The Chosen Path of Darkness

It is I, the one who has experienced the "Light and Dark Divide"...

After a long pause, I have awakened again...

I have crossed this lonely and desolate earth...

The primordial beings full of pride for their... Mountains? Hills? Well, anyway!

Ohh... That sounds great.

Perfectly epitomizing the Wanderer Oscurrrro!

Copying the appearance of the just-seen one with the pink-hair was a great idea!

This clean, DARK look with the fluorescent accents! It's totally my style!

Alright, then! Let's camp here and resume our tracking!

I will definitely find you...! Hehe!

The Elemental Mountain... It's quieter here than I thought it would be.

I wonder what the elementals are like.

I hope they're not as simple-minded and ignorant as the werebeasts.

Ugh, they're too wild for my taste. I felt so uncomfortable!

I asked them for directions, and they rushed towards me, trying to attack. Almost as if they've never seen me before...

Also, hearing them talk about bestowing offerings to some snake was so bizarre.

Sigh... I hope the elementals are on the same wavelength as me. This wandering lifestyle is starting to wear me out...

Ohhh... What was that? Maybe it was the wind? I feel like the trees are moving...

It must be my imagination. I'm feeling a little tired. I should probably sit down and get some rest.

Ohh... Now this is a nice tree.

Let's see here... How about I lie down, like this, and take a nap.

Ack! What the heck?! The tree is moving!

What in the world...?!

Eeek! I need to hide!

This feeling... so weird! Never felt this before!

BigWood on alert! Protect Elemental Mountain!

What was that?! A tree that moves and talks? Is this tree an elemental?!

Since they can talk, maybe they'll understand me?

H-Hello there! Mind giving me your ear?!

I'm not here to start anything! I'm just a DARK wanderer, roaming around, with no place to stay!

Let us resolve this just by talking. What say you?

........

Did they stop...? Does that tree even understand me?

It feels like they're constantly staring at me...

Hmm... You strange. Look like phantom but not like other phantoms.

A phantom? Could it be that the one with the pink hair was a phantom? This tree must think they're such peculiar beings.

Y-You must be mistaken!

But then why is phantom here in Elemental Mountain?

Gonna play a prank on Elemental Mountain? Are you?

A prank?

What do pranks have to do with phantoms?

Maybe elementals don't like phantoms very much. That'll make things awkward.

Ah... Well, it's just... The marsh was so dreary, I wanted to pick a brighter place!

A phantom that dislikes dark...? Weird.

Don't lie! Here to disturb Elemental Mountain! BigWood knows everything!

Phantoms... pick fights with werebeasts! On rampage ever since!

BigWood will let it go this time. Asking nicely so go back.

What the heck is going on?

Did you decide, darkness elemental?! Wanna fight BigWood? BigWood will fight!

Darkness elemental? What's that?

Uh, how about speaking in a way I can understand?! I totally get your concept, but this situation is absolutely serious!

Concept? You not understand when someone refers to you? Why?

Confusing BigWood as she keeps talking to you.

I wonder, does phantom and darkness elemental mean the same thing?

No freaking way! That's so cool!

Excuse me, but, where does the phantom... I mean, the darkness elemental live?

Why you ask BigWood?

Why doesn't darkness elemental know where she lives?

Really strange phantom, you are!

For phantom, not smell like old mold...

Rather, fresh scent like sprite.

Did you cast evil spell on BigWood? Delude her to think you're a sprite?

Come on! Just tell me! Just this once!

If you tell me where the phantoms live, I'll go there right away! How about that? Does that sound good to you?

Hmm... Not bad idea.

BigWood not know reason, but you get rid of phantoms from Elemental Mountain, BigWood agree with your suggestion.

Go down south from Elemental Mountain. Will come to a marsh where phantoms live.

Really?! Thanks so much!

Phantom thanking BigWood...? Is she serious?

First time in her life BigWood sees such nice phantom.

Oh, well. Th-That's probably because I'm a phantom from another region.

Village with nice phantoms... BigWood wanna go there.

BigWood wanna give out fruit!

BigWood gonna you one, too!

Huh? Is that okay? It's okay to eat this... right?

BigWood's fruits! Full of nutrition!

Sprites obsessed with them! Always trying to eat them!

Eat one and be full for a week!

R-Really? Thanks.

Alrighty then. I'll be on my way!

Hmm... Not sure if she will be okay.

Nice phantoms still phantoms. Makes it okay, right?

Phantoms from marsh scary. Nothing good by being close to them...

BigWood hopes nice phantom be safe.

Wanna meet her again... Must have good laugh then.

This is Phantom Marsh?

It's humid... and strangely eerie.

I don't see them. Probably because they're a secretive race.

How awesome. Without question, "darkness elemental" couldn't be more fitting.

Now I, aka "Dark Wanderer," aka "Wanderer Oscurrrro Xion" will also join their ranks! Hehe...

Hey, you.

Huh? Who was that?

I've never seen you before... What are you doing here, lurking around?

Ah, FINALLY we meet.

I've arrived here, with my history of wandering, filled with anguish, to this final stop.

Ahhh! You're a "darkness elemental!" Like me! So happy to finally meet you!

Darkness elemental? Why are you still using that tacky name?

Well, if you want to have a conversation with someone, go bother someone else.

I'm in a foul mood ever since the werebeasts ruined the area around me.

Werebeasts? What on earth are the werebeasts doing all the way here in Phantom Marsh? She looks really annoyed.

I wonder if there's something wrong with her, personality-wise. Better not provoke her... And I really should go find someone else.

I see. I looks like I came here at a bad time. Well then, I'll see you around.

Hold on... Stand still.

Huh?

Something's off... Phantoms usually have this unique aura...

Hmm... You look like one but... something doesn't feel quite right.

Hey, are you actually a phantom?

Maybe you're a pawn of the werebeasts. Or, maybe an elemental who's trying to sneak in here.

Are you trying to trick me and completely humiliate me?

I-I AM a phantom! Look at my hair! Look at how it's brightly glowing in fluorescent colors!

Hmm... Well, okay. I guess so.

You do understand why I'm suspicious of you, don't you?

It wasn't that long ago when, out of the blue, the werebeasts came to the marsh and caused a ruckus. And, not only that, the elementals were so nitpicky about everything.

I keep thinking about that, but really, there was nothing I could do, right?

P-Possibly? Regardless, that must've be tough for you.

Yikes! Wh-What are you doing all of a sudden?! That looks dangerous!

It's nothing special. It's just my personal space.

Your personal space? Like a subspace...?

Wooww! Her abilities are amazing! More than I imagined!

It's just a very empty space. It doesn't even have a single grain of sand.

As I'm sure you know, we can freely enter and leave subspaces.

Which is why... you shouldn't have a problem, right?

Now, if you were a different race, there would be no way out, and you would go crazy from being locked up forever. But we're phantoms, right?

This is not even worthy of being considered a little prank.

Huh? What...?

See you later, then.

Although, I don't know if that'll be in 10 seconds or some distant future. Teehee!

Whaat...?? Am I gonna be locked up here...? N-no!

H-Hold on! Actually, I'm not really a phantom!

You all looked so cool that I wanted very much to hang out with you. Which is why I disguised myself.

I-I'm sorry I deceived you!

Hmm... So?

There's no reason to lock me in there now! Let me out!

There's no reason to lock you up? What do you mean?

Werebeasts and elementals made you suspicious of me. But I have nothing to do with them!

Even if that's the case, I'm still doing this because I'm in a pretty bad mood. So I don't really care.

And I don't believe a word you say in the first place. How do I know if you're lying or not?

Besides...

Let's say you really aren't a phantom.

Imagine being trapped in this space, forever suffering... Doesn't that sound delicious?

Wha... Whaat?!

Ahahahaha! Yes, that's the look.

You're joking, right? You just can't lock someone in there for a reason like that!

Don't be mistaken. I never play around if it's not fun.

The door's gone?

Is anyone here? Someone, help me!

I don't know how to get out!

Please, someone, help me! Please...

I have things to do...

I can't get anything done here... Ugh... Waaahhh!

Okay, shall I read your fortune?

Yes, please. These days, having a good dream is like asking for the moon.

Hehe, fate doesn't change just because you ask it to.

Let's see... These are roughly the drawn cards.

Wanderer, darkness, door, light, time...

What do they mean?

Hmm, maybe this has something to do with someone who has been wandering in the darkness who will open the door and find the light.

In the not-so-distant future!

That's some pretty specific baloney. Are you sure you didn't get it wrong?

Not at all! Don't you think I'd know if my readings were wrong?

Huh?! I'm back! I finally returned!

I did it! I succeeded!!

I finally realized how to get out of that phantom's subspace!!!

Thank goodness... Oh, thank goodness...! *Sob*...!

I thought I'd be stuck in there forever!

Wh-What's wrong with her?

See? I told you fate somehow finds a way.

Oh! Hey, you guys over there! Do you know what time it is?

Time? It's daytime.

Ugh... That wasn't the right way to ask. When did the werebeasts invade Phantom Marsh?

A werebeast attack? What are even you talking about?

Is she talking about the time when the werebeasts took Shaydi's scythe away from her? That was really a long time ago.

No way. How much time has really passed?!

Stop acting like a little baby and explain what's going on with you. You don't make sense.

The phantom that opens subspaces trapped me inside there!

For what seemed like ages, I was imprisoned, trying to find a way out!

A space with absolutely nothing... I was so alone, so miserable...

The phantom who opens subspaces? Do you mean Shaydi?

To get out of Shaydi's subspace, just walk from north to south for -0.4 light years.

What's so hard about that? It's like playing a game in an escape room. It's super fun.

Huh? It's fun...?

You are whining about really weird stuff. And you call yourself a phantom?

That's right. You got out after all. Isn't that enough?

How could say things like that?! It was truly agonizing!

Well, that's your problem. We weren't locked up, now, were we?

Ugh... Are all phantoms like this?

I thought they were so cool... but they're all really weird!

I can't live with them! I'm never setting foot in Phantom Marsh ever again!

Aren't you also a phantom? I don't know what the issue is but take care.

Ugh... After going round and round, I'm finally back at Elemental Mountain.

I wasted so much of my time at Phantom Marsh! What the heck...!

So much time has passed that I don't even know what's what anymore... Maybe I should sleep here out in the open...?

After waking up in the wasteland, I promised myself I would forget the painful things that happened and start over with a clean slate...

But if things stay this way, I'll end up being a wandering bum! Waahh!

Have you ever imagined forgetting your worries and starting all over...?

Huh?

Are you not dissatisfied with your current life as it is?

Where is that sound coming from?

Is it this way? The grass is so thick, it makes it hard to wade through...

For those elves, I recommend the Monatium Employment Package! I'm Employment Officer Rohne! I swear I'm not a spy!

Elves...? I've never heard of them before.

Flexible working hours! Be able to work hard even when you're lying down! All forms of insurance and benefits included!

This is truly a dream job! It's the Monatium Dream, if you will.

That's ridiculous! If you do that, is there anything left?

Huh? Who's asking? Well, anyway. Of course, that's one way to think about it.

But for those like us who crash landed onto Elias, elementals like you have been of great help.

Even if you're the only ones left, that'll literally be okay!

Crash landed? Are the Elves like me, from outside of Elias?

The circumstances seem too good to be true, but this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Me! I'll do it!

Eeek! A N-Noble Elemental showed up! Everyone, run away!!

What the-? Why is everyone running away?!

A Noble Elemental with powerful abilities... I heard you guys are hostile to us elves!

What are you going to do to me?! I-I'm just an innocent illegal employment broker!

No, it's not about that... It's about that job package...

Eeek! I'm sorry! Actually, the whole about me being a broker is a lie! I'm really a spy!

The mayor told me to try and get the elementals to help us power the power plant!

The password to the elevator to the mayor's room is...

Hold your horses. I'm not a Noble Elemental!

Wha-Whaat? You're not a Noble Elemental?

Why would you suddenly pop out like that if you're not a Noble Elemental?

You made all the lesser elementals run away!

That's because you were making a huge commotion about a Noble Elemental showing up!

W-Well, I heard that elementals who are similar to us, appearance-wise, are usually Noble Elementals...!

Sigh... Well, there's no point in continuing this discussion. What's done is done.

I don't think I'll be able to fill my quota for today. *Sob*

Quota?

Yes, I have to bring in three elementals a day or they'll cut my pay.

I supplement the workforce with Refer-A-Friend events for the elementals working at the power plant, but it wasn't not enough, so now I'm working out here in the fields.

Then let me sign a contract with you!

What?

Let me sign a contract! You have to meet your quota anyway.

We're only looking for elementals. You did say weren't a Noble Elemental, right?

I'm... Well, you see... Th-That's right! I'm a darkness elemental! My name is Xion!

A darkness elemental...? That's you?

I heard Phantoms in the Dark are really scary... But you don't seem scary at all.

Look at me! Can't you tell how dark I am just by looking at me? Don't you feel my dark vibe?

Now that I think about it, you're as dirty as someone who's homeless, so that does make you look kind of dark!

Anyway, I was in a bit of a rush, so I'm happy it all worked out!

So, everything's set? I can live there, right?

Not yet. I have to interview you first.

The fact is, the answers are already set... Just be sure to "read between the lines" before you answer!

Hmm... So, they're not too difficult? Okay then!

Great! Here's the first question!

Xion, where is your home planet?

Where am I from...? Oh, that...

I should say I'm from Phantom Marsh, right? But...

If I say that, what if that boomer of a phantom, the one with the scythe, does something sketchy to me again?

I can go in and out of subspaces as I please, but if I get caught again, she might do something even worse to me...!

Ugh, I'll just answer honestly. The place I'm really from is...!

I'm not from Phantom Marsh. Actually, I'm from far away... Well, you see, I'm from...!

Wrong.

Huh?

You went over your response time.

The model answer was, "Monatium, the home planet of my heart."

Wh-What?! You're asking me where I'm from, so how is there a model answer?!

Sigh... I told you before.

The fact is, the answers are already set... Like I said, just be sure to "read between the lines" before you answer!

Ah! I get it! Give me the next question!

The second question is even simpler than that.

Xion, what is your race?

What? I just said I'm a darkness elemental...

Wrong!

The model answer was, "It's my other identity: Elf."

Gahhh!!

Now, here's the third question! This is the last one!

Hmph! I can see your patterns... I've figured it all out!

Obviously, I just need to say something related to elves this time, too, right?

Ask me anything!!! I won't lose this third time!!

What is the sum of the temperatures for the boiling point and the freezing point of water?

Why are you giving me a real question all of a sudden?!!!

3, 2, 1...

Ack! Hold on! I know this much! It's 100! 100!!

Wrong.

You are incorrect. It's 212 plus 32. So, 244!

HEY!! Are you yanking my chain?! How does that even make sense?!!

What kind of garbage question is that!

I'm sorry, Xion, but I can't offer you a white-collar job.

But that's okay!

If your interview score is too low, you can work a blue-collar job!

Blue...? Does this job require me to wear blue clothes? I'm not sure I understand what you're saying.

It'll be more difficult than the job I advertised earlier... But it's still doable! And, you'll obviously be able to get your citizenship as well!

Blue color? The name sounds a little awkward... Is there a DARK BLUE color?

Dark... blue? Does she mean the hardest blue-collar jobs?

Hmm... Well, if that's what you really want it, I can do that...

Huh? That exists? Th-Then that's what I want to do!

Are you sure?! Wow! You're really brave!

No one has applied for it...! I'll be able to go eat some cutlet at the end of the month with the bonus I get! All thanks to you, Xion!

No one's applied...?! I bet it's an incredible job that only I can do, right?

I'll bury myself in that DARK BLUE color for eons to come! Hehehehe!

R-Really? Do you want to sign a lifetime contract?! I can't believe there's someone like you in Elias!

Hehe. There's no need for any more talk, elf! Take me, DARK ELEMENTAL Xion, to my DARK BLUE career!

You got it! I will show you the way! Right now!

Welcome...

...to Monatium 25...

Siiigh...

Xion is a peculiar phantom working in Monatium.

Some may think of her as a vagabond with misplaced ideas of where she belongs, but that is not the case.

She has made the area around the heart of the monorail station her own...

And she is famous for her resolve, by not allowing outside forces to intercede.

In a way, she is even more elven than an actual elf, and has adapted better than anyone else to this filthy city known as Monatium...

Hey!! You've been mumbling in front of me for a while now! Are you talking about me?!

Rohne! Don't come and get work done at someone else's store!

Oh, I-I'm sorry! Let me just exaggerate a few more details and I'll be done!

You're an elf. Why do you live like this?

You have elven citizenship. Aren't elves treated pretty well?!

That's a misconception, Xion.

Only other races can live happy lives in Monatium.

As "Premium Citizens," we have to pay five times more in taxes!

R-Really? That must not be easy.

Which is why I'm going to exaggerate your background in funny ways, Xion, so I can get a bonus!

What... What did just say?! Get out! NOW!

I'm working the counter at a convenience store because of you, and yet you still want to take advantage of me again?!

B-But if we use each other, isn't that a good thing?

I'm not writing it so badly that you'll go to prison, Xion...

I'm just trying to get you on the watch list...!

Ugh!

I really don't understand elves!

Give me that! Right now!

Ahhh! Don't rip it! There goes my cutlet!

Don't write and report anything weird about me in the future!

No wait. I'd rather you write that there's nothing special about me! I don't want to receive any attention from the elves!

Ugh... Alright.

*Sniff* I just wanted to eat some cutlet...

Hmph, did she just run away now that she has nothing else to say?

Was that too much...?

No. It's better than receiving weird attention because of a fake report.

Xion!

Huhh?! Godmother!

I was organizing the storage room in the back when I heard you. No matter how strange the customer is, you shouldn't never yell at them.

Ah, she wasn't a customer, she was just loitering, trying to get some dirt! You can't just let that slide, Godmother!

Life is hard and we all make mistakes... Please be kind to them.

Uggh... It wasn't just a few mistakes...!

Also Xion... Try and use the intranet in moderation.

And please, just call me Goldy.

What if you call me by that strange nickname in front of our customers? That won't do.

Sigh... I understand.

Goldy is too nice.

Getting a second chance is not an easy thing.

If you've been given a second chance, Xion, you should know how to give others another chance.

Alllright...

Isn't Goldy... a dragon? I wonder how someone so kind ended up in a place like this.

Goldy. Why did you leave your home planet?

........

Well... Things just happened... Haha. I mean... You know... Uhh... So, Xion... why did you leave?

Oh... Uhh... Hehe, well... Stuff happened.

Did... something embarrassing happen to Goldy?

Looking at the fact she has a tooth missing, I wonder if she had a big fight with someone.

Well, I guess that's how everyone's lives are like, don't you agree?

Yes, you're totally right.

Then I'll take it that we understand each other... Thank you for working the evening shift, Xion. I'll be coming in for the morning shift, so we can close the registers then.

Okay...

Uhh... Hey, Goldy!

Yes?

Thank you for everything...! The part-time job... and getting the room for me and...

The part-time job was assigned to you by the elves. I didn't do anything.

As for the room, well... I've been interested in real estate, so I got it for you while I was studying for it.

Don't worry about it too much.

Xion, as non-elven races, let's work together and let's live in Monatium with our heads held high!

Ugh... Goldy...

And to think... my sister said something similar to what Goldy just said...

Goldy and my sister seem to a lot a like...

Ughh... Sis! These guys don't listen to a word I say!

Since they're all having fun and doing what they want to do, I'm not able to do what I want to do!

They're just chattering by themselves and doodling on my face! And sleeping in the corner!

Xion...

Don't take it so hard.

When they grow up, they'll come to understand how you feel.

Everything will be resolved in time.

Xion.

Take good care of your younger sisters.

Since you're not here, I have to take care of them, right?

That's right.

You can do it, can't you? I know you can.

You're always seem to get along with everyone.

That's why your sisters are close to you.

They have fun playing with you. They're like that because they like you.

O... Okay! I understand!

*Sniff* Ugh... I said I wasn't going to cry again... But these tears? They just keep coming down...

Xion, are you alright? Did I say something wrong?

N-not at all, Goldy! I just thinking of the good old days.

I understand. Be sure to tell me when things start to get tough.

*Sniff* I will!!

I never thought I would meet someone so nice in Monatium...!

Well then, I better get going! Take good care of the counter for me!

Okayyy, have a good night! *Sniff*

I always wanted to become like my big sister... be able take care of my sisters...

I may have followed her trail and came all the way here...

But that phantom locked me up in a strange place as a joke, and all the clues were useless...

But surely... she's somewhere in this world, right?

If I live my best life, who knows, I might run into her someday. I'll find my big sister! Someday!

Alright then! Let's work hard today, too...! There aren't any customers right now, so I'll should probably clean the floor.

Oh?! Welcome to Monatium 25.

Hmm.

Huh? She has horns like Goldy.

Is she a dragon? I heard dragons don't usually hang out on the surface...

Is there something... I can help you with?

I'm positive this is the place...

Hey! Where's Goldy?

What? Do you mean the Godmother... I mean, the store manager? She's not in at the moment.

Godmother? So you're Goldy's sidekick?

That Goldy, running away from under Daya...

Is she trying to settle down here, making an attempt to become number one?

HAHAHA! What a coward!!

Wha-What's up with her?

Are you an acquaintance of the store manager here? She said she'll be back later, when it's early morning...

Pfft! Early morning? Tell her to come here right now!

I need to crush her so I can challenge "Silver!"

Wh-What are you talking about? This is a convenience store!

HEEYA!!!

Eeeek! Stop destroying property from this convenience store...!

To be fair, she was defeated by that pansy Silver...

That's probably why she's living here, telling such a worthless underling what to do.

Ugh... D-Don't speak badly about my store manager.

Huuhhh?

What was that? What did just you say?

I-I said, ENOUGH!!!

The store manager is not a coward!!

Huh? Are you trying to pick a fight with me?

You've got a lot of guts.

Okay, fine! I'm starting to see how it is. Hehehe!

So in the hierarchy that Goldy has established, I have to kick your butt to get to her. Is that right?

Draw your weapon.

What? Whaat?!

I am Leets, the Steel Dragon. I challenge you...!!! AHAHAHAH!!

Now I've got problematic customers like you now?! Leave! Right now! I'm gonna call the Suppression Unit!

Ugh, I'll get an earful from Daya if rumors about me going to the surface spreads...!

You called for backup without even trying to fight? That's low!... Just you wait and see!!

Ughh... I'm even more tired today because of that weirdo that was here.

Usually, they just talk big and try to pick a fight...

I didn't think she would actually break things and make a scene.

I'll tell Goldy to be careful when she gets here later...

Welcome to Monatium 25.

I'm here to challenge you!!!

Wha-What?! Why did you come back?! You said to wait and see!

I was waiting outside, and it seemed like you didn't call for backup.

You're the type that uses your head as you fight... I figured that out that right away.

I bet you were thinking of luring me to a time and place that gives you an edge when fighting me. Am I right?

I keep telling you to stop saying outlandish things!

Then fight me, you coward!!!!

Aaackkk! Stop breaking things!!!

Are you gonna keep running away? Hmm?!

Ugh... Gahhh!

Are you gonna live your life, always running away? Well, seeing that you're a phantom... and living in a place like this, that's probably the case.

I...

You call up your friends then run away... The challenge doesn't seem to be really worth it.

You yellow-bellied coward.

I am absolutely not a coward!!!

I didn't run away either! Do you even know what I've been through?!

Who are you to talk to me like that?!

Huh?

Stop breaking things and step outside.

If you want a fight, I'll give you one.

Oh?

Is she the type that becomes stronger when provoked?

Interesting. She might be a fun opponent after all.

Okay, we're outside now. Let's get this party started...

Ugh... Whew!

I got so worked up I said I'd fight her...!

What now? What now...? What now? What now? What now? What now? What now? What now?

What the heck? Are you powering your energy up? Gonna use your finishing move?

I...

Huh?

I just remembered.

I think I left the stove on at home!!! Let's fight another time!!!

Wha-What?! You're running away? You said you'd fight! Stop where you are!

Why would I want to fight?! Stop following me!!!

*Pant, pant* Did I lose her?

That's weird. I'm pretty sure she ran this way...

Urgh! How did she catch up to me so quickly while she's in armor?!

Do I really have to fight her?

I don't even know if I can win...

Plus, I don't want to cause a commotion around here by fighting for no reason...!

I'm starting get settled in here; I don't want to be forced to leave because of some strange rumors!

And I don't want Goldy to have a hard time at the store by herself because I left in a rush...!

Please, please, just give up and go away!

Aacck! My notifications on my phone...!

Is that where you are?!

Why is she so stupidly strong?!

Even if I fight... I have no chance of winning this close up...!

What the-? Is she hiding again? Tch! How annoying!

She hasn't found me? Oh, thank goodness! Speaking of, who's sending me a message at this hour?!

Huh? Someone's commented on the writings I've been uploading...

The Suppression Unit...! Maybe I should ask them for help?

Urgent request!... How to... win against someone... in armor?! This should do it, right?

Throw a rock? Will that work?

Heeya! Take this!

What this? A stone... Did she throw that? What is she doing, throwing a hard lump of dirt?

I mean, is this some kind of trick for the next attack? Assume defensive stance...! Where is she coming from?!?!

........

Nothing? Why are there no attacks coming?! What the heck is up with her?!

Is everyone on the surface this weak?!

Stop avoiding me and come out! Fight me!! Where are you, you bastard!!!

Eeeek!

I threw it as hard as I could, but she didn't even flinch?!

Jeez... It's not effective... at all...! Tell me what I really need to do!! Please!!

Reduce the resistance to zero...?

Resistance? I think I saw it in a question for the Monatium Level 9 Civil Service Exam...

Make matters of the resistance go down to zero?

That might be... possible...!

Did the stone come from that direction...?

I couldn't tell where the clown who threw that obsidian was because she's always throwing it from all different directions...

Surely, s-she's not that agile, too, is she?

HA! There you are!!

Eek! I-I've been found...!

You have nowhere to run. Now, be a good sport and come face me, you coward!

Ugh! I better act casual as I move around!

I know I have at least one decent throw of the rock in me...!

A breaking ball that makes the resistance go to zero...!

Magic.

Among them, the most complicated and malicious is the magic of phantoms.

The phantom's power... can fold and unfold space on a whim... and even jump across it!

What are you mumbling about?

I gave you plenty of chances punch me. Which means...

It's my turn now!!! You coward!!!!

I'm not a coward...!

I'm... Well, you see... Th-That's right! I'm a darkness elemental! My name is Xion!

But I was not consumed by the darkness! No, I dominated that darkness!

The rocks I throw, they are the brutality of the Black Flash!!!!!

Arghhhhh!!!

My armor...?! Was it penetrated? But there's no hole?!

What did you do??

Huff, huff...

I did it...! It really worked!

Thank you, Monatium intranet! You guys really are the best!!

You punk! Don't get too happy just because you barely hit me once!

I am Steel!!

The more I keep forging myself, and the more refining on myself I do, the harder I become!!!!

Eh?

Oof!

Ugghh... That hurts so much... Urgh...!

Do you think I'd kneel before the likes of you before I annihilate Silver?!

One more time... Just somehow throw something...

Arrggh...!

Ahaha! Are you still conscious?

Gonna give me the final blow? You'll be defeated with this! Ahahahaha!

To my big sister... and my little sisters...

Once again... I've ended up a loser in Monatium... I'm sorry.

Why am I always like this?

In the past, when I wished for something... I got what I wanted...

I guess the world really isn't an easy place. That all must've been just a dream...

AAARGH!!!!! What just happened?!

G-Goldy?! When did you come here...?!

Gold...y...?

Leets.

I've given up on our ranking system.

Why did you come all the way to the surface to find me?

I don't care about any laws! I have to go toe-to-toe against the one I choose!

Your fiery personality hasn't changed a bit.

Metals usually become temperate after being refined.

One day, you'll also realize this.

Ugh, stop with the lectures and let's fight! If you've got the strength, prove it!

Aren't we fighting right now?

Don't get so cocky just because you snuck up on me and I'm being pressed down! I'll get up right away...!

Can you even move?

What?

The weight of gold is never light.

Wh-What the...?!

Ughh... Whimper... Eeek!! Arghhhh!!!! Get off of me! I said, get off!!! You golden fool!!!

Blarggh!!

Sigh. You're so hot-headed...

Anyway, I'm glad it ended the way it did.

Goldy?

Xion! Are you okay?

How did you... Oof.

I saw that the store was a mess. And you were gone, so I checked the CCTV.

I never imagined that Leets would come looking for me.

I have some unresolved issues from the past... But I didn't think it would turn out like this.

I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble.

No. That bad customer was at fault.

By the way, you're amazing, too, Xion.

You held out against an opponent like Leets for that long?

Even among the dragons, she's known to be one of the strongest.

Is that so?

I didn't know you were that strong either.

Me? No, I'm not that strong.

If I had legitimately faced Leets head on... there's a chance I could've lost.

I'm a little softer than I look.

That's why I came to Monatium in the first place. Ohhh, this is so embarrassing.

I was able to easily subdue Leets because she was preoccupied with you, Xion.

Goldy, I'm sorry.

The store is a mess... I tried to stop her...

It's fine, Xion!

It's not your fault.

On the contrary, I should be compensating you!

To have someone who works so hard part-time and then go through something awful as this!

*Sniff* Godmother...!

I told you to call me Goldy. Haha.

Ugh. Let's see here...

Didn't Goldy say, if I want anything, she'd get it for me?

I turned her down three times, but she kept insisting she'd buy it for me...! I guess I really can pick something, right?!

What should I choose?

Asking for a house... That would be too much, right?

What about a game? A novel? Is it too small? Maybe something a little bigger... What about a new computer? Or, a new phone maybe?

I don't know what to ask for. Also, I can't even tell how much each of these elven money is worth...

They keep changing the shape of their money, day in and day out, so it gets confusing.

Oh, that's right! Why don't I just ask the intranet?

Hey guys... I came into some money... and I need some recommendations on what to buy. Asking for recs on... something expensive... and reasonable!

Huh? Money? Hehehe.

I have enough... money. I can buy... whatever...

What's this? This isn't a link to an ad, is it?

Wh-Whooaa! What is this?!

A one-of-a-kind in this world... An Anti-Material Rifle...?! The name sounds so cool. What does it mean though...?

A rifle... that pierces through matter?

Woow! Was this made with me in mind?!

If I paint it black... and add a bunch of fun decorations, I think it would add to the look!

This isn't a scam... right...? You're really selling this?

I-I'll take it!!

Xion, are you sure about this?

It seems a little strange to me... Do you want me to recommend something that's better and more useful?

Investing in something that will help you in the future might be better for someone like you, Xion...

Not at all! I... I really want this, Goldy!

It's totally me!

Alright. If this is what you want, I'll buy it for you.

So, how much is it?

About th-this much? This is the amount they told me!

Hmm, it's a bit expensive.

Eh?

Really?! It's that expensive?

No, no! Well now! It seems I've put you out, Xion, so...

I'll buy it. Not a problem!

If you give me the seller's contact information, I'll contact them right now and buy it.

Th-Thank you! Here's the contact info!

Let's see...

Hello? Ah, yes! I'm the one who saw your post about reselling an item.

Oh! You're selling it right now? Yes! I'm near Exit 5 at EDC Station... Oh, you can come here right away? I see! I'll be right there!

The deal's already done?

Yes, it seems like it. They seemed to be in a bit of a hurry.

Anyway, I can't figure you out, Xion.

With this much money, you'd have enough to buy a place at the Monatium Palace Apartments.

Is it because you're a phantom? You're so original! An absolute original!

Sorry?

Haha! Goldy is making a joke!

A house, haha! I guess the price is reasonable for her to say she'll buy it!

Alright then, I'll be going now... Take care of the counter for me!

I'll see you early in the morning to close the register!

You got it, Goldy!

Teehee! I'm going to absolutely enjoy my part-time job today!

I should flex about my new swag to the intranet!

What the heck is this? Why is it doing this?

Huh? What the heck? Are they doing maintenance?

If it's maintenance, there should be a message saying so. Is the website just gone?

Dang it! Now where do I upload my written thoughts? That was the only site that didn't require any verification codes.

Did the website disappear as soon as I purchased something...?

Wait a second. Did I just get scammed?

Hmm... It's just a coincidence, right?

Thank you... Goldy...! I know I'll put it to good use!

Alright! Now, time to buy some black spray paint...

And... since they said it's a sniper... rifle?

I should also read any related books about this at the Monatium Bookstore.

Hehe! From now on, I shall call myself...

Deus.EX.Machina.Instigate.Trouble.Shooter!

D EXITS, for short!

It's the world's EXit!

Yahhh! It's so fly! So awesome! Hehehe!