The Bandit King | Page 5

• 450 HP
• 95 EN

It looked like her idea may have been the best idea.

In the span of minutes after the shaking in the tunnels stopped, there was betrayal, fire, chaos, and ants. Big-ass ants. Insects of unusual size.

This wasn't what Maddy signed up for. She was still new, still fresh off the Character Creation screen, only barely able to curse someone without causing her own fingers to blister from the effects of the spell.

She only wanted to see how things worked with the various factions in Terrasphere. Maybe be a part of something big. Get some experience and cash, have a bit of notoriety slapped onto her name, and let the veterans handle all the big problems.

As spell after spell hit the air, with the busty chick throwing fire at everything that moved, Madison fell back further into the darkness.

The words of the other one--gods, what was her name? Lucia?--lingered in the witch's mind. She had ran with enough shadowy organizations in other games to know that the Aristocracy was probably no different. She worked as a merc, rising the ranks in several games to positions of moderate power among them. It was slightly comforting to know that things were no different here.

But in the meantime, she was armorless, weaponless, and spineless.

Slinking further back into the dark corridors from where they came, Madison would simply watch and wait to see which side claimed victory. If those who were still seeing the mission through managed to overpower the hot-headed witch, then she'd fall back in line once the dust settled.

However, if the two women destroyed everyone else, then she hoped she could make up a few good excuses to have her life spared.

Action Summary: None

Tracker​

 

• 495/595 HP
• 115/140 EN

Lucia couldn't help a somewhat bitter smile, seeing that things had come to such a head. Truly, she didn't want anything like this to happen. Unable to decide on whether or not it was selfishness, her own or other's she decided to reflect on her methods; being passive didn't seem to work. Lifting a hand, she began making harsh gestures down the tunnel as she let her Grimoire's pages fan. "My apologies, in truth, I don't want anyone to suffer any pain. Perhaps I shouldn't have involved myself, but the Aristocracy saw fit to involve me. I'm afraid this job however has certainly crossed my bottom line, at least, given what we know it has. I endeavor not to judge all of you, so I must ask you not judge me please~" She spoke with a gentle smile, the kindness on her face as clear as ever as she finished signing her gestures.

Following the last sweep of her hand, her magic would darken endilix's shadow, if there was not one cast at the moment, it would instead deepen the darkness at his feet as a surge of inky black tendrils tried to dart from the ground to grab him. They weren't particularly deadly, the inkly appendages were a result of Lucia's research into the Sacred Blight; the corrupted magic tried to stretch out and grasp the man from where ever they could reach, as if trying to pull him down into the darkness they were composed of. After all, as someone specializing in dark magic, Zeus might not be so inclined to listen to Lucia's opinion on the matter. "Know this friends-- I've no qualms about dying here together with you all. Even if you should convince Zeus I'm your attacker, should I have the time to explain even four words of our objective before I die, I'm sure he would have no problem killing us all to find the truth from our remains." Lucia offered with her usual gentle expression, the warm welcoming atmosphere about her unchanged despite the horrid dark magic being cast by her.

"Alice." She spoke, glancing over her shoulder as she directed those inky tentacles. "I'll leave the archer to you. Try not to give him enough time to bother Vivian, okay?~" She spoke, with a sweetness in her tone. That disturbing little girl who had followed Lucia all the way into the depths of the tunnel only cocked her head. Recognizing hostility was nothing strange for the face-less child that seemed fresh out of a horror movie. "New Objective; Target accepted. Disposing of unwanted organism." Alice read off the thoughts in her head before turning her body to face Aalam. Her burst arm still writhed, the flailing tendrils with sickles stretching from the ends still squirmed from the socket that once contained her arm. The other child-ish arm though began to contort, her sleeve tightening around her arm as it's color began to change revealing the fact that it had been flesh all along. From that arm, metal began to slowly force it's way out until the skin flayed and all that remained was a vicious looking blade pointed blade with limp skin hanging at it's sides. Without any hesitation or care for it's role in this, it followed it's orders with the intention of bringing the archer down without care for any consequences. With those hooked blades flailing, it tried to swing them towards Aalam chaotically in an effort to cleave into him.

Naturally, with those things taken care of, she flashed a charming smile at Vivian. "We'll talk about this sudden outburst later. For now though, don't worry about Alice and cause as much damage as you can. Even if she's buried with him, I can bring her back." Lucia offered, uncertain if Vivian would have reservations about harming Alice in the crossfire, in the event there was even an ounce of hesitation, she wanted to give the woman a clear conscience.

Action Summary: Lucia cast a Root Spell (CC) at Endilix. Summoned Companion bladed tendril attack (Basic Attack) at Aalam.

Tracker / Roll​

 

• 298/500 HP
• 75/100 EN

Endilix had been more than a little relieved when @Iván Carl had run after him. He had even managed to put the fire out that Vivian had so mercilessly lit him up with. He had expected this, as the burns added to the wounds he had already suffered, gritting his teeth as he ran. It hurt like hell, and this was exactly why he hadn't wanted to play on realistic. He wanted to switch it back, for the pain to end. But he couldn't, the game wouldn't let him do it in combat. So he would just have to suffer until this was all over.

And that was when his legs stopped working. Well, to be more exact, that was when he found he couldn't run anymore, thanks to the pool of darkness at his feet, grasping at him. He tried to pull free, but the shadows were too numerous. For every shadowy hand he slipped his ankles away from, two more grabbed on. He grunted, and ended up falling to his knees, the shadows slowly dragging him downward.

This couldn't be it. He had heard Zeus shout, and he knew the man was on his way. But so were the ants. Danger was everywhere, and chaos abounded. "Ivan!" Endilix cried, "Please, take this and try to finish the mission! Somehow! We can still do this!" Thinking quick, Endilix pulled up his inventory and summoned the vial of poison to his hand, tossing it to the masked man. "If I die, I want to die knowing that we tried our best," he told Ivan, as the shadows slowly pulled him down to the ground, preventing him from making any further movements.

All Endilix could do was hope for the best, as the shadows writhed around him. He did find the strength to drag himself back around to look to @Lucia Mierz, "If the ants are coming, and you keep me like this. You've signed my death sentence. Perhaps I deserve it... but I need you to know that I only acted due to that ultimatum Vivian gave. I was given little choice. Regardless of my allegiances, I was tasked with a job to do. At least let me have my courage for still trying to finish it somehow."

There was not so much a plea in Endilix's voice, nor a cry for help. Just a man determined to do all he could do. And now that it was obvious that he had run out of options, he left the rest to the people who were clearly his betters.

Action Summary: Endilix tosses the poison to Ivan. Plea(?) to Lucia to release him before the ants come.

Tracker​

 

• 450 HP
• 95 EN

Madison heard the booming voice and barreling footsteps thundering down the tunnel, even over the chaos and screaming of her... well, she hesitated to think of them as her teammates anymore.

"Oh my God," she mumbled, her face twisting in disgust. "We're fighting a cartoon character."

That was the last straw. She wanted out of this mission. Immediately. Everything had gone to hell, and she'd be damned if she was going to be collateral in some idiotic in-fighting.

And because that was how her luck was going, she picked up telltale skittering from the way behind her. The legion of ants were returning to investigate all the chaos.

Screw this. Under the cover of the smokescreen that choked the tunnel, Madison made her move. The witch kept to the walls, sliding towards the intersection, desperately hoping that nobody noticed her. All the dramatic shouting and spellslinging continued around her, with danger closing in from the front and back.

So, she took one of the side tunnels.

The path on the left led to the prison, which would have provided a small amount of safety but no actual exit. Madison intended on leaving the Bandit King's castle entirely. Ducking to the right, she bolted down the path that would lead her back up to the castle.

Action Summary: Madison makes a break for the right tunnel to escape the chaos.

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• 482 HP
• 95 EN

Darting forward like an arrow loosed from it's bow, she stretched delicate hands forward trying to reach for the poison herself-- If she could just reach it, she could end this, protect Zeus, protect her companions and ensure their future would be bright. Trying to struggle with them for the potion, with her hands trying to reach forward and snatch it before Ivan could she flashed a tender smile towards @Endilix Takagi , hearing his words as she advanced. "Perhaps... But I'd rather not do any more damage then necessary. Vivian is determined to kill you all, all who turned against us, but me?" She asked, her gentle demeanor as sweet and innocent as always. That warm radiance that came off of her didn't flicker despite her advancing into a struggle for the potion.

"You were tasked to appear for a job without knowing the details. Upon arriving you had a heinous task forced upon you-- One that, like me, I don't believe you knew of before signing up for this affair. If you stand down, if you surrender, I won't blame you, won't hold it against you. I will certainly do everything in my power to ensure that no one who surrenders is targeted or treated unjustly." She spoke, even turning her gaze to @Iván Carl as she continued. "Zeus doesn't know who the traitors are-- There's still time to join us. Time to abandon this hastily crafted mission that was destined for failure, this task that was forced upon us-- This suicide mission. We're all on the same team-- as players, I won't treat you unfairly. If you want to flee, tell the Aristocracy this is my fault and they won't hold it against you. If you want to join me, then I can act as if we'd been on the same side since the start. Please... I don't want to kill any of you." She tried to give them options, alternatives, if they wanted to stay with the Aristocracy, she'd support their story as some villain or demon who betrayed them in their mission. If she wanted to join her and support Zeus, she'd explain to him that they wouldn't stand for the injustice of poisoning an ally commander together. She didn't want to raise her hand against those who didn't intend to harm her.

Despite Lucia being pre-occupied with the struggle of snatching the vial/bottle, and trying to persuade Ivan and Endilix, Alice continued trying to pressure Aalam. The man was persistent in attacking and killing while the others at least seemed open to talk. The monstrous child finished her sweep of the claws, seeing that it was having a hard time finding purchase on the archer. Switching instead to the large bladed limb that stretched out from her flayed arm on the other side, she tried to thrust it forward with a stabbing motion thinking she might have better luck with the other arm.

Action Summary: Lucia trying to snatch the poison from the air. Alice Attacking Aalam.

Tracker / Roll​

 

• 450 HP
• 95 EN

-10 EN from running & interception

A quick glance behind him showed one of the newer members of their merry band of misfits not so quietly ducking out of the fray and speeding off down a different tunnel. Emil scoffed before setting his sight back on the commotion at hand. He could hear the clicking coming from the ants, even as far off as they were, and Zeus’s thunderous bellow did nothing to ease the painful nervous knot sitting heavy in his stomach. His face was a mask of determination though, his golden eye focused on the tiny vial that went spinning through the air, its trajectory aiming for the other newbie.

The beautiful Necromancer wanted to intervene it seemed and while Emil didn’t know her personally, Aalam’s words resonated within the Magus. They had been hired to do a thing and considering he didn’t know how high the ladder within the new faction went, he wasn’t about to fuck it up. He liked his head attached to his shoulders and his play unimpeded by spawn campers. He shook his head, released a sigh, and dashed off down the tunnel, the smoke parting for its creator before invading the space he had made, making it seem impassable once more.

Emil extended his hand, trying to leap for the vial and grab it…

Action Summary: Dash through the smoke and down the tunnel to hopefully intercept the vial

90
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• 400 HP
• 75 EN

Iván sighed. There he was, standing just a few inches from Endilix, who was previously on fire but thanks to him was out of the oven. A few seconds ago, they were running towards the direction of Zeus, the lions' king, in an attempt to rescue the mission as per Endilix's prerogative. Motivated by his leader, but mostly by his curiosity of their target, Iván chose to risk his own hide against the wishes of Vivian and Lucia, two strangers he previously thought Aalam and the others could handle themselves. Now, he was wondering if he made the right choice, if he was wrong about the two traitors. Now, Endilix appeared unable to move for some reason. Now, Endilix didn't sound as courageous, as brave, as sure as before. But Zeus sounded like he was close, and despite Iván's conflicting thoughts, he was still spurred by instinct to try and catch the vial of poison that had been with Endilix but was now flying in the air towards his hands. But it never made it to his hands.

What made it to him, however, were @Lucia Mierz's words. Unlike Vivian, Lucia sounded more composed, more believable, more rational. She was right about so many things, but Iván wasn't so sure if she would be right about his fate, about the Aristocracy's reaction should he abandon the mission, about Zeus' reaction should he cross over. This was a game, and Iván wasn't taking any action done by Vivian and Lucia personally, but as in any game, he wanted to make sure he wasn't going to lose because of a trick. If he was losing, he wanted it to be on his own terms, of his own design. It was futile, considering that a loss would still be a loss, but overthinking had always been Iván's worst trait.

At this point, the smart move would be to concede either by fleeing the scene before Zeus could get his hands on him or by joining Vivian and Lucia. The first option, he was not sure of. Granted he'd be saving himself from Zeus, he wasn't certain the Aristocracy wouldn't punish him with death. Perhaps by putting all the blame in Vivian and Lucia's treachery, the latter could be avoided. His second option would earn him the ire of the Aristocracy. The main reason he joined the Aristocrats instead of the Pride was because he couldn't see himself as a some sort of knight-in-shining armor. Not that he wanted to be anyone's soldier. Still, Lucia did seem like someone he could follow. Then again, she was with Vivian and there was just something about Vivian that made Iván feel a little wary of being with her on the same team. Option three would be death by martyrdom. It wasn't Iván's style. In fact, he thought it was stupid.

"No one turned against you," Iván explained dryly, putting both hands in the air. "The two of you turned against all of us."

He kept his eyes on Lucia, occasionally turning to Vivian as well, "Do as you will. All I did was keep someone, the leader of my mission, from burning to ash. I didn't raise a hand on anyone."

Action Summary: Iván did Iván. After failing to instinctively catch the vial of poison, Iván raises his hands in surrender...but mostly to see what happens next.

33
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• 635 HP
• 82 EN

He was making Kijin buy him that drink when this job was over; then he was going to drink a bartender and a drunk under the counter. This day was turning out to be more difficult than he would have liked and he would have enjoyed. The Duchess had sided with Vivian as he knew she would, this was going to be troublesome if it was just Vivian he would have been able to stop her. But he had seen the things that the Duchess could summon, and they tended to be monstrous. Yep, he was going to drink every bottle in the nearest pub, bar or tavern that he could find. It would be pointless for him to make a shot in this smokescreen he would miss. That would be a wasted arrow, and with whatever she had sent barreling towards him through the smoke was gaining ground. Damn Vivian was going on the list after this; he was able to excuse anything and everything but someone disregarding a contract. No honor in that one just ambition, she would be a problem in later years. However, there is a problem in the now. Gritting his teeth

So as he put his arrow back into his quiver and sling his longbow over his shoulder. As he did so, he said three words “King, blind her.” As he did, he felt the beat of mighty wings as his friend entered the battle barreling through the smoke to dive bomb the duchess. Hmm, Savannah was going to be quite pissed the next time he saw her, he would have to bring a much better flower to make that up. Maybe she would like the next set of dragon roses; she did seem to like them the last time. However, for now, it was time his to do what he did best not be noticed. It was time to get out of sight; the smoke screen would give him cover to do that. So he called on his stealth feel the shadow grow around him as he steps into the background using the darkness of the path. He would have to take a shot in the dark. Well, at least it seemed that a few of them knew the value of completing a job. However, this was the last time he was working with people that were this unprofessional.

Action: Moving into stealth, and sending King to attack Lucia

Stealth 67/ beast 18​

Tracker/roll​

 

• 378/500 HP
• 95/140 EN

Her words had fallen on deaf ears once more to these daft players. Things would have been so much easier on everyone if they just obeyed her! How hard was it to listen and do the smart thing? Everyone had a motive, she could appreciate that, she had one herself. Between taking a job or skimming the waters of the Rule of Red, the woman was having her share of the fun as well. This was not her usual self as it appeared. The calm and collected Witch who was always more Lady Like and composed had now been a former shadow of itself.

Blood leaking from her wound from the arrow, the woman grunted as her vision shifted with sharp eyes looking into the void of the smokescreen. She heard voices behind her, the smoke wafting around her vision like a fog that she could not dismiss as her own. Anger fueled her thoughts as she turned with quick movements. There was a burst through the plume as individuals rose against her to take care of the potion. She slammed her foot down into the ground in frustration. She had given everyone one simple task. OBEY! And now, it was all hell...She was not the one creating the chaos now, it was those who opposed her. She was order! They were mayhem! And now...now...she struggled to find words to say that were not of Lady Nobility. She cursed them to damnation as her main target seemed to disappear all together!

"What the hell is this? Does everyone have a god damn stealth skill?" Having an archer running about in the shadows was not her idea of a fun time. She had to prepare for a shot from the shadows while she stood in the blanket of the smokescreen. She narrowed her eyes and took a moment to feel the earth below her bare feet. Closing them to concentrate, she blocked out all the yelling and screaming from the area.

"Cool it, Vivian. You are the best thing here next to Lady Lucia. You are smart, just go to your happy place. Things will fix itself...if not...Break it more until the puzzles pieces conform!"

While no changes to her out appearance was made, the earth powers fed into her feet and rolled over her physical body, creating a sort of unnoticed aura. Vivian would slowly open her eyes and feel the stalwart ideals of stone running through her. Yes, she would protect herself and then when the time was ripe, she would unleash a far greater and more diabolical spell upon those who have wronged her. There was no more mercy left in her veins.

"Oh yes. There will be blood..." She said walking towards that very mayhem.

Action Summary: Vivian uses a personal buff of Stone Skin on herself.

Tracker​

 

• 298/500 HP
• 65/100 EN

Endilix felt like he was being chastised like a child by Lucia. And sure, he was new to this game. But it was still just that, a game. All this politics nonsense, and Endilix just started to tune it out after a while.

He had hoped that Iván would getthe poison. Instead Emil, much to Endilix’s surprise, managed to snag the vial, and that meant the poison was in the hands of a wildcard. Still, that was better than Lucia, at least for the moment.

Then the ants showed up, and Endilix struggled against the dark magic as they neared him, before the man, the myth, the legend, arrived on scene. There was Zeus, and he managed to save Endilix and all the rest of them, before charging off again.

“Well, that was short lived,” Endilix commented. But within him, a boyish glee secretly erupted from what he had just witnessed. The man was as awesome as the legends had said. That was what games like this were all about. And suddenly a part of Endilix felt bad for their mission. Compared to the stodgy old Erasmus, Zeus had flair, and exuded power. No wonder the Aristocracy and Erasmus wanted rid of him. If Endilix were up against that, he might have just quit before the fight even began.

But more than anything, Zeus spoke to Endilix of potential. That power could be Endilix’s. Maybe it was time to start earning it. With a hard grunt, having gotten tired of Lucia’s rhetoric, the pain inflicted on him, and the chaos that has devolved around him, Endilix forced himself back to his feet. Drawing on what little power he had as a new player, he attempted to break free of Lucia’s grasping magic, using his Heroic Might, only to find it release from him. She even healed him.

Emil dropped the poison and Lucia sauntered off into the tunnel after Zeus. Everything looked to be coming together, in the way Endilix wouldn’t have expected. Now someone just needed to pull it all together.

Endilix was no coward. No matter what side he was on, he would continue to shape his own destiny. Endilix stood tall, “Looks like we’re off to help Zeus then.” Now that the battle was over, Endilix switched his pain settings back to simulated, and equipped his normal armor. The jig was up. No point in being dressed in rags now.

That was when Endilix was given a message by Aalam, and told to go to the caravans. To a Duke. His brow furrowed. He had wanted to help Zeus. But, everything was changing. Endilix knee he didn’t have much power. It probably was best to do as Aalam asked. With a heavy sigh, he took the message and looked over the map.

Before he left, Endilix looked to @Lucia Mierz, a smile on his lips, “Give them hell and let’s have fun while we can. I’d like to get in contact with you when this is over.”

And then Endilix was on his way in the opposite direction, looking to join the Lions who were en route to kill the Bandit King. He had a new job. He could accept that.

Action Summary: Endilix after being released, equips himself in normal gear, and goes to meet the Lions to deliver Aalam’s message.

Tracker​

 

• 400 HP
• 75 EN

Iván merely stared at Lucia and Emil as one of them, the latter, managed to take the vial of poison before Iván could. He couldn't do anything else, considering the black ants that interrupted all the chaos. Iván smirked under his hood, delighting in a contingency coming to fruition. Of course, it was a gamble. Althought Iván knew, hoped, that the ants would come, he was not certain of their timing. His original plan was to use the ants as a distraction to disappear, along with the vial of poison, take Endilix with him, and help him with their mission, all in an effort to witness Zeus in all his legendary glory. That plan never happened. It didn't have to.

Zeus himself came charging to save them, the very threats to his life, most of them anyway. Iván watched as Zeus took care of the creatures, completely in awe despite appearing disinterested. His legend had merit, Iván finally understood. Zeus did not stay long, however, choosing to battle the Queen for some unknown reason. Iván chalked it up to heroes (stupidly) being heroes. Spurred by instinct, Iván turned to Investigation Mode to keep his eyes on him. "My god..."

Iván ignored everyone else and went after Zeus, looking to witness more of his power. If anything, he might learn something when it comes to fighting Queen Ants.

Tracker​

 

• 450 HP
• 95 EN

He…he caught it?

Sure enough, his fingers tightened around the slender bottle containing the nefarious poison that would either do the deed or it wouldn’t. He yanked it down to eye level and gazed at the liquid contents, a snort escaping his control. He caught the sound of shuffling down the tunnel and immediately tucked himself out of the way. He did not need nor want any more bugs exploding near him nor trying to kill him.

The group was theoretically saved by Zeus’s appearance and upon spying the brute of a man, Emil couldn’t help the lift of his brows in surprise. That was who they had to kill?! And this tiny little vial of poison was what was going to do the job? A quick scan of the male put him in the upper two-hundreds in terms of weight and while he didn’t know the exact ounceage that the bottle contained, he was willing to bet that it wasn’t enough to get through that man’s system and render him invalid. Had this really all been a plot to slaughter the newest members of the Aristocracy?

When the man disappeared down the tunnel, apparently seeking his new foe in the queen of whatever these Ants were, Emil appeared once more, holding the bottle aloft.

My dear comrades, I believe we have been taken for a ride. His voice was smooth and level, though there was a hint of disgust lurking in his lyrics. A brief spot of anger flashed behind his good eye as he looked at them each in turn. I understand a bit about weight to liquid lethality rate and this tiny bottle would not have gotten the job done. He held the bottle up and dropped it from his grip, allowing it to smash against the tunnel flooring. He then took his boot and scattered the tiny shards of glass among the rocks and soil while shaking his head in dismay.

I intend to accompany Zeus if for no other reason than to give aid when he squashes the queen ant into bug juice.

His shoulders slumped a bit and he looked off down the tunnel where the Lion’s Pride Alpha had escaped, the static in the air making Emil antsy. Extending a hand toward Endilix to help him off the floor, he glanced toward Vivian and then Lucia before clearing his throat.

My Lady, while your offer of sanctuary does not fall upon deaf ears, we shall all reap what we have sewn here tonight. I do not believe the Aristocracy shall forget a slight.

Action Summary: Destroy poison vial, offer hand to Endilix, follow Zeus for Queen Ant fight
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• 617 HP
• 67 EN

Aalam started to rub his head as he considered what was happening. The duchess creature he had no better words for what that thing was but the creature had almost speared him right through his chest. He had been able to turn and avoid getting and through, but now he was bleeding, well that was annoying. However, the good thing was the creature had kept going past him and with the smokescreen he was able to complete covers himself in shadow. Now he had to think about what needed to be done; there was the job that he would have to finish some other time. However there were ants that he needed to kill for the moment, and hopefully, this little incident wouldn’t make its way back to Savannah. If he was able to play this, he might not have to buy her any flowers this time. Well, he did just only get her one color or roses last time, there was the red and white coloration it was just lovely to look at. It would make an excellent peace offering; he might have to send the Duchess a part as well. It wouldn’t be right to cause tension between the west and the north. He was still under the authority of the crown after all.

So he made his way through the edges of the battlefield, doing his best to avoid any attack that was coming his way. He saw what he needed to do so he gave a new order to King. “Distract.” He made his want to stand on the side of Endilix pulling a rolled up piece of paper for his pocket. Thrusting it into the boy's hand, pulling him to his feet. Talking to him under the commotion of the fight. “Listen to me you run, and you carry him to the players that are trying to assault the fort. You are looking for Duke Roland tells him it is from his ranger. I have already let him know that you are common your job here is done. Finish your new task, don’t worry about the faction. I will smooth the ground.”

He turned around as he looked at the mess that was happening now again he had to let a curse slip out under his breath. Pulling out an arrow and taking his long bow off his shoulder as he picked a target. Launching an arrow at one of the ants. "Vivian we will settle this account later."

Action: Giving Endilix a copy of the map and sending him towards the path leading towards the caravans. Assisting Zeus.

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