Chapter 170

Crown Antiques, Pittsburgh - 5:00 PM

By the time the building returned to the surface where it belonged, Mercury had come down to join me on the first floor. It was disappointing, but the only screen I received was the one I got when a member of my guild liberated something. I received no credit for what he had done despite my presence here.

Which was fine, honestly. We were only here for him anyway. The leftover swords that hadn’t been taken disappeared with the light, with the places they were stuck in the ground all being patched up by the process. I took a moment to check out the new weapon at his side.

The Princess had changed into a wakizashi with a 20 inch blade. Her scabbard was glossy black and embossed with pink sakura petals trimmed in gold. The round metal tsuba separating the blade and hilt copied this design. Underneath Mercury’s hand were black silk threads in a diamond pattern around a golden wrap for grip. A pink crown emblem was hidden by his palm, meant to indicate her status.

“How’s she feel?” I asked, nodding towards the weapon.

“Incredible,” Mercury said with a grin. “I tried to get her to change into a katana for obvious reasons, but she said this was the best she could do. Tuckered her out, though. The Princess is resting. I kind of expected her to not have a ghost form? You know? Though, I guess the phrase ‘intelligent spirit’ was thrown around. As long as she doesn’t do anything weird then I’m really looking forward to getting to know her.”

I nodded, understanding what he was saying. The Princess was a powerful weapon that grew with the wielder, and that had been enough for me to try it once or twice. Her personality was a little grating for me, but Mercury had proven time and again that he could bring out her full potential, and that was good enough for me.

When she wasn’t “tuckered out,” as he put it, her body was similar to apparitions caught on tape. Barely visible, though he could hear her clearly. The more she was used, the stronger she would get. Eventually, her body would come into focus enough that Mercury could see her clearly and she would be able to affect the world on her own in small increments.

With a gesture, I motioned for him to follow me outside. I wasn’t worried about Black & Gold; getting the swords wrong teleported them back to the bottom of Gateway Plaza’s staircase. There was a good chance they’d know where this place was, but even if they came to confront us there was nothing they could do.

Kayla, Jeff, and Corwin were waiting for us at the arena across the street, and I waved at them the moment I saw them. The Evolution Hound looked up at his master and, once he was given the okay, ran across the street towards us.

Squatting down, I hissed as the stinger wound that wasn’t fully healed ached. “Gently,” I said through my teeth. Like a good boy, Corwin slowed down and started licking my hand. I was glad he didn’t try to jump on me again.

“Good to see you in one piece, boss,” Jeff said, looking me over to see if that were true before turning to face the newcomer.

“In one piece, but bloody,” Kayla added as she looked at the reddening snow beneath me. With a sigh, she shook her head and also faced Mercury. Taking a few steps forward, she offered him her hand. “You must be Leonard. I’m Kayla Mills, Sol Ligatus’ deputy guildmaster. This is Jeff, my husband.”

“Um, hello. I’m, uh-“ he stuttered.

“The system says his name is Leonard, but that’s not who he really is,” I said, standing up. Placing my hand on my lower back, it took me a little more effort thanks to my wound. “This is Mercury Moonslayer, gentleman thief and ninja extraordinaire.”

Looking back, I saw him tense up for a moment as our eyes met and I nodded to him. He took a breath before taking her hand. “Well met, Kayla!” he greeted boisterously. “Yes, I am Mercury Moonslayer. Our guildmaster has told me some things about my new companions, and I have looked forward to meeting the queen of our fine establishment.”

“Have you, now,” she said coldly, letting go of his hand and turning to face me.

“I promise you that it’ll come up again,” I quickly defended. “As soon as his weapon wakes up, at least. You’re going to have to start leaning into it sooner or later.”

Before Kayla had a chance to ask. Jeff stepped forward, a big grin on his face as he held out his hand. “Hail, fellow, and well met!” he proclaimed loudly. “I am this queen’s humble knight, Sir Jeffry Mills. Alongside my faithful hound, Corwin, I have pledged myself to her safety and the protection of all within Sol Ligatus. I look forward to fighting alongside you.”

Mercury was quick to shake the knight’s hand. “It will be my pleasure, good knight,” he replied, obviously overjoyed by the return of his own weird energy. His eyes shifted to Corwin. “Sir Jeffry, I do not mean to presume, but may I greet this fine animal of yours?”

“You ask, but I must insist that you do. He loves meeting new people,” Jeff answered. Swiping open his inventory, he pulled out a bone shaped dog treat and offered it to Mercury. Corwin’s eyes focused on it the moment it became visible.

The ninja was quick to grab the treat before taking a step back and squatting down. The dog was quick to join him, gently biting the treat once it was offered and allowing Mercury to pet him. Not that Corwin would have denied him; he was willing to receive pets from just about anywhere.

“He’s very well trained,” Mercury praised, scratching Corwin behind the ears with both hands.

“I hope you know what you started,” Kayla said as she crossed her arms and gave me a sidelong glance. “You know Jamie is going to eat them alive if they keep this up, right?”

“Yeah, I probably should have seen this coming,” I admitted with a sheepish grin. “Let’s get back to the train. We have a lot to discuss. Guys, come this way.” With a gesture, I started heading to the front doors of the Paints Arena.

Kayla nodded as she started following me first, the others falling in line behind her. “We sprung into action as soon as you sent us the message,” she said.

“Kay was too slow, so I had to pick her up and-“ Jeff started to say before his wife loudly cleared her throat. He immediately changed his tune. “We made it there real quick for you, boss. Maybe you should leave that chariot khopesh at the base, though. You know, as a way for any of us to get around faster.”

“I appreciate the hustle, you two,” I said, holding back a chuckle when I imagined Jeff running through the streets with Kayla in his arms. Stopping in front of the door, I opened it with Broken Boundary so that we could return to the train faster. The Mills and Corwin stepped through instantly, leaving Mercury standing there. “Come on, a magical portal isn’t the silliest thing you’ve seen today.”

“Just thinking,” he replied quietly.

“Having second thoughts?” I asked. He glanced back at me, and I shrugged. “It’s fine. I understand that we come with a lot of baggage. Honestly, all that shit with Pustibule and Jeremiah wasn’t even supposed to happen. But, I’m still going to keep my promises to you. So this is it. If you come through here to the safest place in the city, you’re really going to be one of us.”

Mercury nodded. I knew it wouldn’t take him long to decide, so I didn’t usher him forward despite Broken Boundary’s time limit. It only took a handful of seconds before he nodded again, gripped the hilt of his sword where it hung on his left side, and stepped into the portal. I followed after him.

Ashley was eating as we stepped foot into the dining car from the permanent portal, and she had paused to greet the Mills. She sized up the newcomer before scoffing. “What? Couldn’t get one that’s a turtle?”

“Silly Ash, that’s New York City, not Pittsburgh,” I said with a laugh. She grunted, but didn’t correct me when I called her Ash. That was progress. “Ashley Reilly, this is Mercury Moonslayer. He’s our new fighter. Mercury, this is Ash, our Monstersmith. She’s the finest craftswoman of weapons, armor, and other tools this side of anywhere. She’s also really mean until you get to know her.”

“That’s a piss poor introduction,” she protested. Corwin, curled up on his blanket by the bar, started chewing on a large squeak toy in the shape of a frog. The sound undercut her words slightly.  “It was good until the end. If you’re going to do it, at least do it properly.”

“Were you not about to make fun of the fact that his name is Mercury Moonslayer?” I challenged.

“It’s a cool name,” the ninja muttered, crossing his arms defensively.

“Just because I was going to, doesn’t mean you’ve got to ruin my damn fun,” Ash said, pointing her knife at me. Despite the threat, she stood up and walked over to the new recruit to thrust out her hand. “I suppose I can try being nice for a change. Nice to meet you, or whatever.”

“It is an honor to meet such a skilled artisan such as yourself,” Mercury greeted, taking her hand. “I look forward to working with the items you-“

“Yeah, yeah,” the Monstersmith said, cutting him off before pointing at the Princess. “Can I see that?”

Mercury bristled and gripped the wakizashi. “I don’t think that’s wise,” he answered slowly. “There’s a spirit in there. I’m pretty sure it’s bonded to me now? She’d probably be mad if anyone else handled her.”

Ash squatted down to get a better look at the weapon, and the ninja almost took a step back. An awkward silence enveloped the dining car before she stood back up. “Alright, back with me to my workshop.”

“Pardon?” Mercury asked.

“You heard me. Hop to it, discount shinobi,” Ash demanded, clapping her hands even as she started walking without him.

Looking back at me, I saw the question in his eyes but still urged him forward. “Just remember, she only acts mean,” I whispered.

“Tsundere, got it,” Mercury replied quietly.

“Just don’t say that to her face, because then you’d have to explain it. Then she will be mean.”

“I said hop, Moonboy,” Ash said from the doorway.

“Moonslayer, actually,” the ninja corrected, though he did start following after her.

Once the door closed and I was alone with the Mills, Jeff let out a nervous laugh. “Jamie’s going to eat him alive, isn’t she?”

“Always does,” I confirmed, taking a seat at the bar. “Alright, I’m going to make this quick because things are happening and they’re not good for anyone.”

“We’ll do whatever we can to help,” Kayla said seriously.

I nodded, glad that I had picked up such reliable people. “I told you in the message that we were being attacked by Black & Gold. Jeremiah Wilson was with them.” Jeff opened his mouth, but I held up a hand. “He’s working with Pustibule, he’s a Demon, and he is a Shadow Sniper. He’s the reason why I’m bleeding. Well, it was. It’s a little tender but the wound’s closed now.”

“What do you need us to do?” he asked.

“I need you two to visit the Guild of Guilds again. Find their guildhall and figure out-“ Before I could finish the order, a screen popped up in front of me. Based on the way Kayla’s eyes focused, she received it, too.

[[Guild Notice]]

Congratulations!

[Sol Ligatus] has emerged victorious over [Black & Gold]. Per the Skirmish rules, your guild is entitled to a portion of the disbanded organization’s points.

Sol Ligatus has gained 27 guild points.

“What is it?” Jeff asked as we both frowned at the screen.

“Black & Gold has been disbanded,” Kayla answered. “Ant?”

“Could be a few things,” I replied, crossing my arms. “The owner could disband it with no problem at the Guild of Guilds. No refunds, of course, but it’s easy enough. I’m going to assume that Jeremiah either talked to them or killed them until he became guildmaster and disbanded it.”

“Killed them?” Jeff asked quickly. “Why would he do that?”

“So we didn’t get to them to ask questions,” I stated ominously before sighing. Uncrossing my arms, I ran my hands down my face. “They might have just dispersed. I’m just guessing here. The last hour’s been… weird.”

“Yeah, just the last hour,” Kayla said sarcastically.

“I’ll give you that one. System’s a bitch,” I agreed with a dark laugh. “I want you to ask about Jeremiah Wilson at the Guild of Guilds. You’ll be protected there thanks to the rules of no violence. Stay there once you're done and I’ll pick you up when I can. You can still be attacked on the streets by the unaffiliated, which we now potentially have gunning for us.”

“Why don’t you tell us what happened that was so weird,” she offered.

“Right, I’m getting ahead of myself,” I said, taking a deep breath. “Jeremiah came to me because Pustibule’s plans to send Pittsburgh into ruin. He has several crystals called Angel Blinds, which prevents people like Sara and I from detecting things within a certain distance. That’s why we couldn’t find him, I’m guessing, but it gets worse.”

Kayla and Jeff looked at each other at that, but didn’t say anything. I appreciated their attention, and continued. “He’s setting up something called a Conversion Grinder. This is a year two Demonic plan, though the test runs are set up in the first. They’re usually done on the other side of the United States, and it’s handled by other people.”

“Anything with the word Grinder in the name’s gotta be bad, right?” Jeff asked with a grimace.

I nodded. “It’s a soul catcher. People, monsters, animals, whenever something dies, it releases a soul that the Conversion Grinder can snatch up. Normally they don’t do anything unless acted on by an outside force, like with necromancy. The whole thing’s really conceptual. The Grinder will disrupt the natural order of things by converting a soul from its natural or unnatural state to become Demonic.”

“The zombies that keep emerging from the cemeteries are those of people that have already been killed,” Kayla stated as she picked up on the danger. “But undead shouldn’t have souls, right? Or is the artificial loop keeping them here?”

“The loop is keeping the souls here,” I confirmed. “The longer the Grinder stays active, whenever that is, the more the undead are going to come out as Demonic. I thought there was no way he’d be able to fuck up Pittsburgh like he did Etson because he can’t reach the scenario’s boss, but this could truly be devastating.”

“But, if you stop him, then there’s no more Grinder, right?” Jeff asked. “We just need to go to all the places Sara can’t see and, if he’s there, kill him for good. Then he won’t mess things up in the future.”

“Which opens up its own can of worms about altering the future too much,” I muttered before shaking my head. “No, he does need to die. That’s not up for debate. Sara, anything to add?”

[[Patron Message]]

I think you’re right that Jeremiah has a Patron that can make him invisible to my eye. Until he attacked you and broke whatever skill it was, I couldn’t see him at all. I’ve asked around like I said I would, but if one of the Patrons wanted to stay hidden to the rest of us then there’s not much I can do. That’s their prerogative.

That said, with enough Angel Blinds my sight could also be hampered. It would have to be a lot, though, to keep me from seeing him. That means we can rule out buildings under a certain size. I’ll go through and do another sweep of the Pitt. It’s not an exact science, though, and I wouldn’t even know what to look for if it weren’t for my old memories.

They could also have been enhanced by a Patron, which will make the search slower.

The Conversion Blinder should be a lot easier to find. Coe usually takes out the finished product, and if I remember correctly you nudge him in that direction when you can. The cemeteries themselves probably have some mechanism inside to catch the most souls, but I can see how getting deep enough to find them would be tricky.

On the other hand, if it’s just the prototype then… I can’t believe I’m about to type this, but it might be… better to leave it running. The longer you do, the more points people will get in the long run. Plus, after enough time has passed, Pustibule might show up to gloat. It’s just a thought, but I think the people of Pittsburgh can handle it and the Demonic undead won’t be enough to overrun their barricades for a while yet.

I also kept tabs on Black & Gold after Jeremiah escaped. While I couldn’t see him after he teleported, I assume he met up with his guildmates due to them speaking to an invisible entity. Shortly after, they were all teleported away. That was before the guild got disbanded. I’m not sure where they are.

Sincerely worried,

Sara

“Long message,” I said, holding up a finger at the Mills as I read the Patron message. Once I was done, I nodded. “Black & Gold is gone. Sara confirmed that it’s likely Jeremiah teleported them into hiding.”

“He can hide from Sara?” Jeff whistled. “How bad is this dude?”

“Depends on his backer. If it’s Demonic, then his Patron is probably Baal, or Astaroth, or Foras, or…” I trailed off before shaking my head. “I could be here all day listing Patrons. The best thing we can do is get out there and figure things out ourselves.”

“So we’ll go to the Guild of Guilds and start asking around about Jeremiah,” Kayla said. “Black & Gold, too, for that matter. No one should know that they’re gone yet, so anyone that does is worth looking into.”

“That’s right. Are you guys sure, though? It is your guildmaster mandated day off,” I said.

“Please, we already spent a few hours helping at the cemeteries,” Jeff scoffed. “This is no big deal. It’s not like they’re going to wait for us to take a break.”

“That’s true, but I still have to ask.”

“You don’t, but we appreciate the sentiment,” Kayla said. “What about you?”

I thought it over before answering. “I’m going to meditate for an hour or so to restore some Mental Points, try not to fall asleep, and do another dungeon. I’ll have Sara point me in the direction of something that might be Pustibule.”

“Okay, but if you find him and you don’t think you can take him out, call everyone, okay?” she asked, her concern evident. “Faster might be better, but we’re still going to want to help. Especially after what we saw in Etson.”

“Yeah, Amlex was terrifying,” Jeff agreed. “Who knows what else he’s cooked up with a bunch of undead to work with.”

After considering it for a moment, I nodded. “You’re both right. Worst comes to worst, I’ll leave a doorway we can go through down there and pop back up here. Hopefully, I’m blowing this way out of proportion and it won’t be a big deal.”

“If you had that kind of attitude, I don’t think you would have survived this long,” Kayla said with a dark chuckle.

“That’s Sara’s honest truth,” I replied. “Do you two want me to set up a doorway to the Guild of Guilds and get you there? The streets might not be safe.”

“Don’t you go coddling us now. We’ll be fine. It’s a short run.”

“Though,” Jeff started slowly. “It would be much shorter if we had the khopesh.”

I snorted and snapped open my inventory to retrieve it. “Fine, you two crazy kids can borrow the car,” I teased. “But I expect it back in one piece.”

The mood lightened just a little bit as we joked to alleviate the new tension, and we soon parted ways with our own missions in mind.