Zone C -- Megacity One

[Dane Regan]

I didn't feel like attracting much attention to myself, so laying low was a priority. Luckily for me, having a shit magical core had advantages. Namely an efficient output and free camo for my life signature. It might make travel slightly more tiring, but if I designated my unused output of mana correctly, especially considering the basic type regenerated quickly enough, I could travel under the guise of invisibility. That, if anything, had to at least give me a chance of survival in the short term. Anyway, I could probably run faster than most as well, the downside being that at top speed I wouldn't be able to mask my life signature as effectively, so to anyone adept with arcane arts my invisibility would be useless.

That said, I still moved faster than most people. Keeping my senses attuned and my defences up at the cost of a slightly reduced travel speed (and maybe an increased rate of ration consumption) was a small price to pay. I didn't want to take chances I didn't have to, not with a competition this intense. I wasn't going out without at least taking one artefact or besting another in combat. And to succeed at that, I was going to choose my fights, and not let them get chosen for me. Should that mean employing the tactics of scouting and stealth, then I would do just that.

I'd kept my shortsword drawn while travelling. It was light and short, so wouldn't impair my speed too much, yet would allow me quick access to a weapon should I need it. My longsword and shield, however, stayed in their respective places on my person. It wasn't too far to the mountains now.

Moved from Subzone C3 to Subzone E5.

Dane is under the effects of the Stealth power. He also has Suppression. TEC is 5 (base form is being used).

[Enel]

I take a piss.

“What?” I growl at the camera, floating a few meters away. “Got something to see?”

I turn back to my piss. I’m uncomfortably aware of the camera on me. It’s making this take longer than it should.

I turn back to the camera. It’s still there.

“You wanna take a closer look? Ah? AH!?”

I swing the stream in its direction and its zips backwards.

“Tch …. that’s what I thought.”

I finish up and turn back to the city. It reminds me of the zombie comics I used to read as a kid.

Ahead of me, another safehouse looms …

… And something vaguely humanoid shaped steps into the range of my mantra.

I prepare my staff. No fucking undead is gonna get the jump on God Enel.

Moving from C17 to C21. Meeting up with Harlan.

[Harlan Higgs]

Hendy ambled around the circular area, bypassing the towering....tower....in the center of it. No one that he could see was around, at least until he rounded a corner and saw the goofiest looking man he'd encountered on the island yet.

Although there was nothing goofy about the imperious look on his face, the way he was meeting the vampire's gaze, or the way he was brandishing a slim golden staff. They stood for a few second, Vic looking at the white garb of the stranger, his hyperextended ears, and the drums on his back.

He was just about to open his mouth in a greeting when the man smirked and pointed the business end of the staff towards him. "Well well...I see you finally choose to bask in the divinity of God Enel!"

Anal???

Hendy almost choked with laughter, although his expression didn't change. "W-well...-kff-...a God? Bite my buttons, I've never met a god! Name's Hendy, Vic Hendy, your gloriousness! You from the Orient?" The vampire asked with a playful twinkle in his eye.

[Enel]

“Orient?” I tilt my head. “No, I’m from the sky.” I point up. “Like all Gods.”

“Is-that-a-fact.” Vic leans back on the balls of his feet, seemingly overwhelmed by the revelation.

I smile. This ‘Vic Hendy’ is clearly a simple man of simple means. Which begs the question…

“What’s a man like you doing in such a dangerous competition?” I rest my staff on my shoulder, letting its full six feet stretch out behind me. It’s a casually threatening gesture; one that shows I’ve no intention of using my weapon, but putting it on display nonetheless. My other guns, of course, are always in the display case.

He smiles back, broad and trustworthy. “The thrill of the competition, friend.”

I raise an eyebrow. Are all the contestants going to be such bumpkins? Him and the cosplayer are the only people I’ve seen thus far. Perhaps my encounter with Jhen Mohran has left me overly cautious.

“You uh …” I spin my staff idly and take a sauntering step, breaking eye contact to keep my next question casual. “Find any items yet?”

He peers at me through those small eyes. Is he assessing me or struggling to see without his reading specs? “S’matter of fact … I did.” He produces something from his bag, showing it to me.

My eyes widen. Score number two.

He continues. “… And you, Mister God Enel? I ‘magine one with your power must’ve snatched up half the items already!”

I grin. “Well, not quite. But I did, of course, take one of the first items to drop.” I take it out of my bag. “It seems like our two are pieces from a set. Two more to find.”

“Well. If I didn’t know better, I’d say we were destined to meet.”

“Fate runs its course through me. You may be right.” You just got lucky to meet me, you doddering old man.

Still … he managed to be one of the first to get an item. He’s either very lucky, or a cut above the rest of the competition. In either case, I don’t mind having him along for the ride. Sure, I could kill him and take his piece of the prize, but I'm going to need patsies. That ‘Nealapph’ motherfucker is in the competition too, and he’s probably thinking the same thing. It doesn’t matter how strong, smart, or skilled I am – if enough inbred apes jump on me, in this world, I’ll go down.

I examine the very plain-looking man. Yes. He’ll do.

[Tamsin Suzaku]

It seemed as though the maid had joined the competition at the very last minute. She had barely arrived at the pre-show facility and became acquainted with the rules when the announcement blared that the contestants needed to gather at the pods that would transport them to the island. After a few minutes of disorganisation and chaos, the girl found herself alone at an urban coastline, the fog obscuring sight of most of the terrain aside from the relatively pristine causeway and the turbulent sea underneath.

Raising her hand, she felt the all-too-familiar sensation of the explosive collar wrapped around her neck. She made an exasperated sigh. Another collar, another deadly competition. It seemed as though there was no end to destiny's twisted sense of humour.

Fortunately for the servant, there was a silver lining to this unnerving affair. After examining the rules, she was able to determine that the lethality aspect of Dante's Abyss had been toned down, and the primary objective was to successfully gather important artefacts. Though conflict was inevitable, the goal could, at least theoretically, be achieved without killing anyone. Though still wary, she was able to find at least some measure of comfort in that fact.

The young woman took another deep breath. Though she didn't like being there, the onus was on her to do her best if she hoped to curry favour with Karl Jak and gain his assistance. Furthermore, had her master been there, he would have aimed for the top — in order to not disgrace his name, she needed to strive towards the same. 'Maleficus...' she muttered to herself lamentingly before nodding in determination and focusing on the matter at hand.

She retrieved the tablet she had received, another unfamiliar convenience afforded to contestants in this particular version of Dante's Abyss. Fortunately for her, she did not have to rely on visibility to determine her location, making it easier to determine a plan of action. She was near the safehouse located within the city, but opted to avoid delving deeper into the urban areas. The city would inevitably attract many contestants, thus increasing the risk of conflict. Though she understood that she would have to fight eventually, she preferred the idea of taking her time and gathering her bearings first. She was still far too unfamiliar with this world. If she was to triumph — if she was to survive at all — she needed every bit of knowledge she could acquire.

Plotting a route along the coastline, the servant headed north, her steps softly thudding as she walked.

Moving from C9 to C8.

[Gildarts]

Gildarts felt himself tsk to himself disappointingly, but there wasn't much time to chastise himself now. His hair was rushing in the flow of the wind picked up from the momentum of the fist snatched around him and now it really did resemble a fire. The fist had so easily picked him up from the ground and swiftly switched him to an upside down position. His cheeks were burning crimson from the pressure of all the blood flooding to his head and he felt his amber eyes bulge nearly out of their sockets.
 
The human was being squeezed like lemonade and couldn't quite free his hand to expel any of his magic. His fate was in Illidan's hands and the start of their test began. The dark elf selected one of the moves he thought the human's skull would be thick enough to not crack from, charged it like a malleable ball of energy in his palms. It was colorless, like the wind as he released it forth into Gildarts and the fist that was holding onto him. There wasn't much to hit, other than a few pieces of condensed matter which was much like a live cloud, and the Prime target himself, however when the immense power of the magic slammed into the two forms, Gildarts was thrown back as his hair ground into the asphalt before his whole body landed with a limp splat, much like a pancake being flipped on the griddle.
 
The fist dissipated immediately, as though blown so easily away by the strong gale. As it left it took only a fraction of the force away from the Prime it had held onto but it was the fall that initiated a bony, chiropractor-relating sound in the air. Crick!
 
"Ugh," he managed to grunt out and the world was stirring around like a whisk to eggs. Above him the bits of revealed skyscrapers merged together like a kaleidoscope.
 
Illidan slowly sauntered over to the fallen prime, the creature's foot scuffing the ground next to Gil's weary ear. The dark elf waited till he saw Gildarts' chest heave with a breath before saying, "Oh! Good, you're not dead."
 
"Not yet," Gildarts said as he grasped his back, likely somewhat pulled for the maneuvers that had been performed for a man his age. "Though I'm not as young as I used to be."
 
"Hum, you humans and your complaints of age, I've lived through many lifetimes of your ancestors and I will much longer still past the decedents of your children," Illidan said proudly, he was quite similar to a God to humans like the man before him. "Still, you do not hear me complain of the years I have spent my life on."
 
"Come now, let us continue onward," Illidan nodded and extended his purple palm out directly under the Prime's nose. Sometimes this kindness was seen as a disgrace, other times, a sign of great unity. Gildarts took his silver hand and hoisted himself up, Illidan could bear the weight, his muscular build remained stable on Gil's entire way up as the strength caused no strain on the sorcerer.
 
Illidan did have a point, but Gildarts hadn't too many joints to complain about considering his lack of two appendages, his back had surely been thrown out of wack enough to cause him to stagger when he finally rounded to a stand. Illidan wasn't quite capable of a smile, but it seemed like he was enjoying the excitement like a good sport. Plus, he was two to one in the little competition between themselves. Gil smiled as he saw his hair in the tinted window he passed by while Illidan lead the way from here, his hair was a complete and utter mess, and it was likely Illidan couldn't really see it. The Prime stifled a spirited laugh, he wasn't too old to disregard the amusement of a self-deprecating hairstyle, that was part of the Fairy Tail way. Karl on the other hand, was surely laughing his polyester pants off.
 
 

Gillidan Moved c21 to c17

Illidan used: On the threat that was surrounding and on top of Gildarts
Push (requires Telekinesis, Ranged, Ranged Materialise) - Illidan charges his telekinetic magic for 2-3 seconds and fires it in a rippling, focused blast three feet in diameter at the speed of an arrow. Often used to knock targets backwards or to destroy walls, Illidan must focus when charging, preventing him from attacking or using other moves. This will also affect any projectile that can be rebuffed by strong winds such as an arrow. While he can cast this more than once, it will take a toll on him slowly, and it will reliably weaken him after fifth or six casting. He can avoid this by spacing out the attacks. Traditionally Illidan will cast this from his hands, though he can also cast it from random directions to push objects towards him as well.

[Gildarts]

The Strongest Prime was walking with a little limp, his back was sore and he felt aged enough for a cane, his back sure felt crooked enough for one. He wasn't even quite sure where they were going, but Illidan seemed to be strolling the streets with a redeemed sense of vigor, so Gildarts let him have it, walking behind at his own pace.
 
The fog seemed to be dissipating and the Fairy Tail mage couldn't help but look inside the vacant windows, as though seeking for that old woman who'd offered him tea, or the giggling little girls who had likely tossed the ball. The Prime was intrigued, ghosts were a fascinating subject for anyone who had been the cause of death for someone, not to mention, a human who had lost his fair share to the unmerciful hand of fate too soon.
 
But are they even real, Gildarts? Those things you heard, just like your fake new arm that's since disappeared. I thought I'd give you a glimmer of hope before I ripped it away, hoping you'd realize precisely what you were missing. Why were you so eager to pair up with that... Creep anyway? He cannot compare to the team you could've made with the three-eyed one. Am I right? she sneered again, she was rather spiteful, for a voice inside his head that he couldn't get rid of. But Gildarts let his eyes fall back with a loll, he was used to this when traveling.
 
You don't have to agree, Malefactor, you're not even there this time. Give it a rest and let me just relax for a while, we could encounter something at any point- Gildarts spoke back to the voice in his head, which didn't happen very often, he didn't like to validate her existence to empower her to wreak more havoc on him than normal. He'd weathered her storm in the past and he'd do it once more, he had figured he'd be free for this event though.
 
Oh joy, well, let me tell you, I think that giant fist slamming you around was plenty "something" to shake you awake! And based on your back, you won't be relaxing anytime soon. She ended her protruding thought with a lively chuckle and vanished as quickly as she'd come. Gildarts rolled his eyes at the incessant taunts, it was like dealing with a rash of poison Morlap, it was itchy and spawned unsightly sores but eventually it went away.
 
They were nearing the outskirts of the city, Illidan could tell by the increased distance between buildings and the fact that some of these human's homes had driveways. The dark elf's ears twitched as he heard Gildarts' slow pace of footsteps behind him, however the man's pace was not one he could quite complain about. The mage had been hit with Illidan's powerful magic and unlike Gildarts, it had left a positively near-jubilant spring in Illidan's step. His ally couldn't have been injured that much and it was nice to clear the tension that had only receded since the pre-show. Now the human knew the devastation Illidan was capable of, it wasn't so simply left to mere speculation.
 
The little piece of glass in Gildarts' sack was starting to chime an announcement, "Item drop beginning! Please make your way there, and good luck to all Primes!"
 
It had been loud enough for Illidan's elfin ears to capture and it snatched his attention quickly onto the forward direction they were moving, reweaving his motivation forward, but first he had to check back on Gildarts. He was still in eye shot, so he was pretty close, "Gildarts Clive, come on!" Illidan would not be weighed down when his prize was so closely in sight.
 
 

Gillidan Moving from c17 to c8

[Gildarts]

“There’s two drop locations nearby, different directions. We have to choose.” Gildarts stated sternly.
 
Illidan had been ready to sprint off and not look back until he was on top of the prize, but the dark elf knew what Gildarts was implying, it was so easy for the sorcerer to read between the lines. Stay together, or split up in hopes of a rendezvous with both prizes. Illidan hadn’t really gotten a good look at the competition in the office-like bunker they’d stayed in for that short time, so he really didn’t know what or who to expect was out there, or what mysterious powers this island had given them. He chose to err on the side of caution, two was better than one, and there was no telling how large the alliances had spread.
 
If there was an army of ten, two could possibly stand a chance, one man or elf was suicide and Illidan wasn’t ready to toss his only ally over the side of the boat in order to watch him drown.
 
“Opposite directions you say? Does the map say anything about the type of area surrounding it?” Illidan asked, hoping to make an informed decision.
 
“One is a mountainous area, the map says, the other is a forest,” his ally responded.
 
While that sounded almost the same, Illidan knew that mountains could scale full on ninety degrees upward, facing landslide and icy conditions as well as climbing up the flat face of rock. However there was no telling the darkness of the forest and what tragedy it would bring. They were in quite the dilemma. Both areas sounded like good places for ambushes, and Illidan didn’t necessarily want to go strolling into one.
 
Gildarts looked down, he too was weighing the options. Inches from his toe was a shining, silver quarter, tempting him to flip it. The prime knelt down, grasping the gleam in his own silver hand. It was hard to say whether Illidan realized this was a traditional human custom, but the red-haired mage asked him, “Heads or tails?”
 
If you’re gonna die, flip a freaking coin.
 

Gillidan move from c8 to c7

[Karl Jak]

End Phase 1 -- Day 1

[Karl Jak]

End Phase 2 - Day 1

[Enel]

My grin broadens as I read the update on my tablet.

“Pull up a seat, Vic. The fruity tooty has seen fit to mail the next artefact straight to us.”

Vic looks at my tablet. “Good thing you’re here, I can’t figure heads or tails of that contraption.”

“It’s alien technology to me too. Entirely frivolous, of course. A good picture dial works just fine, why fix what’s not broken?”

Vic purses his lips. “Picture dial?”

Seriously? Has nobody in this world heard of dials? “I guess the technology of the lower world has yet to catch up with that of the sky. Picture Dials let you record and replay things. Like …” I try to describe it.

“Like a camera?”

“Tch … I suppose. But a camera is just a poor copy of a picture dial.”

His hand brushes his mouth. “You sure do know a lot, God.”

I look up at the sky. Couldn’t I have had someone less vapid for company? Or maybe a woman?

I sigh inwardly, ambling over to a nearby bench. It’s going to be a long wait.

[Tamsin Suzaku]

The sea. It had been so long since she had last witnessed its rolling waves, rich foam blanketing the rocky beaches. Yet, tempted as she was to keep staring at the mesmerising motion of the murky waters, the silver-haired girl was required to pay attention to the foggy inland in case one or more of the contestants would emerge from the obscuring mist. After all, none of them could swim in the sea, lest they wanted to risk causing their explosive collars to trigger.

For better or worse, however, the maid hadn't encountered a living soul since her arrival, only eerie silence accompanying the sounds of her light footsteps. Though the solitude did unnerve her, it also gave Tamsin an opportunity to calm down from all the excitement and haste she had been subjected to since her resurrection. Closing her eyes, the maid gathered her thoughts and considered everything that had happened since she found herself in this unusual world. She thought back to the beginning — to her meeting with the enigmatic Omni. Perhaps it was a side-effect of his not insignificant power, but the young woman was able to recollect Omni's words with perfect clarity, almost as though he had spoken them mere moments ago.

One statement in particular stood out to her — his claim that she interested him. The more she thought of it, the less sense it seemed to make. While not powerless, she was hardly remarkable, even by the standards of her own world, during her lifetime. Why would she in particular pique the curiosity of such an omnipotent being? She did ponder the possibility that he wanted to experiment with bringing someone who had passed away and merged their soul with another to his realm — perhaps that was what made her distinct from the others he had brought to his domain. But if that was the case, then that meant that he...wasn't...

Tamsin shook off the thought from her head. Concluding that there was little point in musing over machinations well beyond her control and understanding, her focus was once again on her surroundings. Pressing on with her journey, the maid followed the beach further north.

Tamsin moving from C8 to C7.

[Handsome Jack]

I look up from my Tweeting to realize that I ain't in the jungle no more. Nope. Definitely not a jungle. This is a city. Well, more like the suburbs. But STILL! It was a lot better than where I was. Nowhere I felt more comfortable than around the trappings of society. After all... this is practically a grocery store for me. Unfortunately, seems like the place is deserted. I sigh heavily and shake my head. Shoulda figured as much. Death island ain't exactly a place people are gonna stick around for long.

Walking through the empty streets, I look from home to home, staring at the empty, eye-like windows. Dirt, dust, and debris litter my path and the grass of the lawns is tall and wild. The place has definitely been deserted for awhile. I open up Twitter to let my whole... zero followers... I can't help but to sigh again before I calm myself. It's ok, Cell. They'll come. You literally JUST made the thing. Give it some time. Even so, the whole thing gets my dander in a twist and I just put the phone away. Ain't really in the mood for Tweeting anymore.

Instead, I pull my Syntech-issued tablet out again and check where I am. Megacity One? Wow. So original. I wonder what else they considered... Townplace? Peoplesburg? And worse still, from the map, it was the ONLY FUCKING CITY HERE! Why the FUCK did they have to add a 'One' to the name? Were they planning to make another and just gave up? I swear, some people are only good to be drank.

Still, it seems there's a nice little present dropping down somewhere close by. And, bad name aside, a city is a city and a city is a far cry better than walking through the woods like some boyscout. Making a mental note of the direction the item drop is in, I get a move on towards it.

Moving from C2 to C16

[Enel]

As dusk begins to fall, I sense something falling from the sky. Before Vic has even noticed, I leap up to grab it. I can’t fly in this damned space, but I can sure as hell jump.

I touch down with a grunt and rip the package open. Within … is an egg. “Eh? An egg?”

Vic sidles over. “Some jumping legs you’ve got.”

I wave my hand. “Whatever. What do you think’s inside?”

As I hold it in my hand, I notice the bronze sheen and the dull thrum of power from inside. I sense that I could unleash it, any time I wanted … but it’s probably a one-time thing.

I grin. “Maybe a dragon.”

Vic shrugs. “Wouldn’t put it past this world. Seen all manner of strangenesses since I stepped foot here. Not least yourself, your lordliness. If’n ya don’t mind me saying,” he adds sheepishly.

I rise up to my full height, and tuck the egg into the crook of my armpit. “I’ll be keeping this.”

“Of course, my lord. But perhaps you might consider … if we unite that there artefact piece, you let me hang onto it?”

I round on him, waiting for an explanation.

“As powerful as your lordliness might be, I’d better be able to assist your worship with an artefact of my own … least that’s how’s I see it,” he mumbles.

Eh, he’s got a point. Besides, it’s not like he could take it and run. “Sure, whatever,” I say.

“Top call.”

I stretch my legs. “Let’s get going. I’m already sick of this bench.”

We do so, him following behind. My senses remain aware for any danger. Then … something.

“Vic, I think we might have a target. Stay quiet.”

“Can do, m’lordliness.”

With any luck, the sucker ahead of us has some item pieces.

Moving from C21 to C16

[Enel]

Moving through the city is fun. Maybe less so for my companion, who I perpetually have to give a chance to catch up. There are alleys, residential buildings, shops and all manner of public spaces. If I weren’t trying to be stealthy, I’d be smashing all of these into debris. Since I am, I do my best to pretend I’m in one of those zombie comics. Except, y’know. With way more sweet Godly parkour.

I stop and wait as Vic trots down some concrete steps behind me. He’s actually pretty silent. I’ve got an inkling there’s more to him than he’s letting on. Ex-forces, maybe? If he survives this, maybe I’ll consider making him a captain in God’s Army.

I don’t, of course, voice my thoughts. Let them think he’s very clever by keeping his past a secret from me. It’s befitting of a humble God such as myself to let his subjects have their little secrets. But nothing can hide from me. Especially not the truth.

I’ve been trying to regain one of my powers since I stepped foot on this island. It’s a tricky one, but I know it could come in useful. It lets me listen in on any conversation for miles around. Of course, my subjects just think I can read minds. I let them think that. Eventually I should like to be able to do that too, but I just haven’t had time yet. Between listening to the concerns of my female subjects and tending to intruders upon my land (of which there are many — a city of gold attracts so very many looters) my schedule is pretty packed. Or was.

I hold a finger up, indicating to Hendy that our mark is close. He doesn’t seem to need to be told — excellent. Good henchmen are so hard to find, and I’ve yet to find a single trustworthy one in the Omniverse up to this point.

I wait for the target to come out into the open. He won’t know what hit him.

Challenging Cell for the artefact pieces.

[Enel]

My eyes widen as I lay my eyes upon the target. I’d guessed from my haki there was something … different about them, but seeing them in front of my eyes was a different story.

They looked reptilian, or insectoid, with a long, curly tail and dappled green spots all over their green … skin? Carapace? Whatever. It gave me the heebie-jeebies.

But according to the Dataverse, this was the guy with the other artefact pieces.

I motion to Hendy, and we move.

My first motion is to fire off a salvo of Bolts at the target. I catch a glimpse of the impact; it gets caught in the explosion, but not a direct hit. Tch!

The thing leaps back on its tail. “Whoa,” it says, “Whoa whoa whoa!”

“It speaks?” I blurt out, stunned momentarily by its almost human-like tone of voice.

It doesn’t take kindly to that. “I am not an IT, you fucking MO-OH SON OF A BITCH!” It screams suddenly and I hear the telltale sound of electricity. “COCKSUCK-ahAHH!”

I look at Hendy, bewildered. “I didn’t even hit him.”

Vic’s not looking at me. He darts across and rips the backpack free of the thing’s shoulders, reaching in and grabbing pieces of the artefact before I can even react. Then, as the creature turns, Vic turns around and socks it right across the jaw, sending it sprawling to the ground.

“Let’s move,” growls Hendy. “We got the pieces, there’s no time to fight here.”

I pause, but Hendy is already hightailing it out of here. I sigh. “We’ll have to finish zapping you another day, bug. But have fun!”

With that, I’m after Vic, and within a few moments I’ve caught up, bounding across the city streets. “Nicely done, Hendy!” I applaud. “We got the artefact! Two out of two, baby!”

Enel and Harlan Hendy are now moving from C16 to *C4.

*Fucked up originally and typed E5, hence the edit, putting this here for transparency

[Harlan Higgs]

Vic Hendy was waiting for Enel behind a brick outcropping, stepping out into view as the God landed on his feet and strode forward purposefully. The hidden vampire had a cheeky grin on his face as he swung what looked like a trinket on a chain around his finger, making a quiet "sh-shing" sound. "Well, My Lord...it seems we're well ahead of the competition now, right?" He gave Enel a look that perhaps was maybe a bit sycophantic, but it seemed the work. 

The divine avatar smirked and reached into his pocket, holding the final piece of the artifact. "Let it not be said that am I an unjust god, for my followers are rewarded as they deserve." He held it out and Hendy took it reverentially, making a show of accepting his divine blessing, before slotting it on the chain and sliding it around his neck. 

"Looks good on me, eh? Hopefully it helps with the next trifle we come into contact with."

Enel had his eyes half closed, apparently thinking, although he'd done this before and Hendy had taken it as some sort of divine awareness. Probably how he'd sensed his approach when they first met. The Ravnos took the time to take stock of his experience so far.

Enel was dangerous, to be sure. Arrogant, self-important, and wildly narcissistic, but Victor Hendy had worked for more than a few men like that. They were easy to deal with, except when their tempers flared. And Hendy was 100% sure Enel had a horrible, vindictive temper when it was incensed. But for now, it was nothing to play the simpering servant and reap the benefits. There was no social persona he wouldn't put on in the furtherance of his goals, which in this case were to win. Or at least leave with something that made the whole trip worth it.

"There. That's where the next items will be. Come along, Hendy. If the rest of these so called "contestants" are as easy to deal with as the bug man was, we will have no trouble."

The rustic mechanic gave an uncharacteristic smirk behind Enel's back and followed him out of the city, towards rolling mountains and hilly terrain.

Hendy assembled Red's Memento (4/4 Pieces)
Enel and Hendy moving from C4 to E5

[Karl Jak]

End Phase 3 - Day 1

[Handsome Jack]

As I lay face-down on the warm asphalt, steam drifting away from my sporadically shuddering body, I can't help but to think that maybe... just maybe, I ain't as strong here as I should be. I mean... I already KNEW I wasn't up to snuff after having so much trouble with Aunt Flo at the Coruscant Gate. But I had held out a hope that maybe it was just an off day. But the combination of having my innards slowly cooked by electrical shocks and getting socked in the jaw by Charlie Chaplin's immigrant cousin really drove the point home. With a sigh, I slowly roll over and look to the sky. Might as well just lay here until the item shows up, I guess. Still pretty pissed at those guys though. After I grab this bad-boy, I'ma chase em down and have me a Two White Dudes smoothie.

Waiting for Item Drop

[Tamsin Suzaku]

Under the cover of haze, Tamsin's trek along the coast remained uneventful. The maid sighed to herself. She wasn't entirely certain if this was entirely a good thing. Though it certainly gave her some much needed respite and allowed her to gather her bearings, it also meant that she wasn't gathering the items required in order to attain victory. The young woman understood that, eventually, she would have to jump into the thick of things if she hoped to have any chance of success. And much as she detested the thought, passivity would do her no favours in terms of gaining Jak's cooperation with her not insignificant problem.

Still, given how outmatched she was, she was only able to take matters one step at a time. She had an immediate goal; the rest would have to wait until it was accomplished.

Through the silence and mist, the already long walk seemed to stretch on forever. But eventually, the vapour hanging in the air began to thin and the path ahead became visible. As this happened, the servant was greeted by the majestic view of the lush forest that covered the neighbouring zone. The mere sight of it made her feel relieved. Though it would have helped little if she had encountered opponents with extraordinary senses, the haze still kept her presence concealed. In that sense, it was fortunate that she was able to reach the cover of trees while the fog was still present.

Allowing herself a moment of reminiscence, Tamsin recalled how she performed a reverse journey in the last Dante's Abyss she participated. Of course, at the time, she hadn't pondered much about the wisdom of her movements — her sole focus was on reuniting with her master. A bitter smile played on her lips as the irony — the fact that she was, in essence, doing so once more — finally sunk in. It appeared that the young woman was not so different from her younger, more naive self.

With her destination now no longer far, the servant entered the forest, her figure disappearing within the shadows of the trees.

Tamsin moving from C7 to B7.