Open - The Second Witch Ops Recruitment | Page 3

Sean shuffled slightly away. "Er... It sorta happened when I died..." He looked down, his face quickly shifting from its cheerful demeanor to a serious tone. "So there I was, in a group of new adventurers looking to retake Rugome Fort. Everything was going along fine until a skull-faced goblin showed up. Case in point, I got impaled, death caused this." He sighed. "Now I have to deal with it."

 

Luna watched as the witch handed over a quill and a notebook of some kind, smiling and nodding politely as she stared down at the paper, feeling a little strange about this for some, admittedly, quite silly reason.

You see, she'd never actually had to sign her name as Luna before, so she didn't actually have a signature for her online persona figured out. She stared at the page for a moment, before sighing and simply writing her name out in print. It wasn't anything impressive, probably much like herself in that regard, but at least she'd actually signed the paper and registered.

She handed it back with a bright smile, bowing forward ever so slightly. "A-alright! Hopefully that's good? I'm looking forward to the trial, whatever it is!"

@Grand Witch Majolica

 

"Eh." Madison tossed out a casual shrug of her shoulders. What Sean had wasn't a curse, it was something else. Something far less interesting and useful for the witch to abuse.

She heard about dead player characters being resurrected before. When they came back, something would be off about them. A little neurosis here, a little compulsion there. It was part of the reason she so valiantly raced to the portal headed for freedom after Titanius finally bit the dust. The last thing she wanted was to suffer from an involuntary augmentation that gave her another thing to fret over.

"I'm sure it's not that bad," she lazily reassured the kid. "I hear that Death Afflictions can be lifted, for a hefty price. Not sure where you'd go to do that, though."

The woman's gaze flickered over to Majolica, who had since moved on to other potential suckers for her little scheme. She remembered that the Grand Witch hinted that teamwork was going to be a big thing for this trial, whenever and whenever it was.

Ugh. I hate working with other people. So thankless, so reckless. Just gonna hold me back.

Madison took a deep breath and exhaled. As useless as teammates were to her, they still had a couple functions they could fulfill. Like being meat shields and distractions.

"Look, I'll tell you what," she said to the redhead. "I'm pretty good with Illusion magic. So if you see anything that freaks you out, I can make it look bigger for you, so you don't get triggered and killed again. Sound good?"

 

Sean started to drift off into thought. What if I'm not good enough...? What if I'm not accepted...? He heard small snippets of what the person next to him was saying, like "Death Afflictions"... I guess that's what I have? Eventually he was brought back down to whatever world this is by the person. "I'm pretty good with Illusion magic. So if you see anything that freaks you out, I can make it look bigger for you, so you don't get triggered and killed again. Sound good?" Sean sighed in relief. "Yeah, that'd be much appreciated. Thanks for looking out for me."

 

@Sean Poteitoku

Majolica watched as Sean lowered his head in disappointment while talking to another initiate. It reminded her of the first trail, when some of the weaker initiates felt discouraged. As Commander, it was Majolica's job to raise them up into a a proud and strong fighting force. She cared about all of her members, and anyone who had the guts to took the Witch Ops trial deserved her support.

It was then that Sean said a word that set Majolica off.

"Ah! Ahhh! I hate Goblins! Hehehe, they're the worst! Stinky, dumb, sloppy old goblins! Making messes and being gross! Hehehe, all annoying and snotty, stupid old dummy goblins! Hehehehe, don't worry Witch Ops Initiate Sean! We'll get you fixed up so that way you're never scared of anything again! Not even running out of mushrooms, or tentacles, or disappointing your family! Hehehehe, you'll be so strong and powerful that you'll just laugh everything off because nothing will be able to defeat you!"

Majolica put her hand on Sean's shoulder.

"So hold your head high! Hehehe, you're a Witch Ops initiate now! The only way from here, is up! Hehehe, up to the limits of power! For the world, for the Witch Ops! Heheheh! And also, don't worry. We'll get back at those dummy goblins! Hehehe, before you know it, they'll be conscripted as Witch Ops soldiers where I'll teach them to lead cleaner, non-gross lives, and make them take showers and have good manners. Hehehehe!"

Majolica gritted her teeth as she looked off to the side. It was obvious that goblins were not her favorite creatures in the world.

"...Stupid, dummy, gross old goblins..."

 

Rias ran. She ran with all her might. When did this happen? Why wasn't she informed?! "WHEN DID THE WITCH OPS START RECRUITING PEOPLE!?"
​

The archer was stumbling on her way to the Stokbons center town after seeing the invitations to join the event. She got so nervous thinking she would miss on an opportunity like that after seeing what they were all capable of in the big fight against Titanius! Joining them was definitely one of her in-game-goals AND that was her chance. Now was her time!
Huffing and puffing when she arrived in front of the decorated area she placed her hands against her knees and took the time to regain her stamina and breath, her heartbeat was so loud and fast that she could hear it in her ears beating every 2 seconds. "I arrived...I want to participate. Let me join..." she muttered while still gasping for air as she then straightened her back and let out a long deeep sigh.

"I am joining! I am sorry for the wait, miss!" she said louder this time spotting @Grand Witch Majolica talking to a different player hoping that her words would get the witched attention. She smiled immediately after seeing her, knowing that the event was held by her and that she actually encouraged Rias to join their team! With a determined look in her eyes she stood brave and confident in Majolicas range.​

 

Majolica looked over the crowd and counted heads. So far, she had five people.

Hehehe, five huh! Well, hehehe, that's a pretty good number!

Still, there was someone Majolica had expected to show up. Majolica had recruited Rias the archer herself while eating a very hectic lunch in Ivan's curry shop. The girl had caught her eye due to her not at first catching her eye. At first, Majolica had overlooked the girl entirely, which was odd as Majolica was typically quite perceptive. The fact that she hadn't noticed her had gotten Majolica's wheels spinning. Someone who blended in as well as she could would be a valuable asset. All the more so because the girl happened to be an archer. Something then Witch Ops was sorely lacking.

Hehehe, I thought she would be he here...

Suddenly, Majolica heard the girl's familiar voice sounding out from behind the other adventurer's that had gathered.

Heheheh! Ah! There she is.

Majolica waved the girl towards the stall with a grin.

"Hehehe, you made it! I know you would, hehe."

Majolica reached down picked up her notebook, quill, and ink.

"This part is easy! Hehe, all you have to do is sign my notebook right here with your name! Then you'll be registered, hehe. All over the other people here are also registered, so we've got a good group this time!"

Majolica handed over the quill and notebook.

"Hehe, here you go! Just sign your name and you're all done! In case you were wondering, the quill was made of a duck's quill. But the duck lost the feather naturally and lives happily at my cottage in Brisshal! Hehehe, I like ducks."


@Rias

 

All Suda wanted to do was meet some new people and make friends, was that so hard to ask? I guess not.

He had heard about this once twice from some un named NPC's, and if he didn't make it, then that would just be be an opportunity thrown away. So taking the risk is worth it. He had arrived, finally. He had heard about none of their feats, or known anyone here to be infact. All he knew is that this could be a one out of a lifetime chance to make a friend, or several in this case.

Suda walked in calmly, waving around to see if someone would try to talk to him. He looked around to see if their was the leader of this group around, but to his suprise he couldn't see anyone who would look like the leader, in his opinion.

"Hello! Anyone know where I can sign up?" He called out. No one was responding to him so he looked over to see that a woman with a notepad was letting another lady sign up. Just his luck. He rushed over there quickly and acknowledged the lady. "Excuse me, do you know where I could sign up?"

@Grand Witch Majolica

 

What a relief it was that the @Grand Witch Majolica had the girl in mind since the day at the curry house and their conversation about the Wiitch Ops. Seeing that at least Majolica was honest and wasn't just throwing words in the air...she appreciated that. Given the notebook and the quill she sighed the paper and looked at the feather for a little bit.
"Oh!? You like ducks? I find them scary...been chased by a few when I was a kid. Almost got bit by a few I tell you!...they are connecting with me in a bad level." She pouted giving the items back to the witch turning her attention at the decorated centre of the town as well as the players that appeared to join the event along with her. "So...how many people you're thinking of recruiting?" Rias moved one hand to her arm and worriedly rub it seeing that if this would be a competition then she would have to fight for a spot. "I mean I...well you sure want the best on your team seeing how everyone from there are already really cool and strong!...-I mean! I know you are not looking for some high leveled players just because...they are stronger due to their stats." She explained herself not wanting to offend anyone or assume differently.

"Ah...anyway. I am looking forward to the start of this event! I won't disappoint you miss!" She raised her firsts up in a cheering/determined manner and smiled brightly having the hood fall from her head to reveal a rather dark brown tone in the front and a more lighter, leaning towards blonde tone at the back of her hair.

 

The Faerin looked at the map and began walking into the Town. That was the place called Stokbon, huh? It was an interesting place, and it was on the list of Towns he needed to visit. After all, it has been a while since he started playing already and he didn't even got to see the whole starter area, and today was the day he was supposed to use only to travel around locations he didn't know yet. "But I must admit, this Town is very nice!" Hanno said looking around.

He also had received a few materials from the Titanus loot, and he was looking for some kind of blacksmith or magic crafter that could try to help him to make an equipment out of it. 'I need to get stronger, this is the only way I will be able to protect my friends. And become someone that I can actually call a hero when looking at a mirror' He thought with a determined smile. Dying and failing to protect someone was a mistake, yes it was. But that didn't mean he should waste his time crying over it, that meant he needed to find ways to improve.

But like always, something had to happend to catch the Faerin's attention and distract him completely. And heck it was impossible to not be distracted by that: A lot of adventurers gathering together on something that looked like some type of event? Whatever question about what was this event about was easily answered by a banner saying ‘Witch Ops Recruitment’.

"Witch Ops?" The Faerin raised his eyebrow and stepped closer to it, grabbing one of the fliers. He looked at it, and couldn't help but let out a chuckle, that looked very cool but also quite comical, and apparently it was a group of people that was aiming to protect the innocents, which catched his attention considerably, until he stopped to pay attention on the drawing of the flier. 'Wait, this person look very familiar...' He frowned looking at the flier, and then looked around, seeing @Grand Witch Majolica.

"Ah! It's that 'hehehe' person." Hanno said giving a soft smile, he had seen her on battle against that horrible dissonance abomination. They looked extremely strong, so no wonder they were the face of this group of adventurers.

 

@Rias

"Hehehe, but that's what good about ducks! They're cute and fierce when angry! Hehehe, if more people in the world were like ducks, the world would be more fun! Hehe... or just very dangerous with a lot of honking and chasing."

Majolica giggled at the thought of duck people walking around and going about their day. To be fair, it would be pretty funny. Ducks are a pleasure.

"So far, hehehe, we have let me see in my notebook... six! Hehehe, the recruiting is going very well so far! I've already beaten the five I got the first time doing this, and I'm not even done recruiting yet! Hehehe, so be glad because now you'll have a lot of new people to meet and become friends with! Hehe, I don't really have a set number of people I was thinking about trying to recruit, hehe, just anyone I thought looked interesting. Hehe, when I feel like I have enough, I'll close recruitment."

As she said this, The Grand Witch eyed the crowd. Even with the amount she currently had sign up, there was always room for more. The Witch Ops needed to be as big as possible. It needed to be a legendary group on par with any guild. Something that everyone could be proud of. A group that could actually defend the world by themselves. Something like the Knights of the Round but cooler, and from the numbers she had signing up, it seemed like The Witch Ops Battalion was well on its way.

"Hehehe. And nope, I don't mind what level the anyone's at. If they're very strong, then they'll just need to get stronger! If they're very new, then they just need to get stronger. Hehehe, the only way to go in the witch ops is up! Hehe, so as long as they work with a team and are cool, dark, outlaw, hero types then it's fine by me! We all work together to make each other better and to protect the world after all! Hehehe! Besides, people can always get stronger, but who a person in in here..."

Majolica poked Rias in the chest where her heart was with a grin.

"Hehehe, that's what really counts. That's what makes someone a hero or not, hehehe, and that's what make someone Witch Ops material. Hehehe, I've got to talk to some other people, so if you want, mingle a bit! Hehehe, these are the people you're going to be going through the trial with and maybe your close friends and allies! Hehehe"

As she turned away from Rias, Majolica noticed a few others coming her way. The first, a dark-haired young man that looked like an honest-to-goodness "hero main character". The other was a small but friendly looking Faerin carrying a shield that looked like it could block a punch from God.

As the heroic looking person (@Suda ) spoke up first, Majolica floated towards him and her broomstick while carrying her notebook and quill.

"Hehehe, why yes! Hehehe, you can sign up right here!"

Majolica held out her pen and notebook.

"Nice to meet you Witch Ops Initiate! Hehehe, I am Grand Witch Majolica, Witch Ops Battalion Commander! Hehehehe, interested in joining huh? Hehe, I don't blame you! My Witch Ops is soon to be the strongest fighting force in all the world! Hehehe, and with the express intent of exterminating any threats the world faces, hehehe, you better believe that we've got the right stuff! Hehehe, currently we are recruiting anyone of any power level! Hehehe, new to Terrasphere! Good! Hehehe, the only way to go is up, and we've got the people to train you! Hehehe, exalted veteran of multiple wars! Hehe, Good! Hehehe, you can help train newer players while you yourself keep striving to be better! Hehehe!"

Majolica hopped up on her broom. She was getting into her pitch now.

"The Witch Ops Battalion isn't only about working hard though! Hehehe, though we do work hard. We also play hard! After the initiation trial, we'll be having a beach training camp and cook out! Hehehe, there will be a grill, swimsuits, aquatic and amphibious combat training, and a shell collecting contest because I like pretty shells! Hehehe! So, sign up now and prepare yourself for for adventure, glory, and the satisfying feeling of protecting people that can't protect themselves! Hehehe!"

Majolica handed the pen to @Suda with a grin.

"All you need to do i sign!"

@Suda @Rias

 

Having finished with the heroic-looking Suda, Majolica now headed towards the great-shield wielding Faerin (@Hanno Futaba ).

"Hehehe, it's a good flier isn't it? Hehehe, I didn't design it, but I told the frogs that did what it should say and look like! Hehehe, so it has Grand Witch Majolica's seal of approval!"

The Grand Witch eyed the massive shield the faerin carried.

"Hehehehe, that shield looks like it could black an army's worth of attacks! I guess you were there when we all fought the Naryu Canyon monster to, huh? Hehehe. That was a rough one.... hehe. But, we came out on top in the end! Hehehe, we just need to be stronger the next time something like that happens right? Hehehe, so, since you're holding the flier and all, were you interested in joining my team? Hehehe"

The Grand Witch grinned as she spoke.

Hehehehe, just imagine how little damage everyone would take with a person like them with that shield out in front! Hehehehe, it would be like our own special fortress wall!

 

Hanno looked at @Grand Witch Majolica talking to other two players. He leaned a bit close, trying to eavesdrop a few things she was telling them, to get more information about what that group was supposed to be. Though the flier already said many things that were very close to what Faerin wanted.

Hanno squeezed the flier, making it knead a bit. That group objectives were very close to what he wanted, and the Witch was talking about it with a such honest tone. He didn't wished for glory or anything, that was just a bonus, what he really wished was to protect everyone, specially his friends. He needed to be stronger, and what wouldn't be better than growing like this along with people with the same values?

Then the girl flied toward him, making he look up.

'Naryu Canyon monster? I never heard about this title for that aberration.' He thought as the tentacles of the shield curled at the witch.

The Faerin stared at the shield, giving it 'stop it' look at it, making the tentacles go a bit loose. "Thanks for the compliment, actually this shield is the symbol of my desire to protect my friends and everyone that needs. I grabbed the essence of that horrible creature we fought and asked someone to craft me a shield big enough to be able to help me to save anyone that could be in trouble. Because I want to be a stronger, seeing my friends falling against that abomination made me understand that I can't just go in and do heroic deeds out of nothing. I need to put effort, become stronger, stronger enough to be able to be on everyone's side." He looked at the girl's eyes.

"I want to be able to look at the mirror, and tell myself that I'm a worth hero. So if you can help me to do that..." Hanno grabbed a pen that was randomly placed at a table. "...I would be as dumb as I was before, to not accept an invite to join your team." He nodded, the words of the witch were clear and came out from her desires. Someone that could say what she said with truthful eyes like she did, would certainly be someone that could help the Faerin to improve... Someone like that has a integrity that you simply can't reject.

 

Suda looked at her with determination while she spoke. It was confusing at first, but more comfortable to listen to at the end.

He did have a conquest to become stronger than what he is now. It would be a very challenging goal, but at least it would be easier with people like this. The lady had hopped on her broom, like an actual witch, which (nice word play) was pretty awesome.

First off, the initiation trial. That he wasn't expecting. For most people, it'll probably be a breeze, but for Suda, it'll probably be a little difficult. But he doesn't need to get worried until the actual trial. Second, the beach training camp and aquatic combat. Suda was excited for this, so much so his face lit up when he heard it. He loved the water, so why not try his luck. Spending his time here was worth it.

He was ready. He felt ready. He grabbed his name and signed into the notebook. He gave her a nod, and she flew off to another person who was signing up. He looked up and sighed. This was about to be good.

 

Majolica eyed the group as some of them mingled. It was large, even larger than the first few that had gone through the trial, but that was a good thing. The Witch Ops was a community and a team dedicated to protecting the world. The more the merrier.

Looking down at her notebook, Majolica read the names to herself. Sean, Charlotte, Madison, Luna, Kepler, Rias, Sudo, and Hanno. Each of them had different skills. Each of them were of different mastery levels. Each of them were ready to take on take on the duty of protecting the world. Majolica nodded her head and looked up at the recruits. This would be a good group. They were well rounded. They wanted to better themselves, and they had the determination to see the trial through.

Hehehehe, I think they'll do well! It won't be easy, hehe, but where's the fun in easy anyway? Hehehe. Well, I guess I'll wrap things up. Hehehe, I have preparations to make!

Standing on her broomstick, Majolica floated high enough to be over the crowd. She then shouted towards the group. She decided to give a little speech. Majolica's Commander Speeches were becoming more common place in recent days, and she felt that she was getting pretty good at it. Now she addressed the new initiates, standing tall atop her broomstick. A proud glint flashed in her eye as a grin spread across her face.

"Hehehehe! Everyone! Please give me your attention! Hehehe, first off, I Grand Witch Majolica would like to say it makes me proud to see all of you out here. Hehehe, I believe that more than anything, what it takes to be a member of The Witch Ops Battalion is bravery. Hehehe, power can be learned, hehe, it can be gained, hehe, but Bravery! Hehehe, bravery is something you're born with. It's who you are, hehehe, and along with friendship and camaraderie, it's the foundation of the Witch Ops!"

Majolica pointed out at the crowd being sure to make eye contact with each person that had signed up.

"Hehe, this world is not always a friendly one. Many of us have seen horrors we never thought possible! Hehehe, we carry the scars of our battles and failures with us always. Hehehe, but we continue to fight because we can! And we can continue to fight not only because we ourselves our powerful, but because we, as a team, know that no matter how strong an individual, hehehe, the team will always be stronger. So, we stand together! We stand as a unit... hehehe, a battalion because this world needs us to! We stand together, hehe, so we can do what other's cannot, BE what other's cannot! Hehehe, to be a member of the Witch Ops is to stand for justice when justice cannot stand for itself! Soon, each of you will be tested mentally, and physically. You will be tired, you will be scared, hehehe, and you may even wonder why you signed up in the first place! Hehehe, but when you're feeling that way, just remember. We do this to make ourselves stronger! Hehe, to make ourselves better! Because this world could always use a few more protectors!"

With that, The Grand Witch grinned widely. Notebook in hand, she flew off into the distance. She had preparations to make. As she flew away, the Witch Frogs began packing things up.



[EXIT THREAD]


@Suda @Hanno Futaba @Kepler @Sean Poteitoku @Charlotte Breuil @Madison Freebird @Luna Avalbane @Rias