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The Journey Never Ends (Original Fantasy Quest)

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[X] No, don't bring Ophelia

I don't believe we can trust Ophelia fully, that is not to eventually start using her Favours as long term leverage so...
 
[X] Aoki Junko.
[X] Paragon.
[X] La Encantada.

[X] Yes, bring Ophelia.

I don't think there'll be a better time to ask her for help.
 
Stilling said:
[X] Paragon
[X] La Encantada
[X] A celestial appears before you, perfect and divine as they manifest and shine a light in the clearing. Two great, metallic wings unfurl from their form and reveal… a surprisingly mechanized form, sleek metal with numerous symbols lining them forming much of their body. Their beautiful, silvery face stare down at you impassively as you gape at the sight.

Over a thousand years ago, you saw celestials roam the land alongside mortals, battling against the endless tide of evil and sin pouring from the cracks in reality. Virtue personified, resolve unbending, and righteous fury unleashed, in every possible way they existed on a different plane compared to even the most saintly individuals. It is not a matter of resisting temptation and rising above their weaknesses for them. They simply do. There is no temptation, no weakness or flaw.

You have seen the wonders of the realms and terrors from beyond, and yet even after a millennium, your body has not forgotten what it is to stand next to an angel from on high. A powerful celestial at that, whose sheer presence feels as if it is drowning your own meager existence. It even appears as if they are reining it in, with how certain parts of their body become blurry and hazy from the energy emitted.

There is awe. Your eyes drink in the sight, entranced by the motes of light their form is releasing and the wings of unvarnished steel shimmering in the evening sky. Sleek metal lines their body and blurs the line between armor and skin, golden engravings etched into them. Their flawless, perfectly smooth face, made of that strange material as well, is framed by stylistic wings on either side of their head.

There is terror. That unblemished face stares into your own, and your legs shake as you struggle not to avert your eyes. Motionless, orbs of sunfire sear your own, and you almost flinch even if you feel no pain. A perfect being free of sin stares into you, and you know not if they find you wanting. Your every weakness, your every flaw, your every fault, it is laid bare before this implacable judge.

This is no merciful angel.

"Deirdre Pathstrider. Last of the Elves and Vessel of the Seven's Legacy. I come bearing a message from The Promised Lands."

Their voice resonates across the clearing with a metallic tinge to it, imposing and soft at the same time. It presses into your mind without any discomfort unlike with Ophelia, yet you still feel more unsettled. Swallowing, you clench your hands and attempt to shake off the effects of their aura. You are Deirdre Pathstrider! You have faced more demons and monsters than a hundred heroes! You have survived over four thousand years of conflict and chaos! You have seen Heaven falter and the Abyss choke this land! You still stand here today even as mortals surpass the wildest of their dreams!

You take a step forward.

"Divine one… I am honored to receive a message from the heavenly hosts," you say, voice wavering but not stuttering. "But did not the celestials and all forces of good and order forbid our realms meet?"

If the celestial is bothered by you questioning them, you can see no sign of it.

"Correct. The Veil remains strong, and all must still abide by the pact. However, if a matter arises that may affect the integrity and stability of the realms, action must be taken."

Your eyes widen. That can only mean…

"The Promised Lands have taken notice of your planned expedition to the Demiurge's realm, Deirdre Pathstrider. Such an eventuality was not unexpected, but your actions did not align with our predictions."

"What?" You question, slightly bewildered. Is it really that shocking that you led this initiative? And the Demiurge?

"Change and possibility are the realms of mortals," they begin saying. "We have prepared for the endless paths that may have been taken in confronting the Demiurge on Orbis. You do not fit within this paradigm. Therefore, we must adjust."

You don't fit…? If it were any other moment with any other speaker, you might've reacted sharply to that statement. Your therapy session and recent struggles have left you feeling especially raw however, and those words coming from a revered celestial…

"... if my presence affects the divine's plan—"

They interrupt, "You misunderstand. This is not an error on your part, but ours."

Though their voice does not change cadence or tone, it does feel as if they've softened their presence.

"In fact, many believe this to be an opportunity. The Demiurge has been a troubling opponent for us to face. Their goals and actions are an enigma, yet are not random or sporadic like the demonic scourge. Unlike the Abyss, where the many demons give a terrible, but emergent, intelligence to their home, there is undoubtedly an active mind behind the Demiurge."

"What does this mean?"

"It means they have a reason behind every act and the capability for long-term planning. We cannot afford to sit back and contain the threat like with the Abyss. The space they reside in the Currents blocks our efforts to divine their intentions and confounds any who step into it. It is a distinct possibility they do not share our disadvantages."

As your body starts releasing the tension that has built up the past few minutes, you consider their words. The celestial's claim that they could not foresee your actions feels ridiculous, but you know a celestial does not lie. There must be something more to that. Yet your thoughts do not linger long on that matter, and instead what they seem to be alluding to.

"The celestials believe I may be an unexpected element that this… Demiurge will not expect?"

"An astute observation. The Demiurge was not present during the age of the elves, and it has proven to be a force that needs to learn. But I would advise caution in holding onto that assumption. It learns, and in ways we do not predict."

"For the Demiurge is a corruptive force. It has taken celestials, devils, fae, mortals, and even demons alike. As an elf, you are a unique creation that only your gods know the secrets of, but do not doubt the Demiurge will find a way given time. While you may be resistant to its corruption, I would not test it."

You take the warning in stride, already planning on taking measures to protect yourself. What makes the air catch in your throat and your heart pound isn't that, but the almost off-handed remark they utter.

"Divine one… if I may be so bold as to ask, do my gods still live? Do they still perform their work in the Everlasting Glades?"

For the first time, the celestial moves. Not by much, but your rapt attention on them lets you catch the slight tilt of their head.

"I understand your curiosity, but those are not secrets to which I can share or have great knowledge of. The Convergence of Divinity has left many deities unmoored in the Currents, the status of some we still remain uncertain of."

"I see…" you mutter. "I've long pondered on their fates. I… shall pray for their survival."

They remain silent for a moment, as if deciding whether to share something with you. It is then that you realize that you have settled back on the ground sometime during the conversation. You must have fallen down...

"The realms are in flux," they say eventually. "More has happened in the past thousand years than the previous five thousand, even if it must not seem like it here in Orbis. The Currents usually moves both fast and slow, with much happening but overall change being difficult to maintain. That has changed, and is complicated by the rate of development mortals have undergone since the Incursion."

They gesture at their body. "The Currents stabilize Orbis, while Orbis shapes the Currents. So it has been, and so it shall ever be. As our enemies seek new ways to upend reality, we too must adapt. The Abyss sought to end life on Orbis like they did millennia past from the Currents, while the Demiurge seeks to do the opposite."

"The opposite," you start, thinking on their words. "Are you implying that they are not acting from the Currents?"

"It is something we still do not understand fully," they admit. "The Demiurge certainly came from outside both the Currents and Orbis, but while they have a presence in the former, their focus on maintaining a foothold on the latter is undeniable. Their continued presence in Orbis would be impossible otherwise."

You run everything you've just learned in your mind. There is finally a name you can put behind the cause of everything that's happened to Yashima, even if you don't understand what the "Demiurge" is supposed to mean. They are an active, malicious intelligence whose main work seems to be in Orbis, and despite their best efforts, the celestials and many of the other forces in the Currents do not seem to be doing very well against them.

This is a battle where Orbis must lead the charge. While the demons wreaked havoc across the entire continent of Kiengir for decades, they had been contained for millennia before in Currents and have mostly been kept out since the Incursion. The Demiurge has only stayed within Yashima for the past decade, but their control and influence over the area is unparalleled compared to any other otherworldly force in history, preferring to invade the Currents instead.

And the few pieces of the puzzle the celestial gave on your elven nature… it is not nearly enough for your liking, but there is nothing for it.

"Thank you, divine one," you say, standing up once more and bowing your head. "I am grateful to finally know the name and nature of our foe, even if much still remains unclear. Orbis will stand strong against this Demiurge and persist, like we always have.

They incline their head in acknowledgment. "Our paths are inextricably linked but rarely meet. It will be some time before the two sides shall see each other, and so I have come bearing more than a message. As it is the domains and followers of the Amatsu-Kami that have been affected the most, they have spent the most time studying the Demiurge. They bid me give the one who would go to their faithful's aid a gift they have crafted."

With a simple motion of their hand, a shimmer forms in the air and forces you to avert your eyes for a moment. As the light dies down, you look back to see… a sword in the style of the Yashimans, along with a scabbard decorated with various symbols and characters of their language. The blade itself is astonishingly clear, so much so that you can see your reflection from a distance. Underneath the orange and white wrappings of the hilt, a strange curved jewel in the shape of a magatama acts as the pommel.

As they descend and you take the sword and scabbard into your hands, the celestial suddenly begins to flap their wings and take off from the ground.

"The Amatsu-Kami has given you free reign to use the gift as you see fit. Wield it in battle, give it to one you deem worthy, or simply carry it as a symbol of their trust. So long as it is on your person, the corruption of the Demiurge shall not reach you."

You avert your eyes from the increasing brightness, but manage to keep your composure this time.

"I must go now," they say as they ascend into the air, their voice the only thing you can hear amidst the noise of their exit. "Several have noticed my entry to Orbis already, and my companions struggle to fend off their response. Farewell, Deirdre Pathstrider. May the Light guide you."

"Give the Amatsu-Kami my thanks!" You yell over the din. "I will not betray their confidence in me!"

"For the realms. For the Light." They intone, before disappearing in a flash of light.

You catch a small peek of their reentry into the Currents, however. Of a group of other celestials battling strange monstrosities on the other side, and the angel you just conversed with going to their aid. It seems that even the celestials cannot enter Orbis easily. No wonder The Promised Lands sent such an imposing being to be their messenger.

So much rides on this expedition, on your shoulders. It feels different this time however. Looking down on the blade in your hands, a storm of conflicting emotions wells up within you. Excitement and determination, yes, but also that familiar nausea and uneasiness that has plagued you the past few weeks. Remembering Dr. Rallis's words, you note down this experience mentally and resolve to look into it at a better time.

For now, as you sink back down on the ground, you need to sleep. Who knew conversing with an angel can be so exhausting?


You stand at the bow of the ship and let the sea breeze brush past you, taking in the sharp, briny scent of the air as you do. It has been a long time since you have sailed on a ship. Conflicting feelings and memories bubble up to the surface, and you take a deep breath as you process it all. Traveling on a ship is perhaps one of the most traditional ways to adventure and explore, a vessel with which people may use to go off on their own and chart their own destiny. You can't deny the thrum of excitement coursing through you now, even if you are not very fond of the sea.

Yet… the last time you journeyed with a crew…

Not all adventures end happily ever after.

Shaking away those thoughts, you busy yourself with running through the details of the expedition now that it has officially gone underway. The question of whether to travel by sea or air was answered a while back by observing the data collected over the past decade. It is possible to fly an airship or plane through the miasma surrounding Yashima, or as many have been calling it nowadays, the Yamikiri. However, the chance of complications or mechanical failures are often much higher for aircraft, with protections against it being difficult to implement in an air vessel. Traveling by sea is slower, but will be safer, easier to defend, and able to carry more supplies. Escaping from the ship is more feasible as well.

They aren't military vessels, one of the things that would have required an unanimous vote from the UP Council on, but all the ships traveling in the expedition are of the highest quality. Avista, Tarshish, and Zhonghua each prepared a ship that can carry passengers and cargo. Lumen Corp sent over two ships, one specialized in transporting Lumen and other substances with another to carry all the infrastructure to use it. There is actually a vessel from The Light, where most of the donations and independent sophontarian aid are placed. Lastly, the UP provided two vessels, one to act as the "flagship" and another mostly for cargo.

You are standing on that flagship right now, and though it isn't meant to be used for military matters, it has a few weapons installed like the rest. The oceans and seas occasionally had to deal with monsters from below after all, being one of the few places where they still exist in significant numbers. There was some quibbling over who should actually lead the whole expedition but most settled on you, if only to act as a figure to rally behind and overall representative to the Yashimans.

A ship built today may carry nearly ten thousand people, but due to the unique situation and trying to skirt past UP regulations on military vessels, your ships are a rough fit for the amount of people on the expedition. Namely, nearly two thousand. That number shocked you for a moment, as it had been only close to a thousand with most being Yashimans wanting to go home. The various groups you've hired have swelled your ranks however, especially with the myceli and myrmidons.

One of the largest obstacles however was handling the protections against the corruptive effects of the Yamikiri. The ships are fine with Lumen Corp's help, but it was difficult determining how to protect the members with diverse body shapes through the typical suits. Not only that, but full suits offering complete protection are expensive, few in number, and unsuited for various physical activities that everyone undoubtedly will be performing. Various gadgets were floated around as a potential solution, but were deemed too limited since they only protected a single area.

In the end, it was a collaboration between the Light's priests and the Magi Society that eventually came up with a solution. Everyone was given a blessed amulet that would ward off the Yamikiri while carrying tiny orbs that can be thrown and shattered to create a stabilizing effect in a certain area. It isn't a perfect solution, and you have a few people on hand to check on anyone experiencing anything worse on each ship, but you'd have to make do.

If there are Yashimans in significant numbers left on the island, it either means the corruption is not as potent as feared, or they've developed a way to counteract it. Hopefully both. And if there are surviving Yashimans, there's only one likely city as a candidate. The city which most of the initial evacuation efforts centered around due to it being the closest to the continent.

Tsukishima.


Some of the people you've gathered are on your ship to discuss things in more detail, with others spread around to guard and make sure everyone knows the various rules and goals of the expedition. You of course meet with all of them, but there are some you chat with regularly before running into the Yamikiri. Who are they? Choose up to three.

[] Aoki Junko

The leader of the YRRA has decided to come along with the expedition, and you have noticed a strange energy and mood overtake her the few times you've conversed with her since the UP vote passed. As someone who was there during the Impact and has connected with the many Yashiman refugees, it would be a good idea to discuss various matters with her such as the Yashimans on the expedition. She would know better than most what might await you.

[] Paragon

The Hand of the Beholder is a strange woman, and her introduction to you did little to change that perception. She carries herself with a rare confidence and openness, utterly fearless of what others think of her. As the unofficial but clear leader of the Light attachment of the expedition, it would be good to get to know her better and discuss what exactly the priests and other adherents of the faith will be doing in the land.

[] La Encantada

Beatrice Rossi is… not what you expected, even after reading her files. You half thought she didn't show up until she unceremoniously appeared in the line along with her sylvan girlfriend, a druid from the forests of Tarshish who decided to come with. She didn't seem outright reluctant to be here, but you can only charitably describe her as unenthusiastic. While she doesn't bring much else besides her magic, it might be prudent to discuss things in more detail with an extremely powerful, seemingly unreliable magician you know very little about.

[] Lumen Corp Representative

The energy corporation didn't just send over a few workers. A representative, and high-up one at that, has been assigned to the expedition to oversee everything and make decisions on the corporation's behalf. From what you've seen of him, he seems quite energetic and excited about something. Finding out what that is seems prudent, especially since you still aren't entirely trusting of them. Discussing their infrastructure plans would be good too.

[] Diplomatic Corp

The UP and many of the nations on Kiengir have sent delegates over on the expedition along with the sophontarian workers. As it is your main duty, it would be good to discuss just how you'll present yourselves and the various situations that may arise depending on the state of the population in Tsukishima. There are also the representatives from the various ISO organizations, like WATCH, who will be observing the process. Communicating with all of them often would be doing your due diligence, and see if there is anything you need to watch out for from them.

[] Freelancers

A word with less negative connotations than mercenaries. You were the one that hired and brought them over, so it's best you oversee them and make sure nothing goes wrong with them. Besides, they are in a way the closest things to you here. People staking their lives on an adventure to a land with unknown dangers and rewards… it makes you feel a bit nostalgic.


Additionally, you have considered bringing Ophelia over during the expedition. Do you? Choose one.

[] Yes, bring Ophelia
If anything goes wrong on the way there, a likely possibility, she might be very helpful in resolving various issues. The Yamikiri around Yashima is a strange thing, and a fae might perceive things you and the others don't.

[] No, don't bring Ophelia
Even with the most optimistic predictions, there must be countless dangers in Yashima that you should save her for. If you can't even get to Yashima without her help, this expedition is doomed. Ophelia won't just be asking for simple food eventually as well...

AN:
It feels so good to finally write Yashima on the update title. We are here everyone! This chapter was supposed to come out a day or two earlier, but family stuff delayed me. I hope the meeting with the celestial was to everyone's liking, it was surprisingly very difficult for me to get the right feel and tone for them. The exact numbers on the expedition is also something I randomly came up with, so if anyone thinks it's too low/high, feel free to voice it. I'm terrible with numbers haha.
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Loved the angel bit. I admit I was mildly regretting not picking the hot mecha dwarf on ancient elf action option but that was great. It was nice to see something solidify some of the setting's history and see the Light in action.

[x] No, don't bring Ophelia
a bored Ophelia trapped on a boat sounds like a bad idea... summon her when we have land under our feet

[x] Freelancers
[x] Lumen Corp Representative
do not trust the corps
[x] Aoki Junko
 
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Wootius said:
Loved the angel bit. I admit I was mildly regretting not picking the hot mecha dwarf on ancient elf action option but that was great. It was nice to see something solidify some of the setting's history and see the Light in action.
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I had something really spicy planned for the dwarf encounter, but alas we shall have to wait. I'm glad the celestial bit is well-received though. It eventually grew on me, and I ended up adding more than I planned to as I wrote it (the sword gift, for example).
 
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[X] Aoki Junko
[X] La Encantada
[] Diplomatic Corp
[X] Freelancers
[X] No, don't bring Ophelia
 
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[X] Aoki Junko
[X] Diplomatic Corp
[X] Freelancers
[X] No, don't bring Ophelia

I am very weary of the Demiurge's corruption influence. I don't want Deirdre's closest friend to be lost like that.
 
Hmm, I think another 24 hours for the voting period should be good enough. There is a three way tie between La Encantada, Diplomatic Corp, and Freelancers, but I'll probably just settle on some meh compromise if it remains that way and not hold up the quest on it. It'd probably still be preferable for it to be broken though.

Additionally, I'm planning on maybe making a Dramatis Personae soon of all the characters we've met so far, if anyone would like that.
 
Adhoc vote count started by Derpmind on Jan 24, 2025 at 9:12 PM, finished with 14 posts and 12 votes.
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I'll check back on this thread in about 12 hours, if there's still that tie, I'll switch my vote from Diplo Corps to Encantanda to break the tie.
 
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Really close vote, and somewhat unexpected winners aha. Maybe I'll do a little something in an update after this to reflect it, but I'm closing the vote now.

Also random and not really an advertisement, but I've decided to start posting some of my future writing projects and thoughts on my profile page if anyone is interested in reading some of the weird ideas I've been cooking in my mind. And I decided to write out a Dramatis Personae, though it might not come out until after next update or even later.
 
Stilling said:
Really close vote, and somewhat unexpected winners aha. Maybe I'll do a little something in an update after this to reflect it, but I'm closing the vote now.

Also random and not really an advertisement, but I've decided to start posting some of my future writing projects and thoughts on my profile page if anyone is interested in reading some of the weird ideas I've been cooking in my mind. And I decided to write out a Dramatis Personae, though it might not come out until after next update or even later.
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You might want to make a 'snippet' thread to put all your ideas in one place. (Some of those threads are much larger than others, from the really prolific authors, but there are plenty of small ones too.)
 
Derpmind said:
You might want to make a 'snippet' thread to put all your ideas in one place. (Some of those threads are much larger than others, from the really prolific authors, but there are plenty of small ones too.)
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Ooo, I knew there were some writing journals in the Creative Discussion/Worldbuilding forum, but I guess it slipped my mind that there were snippet threads too. Mmm, I've thought about creating a thread but wasn't sure if I wanted to make it that public yet. And I also haven't really written stuff out yet either beyond the idea. When it's not a quest like this one, my writing tends to be either full procrastination or full commitment, something I find difficult to break and makes it difficult to write smaller things(why all my side story ideas for this quest fizzle out too). It's also why my 2nd quest is taking forever to start up :(.

I'll take it under consideration though if I ever manage to get something more than ideas out, or if people are genuinely interested in reading the rambling notes in my google docs(and discord diary, now that I think about it) of half-written character choices, premises, and ideas. Thanks for letting me know. Edit: Also, though the 420 character limit on profile posts is annoying, it's actually helping me write more concisely. Something which has been a problem for me I think.
 
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Volume 2: Chapter 9 - Yashima New
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Aoki Junko
    [X] Lumen Corp Representative
    [X] Freelancers
    [X] No, don't bring Ophelia

    As leader of the expedition, you had several decisions to make. The first being how to divide the expedition. It might've been possible to cram all two thousand people on a ship or two, but it would've been uncomfortable and impractical. Best to have people on all ships keeping an eye on things as well as ensuring that if one sinks, less might be lost. In the end, it was simpler than everyone made it out to be.

    You suspect the Hand and Pedra Moura can both defend a ship on their own, so you placed them on their respective country's ships. The Light's forces mostly center on their own vessel with small contingents on each ship to provide divine protection if needed. Lumen Corp's ships aren't meant to carry many people, so only their employees remain there.

    That leaves you and the vessel sent by Zhonghua to handle everyone else. Most of the Yashimans are split between the two ships, though yours also carries many of the freelancers unaffiliated with the three nations sending ships that have come along the expedition. Most of the leading voices, ISO members, and delegates are here as well.

    Next is deciding what exactly you'll be doing for the rest of the voyage. You have little experience with modern naval vessels, and there are many groups discussing their own interests away from long-eared elves. Until you reach Tsukishima, your role as the face of the expedition is mostly pointless for now. With not much to do and most topics drying up in public discussions, you've taken to wandering around and making your presence known to everyone on the ship.

    "To think, I actually quite miss the activity before all this…" you mutter to yourself as you head towards a particular room.

    There has been one individual on your mind recently. Aoki Junko, the mokujin you met back at the Yashiman Refugee and Reclamation Association, doesn't seem entirely… present in your conversations and meetings with her. She says the right words and makes sure to give her profuse thanks to you every time, but her eyes never quite focus on you. You've found her and many of the refugees reluctant to share if anything is wrong, so getting to the bottom of this will require something more direct.

    Stopping at her door, you knock and step back, nodding at a kitsune passing by. After some muffled discussion and shuffling, heavy footsteps approach the door and open it to reveal someone that is definitely not Aoki Junko.

    "She ain't—oh," the large mokujin stops himself when he sees you, bowing his head respectfully. "Pathstrider-san, it's good to see you."

    You nod. "Nishikawa-san. Is she in?"

    Nishikawa Akira cranes his neck back to who you assume is Junko, revealing more of the many tattoos inked onto his body. Dragons, various kanji, and other symbols you can't quite make out are visible to your eye. You have of course not pried into the YRRA leader's personal life, but it doesn't take much to realize that this man is, or at least was, part of a certain… business.

    After a silent conversation you are not privy to, he turns back to you and opens the door fully. Nodding to him, you step through to see the mokujin you've come to speak with. Junko was given one of the larger rooms that the delegates and representatives all have, but space is still rather limited on a ship. Sitting at a small desk with documents and papers strewn about it, she manages a smile and slight bow for you before gesturing at the one other chair in the room.

    "Ms. Pathstrider, I'm happy to see you again," she says, still speaking in Common. "Is there something we need to discuss, or have you come to chat?"

    You turn to face her after sitting down. "Both, actually. It's nothing official however. If you are busy…"

    "No, no, I'm not," Junko says, an emotion you can't decipher underlying those words. "Most of the work I had to do was handled before we got on the ships."

    After a moment's hesitation of how to go forward with this, you look between Akira and Junko before responding.

    "I see," you start with. "Then, I was wondering if you would be willing to share some of your experiences during the Impact? I realize there have been stories given already by some survivors, but I'd appreciate a personal retelling with any additional conclusions you might have reached."

    Junko sucks in a breath, eyes darting to the side as Akira steps behind her and lays a comforting hand on her shoulder.

    You look away. "If you do not wish to recount it, then—"

    "... I can talk about it," she says, haltingly. "Sorry, you just came at a… nevermind. I've shared some of my story already to the public, but I'll tell you what's been… what's been on my mind the past decade. On everyone's mind."

    Junko leans into Akira's touch, eyes shut as she thinks.

    "You immediately notice it," the mokujin starts. "The Impact, it didn't destroy everything immediately. But everyone felt something was off. You start looking at the things around you, and they look wrong. Their edges, shape, composition, all wrong. Then you hear the voices around you, and they sound wrong. Their cadence, tone, and volume, all wrong."

    "Junko-chan…" The grizzled mokujin mutters, both hands on her shoulders now.

    She sighs, "She needs to know. Every sense you have, the way you perceive the world around you, it all suddenly feels wrong. You begin feeling nauseous, confused, and… indignant, in a way. Then you start wondering, did it have to be this way? Why did the world around you need to be this way? Why did you need to see it in that way?"

    "I didn't exactly think those thoughts at the time, but it's how I've come to describe the feeling the past decade I've been mulling over it and discussing it with others. All the refugees… we prefer to try and bury that memory. Focus on what we lost and the things we want to regain rather than that moment where we lost touch with reality."

    You furrow your eyebrows, frowning as she speaks.

    "I can understand why. Is it… persistent? Did you have to fight that feeling the whole time you were there?" you ask.

    She shakes her head. "No, thankfully. It comes and goes, but it's hard to see a pattern in it when you start having to fight it off. And it's always different too. It's not just the disorientation, there's other… feelings you get. Especially when you see the monsters. I don't even know how to properly describe some of them. Fascination, wonder, terror, disgust… it all seems to mix together into some strange cocktail, a unique flavor each time."

    "It's easier to fight off when you have someone with you, to ground you. When my… my onii—," she stops momentarily, eyes distant, before refocusing. "My brother and I kept each other sane. There were others we met and saw on the way to Tsukishima. And there was still some communication online. Everyone had their ways of coping, but for most, it eventually starts finding a way into your mind without you noticing, subtly influencing your thoughts and emotions until it's too late to go back. Especially when we saw those… abominations."

    Junko laughs bitterly. "I say we kept each other sane, but it was mostly my brother. He barely seemed to notice it while I was blubbering and panicking the whole time."

    Akira sighs. "He thinks of you all the time, Junko-chan. A man like him? Seen a few of them, and they wake up every day for the people they love."

    You look at the interplay between the two, hesitant to ask your next question.

    "Is your brother currently—"

    "He's alive!" Junko interrupts. "I know he is. That idiot is too stupid to die."

    "... I was asking if he was in Tsukishima."

    The mokujin blinks at you before groaning in embarrassment. "Ah. Well, yes. I think so. Agh… you must think I'm so pathetic right now."

    "No," you deny. "Your faith in your brother is admirable. And if there is something bothering you, I would like to hear of it."

    Junko looks up at that, realization dawning on her pale face.

    "Ah… I apologize if I've caused you any worry," she says evasively. "I'm just a little overwhelmed about finally returning to Yashima."

    You raise an eyebrow. "Aoki-san, I will not get upset at what you say."

    The mokujin falls silent, an almost stubborn air to her as she looks past you, trying to avoid your gaze. It's only when Akira leans down and whispers something to her that she sighs and looks back at you.

    "It's nothing, really. It's just my personal feelings. It doesn't matter."

    The large mokujin groans. "Just tell er' already."

    She opens her mouth to retort, but closes it shut at both of your looks. Sighing, her body seems to deflate even more as she looks down at the floor.

    "... I haven't done anything." Junko says finally.

    You tilt your head. "What do you mean?"

    "Ten years. I spent ten years trying to get the rest of Orbis to aid us. In all that time, I accomplished nothing. Absolutely nothing. It was an impossible wall for me to scale."

    She looks at you, her lips trembling. "And then you climb over it in less than a month. I don't… how useless am I?"

    Taken aback, you open your mouth—

    "No! Don't… don't try to perfectly reason this out and tell me how much I've helped," she interjects, tears dampening the wooden skin of her face. "And that's the thing, you can do that. You can speak perfect Yashiman, you can draw in the perfect amount of attention, you can converse perfectly with all the people in power and smaller voices alike… you're just the perfect person to have done this."

    Despite the bitter words spoken, you catch only the slumped shoulders and hunched over back of someone resigned to their worthlessness.

    "I-I'm sorry, you shouldn't be here wasting your time listening to—"

    "You're right."

    "Huh?"

    You lean back and close your eyes as you look up at the ceiling.

    "Okay. I will not tell you how much you've helped, as I'm sure Nishikawa-san and many others have done so already. You were thrust into a position and situation that you did not know how to resolve, and so all you could do was hold on until someone came along to help you out of it."

    "Busy as you were in simply trying to keep yourself and others afloat, you could not seek out alternatives or improve things about yourself. Opportunities came that promised a quick solution, but they quickly proved to be false, or worse, traps. Soon, all you can see are empty promises and deceptions made to waste your time or exploit you. So you steeled your heart and simply decided to persevere as long as you can."

    "That's…"

    You open your eyes and look back at her. "And that's fine."

    "It is?"

    "Aoki-san, how many times do you think this exact scenario has happened in our insane world? Some terrible calamity or event strikes, the people living there live the best they can, and then some random hero or adventurer comes along to resolve things somehow. It hasn't always happened like that, but I've seen it many, many times."

    You smile ruefully. "Truthfully, it must be a little disheartening. Us adventurers come in, free of any of the context or circumstances binding the locals, and either fix or ruin everything. I can only imagine that I and my past companions have left behind many bitter people. Not to mention famous adventurers and heroes are often more remembered today than the ones who've endured so much."

    Junko and Akira blink at you as you finish your impromptu speech.

    "Is… that your way of comforting me?" The leader of the YRRA asks.

    "I suppose I'm not so perfect at this. Well, are you comforted?"

    She stares at you a bit more before laughing wetly. "I don't know, but I guess I see why the kami have blessed you. You're really something, Pathstrider-san."

    Your hand drifts to the sword gifted to you by the Amatsu-Kami at that. The celestial said nothing about keeping your discussion with them secret, so you did end up telling a few relevant parties about it. Luckily, you managed to get one of the few miko on the continent to confirm the sword's divine nature, so you had at least some support for your claims. Even if many believe you either found it or had it the entire time. Taking it out, you stare at it for a moment before handing it over to Junko.

    "Do you want to hold it?"

    Aoki Junko starts at that, staring at it with wide eyes before taking it into her hands. Her hand ghosts over the scabbard and tsuba, eyes drinking in every inch of it. Drawing the katana out and revealing the mirror-like blade, she looks at her reflection for a bit with an unreadable expression before sheathing it again.

    "Ame no Shisen…" she mutters.

    You lean back. "So, do you want it?"

    "Yes, it's quite—wait, what did you say?" She blurts out once she realizes what you asked. "No, no. I'm no fighter. Give it to someone else. It'll just be an ornament with me… my brother would use it well."

    Despite her words, she looks like a weight has just been lifted off her shoulders. Hmm, does the sword have other properties you don't know about? You suppose you'll find out one way or another… nevertheless, Junko seems much more like the gentle, but confident mokujin you first met, so you'll take comfort in that. The Yamikiri and Demiurge however… her insights on them leave you feeling troubled long after you leave the room.


    "Ah, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Ms. Pathstrider? You appear as radiant as ever, ha ha!"

    You struggle to keep your smile as you sit down. "Thank you, but did we not just meet a few days ago?"

    The old goblin, Sroz Vaald, chuckled. "Ah, I am hurt, though I suppose you wouldn't have remembered me. I was there when ol' Joule Meitner started this whole Lumen Corp business. Ahhh, those were the days! When we were just a small group that didn't know what the heck we were doing… why, I'd say I have so many stories to tell, but it wouldn't compare to yours, hm?"

    Detecting a chance to stop him from reminiscing, you nod politely and say, "Oh, I understand the feeling. But I'm afraid I'm not here to go over old tales."

    Vaald sighs, "Ah, you're just like that boy Ohm. Always rushing to get things done! Well, I can't blame you. How can this old goblin help you?"

    "Does Lumen Corp have any plans in store for the rebuilding process?" You question, both wanting to start slow and genuinely curious. "I understand that we know little of the situation there, but I'd like to know the extent of your company's preparation for this."

    "Ahh, yes. Wonderful question, Ms. Pathstrider. We have indeed prepared for many different outcomes, including the possibility in which we must completely rebuild the power infrastructure of Tsukishima. Of course, we don't wish for such a dreadful occurrence, but it'd be an awful waste if we sailed all the way there and not have that solution in store, yes?"

    Your eyes widen a bit. "Truly? Pardon my skepticism, but are you carrying enough even with your two ships for that?"

    He waves it off. "Of course! We've done this many, many times. Lumen Corp has been having to deal with complicated scenarios like this since its inception. Do you know how dreadful some of the infrastructure was even twenty years ago in some places? Why, the amount of near-accidents… well, let's not go there quite yet, ha ha!"

    "I see…" you say, leaning back. "It seems Lumen Corp is truly invested in this."

    The goblin smiles knowingly, easily detecting your probing attempt. "Of course, of course. The ol' bird was quite insistent that we undertake this venture! And I for one am all for it. We have a duty to fulfill there after all! Lumen Corp stands for a clean and sustainable environment, and whatever nefarious business is going on in Yashima… clearly isn't."

    "Does Lumen Corp know something?" You ask pointedly this time. "This is a dangerous mission everyone is undertaking. I do not ask for your secrets, but if there is something we'll encounter there, I would like to know beforehand."

    He eyes you speculatively. "Hmm. That boy didn't tell you? I suppose he thought you'd know already… well ol' Joules did advise me to be as open as I can. Very well. It's nothing so scandalous, we just have a branch office at Tsukishima and several other cities in Yashima."

    "And…?" You ask, crossing your arms.

    "Well, it wasn't every day a foreign company sets itself up in Yashima," he says, laughing. "Those Yashimans were dominating every technological industry not so long ago, you know? And they never liked having to deal with the continent. Fortunately for us, we had the one thing they couldn't solve with clever innovation. High production of raw resources and energy! Oh they tried their best to oust us, but Joule's genius couldn't be matched so easily."

    Vaald clears his throat. "But, yes. This means we had some communications with our Yashiman branch before it was cut off. Nothing conclusive really, and nothing that we don't already know about the threat, but there are some… interesting details we need to confirm, among other things."

    "Can you share them?"

    He spread his hands helplessly. "Company secrets for now, I'm afraid. Do not worry. If Lumen Corp does discover anything regarding the dangers of this 'Yamikiri' and 'Demiurge', we'll share them with the expedition and whatever remains of the Yashimans. We hardly want things to be more dangerous there for us, and, well, we're contractually obligated to."

    Part of you wants to press this goblin even more than you have, but you rein it in. You don't exactly have the right to overly question any group aiding the expedition, especially if they aren't currently violating their contracts. You're not their boss, director, or a governmental entity that can force them to comply with your wishes. You may be more than a mediator from what you understand... but you don't wish to test your nebulous authority yet.

    It would be different if you actually had solid evidence of something to suspect them for, but Lumen Corp has done nothing but help so far. You are admittedly not the best at understanding contracts as well, so all you can do is take them at their word and hope that Clara and the others involved drafted an airtight agreement.


    "Has the Mother-Queen encountered any problems?"

    "No, Lone Queen. We have prepared numerous protections to ease any strain and burden of hers. This one stands ready to fend off any threats."

    You nod at the Battle-Queen, the large myrmidon's smooth carapace shining even in the haze of the Yamikiri. The expedition entered its range a day ago. You expected there to be immediate problems, but it is… eerily calm, even to your magical senses. Many didn't notice until being told, even the Yashimans who had once encountered the Impact. At worst, some had trouble sleeping, but no one can discern if it is because of the Yamikiri or their own anxiety. Of course, you didn't like that at all.

    "Have your meditations discovered anything amiss?"

    "Little has changed, Lone Sovereign. We have taken your warnings… of this 'Demiurge' into account. It is a strange mist… but we shall persist."

    Thanking the myceli, you move on. Just like with the Ame no Shisen, you did not keep the identity of the Demiurge secret. Many were skeptical, but when word reached Cardinal Edwards, he pushed to recognize it as an adversary the Light must stand against, similarly to demon lords and other malicious beings. Surprisingly, the various institutions were quick to accept it. You wonder if they sensed the celestial's arrival, or if they also received a message…

    "Have your… 'signs' told you anything?"

    "Not yet, but oh… I do like that…"

    You step away from the old Magi Magi member getting a massage from one of the muscular giants you hired. Some people have taken the calm as a sign to relax, making your back tingle in anticipation. There isn't any real proof of it, but you know deep in your bones that terrible things happen whenever people begin letting down their guard like that.

    "Is everyone ready for a potential attack?"

    "Yes ma'am. We're ready to shoot the shit out of any sea beastie that pops their head out of the drink."

    Laughing good-naturedly with the actual mercenary you hired, you turn away and wait a moment to let the smile drop. You've decided to make the rounds on your ship and talk to the various people onboard to ease your nerves. It's… both nostalgic and strange at the same time. Conversing with people from various walks of life comes naturally to you, but there's a certain distance that you can't help but notice.

    "Everything's all right there, sir?"

    "Oh don't you worry yourself about us, lass. We can still hold a lancer."

    Ignoring the "lass", you smile at the group of old veterans who practically begged to join this expedition before walking away. You're not just one of the adventurers anymore. You've taken on the role as the public leader who announced this call to arms. Stopping, your eyebrows scrunch up as you think on it further. A terrible thought bubbles up to the surface at a most painful realization.

    Have you become… a quest giver?

    Suppressing a shudder, you move on to the next group. While you've recruited several interesting characters, you're relieved that nobody of dubious origins or motivations decided to join as far as you can tell. Such undertakings usually attracted those folk, but you suppose the very high likelihood of death in Yashima deters many of those with malicious intentions. No, you've mostly only recruited the desperate and the lost.

    "Young ones, how have you been adjusting?"

    The young lacerta who arrived with his gang at your desk to sign up for the expedition turns from looking at the sea.

    "U-uh…" he says, looking at his friends. "We're doing alright. Just a lot to take in, ya know?"

    You hum, joining them at the railing. Though they seem more uncertain of themselves than before, you're happy to see they look a bit healthier and bulkier than the last time you saw them. Looking out in the distance, you take in the tinged air now present all around you. While many seem to not notice, your sharp eyes catch the slight shifts in hues that flicker in and out of the near invisible "mist" blanketing everything.

    "Have any of you ever been this far from land?" you ask.

    "I-I have," a young sylvan girl responds. "Used to help out with some fishin' ships…"

    You nod appreciatively. "Going away this far from home always feels strange at first. I've known some that became more excited, but even they eventually encounter something that leaves them unsettled. It's okay to feel nervous."

    "We're n-not nervous!"

    "Of course," you say. "Stick together and don't be afraid to lean on each other. Out on the seas like this, the only things you can rely on are yourselves and your friends. All of you carry a piece of your home within you, and I've learned it is something to be cherished."

    The group nods, but the lacerta boy meets your eyes. "What was your home like?"

    You tense, not expecting that question. Your… home? Home. Home, home, home. You were throwing out that word just a few seconds ago yet now the meaning of it seems to have been erased from your mind. Intellectually, you know what it is… for mortals. What does a home mean to you? A place of comfort and safety you can always come back to… has that ever existed for you? Can it exist?

    Before you can formulate a response however, a voice calls out to you.

    "Uh, ma'am!" One of the crew members calls out. "We've found some strange readings. Captain wants to speak with ya."

    Secretly thankful for the interruption, you nod at the sailor. "Very well. Young ones, you should go below deck in case something happens. Remember, you're not here to fight."

    There's some grumbling, but between you and the sailor's expectant gazes, they leave without resistance. Following the crew member to the bridge, it's when you open the door that everything suddenly starts to go to the Currents.

    You're almost knocked to the ground when something impacts the ship hard. Regaining your balance, you flinch as suddenly everything around you starts to blur… before snapping back to reality in less than a second. Not everyone has recovered as fast as you however, and as you look outside the windows, what you see washes away what remains of your internal turmoil.


    What do you see? Choose one.

    [] An enormous eye, ancient and beyond your ken, stares back at you. Within its endless depths lies a great malice and evil, as if it had absorbed all sin from the surface of Orbis. Your heart beats once, then twice, before a bone white mass of flesh covered in black and red veins erupts from the depths, rocking the boat further and dwarfing your puny vessels.

    [] An undulating pillar of flesh wraps itself around the ship, a small portion of the chromatic, shimmering tendril visible on the windows. You watch, fascinated for a moment by its mesmerizing movements and smoothness… before the feeling quickly fades away. Gripping the Ame no Shisen, you watch warily as more and more tendrils wrap themselves around the ship.

    [] The captain gestures for you to come over, and you look through the window to see a fleet of… what you think are ships dragging your vessel towards them with strange, fleshy lines stuck to the sides of your ship. You know for a fact that they were not there in the small glimpse you had of the view before this attack, so how did they manifest?

    AN:
    Trying some new things here, and added a lot more than I thought I would. That Junko conversation was definitely not meant to go on that long, but after I wrote it all out, I ended up really liking it aha. There was supposed to be a roll for the Lumen Corp discussion(and other discussions you guys ended up not voting for), but I forgot and didn't really want to roll one so late. Decided to just share most of what's on their agenda, but keep a few select things to their chest.

    As for the vote, this is mostly to give you a little hint/sign of the Impact, Yamikiri, Demiurge, etc. Pick whichever sounds interesting to fight off. You'll learn something different for each one.
     
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    • [X] The captain gestures for you to come over, and you look through the window to see a fleet of… what you think are ships dragging your vessel towards them with strange, fleshy lines stuck to the sides of your ship. You know for a fact that they were not there in the small glimpse you had of the view before this attack, so how did they manifest?
     
    Kraken kraken


    [X] An undulating pillar of flesh wraps itself around the ship, a small portion of the chromatic, shimmering tendril visible on the windows. You watch, fascinated for a moment by its mesmerizing movements and smoothness… before the feeling quickly fades away. Gripping the Ame no Shisen, you watch warily as more and more tendrils wrap themselves around the ship.
     
    [X] An enormous eye, ancient and beyond your ken, stares back at you. Within its endless depths lies a great malice and evil, as if it had absorbed all sin from the surface of Orbis. Your heart beats once, then twice, before a bone white mass of flesh covered in black and red veins erupts from the depths, rocking the boat further and dwarfing your puny vessels.

    To become a quest giver, how dreadful. By the way how old is Aoki?

    It is nice not leaving things up to the dice for once.
     
    [X] An enormous eye, ancient and beyond your ken, stares back at you. Within its endless depths lies a great malice and evil, as if it had absorbed all sin from the surface of Orbis. Your heart beats once, then twice, before a bone white mass of flesh covered in black and red veins erupts from the depths, rocking the boat further and dwarfing your puny vessels.

    You know you're in for a fun time when the enemy's eyeball could squash you flat.
     
    Andres Marrero said:
    To become a quest giver, how dreadful. By the way how old is Aoki?
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    I at first imagined her to be pretty young even after the ten years, but then I realized it wouldn't make sense. I'd say she and her brother were young adults during the Impact, and she's now around her thirties. You and Clara of course did a little research on her, and she was apparently very vocal and active as soon as she got to the continent. That probably put her with other people of similar minds, and she eventually ended up the leader of the YRRA amongst that group. There were other organizations and initiatives of course, but they all fizzled out eventually until only the YRRA was left, though even they ended up mostly focusing on helping refugees eventually.

    A bit more information than what you asked, but hopefully it gives some helpful context.
     
    The eye is seeing the big poobah himself.

    The vessels the corrupted Yashimans who fell to him, or the tentacle which is I presume more about how he is twisting this section of Orbis to his cause…
     
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