Chapter 7 Returning Foe or new Ally?

Kael Veynar: “Could they be who we are looking for?”

Orivus Calen: “I believe so. Queen Selene vouches for the boy & his rebirth partner.”

Elira Veythar: “Even so we need to make sure with a test.”

Orivus Calen: “Very well. Let us reconvene at the next Eidolon Council meeting.”

The Eidolon Council has been watching Yuri. Do they believe him to be an ally or an enemy?

Nerina Thalor: “I see that the boy does have potential but the girl in the white hood will be ready when they cross paths again soon.”

Back at the Adventure’s Guild

???: “Are you Yuri?”

Lira ready to strike the shady character but Yuri signals her to wait

Yuri: “Who’s asking?”

The man takes off his hood to reveal a 20 year old man with Silver hair

Reaver: “Call me Reaver . I’m a data reaper. A Grim Reaper type character with a Raven Eidolon I named Thanaris. Feel free to call him Than. I have a personal request for you Moonraker.“

Takahara: “I would appreciate it if you can help me defeat the Reaper of Lag.”

Yuri: “The Reaper of Lag?”

Everyone around the adventurer’s guild heard & started talking 

Male Adventurer: “The Reaper of Lag!”

Male Adventurer 2: “Isn’t the Reaper of Lag that Grim Reaper like Eidolon?!”

Female Adventurer: “Yeah. It’s always buffed using that scary Scythe to claim any victim whether they’re close to death or not.”

Male Adventurer: “I heard that when it claims those Umbraform Eidolons it gains more power!”

Female adventurer 2: “Could the Reaper have a Resonator that controls it like everyone else here with there Eidolons!?”

Roy: “Everyone Calm Down! The Reaper of Lag is a serious 1 but let’s not forget Yuri you’re at Rank D.”

Yuri: (narrating plus thinking to himself) “After saving Amaterasu for Tsukuyomi & getting rid of the Blight spot of Umbraform Eidolons Me & Mira went from F to E. After the week’s work of guild jobs with them & Kai, Mira & I reached Rank D, however Kai & Rasu were at rank C  & Tsumi was at rank E. I wonder what Toma’s doing right now ?”

Roy: “It’s best if you increase your rank up as well as your party. The Reaper of Lag is no joke! It’s almost the same level as the Hydra but it could be smarter. According to the reports The Reaper of Lag is formidable entity. All of the reports say it just wanders the land & reaps those close to death or if anyone tries to pick a fight with them. We know it doesn’t enter towns, villages or any kind of settlements, but it’s Scythe Lusting Fury gives the Reaper various buffs to boost its abilities in & out of combat.”

Yuri: (“So in other words it sounds like a  formidable like the Hydra. Best I inform the others about it when they get back.”)

Reaver: “Very Well I can wait til another day. *looks at Lena* Until then Ms. Lena yes. If you could use a companion to travel & fight beside you & your Eagle Eidolon I will happily be your 1st party member.”

Lena: *Stands up & draws her blade & does a salute with it* “A Grand suggestion. I Lena Cross Next in line to leadership of the Valkyries, accept you to join me but if you do something unjust I will not hesitate to kick or fight you.”

Yuri: “Hey u didn’t mention your Eidolon’s name earlier Lena.”

Lena: “Oh apologies this is my Eagle Eidolon Aquila. She’s fierce on foes but friendly to friends.”

Aquila: *screeching*

Lena: *pets Aquila* “Ok Aquila calm down or else we might get kicked out for causing a disturbance.”

Yuri gets up & prepares to leave but sends a Friend Request to Reaver & Lena

Yuri: “Well if you 2 need any help with jobs let me know. “

Yuri leaves the guild & makes his way back to the castle 

Yuri *thinking to himself while speaking to Lira* (“While Mira & Tikka are looking into the Nexus to find out what’s going on in this world. How about we see the Royal Library?”)

Lira: *telepathy* (“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to ask if we can learn more. After all we’re now good friends with the Royal Family of Evolis.”)

Yuri: (“Evolis? Is that the name of this world?”)

Lira: (“Indeed it is Master Yuri.”)

Meanwhile inside the Nexus Mira & Tikka look through all sorts of datasets, codes, & other parts of this world to see what’s going on with these corrupted Umbraform Eidolons.

Mira: *thinking* “Let’s see 1st there was that Hydra that appeared out of nowhere, 2nd an Eidolon mutation making it be the master to a player, & now they’re popping up from these corrupted zones that Yuri calls, “Blight.” Well never the less I’m like another Astraea the Goddess of Remembrance. I can see & know it all here but…”

Tikka: *jumps on Mira’s head & comforts her* “Don’t worry Mistress Mira. Even though The Goddess & the Queen picked our friend, we’re still gonna do our part for this world! Right?”

Mira’s eyes beamed as she pets Tikka & delves deeper into the Nexus still scrolling through data. As she does she notices a new player entering the Nexus & goes to do her part of introducing them to the game world 

Mira: “Tikka keep investigating the data I need to see someone really quick.”

Tikka: “Sure thing.”

As the new player enters it’s like Mira sees a dark & depressing cloud all over him but hope to him that this game’s world will cheer him up.

Mira: “Hello & Welcome to Eidolon Nexus! My name is Mira & I’m the AI to this game. Shall we get started setting up your character?”

The player looks a bit happy & responds 

Rei: “Sure my name is Rei Kurogasa but I think I’ll go as… Shade “

Mira: “Ok then Shade point to where you want to go on the map.”

Rei points to Edolis the Royal Capital of the Eidolon Nation of Eido & Mira sends him there with a smile.

Mira: “Have fun! Ok back to why my home/ occupation is on the fritz.”

Meanwhile 

As Yuri makes his way to the castle 1 of the guards at the gate is none other than Terrance Silvain who notices him & greet each other

Terrance: “Hey Yuri! If you’re here to see the Royal Family go ahead. Oh uh the Queen wants to see you as well. It’s about the Hydra’s remains.”

Yuri: “Hey Terrance! Yeah I am for something. Oh really Thanks I’ll go see her now.”

After learning the way from Terrance Yuri makes his way under the castle to find a research lab full of Alchemists, magicians & a lot of other knowledgeable studying the Hydra’s body.

Yuri: “Wow this looks like some kind of Forensic Operation or something.”

Queen Selene shows behind Yuri

Queen Selene: “Maybe but no Yuri. We’ve been investigating the Hydra’s remains ever since u & Lira Slain it. Before we can sell its parts to various guilds & other people who could use its parts We need to know more about this specific Hydra. Also don’t worry once we sell the parts I’ll be sure to send you some of the profits as thanks.”

Yuri: “Whether you give me the extra money or use it to help your kingdom & people, it’s up to you your highness.”

Queen Selene: “You said you are on a personal quest yet you show such nobility & kindness to everyone here in the capital.  I can see why Emma Adores you.”

Yuri: “She adores me!? I’m surprised she doesn’t have a suitor yet.”

Queen “Selene: Oh she has a few on the waiting list but back to the matter at hand.”

1 of the researchers arrives to the Queen

Researcher: “Your Majesty we have some information on the Hydra.”

Queen Selene: “Great! Show us what you have learned.”

The Researcher leads Yuri & Selene to a certain room where they’re studying all the Hydra’s parts 

Researcher: “The Hydra that attacked us, it has this strange power. Unlike a regular Hydra this 1 was relentless on turning our home into its own nest on both its own accord & on a command.”

Yuri: *thinking* (“Does make sense. Why would the Hydra attack Edolis. Either it was controlled or it was doing it for its own gain. I bet who’s behind the Umbraform Eidolons are behind this as well.”)

Researcher: “That Poison it was spreading all around the Capital to corrupt us. It’s on the same level as a Ruler of Demons.”

Queen Selene: “The Ruler of Demons!? but didn’t we all abide by the Peace Treaty of Evolis between Humans, Demons & all forms of Beastmen!?”

Researcher: “Indeed but If the demons are behind this. It can be troublesome for the pact we all made for World Peace.”

Yuri: Wait! I get the feeling that maybe the Eidolons are acting on their own for evil intentions without having a Resonator.

Researcher: *feeling upset for being interrupted* “I was just about to say that!” Also if there are some people who have these Eidolons to cause trouble then the world could be in big trouble!

Yuri: “Sorry for interrupting you by the way.”

Yuri: *thinking* (“Oh boy if this game comes to its end due to other gamers & actual enemies here then it will not be good for some people. What matters is that I need to find my sister help her get out before it’s too late! Maybe she going through with the same thing with Amaterasu & Surya.”)

Yuri: “Have you told the Eidolon Council about this Selene?”

Queen Selene: “No, not yet. Besides I bet they already know even though I’ll have to report all this to them.”

Selene turns to the Researcher

Selene: “Is there anything else that you all figured out?”

Researcher: “Well not much aside from the unknown energy from the Hydra. We’ve studying it to see if the energy can be reverted to be useful as a power source or a weapon.  Ok now the biggest problem is the crown. It’s been giving out an ominous aura ever since we procured it for observations, but as said earlier it feels like it’s alive or possessed by something. So far we can either confirm that it could be a Specter or these Umbraform Eidolons have a new trick we’re unaware of.”

Yuri: “Eidolons getting possessed wow did they show ill will to the undead or mess around a graveyard.”

Researcher: “I doubt it, most Eidolons are wanting to live a normal life like all us Humans, Beastmen, & Demi-Humans. Plus each 1 has their own unique core & personality. What makes them, them is how Resonators treat & raise them.”

Lira: * speaking to Yuri telepathically* “Like me Master Yuri. After knowing you for some time your kindness & trust in me I want to follow your lead on being a good life form in this world.“

Yuri: *speaking to Lira Telepathically* “Thanks Lira. You’re my best friend.”

Lira: *telepathy speaking* “Am I your best friend above Kai?”

Yuri: * speaking telepathically* “Not yet but close. Anyway what if the Hydra escapes & destroys the whole town again & then ravage the land. Or what if…”

Lira: *telepathically speaking* “What if What Yuri?”

Just as they talk Hydra’s Crown energy level spiked & is about to go crazy

Researcher: “WHAT THE… The Hydra’s power!? It’s about to reawaken!”

Yuri: “So much for going to the Royal Library.”

Yuri draws Triselenis but the energy explodes all over the room however no casualties were caused & the Hydra crown along with some of its core & other parts magically flew away with the dark energy 

Yuri & Lira rush after it.

After leaving the castle Yuri & Lira can hardly keep up with the dark energy so Lira had an idea

Lira: “Here Master Yuri. I’m giving you my wings! Do not worry I will be in control. After this we’ll do some flying training.

Yuri grows 2 wings The Left 1 of Light & the Right 1 is Dark. His left & right eyes also began to glow between White & Black.

The 2 began to fly after the dark energy while The researcher sent word to the Knights to go after the Dark Energy along with Yuri

As Yuri & Lira fly around Edolis enjoying the view he gets a message from Tsukuyomi

Tsukuyomi: “Hey my brother and I will join you in an hour. Sorry we left you waiting.”

Yuri: “It’s ok. See you soon!”

Lira: “Master Yuri. Look!”

They see the dark energy flying over town and itself is causing panic & amok amongst the people. Yuri flies in & a chase ensues between Yuri & the Dark Energy.

Back in the Nexus Mira is still trying to figure out the link between the Umbraform Eidolons & there connections to who’s behind the anonymous mayhem to the game’s world

Mira: “Whoever is doing this must be someone who helped made the game, a hacker, or maybe even 1 of those scammers that people talk about.”

Tikka: “Don’t scammers sell fake accounts instead of having 1 to cause mayhem for others?”

Mira: “Either or. Ok!?”

Tikka: “Hey Tsukuyomi & Amaterasu will be on in a hour. Let’s finish this up quick.

Just then Mira & Tikka witness The Dark energy cloud flying through the city with Yuri giving chase with Lira’s Rebirth wings

Mira: “That could be helpful to us Tikka. If we can get a sample of that cloud, we can figure out who’s behind all of this or could this all be some event the editors decide to leave in or forgot to delete.

Tikka: Wait! We still never gotten your proper identity as your character. You may be Mira the AI of Eidolon Nexus, but to Yuri & our friends.

Mira: *smiles & proudly says* I’m Mira Sato an Eidolon Mystic

Mira & Tikka walk out of the Nexus making sure players didn’t notice that the game’s own AI is playing amongst them all & tries to catch up with Yuri. Yuri & Lira still fly after the cloud.

Elsewhere in the town Shade gets the lay of the land as he explores the town.

Shade: *thinking* “Ok so Edolis the City of Eidolons & the Capital of the Kingdom of Edolis. I will say this place is great. Now all I have to do next is…”

As Shade thinks on his next move the black cloud is moving towards him

Shade: *surprised & scared* “Hmm? Wait what the hell is that!?”

Yuri & Lira block the cloud with Mirror Fracture knocking it back while saving the townsfolk & Shade

Yuri: “Is everyone ok?!”

Townsfolk: 

I’m ok.

Thank you!

You came right on time.

Shade: “Yeah thanks but what is happening?!”

Yuri: “This ominous looking black cloud flew out of the castle. It holds Dark Energy from a Hydra that attacked this city. Everyone did their best to fight it off as well as rebuild. I will not let that happen again!”

Lira: *telepathy* “Master Yuri The Cloud is still moving! I believe it’s not going to destroy the city.”

Shade looks at the Cloud staring it blankly & sees what it wants

Shade: “It’s asking me to enter it.”

Yuri & Lira: “What!?”

Shade: “If I’m what it wants then let it go to me! It may be my 1st time in this game world but at least other players will be safe plus the townsfolk.”

Yuri: *sigh* “Alright but I’m joining you. My name is Yuri Eclipse.”

Shade: “Shade & uh thanks Yuri. If everything works out after this I owe you one”

Shade accepts the cloud & it envelops Him plus Yuri & Lira. They both are separated in empty black void where Shade speaks with what’s left of the Hydra which is a floating dragon head(like Arena in Lost Soul Aside). The Dragon shows glowing red eyes with pitch black scales all over its body

Hydra: “You!”

Shade steps back started. The Hydra assesses him as he believes that Shade can be his Resonator in order to escape from the Castle 

Hydra: “I see you as compatible for my own sake. Let me be your Eidolon so I will see what this world is really made of!”

Shade: “Any particular reason why you want to be my Eidolon. I haven’t even linked with the Nexus core of this VRMMO yet.”

Hydra: “I sense a power in you that is calling me. I am unknown what it could be. It either feels like the 1 who brought me here or 1 of those meddlesome Council members.”

Shade: “Council?”

Hydra: “Never mind you will know about them later. For now accept my power & grant me a new name!”

Shade: “A new name what’s your previous name?”

Hydra: “My Title was the Hydra of Error & I’m proud of it but if I’m going to be a with a Resonator I must have a proper name. Now what will you call me?”

Shade: *thinks* “At 1st he was known as the Hydra of Error a dangerous & known Monster of this game’s world but now he’s like a floating dragon’s head with a snake like body.”

Shade: “I got it! How about the name Oblivis!”

Oblivis: “Very well then, if that’s the name u want me to have I will accept it.”

Meanwhile with Yuri & Lira

Yuri: *thinks* “So we’re in the Hydra’s manifestation but what is to be expected in here?”

As Yuri is readying himself for what’s to come, unexpectedly The Corrupt Symbol the Hydra put on Lira’s Left hand begins to absorb some of the cloud’s dark energy

Lira: *screams out of fear & pain* “HYDRA!!! It must be getting its revenge on us!”

Yuri: “If so we would be dead by now. It must have trapped us in here & to make us turn. So we better get out of here!“

Suddenly a figure walks up to the 2 & stops the absorption 

???: “Now isn’t the time for this ordeal. You 2 were chosen to be something great for this world. Go forth & claim what your heart desires. Those of good faith will forever watch & follow you.”

The cloud of dark energy dissipates around them. As Yuri & Lira escape unscathed(with Lira learning more Corrupt skills & abilities from the absorption) they also see Shade with what’s left of the Hydra by his side as his Eidolon partner. A floating black Dragon head with red eyes, scales that can be sharp & spiny by its command 

Mira witnessed this as well & as the there friends log in they see what was happening 

Oblivis: *frustrated but has no choice* Very well then Resonator suppose I Oblivis shall be around you for your assist. Here I shall allow u to use these to defend yourself.”

With whatever Error power he had left Oblivis gives Shade 2 pistols along with ammo

Shade: “Wow uh thanks & I hope we can become good partners. I’ll name these guns as well. Crash & Error does that sound good?

Oblivis: *nods* “Not bad I approve on those names.”

Oblivis looks at Yuri & Lira & then speaks to them

Oblivis: *calm but intimidating* “I’m reluctant to be an ally towards you but if it’s for my benefit I shall. Just remember if the day comes we battle I’ll have my vengeance & smite the both of you down!”

Lira: *reasonable but intimidating* “Very well, but I chopped off your heads before & I can do it again! 

Yuri: “Ok that’s enough you 2! They’re always a time & place to fight & not so let’s try to be comrades.”

Shade & Oblivis leave while Yuri takes everyone to a cafe to explain

Tsukuyomi: WHAT!? So that player has the Hydra of Error as his ally!? I’ve seen what that rotten creature can do, it almost destroyed the whole capital! Are you sure leaving him to a new player is ok!?

Lira: I assessed Oblivis’s stats & he’s at the same level as Shade.

Kai: “I don’t really know I heard that Hydra’s a tough cookie. The game might make a new one to attack the Capital if this gonna happen.”

Tsukuyomi: *worried & annoyed* “Not helping Kai!”

Amaterasu: “Never the less if that does happen we will stop it plus others who will be strong enough to take on an enemy with that much caliber.”

Yuri: “Yeah I’m… willing to trust Shade. He had that same look in the eyes as me. A sign of determination & trust to do this. Plus I friended him so he’ll let me know in case Oblivis acts Hydra like again.”

Just then a notification hits everyone on the cafe showing video streaming footage about Yuri & them fighting the phantom’s saving Lunaris Village plus Amaterasu & Surya.

Yuri: *casually surprised* “Ok no one told me that we can stream our adventures here.”

Tsumi: “Well Yeah anyone on here can you just need the right person to do that plus the equipment.”

Mira: *quickly raises her hand & speaks* “Tikka & I can do the streams as well as the video looks like Tamas uploaded it but I have the full footage of it all!”

Yuri: “Go ahead.”

Mira uploads it & everyone sees it all over the Royal Capital even NPCs, Nobles & The Royal Family were watching 

Yuri: “I guess this is another fun feature in the game. Well guys I’m heading to the Royal Library Best I read up on the Nation’s history as well as pickup some new skills & abilities. If you all wanna join me be my guest.”

As Yuri leaves Mira, Kai, Tsumi & Rasu follow

Mira: “We’re a team!”

Kairagi: “Teams stick together!”

Tsukuyomi: “We’d promise to help you!”

Amaterasu: “After you helped us!”

Yuri smiles as the group make there back to the castle for maybe 1 last trip there for today at least learning what they in there archives if possible. However as they reach the castle they then see Shade being taken in to see the Royal Family about what left of the Hydra in his possession.

Guard: *looks at Yuri* “Oh it’s you Hydra Slayer yeah apparently the King & Queen need you once more about the Hydra problem. After witnessing that black cloud engulfing you & another person she was about to send us to go get you after we apprehend the Hydra’s new master.”

Yuri: *sigh & speaks to himself* (“I just want this Hydra nonsense to be done already.”) “Ok sir lead the way.”

Yuri & his group make there way into the Throne Room & sees the Queen once more & Yuri explains the situation to her

Queen Selene: *relieved but a little concerned* “I see. I appreciate you telling me the events of what occurred when that dark cloud escaped our research labs. I’m grateful that no civilians were hurt. However, *she looks at Shade* Mr. Shade I must ask you to cooperate with us for your safety.”

After telling Shade about the Hydra & how Yuri & Lira defeated it The Queen plans to make some precautions in case the Hydra might control Shade or leave him to ravage the land

Yuri: Queen Selene I’ll assure you that the Hydra gave itself to Shade & is willing to be his Eidolon. I’m willing to give the Hydra a 2nd chance! In exchange, of us being allies moving forward. However if not then I’ll be in contact with Shade to make sure that Oblivis won’t cause any problems!

Shade: *nervous but courageously speaks up* Yes! Your Majesty please I just arrived here & I didn’t intend to cause trouble so just give Oblivis a chance as well as me. If anything happens I’ll figure out how to handle him.”

Queen Selene *reluctantly but confirm* “Very well then but if anything happens we will be at the ready.

Just then Oblivis speaks for itself 

Oblivis: I have no qualms against this nation, only his servant. *he looks at Lira* I was merely following someone’s order but I’m no longer under there control. But if I must atone for my actions then so be it.

Queen Selene: “If you were truly under control I’ll give you some time to find proof of that matter. Until then, everyone is dismissed!”

Just then Tamas enters the foyer with a proposal 

Tamas: Your majesty! My name is Tamas. I’m an information gatherer from the Merchant City of Keelia & good friend of Yuri Eclipse. I may not be with his team but I’d promise to be of assist so let me do you & him a favor I’ll keep an eye on these 2 for as thanks for Yuri & also a favor in return from you. Do we have a deal?

The Queen looks at Yuri & he gives her a trustworthy smile & nod. The Queen agrees to Tamas’s request to keep an eye on Shade & Oblivis for the time being to make sure no mischief will occur. With Shade reluctantly accepting the offer as well.

Everyone leaves the Throne Room & Tamas slides a note to Yuri. Yuri reads it to say, “Meet me at the Inn in 2 days I got some extra intel for you about a situation or 2 that can concern you.”

Yuri: *thinking* (“Jeez I love this game & all but this is never ending. The Sooner I find my trapped sister the better. If only I knew the player name of her best friend on here.”)

Lira: *speaking telepathically* (“Yuri do not worry. I know we will find your sister. Until then let us try to enjoy our time together here. I can’t remind you every time you know.”)

Yuri: (“Thanks Lira. Now let’s see if we learn any new skills & abilities in the Royal Library!”)

Just then Emma tackles Yuri from behind lovingly 

Emma: Hey Yuri! I missed you! What brings you back to the castle?

Yuri: I wanted to see your Royal Archive if possible please 

Emma: As my hero & friend sure! Plus u do have our family crest remember? Oh your friends any chance 1 of them can help me with Magic Practice tomorrow please?

Yuri: “Yeah I remember that I have the crest. Oh uh about that… Ask Mira or Tsukuyomi. They’re the best magic wielders in the group.”

Emma: *smiles* Ok thanks 

Yuri then catches up with the group ready to finally get the library with Princess Emma tagging along

End Chapter 

Next Episode/ Chapter 8 The Reaper of Lag