/Alpha: Nix: F*ck...

/Alpha: Semmi: What is it?

[Summons: Ducky]

The blue-haired Water Nymph appeared in front of Nix a moment later. She was wearing her Nether Breaker armor that Nix had upgraded.

Ducky has joined Alpha team.

/Alpha: Nix: I want you to talk to this cleric. I sense something wrong with her. Ask about the metal s.h.i.+pment that was supposed to be delivered to Ionova. Nebs says the City Guard has confiscated it.

Pon turned his head and stared at the woman behind the counter.

/Alpha: Pon: I don't feel anything.

/Alpha: Nix: She feels similar to the Tainted.

/Alpha: Semmi: c.r.a.p...

The other members of Alpha spread out slightly while Ducky approached the counter.

Ducky has [Bewitched] Elena Anders.

The Water Witch smiled pleasantly.

Ducky read the nametag that was pinned to the clerk's s.h.i.+rt. "Elena, right? Recently a s.h.i.+pment of metals bound for Ionova was confiscated. Do you know anything about that?"

Elena nodded. "Konin Tark has given the order that all metal s.h.i.+pments are to be routed through him."

Ducky reached over the counter and grasped her hand. "I see. You're very helpful. Who is Konin Tark?"

Elena smiled, her pale face blus.h.i.+ng slightly. "Konin is the Commerce Administrator that is appointed by the City Council."

Ducky pursed her lips slightly and leaned forward. "Who does he really work for?"

Elena's forehead instantly beaded with sweat while she struggled to answer.

Ducky held up a hand to stop her. "Forget, I asked."

/Alpha: Ducky: If I push her hard on this, she'll break. There's a strong geas on her.

"I want to spend more time with you." Ducky's voice was smooth as silk; Nix felt the hairs on the back of his neck rising up.

Elena wiped her sweaty brow with a handkerchief. "I would like that too."

"Perhaps you could put in a good word for me. If I worked for your boss, I'd do a great job for him."

Elena smiled suddenly, her eyes warming slightly. "If I talk to the Mog..." She broke off in mid-sentence, the warmth fading from her face. "Nice try."

Without warning, the clerk drew a dagger and plunged it into her own eye. She collapsed face fist onto the floor with a loud bang.

Ducky has cast [Illusion]

/Alpha: Ducky: Take us out, Nix!

Nix activated Deep Blue and chose Favi.

A moment later, the group appeared outside of the Fighter's Guild.

/Alpha: Nix: Did she break?

/Alpha: Ducky: No, she was going to tell us. Somehow she was being monitored.

/Alpha: Nix: I have a quest here, might as well finish it since I'm back.

/Alpha: Semmi: Group quest?

/Alpha: Nix: No. Grab some lunch, and I'll wrap things up quickly.

/Alpha: Ducky: Want me to come with you?

/Alpha: Nix: Sure. That reminds me, I brought a new member into Inferno. Her name is Randa. Since she will be living in Haven, I want you to question her and the people with her thoroughly.

/Alpha: Ducky: Okay.

/Alpha: Nix: What Illusion did you cast when we left the Management Office?

/Alpha: Ducky: Elena will appear to return to her work for a few minutes, and then she will kill herself with the dagger. Best I could do on short notice.

/Alpha: Nix: Great job, Ducky.

Nix made his way to the fighting platform and stepped onto it.

Your Clash of Swords Cla.s.s quest is active. Do you wish to start?

Clash of Swords [Spellsword Only]

Description: Your Master has been challenged, and

so you must demonstrate your skill.

Objective: Stand on the fighting platform at the

Favi Fighter's Guild and defeat as many fighters

as you can.

[Required Objectives]

Defeat Beryl Vorn

Defeat Borsha

Defeat Malice.

"Yes."

/Fighter Guild Announcement: Apprentice Nix is challenging all-comers at the fighting platform. A fifty thousand credit reward will be given to whoever defeats him.

/Alpha: Nix: The F*ck you say?

/Alpha: Semmi: Problem Nix?

/Alpha: Nix: No. Enjoy your lunch.

Nix drew Wrath and pushed flames into it, the white flame buzzed in protest as it extended into the afternoon air.

A bald-headed man wearing dark blue stepped onto the platform. He was tanned and weathered from a life spent outdoors.

Nix stared at him for a moment. "Are you really an apprentice? Look how old you are?"

The man snarled at him, his face turning red. "F*ck off! It's all comers."

[Storm Rider][Thunderfist][Advanced Execution]

Triple Combination attempt successful.

The man's head bounced onto the platform a moment later; Nix sidestepped suddenly to dodge the fountain of blood that sprayed upward from his neck.

Nix nodded in agreement. "So it is. Thanks for the reminder."

It was three quick fights before Beryl Vorn showed up. She was a muscular female that moved like a giant predator; Nix was instantly reminded of Vooni.

The woman had blond hair that was cropped close to her skull; she wore basic leather armor with a green singlet pulled over the top.

The woman bowed respectfully. "I'm Beryl Vorn, the Apprentice of Master Eri Vorn. Please advise me."

Nix nodded and returned her bow. "I'm Nix, the Apprentice of Chiba. Please advise."