Private - Taking The Purple: Witch Ops Initiation Trial 2 | Page 3

Hanno observed everyone else's abilities. It was indeed incredible, everyone had their own special abilities that made them unique. The Faerin smiled seeing everyone doing their bests to show off what they could do, and well that was pretty good! Heck, they even got a hot spring!

The Faerin looked at Kepler and gave her a thumb up, that girl had much more power than she looked liked she had. And after seeing everyone's demonstration, Hanno turned to the happy witch that was clapping in amusement as she began explaining about her opnions on the test... 'Potty mouth?' He tilted his head, apparently someone said stuff that they shouldn't. But Hanno tried to not think too much about it, after all Majolica didn't say any names exactly to not expose anyone.

Then she began talking about the next test, and the Faerin paid attention intently. What was the next test going to be? Maybe a team battle against Majolica? A test-run mission? ... No, it was nothing like that. It was something that Hanno would never expect and it catched him completely off guard: A written test.

The Faerin's forehead became sweaty, and it got even worse when Majolica said they only had ten minutes to finish it. The fact Hanno had a high grade in his gastronomy college in real life was only because it had practical tests. Written tests were a disaster to him.

Now it was a problem, he was completely nervous now. And as he sitted down on the chair, he tried his best to remain calm about it. 'Don't worry Brian, this isn't a math or history test... It's a test to check your personality. Be calm... Be calm...' Then, a frog came to his desk and placed a test paper on it.

Hanno took a deep breath and looked at the test. And after reading all the questions... He found himself in front of many dilemma type of questions that almost made his stomach twist... His eyes widened and he did his best to control himself. 'How I will answer thaaaat?! I don't even know how I would react if someone stole my food! I'm too impulsive for this!' The Faerin sighed...

'Calm down Brian. Everything will be alright... Try and think what you would do...'

 

Hanno was probably the last person to finish the test, probably answering a few questions by force because of the time limit. If the people around him weren't doing a test along with him, he would probably be facedesking at this point. He answered all the questions with a lot of hesitation, erasing and marking answers again and again... In a practical situation, he would act like his heart said it would be right on that moment, and the answer for those questions would be answered in a matter of seconds.

But it didn't matter, it was a written test... It wasn't something he could answer by impulse. He had to actually think about it... And that made his mind twist in a bunch of dilemmas... Saving a boy or an old man first? Of course he would do his best to save both, no matter the cost... But thinking in a less impulsive way... Wouldn't it be a bad idea? What if they fell? What if, what if, what if- 'WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!' He screamed internally.

But then, marking the last answer of his test... Hanno took a deep breath. 'Don't worry Brian, everything will be alright.' At least he could hope that as he handed the test to the frog, letting out a sigh.

He walked off to the cottage, but the fact he didn't know if he actually answered with as much honesty as he could made him have a bad taste in his mouth. 'Maybe I shouldn't have thought about it too much? Maybe I should've answered everything on first try... Well, now it's too late...' He looked at the sandwiches and juices... Well, he was a glutton! But the wave of thoughts in his head gave him a twist in his stomach that he didn't actually feel too much into eating.

The Faerin walked to a closeby log, slightly away from everyone else that already finished the test. He sitted and rested his chin on his hands with a far away expression, looking without paying attention at all at the frog people walking around and the other players.

The Dissonant Shield stared at the Faerin. "Ku ku ku ku..." A frightening chuckle came out from the Shield, that patted Hanno's shoulder, like it was trying to comfort him.

Still with a far away expression, Hanno peeked at the Shield. "It look like you are making fun of me... But I know this is the only sound you can make... Thank you" He whispered to the Gargantuan buddy.

 

Madison watched with her standard mild disinterest as the Grand Witch's little frog army brought in the furniture and arranged the training grounds into a fancy open-air classroom. Desks for each of the trial-goers were set up in the trampled grass--and they looked a little tiny.

The witch picked one in the corner, away from everyone else. Just like she always did in high school and her few weeks in college. Trying to fit her butt in the seat, she found she was having a bit of trouble. For a moment the thought occurred to her that she should lay off the greasy tavern food, but then she realized these things were built for smaller, less-developed frames.

"I think I'll just kneel," Madison awkwardly muttered to herself as she did just that. She turned her paper around on the desk to see it better and snatched up the provided writing utensil.

Getting a good look at Majolica's test, she couldn't help but to crack a condescending smile. Seven questions? That's it? Just a bunch of standard morality bullshit? And it's multiple choice?! This'll be easy!

Madison scribbled a bit in the corner to make sure the pencil wasn't secretly tipped with sparkling pink lead and went to work.

There's always an easy out on tests like these. Just gotta' give Majolica the answers she thinks she wants.

 

Sean was still recovering from his blastoff into the tree as the desks were set up. When he fully regained his senses, he noticed them all. "What-" He was cut off by the sound of a ten minute time limit. He made a surprised yelp and scrambled to the nearest desk.

He flipped over the paper on it to reveal a written test. Seven multiple-choice questions... He quickly marked every answer down with his honest answers. That should do it! He stretched. Wow, that took a lot out of me. He walked over and gave the exam to one of the witch frogs with a (sweating) bow. "Thank you..."

As he was done, he walked to the edge of the clearing and laid on the ground. "I feel like I did something wrong... But what?" He quickly started to doze off, eventually leading into sleep.

 

Well, now that the show and tell section was out of the way, it seemed that the next phase to the trial was a written exam. Seriously? As if she didn't have enough of these kinds of things in the real world with school and all that junk? That just wasn't fair at all! Oh man, now it felt like she was back in school, but at least these were just multiple choice morality questions for her to answer and pick from. And hey, her questions to Majolica had actually been super helpful for answering some of these questions!

She smiled as she started to pen in her answers, occasionally glancing around to see who was done, all too aware of the fact that she was STILL merged with Natiri and probably was quite the sight to look at. It wasn't every day that you saw a 6'6" anthropomorphic white tigress sitting down to do an exam, after all.

Eventually, she finished the exam and handed it over, before finding that she really didn't have a whole lot to do. She was still merged with Natiri and she didn't really know anybody here. Well, there were a couple of familiar looking faces, but she was still just a little too shy to actually approach them. Besides, they probably wouldn't recognize her in this form.

 

It was weird. Strange, even.

Madison didn't think the test was going to be this difficult.

Seven questions, a million things that could've gone wrong.

It appeared to the witch that a lot of the answers were incredibly similar to one another, and a lot of them conflicted with her mental image of what the Witch Ops were and how she imagined Majolica to be (which was admittedly skewed after their first meeting back in the fortress of the freshly-dead Bandit King, when she threatened to do all sorts of horrible and very un-herolike things to her when Madison just wanted to go home and take a bath after being covered in ant guts and acid).

The plagueslinger took a deep breath and answered them to the best of her ability regardless. Whether the best was good enough was a whole different matter.

As she circled her final answer, she set her pencil down and exhaled. Suddenly, she wasn't so sure of herself.

Maybe if Hype would hurry the hell up with those cookies, she might be able to bribe Majolica to overlook some of her shadier, more selfish choices.

Madison grumbled to herself as she stood up and handed the finished test to the Grand Witch, saying nothing as she turned and went back to her desk.

 

Rias was waiting patently while tapping her feet against the flpor questly so it wouldn't annoy anyone as the rest participants demonstrated their strength. There were so many different techniques and skills that it made her wonder if people from the same mastery would copy each other. Despite that it was impressive to see everyone prove themselves and Majolica was pleased...well it looked like this at least...

"Writting exam...? I hope it's not about the world's history." She muttered to herself watching the frogs build a small classroom with desks and chairs all set in a row properly, she would grab her spot by placing the bow beside it and then just awaited for the Witch to instruct them again by giving further explanations on the exam.
Seeing the questions once flipping the paper to the front page made her head tilt, more because they looked a little bit weird or...not what she expected when she heard the words 'writting exam'. However she still answered everything the way she thought would be right, fair and smart. A few of the questions set made her think more than she expected...those were pretty hard to answer especially because they were all so different and character-perspective related.
"Hmm...I guess that's all." She sighed and looked around to find the Witch frog who was taking their answers. Rias walked to him and handed the paper with a smile before walking out to the cottage where Majolica mentioned food...it would be a shame not to try any...

 

And to think I'd still be taking tests after I quit going to school... huh... oh what the hay, let's give it a shot for old time's sake...

Taking a seat at a front desk, Kepler smiled a little bitterly as she turned over the paper.

Well I never took an ethics class... but alls I need to do is answer honestly right? If I don't fit, I don't fit, so it's sorta like a job interview in that sense, I suppose... Why would I want to have to pretend everyday? If I wind up not making it, isn't that the best for both parties involved? And if I pass, the reverse will be true too. I have a feeling that that line of thinking is the best way to proceed. 'No hard feelings.' That sort of thing...

Shifting her weight in her seat however, Kepler found that while it should have been easy to, she just couldn't quite get comfortable in her desk.

Yeesh, it almost feels like I got the seat with one short leg on it----Just enough to rattle, but not enough that the chair won't serve. I don't have to check, though. I -know- it's even. Even where we are outside, my chair's perfectly balanced...

Kepler twirled her pencil over her thumb.

Which I suppose would mean that I'm not? I guess sometimes people bring their own little challenges to a trial. Maybe that's the way it is. Can't be helped. It is what it is, so let's get started.

Deciding that she was done musing for now, Kepler pushed any stray thoughts to the back of her head and assumed a singular focus.

First thought best thought!

Eyes rapidly moving left to right, Kepler's pencil danced its way across the page.

****
"Thanks~"

Handing her test to one of the frogs, Kepler smiled as she quickly---but quietly---made her escape from the test area.

Kepler had finished pretty promptly because she hadn't spent a great deal of time musing over the answers. Since each scenario seemed like it would require a sudden split-second decision on best practices, Kepler tried to imagine what she would have done in each scenario with that very same sense of urgency in mind. That, Kepler figured, would be the best litmus for herself concerning whether or not she was a good fit for the team.

If I move left, and the common unit consensus is to move right-----I could put people in danger. I think I was correct to answer with my gut. I don't want to convey something that I'm not.

Briefly glancing over her shoulder however...

----Or so I'd like to say... but how much of me just wanted to get away from that place?

Kepler sighed. She'd reached the concession stand and was now pouring herself some juice.

Well, everyone has something they're not good with~ I'll just call it a matter of taste.

 

Witch Ops Trial Part 4: Meet and Greet

Hidden: Interview Thread Rules and Notes

• During this portion (as hopefuls eat lunch or have a snack) current Witch Ops members can join the thread.
• There is no limit to the number of posts a character can make in this portion
• Posts should remain between 100-600 words.
• Please do not post directly after yourself.
• Feel free to use your posts to converse with members and/or each other
• The next update will not be until 5/9 (CST)

Hidden: Current Witch Ops Members

Prior to the day of the trial, Current Witch Ops members receive a message through Sticky Sticker:

“Dear Witch Ops members. As you probably or maybe don’t know, hehehe, I’m holding the Second Witch Ops trial soon. If you’d like to introduce yourself, ask some questions, hehehe, and maybe give a demonstration or something, then show up at the cottage during the trial. I already set up the date, so I’ll send that out shortly, hehehe. If you do want to come, just wait in the cottage, hehe the real one not illusion one, until I call for you. Don’t worry, I’ll be sure everyone gets a cool introduction! Hehehe!"

@Bradwynne @Janet Reilly @Haru @Iván Carl @Corvella

As the final test was turned in, one of the Witch Ops proctors stacked the papers cleanly, organized them by name and handed them to Majolica. With a grin, Majolica tossed all of the papers up where they stopped as if pinned in mid air. Pulling out a marker, Majolica plucked the nearest test out of the air and began grading. Going through each paper carefully, Majolica began speaking partially to herself, and partially to anyone that was near enough to hear her.

“Hehehe, so why all the long faces? Did everyone do really bad? Hehehe, I guess everyone should have studied! Hehe, that probably wouldn't have helped though since I never said there would be a written test. Hehehe!”

Making some marks on the paper she set it down and grabbed the next. Suddenly, as though she had just remembered something, Majolica looked up towards the sun.

Hehehe, it’s about that time. Okay, I’ll just let the others do their thing while I finish grading. Oh wait, Hehe, what was…

Majolica set her current paper aside to re-examine the first one she had graded.

Hehe, that’s no good. Hmm…

Majolica began grabbing other papers in the air and checking them quickly as if looking for one particular thing.

Hehe, no… nope. Okay, hehehe, well that’s too bad this time. Maybe next, though! Hehehe. I guess they should have studied harder!

Majolica placed the other papers back into the air and hopped off her broom. Using her magic, she amplified her voice to project as if through a microphone.

“Hehehe, okay everyone! Hehe, people that have failed the test will now be removed from the cottage. Sorry! Hehehe!”

Taking a deep breath in, Majolica began to blow out large fumes of the same black smoke from the trial’s beginning. The smoke began to cloud around her becoming bigger and bigger, then finally it stopped. From inside the cloud, anyone close to her could hear The Grand Witch’s voice.

“Hehehe, bye bye!”

With that utterance, the swirling mass of black rolled out covering anything as it had before. This time, the Witch Ops hopefuls would be blanketed only momentarily, like a storm quickly flowing by. After the smoke passed, it became clear that everyone still standing in the cottage area had passed the exam.

As the smoke cleared, Sean (@Sean Poteitoku ), Rias (@Rias ), Futaba (@Hanno Futaba ), Kepler (@Kepler ), Luna (@Luna Avalbane ), and Madison (@Madison Freebird ) were still in the cottage area.

“Hehehe, congratulations to each of you! Hehehe, you've passed and will move on to the next round! Just in case you were wondering, or don't get why you're still here, hehehe, it's because the exam wasn't just about the answers, but how you took the exam! Hehehe, did you walk away, cheat, or get mad at me! Did you yell and say it was too much, hehehe, or did you do your best and struggle through! Hehehe, even if you don't know all the answers, continuing forward is very important hehehe! So congratulations! Now, we’ll have lunch, intermission, and some special guests...”

Hidden: Charlotte

As the smoke cleared, Charlotte would have seen that she was no longer in The Grand Witch’s cottage, but in the forest. If she listened to the area around her, she would probably hear the voices of nearby villagers. If she followed the voices, she would realize that she was just outside a small village. If Charlotte reached into her pocket, she would find a small note simply stating, “Sorry! Hehe, try again next time!” scribbled in a certain little witch’s handwriting.

@Charlotte Breuil

"...hehehe, so grab a seat and kick back a bit! Hehehe, I will now bring out our special guests! Oh, and like I said before, Hehehe, feel free to grab some lunch or snacks and eat while they talk! Hehe, if you have any questions you are also free to ask! That’s why this is the Witch Ops Trial 2 Intermission: Meet and Greet! Hehehe!"

Majolica turned towards the cottage and shouted so anyone in the cottage could hear.

For each of our special guests, I’d like to ask them to state their names, their function in the Witch Op unit, hehehe, like are they a front line fighter, or mage, or support? Hehehe, and also what it’s like being in The Witch Ops, why you chose to join, why you like being in The Witch Ops, hehehe and finally…hehehe, two fun facts! Hehe, then if they want to do a demonstration or something that's fine!”

Using some Illusion Magic, Majolica made the front of her cottage look like a small, but fancy stage complete with spotlights and awards show music. Pointing at the stage with an imaginary microphone, Majolica announced the special guests.

“Hehehe, and nowwww… our special guests, the current Witch Ops Members! Hehehe!”

As the guests walked out of the cabin introducing themselves, Majolica left the rest to them and approached one of the Witch Frogs.

“Hehehe, have you tracked it?”

The Witch Frog nodded and pointed to another of Witch Frogs set up behind the cottage. The group poured over maps circling areas of Brisshal forest.

“Hehe, good."

One of the Witch Frogs tugged tapped Majolica on the shoulder. As she turned, he handed her a paper. Majolica took the paper and read it over.

"Hehehe, too dangerous? It will be fine, hehehe, I'm sure this group can handle it! Besides, it's been a real pest the last few days. Hehe, this way we'll be taking out two birds with one stone! Hehehe, the hopefuls get to test their strength against it, and if they win, hehehe, then we get new members and that thing gone! Hehehe, it's perfect."

Worriedly, the Witch Frog scratched it's neck and went back to the planning table.

Hehehe, the time of the final trial approaches and I want to see what these recruits are made of… hehehe.

 

Sean abruptly awoke in front of the cottage. "I wasn't asleep I swear-" He froze when he thought of the possibility that he failed. Oh no... As Majolica spoke, he sighed heavily. Oh, thank goodness... He looked around. Suddenly, there was a stage in front of the cottage? "When did that stage get there?" He started to wonder if creation magic existed. If I could just make whatever I wanted out of thin air... He turned to the others who made it.

"I guess I never introduced myself. I'm Sean. I hope we all get along!" He shot everybody a thumbs up.

 

Hanno kept waiting, wondering why he got so nervous about it... All he needed to do was to answer the questions honestly, so why he screwed up so badly at doing it? The Faerin sighed while covering his face with his hands... After all, if he couldn't even pass in a written test, would he ever be able to be a proper hero? To protect everyone? 'Of course not...' He thought, scratching his head in plain nervousness.

After the little minutes that passed almost like hours to the Faerin, the witch finally pronounced something that made him flinch. Everyone that failed would be removed from the cottage... He raised his head looking around, seeing everyone before the smoke that affected them before engulfed them again.

He looked for a few seconds at the darkness, before hearing Majolica's voice saying a farewell. His eyes widened for a bit... 'I... I failed...' Hanno's face was covered with frustration, all because he was careless, al because he hesitated too much... If he answered everything without hesitation, he wouldn't have failed... Or maybe he would? His lips trembled a little, he felt shame at himself for wasting the witch's time.

Or at least, it's what he thought. Before the smoke finally got clear and he heard the voice of the girl announcing that he passed.

"What..?" He raised his head, seeing the witch in front of him. Hanno sure didn't cheat, he sure didn't walk away and he sure would never get mad at someone else for something that was his fault. Right after that, he heard @Sean Poteitoku voice, introducing himself. Hanno looked at the Felis. "You are kind of late on that, Sean. Hehe, but I also hope we can get along with everyone!" The Faerin smiled with a chuckle, but soon the smile faded and he looked around hastly.

'She passed too, right?!' Hanno thought, looking around... There was someone missing in the bunch, so people indeed failed on it... He frowned a bit, but his expression softened when he spotted @Kepler. The Faerin sighed in relief. "Good, I wasn't going to forgive you if you didn't pass." He whispered to himself, before hitting his own head. "Stop saying that, you were all down thinking you didn't pass a few seconds ago yourself."

Hanno walked to the tinker girl, giving her a chill smile even though his expression was still slightly shaken. "Heya, it seems we passed!" He grinned at her before turning at the others. "I wonder what will come next... Do you guys have any idea? After this surprise written test, I won't take any guess." The Faerin gave a nervous smile, that was combined with his Shield softly smashing one of it's tentacles on the top of his head, making Hanno look up. "You really like to do that, don't you?" He asked to his Gargantuan Buddy.

 

"I heard she really loves that dog," Iván deadpanned, sitting on a log as he rubbed the head of a scared bandit, gagged and bound, cradled between his legs, the masked illusionist's eyes towards the horizon. "She actually reminds me of an old friend, Johnny Wickerman. He also loves dogs. You know what he did to that one guy who did something bad to his ugly dog?"

The bandit could only whimper, sweating, crying, snot dripping from his nose. That was when Iván got the Sticky Sticker message from the @Grand Witch Majolica. "Oooh! Something's happening. Looks like you get to live another day, my friend!" Iván cheerfully rose from where he sat, forgetting he had the bandit's head on his lap. With a thud, the bandit lost consciousness. He was going to wake up with a pretty bad headache and maybe a bruise to that part of his head. Iván shrugged. At least he won't be having nightmares for all eternity. At least not until Iván comes back for him, anyway.

Iván was, surprisingly, the first to get on Majolica's magic stage. He coughed on the microphone to test it, quite possibly creeping everyone out with the red stinky mask that he was wearing. He should've taken it off, that was an idea that popped in his head at the cottage before he came out on stage, but he realized he did want to creep everyone out. It was his whole schtick.

"Hello," Iván greeted everyone dryly, looking out into them, a little bit surprised when he saw some familiar faces but overall glad that it wasn't just a bunch of old contacts that had come to kill him. Not that he had a lot of those. He wished he had a lot of those. "My name is Iván Carl, but you plebs can call me Bound Prince." He had no idea what "plebs" meant. He had picked it up a few days back from some tattooed female Player who could afford to show a lot of skin. Iván thought it was cool, so he had started using it, much to the confusion of some NPCs and a lot of Players. "I am a mage, Witch Ops' resident disruption machine, but I've also branched out into support. Accidentally."

"It's been nice, being in Witch Ops, lots of cool people here, including me, Majo, Corvella, Janet, Brad, the other Brad... I joined because I needed friends," Iván paused for effect, but because he had delivered the last line dryly, everyone probably thought he was being serious. Well, technically, he needed friends, but that line was supposed to be a joke. Bah. Comedy is the devil's prime-time news. "Fun fact number one: I have a face. Fun fact number two: this is not my face." Iván made a circular motion with his free hand over the red stinky mask on his face.

He let a few seconds of silence pass before he screamed, "DEMONSTRACION!!!" He threw his hands in the air, as his magical familiar, Snowy the Snow-Quilled Guardian, appeared from beneath him, Iván essentially ending up riding the creature before speaking once again. "To the kitchen, Snowy!"

The summoned magical familiar let out a creepy guttural noise before leaping off the stage and sitting at the farthest end of the room, opposite the stage. "This isn't the kitchen but okay. I guess he wants to watch the others. It's cool. She's cool. Just don't put your hand near her mouth."

"Are you gonna eat that?" Iván pointed at @Kepler's plate.

 

Hidden: Bradwynne's clothes

Bradwynne sighed as he sheathed back the crystal longsword, which might even pass as a bastard sword due to its length and thickness, on his back. He then turned around and walked away, leaving behind many groaning people in a tavern within Stokbon. The clean slices on every furniture there were an evidence of a terrible swordfight. What was odd was there was little blood in the area, except some blotches near the bodies lying on the floor. No trace of blood was even found on the sword as well as his clothes. Bradwynne then sighed by the lack of competition in this area. Was there not even a single robber there who was strong enough to be his match?

While he was outside of the tavern, he received a message from the Grand Witch, inviting him to the induction of new people to the Witch Ops. He then smiled as he heard the message, maybe there were good magical warriors that could be of a challenge to him. He was itching for a new challenge, and he would risk anything to gain knowledge about how they fight with his own body.

Witnessing Bradwynne's halt in walking away, one of those who are mauled within the tavern tried to attack him while his eyes were away from that assailant. But, anticipating that move, Bradwynne drew the sword, but he was still standing with his face away from the sneak attacker while engaging in a swordfight, only his right hand moving. After six clashes of the swords, the assailant's sword was sent flying in the air, and as that person stared at it, Bradwynne then swung his foot backwards, the thick soles of his boots digging deep on the person's crotch; and then, as the person bowed down in pain, the fist holding the sword swung upwards hitting him on his face, and then he slapped the man twice with the broad part of the sword, one with a force only enough to make his face turn, the other so forceful that the person was sent flying. All that while the other parts of Bradwynne's body was completely stationary. Sheathing the sword, he then moved towards the cabin of the Grand Witch.

Bradwynne then, after a long wait, at the summons of the Grand Witch, went out of the log cabin, and as he ascended the stage, he then stared at those who would be his partners in the future. Two of them he had already knew, and they were not that much of a pushover in battles. But he did not know about the other four, but anyway it would be nicer if you do not know what you are facing, right? He then started to introduce himself after another member of the first batch, @Iván Carl, did so.

"Well I do not know how I am always confused by another member of the Witch Ops, which would introduce himself later, but the twins issue aside, I would introduce myself. As the two people there would already know by now, my name is Bradwynne Lambert. As a member of the Witch Ops, I am called the Guillotine Priest because I am as equally skilled in blades as well as in White Magic. As for the demonstration..." He then slowly drew the crystal longsword from his back, and held it at the front of him, while holding the crucifix of the rosary that he wore on his neck and uttering a string of Hebrew phrases, after which he uttered the name of the angel that he chose to aid him in the demonstration.

"Sandalphon!"

A huge light form in Bradwynne's own image then appeared at his back, and as he knew he would destroy the stage if he was to continue his stunt there, he then moved towards a more open area. He then started a very intricate sword dance of the Chinese style, the light form behind him imitating his every movement. His every move was graceful to look at, but it was evident in his slashes that any attempt to move towards him would be maimed by the force of his swings.

Hidden: Video reference of sword dance

 

About a day ago, Haru had sent out a piece of mail to his friend and sister-in-arms after receiving a message from her. It had taken a while for the archaic form of messaging to get all the way to Brisshal but here it had finally arrived on the day of the Trial. It was a single white envelope that sat in Majolica's Mailbox at the forest headquarters proper. It had finally arrived, and read as such:

To My Dear Commander, Majolica

Heee-eeeeey. It's me, and I've got some rather bad news. You have called me at a rather inconvenient time for this Witch Ops Initiation. You see, I was taking a breather starting yesterday and I had started a rather lengthy climb...

...Up this mountain! I'm in the reaches of the Hylands right now and I'm about two-thirds up the way to the summit. This mountian challenged me, Majolica. It did nothing but stand on the horizon of my view for about five days while I was out here, taunting me. Ha, I'm not backing out now. The view up top is going to be lovely, and I'm going to go see it. Ciao!

-Haru, The Guide

P.S. I sent you a physical letter so you can use it as a stand-in for me! Aren't I thoughtful? Ha ha ha ha.

P.P.S. Please don't ask me how I sent this. It's better that you didn't know.

What an infuriating thing to write... Maybe it was for the best that he hadn't shown up.

 

Hidden: Preparing to Produce

“Come on, Anders, I know you sold a cart for half that price to the grocer last week. You’re just trying to take advantage of me because I’m—what do you call it—oh yes, an ‘adventurer.’ I wasn’t born yesterday!” Janet’s voice rose sharply. The two were standing in front of a solid-looking wooden wagon, its only fault being the fact that it lacked a solid roof. “See Miss Riley, but it’s nostalgia—this here’s a collectible, it is, one of th’wagons the immortals like yerself took t’the Bandit King’s fortress,” the merchant said, rubbing the back of his head. “Do I look like a sentimentalist to you?” Janet countered, crossing her arms.

An outsider looking in would see two very plain-looking people in drab clothes bartering for goods, neither of them very extraordinary. It was just another day in Honeyhome Village, and both faces were a common sight around the streets. Admitting defeat, Anders handed the deed to the teenager, who produced a rough oaken greatshield to sign upon. “You’ll have t’do somethin’ about that roof-cover, though,” the merchant said, “An’ you’ll need another horse—I know y’got Rebel over in the paddock there, but she can’t pull somethin’ like this alone.”

“I’ve got the situation under control, thank you very much, I’ve already made arrangements. There, that should be all in order.” Janet handed the paper back to him and felt the call of Majolica’s summons through her Witch Ops Sticker. Right on time! “Oh, good. Excellent timing.” The brunette had been expecting Majolica to contact her soon to speak to the new recruits. After a day of negotiating and planning her new trade route to the produce farms in Astorea, the distraction was quite welcome. Besides, Janet was determined to see these “new recruits” and pass judgment on them herself!

“Hello, new members,” Janet spoke out loud and clear once she’d patiently waited her turn and stepped up to the platform. What was this?! Majolica certainly had a flair for the dramatic. “My name is Janet Reilly, known in the battalion as Rated R. I am a healer and a…” Not knowing anything about video games or fantasy, Janet had no idea what to call herself. Witch was the only obvious thing, but she didn’t want to insubordinate @Grand Witch Majolica . “…w-well, I grow fresh vegetables and healthy greens for everyone so they can do their best,” she finished, ending up sounding like a team mom. Back on track—

“Here in the Witch Ops, I am personally committed to destroying the obscenities of this world which are inappropriate for young minds!” Her gaze passed across the people gathered—some of them vaguely familiar. “Ew, a tentacle!—I mean, it’s a pleasure to meet you all.” She’d caught a glimpse of @Hanno Futaba’s shield, which was appallingly reminiscent of Titanius. “But I-I can see some of you have already ventured into the horrors of… this game…” she said helplessly, starting to lose steam. What had happened to her notecards?! “And that you… may have seen some of what I’m talking about… so I hope we can all work together to continue!”

Flustered, Janet stopped to recover. What else had she been asked to mention? “Joining The Witch Ops is an excellent decision,” she started again, trying not to think about Majolica’s recent promise that they would stoop to vigilantism and criminal activities if that was what it took to protect the people, “Even when you’re on your own, you are never alone! If something happens to you, the rest of us will know you’re in trouble and will come help. Plus, it’s like an information network—if one of us finds something out important, we all share in it and work to figure out a plan to combat it.”

“Plus!” And this was her transition to her demonstration! “The Witch Ops has helped me train my nature magic and learn new ways to use spells for maximum efficiency! Since there’s no tutorial in this game,” she added with a little sniff. There was a silence that was a little longer than it needed to be as she slowly pulled up her palm menu. “There we go...”

All across the stage, heads of grass poked through the boards, rapidly rising towards the sky. The growth was thick and greatly accelerated, becoming a sea of waving tassels and thick, luscious grasses in mere seconds. As Janet stood with her arms crossed over her chest, they turned golden, leaving her standing waist-high on a stage of golden wheat.

“Thank you, thank you,” Janet said to what she felt should be uproarious applause and managed to totter off the side of the stage. Unknown to the recruits, her energy bar had tanked like she’d just dumped the full meter out onto the ground, the Assisted spell ruthlessly sucking away her reserves. She’d been watching it closely and let out a sigh of relief when it slowed and halted just short of 0, her head dangerously fuzzy and vision tunneling. “Oh my goodness,” she murmured, collapsing in one of the chairs by the refreshment table and taking a copy of @Haru's letter from one of the Witch Frogs to fan herself with. Phew! That was harder than I expected.