- Location
- Philippines
Might have been a rough month, but I've recovered some for more Nine Quest bullshit.
1800 spaghetti strings.
Definitely has me wondering about stuff again tho
[X] Purchase It
[X] Bait and Tackle
1800 spaghetti strings.
Sleep. Train. Eat.
Eat. Sleep. Train.
Mission. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill.
Report. Eat. Sleep.
Did the days feel like weeks? Or did months only feel like days? Everything had melded into a routine since that day, and Nine could scarcely unthread the events from each other. Sprawled against the fragrant sheets, lavender deemed default, and still awake. There were fragments of laughter, echoes in his ears, as he faced the newly painted ceiling. A welcome change from the yellowed surfaces of his old room.
Nine could remember the pleasantries exchanged during the celebration. An indisputable victory against the Rotbeast, a creature of gargantuan proportions whose strength could decimate the entirety of the sovereign. Strangers looked at him with tears in their eyes, gratitude an endless tide. Sundries, tokens, and accessories abound were tossed everywhere. As if the once impending doom and the unfurled casualties never existed.
The sensation of the finest drinks being drained down his gullet, accompanied by stores of food whose taste sent his emotions into frenzied bliss, had long since faded. Expert healers, those they could spare in the after math, had gone around providing healthcare for those that needed it. Though unable to truly rid himself of all his injuries, the reassuring glow that subsumed him had certainly lightened the severity.
It all eventually melded into dancing and songs. A festival of sorts that lifted the spirits of those who still carried one. There had been some downtime allowed, given Nine was part of the last set to head on back to Headquarters. And though he could not stay long enough to experience their joys in full, there were enough memories adjacent to frame it as worth remembering.
If nothing else, seeing Sanae laugh without any reservation was a sight to see. She had lost dear family and beloved friends in the onslaught. Yet their valor and sacrifice were the consequences of their own choice, rather than one built by a string of incidents. And so she was proud, even as bloodied arms wrapped around Nine's neck. Introduced him even, to her tightened circle. As her benefactor too; as a man who had risked life and glory to rescue a faceless stranger.
To be showered with adulation was a scenario Nine had no experience in. He could even remember the furious blush that burned the tips of his ears even. It was the first time in ages that the mercenary could deftly remember that he had enjoyed himself. Infectious was the joy around them that even his breach from mandated decorum found no purchase as the remaining mercenaries boarded the last convoy home.
Perhaps it had been the constant rain of praise, or how everyone's lips were constantly preoccupied with jubilant grins. Even his colleagues on the way back couldn't help but boast of their accomplishments. Of how they took down Rotspawn after Rotspawn. How they deserved a long vacation, fully paid of course, after all the work they put in. Even Nine, taciturn as he was, jeered out his own achievements.
An Elite Rotspawn, brought low primarily by the strength of his arms.
All of them laughed. Patted him on the back, ruffled his hair, and promised that they'd take down an even bigger target after their vacation. It was an atmosphere that Nine thought would last. Said atmosphere became muted the minute the mercenaries entered headquarters. Smiles became forced. Greetings were strained. From clear blue skies and lively landscapes to drab grey ceilings and constrictive hallways. The shift of the environment was as telling as the oppressive emotions that permeated the entirety of the facility.
Nine remembered how everyone received an order to gather in the docking areas. Of how heavy the footsteps struck against the iron grates. Atop the stage was a lone podium, one occupied by the Director. No other stood by his side. A stark contrast to his usual display of power.
The lack of fanfare or pomp should have clued Nine in.
Somber was the Director's voice. Eyes like steel as he addressed the mercenaries under his command. August spoke with conviction, his words that of crystalized truth. That every single one of them had earned this victory. That he was proud of them coming home alive. And how, despite all their preparations, the entire operation had cost them far too many lives. Not just numbers that could be compensated. But people of a Brotherhood forged through adversity, tempered by the blood they have shed.
The wall behind August lit up. It showed a photo of a mercenary Nine had met in passing. One that turned black and white as the Director uttered his name. Another photo appeared. This time, it was one that Nine had worked with recently. The same happened as the first. Then again, and again, and again until angry tears bubbled in everyone's eyes. Others forced them back, presenting a veneer of composure. Those who could not, openly shed their tears as a friend's name was uttered.
He felt his fists clench tighter after every photo that appeared. That man was the strongest of them all. One who carried with him strength insurmountable. What his gut told him was a lie. The other members of the Assault Squad may have perished as well, but he was confident that they weren't as strong as Viktor. Red eyes flashed about. Away from the screen and into the crowd. Rooted as he was, Nine had not lost the ability to look.
It was fine even if the thumping in his ears drowned away the words. He didn't have to hear it because there was nothing to hear. Nine may have felt remorse over the loss of lives but everyone who went knew of the risks. But even then, risk or not, he could trust Viktor to smack his head for freaking out like this. For even doubting him. Nine knew he would make good on his promises. Then make fun of him for not having the balls to fight against giant lizards one on one.
That stupid face plastered on the wall would have laughed at the brat who wanted to play hero.
"Asshole."
His chest heaved as he pulled himself away from memory lane. "He was definitely an asshole, wasn't he?" By his bedside, Promise remained silent. "Went off and got himself killed. And for what?" Nine shook his head as he stood up and took hold of his lance.
"You're right. If I've got the energy to complain, then might as well train."
-----
And we are back with Nine Quest, albeit with something far away from celebrations. Days, weeks, months? Time has certainly passed since the Victory against the Rotbeast, even if Nine can't discern it.
All complications gained from the last few updates have been removed, with Nine once more functioning at 100% combat efficiency. Due to the lack of any solid votes in the previous update, as well as there having been a sizable delay for this one, we'll be opening up again the options.
Nine has certainly kept himself busy, as neither Time nor the Benefactor bothered to wait.
Nine currently has 6 Picks to make use of. 3 gained from the Rotbeast Battle, and another 3 earned in succeeding missions since then. He has also accumulated 5 Apostle Credits.
Spend as you see fit for the below:
[ ] An Apostle's Strength I, II, III
- Provides: 1 +Might per iteration
- Costs: 1, 2, 3 Pick
[ ] A Lance's Finesse III: "Like lightning."
- Provides: +Agi
- Costs: 1 Pick
[ ] The Benefactor's Blessing I: "To have raised yourself up like this..., I could almost say I'm proud!"
- Provides: ++Might, ++Agi
- Costs: 1 Pick, Apostle Strength III, and Lance's Finesse III
[ ] Howl of Thunder: "Where Lightning strikes, Thunder follows."
- Any and all attacks made with the power of lightning will also employ the strength of thunder.
- Allows Nine to manifest a reverberating concussive force that can be transmitted through his attacks.
- May be employed to strike either the outers or inners of a target.
- Costs: 1 Pick, 2 Apostle Credits
[ ] Curled Claws I: "To layer power upon power is not mindless addition. There are nuances to it that one learns either by theory or experience! And quite, you do fit the latter."
- Provides: +Control, +Control when operating under dangerous conditions, ++Control when operating under overwhelming conditions.
- [Symbiote Upgrade]
- Costs 1 Pick, 3 Apostle Credits
[ ] Experience and Acumen I: "There's more to fighting than a strong arm."
- Provides: +Int, ++Wis
- Costs: 2 Pick
[ ] A Mentor's Advice: "Don't lose your head, Nine. Keep fighting."
- Provides: +++Output
- Costs: 2 Picks
[ ] Thunderstrike: "The echoes of thunder."
- Provides: +++Might
- Costs: 2 Picks
[ ] Curled Claws II: "A predator is not made an apex by mere strength alone! Cunning and instinct, too, sharpens its claws for an encounter it knows it might face!"
- Provides: ++Control. ++++Control when operating under dangerous conditions. ++++++Control when operating under overwhelming conditions.
- Adds 1/3rd of Nine's Total Control to his Agility.
- [Symbiote Upgrade]
- Costs: 2 Pick, 7 Apostle Credits, Curled Claws I
[ ] Fanged Ferocity II: "Day by day, you become more interesting, my Apostle! Once, you were but a rat always cornered. Now, you're slowly but surely becoming more and more of a predator! I look forward to what adversity you shall face next!"
- Provides: ++Output. ++++Output when operating under dangerous conditions. ++++++Output when operating under overwhelming conditions.
- Adds 1/3rd of Nine's Total Output to his Might.
- [Symbiote Upgrade]
- Costs: 2 Pick, 7 Apostle Credits, Fanged Ferocity I
[ ] Forged In Solitude: "The journey for strength is one of greed. It shall devour everything in its path, regardless of what it may be."
- Provides:
When undergoing and accomplishing events without assistance, receive +100% Progression, +100% All Stats.
When undergoing and accomplishing events with assistance, receive -100% Progression, -50% All Stats.
Growth Rate of relationship now requires 3 times the applicable resources.
- Costs: 4 Picks, 1 Defining Advancement Slot
[ ] Conqueror's Manifesto:
- Costs: 7 Apostle Credits
[ ] Vajra's Resolution:
- Costs 15 Apostle Credits
As time continues to move onwards, what are Nine's plans for the future?
[ ] Dog of the Director: "NW-01..., no. Nine. Will you continue to fight by my side?"
- Nine continues to work under Director August as part of his greatly dwindled mercenary branch.
- Continues to provide Nine a structured livelihood.
- With missions and resources aplenty due to the untimely downsizing, will offer more opportunities to increase his relevance to the Director.
- Doesn't leave behind the bonds and relationships forged within the Company.
- Allows to further explore the inner workings of the mercenary company
[ ] Scattered To the Winds: "A pity, but I wish for your success wherever it may be."
- Nine will resign from the Mercenary Company to explore the Voyaging Realm.
- Will have Nine experience more of what the world has to offer without the constraints placed on him by his organization.
- Leaves behind what friends he has made behind.
- Provides 1 Apostle Pick
Eat. Sleep. Train.
Mission. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill.
Report. Eat. Sleep.
Did the days feel like weeks? Or did months only feel like days? Everything had melded into a routine since that day, and Nine could scarcely unthread the events from each other. Sprawled against the fragrant sheets, lavender deemed default, and still awake. There were fragments of laughter, echoes in his ears, as he faced the newly painted ceiling. A welcome change from the yellowed surfaces of his old room.
Nine could remember the pleasantries exchanged during the celebration. An indisputable victory against the Rotbeast, a creature of gargantuan proportions whose strength could decimate the entirety of the sovereign. Strangers looked at him with tears in their eyes, gratitude an endless tide. Sundries, tokens, and accessories abound were tossed everywhere. As if the once impending doom and the unfurled casualties never existed.
The sensation of the finest drinks being drained down his gullet, accompanied by stores of food whose taste sent his emotions into frenzied bliss, had long since faded. Expert healers, those they could spare in the after math, had gone around providing healthcare for those that needed it. Though unable to truly rid himself of all his injuries, the reassuring glow that subsumed him had certainly lightened the severity.
It all eventually melded into dancing and songs. A festival of sorts that lifted the spirits of those who still carried one. There had been some downtime allowed, given Nine was part of the last set to head on back to Headquarters. And though he could not stay long enough to experience their joys in full, there were enough memories adjacent to frame it as worth remembering.
If nothing else, seeing Sanae laugh without any reservation was a sight to see. She had lost dear family and beloved friends in the onslaught. Yet their valor and sacrifice were the consequences of their own choice, rather than one built by a string of incidents. And so she was proud, even as bloodied arms wrapped around Nine's neck. Introduced him even, to her tightened circle. As her benefactor too; as a man who had risked life and glory to rescue a faceless stranger.
To be showered with adulation was a scenario Nine had no experience in. He could even remember the furious blush that burned the tips of his ears even. It was the first time in ages that the mercenary could deftly remember that he had enjoyed himself. Infectious was the joy around them that even his breach from mandated decorum found no purchase as the remaining mercenaries boarded the last convoy home.
Perhaps it had been the constant rain of praise, or how everyone's lips were constantly preoccupied with jubilant grins. Even his colleagues on the way back couldn't help but boast of their accomplishments. Of how they took down Rotspawn after Rotspawn. How they deserved a long vacation, fully paid of course, after all the work they put in. Even Nine, taciturn as he was, jeered out his own achievements.
An Elite Rotspawn, brought low primarily by the strength of his arms.
All of them laughed. Patted him on the back, ruffled his hair, and promised that they'd take down an even bigger target after their vacation. It was an atmosphere that Nine thought would last. Said atmosphere became muted the minute the mercenaries entered headquarters. Smiles became forced. Greetings were strained. From clear blue skies and lively landscapes to drab grey ceilings and constrictive hallways. The shift of the environment was as telling as the oppressive emotions that permeated the entirety of the facility.
Nine remembered how everyone received an order to gather in the docking areas. Of how heavy the footsteps struck against the iron grates. Atop the stage was a lone podium, one occupied by the Director. No other stood by his side. A stark contrast to his usual display of power.
The lack of fanfare or pomp should have clued Nine in.
Somber was the Director's voice. Eyes like steel as he addressed the mercenaries under his command. August spoke with conviction, his words that of crystalized truth. That every single one of them had earned this victory. That he was proud of them coming home alive. And how, despite all their preparations, the entire operation had cost them far too many lives. Not just numbers that could be compensated. But people of a Brotherhood forged through adversity, tempered by the blood they have shed.
The wall behind August lit up. It showed a photo of a mercenary Nine had met in passing. One that turned black and white as the Director uttered his name. Another photo appeared. This time, it was one that Nine had worked with recently. The same happened as the first. Then again, and again, and again until angry tears bubbled in everyone's eyes. Others forced them back, presenting a veneer of composure. Those who could not, openly shed their tears as a friend's name was uttered.
He felt his fists clench tighter after every photo that appeared. That man was the strongest of them all. One who carried with him strength insurmountable. What his gut told him was a lie. The other members of the Assault Squad may have perished as well, but he was confident that they weren't as strong as Viktor. Red eyes flashed about. Away from the screen and into the crowd. Rooted as he was, Nine had not lost the ability to look.
It was fine even if the thumping in his ears drowned away the words. He didn't have to hear it because there was nothing to hear. Nine may have felt remorse over the loss of lives but everyone who went knew of the risks. But even then, risk or not, he could trust Viktor to smack his head for freaking out like this. For even doubting him. Nine knew he would make good on his promises. Then make fun of him for not having the balls to fight against giant lizards one on one.
That stupid face plastered on the wall would have laughed at the brat who wanted to play hero.
"Asshole."
His chest heaved as he pulled himself away from memory lane. "He was definitely an asshole, wasn't he?" By his bedside, Promise remained silent. "Went off and got himself killed. And for what?" Nine shook his head as he stood up and took hold of his lance.
"You're right. If I've got the energy to complain, then might as well train."
-----
And we are back with Nine Quest, albeit with something far away from celebrations. Days, weeks, months? Time has certainly passed since the Victory against the Rotbeast, even if Nine can't discern it.
All complications gained from the last few updates have been removed, with Nine once more functioning at 100% combat efficiency. Due to the lack of any solid votes in the previous update, as well as there having been a sizable delay for this one, we'll be opening up again the options.
Nine has certainly kept himself busy, as neither Time nor the Benefactor bothered to wait.
Nine currently has 6 Picks to make use of. 3 gained from the Rotbeast Battle, and another 3 earned in succeeding missions since then. He has also accumulated 5 Apostle Credits.
Spend as you see fit for the below:
[ ] An Apostle's Strength I, II, III
- Provides: 1 +Might per iteration
- Costs: 1, 2, 3 Pick
[ ] A Lance's Finesse III: "Like lightning."
- Provides: +Agi
- Costs: 1 Pick
[ ] The Benefactor's Blessing I: "To have raised yourself up like this..., I could almost say I'm proud!"
- Provides: ++Might, ++Agi
- Costs: 1 Pick, Apostle Strength III, and Lance's Finesse III
[ ] Howl of Thunder: "Where Lightning strikes, Thunder follows."
- Any and all attacks made with the power of lightning will also employ the strength of thunder.
- Allows Nine to manifest a reverberating concussive force that can be transmitted through his attacks.
- May be employed to strike either the outers or inners of a target.
- Costs: 1 Pick, 2 Apostle Credits
[ ] Curled Claws I: "To layer power upon power is not mindless addition. There are nuances to it that one learns either by theory or experience! And quite, you do fit the latter."
- Provides: +Control, +Control when operating under dangerous conditions, ++Control when operating under overwhelming conditions.
- [Symbiote Upgrade]
- Costs 1 Pick, 3 Apostle Credits
[ ] Experience and Acumen I: "There's more to fighting than a strong arm."
- Provides: +Int, ++Wis
- Costs: 2 Pick
[ ] A Mentor's Advice: "Don't lose your head, Nine. Keep fighting."
- Provides: +++Output
- Costs: 2 Picks
[ ] Thunderstrike: "The echoes of thunder."
- Provides: +++Might
- Costs: 2 Picks
[ ] Curled Claws II: "A predator is not made an apex by mere strength alone! Cunning and instinct, too, sharpens its claws for an encounter it knows it might face!"
- Provides: ++Control. ++++Control when operating under dangerous conditions. ++++++Control when operating under overwhelming conditions.
- Adds 1/3rd of Nine's Total Control to his Agility.
- [Symbiote Upgrade]
- Costs: 2 Pick, 7 Apostle Credits, Curled Claws I
[ ] Fanged Ferocity II: "Day by day, you become more interesting, my Apostle! Once, you were but a rat always cornered. Now, you're slowly but surely becoming more and more of a predator! I look forward to what adversity you shall face next!"
- Provides: ++Output. ++++Output when operating under dangerous conditions. ++++++Output when operating under overwhelming conditions.
- Adds 1/3rd of Nine's Total Output to his Might.
- [Symbiote Upgrade]
- Costs: 2 Pick, 7 Apostle Credits, Fanged Ferocity I
[ ] Forged In Solitude: "The journey for strength is one of greed. It shall devour everything in its path, regardless of what it may be."
- Provides:
When undergoing and accomplishing events without assistance, receive +100% Progression, +100% All Stats.
When undergoing and accomplishing events with assistance, receive -100% Progression, -50% All Stats.
Growth Rate of relationship now requires 3 times the applicable resources.
- Costs: 4 Picks, 1 Defining Advancement Slot
[ ] Conqueror's Manifesto:
- Costs: 7 Apostle Credits
[ ] Vajra's Resolution:
- Costs 15 Apostle Credits
As time continues to move onwards, what are Nine's plans for the future?
[ ] Dog of the Director: "NW-01..., no. Nine. Will you continue to fight by my side?"
- Nine continues to work under Director August as part of his greatly dwindled mercenary branch.
- Continues to provide Nine a structured livelihood.
- With missions and resources aplenty due to the untimely downsizing, will offer more opportunities to increase his relevance to the Director.
- Doesn't leave behind the bonds and relationships forged within the Company.
- Allows to further explore the inner workings of the mercenary company
[ ] Scattered To the Winds: "A pity, but I wish for your success wherever it may be."
- Nine will resign from the Mercenary Company to explore the Voyaging Realm.
- Will have Nine experience more of what the world has to offer without the constraints placed on him by his organization.
- Leaves behind what friends he has made behind.
- Provides 1 Apostle Pick
Definitely has me wondering about stuff again tho
[X] Purchase It
[X] Bait and Tackle
