>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---
Through the snowy veil of Glayshollow Forest, the Nebula Stride roared forward—its grav-cycling hum a steady counterpoint to the whirling winds. With the forest now behind them, Sushi Slice and Hoshigari emerged onto a descending stone path that framed a breathtaking sight: the grand town of Herhyndale.
-[Herhyndale]-
A hub of life, clamor, and competition, Herhyndale shimmered with energy. Tall buildings adorned with slate shingles and flying banners crowded the skyline. Shops boomed with chatter, blacksmiths hammered steel in the forges, while enchantresses sold charms under floating crystal lanterns. The central plaza was unmistakable—the Herhyndale Battle Arena stood proud, like a modern-day coliseum, drawing waves of cheers from a new match beginning within its circular walls.
The moment they crossed the town's arched stone gate, Sushi Slice gently hopped off the Nebula Stride.
"Thanks for the ride, Hoshi-san," Sushi Slice thanked him with a smile
With a confident flick, Hoshigari snapped his fingers, causing the grav-cycle to dematerialize back into his inventory in a trail of particles and pixels.
"No prob. Gotta admit—Herhyndale's hella impressive," he said, placing both hands behind his head, his gaze sweeping across the vibrant town.
They ascended a flight of well-worn stone stairs that opened into the expansive town square. The smell of grilled meat, metallic oil, and perfume spices mingled in the air. Musicians played lively tunes near the fountain. An armored warrior and a cloaked caster (both are players) argued over who should tank next week's dungeon boss.
Sushi Slice turned slowly, absorbing everything. "It is... so alive. A perfect blend of commerce and combat. Players and NPCs blend like it's one giant storybook town."
"Yup... Herhyndale's definitely a melting pot of chaos and charm," Hoshigari said with a small grin.
Then he paused, squinting at his Digi-Map as a holographic projection hovered before him. His cheeks puffed as he mimicked a fish face. "So... the Popping Spoon restaurant... Where the heck is that—"
"Hoshi-san! I found it!" Sushi Slice called out cheerfully, already walking ahead while reading her own Digi-Map. "Just across the market square, past that bridge on the right."
"Well dang, that was fast," Hoshigari muttered with a playful shrug as his map blinked out.
They weaved their way past merchant stalls selling glowing dumplings, enchanted skewers, pocket golems, and gem-threaded robes. NPC children role-playing adventurers ran past their legs. A bard strummed an electric shamisen with a built-in amp, singing about the legendary defeat of some sort of Clockwork Leviathan.
Crossing a reinforced wooden bridge—suspended over a gentle canal with lotus-lanterns—they turned right, where a cozy restaurant stood under a sign adorned with a bubbling pot and a spoon that periodically popped out animatedly.
The Popping Spoon.
Hoshigari raised a brow. "You know, if the food here pops in your mouth too, we're stayin'."
Sushi Slice giggled after
As they stepped through the restaurant doors—and the bell above gave a cheery chime, marking the beginning of a much-needed break... before the storm they'll tackle in the future...
>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---
-[The Popping Spoon]-
Inside the bustling, warmly lit interior of The Popping Spoon, waiters glided through the crowd with trays of sizzling dishes and holographic menus blinked at every booth. Chatter and laughter swirled in the air like the savory aromas of grilled meats and fried bread.
Sushi Slice flicked open her message menu, her round glasses reflecting the interface light. "According to Yukinox, the two players we're supposed to meet are Suki-yummy and Ursalott. Suki-yummy has long red hair and wears a lab coat... and Ursalott... is in a huge bear costum—"
She stopped, eyes already locked onto the unmistakable duo at a booth nearby.
"I guess that's them?" Hoshigari asked with a sheepish grin, tilting his head in mock disbelief at the massive bear costume towering above the booth divider.
"Yes... indeed it is," Sushi Slice lightly smiled and sighed, adjusting her hair and steeling her composure.
They approached.
Suki-yummy, spotting them, lit up instantly. He waved with a cheerful grin. "Heya, Ms. Clan Leader!"
His gaze then landed on Hoshigari, whose player name still read in cryptic digits—H05H164R1—and his crimson fox holo-mask obscured his features.
"And who are you, buddy?" Suki-yummy asked with a head tilt.
Hoshigari chuckled softly, then lifted his holo-mask with a fzzzt, revealing his face. In that moment, his real username "Hoshigari" flickered to life above his head.
Suki-yummy nearly leapt out of his seat in surprise. "Oh, it's you—!"
But Hoshigari gently placed a finger over his own lips.
Suki-yummy instantly understood and nodded, keeping it quiet. "Got it. Incognito vibes."
"I already ordered you guys some burgers," Suki-yummy added, gesturing to the seats.
"Thank you so much!" Sushi Slice said with a respectful bow.
"Yeah, thanks a bunch," Hoshigari added with a smile.
Sushi Slice activated a holographic notepad. "Let's begin the interview."
Both Suki-yummy and Ursalott nodded, the latter passively sipping a comically large drink through a straw poking through his bear suit mouth.
"First question. How did you learn about our clan?"
"From meeting Yukinox!" Suki-yummy answered immediately.
Ursalott gave a firm nod.
"Next. Classes, sub-classes, and Exo Abilities?"
Suki-yummy opened his menu and projected his status.
"I'm a Cleric with a Mage sub-class. My Exo Ability is Wild Bubble — rare rarity. It's a bubble that hovers mid-air. If an ally touches it, it heals them steadily and grants buffs. If an enemy touches it, it deals low light and dark damage and applies debuffs."
Sushi Slice nodded and turned to Ursalott.
The bear-costumed player tapped his chest and projected his own menu.
"He doesn't speak much," Suki-yummy explained, "but he's a beast. Class is Brawler, sub-class Martial Artist. His Exo Ability is Freight Train Rush: Full Steam Ahead. Epic rarity. It's a charge attack that deals massive blunt and crash damage and inflicts Weakened status. It's interruptible, but if it connects—"
He mimicked an explosion with his hands.
"Alright, understood," Sushi Slice nodded. "Now then. Why do you want to join our clan?"
"It seems fun! Really fun! We like the vibe, the people. And Yukinox spoke highly of you all."
Ursalott nodded again, his bear head bobbing enthusiastically.
Sushi Slice's tone turned serious. Her gaze sharpened.
"If you wish to join Starlight Recoil, you must promise two things:
First, no recruitment mentions. Do NOT advertise our clan.
Second, you are NEVER to reveal the location of our clan building. EVER. Even to close friends."
A moment of tension.
Suki-yummy and Ursalott both stiffened. Comical sweatdrops formed on their avatars.
"Y-Yes ma'am," Suki-yummy stammered.
Ursalott nodded so quickly his bear head wobbled comically.
"Alright... Red Healer Suki-yummy and Battle Bear Ursalott..."
She extended her hand.
"Welcome to the Starlight Recoil Clan."
They shook hands, and Sushi Slice swiped a glowing window open, accepting both players' clan requests.
Their names now glowed in soft starlight yellow with a shimmering [Starlight Recoil] tag below.
After finishing their food and friendly chat, Hoshigari and Sushi Slice stood.
"Alright, thank you both. We'll meet you back at the clan building later. We should get going."
But then—
Fwump.
Ursalott's large paw latched onto Hoshigari's sleeve.
"Huh? What's up, bear man?" Hoshigari asked with a slight head tilt.
Suki-yummy translated with a grin. "Ursalott wants to fight you in a 1v1. Right here. Right now."
Silence.
And then—
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" Hoshigari and Sushi Slice exclaimed simultaneously, eyes wide and mouths agape...
...
>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---
-[Herhyndale Grand Dueling Stage]-
The camera view pans in with cinematic flair—Herhyndale's Grand Dueling Stage shines like a steel halo, majestic in both scope and legacy. A shimmering, transparent barrier encapsulates the battlefield like a crystal dome, pulsing with protective energy. Crowds of Fateforgers pile into the grandstands, buzzing with excitement, voices rising like a crashing tide.
"Woah! It's the Battle Bear!" "Who's he fighting this time?" "That guy looks so short and weak." "Don't jinx it! Anime battles always go sideways like this." "This'll be an easy win for Battle Bear for sure!"
Standing in stark contrast on the field are two figures: one, the towering mountain of a man known as Ursalott, wearing his iconic, thick-furred ursine armor. The other—a lone fox-masked, cloak-wrapped ranger, eerily still and radiating a sense of genius death: Hoshigari.
>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---
With a comically raised eyebrow under his mask, Hoshigari thought, "So… I'm in a duel now. Against a seven-foot-tall behemoth in a damn bear costume. Alrighty then..."
Meanwhile, up in the bleachers, familiar faces watch with anticipation.
Suki-Yummy tilted his head, arms crossed. "Is Mr. Hoshigari gonna be okay against ma boi Ursa?"
Sushi Slice, calm and composed, nodded once, "I can be rest assured that Hoshi-san will find a way to beat him."
"Err… if you say so, ma'am," Suki-Yummy replied with a shrug, settling in to watch the duel.
The announcer's voice crackled through the stage intercom with theatrical flair:
"Ladies and gentlemen! Today's duel—Fateforger URSALOTT! 6th ranked Herhyndale Duelist, with 45 consecutive wins and zero losses… versus the mysterious newcomer, Fateforger H05H164R1!"
"GET READY!"
"3!" Ursalott cracked his knuckles and grounded his feet like a boulder about to move.
"2!" Hoshigari equipped his weapons.
[Left Handed Weapon (Swapped) - Damnation]
[Right Handed Weapon (Swapped) - Ebonflame]
"1!" His right eye flickered to life—the Ranger's Enhancing Eye Implant activated. Red and white targeting reticles spiraled outward with a glowing yellow (+) at the center.
"DUEL BEGIN!"
The battle exploded into motion.
>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---
Ursalott rushed forward. He unleashed a Brawler Skill:Crasher Hook, a meaty right hook that screamed through the air.
"WOAH! BIG BEAR'S GOT SOME TORQUE!" Hoshigari mentally blurted, narrowly weaving backward.
A straight kick came next—shockwaves rippling from its sheer force. Hoshigari dodged left, rolling to avoid the impact. "DAMN! ONE HIT FROM HIM WOULD NEARLY FLATTEN MY HP!"
Ursalott wasn't letting up. He charged in again, feinting with a left straight punch, followed by a wild left-armed swing. Hoshigari ducked—precise and measured.
He retaliated.
BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG!
Four flaming magma bullets screamed from his Ebonflame Desert Eagle, slamming into Ursalott's gut. Hoshigari dashed into range, flipped his pistol into a hammer grip, and shouted:
"Ebonflame Skill: Phoenix Wing Impact!"
CRACK!
A fiery feathered flare erupted from the strike, knocking Ursalott back several feet.
The titan bear snarled and activated:
Bear Type: BLACK!
His fur deepened into abyssal black as his ACTUAL flesh hardened with Brawler Skill:Iron Hard—his ACTUAL skin turning metallic, glinting like forged steel, unfortunately we don't see it because Ursalott IS wearing the bear costume.
"Great... Now pistol whips won't work anymore..." Hoshigari muttered.
He raised both firearms and began alternating: Three Cursed Nails—jagged, screaming bolts of crimson.
Three Magma Bullets—searing, explosive force.
Ursalott blocked with his iron hardened arms, but—
"Damnation Skill: Sealbind Wrappings!"
A crimson-wrapped nail fired—impacting Ursalott's forearm and erupting. Glowing red bindings exploded into the air, tightening around the massive brawler and freezing him in place.
From the crowd—
"WOAH! Battle Bear's actually struggling!"
"No flippin' way!"
"Who even IS this guy!?"
Hoshigari grinned. "Time to kick it up."
"Damnation Skill: Voodoo Link – Straw Curse!"
He fired a cursed nail embedded with straw—Ursalott's spirit form wavered, splitting from his body as a human-sized straw doll appeared before Hoshigari.
"Let's bleed him."
"Damnation Skill: Crimson Crucifixion!"
He flipped a cursed nail into the air, flipped his Damnation Mauser into hammer grip, and drove it down into the straw doll.
THWACK!
Ursalott roared, visibly staggered, suffering Bleed, Weaken, and Dizziness for 15 seconds.
Hoshigari didn't pause—
"Damnation Skill: Hex-Rite Shot!"
A cursed bullet infused with Burn, Freeze, Poison, and Shock slammed into the straw doll, and consequently, Ursalott.
He convulsed—status effects stacking.
After getting struck / damaged twice, Ursalott was freed,
Ursalott then, with a furious roar, he bellowed and unleashed his Exo Ability,
EXO ABILITY: FREIGHT TRAIN RUSH: FULL STEAM AHEAD!
PSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! — Steam burst violently from Ursalott's legs and feet with every thunderous step. Each stomp cratered the floor as he rocketed forward, a living juggernaut. In a brutal crash of momentum and muscle, he slammed into Hoshigari and crushed him against the shimmering arena barrier.
CRAAAAAANG!!!
But—
Hoshigari's fox mask glinted. A flicker of speed. The moment before impact, he'd activated his Exo Ability,
"EXO ABILITY ACTIVATE: OVERCLOCK!"
Reality slowed around him. Everything dulled. And in that microsecond window, he managed to blur away, sidestepping immense damage.
Ursalott's charge struck and slammed upon the barrier wall, steam trailing behind him like a comet's tail. He stopped to a halt, disoriented, shook his head with a growl, slapped his own cheeks to recover focus, then locked eyes on Hoshigari again.
"GRAAAAHH!!" Ursalott roared, closing the gap again with terrifying momentum. He lifted his fists and activated—
Brawler Skill: Wild Punch Rush!
What came next was a maelstrom of fists launched like missiles.
WHUD-WHUD-WHUD-WHUD-WHUD!—Punches came in successive rocket-like bursts, vibrating the air.
But Hoshigari…
He was still in Overclock. Time hadn't quite returned to normal.
To him, Ursalott's punches moved like storm currents through syrup.
And he flowed through them.
"Nah..." he muttered with a grin, ducking and weaving between strikes with effortless agility. His boots danced across the tiles like a shadow skipping over moonlight.
"Let's do it like this..."
With fluid grace, he flipped his Damnation Mauser C96 and Ebonflame Desert Eagle into a reverse grip—dual pistol-whip hold stance. With each punch Ursalott threw, Hoshigari responded not with a block, but with a light deflecting parry—tapping against fists with the steel butt of his guns, redirecting momentum just enough.
Then—
BOOM!
He surged forward under a wild swing and slammed a burning pistol whip with his Ebonflame pistol into Ursalott's gut:
Ebonflame Skill: Phoenix Wing Impact!
A fiery pulse erupted on impact, launching Ursalott backwards into a gritty slide, his boots skidding against the arena floor.
But Ursalott wasn't done. He roared and triggered a transformation:
Bear Type: PANDA!
His fur shimmered and shifted, morphing into bold white and black panda print. His posture changed—more nimble, more centered.
He blitzed forward.
Martial Artist Skill: Cross Chop!
Hoshigari leapt back, flipping through the air to avoid the cross chopping strike. But in mid-air—
Ursalott exploded forward into Hoshigari's open guard.
Martial Artist Skill: Coiling Snake, Straight Punch Fist!
THWOOOOOM!!
Hoshigari's gut was pummeled by an explosive, compressed straight punch.
He was hurled back like a ragdoll, slammed into the barrier wall, then collapsed to one knee, gasping.
[Health: 30/175]
Cries from the audience erupted
"I told ya! Another win for Battle Bear!"
"Mr. Fox Mask is totally toast! Haha!"
"Still, not bad—he put up more fight than I expected!"
As Hoshigari wheezed, a subtle glow pulsed around the side of his belt.
His Wrath Dragon's Tooth Charm Trinket had activated.
+20% Physical Attack Boost.
He grinned.
"Good hit... but... I DON'T PLAN ON BACKING DOWN THAT EASILY!"
With renewed fire, he raised his pistols and unleashed hell.
BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG! — Cursed Nail and Magma Bullets fired in tandem, scorching the air.
Ursalott grunted, shielding his face and torso with his arms, absorbing damage as bullets slammed like jackhammers. He growled, trying to push to the right.
Hoshigari noticed his slight movement as he then—
Ebonflame Skill: Soaring Dark Phoenix!
The Desert Eagle's chamber lit up in molten flame as wings of fire ignited from the gun. A swirling orb of black energy formed at the tip.
FWOOOOSH!!!
The bullet exploded into a dark phoenix, a flaming avian of shadow and wrath.
It screamed across the field—not at Ursalott, but to his right side, limiting his evasive options.
He flinched left—directly into the renewed bullet barrage.
TATATATATATATATATATA!!! — The cursed and magma bullets rained forward like a storm.
Hoshigari reloaded on the dash with a flick-twist combo, blitzed forward mid-volley until both guns empty, flipped his pistols again into pistol-whip hold stance.
Fixer Skill: Hexa-Core Fortis!
KA-KSHUNK! — Hexagonal armor nodes formed on his fists and forearms. +50 Bonus to Strength and Defense.
"Let's finish this dance."
Ranger Pistol Skill: Pistol Whip Rush!
A flurry of close-range, brutal bludgeoning blows rained down on Ursalott's forearms. The bear man blocked, defended, parried—but the momentum had shifted.
Then, subtle as a breeze, Hoshigari tossed his Ebonflame Desert Eagle into the air without Ursalott noticing.
His right hand now empty—
[Right Handed Weapon: Unarmed]
Fixer Skill: BREAKER FIST!
With all the force of his boosted, blue glowing arm, Hoshigari struck through Ursalott's guard.
CRACK! — A barrier-shattering sound echoed.
Ursalott staggered—open.
Hoshigari raised his right hand, forming into a finger gun.
A small sphere of swirling surging rainbow energy spiraled at his fingertip.
"LET'S SEE HOW YOU HANDLE THIS POINT BLANK, BIG BEAR!"
RANGER ULTIMA-SKILL: FINGER GUN FIRE – PURE ARCANA BULLET!!
He fired.
A pinpoint rainbow-hued bullet of compressed, pure arcana launched forward.
But—
BAM!!! — Ursalott, in a last burst of defiance, struck with:
Brawler Skill: Wild Fist Impact!
Hoshigari was knocked flying, bouncing and skidding across the arena.
[Health: 0(?)/175]
At the same time—
KABOOOOOM!!!
The pure arcana bullet collided with Ursalott's chest.
A huge vibrant and radiant rainbow-colored explosion erupted from his left pec.
Smoke.
Silence.
Ursalott collapsed. His health hit 0.
The audience erupts:
"WOAH! IT'S A DRAW!"
"BATTLE BEAR'S FIRST DEFEAT!? OR FIRST DRAW?!"
"NO FLIPPIN' WAY!"
Suki-Yummy crossed his arms, squinting. "So...a tie, huh?"
But then—
Hoshigari's body pulsed.
Fixer Skill: GENESIS REAWAKENING!
FLASH! — His body surged with green, blue, and orange light, eyes snapping open.
Fully restored: 100% HP, Focus, and Energy.
Bonus active for 30 seconds.
[Health: 175/175]
He slowly rose and picked himself off the ground struggling… then thrust his right fist into the air.
Victory.
Shock spread through the coliseum.
Then—cheers.
THEN—ROARS.
"FOX MASK WON!!"
"HE'S THE FIRST TO DEFEAT BATTLE BEAR!!"
"WHO IS THIS GUY!?"
Suki-Yummy shot and stood up from his seat, wide-eyed. "HE HAD AN AUTO-REVIVE SKILL?!"
Sushi Slice smirked from her seat, arms folded. "I told you, Hoshi-san always finds a way."
[END OF DUEL!]
[Winner: H05H164R1]
The arena's tension was electric, buzzing through the cheers of thousands of spectators. Screens magnified the battlefield, every player's move captured in real-time by spectating players recording their battle.
The announcer's voice erupted across the arena, layered with raw excitement:
"THE WINNER OF THE UNBELIEVABLE SPECTACLE OF A DUEL IS THE MYSTERIOUS NEWCOMER, FATEFORGER H05H164R1!"
A wave of gasps and cheers flooded the stands.
"Making Fateforger H05H164R1 have 1 win, 0 losses! And Fateforger Ursalott with 45 wins, and finally—his very first loss! WHAT A CONCLUSION TO SUCH A SPECTACULAR AND EXHILARATING BATTLE!"
...
>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---
-[Herhyndale Town Square]-
Later, in the cobblestone town square under the warm, dim glow of arcane lanterns, the aftermath of the battle was still rippling.
Ursalott, the hulking brute of a player, was now kneeling reverently in front of Hoshigari. Passersby—both players and NPCs—glanced sideways at the scene, confusion and awkward murmurs growing.
Hoshigari, brow twitching behind his fox mask, pointed down at the kneeling figure with a confused expression. "Uhh... what's with him?"
Suki-yummy, scratching his cheek, tilted his head. "It seems like Ursa here respects you and wants to be your student and disciple?"
"HUH?!" Hoshigari snapped back in pure disbelief.
Suki-yummy shrugged with a sheepish grin. "Probably because you were the first player to ever beat him in a duel."
"THAT'S IT? REALLY?!"
Ursalott solemnly nodded without speaking a word, still kneeling.
Sushi Slice giggled softly, covering her mouth with her hand. "I wonder how Maki will act when she finds out you suddenly have a disciple now."
Hoshigari groaned, fingers pressing into his temples. "Ugh... it's probably gonna get louder than before."
"Heheh, I would guess so, Hoshi-san," Sushi Slice smiled warmly.
With a sigh, Hoshigari rested his arms on his hips. "Anyways... y'all wanna head back to our clan building?"
Suki-yummy and Ursalott glanced at each other. Suki-yummy blinked. "Huh?"
...
(Note: Yes, they did use the Starlight Recoil Clan Building Key to teleport back to the clan building)
>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---
-[Hidden Oni Kingdom of Yomotsuhana (Starlight Recoil Clan Building)]-
A surge of violet light spiraled through the ornate teleportation pad in the center of the clan lobby as the four rematerialized with a crackle of ethereal static.
The lobby was breathtaking—a fusion of traditional Oni aesthetics and sleek modern design. Lanterns hung from curved beams, digital signage shimmered above information counters. Wooden floors met glowing arcane panels. Clan member Ultyr's forge crackled off to the side, Sylva's potion station bubbled with vibrant mixtures, and one of Bea's cleaning clones drifted by humming with a broom and floating mop-bot.
Two Oni hologram receptionists, adorned in traditional formal attire, bowed respectfully at the new arrivals.
"The Hidden Oni Kingdom of Yomotsuhana, eh?" Suki-yummy muttered in awe.
As his eyes swept across the grand lobby, he whistled. "Woah... what a wonderful lookin' clan building lobby ya got here. It's like a 3 to 5-star hotel in here, wowie~!"
Ursalott, still in a stunned daze, looked around with wide eyes, childlike wonder dripping off his every expression.
Suki-yummy stepped to the glass sliding doors and witnessed a bustling Oni city beyond—market stalls, airships hovering in the distance, glowing shrine gates. He spun back to the group.
"So... where and how do you get to this place exactly?" he asked.
"That's a secret," Hoshigari smirked, unclasping his cloak and swapping his fox mask for his Spotter Goggles.
[Face Equipment (Swapped) - Spotter Goggles]
Sushi Slice stepped forward with a graceful smile. "Indeed. Anyways, welcome to Starlight Recoil's clan building! You may visit all the floors—except the basement level, our dorms, and the top floor. Those are private. Please enjoy your stay—and once again, welcome to the Starlight Recoil Clan."
The group moved deeper into the clan building, beginning a full tour. As halls unfurled with neon signage, the newcomers were introduced to the team.
As they also were getting ready to tackle and take on the upcoming mission that was assigned to them.
>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---<<<>>>---