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(This chapter is long than usual, but very fun, so enjoy it!)
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The battlefield lay strewn with fallen adversaries, the final echoes of battle fading into the crisp twilight air. A triumphant cry shattered the silence:
"LEADER SHORYU HAS BEEN PWNED!"
Panic spread through the ranks of the remaining Bloody Veil Group members, their morale shattering like glass. Their fearful voices rang out in unison:
"EVERYONE RETREAT!"
"RUN AWAY! THEY'RE TOO STRONG!"
"WHAT'S UP WITH THEM?! THEY'RE JUST FOUR PEOPLE—HOW THE HELL ARE THEY THIS STRONG?!"
"THEY GOTTA BE HACKING!"
The rest of the PKers scattered like leaves in a storm, their footsteps echoing as they fled into the wilderness, probably heading back to their base.
"That's right! Run, ya buncha cowards!" Makidon jeered, hands on her hips, watching them vanish into the shadows.
Just then, Yukinox and Sushi Slice arrived, weapons at the ready. "What happened? Why are they retreating?" Yukinox questioned, scanning the aftermath.
Makidon smirked. "Looks like boss took out their leader. The rest lost their nerve and bolted. Pathetic, really. If they had any guts, they'd fight till the end."
Sushi Slice adjusted her stance. "Where's Hoshi-kun?"
"Right here!" his voice called from the treeline. Hoshigari emerged, wiping dust off his coat with a casual flick of his wrist.
"Had a rough time with the PK leader, boss?" Makidon teased with a knowing grin.
"Nah, not really. He put on a decent show, but that's all he had in him." Hoshigari shrugged, glancing up at the sky, hands resting on his hips.
Makidon arched a brow. "Boss, that guy was probably way higher level than you. Maybe over 25 but under 35. How'd you handle him so easily?"
Hoshigari smirked. "Well... I'm level 34 now."
"Level 34?!" Makidon and Sushi Slice exclaimed in unison, eyes wide with shock.
"How'd you level up so fast, boss?!" Makidon demanded.
Hoshigari chuckled. "Probably all that experience I racked up from the Vhalzakyr fight."
"Unfair..." Makidon pouted.
"Really unfair..." Sushi Slice mirrored, crossing her arms.
Hoshigari laughed. "Alright, alright. Stop pouting, you two. Like I said, I'm sharing the split Creds." With a casual flick of his wrist, he produced two thick envelopes, each marked with a hefty sum.
[Hoshigari gifted Makidon an envelope.]
[Hoshigari gifted Sushi Slice an envelope.]
Their eyes sparkled as they took them.
"Thanks a bunch, boss! I owe ya one!" Makidon grinned.
Sushi Slice bowed slightly. "Merci beaucoup, Hoshi. I'll repay your kindness."
Yukinox crossed her arms, smirking. "Hoshi, you're way too much of a people pleaser. You act ruthless in battle, but outside of it, you're practically a saint."
"Hey, they're easy to please. And they act like kids getting presents from their grandparents—it's kinda cute." Hoshigari chuckled.
"Aren't they the same age as you?" Yukinox raised an eyebrow.
"Yup." Hoshigari grinned unapologetically.
Yukinox sighed. "You're weird."
"Anyway, let's head back to Gloamhaven before more PKers show up," Hoshigari said, shaking his head.
"Agreed," Yukinox nodded.
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As they made their way back, Makidon suddenly perked up. "Yo, boss! I wanna go on a shopping spree!"
"Yeah! I need new gear!" Sushi Slice chimed in eagerly.
"Sounds like a plan. What about you, Yu?" Hoshigari asked.
"I'm in. Might grab some new Mecha Armor Plating—or a Mecha Core if the price is right." Yukinox nodded in approval.
"Same here. Could use some upgrades," Hoshigari agreed.
The group changed course, heading for Twilight Tradepost. As they stepped inside, Sushi Slice spoke up. "After this, Maki and I are heading to the next town to grind some exp."
"Sounds good. We'll catch up after—" Hoshigari's voice trailed off as he noticed something.
A short cloaked figure stood in the shadows of a nearby alley, horns protruding slightly from beneath their hood. Their golden eyes flickered with intent before they turned and vanished deeper into the alleyway.
"Boss? You see that?" Makidon followed his gaze, spotting the same mysterious figure.
The others noticed as well.
"They're leading us somewhere," Yukinox observed.
Hoshigari nodded. "Let's check it out."
They followed, turning into the alley and rounding a corner. There, the figure stood still, slowly lifting their hands to remove their hood. As the cloak fell away, they revealed short white hair, delicate curved horns, pink skin, and striking golden eyes framed by long white eyelashes.
She spoke, her voice laced with a smooth, confident French accent.
"Fateforger Hoshigari, Fateforger Yukinox—you have been recognized by the Oni Kingdom of Yomotsuhana. Your valor in defeating one of the 10 Apex Paragons has not gone unnoticed. I am Elodie Yomotsuhana, and I welcome you and your companions to our hidden kingdom."
Hoshigari narrowed his eyes. "The Oni Kingdom of Yomotsuhana?"
"A secret kingdom, only for the 'worthy'... I'm guessing?" Yukinox speculated.
Elodie smirked and snapped her fingers. Behind her, a massive red Torii Gate materialized out of thin air, its ancient frame pulsing with energy. A swirling blue vortex shimmered at its center. "Enter, dear Fateforgers, and follow me."
Hoshigari turned to his team. "Well?"
They exchanged glances.
"I don't know... But if you're going, I'm going," Sushi Slice said softly.
"I say we go for it," Makidon added.
"Yeah. Why not?" Yukinox shrugged.
Hoshigari hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward. Taking a deep breath, he crossed through the gate. The others followed, vanishing into the unknown.
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-[Hidden Oni Kingdom of Yomotsuhana]-
As the four stepped through the torii gate, they were struck by the surreal fusion of ancient tradition and cutting-edge technology—Yomotsuhana, a city where the past and future coalesced in perfect harmony. Towering pagodas with neon-lit eaves stood beside sleek, monolithic skyscrapers etched with glowing kanji. Holographic lanterns floated through the air, casting shifting shades of red and gold over bustling streets paved with black stone and illuminated circuit veins. Rivers of liquid energy flowed beneath gracefully arched bridges, their waters reflecting both crimson sakura trees and the flickering lights of cybernetic billboards. Oni warriors, clad in both traditional armor and cybernetic enhancements, walked among merchants selling both handcrafted relics and high-tech weaponry. It was a kingdom where tradition met innovation, steel met spirit, and where even outsiders felt the pull of something both ancient and cybernetically untamed.
"Woah..." Hoshigari remarked the sights.
"It's a kingdom city filled with pagodas and buildings!" Sushi Slice said with sparkles in her eyes.
"What the whaaaaaat..." Makidon remarked.
"Look! Every NPC around is an Oni!" Yukinox remarked with amazement.
Elodie fully took off her cloak, showing her full clothing. She wore a black tanktop, black fingerless gloves (and she also had black fingernails), white baggy pants and black slippers (her toenails were also black, like every single Oni) and a greatsword sheathe slung on her back. "Follow me, Fateforgers, the boss has requested your audience."
"The boss?" Hoshigari questioned.
"The king and ruler of Yomotsuhana, my father, Massimo Yomotsuhana," Elodie made it clear.
"What a long name," Hoshigari said as he then thought in his head awkwardly with a comical sweatdrop, "That's a real long name, devs..."
As they began walking through the streets filled with many Oni citizens—
"Hey! They have tons of stores and restaurants here!" Yukinox remarked.
"Correct, Yomotsuhana is filled to the brim with many stores, vendors, shops, and restaurants at each and every corner, so you won't ever be bored," Elodie said.
"At night, do you guys have any activities?" Hoshigari questioned.
"Yes, we have nighttime activities like festivals for entertainment," Elodie said remarkably.
"That's so cool! Literally like Japan countryside feels!~" Makidon remarked with a tingly feeling.
"Japan?" Elodie questioned.
"Oh no! It's nothing!~" Makidon brushed it off.
"Anyways, we're almost there—Onibashira Palace."
As they looked forward to see the city's heart, the Onibashira Palace—an ancient fortress of black stone and gold filigree, seamlessly fused into a towering skyscraper, its glass-paneled upper levels shimmering with data streams.
"Woah... what a huge... fortreeeeee..... skyscraper?" Hoshigari confusingly wondered and said, unsure what he was really looking at.
"Nonetheless, it's cool though!" Makidon remarked.
"Very intimidating as well, haha..." Sushi Slice complied as well.
As they finally arrived, two Oni-looking statues awoke and stepped forward with swords drawn.
"Hold it! They're with me, and boss personally requested their audience. Weapons down!" Elodie ordered them.
As the statues then walked back to their posts.
"It has to be some sort of golem... hmm..." Sushi Slice examined the Oni statues.
"C'mon Sushi, let's go!" Makidon called out to her.
"Sorry!" Sushi Slice apologized as she went in.
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As they stepped into the Onibashira Palace, they were met with a breathtaking sight—a massive golden chandelier, shaped like a twisting oni's horn, suspended from the high ceiling, glowing with warm blue flames. The grand lobby seamlessly blended ancient majesty with futuristic grandeur; towering black pillars etched with glowing kanji lined the vast hall, while holographic banners of roaring oni spirits flickered above. A sleek onyx floor, polished to perfection, reflected the ethereal light, leading to an enormous staircase of obsidian and gold, flanked by statues of armored oni warriors. The distant hum of arcane technology pulsed beneath the surface.
"So friggin' cool!~" Makidon remarked in amazement.
"We'll be taking the elevator up to the top floor, that's where my father's office is at," Elodie said to the four.
"Alright," Hoshigari replied.
With the other three nodding after.
As they walked and stepped into an elevator.
"So this place also has elevators?" Sushi Slice wondered.
"Exo Arcana IS basically two worlds, a cyber-filled world and an arcane-filled world, crashing and combining into one, so there is obviously bound to be elevators in this world. Also, Exo-Arcana has dango," Hoshigari said.
"Dango?! Where?" Makidon shouted.
"Yes, they do sell Dango from multiple vendors back in the main city area," Elodie said.
"Dang! Why didn't I see that! Should definitely buy one after this," Makidon declared.
Ding!
The elevator doors opened and they stepped out of the elevator, Yukinox and Makidon instantly dashed towards the windows and simultaneously said, "WOOOAAAH! LOOK AT THE VIEW!"
"Yukinox! Maki! Calm yourselves! WE'RE IN PUBLIC! STOOOP!" Sushi Slice shouted as she was trying to pull them back from their collars to behave themselves.
Hoshigari was just looking at them with a light chuckle, until—
"Fateforgers Yukinox and Hoshigari, please step through, but Fateforgers Sushi Slice and Makidon, please stay here at the waiting room for now, or if you want, you may go and check the weapons and equipment we have created, forged, sell, and placed on display at the 8th floor of this building," Elodie suggested.
"Sure thing!" Makidon said before heading back into the elevator.
As Sushi Slice nodded, bowed, and went back inside the elevator with Makidon.
"Just don't break anything!" Hoshigari shouted teasingly.
"Shut up!~ I AM older than you, I AM your senpai, boss! I AIN'T A KID!" Makidon shouted poutingly.
With Sushi Slice and Yukinox trying to hide their laughter as Sushi Slice and Makidon descended down using the elevator and Yukinox and Hoshigari entering the King & Ruler of Yomotsuhana's office.
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As they stepped inside the grand chamber, they were met with the sight of a large round table at the center. What they didn't expect was a familiar face seated comfortably on one of the chairs—Yukihikari.
"It's you two again!" Yukihikari greeted with a wave, flashing a confident smile.
"Oh! Hey again, Ms. 4th!" Yukinox responded cheerfully, returning the wave.
Hoshigari, on the other hand, remained silent, offering only an awkward grin and a small wave. He couldn't shake the unease of knowing that Yukihikari was aware of his real-life identity.
The two took their seats as Yukinox turned to Yukihikari with curiosity. "So, you were called here too?"
"Yes. Most likely because the three of us took down one of the Ten Apex Paragons," Yukihikari reasoned.
"Correct!" A deep, commanding voice with a distinct Italian accent filled the room.
The doors swung open, and in walked a towering, broad-shouldered man dressed in a crimson-red business uniform. His presence was overwhelming, exuding both authority and power. Two long, thick horns adorned his head, though one was noticeably shortened—likely a remnant of a past battle. But what stood out the most was his missing left arm, completely severed, leaving the sleeve of his suit swaying freely.
"I am the Oyabun, Don, King, and Ruler of this Kingdom City—Massimo Yomotsuhana," he declared proudly. "But you may call me Don Massi. We have recognized your worthiness in being here. Oh! Do not misunderstand—I do not mean to sound condescending. What I mean to say is that your strength has earned our acknowledgment, for you have triumphed over one of the Apex Paragons, Vhalzakyr, the Restless Revenant."
Hoshigari internally cringed, his thoughts betraying his composure. "Devs?... Why does the father sound Italian, but the daughter's friggin' French?"
Massimo continued, his deep voice reverberating across the office chamber. "As a token of our appreciation, we welcome you as honorary citizens of Yomotsuhana. You may return and traverse our Kingdom City at your leisure. Furthermore, as a reward, you shall be granted access to our treasury—each of you may choose one artifact of your desire. And as an added privilege, I extend an invitation for one of my strongest sons or daughters to join your party, free of charge. This is to deepen our bond."
Hoshigari shifted uncomfortably before speaking. "Uh… Don Massi, are you sure it's alright for us to receive such special treatment?"
Massimo chuckled, his presence warm yet unwavering. "Of course! It is in our best interest to establish strong relationships. We want you to feel comfortable in Yomotsuhana, and in return, we would like to know that we can rely on you should the need arise. Please, accept our hospitality."
Hoshigari exchanged glances with Yukinox and Yukihikari before nodding. "In that case, thank you for your generosity."
Massimo stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Since Sir Yukinox and Hoshigari are already in a party, I shall assign one of my family members to accompany you—"
"Dad," a poised yet somewhat gentle voice interrupted.
All eyes turned to the source—Elodie, Massimo's eldest daughter, stepping forward with composed confidence.
"Would it be acceptable for me to join Sir Hoshigari's party?" she asked sincerely.
Massimo's brow furrowed slightly. "Elodie? You rarely trust others so easily. Are you certain?"
Elodie gave a firm nod. "Yes. I sense a powerful yet warm spirit within Mr. Hoshigari. I wish to join their promising party."
Massimo studied her for a moment before exhaling a sigh. "Very well. My eldest daughter, Elodie, shall accompany you. And for Ms. Yukihikari, I will assign my third eldest son, Dmitri. His class is Warlock, with a sub-class in Alchemy. I take great pride in his strength and versatility."
Hoshigari could only smirk awkwardly, his thoughts betraying him once more. "Devs… Why the hell is the son Russian?"
Yukihikari stood up and gave a respectful bow. "I understand, Don Massi. Thank you for your generosity."
Massimo clapped his hands together. "Excellent! Now then, you three may proceed to the 8th floor, where your two other friends are waiting. Choose an item of your fancy from our treasury display. I will contact you should anything of urgency arise. Answer promptly—it may even be beneficial to you."
"Understood. Thank you again, Don Massi." Yukihikari bowed again, and the group took their leave, departing with gratitude.
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As they made their way to the 8th floor, Dmitri and Elodie walking behind them, Hoshigari glanced over his shoulder.
"Hey, Elodie?"
"Yes, sir?" she responded politely.
"Just Hoshigari is fine."
"Very well, Hoshigari?"
"Are you really okay tagging along with us?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of uncertainty.
Elodie offered a soft smile. "Yes, very much so. I believe I will enjoy my time in your party."
Yukinox nudged Hoshigari with a cheeky grin. "Heheh, that's what I just said."
Hoshigari shoved Yukinox back and extended a welcoming hand. "Alright then. Welcome to the team, Elodie."
Elodie grasped his hand gently, her warm smile unwavering. "Thank you, Hoshigari."
[Elodie has joined your party]
-[Hoshigari's Party]-
[Hoshigari {Leader} (Level 34)]
[Noctatsu {Familiar} (Level 30)]
[Elodie {NPC} (Level 65)]
[Yukinox (Level 41)]
[Makidon (Level 18)]
[Sushi Slice (Level 19)]
As they then finally arrived on the 8th floor, they were greeted by gold and cyan shining rows and displays of weapons, armor, gear, and equipment that the Oni had created and forged.
Then, from the corner, Makidon poked out. "YO BOSS! TAKE A GANDER AT THESE GOODS—"
She then added, upon seeing Yukihikari, "Oh... Yukihikari is also here... hmm..."
"Hmm indeed..." Sushi Slice added.
"Huh... I thought you two would be more surprised to see her," Yukinox thought aloud.
"Hahaha... hmmm..." Hoshigari, Sushi Slice, and Makidon muttered out in awkward unison.
"Anyways, Boss, what happened? What did you and the king of this place talk about?" Makidon questioned.
"He was a righteous guy, and he wanted to keep a good relationship between us. That is the reason why Elodie is now a part of our party—" Hoshigari explained.
"Hello there!" Elodie waved, one of her hands casually tucked in her pocket.
Hoshigari continued, "—And out of generosity, gratitude, and recognition of our worthiness in taking down one of the Ten Apex Paragons, he is allowing us to choose one of these goods from this 8th floor. Unfortunately, only us three are allowed to pick since we were the ones who defeated the Unique Boss, but it's still a pretty big W since we got full access to stay in Yomotsuhana."
"UNFAAAAAIIIIIR!!!!!" Makidon shouted and pouted.
Meanwhile, Sushi Slice was just comedically and comically slumped on the ground, utterly defeated by the unfairness of the situation.
"You guys still got the 2 billion I gave you, you could buy one or two of these, so stop pouting already!" Hoshigari tried to reassure them.
"Yeah, fine..." Makidon and Sushi Slice said in a comical, saddened tone.
As they began walking through the 8th floor, they took in the displays and rows upon rows of countless weapons, armor, gear, and equipment.
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As Hoshigari arrived at the gun section, his eyes immediately caught sight of a pair of golden MAC-11s mounted on a sleek, obsidian display stand. The left firearm bore the engraving of a white sun, while the right displayed a black moon—a clear indication that these weapons were no ordinary firearms. Their refined craftsmanship and exotic aura radiated an undeniable allure.
His lips curled into a wide grin as he reached for them. "Hmm... these two beauties look interesting! OOH! AND THEY'RE EXOTIC RARITY TOO!" he exclaimed, eagerly examining their details.
These two mac 11's were considered as machine pistols, so Hoshigari is available to use them. They were called [Solstice & Equinox (Exotic)]
[Solstice & Equinox]
"When day and night converge, the sun blinds and the moon lulls—Solstice strikes with searing radiance, Equinox whispers with creeping fatigue. Together, they eclipse all in their path."
Rarity: Exotic
Base Rounds: Solstice - white bullets that deal blunt damage and slowly drains arcana if hit. Equinox - black bullets that deal piercing damage and slowly drains stamina if hit.
Body Damage: 5-15 hitpoint damage (20 critical hitpoint damage)
Head Shot Damage: 30-40 hitpoint damage (45 critical hitpoint damage)
Firing Type: Full-Auto
Ammo Capacity: Solstice - 32 rounds, Equinox - 32 rounds, Total - 64 rounds
Effective Range: Short & Medium
Bullet Drop: None
Recoil: Medium
Exotic Skills of the Solstice & Equinox:
(Note: Exotic Rarity Weapons have 4 skills built into them)
> Sunlit Flash
(Weapon: Solstice only. Effect: Fires a single shot that emits a blinding light, causing blindness for 5 seconds.)
> Moonlit Lull
(Weapon: Equinox only. Effect: Fires a single shot that induces drowsiness and unfocus for 5 seconds, making the target sluggish and disoriented.)
> Eclipse Step
(Weapons: Solstice & Equinox. Effect: A short-ranged black-and-white dash, ideal for quick evasive maneuvers. Duration: 5 seconds to chosen direction. Cooldown: 5 seconds)
> Totality Cannon
(Weapons: Solstice & Equinox. Effect: Fires a massive black-and-white eclipse-like beam, dealing: 300 HP damage (if blocked, 200 HP) Inflicts weakness, blindness, drowsiness & Depletes half of the target's stamina and arcana if hit.)
Hoshigari let out a satisfied whistle. "Yeah... I'm definitely checking these bad boys out for the free selection!"
Twirling the twin machine pistols in his hands, he holstered them at his sides with a content smirk before turning his attention to another section of the 8th-floor arsenal.
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Cyber Section: Fixer Chips
Moving past the weapon racks, he found himself drawn to a high-tech cyberware station glowing with sleek neon blue interfaces. Displayed before him were an array of Fixer Chips—specialized augmentations designed to enhance the Fixer Class with unique combat capabilities. They functioned similarly to Skill Scrolls but were exclusively tailored for Fixers.
Hoshigari scrolled through the selection, passing over various chips before halting at a particularly eye-catching one labeled:
[Fixer Chip Skill: Hexa-Core Fortis(Epic)]
"This sounds interesting... lemme see... hmm..." he murmured as he tapped the interface to examine its details.
[Hexa-Core Fortis]
Type: Fixer Chip Skill
Rarity: Epic
Effect Type: Enhancement & Defense
Cooldown: 20 seconds
Duration: 1 minute
Upon activation, the Fixer Chip generates an advanced Hexa-Core Fortis Shell, forming a hexagonally connected armor shell over two full-body parts of the user's choosing. The shell is composed of reinforced energy-infused plating, seamlessly integrating with the body and enhancing both strength and defense attributes. This ability grants a +50 Bonus SP to both Strength and Defense, significantly increasing physical power and durability.
The shell can be applied to one of the following configurations:
Full Arm(s) (Both Arms or One Full Arm)(Enhances striking force and grip strength while reinforcing arm defenses.)
Full Leg(s) (Both Legs or One Full Leg)(Boosts kicking power and mobility while strengthening leg endurance.)
Torso(Improves overall resilience, reducing incoming damage significantly.)
Head(Increases resistance to concussive force, nullifies stun effects, and enhances sensory perception.)
Special Traits:
Hexa-Core Reinforcement(The hexagonal plating automatically adjusts and shifts to absorb impact more effectively, mitigating blunt force, slashing, elemental and projectile damage.)
Adaptive Resonance(The armor vibrates subtly upon strong impact, dissipating kinetic energy to prevent stagger effects.)
Power Surge(If applied to the arms or legs, movements become faster and more forceful, enhancing punching/kicking speed and damage output.)
Lasting Durability(If applied to the torso or head, the Fixer Shell reduces all damage taken by an additional 10% while active.)
Price: 250,000 Creds
Hoshigari whistled again, rubbing his chin. "Damn! That's pricey... but very useful for a ton of things... Alright, I'll sacrifice my creds for it!"
He tapped the purchase button, confirming the transaction.
[Credits: 1,999,745,240]
A small mechanical chip materialized in a containment box before him. Smirking, he retrieved the Hexa-Core Fortis Fixer Chip, pocketing it with a sense of satisfaction. His Fixer Class abilities were about to level up dramatically.
With Solstice & Equinox in his arsenal and the Hexa-Core Fortis Fixer Chip at his disposal, Hoshigari was now equipped with an array of deadly and strategic tools. He was now more than ready to test them out in the field.
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As the team regrouped near the elevator, the last of them arrived, each carrying their newly acquired weapons and equipment, their expressions ranging from excitement to smug satisfaction.
Makidon proudly patted the massive shield strapped to her back. "I got myself a cool greatshield called [True Aegis (Legendary)], cost me a hefty 150,000 Creds!" she boasted with a toothy grin.
"Nice. I grabbed a new cyber-like laser blade katana called [Solace Edge (Epic)] for 100,000 Creds," Sushi Slice chimed in, running a finger along the hilt. "It pairs well with my soon-to-be-forged [Marrowfang (Legendary)] katana."
"How about you, Yu?" Hoshigari asked, looking toward Yukinox.
Yukinox grinned, resting his new weapon over his shoulder. "Had to retire my old sword—thing was starting to wear down. But I got my hands on this sleek beauty, [Astral Render (Exotic)]. Damn thing moves like it's alive."
"Hell yeah!" Hoshigari nodded approvingly before turning to Yukihikari. "And you... Yukihikari?" he asked, his tone laced with comedic uncertainty.
Yukihikari sighed at his antics but answered regardless. "I picked this extremely lightweight armor called [Celestveil Raiment (Exotic)]."
"Sounds fancy," Sushi Slice commented, nudging Yukinox. "Bet it lets her move like the wind."
Makidon crossed her arms. "Alright, boss, your turn. What fancy weapons and gear did you bag?"
With a smirk, Hoshigari pulled out his newly acquired weapons—twin golden MAC-11s, Solstice & Equinox. "These bad boys caught my eye, and I ain't regretting a thing. Also bought a Fixer Chip Skill for a whopping 250,000 Creds—worth every credit."
Makidon pumped her fist in the air. "Alright! Let's get out of here—I wanna eat some dango!"
"Yeah, yeah... We'll check out the kingdom city first—" Hoshigari stopped mid-sentence, his eyes locking onto a nearby machine, a trinket gacha machine.
"Wait a sec..." Yukinox followed his gaze. "Is that—"
"A gacha machine!" Makidon exclaimed.
The machine glowed enticingly, its screen displaying various weapon icons. "Only 500 Creds per trinket roll, huh?" she noted, tilting her head.
Hoshigari turned to the group, rubbing his chin. "Should we each try one? Y'know, just to see what we get?"
They exchanged glances, then collectively shrugged. "Why not?" they all muttered in unison.
One by one, they inserted 500 Creds into the machine, the soft whirring of its mechanisms filling the air. After a brief pause, small gacha balls rolled into the dispenser slot for each of them. With eager hands, they grabbed their prizes but refrained from opening them just yet.
[Credits: 1,999,744,740]
"Let's pop these open once we're outside the Onibashira Palace," Yukinox suggested, tossing his trinket gacha ball in the air and catching it effortlessly.
"Agreed," Sushi Slice nodded. "Wouldn't wanna ruin the suspense."
With their loot secured and trinket gacha prizes in hand, the group stepped into the elevator, ready to explore the kingdom beyond.
...
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-[Just Outside of Onibashira Palace]-
The cool evening breeze swirled through the plaza just outside the grand Onibashira Palace, the golden glow of the city lights illuminating the area. The group stood in a loose circle, their excitement palpable as they held their newly acquired trinket gacha balls in hand.
"Alright, let's see what we get from these trinket gacha balls... Who wants to go first?" Hoshigari asked, tossing his own ball up and down absentmindedly.
"I'll go first!~" Makidon exclaimed, her enthusiasm shining through as she energetically threw her gacha ball to the ground. It popped open with a flash of light, and a small, shimmering object materialized before her.
Makidon Rolled a [Phantom Pouch {Trinket} (Legendary)] – A small enchanted bag that can store up to 30 small objects and instantly summon any stored item into her hand.
Makidon's eyes widened in excitement as she grabbed the pouch and inspected it. "WOOO! I GOT MYSELF A COOL NEW POUCH! SEE THAT, BOSS?! I ALSO HAVE GOOD LUCK! NOT JUST YOU! HAHAHA!"
Hoshigari smirked. "Yes, yes, good for you."
"STOP TREATING ME LIKE A KID, BOSS!" Makidon huffed, crossing her arms in comedic frustration.
Sushi Slice chuckled and stepped forward. "I'll go next, hup!" She lightly tossed her gacha ball to the ground. It cracked open with a resonating chime, releasing an ethereal glow as a delicate wind chime materialized in front of her.
Sushi Slice Rolled a [Lotus Wind Chimes {Trinket} (Epic)] – When used and rung, this item produces calming sounds that reduce stress and increase focus for those nearby.
Sushi Slice picked it up and inspected it, giving it a gentle shake. The soft melody that emitted from it made her smile. "These are actually really useful!~" She dangled them for a moment before storing them into her inventory.
"My turn!" Yukinox declared, grinning as he tossed his trinket gacha ball into the air. It hovered momentarily before bursting open in a splash of liquid energy. A sleek, navy-blue wolf with glowing cyan markings stood before him, its fur shifting like flowing water.
Yukinox Rolled an [Aqua Fang {Trinket Mount} (Uncommon)] – A liquid-like furred wolf with glowing cyan markings, capable of running across water surfaces. Its movements mimic the ebb and flow of the tide and can secrete water behind its trails to make enemies slip.
"WOAH! A LITERAL WATER WOLF MOUNT! YOOOO! HAHAHA!" Yukinox crouched near it, petting it furiously while babbling, "Who's a good boy?~ Who's a good boy?~ That's right! You are! You are... very wet..." He paused, looking down at his drenched sleeves. "Aw man... My sleeves are soaked!"
Hoshigari snorted as Yukinox stood up and dramatically flailed his arms to dry them off. "I guess I'll go next," Hoshigari said, rolling his gacha ball forward like a bowling ball. It popped open with a vibrant, cosmic burst, revealing a sleek, black motorcycle with streaks of red, yellow, and purple lines running across its body.
Hoshigari Rolled a [Nebula Stride {Trinket Mount} (Rare)] – A futuristic Jet Black Ichiban Motorcycle with anti-grav wheels for smoother cruising. It integrates a quick forward boost and jump ability, making it ideal for swift maneuvering.
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Hoshigari's eyes gleamed as he inspected the machine. "Nebula Stride, huh? A rare Ichiban Motorcycle with anti-grav capabilities... Not bad at all." He ran his fingers along the sleek body of the bike, admiring its design. "This should come in handy." As he then examined his new mount.
[Nebula Stride]
"Glide through the cosmos, stride beyond the stars."
Mount Type: Anti-Grav Ichiban Motorcycle (Hybrid – Ground & Hover)
Rarity: Rare
Seat Availability: 2 People (Driver and Passenger on the back seat)
Description:
Color: Jet black with red, yellow, and purple neon lines & decals, forming constellations and cosmic swirls that faintly glow in the dark.
Frame: Sleek, futuristic, and aerodynamic with an extended front and a curved, low-sitting seat designed for high-speed cruising.
Wheels: Dual Anti-Grav Wheel Integration for a smoother ride on any terrain (land, water, and limited hovering over short gaps). Physical tires automatically retract when switching to hover mode.
HUD Display: Built-in AI-assisted holographic interface showing speed, fuel, and navigation data.
Exhaust: Emits a faint cosmic blue-purple trail when at high speeds.
Speed & Performance:
Average Speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
Maximum Speed: 420 km/h (261 mph) (when boosted)
Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in 1.8 seconds.
Handling: High stability with an adaptive grip system for sharp turns and rapid directional shifts.
Abilities & Features:
> Starburst Boost – (Activateable Ability)
(Instantly propels forward at max speed (420 km/h), leaving a vibrant cosmic streak behind. Duration: 10 seconds, Cooldown: 8 seconds.)
> Nebula Leap – (Activateable Ability)
(Allows the rider to perform a short hover jump (up to 5 meters high & 10 meters forward). Useful for avoiding obstacles, leaping over gaps, or stylish maneuvering. Cooldown: 5 seconds.)
> Cosmos Glide Mode – (Activateable Ability)
(While riding, all terrain-based movement penalties are negated (e.g., rough roads, sand, water). Anti-Grav wheels smoothen impact, making it resistant to sudden terrain shifts (Technically hovering).
> Starlit Safeguard – (Passive Ability)
(Self-repairing system that slowly restores durability when idle. If Nebula Stride is severely damaged, it disperses into cosmic energy and re-materializes after 1 minute.)
Additional Features:
> Adaptive Auto-Pilot Mode(Allows Nebula Stride to autonomously return to the owner when summoned.)
> Storage Compartments(Hidden sections for small items (weapons, tools, or personal belongings.)
"Huh! This beaut of a bike is pretty slick! I dig it!" he said, smirking.
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[Nebula Stride Motorcycle Mount (Rare) Added to Trinket Slot 1]
With his new ride safely stored with a finger snap, he turned toward the last person who hadn't yet rolled their gacha item.
"You're up, Yukihikari. Let's see what you got."
"Alright then!" she responded confidently. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed her trinket gacha ball onto the ground. As soon as it made contact, it burst open, releasing a bright light that solidified into something massive.
[Material Golem {Trinket Mount} (Legendary)] A huge, versatile golem that changes its entire body composition based on what it consumes. Its strength, speed, and durability depend on the material it absorbs. It can even assist with mining and reproducing materials, making it invaluable for miners, crafters and resource gatherers.
Yukihikari's eyes widened slightly as she took in the sheer size of her new mount. The golem, standing tall, shifted its rocky form as it rumbled to life. She tapped a finger against her chin, already deep in thought.
"I am definitely going to hide this big treasure from my clan members..." she murmured.
Hoshigari raised a brow. "Why's that?"
Yukihikari exhaled, shaking her head. "They would abuse and profit from it. This thing is basically a walking cheat skill for clans. I can already see them overworking the poor thing just to fill their pockets."
Hoshigari lightly and awkwardly chuckled. "Sounds about right."
She smirked before snapping her fingers, causing the Material Golem to dematerialize into her inventory. Almost instantly, her interface beeped, and she checked her messages.
"Oh, it's from my clan leader..." Yukihikari muttered before glancing back at the group. "Don't worry, I won't spill anything about this hidden kingdom city to my clan members or leader. I'll probably treat this place as a cool hangout spot or just come here to relieve stress. Also... I'm definitely going to try and keep Dmitri hidden."
"No need to worry about that, ma'am Yukihikari," Dmitri reassured her with his usual composed demeanor. "I possess a presence-cloaking ability as well as an arcana spell for invisibility. I shall remain unseen when necessary."
"Well, that's useful," Yukihikari noted, nodding approvingly. "Alright then, I'll be off. See you all later."
She waved a casual goodbye before stepping through the glowing Torii Gate that Dmitri had conjured. As the portal shimmered and faded behind them, Yukinox cupped his hands around his mouth and called out, "SEE YA!"
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The others, including Elodie, gave a simple wave, but Hoshigari quickly clapped his hands together and turned back to the group.
"Well! Now that she's gone... who's up for a Kingdom City exploration?"
"ME!" Makidon, Yukinox, and Sushi Slice all shouted at once, raising their hands like excited children.
Elodie smiled softly. "I could be your tour guide. I know this city well."
"Thanks a bunch, Elodie," Hoshigari said, grateful for the offer.
Suddenly, Makidon pumped a fist into the air. "DANGO TIME!" she declared before darting ahead.
"DON'T RUN, MAKI!" Sushi Slice called out, immediately chasing after her.
As they strolled deeper into the city, taking in the vibrant streets and warm, lantern-lit ambiance, Yukinox nudged Hoshigari. "By the way, Hoshi... why do you guys act all weird around Ms. 4th?"
Hoshigari let out an awkward laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Hahaha... you don't even wanna know."
Yukinox raised a brow but ultimately shrugged. "Hmm... alright then."
Hoshigari quickly changed the subject. "Forget that. Let's see what's good in this Kingdom City!"
"Heck yeah!" Yukinox cheered, pumping his fist into the air.
As the group wandered through the grand streets of Yomotsuhana, the warm glow of the setting sun bathed the towering pagodas and bustling markets in a soft golden hue. The promise of adventure, mischief, and unforgettable memories lay ahead.
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Bonus:
The lunchtime chatter of the school cafeteria hummed in the background as Akito, Tsuchi, and Maki settled into their seats with trays of food. Their conversation flowed naturally—casual talk about school, life, and the latest events in Exo-Arcana Online—when suddenly, Akito felt a light tug on his sleeve.
"Hmm?" He turned his head, and his friends followed his gaze, their eyes landing on a petite girl standing beside their table. She had dark blue, almost midnight-colored short hair, long eyelashes, and an aura of extreme shyness. Her posture was small, as if she were trying to shrink into herself, and her hands fidgeted with the hem of her school blazer.
"Uh... hey?" Akito greeted hesitantly. "Can I help you?"
The girl seemed to steel herself before speaking, her voice soft and quivering. "Uhm... I-it's good to finally meet y-you."
"Finally meet us?" Akito, Tsuchi, and Maki echoed in confusion, exchanging glances.
The girl took a deep breath before continuing, her words tumbling out in nervous bursts. "M-Makidon Senpai... Sushi Slice Senpai... and Hoshigari Senpai—"
A moment of stunned silence fell over the trio. Their brains collectively short-circuited at the sound of their Eclipse Arc Online names coming from this timid underclassman.
"Wait—" Akito blinked. "How do you—"
"W-wait, wait, wait," Tsuchi held up a hand. "Did you just say—"
The girl gave a quick, stiff nod, cheeks turning a deep shade of crimson. "M-my name is Aoi Yukino... from class 1-A..." she stammered before bowing deeply. "A-and I am the p-player who plays as Yukinox. V-very nice to m-meet you all."
...
...
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!
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