《The Library's Patron.》Page 10: The Wild Cats and opening up Malkuth.
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"Boss! The Guild War team in District 15, has gone silent!" The panicked voices of the men inside the conference room had the leader who sat down on her chair with frustration. She clenched her fist and slammed the table, where it exploded from the sheer force.
"That was supposed to be an easy fight! Just what is the issue!?"
"Boss, we just found out that the Lynx Office has joined the fight! They took out some of our guys in Districts 15, 16 and 17. They're taking us and the Dust Pipes out!"
"The Lynx Office!? They're only a handful of people aren't they?! So how can they do this much damage to us?!" The Boss of the Wild Cats roared as the glass windows shattered to her right.
"Boss! The B-Ranks and C-Ranks at the three Districts we sent are down!"
"Gah! Just what is with that Office? They can't possibly whittle us all down!?What about the team at the orphanage?!" The window was shattered, followed up by a bunch of heads being thrown in. The Boss of the Wild cats went to look outside to see Argalia and Roelica shouldering their scythes.
"It's the S-Ranks!"
"We've got our own S-Ranks! We have the numbers! Just what can they do to-" The Boss's words were cut off when she heard loud thuds. Turning to the left to see the walls of her conference room that had been painted with blood. Seeing Roelica who wore a black mask and her black suit was stained with blood. They weren't dead, just bleeding profusely from the sharpness of Argalia's blade.
"We won the guild war so we'll be taking those three districts into our Office's administration. Also." Argalia put the photos of the Boss's family. Her wife and kids, and threw more photos that had every Hunter affiliated with the Wild Cats. Their family members and their friends. Even their secret affairs.
"You wouldn't.." Argalia merely smiled back at her.
"Take this as a warning. I don't need to tell you every little detail now can I?" Argalia spoke in jest, his smile was enough to cause the Boss of the WIld Cats to rethink her actions.
"If you play fair and be nice. We'll have no issues. In fact we don't mind letting you send teams into the dungeons at the lower base price. But if you decide to be a little naughty. It might just come with a beautiful melody of fears." Argalia spoke as he leaned in, whispering to the Boss of the Wild Cat's ears.
"We don't mind killing your family and we can do it without leaving a trace if we wished. Be sure to keep that in mind." The final parting words he gave her as Argalia leaped out to where Roelica was, the other Hunters on the ground were groaning in pain.
"Do you truly think you can do all this without repercussions!? That we won't retaliate!?"
"Of course, you're welcome to retaliate but the Director wants to make a point. He needed exhaust the legal methods. Ah this world's too troublesome. I'd prefer to just take your heads but he said that'd be too much of a heaedache. So don't be an eyesore." Argalia spoke with a smile as he left with Roelica.
"Boss, what do we do?!"
"Get the Dust Pipes on the line.. We need to handle them. Get everyone back here. We'll concede for now." The boss said as she left with the others. This was an insult to her crew and more importantly, one that needs to be dealt with in their own way. The warning that the Lynx Office's Hunters gave was not going to be anything worth spit. Just stretch out their forces and they won't be able to do anything.
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"Hey, Director. Sure you don't want to massacre them?"
"Not yet. It's too early. Let's see how the new Association President will handle it." Albion answered as Argalia moved with her niece, leaving the Wild Cats area.
"Nikolai already gave the Dust Pipes the remainder of their money. Reminded them that we're not one to backdown when we put a district in our protection." Albion added on as Argalia and Roelica arrived to his location which was at the Hunter's Association. Where Albion was with Roland and Olivier to sort out the documents.
"We'll go pass this to that brute. He'll just go and burn this first." Argalia said as he showed off the books.
"The books might be useful for the details. Tell Roland he'll need to look into it for a bit. We may have to go into fights with the Dust Pipes and Wild Cats." Albion said as he looked at Roland who grabbed the books.
"I'll be headed off for a bit. Roland, you're with me. What about the Malkuth Floor people?"
"At the library." Roland grabbed the tray of books, walking out with Albion. Vanishing back to the library where the Malkuth Librarians were now standing before the Fifth Path, to begin the awakening of Malkuth. The Malkuth Librarians and Albion stepped inside.
Where they see Malkuth who was holding a book. Humming a soft song as she read through the pages and beside her was a pale skinned figure with wrinkles by the mouth but the face and eyes were covered by a pair of hands. Left hand wielding a katana whereby the sheathe and its body had cracks all over it. The third figure was a woman named Xiao, who wielded a guandao. Staring at Lowell where they both had a loving embrace.
"Ah. Greetings Library Director. I am Malkuth." Malkuth bowed to him nicely as she readied a baton. The pale skinned figure remained silent, standing up to look at them. Then seeing Salvador and Yuna, where the figure did not say a word.
"I am Xiao... Lowell's my husband. I.."
"You both will be able to spend time outside, but from what I see this is going to be a long fight. Considering a lot of your Liu Association members are there." Albion said as he looked at the Fixers in the red coats with the fancy embroidery that matched his Librarians from the same association. Wielding sabers to match.
"What will you do when you win? Will you turn us into books?" Albion shook his head, affirming his desire for them to be part of his library, as his librarians.
"I didn't catch his name." Albion said where the pale skinned figure bowed to him.
"Philip." The words had Salvador and Yuna surprised, their faces wrinkled with despair.
"Don't bother saying anything you two. I was weak, I was a coward and I ran. I'd prefer not to hear anything, nor speak or even see anything." Philip spoke as he stood in front of Albion.
"This reception is one to awaken the Floor of History, Malkuth.To do that you will have to fight us and the entirety of the Liu Association. You may bring in Roland and Argalia for this fight. Due to Roland's relation with Malkuth and Argalia's relation with me." Philip spoke as he readied the katana that had cracks on the sheathe.
"Roland, Argalia?" Roland and Argalia appeared by Albion's side, looking at Malkuth and Philip.
"Not the way I'd rethink of our reunion Malkuth." Roland said as he scratched his head.
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"Hello, Roland. It's nice to see you. Though I wish we didn't have to fight right after we exchanged greetings." Malkuth spoke as she bowed to him.
"Ah, don't be too formal Malkuth." Roland brushed off that remark as he put on his gloves.
"The Black Silence's Gloves. I guess it is fair considering it took the entire library to take you down when you distorted." Malkuth spoke as she
"That's that and this is this." Malkuth giggled at those words.
"It has been a while, my Cello. It has been a while."
"Maestro." Philip greeted as he readied his blade, bowing to Argalia who held a sharp grin. Raring to go with the scythe.
Xiao looked at Lowell as flames gathered by their finger tips.
"This is just another fight Xiao. One that we both have to overcome. I may be Section 2 but that doesn't mean I'll back out from a fight." Lowell voiced his thoughts to his wife who smiled as she readied her blade, the flames coated her body as she formed her EGO.
"Then prove it to me, Lowell. Prove it to me that you're my husband and not some fake brought to life by this library!" her voice roared as Albion's helmet changed to his beast jaw biting the chains.
"True Lynx." Albion whispered as the chains biting his teeth shattered, drawing out Frost Splinter as the flames reached the ice. Causing a thick mist of steam to unveil itself. Blanketing the vision, as Albion made the first move. Left hand pulling out a knife from the Black Silence but that was too narrow minded of him. Dozens of blades chased him down at once, forcing another contact with Frost Splinter to create more steam.
Clearly, for Albion this tactic was sound but he never faced the Liu Association. They were combat professionals and more importantly, they were the ones who played with flames. Their blades were mainly near misses and the charges he had saved up were negating the damage. 12 blades went after him as Albion kicked them back, then leaping away as he switched to the katana from Mook Workshop.
A flash of his katana to push them back, but they manage to block it with ease. Albion was going to struggle a little, even when he faced the R-Corp it was different. Soulless puppets and the real deal? They were far more different than the human counterparts. They had years of experience, not generated based on data. Fast movements, pincer strategies to keep Albion on the ropes.
Xiao and Lowell were going at it as he swung his Guan Dao to push her back while she used another guan dao to defend herself. Lowell's fast attacks paired with his strength was a match for most Fixers but against Xiao? That was a different story, she had finesse and strength. Speed wasn't on her side, but she had the techniques to divert Lowell's attacks to the side. Deliberately keeping his blade away from her as their flames intensified.
Both of them smiled as they swung their blades. Perhaps the love they shared for one another was part of their flames, their wedding anniversary was coming up back when they entered into the library. Yet, here they were. Roles reversed. Yet their attacks had not faltered. Unrelenting as they were pushing each other.
Philip was drawing his blade against Argalia when Yuna and Salvador intervened.
"Get out of the way." A single swing from Philip's blade had sent them both flying as Philip faced Argalia.
"Stand back you old fart. You never could back down upon your disciple." Roland said as he walked on over with his great sword from Wheel Industry, going in for a strike. Stopped by Malkuth who wielded a book. The book opened up as lances appeared to stop Roland's attacks. Despite the lances cracking, Roland leaped back as the great sword faded away and he fired off guns at Malkuth. Where they see a wall of thorns appear to suck in the bullets.
"Now, now. Roland it's not nice to interrupt when friends meet their old friends right?" Malkuth spoke as the thorns faded away, revealing Malkuth who had a baton in her other hand.
"Fine. Argalia, he's your ensemble. So you deal with it. I need to have a chat with Malkuth." Roland went after Malkuth with a lance as she responded with a lance of her own.
"That's different. So the books carry your weapons now?"
"Not exactly, but these are the kind of weapons I used back when I was a librarian!" Malkuth shouted as she smiled, facing Roland in combat, The baton she had transformed into a lance while the book in the other hand was just preparing a blade for her to use. Seemed as if even Roland had to change his strategy for a bit.
Takibi used White Reflection, slaying a dozen members of Liu Association at once, while Salvador and Yuna picked off the stragglers. Fire against fire, but what of fire against water? With Takibi turning the tide with his swordsmanship and mastery of the element of water. Fast movements, fast strikes. Takibi's swordsmansip was enough to turn the tides of battle faster than any one has ever seen.
"Albion!" Takibi leaped to his side, using another technique. Rising Tide, that pushed the Liu Association members away. Giving Albion some breathing room as he chugged down a potion, then deciding on using the katana.
"Match my movements!" Takibi said as he led the charge with Albion following closely. A downward slash to one of the Liu Association members, followed by using the sheathe to strike Fixer's head. Then a kick to disable them completely. So they wouldn't die.
Albion then put a 'Lock' on Philip, watching Philip burn through the chains as they see his left wing appear as his blade was coated in an orange flame that spiraled around it.
"Damn!" Albion was pushed back by the flame wave that Philip had unleashed, sending Albion a few steps back. Whereby Malkuth went over to kick Albion to the wall.
"Director!" Roland managed to catch Albion.
"Thanks Roland."
"Just doing my job. Looks like it won't be so easy after all." Roland stretched his neck as they see darkness forming over his fingertips, then coating him like a veil. Leaping straight at Malkuth, pushing her back in an instant. A rapid burst of strength and speed, paired with the intensity that the Black Silence was known for.
Argalia shifted to his distorted form, rushing at Philip with his fast attacks. Using Crescendo as a finisher to push Philip back, whereby Philip responded in kind. A blue aura covered Argalia's fingers as he smiled back to Philip who did not falter. Argalia pushed Philip back.
Philip got back on his feet and charged at Argalia, unleashing flames as crying children statues made their appearance. Eventually taking shape into the past Philip. The human side of him that didn't turn into an Ego, so this was the challenge? Albion grabbed his blade, swapping out the katana for a chain sword from the Iron Brotherhood, he was going to bite the bullet. This time, he was going to go all out the only way he knows how. Imbuing magic into his weapon, Albion charged dead ahead as the chain sword ripped through the statues. Fragmenting them as he watched the saw crack as a result of the damage. Albion went after them with his fists, with the trait of the STRONGEST at his disposal and Myo's Prowess. He was going to rip through them even if it was the last thing he did. Jabs, punches and kicks that shattered the statues.
Albion felt his desperation kick in, he wasn't going to let himself lose sight of his goal. Unlocking this floor, was going to help him. One way or another, he was going to need it. He needed to do this. Even if it meant that he would lose. If the Library Director falls in this battle, the others would continue fighting. The least he could do was buy time for Roland and Argalia. The statues kept on appearing and as the fight progressed, they could no longer combine or even be able to form themselves due to their pieces being burned away by the battlefield. Melting into nothing but brown liquid.
Standing on his last legs, Albion could only glimpse at Malkuth and Philip landing the final blow towards him. Where he managed to grab their arms as he chanted fire magic to his chest. Philip and Malkuth noticed the pins over his fingers. Realizing that he had a set of grenades in hand. Albion's mask shattered, where he smiled at them. He had the final say. Where he exploded.
Waking up later, seeing Malkuth pushing a tray to the lobby. Where Albion looked up to see bees buzzing about as the Queen Bee was now a woman in a dress with four eyes and four arms. A long sleeve dress with a gentle smile.The buzzing bees weren't horrific. Now... They were.. Cute? Their size was akin to that of a cat, but they were happily moving about. Albion blinked a couple of times, he noticed a few unfamiliar faces in the library. The Scorched Girl was now playing tag with some of the bees.
"Don't trip yourself." A tall figure spoke as she diligently put the books into the shelves. A red suit. The colour red had irked him and Albion could see the figure who turned with a face that had scars over it.
"Bloodbath?"
"That's me. So.. Something happened in the library. You died, but your Librarians won the fight. When they brought you out here, we started changing. We actually have proper human appearances now. Though if you prefer." Bloodbath's flesh melted off to reveal her true form.
"It's fine. Whichever as long you're comfortable." Albion said as he was helped up to his feet by Roland.
"Well Director. You got us back. So what now?" Albion popped up the status window.
Albion 'Lynx' Herrington - Library Director.
Roland - Patron Librarian of Keter
Ryn - Keter Floor Captain
Yan Vismok- Second in Command of Keter Floor.
Olivier - Assistant Librarian.
Argalia- Assistant Librarian
Angelica - Assistant Librarian
Roelica - Assistant Librarian.
R Corp Fourth Pack - Librarian Suppression Unit.
Nikolai - Suppression Leader.
Myo - Rabbit Leader
Maxim - Rhino Leader
Rudolph - Reindeer Leader.
Malkuth - Patron Librarian of Malkuth
Salvador - Malkuth Floor Captain
Yuna - Second in Command.
Lowell- Assistant Librarian
Cecil - Assistant Librarian
Mei - Assistant Librarian
Takibi - Assistant Librarian
Xiao - Assistant Librarian
Philip - Assistant Librarian
Liu Association members- Assistant Librarians. (5 section 1, 10 section 2 members)
Your thoughts have changed the Abnormalities to be in a different state. They have all been actualized.
By unlocking Malkuth, you have opened the path to Yesod. Path of Technological Sciences.
By accessing Malkuth, you are able to read up the details of a booked target's life.
Enemies can now be booked and their memories can now be viewed.
If you do not wish to kill them, you may also bring them to the library where the Liu Association members will bring them back for questioning.
You may also use an Abnormality to hasten the questioning process.
When all is done, their memories are wiped but when the words 'Library' is mentioned.
They will begin to fall into a state of agony and despair. Unable to do anything else than to process that.
Because Malkuth was also a researcher, your may also craft new weapon designs and armor equipment.
The cost has been nullified but to create new items instantly will use pages at your disposal.
If you are not in a hurry, the items can be made without much worry!
Albion smiled as he looked at the library, it seemed to have lightened up. Seeing how the bees were buzzing happily above him. With a bee landing on his head, pulling his hair. The Queen Bee was about to say something but Albion stopped her.
"Why didn't you book us?" Xiao asked.
"I figured that most of you have family or people you want to reunite with. Be it rivals or friends or lovers. I lost mine, and I don't think it's fair if I just booked you. Besides, having you around as extra hands might make it easier. Roland, where's Olivier?"
"At the orphanage with the Rhinos. Says that there's been a lot of movement lately." Roland's answer had brought forth a deep sigh from Albion. One that was oozing with predictability.
The Dust Pipes and Wild Cats were going for it. They were going to do the most predictable thing that Albion had expected.
"Myo has booked some of them. We made sure to be careful not to be detected." Argalia reported as he passed the books to Malkuth, who happily looked into the books.
"Oh, they plan to target the orphanage kids when they go out. They've also... Kidnapped a child."Her cheery voice faded away by the end of that sentence. Albion put on his mask as he stood on his feet.
"Roland, how many books did we get from the dungeons?"
"About 900.What are you thinking?"
"Malkuth, can we make masks for everyone?"
"The perception blocking masks? Of course, the 900 will be enough to complete them. Why?"
"I tried to reason with people who refuse to be reasoned with. I need to make a warning. Roland, tell Myo to get evidence of the kidnapping and bring the child safely. Then get Olivier to deliver evidence to President Villis. Tell her that the Lynx Office's relatives of the Orphanage had been involved in a Hunter's Dispute. The Lynx Office will take action according to Article 7 of the Hunter's Rulebook. When a Hunter's Relative is used as leverage or to blackmail a Hunter. The Hunter has all the rights to do the same thing against them. An eye for an eye applies. If a Hunter's relative dies or is facing the threat of death. The Hunter who is related to the victim in any way, be it friend or family. Will be given the exclusive right to do the same." Albion said as he clenched his fists.
"If it wasn't for the Library, I can't protect them but now I have the means to do so.I won't force you all to join me on this but..."
"Director. If that is your chosen action, then we would follow it." Albion turned to Yan.
"I had killed my own family because of a directive from the Index. If I had the power to fight back against the Index. I would have fought for it..."
"Might makes right." Roland said as he looked to the others who gave a nod.
"Are you going to kill their families as well?" Xiao asked.
"If I let the family live, they'll just think about vengeance. So have to kill them anyway." Albion said as he put on his mask, as the jaw opened up to bite on the metal chains that bind it.
"Understood. Then we will do just that." Salvador said.
"Those of you who are uncomfortable at killing humans who can't fight. I won't force you into it. Even if I have to do all the killings myself." Albion said where Yuna, Salvador and some of the other Fixers seemed uncomfortable to that idea.
"Don't turn yourselves into monsters. We've got a second chance at life. Be someone you want to be in a world where it's peaceful and that humans don't treat each other like tools."
"Thank you for your consideration, Director." Salvador said with a bow as they stood in front of the teleporter. This time, Albion was going to bring them back to the Association for interviews as lost humans. That will clear one thing at least.
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