you to wake up and smell the ashes! Again! Oh! And a word of advice. Don't get too fire happy or you'll probably regret it later. Goodbye little footstool!]

You!

Her anger shifted into a woozy feeling just as it had before her evolution as she abruptly awoke to the hazy cinders beside her, it was dim and dark at this time of day, but the fire in front of her illuminated the dark just enough to see a step or two in any direction.

Fire? Where?

She spun around quickly, slithering on her new feet replacing snake-like appendage. Her viewpoint took her nearly a third higher than her previous stature. The mysterious fire was circling her, but it took her three full attempts to figure out it was attached to her tail.

Woah, so I'm basically like a charmander now? Damnit! I hope I don't die if it goes out.

Her face was a flourish of color, a mix of nature and fire burning with her chest. She could see down her body, it was smooth and still distinctly plant-like, but rather like a plant that thrived in fire. Her arms had become a little longer and with just a bit wider range of movement. The leafy appendages gave way to a more tough feeling structure that looked almost twiggy, but the glow of fire seemed to flow through her now like blood in a human would. The fiery veins and arteries pulsated and glowed in a pristine diminutive pattern that looked like graceful and glorious tattoos, but on a mostly nature ridden body.

Woah!! I look so much cooler!! Not cute enough but it should be fine as long as I can..

She attempted to move forward and repeated the spin she had done at the start.

Move..

The problem wasn't her mobility being lacking, but rather that it was too much to learn in an instant. The movements of a snake were a spectrum that her brain couldn't understand. Moving in a circle was kind of easy, but the sort of back and forth motion needed for a proper movement was a very strange feeling to grasp.

Ok, this could be a problem. Come on Dita, move!!

Despite her enthusiasm and a pep talk, the movement was just barely what one could consider walking. Worse yet, there was a sound of movement in the distance to her left.

Come on, gotta squirm my way out of the way. I'd stand no chance unless...

She grabbed her fork and used it as a sort of oar to right herself in the sand. Her speed with a hint of help from the fork was quite a lot faster than her previous run and much less tiring too! Distancing herself from the cinders of the oasis, there were clear signs of movement, but it was just too dark to discern what "it" was.

Following a few dunes to the right lead the creatures that stalked her to keep a set distance. It was a strange game of creating distance only to lose progress in a quick moment.

So whatever they are, seem to be much faster than me, or have some way to keep the distance fixed. I don't know if I can keep running. Let's check the stats.

{Name: Dita}

{Lvl 1. Small Fireroot}

HP: 167/167

MP:760/760

SP: 4/4

AP: 105/111

{Attributes}

Current status points: 195

Current skill points: 225

Strength: 28. Agility 21

Speed: 18. Dexterity: 12

Constitution: 6. Movement: 4

Magic: 19 Intelligence: 12

Luck: 20. Defense: 17

Resistance: 30 Mind: 24

Power: 27 Charisma: 23

Fire: 28 Water: -30

Ice: -20 Wind: 15.

Earth: 15 Light: 19

Dark: 48 Lightning: 15

Decrypt lvl. 3

Blessing of Ancor lvl. 3

Bloodroot lvl. 2

Acolyte of Prejudice lvl. 2

Lucky lvl. 2

Nocturnal lvl. 2

Fenfire lvl. 3

Heartbreaker lvl. 1

Murderer lvl. 1

Serpentine lvl. 1

Fire Magic Attunement lvl. 3

Poison Affinity lvl. 1

{Allignment}

-14

{Debuffs}

Mark of the Hunt

Nemesis: Elei

Ah! I forgot! I have a bunch of points to spend! Since they aren't closing the distance let's see what's new!

Serpentine lvl 1

A limber creature which takes after the great snake of creation.

A serpentine is the symbol of things most holy, but also, in the wrong hands, something terribly sad.

Poison Affinity lvl. 1

Alignment + 1

Slithering lvl. 1

Hmm.. so then there are two more attached? Then what about those?

Poison affinity lvl. 1

Cost: 15

An affinity for the poison element that can be infused into other abilities to inflict poison aliment and damage.

Poison rots and blemishes the untarnished face of even the devil above.

Poison damage +1

Sounds like it would be useful for the attrition style fight, but I'm not sure if I could evade much of anything right now, so that's not very useful yet.

Slithering lvl. 1

Cost: 20

The art of movement of the serpentine race.

Slithering was once hated, looked down upon by the hateful gods of old, now it is seen for its honesty, it's glory and grace.

So I definitely need to level this one! Expensive though ... Let's check the last!

Fire Magic Affinity lvl. 3

Cost: 30

The ability to control and cast fire magic.

Lvl. 1 fire magic

Lvl. 2 fire magic

Lvl. 3 fire magic

???

???

???

???

???

???

???

???

???

???

???

???

Fire magic is thought to have spurred on the first life. Mastery of it is said to be encroaching upon the realm of Gods.

Woah! That one has a lot left to unlock! Though I guess most of it is just tiers of spells? Wait, do I even have any fire spells? What about fenfire?

Fenfire lvl. 3

A flame that burns from the cairn of lost hope. A harbinger of fervent change, it's intensity only matches by its mystery.

Venfire lvl. 1

Vile Flame lvl. 1

Soul Cairn lvl. 1

?????

Prerequisites

Fire affinity +100

Woo! No more fire damage I'll bet! Go me! Who's awesome? I am!

Woah! That's more than I expected!

Glancing at the skill tab she saw the varying descriptions lined up.

Skills

Skill points: 225

Cruel heart. Lvl 1 Cost 12

Bloodsucker Lvl 1 Cost 4

Eventide Lvl 1 Cost 1

Moonlight Burst Lvl 1 Cost 1

Diamond Dust Lvl 0/1 Cost 6

Dream Symphony Lvl 0/1 Cost 3

Burnout Lvl 1 Cost 15

Firewall Lvl 1. Cost 20

Venfire Lvl. 1. Cost 30

Vile Flame Lvl. 1. Cost 45

Soul Cairn Lvl. 1. Cost 15

Dancing Flames Lvl. 1. Cost 10

Fire Magic Affinity Lvl. 3 Cost 50

Slithering lvl. 1. Cost 20

Sufficing to confusion she gazed at the list while clumsily making her way across the slope of yet another dune in the deep dimly lit night. As if to spite her awe, the pursuers closed the set distance with startling speed.

No choice!

She stopped, preparing her fork for battle, she didn't even have time to level the skills, let alone know their effect.

The shadows surrounded her in the bat of an eye.

[You..]

[You are fast for a magic caster.]

She was surprised to hear words she could clearly understand resonating clearly in the howling desert winds.

How am I going to convince them I'm not a threat? Heck are they human or monster? I can't tell...

[You will come with us.]

[There is no purpose to resistance.]

The calm in their voices was unsettling at best but sounded almost like an insect, or maybe something undead. It was impossible to tell, so she, for now, nodded in approval.

[You will comply?]

She nodded with a serious expression in retort.

[Hmm..]

The beings began speaking between each other in a tongue she couldn't understand, though it sounded a little like German.

Feeling a pinprick to the recesses of her mind she could tell they were viewing her status, in part due to the shocked expression that seemed to travel from one to the next.

One figure approached her close before removing its hood. A praying mantis-like humanoid stared her down with its compound eyes in an expression she couldn't quite grasp.

[You are strange.]

Gee thanks, I love being told that by a giant bug person! Hmph.

[But still, you have merit. The nameName is Bezrrl, this is my company. We serve the king of the sands.]

[Does this one have a name?]

A second softer voice came from a much smaller hooded figure as it pointed to her.

Attempting to carve her name into the sand wasn't working properly, so she attempted to focus flames to display her name. Strangely the flames did appear among the air, the only problem was, they lacked fidelity so they could only last several seconds. Her hurried attempts to draw her name eventually had them grasp it somewhat.

[Dizzta?]

She nodded, not wanting to try again.

[This one will pay a visit to the consort of the king]

[We need a third party. Someone uninvolved from the kingdom. This one will not be harmed if comply.]

The lack of animosity or warmth in the voices made their words come with a strange and unique air, despite the request being anything but polite. She considered it must have been a cultural quirk or something, either way, she didn't fancy her chances given the fact that they were quite higher status wise.

Bezrrl

Lvl. 26 Mantisian Warlord

HP: 5434/5434

MP: 288/288

SP: 14/14

AP: 460/466

The leader, or what she hoped to be, was surrounded by colleagues that remained a mess of question marks. It appeared that when he introduced himself, the giving of a name gives the ability to see one's status. This could seriously be a problem in the future!

[What is this one's purpose?]

One of the smaller manticians asked, with a more innocent tone than the rest. Her carapaced hand pointed at Dita while asking Bezrrl.

[This one is going to save us from the night keeper.]

[Will we be safe?]

The desperation in the voice felt almost childish.

[ Yes we will.]

The glance stared daggers into her eyes, but it wasn't out of malice but out of hope. Perhaps helping them might lead her to a clue to the whereabouts of Asmodeus. Speaking of which, what would he be like? Would he be the same stickler love-struck guy he seemed to be? Or something completely different?

A grandiose shadow rose far above the coming dunes like a skyscraper only many thousands of times bigger than one would expect. A couple of moments passed as she slowly began to make sense of the amalgamate shape. It was indeed skyscrapers, in part, but they were all sewn together in a mass of twisting metal and beehive like material. It was a city hive, no a mega city!

Well, I'm a little intimidated but I think they're a lot less likely to kill me than the humans.

[Welcome back.]

The guards at the windy gate both showed their respect dutifully with a bow in unison.

[This one thanks you.]

[What of the strange one?]

[It is not for present ears.]

[Yes, this one understands.]

Passing by the gate the stares from the guards were less than intimidating, holding far more curiosity than she would have guessed. It was an open gate, with what appeared to be a system which could quickly drop a very heavy looking gate that loomed above her now. The interior was shielded almost completely from the sandstorm and instead had all the hustle and bustle of a busy market square. Many of the bugmen were extremely curious, but most seemed to give a quiet reverence to Bezrrl and his company of what she had assumed were soldiers.

To either side, various stalls and travelers made their way into or out of the common area which seemed to function as a market for the lower middle class. The items being sold ranged from strange insect looking armor to livestock that looked rather odd, to even another that nearly made her gasp.

Humans? I shouldn't be shocked, but I suppose they're slaves around the parts where monsters reign. I just hope they don't eat them. Seriously though, they're way too tasty. No, no bad thought! Bad thought!

Luckily, it seemed like they were treated as work slaves or an exotic pet rather than outright food. But it was far too early to prove or disprove the theory. Then again, did she have a problem if they did? It probably was a mirror on both sides, the humans doing horrible things to the monsters. In this case, she lacked the luxury of choice, she was a monster and thus had little chance within reason of blending into humanity.

Lost in thought she followed the graceful envoy up a series of steps that looked as though it could have gone up for miles. Slithering up steps was a very oddly difficult task and her fork came in very handy. Though it made the entire process a little faster, it was anything but a cure-all. The odd looks she received slithering about were embarrassing but necessary. Though she wanted badly to spend her points to make it easier, she couldn't help but want to hold onto them. After all, it'd be a shame if the system favored putting a lot of points in one thing or another.

It was less a question of purpose and more a question of unlocking some super cool skill or attribute by going deep into one stat or skill. It was a difficult feeling, that sometimes she would backtrack on. Though a few thousand steps later and she had regretted it, even if it was quickly forgotten by the surprisingly lavish interior that greeted her.

Assailing her senses was a massive hall of breathtaking blues and regal yellows. The colors that coincidentally found themselves plastered on the flag that she had passively noticed as she had made her way up. The furniture was strange but the general aura of the area was incredibly civilized and quite startlingly clean despite the amalgamate exterior.

Never judge a book by its cover huh?

[This one will enter here.]

Her would-be host was pointing toward a large door engraved with a massive telling of a story, one she didn't have the time now to properly process. She was shoved through the door into a deep red glowing room that had light crystals that mirrored the ones in the sky almost precisely. The door was closed tightly behind her. Immediately she felt a strange scent assail her senses, it was like a mix of lavender and plum in a refreshing unison.

[Hello little one.]

She looked around for a beginning to the sound and was met by no obvious source within eyeshot. Eventually, her eyes drifted up as she nearly toppled over in surprise. Looking down at her was a massive six armed mantis, it's crimson carapace donning scars yet still gleamed like pure ruby.

Holy cakes! I'm going to guess he's the sand king they were talking about earlier.

[Ah! Indeed I am child. Though the title is wasted on me since I rather dislike the sands.]

No way, you can hear my thoughts too?!

[Indeed I can, though I find it rather peculiar that you have met another with such a feat. Though it must be lonely, not being able to speak, not even having a mouth. You are truly a strange child.]

The words of the mantis seemed wise and strong-willed as he reminded her resoundingly of a general of a military, though in some cases more like a cheerful grandfather, she settled on somewhere in-between.

Excuse me, sir, is there some reason I was brought here?

[Hmm, well yes, but how do I explain this without it seeming unfair… no, I suppose it was selfish of my men to capture you. Forgive me little one, what is your name?]

Dita's the name!

[Ah! It's a pleasure to meet you, Dita, I wish our meeting could have been on better terms, but I fear that may be a difficult bargain given the current problems in this place.]

The grand beast sighed before gracefully coming to the floor without even making so much as a sound.

[You see, we need someone unassociated, unsullied by the "problems" we currently face. As for what they are…]

The large mantis brought a carapace laced hand to his jaw.

[They are matters of betrayal, ones that we have yet to prove. You see, not everyone is happy with the choices I've made, but this particular issue is even deeper. A terrorist group that has been causing absolute chaos since their induction a few weeks ago.]

The massive mantis leaned into her with a look that could only ever be considered snide.

[No don't say it. You're wondering "why me" aren't you? Of course, there is a reason it had to be an outsider. You see, almost every one of this city has a connection to each other, both politically and through a series of more intricate bonds. Long story short, we need someone with no ties both literally and figuratively speaking, you will infiltrate them, and if you can put an end to their trifling, then you will be heavily compensated.]

So it's not just to hunt them down, it's to snuff them out from the inside out?

[Precisely. The second reason you were picked is that your age, and the place by which they are most likely to exist. The Ezzrah University of magic. Yes, before you ask, you'll be enrolled. Though don't lose sight of your mission. Trust me, a favor from me is worth a million fold what enrollment to the university would give you. Ah. I can see it on your face. "Why do you think they are from there?" Simple, they use magic, though crude at times, they are being tugged along by the strings of a puppet master of whom is the linchpin to be dealt with.]

So I kind of understand my criteria in being picked, but don't you think it's a bit of a tall order for me to take down an organization leader who is as smart as you say on my own?

[Playing dumb doesn't suit you. I can see your list of gifts as plain as day. If that doesn't make you able enough, there is one other there which will assist you. Don't forget the phrase. Downward Eagle. It will be the signal. Understand? ]

Sorry, I just am new to all this, so I'll do my best sir.

[Hah, calling a faction leader "sir" I can see why you're a chosen! While most call me king I will allow you to refer to me as you please little Dita. Though my name is Azerran and I created this city with my own six hands!]

Thank you, I mean, it's my honor! I mean, what's a chosen?

[Nothing if not honest, as they say. The chosen are, quite simply, those who come from worlds apart. They usually take a second gander at life here, but it's strange, lately, the likes of your kind have multiplied, it is a curious affair that I haven't the foggiest explanation. The blame lies with the gods if I had to guess.]

Her eyes flashed to an annoyed expression directed at Bel of course.

[It is late you will find your boarding in the girls' dormitory building E, room 434. I wish you the best of luck in your studies, Dita. Oh! And one more thing. ]

The crimson mantis retrieved something with the aid of a spell.

[Take this, it's a device that will allow your thoughts to create words within the city. I would imagine infiltration when you don't have a mouth to speak with is too much even for a gifted one. Now go and remember, many lives are on the line and you may very well be the hero of my people. I will not take this lightly.]

I don't think I have a choice, but I understand why you would want to deal with them, but is there a reason you can't forcibly expel them or investigate?

[That's the problem, they have the favor of some of the council of nobles. So taking them down without information would only lead to a temporary and pointless calm. No doubt they would start up again in no time. Also, try it on, it's a choker, but it has the enchantment for common speech.]

[Like this? Hey, I can talk! Woah, it sounds like my old voice! Well kind of.]

[Good! It seems to be working. Now there is no finite time limit, but I will trust you to understand lives are on the line.]

[Aye sir!]

[Then may the luck of Belphegor be with you!]

[I don't think... I mean, thanks!]

Stammering through the door she was met by a new face, particularly one much smaller than what she was expecting.

[Is this one, Dita?]

The small, cute, ladybug like girl stood about a head taller than her but had a thin almost lithe frame. Her features were very close to humans in a few measures, even her carapace was strangely like a young girl in armor.

[Hello! Are you here to help me find the university?]

The ladybug girl nodded a few times before turning toward the path laid out forward.

[What's your name?]

The ladybug girl looked back startled and shy, resuming a sort of attentive almost militant dedication.

[Sevv is this one.]

Sevv

Lvl. 5 Knight

HP: 377/377

MP: 488/488

SP: 7/7

AP: 268/268

She pointed to herself.

Guess introductions are even more important in this world after all.

[Nice to meet you Sevv!]

The ladybug girl nodded before resuming her role as a guide.

It was a spectacular city, be it for the creative reuse of the buildings or the startlingly orderly conduct, it functioned as far as she could tell, like a finely oiled machine.

They walked across the royal level to a strange area that must have been the figurative high castle of the society.

[Have you lived here long?]

She nodded quaintly.

[Do you like it here?]

She nodded again, this time a bit more vigorously.

[Am I asking too many questions?]

She began to nod only to stop midway as she turned to Dita with a panicked expression.

[Sevv didn't mean to-]

Dita smiled a bit wryly.

[Don't feel bad, I think that maybe Bel rubbed off on me a little.]

[Bel?]

[My sworn enemy!]

She looked with her strange mouth agape.

[Well, I guess he's not really that bad.]

She didn't seem to know how to respond, caught firmly between wanting to inquire more and feeling obliged to refrain.

[Would you like to be my friend? I've only gotten a few of those since I was born. Maybe we would get along!]

Patting the shocked ladybird was something of an interesting feeling, she really was in armor and totally suited the class knight if only she was bolder.

[This one?]

She pointed to herself.

[Well, there isn't anyone else that I could mean right?]

She nodded curiously, perhaps not being too familiar with the term.

[You do know what a friend is right?]

She contemplated for a moment before nodding.

[Friends are forever.]

Dita cocked her head a bit being caught off guard.

Well, she isn't wrong per se…

[Yeah!]

[But why this one?]

[Well, I figure we're both girls and we both have cool names! It's a start, kind of, right?]

[This one is confusing.]

Surprisingly the accusation was this time directed at her as the ladybird had retorted in a manner Dita had to agree to.

[I guess I can be, on occasion.]

[This one is doubtful.]

Her expression looked to be having a bit more fun than last time.

[Hey now! Trust is really important in friendship you know!]

[This is the university]

Dita grasped hold of her surroundings that expanded like the magical school from her favorite movie and book series!

[It looks like Mogwarts!!]

The ladybird turned to her shocked, with her weapon at the ready.

[Mogs?! This one will protect!]

Dita felt a little pang of guilt this time, there was some rather conspicuous misunderstanding going on.

[No, no not a mog, Mogwarts the school!]

She put down her weapon with a confused expression.

[There is such a place?]

Well yes in literature, sorry I gotta tell it so she doesn't think I'm weirder than I am!

[Sort of, it's very far away. I don't think many would know about it.]

[Is Dita from Mogwarts?]

The innocent question making her grave dug deeper in the face of the poor little ladybug.

[Well I'm from a place that's around those parts, so yes! Kind of.]

[Will Dita be able to find her quarters from here?]

She nodded jovially in response.

[Then this one must report back to Mazzrk! Nice to meet this one. Dita friend!]

The method of talking did little to mask her happiness over making a friend.

[Of course Sevvy! I'll probably see you around!]

Surprisingly she didn't begin her walk in the opposite direction, no, she followed inward toward the center of the school. By the looks of things, there was a guard tower in the middle or something along those lines. In truth Dita was happy her new friend was likely to be stationed so close.

[This one wishes you good night.]

Sevv bowed her head in a noble movement.

[Night night Sevv!]

The small red blur made her way into the building at a much speedier pace before she found herself alone in a large complex of buildings.

[E something… building e… something.. ah! Wasn't it four hundred and something? ]

She grasped the building letters right after she passed what she assumed was building b. The next she met was strangely building d making her a bit confused as to where c went. Despite this she had found e with relative ease, now would be the tough part.

[Maybe there is a receptionist or dorm leader?]

She peeked through the glass like windows of the entryway, it was filled with light from hovering flames and mystical blue-hued ice. The two varying colors seemed to indicate, at least to her curious mind, that the elements were sequestered to different portions of the dorm potentially cutting her search zone in half.

[Lucky! Maybe I should put all those points into luck and get by in life by my good fortune? Nah bad idea.]

[Oh yeah! I can finally take a moment to look at the remaining skills! So excited!]

Burnout Lvl 1 Cost 15

Firewall Lvl 1. Cost 20

Venfire Lvl. 1. Cost 30

Vile Flame Lvl. 1. Cost 45

Soul Cairn Lvl. 1. Cost 15

Dancing Flames Lvl. 1. Cost 10

Fire Magic Affinity Lvl. 3 Cost 50

Slithering lvl. 1. Cost 20

Burnout Lvl. 1

Command fire to expunge an area remotely with flame. It is very volatile and extremely likely to backlash.

Power: 280

MP: 25

Burnout is the fire magic equivalent to a novice skill, but as with all things fire, there is always a danger involved. This skill is likely the reason fire magic is considered best suited to daredevils and gamblers.

[Nope, not liking all that chance of self-immolation, no thanks nope nope nope.]

Firewall Lvl. 1

Craft a physical barrier out of flames, can be used to create any number of shapes and sizes. This skill is a combination skill.

Power: 120

MP: 50

Firewall has always been thought to have a history built in sieging and defense. Often times mages will cast a firewall to buy time for reinforcements or another mage to prepare a strong spell.

[Seems super useful but also really expensive. I feel neutral on the subject.]

Vile Flame Lvl. 1

A flame that is said to burn violet with the ability to combine with other affinities. It has a particular affinity toward darkness attribute. This is a combination skill.

Passive: Violet flames will replace standard flames increasing the value and consumption.

Damage +25% per level.

Consumption +15% per level.

Alignment -1 per level.

[Oh! Now, this sounds fancy! Purple flames! Yes, please. Don't know about the alignment though..]

Dancing Flames Lvl. 1

A signature skill of the fireroots! The ability to control fire into an extension of the body. This skill can be used in a myriad of ways. This is a combination skill.

Passive: Fire control +2% per level.

Passive: Fire Damage -2% per level.

Passive: Fire Resistance +2% per level.

[Hmm so that one is trading power for control. Could be super useful if fire is as tough to handle as it seems.]

Venfire lvl. 1

A dark flame that targets the soul. It is very slow but can burn for an immense amount of time diminishing a foe over time.

Power: 30 x duration

MP: 3 per second.

Venfire is also called the touch of corruption given its history of driving mad any who suffered and lived to tell the tale.

[Ok, a little bit scary, but I'll keep it in mind.]

Soul Cairn lvl 1

An amalgamation of the soul, able to sustain based on the fire and souls of the defeated. The heart of the Fenfire.

Passive: Absorb 6%(+ 2% per level) of darkness attribute damage.

Passive: Heal periodically .05% from self inflicted damage.(+ .05% per level)

Passive: Recover a portion of HP lost as MP.

Passive: Recover a portion of MP lost as AP.

Passive: Recover a portion of AP lost as HP.

Passive: Alignment -5 per level.

[Why do the good skills always have one thing that's a drawback! But seriously that one is almost too good to be true!]

[Do you often make a habit of talking to yourself in dark corridors in the middle of the night?]

Dita froze, almost unable to brave turning around.

[Yeah, that's probably not the best idea if you're trying to make friends here. Weirdo.]

Another voice chimed in, she was in serious trouble now. First impressions out the window!

[Come on Dita do you be honest or pretend you have a familiar or something? I don't think they'll buy it!]

[Um, you know we can still hear you right?]

Now she had done it, the group of three had a myriad of expressions, from the shy looking medusa to the sassy and judgemental dragoness, then to the ringleader, who looked like some kind of beautiful banshee.

[Ahaha.. I can explain.]

[Really? Well count me a skeptic.]

The corpse bride chimed in.

[Same here.]

Echoed the dragoness.

[Maybe we should let her talk..?]

The shy Medusa finished with a small voice.

[I…]

(For anyone wondering she's the third one currently!)