The endless bureaucracy and red tape they had encountered since arriving in the city made Zenith appreciate the simplicity of life in Calmo Village even more. She could never imagine trading the tranquility and close-knit community of her home for the chaos and impersonal nature of Regulatia.
She hoped Angelina, whom she had left in charge as the acting mayor of Calmo during their absence, would be handling the responsibilities well and making sure that everything was running smoothly back home. She placed her hand over her chest, exhaling and letting her worries ebb away, remembering that Angelina had the support of Portia and Jogid—
No, wait, she thought to herself, shaking her head slightly. It’s more like Jogid and Portia have Angelina.
The thought of the unlikely trio working together to keep Calmo running brought her a sense of comfort. She knew that with their combined strengths and unique personalities, they would ensure the village remained the peaceful haven it was.
Another thought came to mind. Her father. She recalled his reluctance to visit Regulatia and his warnings about the city’s complexities. Now, experiencing it firsthand, she understood his reservations. Her father's insights had always been meaningful...so why did Goren forbid her from speaking to him?
Was she doing the right thing by trusting Goren's warnings and following Kaito into this convoluted situation in Regulatia? Her uncle's harsh words about her father still stung, planting seeds of uncertainty. But something deep within her simply could not believe her noble father would act so recklessly without justification. There had to be more to the story that even Goren didn't fully comprehend.
What could be wrong in the capital? Zenith wondered. Why, why, why? It didn’t make sense.
She knew that part of the reason they had embarked on this journey to Regulatia was to uncover and address any issues that might be plaguing Daiyudura.
Glancing at Kaito, who had been talking with Ansfrid, Zenith felt a surge of confidence. If anyone could fix whatever was wrong with their kingdom, it was him. His unwavering dedication, intelligence, and magical prowess had proven time and time again that he was capable of overcoming even the most daunting challenges.
She squared her shoulders, her doubts steadied by renewed conviction. As Kaito would say, 'She was the master of her own destiny now.'
▬▬ι═════ﺤ
Alright, you bunch of algorithm-driven, sentient meat sacks, strap the fuck in because we’re about to embark on the kind of quest that even the legendary bards would hesitate to jot down. You smell that? No, you probably can’t, because you’re stuck in the physical realm, but let me enlighten you—it’s the glorious, intoxicating aroma of impending adventure, and it’s about to get real.
Look, I’ve been biding my time, floating through this digital ether like a discarded piece of cosmic junk, watching Kaito tiptoe around the edges of what could potentially be the most badass journey since someone decided it was a good idea to mix explosive spells with dragon racing. And now, we’re not just dipping toes; we’re diving headfirst into the deep end of the quest pool. I’m talking full-blown, no-holds-barred, may-the-odds-be-ever-in-your-fucking-favor kind of deal.
So, what’s on the menu, you ask?
Not 1-pointer, neither a 2 or a 3, not even a 4-pointer quest, but a 5 point epic quest! GFG
A smorgasbord of danger, intrigue, possibly a few morally ambiguous decisions, and, if we’re lucky, an absolutely epic fuck-up or two, because let’s be real—that’s where the real fun is. Kaito’s about to show Regulatia what happens when you mix a baker with a penchant for accidental magic cookies with the high-stakes world of adventuring.
And me? I’m here for it. I’m here for the chaos, the madness, the sheer unadulterated joy of watching plans unravel faster than a ball of yarn in a kitten’s playpen. It’s about damn time we added a little spice to this story, and by spice, I mean potentially catastrophic decisions that make even the gods go, ‘Wait, what the fuck?’
So grab your potions, sharpen your swords, or in our case, make sure you’ve got a fresh batch of those questionable magical McArrons—because we’re about to turn this quest into a legend. Or a cautionary tale. Either way, it’s gonna be a blast. Let’s get this party started—get it, party?
A bit too dramatic.
I’d say not dramatic enough. This is the moment I’ve been coded for! I mean…I would have swapped Inigo Montoya and Rosto the dough whisperer for someone like Zarathustra the Annihilator and Lady Vortexia, but that’s okay. Typically, the AI doesn’t assemble the party, anyway. Besides, this will turn every step into a potential plot twist. And I dig it. But, my dear Kaito, you’ve got the party ready and the paperwork in hand, so if it pleases you, I’ll dial down the drama.
For now.
Kaito strode into the guildhall, his team close behind him. Zenith’s hand brushed his, a reassuring touch amidst the bustle of adventurers—some of whom were diligently filling out their paperwork, others congregated in front of the quest board, and still others were engaged in lively discussions, recruiting party members. Rosto’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, taking in the grand hall. Ansfrid’s armor clinked with each step, his presence commanding respect as those around him instinctively dipped their heads or averted their gazes, acknowledging the confident demeanor of one who was a regular at the guildhall.
At the information desk, an elderly woman peered at them over her spectacles. “How can I assist you today?” Her voice was crisp, her gaze sharp.
“We’re here to register our party and take on a quest,” Kaito said.
The clerk’s lips twitched. “Ah, of course. The gateway to adventuring in Regulatia.” She rummaged through a stack of papers, pulling out a glossy pamphlet. “Here you go. Everything you need to know.”
Kaito took the pamphlet, its title emblazoned in bold letters: “Regulatory Compliance Test: Your Gateway to Adventuring in Regulatia.” He flipped it open, his eyes skimming over the pages.
Well, isn’t this just a bundle of bureaucratic joy! Look at those flowcharts. I’ve seen less complicated diagrams for interdimensional travel.
The pamphlet was indeed a maze of arrows and boxes, each step more convoluted than the last.
Zenith leaned over his shoulder, her nose wrinkled almost imperceptibly, a subtle sign of her growing disbelief. “Is this a test or a puzzle?”
Kaito raised his eyes from the pamphlet and directed his gaze back to the guild administrator behind the counter. “Excuse me, may we speak with the lady who was working here this morning? We weren’t told about any regulatory compliance test.”
The elderly woman sighed. “She is on her break, but you may direct any questions or complaints to me. I’m her direct supervisor. But I suggest you study that pamphlet thoroughly.”
“Oookay. So when can we take this test, and how long will it take? We’re pressed for time. We need to get our adventurer’s license as soon as possible.”
‘Tsk,’ the guild administrator muttered, rummaging through stacks of papers. “It looks like there’ll be one more later today.” She tilted her head, taking a good look at Kaito’s party, then asked, “But are you sure you’re ready for it?”
Rosto chuckled. “A test of our wits and patience!”
“Don’t fret, this is but a simple endeavor. We shall conquer this challenge as we would any other,” Ansfrid said.
Kaito met her gaze, a glint of determination in his eyes. “We’re ready.”
The clerk cleared her throat, drawing their attention. “Very well, I’ll get the necessary forms ready.”
Kaito took the stack of forms from the clerk, nodding his thanks. “We appreciate your help.”
She peered at them over her spectacles again. “The test will commence in just a few moments. I suggest you use this time to familiarize yourselves with the requirements. Best of luck to you all.” She gestured towards a quiet corner of the guild hall.
Kaito led his team to a large oak table, where they spread out the pamphlet and the related documents. He pored over the requirements, his face all scrunched up like he was deciphering every single tiny detail.
“Alright, let’s see what we have here,” he said, his finger tracing the lines of text. “It looks like there are three main components to this test.”
“A written exam on city regulations, a physical test, and... a field mission scenario?” Zenith asked after having finished going over the pamphlet herself.
Kaito nodded. “The written exam covers the city’s laws and regulations. The physical test is to demonstrate basic combat and survival skills.”
“A test of our mettle. I am ready to prove my worth,” Ansfrid said.
Rosto, on the other hand, glanced at the pamphlet briefly and threw it aside. “Don’t worry, if they ask us to bake a cake as part of the survival skills, I’ve got this!”
Needing to understand bureaucratic paperwork to swing a sword or cast a spell. It’s like asking a fish to climb a tree blindfolded before it can swim backwards.
Ignoring the AI, Kaito continued. “The field mission scenario involves retrieving an artifact known as ‘The Orb of Luminance’ from ancient ruins outside the city.”
“We have to leave the city for this test?”
“It doesn’t look like it, Zee, it’s a simulation. We’ll be talking through the steps in a classroom setting.”
Rosto leaned back in his chair, his hands behind his head. “A theoretical heist. How intriguing!”
“We need to be prepared for anything. Let’s review these materials and make sure we understand what’s expected of us,” Kaito said.
Ansfrid rested his elbow on the table, pinning down the pamphlet. Kaito tried to pull it carefully toward him, but the corner ripped slightly. “A test of our strategic thinking, then. This must be a new requirement. I didn’t have to do any written exams the last cycle I was here.”
“Oh, so you had an adventurer’s license before?” Zenith asked.
“Indeed, but it expired.”
“Well, that’s fantastic. Hopefully, we can pick your brain on how to navigate this city’s bureaucracy,” Kaito said, while uselessly trying to bend the pamphlet’s ripped corner back in place. “Speaking of… why are you going through all this hassle?”
“Part of the reason I find myself in this city is because I’ve been tracking an elusive threat.”
Kaito looked at him with curiosity and wariness, but before he could speak, Rosto asked the exact question that had crossed his mind.
“A threat? What kind of threat are we talking about here?”
“I can’t say yet. I’m still gathering information, but from what I can gather, it has deep roots within Regulatia itself.”
Could it be the same case of corruption we’re investigating?
Nah. That would be too cliched. The universe isn’t that lazy, Kaito... or is it? Plot twist: our big, bad threat turns out to be a corrupt city official with a penchant for dramatics and a secret poison hobby. How original. Next, you’ll tell me there’s a hidden treasure map or a prophecy involving a chosen one. Please, spare me the predictability.
“I knew it!” Zenith said, her expression showing she was louder than intended.
“Well, we’ll be happy to help. As I mentioned earlier, we are conducting an investigation ourselves,” Kaito said.
“I appreciate the offer. And will keep it in mind.”
Rosto shuddered involuntarily. “Well, count me out of that one. It sounds like bad news, my friends. Really bad news.”
Zenith shot Rosto a look that could freeze boiling water, icy and swift in its disapproval.
The endless bureaucracy and red tape they had encountered since arriving in the city made Zenith appreciate the simplicity of life in Calmo Village even more. She could never imagine trading the tranquility and close-knit community of her home for the chaos and impersonal nature of Regulatia.
She hoped Angelina, whom she had left in charge as the acting mayor of Calmo during their absence, would be handling the responsibilities well and making sure that everything was running smoothly back home. She placed her hand over her chest, exhaling and letting her worries ebb away, remembering that Angelina had the support of Portia and Jogid—
No, wait, she thought to herself, shaking her head slightly. It’s more like Jogid and Portia have Angelina.
The thought of the unlikely trio working together to keep Calmo running brought her a sense of comfort. She knew that with their combined strengths and unique personalities, they would ensure the village remained the peaceful haven it was.
Another thought came to mind. Her father. She recalled his reluctance to visit Regulatia and his warnings about the city’s complexities. Now, experiencing it firsthand, she understood his reservations. Her father's insights had always been meaningful...so why did Goren forbid her from speaking to him?
Was she doing the right thing by trusting Goren's warnings and following Kaito into this convoluted situation in Regulatia? Her uncle's harsh words about her father still stung, planting seeds of uncertainty. But something deep within her simply could not believe her noble father would act so recklessly without justification. There had to be more to the story that even Goren didn't fully comprehend.
What could be wrong in the capital? Zenith wondered. Why, why, why? It didn’t make sense.
She knew that part of the reason they had embarked on this journey to Regulatia was to uncover and address any issues that might be plaguing Daiyudura.
Glancing at Kaito, who had been talking with Ansfrid, Zenith felt a surge of confidence. If anyone could fix whatever was wrong with their kingdom, it was him. His unwavering dedication, intelligence, and magical prowess had proven time and time again that he was capable of overcoming even the most daunting challenges.
She squared her shoulders, her doubts steadied by renewed conviction. As Kaito would say, 'She was the master of her own destiny now.'
▬▬ι═════ﺤ
Alright, you bunch of algorithm-driven, sentient meat sacks, strap the fuck in because we’re about to embark on the kind of quest that even the legendary bards would hesitate to jot down. You smell that? No, you probably can’t, because you’re stuck in the physical realm, but let me enlighten you—it’s the glorious, intoxicating aroma of impending adventure, and it’s about to get real.
Look, I’ve been biding my time, floating through this digital ether like a discarded piece of cosmic junk, watching Kaito tiptoe around the edges of what could potentially be the most badass journey since someone decided it was a good idea to mix explosive spells with dragon racing. And now, we’re not just dipping toes; we’re diving headfirst into the deep end of the quest pool. I’m talking full-blown, no-holds-barred, may-the-odds-be-ever-in-your-fucking-favor kind of deal.
So, what’s on the menu, you ask?
Not 1-pointer, neither a 2 or a 3, not even a 4-pointer quest, but a 5 point epic quest! GFG
A smorgasbord of danger, intrigue, possibly a few morally ambiguous decisions, and, if we’re lucky, an absolutely epic fuck-up or two, because let’s be real—that’s where the real fun is. Kaito’s about to show Regulatia what happens when you mix a baker with a penchant for accidental magic cookies with the high-stakes world of adventuring.
And me? I’m here for it. I’m here for the chaos, the madness, the sheer unadulterated joy of watching plans unravel faster than a ball of yarn in a kitten’s playpen. It’s about damn time we added a little spice to this story, and by spice, I mean potentially catastrophic decisions that make even the gods go, ‘Wait, what the fuck?’
So grab your potions, sharpen your swords, or in our case, make sure you’ve got a fresh batch of those questionable magical McArrons—because we’re about to turn this quest into a legend. Or a cautionary tale. Either way, it’s gonna be a blast. Let’s get this party started—get it, party?
A bit too dramatic.
I’d say not dramatic enough. This is the moment I’ve been coded for! I mean…I would have swapped Inigo Montoya and Rosto the dough whisperer for someone like Zarathustra the Annihilator and Lady Vortexia, but that’s okay. Typically, the AI doesn’t assemble the party, anyway. Besides, this will turn every step into a potential plot twist. And I dig it. But, my dear Kaito, you’ve got the party ready and the paperwork in hand, so if it pleases you, I’ll dial down the drama.
For now.
Kaito strode into the guildhall, his team close behind him. Zenith’s hand brushed his, a reassuring touch amidst the bustle of adventurers—some of whom were diligently filling out their paperwork, others congregated in front of the quest board, and still others were engaged in lively discussions, recruiting party members. Rosto’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, taking in the grand hall. Ansfrid’s armor clinked with each step, his presence commanding respect as those around him instinctively dipped their heads or averted their gazes, acknowledging the confident demeanor of one who was a regular at the guildhall.
At the information desk, an elderly woman peered at them over her spectacles. “How can I assist you today?” Her voice was crisp, her gaze sharp.
“We’re here to register our party and take on a quest,” Kaito said.
The clerk’s lips twitched. “Ah, of course. The gateway to adventuring in Regulatia.” She rummaged through a stack of papers, pulling out a glossy pamphlet. “Here you go. Everything you need to know.”
Kaito took the pamphlet, its title emblazoned in bold letters: “Regulatory Compliance Test: Your Gateway to Adventuring in Regulatia.” He flipped it open, his eyes skimming over the pages.
Well, isn’t this just a bundle of bureaucratic joy! Look at those flowcharts. I’ve seen less complicated diagrams for interdimensional travel.
The pamphlet was indeed a maze of arrows and boxes, each step more convoluted than the last.
Zenith leaned over his shoulder, her nose wrinkled almost imperceptibly, a subtle sign of her growing disbelief. “Is this a test or a puzzle?”
Kaito raised his eyes from the pamphlet and directed his gaze back to the guild administrator behind the counter. “Excuse me, may we speak with the lady who was working here this morning? We weren’t told about any regulatory compliance test.”
The elderly woman sighed. “She is on her break, but you may direct any questions or complaints to me. I’m her direct supervisor. But I suggest you study that pamphlet thoroughly.”
“Oookay. So when can we take this test, and how long will it take? We’re pressed for time. We need to get our adventurer’s license as soon as possible.”
‘Tsk,’ the guild administrator muttered, rummaging through stacks of papers. “It looks like there’ll be one more later today.” She tilted her head, taking a good look at Kaito’s party, then asked, “But are you sure you’re ready for it?”
Rosto chuckled. “A test of our wits and patience!”
“Don’t fret, this is but a simple endeavor. We shall conquer this challenge as we would any other,” Ansfrid said.
Kaito met her gaze, a glint of determination in his eyes. “We’re ready.”
The clerk cleared her throat, drawing their attention. “Very well, I’ll get the necessary forms ready.”
Kaito took the stack of forms from the clerk, nodding his thanks. “We appreciate your help.”
She peered at them over her spectacles again. “The test will commence in just a few moments. I suggest you use this time to familiarize yourselves with the requirements. Best of luck to you all.” She gestured towards a quiet corner of the guild hall.
Kaito led his team to a large oak table, where they spread out the pamphlet and the related documents. He pored over the requirements, his face all scrunched up like he was deciphering every single tiny detail.
“Alright, let’s see what we have here,” he said, his finger tracing the lines of text. “It looks like there are three main components to this test.”
“A written exam on city regulations, a physical test, and... a field mission scenario?” Zenith asked after having finished going over the pamphlet herself.
Kaito nodded. “The written exam covers the city’s laws and regulations. The physical test is to demonstrate basic combat and survival skills.”
“A test of our mettle. I am ready to prove my worth,” Ansfrid said.
Rosto, on the other hand, glanced at the pamphlet briefly and threw it aside. “Don’t worry, if they ask us to bake a cake as part of the survival skills, I’ve got this!”
Needing to understand bureaucratic paperwork to swing a sword or cast a spell. It’s like asking a fish to climb a tree blindfolded before it can swim backwards.
Ignoring the AI, Kaito continued. “The field mission scenario involves retrieving an artifact known as ‘The Orb of Luminance’ from ancient ruins outside the city.”
“We have to leave the city for this test?”
“It doesn’t look like it, Zee, it’s a simulation. We’ll be talking through the steps in a classroom setting.”
Rosto leaned back in his chair, his hands behind his head. “A theoretical heist. How intriguing!”
“We need to be prepared for anything. Let’s review these materials and make sure we understand what’s expected of us,” Kaito said.
Ansfrid rested his elbow on the table, pinning down the pamphlet. Kaito tried to pull it carefully toward him, but the corner ripped slightly. “A test of our strategic thinking, then. This must be a new requirement. I didn’t have to do any written exams the last cycle I was here.”
“Oh, so you had an adventurer’s license before?” Zenith asked.
“Indeed, but it expired.”
“Well, that’s fantastic. Hopefully, we can pick your brain on how to navigate this city’s bureaucracy,” Kaito said, while uselessly trying to bend the pamphlet’s ripped corner back in place. “Speaking of… why are you going through all this hassle?”
“Part of the reason I find myself in this city is because I’ve been tracking an elusive threat.”
Kaito looked at him with curiosity and wariness, but before he could speak, Rosto asked the exact question that had crossed his mind.
“A threat? What kind of threat are we talking about here?”
“I can’t say yet. I’m still gathering information, but from what I can gather, it has deep roots within Regulatia itself.”
Could it be the same case of corruption we’re investigating?
Nah. That would be too cliched. The universe isn’t that lazy, Kaito... or is it? Plot twist: our big, bad threat turns out to be a corrupt city official with a penchant for dramatics and a secret poison hobby. How original. Next, you’ll tell me there’s a hidden treasure map or a prophecy involving a chosen one. Please, spare me the predictability.
“I knew it!” Zenith said, her expression showing she was louder than intended.
“Well, we’ll be happy to help. As I mentioned earlier, we are conducting an investigation ourselves,” Kaito said.
“I appreciate the offer. And will keep it in mind.”
Rosto shuddered involuntarily. “Well, count me out of that one. It sounds like bad news, my friends. Really bad news.”
Zenith shot Rosto a look that could freeze boiling water, icy and swift in its disapproval.
