Tea with Knavus

"The I-Ironclad Eagle..." Hernamidos stuttered in front of Fanghui's hologram. "I-it was attacked?"

"Yes. You left Dacos alone to fend for himself against the SHRIKE attack. It would cost us a fortune if the megachasmoid production was sabotaged!" Fanghui crossed his arms. "The Cerulean Countess was going to take care of Calice and Misuna for you, but no, she had to clean up after you!"

The King of the Reaper Squad sweated. "S-so, what now?"

"I'll have another agent foresee the Ironclad Eagle operations. Meanwhile, I want you to investigate a little conspiracy in Korea."

"What? I'm the head of the Ironclad Eagle," Hernamidos stomped. "That's outrageous! You can't do that!"

"I apologize if you feel that way, but I can. Meet me in the Arcane Phalange in one hour before I drag you there myself!"

"Y-yes, as you wish, Supreme Herald."

***

"Sorry, but I'm still not sure if I trust the UICA," A player told Shien and Mivangeline on the glowing purple streets of Zinthesia City.

Mivangeline and the group split up in the hope of recruiting new players in Zinthesia City. Purple rectangular buildings vibrated with rock music from their circular boombox stereo windows.

"I-I understand if you don't want to join, but will you at least think about it?" Mivangeline asked.

"No guarantees, but I will give it some thought," The player nodded. "Oh, but it's impressive that you beat Dosigma though. Congrats."

"Th-thank you," Mivangeline replied as the player walked away.

"See?" Shien elbowed her. "That wasn't so bad!"

"But he didn't join us."

"At least he respects you for leading us against Dosigma, right? It's a good sign!" Shien marched onward, holding Mivangeline's hand. "Come on! Let's find some more people. We're gonna boost that confidence of yours."

"Eep! No," She tugged against him. "I don't want to talk to any more strangers."

"Mivange, if you want to recruit more people, you need to put yourself out there. People don't just magically come to you."

"They should..." Mivangeline resisted. "Why can't you just do the talking instead?"

"But you're the Commander! You have to be a good role model. People will find you approachable if you reach out to them. And come on, you're extremely pretty!"

"St-stop it!" Mivangeline shoved her hand on Shien's face. "D-don't say those things out loud! People will stare at me."

"Ow! Mivange, you're an idol, a cute one. Of course, everybody stares at you. I'm just trying to help you!"

"Ey!" They heard Naivern called. "Look who I found!"

Next to Naivern was an android guide with long orange hair and blue cybernetic eyes. With astatine antennae shaped like cat ears, she rolled on her bladed roller skates as her belt dangled with tools. It was Zirconessa, the android weaponsmith, and Naivern's android guide.

"Oh, no," Shien grimaced. "Uh, Mivange. Do we need her?"

"Yes, Shien. We need the help we can get. And she can give you a new clarinet. Why?"

"New clarinet? You broke another one, Shien? Zoom!" Zirconessa zoomed at him in a flash of orange light. "Get your tiny butt over here!"

"W-wait, Zirc!" Shien fled in vain until the speedy Zirconessa pinned him down. "It's not my fault, I swear!"

"Just shut up and take it, shortie! Zap!" Zirconessa grabbed his cheeks with her shock gloves that zapped Shien.

"Oof, talk about a loud reunion," Naivern grinned as Shien tackled Zirconessa.

"They're not enemies, right?" Mivangeline watched the two argue.

"No worries. They're not. Shien and Zirc are more like frenemies."

"Woosh! Hello, Commander!" Zirconessa rolled her skates around Mivangeline. "Naivern told me about your victory against the Cubic Regime. Congrats!"

"H-hi, thanks for meeting us," Mivangeline smiled. I think I understand why Shien wanted me to talk to more players. I'm feeling much more comfortable talking to new faces than before. Thank you, God, for putting Shien in my life.

"So, let me get this straight. Yoink!" Zirconessa yanked Shien's ear. "Tiny gremlin here needs a new clarinet staff and you want me to gear up the police droids to take down the Dynastiotron."

"Yes, what weapons do you have for the police droids?"

Shien stomped on Zirconessa's foot. "Don't treat me like a baby!"

"Ouch! Why, you vertically challenged midget!" Zirconessa locked her elbow on Shien's neck. "Ahem, so far, my squadron specializes in Tesla rifles. Will that be helpful, Commander?"

"Yes! That's more than enough. Those weapons will be effective in damaging chains of enemies."

"I'll be happy to help you with weaponry, but I'm putting Shien on a contract."

"What contract?"

"People who break my gadgets must farm the resources with me," Zirconessa shoved her fist into Shien's cheek. "You break it, you farm it! Bam! No questions."

"No way, Scrap Girl!" Shien struggled against Zirconessa's elbow lock.

"Shien, please," Mivangeline tapped his shoulder. "If we're going to board the wartram, I need you at your best."

"But I got Avian Form!"

"Yes, but the Dynastiotron have much better weapons than the Cubic. It will be difficult to defend yourself with just Kung-Fu."

A vein popped out of Shien's head as Zirconessa stuck her tongue at him.

"Please, Shien. For me," Mivangeline begged.

Shien crossed his arms with a pout. "Fine..."

"Zap! You finally came to your senses, huh?" Zirconessa pinched his nose. "Zoom! Follow me, tiny. Let's move those little sparrow legs!"

"My legs are not little!" Shien elbowed the android.

"Shien, let me know when you two are finished," Mivangeline instructed. "And... thanks."

"For what?"

"For getting me to talk to other people. I feel I'm not as nervous as before."

"Yeah! You see? You just needed that push- ow!" Shien gave her a thumbs up until Zirconessa tugged him away by his caidercoat.

"I hope those two get along," Mivangeline sighed.

Naivern tapped her shoulder. "Don't worry! Trust me. They fight because they care. That's how those two are."

Mivangeline's tab beeped with Enshiron's call. She swiped the notification to respond.

"Well, hello, my lady! How do you do?" Enshiron greeted.

"Hi, Enshiron! We just got Shien in touch with Zirconessa," The Commander reported. "She's gearing up the police droids too."

"Ah, splendid!"

"Did you have any luck with the players?"

"I ran into an old pal of mine who works at the Cynthaxis Cafe here in Zinthesia City. He's thinking about joining and would like to chat with us over tea, How does that sound?"

"Sure thing! I'll message the rest of the party."

***

The party except for Shien regrouped at the entrance of the triangular building with gray transparent boombox ports as windows. A glowing orange symbol of a cup of tea on a saucer blinked above the automatic glass door entrance, contrasting the purple colors of the streets and surrounding skyscrapers.

"Enshiron told me he got a headstart inside," Ritom said as the glass doors slid open with a ringing bell. "After you, Commander."

"Wow, thanks, Ritom," Mivangeline smiled.

"Since when are you a gentleman to the ladies?" Ruddigus raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were a cheat."

"Chillax, man. Don't judge a book by its cover."

Naivern grinned. "I think Ruddigus is judging the book by its interior."

"Gee, thanks. You're so supportive, Loud Girl."

As the group entered the Cynthaxis Cafe, the floor and ceiling flickered with rotating sets of purple lights. Other players sat on prismatic purple chairs and booths, where they chatted across transparent triangular tables.

"I say, what pleasant timing!" Enshiron waved at the group from the glowing bar counter. "Please, my dear companions. Sit! Knavus' tea is on the house for us!"

The group walked over to the table as the players stared at Mivangeline in awe, knowing she led the party in beating Dosigma.

Be friendly! Smile! Give a wave! Mivangeline remembered Shien's advice, waving and smiling at the watchful crowd.

"My! Someone is popular!" Enshiron moved seats for the group.

"Enshiron, buddy!" A blonde young man wearing glasses and a yellow tuxedo walked out to serve Enshiron a transparent cup of tea. "Thanks for waiting. Your tea has arrived."

"Ah, many thanks, Knavus, old pal," Enshiron fist-bumped with him. "Ahem, may I please introduce our one and only commander, Mivangeline!"

"Hello," Mivangeline waved. "Nice to meet you."

"Ah, likewise!" Knavus adjusted his suit before frantically shaking her hand. "It's a real treat to finally meet the idol Shuruuko! My name's Knavus, and yeah... so glad you guys could stop by."

Mivangeline observed Knavus' profile as Enshiron introduced Knavus to the rest of the group. His profile has Contour Haze like Shien, so I can't see his stats until I get to know him.

"Wow, I'm meeting the first players who beat Dosigma. It blows my mind, you know," Knavus brushed the blinding bang covering his left eye. "Well, uh, allow me to prepare my signature xenovermillion orange tea."

"Xenovermillion?" Naivern blinked. "I never heard of that."

"Well then, Loud Girl. You're in for a treat!" Enshiron held up his cup of orange tea for the group to see. "It's a rare tea that's made by farming the ferocious vibrofangs off the DJ resonance wyverns. The fiery nerve extracts are crushed with black tea to make this Syanic Earth exclusive brew!"

"Yo, tea made from DJ enemies? That sounds cool!"

The group watched Knavus brew bubbling black tea in a translucent green pyramidal kettle decorated with diamond patterns.

His hand... He must be nervous. Mivangeline noticed Knavus' hand tightly gripping the kettle's handle. Shien said to reach more people, I need to help others feel comfortable.

"Knavus? Are you alright?" Mivangeline asked.

"Yes! Yes!" Knavus flinched. "I was, ah... brewing the tea..."

"Enshiron told us you were thinking about joining us."

"Y-yeah, after Enshiron told me about your victory over Dosigma, I thought at first that joining you would be my best chance of survival," Knavus opened the kettle's lid to pour a crimson mixture into the boiling tea. "But I'm still, uh... uncertain."

"Why is that? Can we as a party help you?"

"It's just..." Knavus poured the tea into transparent cups. "You guys are, wow, already higher than level 100. I-I never bothered to fight much, you know? How can I contribute?"

"I-I understand, but your level shouldn't be a problem," Mivangeline cleared her throat. "I'm certain you can help us in many ways."

"How so?" Knavus placed the kettle on the back orange shelf full of translucent pitchers.

"Your weapon type, skillset, and traits matter the most," Mivangeline looked at his hidden stats. "I just need to understand your profile and fighting style after your Contour Haze wears off. That way, I know how you can help."

"Oh, I see. That's great!" Knavus smiled. "My Contour Haze should cool off for you after our tea. Ahem, enjoy! I'm going to close the shop real quick."

"Alright. Cheers, my fellow companions!" Enshiron toasted with the group. "I say, we're dragon slayers! We happy few shall taste sweet victory within our grasp!"

I think I did okay! Mivangeline smiled. I can't wait to tell Shien about it.

Closing their eyes, the gang drank the orange mixture. The warm fruity flavor swirled across their taste buds. Everyone sighed out a berry air of breath with their eyes closed. They felt refreshed as the tea's warmth channeled through their bodies.

Mivangeline opened her eyes to see Elysia, Ritom, and Enshiron lying asleep on the bar counter. She gasped with her dizziness, looking behind her to see Naivern, Ruddigus, and Esarin collapse their heads onto the counter. With her heart racing, she reached her hand out to Naivern to shake her awake, but Naivern didn't budge. Mivangeline's eyes rolled back as the cafe lights danced around her vision until there was nothing left to see.

"Knavus Rodigand," Thalamoid's lifesized hologram appeared before Knavus. "Have you completed your mission?"

"Yes, Thalamoid," He handcuffed Mivangeline. "I drugged them as you asked. I'm bringing Mivangeline to you."

"Good boy. You earned Zeruqkchiyion's salvation."

"Finally, I can get out of Syanic Earth," Knavus grunted, picking Mivangeline up.

He looked back at Enshiron.

"You said you'll free them too?" Knavus asked.

"Of course. Program Zeruqkchiyion sometimes works best when unconscious. My team will arrive to care for them. Bring Mivangeline to me at once."

As Knavus cuffed Mivangeline and left, Thalamoid contacted Cyroid. "I'm sending you the coordinates of Mivangeline's party."

"Good work. Coordinates received. Reinforcements are on the way."