Spiteful Healer

Aegis and Herilon walked side by side down the narrow, dark stone hallways of the Kordas Prison. Behind them followed Pyri, Lina, Rakkan, Darkshot, and Sapphire who was no longer wielding a carrot, but instead holding a disgusted look on her face as she glared at the back of Aegis head.

Ahem. Wait. Sapphire finally blurted out, unable to follow along silently any longer. Aegis and Herilon both stopped to look back at her, alongside the others. Youre really going to talk to those guys? They killed our entire guild and nearly sank this island. Sapphire raised her eyebrows. Hearing this, Herilon looked to Aegis as well, expectantly waiting for his answer.

Aegis didnt immediately reply, but quickly glanced between the others, meeting their eyes as the flickering flames of the torches lining the prison walls were reflected in them.

Shes kinda got a point. You really think these guys are gonna help us? Darkshot asked.

Even if they do, we cant really trust them I think Lina added timidly, avoiding Aegis eyes for a moment.

When we spoke before, he made it clear it wasnt personal. These dark network gamers, they just seem to care about money, not about picking sides. Aegis paused to see that despite his logical reasoning, he hadnt swayed any of his companions to his side.

I think talking to them for a solution to our current predicament is the right call. Pyri spoke up loudly, causing all eyes to turn to her. Makaroth and VGN will be knowledgeable on all of the standard methods to qualify us for the tournament, and will block them off. They seem determined to shut us out, so the only chance well have in participating is by asking for the help from these guys. Pyri landed her eyes on Aegis, and waited until she had his full attention. However Youre a bit too naive. She smirkd, ruffling Aegis hair for a brief moment.

What do you mean? He winced briefly.

The first thing those guys did when we talked to them last time was to try to let us know how much they hated streamers. What a great way to appeal to our group Pyri pointed at Aegis and Rakkan. Theyve done their research, theyre always going to say whatever they need to say, but its usually just pretty words. She placed her right hand on Aegis left shoulder. Youve dealt with plenty of bad people in your life, but most of them were upfront about it. These ones, Pyri motioned further into the prison in the direction theyd been heading. Theyre the deceptive, manipulative type. Theyll say anything in any situation to get the outcome they want.

Exactly. Sapphire nodded in agreement.

So we cant trust them. Rakkan nodded.

No, we cant. Pyri replied. But that doesnt mean we shouldnt use them. Just Pyri pulled her hand away from Aegis shoulder. Be ready for them to turn on you at any time. Never let your guard down, no matter how friendly they may seem. You should never, at any point, consider any dark network player your ally. They dont even consider each other allies. Got it? Pyri locked eyes with Aegis once more. Aegis was visibly thinking on her words for a moment before he returned her gaze and nodded.

Got it.

Okay. As long as we all understand that. Pyri smiled and tilted her head back again. Lead on.

Another brief moment of hesitation fell on the group until finally Herilon let out a shrug and a sigh and turned to continue walking through the prison halls. The others followed behind him down the narrow corridors around several bends until they approached the furthest prison cells.

Unlike the previous time theyd visited this place where there were 5 occupied cells, this time, there was only one. Sitting on the rudimentary, uncomfortable looking bed in the back of one of the cells was Finley, with a large old book in his hands blocking his face from view. Aegis stopped in front of the bars of his prison cell, with the others standing behind him as much as the hallway allowed.

Aegis was sure that Finley knew they were there, their footsteps had been clacking off the paved stone hallway the entire way up to the cell - but despite this, Finley didnt take his eyes off his book nor shift it even slightly to give a more clear view of his face.

Where are your friends? Aegis broke the silence.

Their sentences have long since been served. Finley replied.

Not yours, though?

No. Mine was a bit longer. I did wipe two entire guilds by myself, after all. Finley spoke nonchalantly.

While we were petrified. Sapphire growled back, causing a smirk to grow over Finleys face which Aegis barely spotted out from behind his book.

Were here to make a deal. We can get you out right away, if you help us out. Aegis said.

Hm. Finley finally lowered his book to look Aegis in the eyes. Ol daddy hasnt been playing fair? He smiled devilishly.

Youve been paying attention to whats been happening?

The entire world has been paying attention. Every broadcast is hyping up this sham of a tournament. The big showdown between Makaroth and Seraxus, or Feng, or whoever else. Finley shook his head dismissively. No mention of you, though. He pursed his lips to the side.

Theyve filled up all the registration slots for all 5v5, 3v3, and 2v2 tournaments. Theres no way for us to qualify using those standard methods. Aegis explained.

Hm. Finley grunted once more, this time placing his hand curiously on his chin. The amount of proxy players they wouldve had to hire for that would not have been cheap. I suppose, as big as this event is, its in their best interest to control it as much as possible. So, it makes sense. He mumbled to himself, loud enough that the others could hear him though.

Do you know of another way we might be able to earn the points required for the preliminary matches? Aegis asked him upfront. Finley stopped scratching his chin and stood up off the bed to step closer to the bars where Aegis stood.

Whats in it for me if I help you? Finley asked.

I told you, Id get you out of this cell right now. Aegis replied.

Nah. Finley waved this off quickly with his hand. What you are talking about is crashing a rigged tournament being orchestrated by the most powerful streaming network in this game world. Ive only got a week left on my sentence, youre going to have to do better than that.

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What do you want? Aegis asked apprehensively.

Well I imagine since youve had that big bump in viewers compliments of our invasion Finley walked closer, grabbing the bars in front of Aegis. Youve been getting quite a healthy stream of revenue, have you not? Players like me, were all about real world wealth. As he spoke, Aegis heard multiple people standing behind him sucking their teeth at him.

How much? Aegis asked.

Seriously? Darkshot groaned, but Aegis ignored him. Finley smiled at Aegis words, however.

One hundred thousand american dollars. Finley declared. His words drew out several gasps.

Who does this guy think he is? Sapphire grumbled. Aegis didnt immediately reply, however. Nor did he look back at his companions to see their approval or disapproval. He could feel their eyes burning into the back of his head, however.

Fine. Aegis sighed. Ill get Chax to transfer an equivalent amount to that in gold to you.

Ah, hang on. I didnt finish. Finleys smile grew devilishly large. Per person.

You mean you want us to pay that amount for each of us? Darkshot asked in disbelief.

You expect Aegis to pay you five hundred thousand dollars? After the shit you tried to pull on this island? Rakkan shouted angrily. Aegis, too, was taken aback. He had only just earned those amounts, and his mind hadnt fully comprehended just exactly what was being asked of him. He found himself staring down at his feet for a brief moment, then turned back to look at Pyri, who was staring back at him with a blank expression.

Its your decision, do what you think is best. Pyri replied.

No way you pay this guy, right? Herilon scoffed, and it fell silent once more. I bet this guy doesnt even know how to qualify you guys, hes just going to take the money and run off. I wouldnt trust a word he says. He warned Aegis.

Tsk tsk tsk. For players like me, living in a network of scammers and cheats Your reputation is everything. Break your word once, and youll never be able to find players willing to team up with you, or make deals with you. I was able to convince my previous companions to work with me solely because my reputation is flawless. I never break an agreement, or go back on my word. Finley spoke confidently, stepping from the bars. He then slowly began pacing back and forth in the cell in front of them as they all watched his every move intently.

Theres a method. Its a one off, meaning if we mess it up, its over. Youd need the help of a lot of proxy players, which I can get given my standings within my network. But to pull it off, you need to really know what you are doing. Especially on this short of a time frame that you are asking. I doubt youd be able to find someone else to do it cheaper. He paused to smile at Aegis once more. You were right to come to me, Im most likely your only chance to get into the tournament. But if my fee is too high for you, you might as well just give up on attending.

Aegis listened intently, as did the others, but did not immediately reply. There were several other protests that were muttered under breath by Rakkan, Herilon, Sapphire, and Darkshot. Pyri and Lina however remained completely silent. Pyris words rang out through Aegis head, reminding him not to trust Finley so easily, but her silence was deafening under the current situation. When Aegis turned to look back at her for guidance, she simply stared back expectantly, leaving him to look to Lina.

Lina wasnt much help either, she returned a worried stare of uncertainty, and a shrug, causing Aegis to sigh at himself and turn back to Finley.

Alright. Aegis cleared his throat. Ill hire you to qualify all of us, for five hundred thousand dollars. Aegis words silenced the murmuring of the others. But, no payment until the job is done.

Hm. Finley eyed him carefully. And now, how can I trust you?

Pfft. Seriously? Sapphire blurted out.

What? You think because hes walking around as the Harbinger of Light, hes beyond deception? Finley shook his head at Sapphire.

Aegis would never trick and lie like that. Lina spoke loudly on his behalf.

Im sure you all believe that. Me, on the other hand, not so much. Payment upfront.

No chance. Darkshot shouted.

Dont do it, no shot hes going to help you once hes got his money. Herilon commented.

Half up front, half when the job is done. Thats the final offer. Aegis announced after a moment of consideration.

Fine. Finley smiled. Deal. You have my word, I will do my best to make sure your qualify for the preliminaries of this upcoming monthly tournament. He extended his hand out through the bars to shake Aegis. Aegis stared at the hand for a moment, hesitating. Eventually, though, he relented and shook it, much to the dismay of some of his nearby companions.

I hope you know what youre doing. Sapphire shook her head disapprovingly.

He made the right choice. Once you see the method, youll quickly come to realize that I truly was your only option. Finley replied to Sapphire on Aegis behalf, then motioned to the bars. Now. Do you mind getting me out of here? Weve got work to do.

Ugh Herilon groaned in frustration and began fidgeting with his interface. Ill let Quinn know the situation. She wont be happy.

Within the following 15 minutes, the group of players were stepping out of the Kordas barracks and onto the streets, under the bright sunlight. This time, their group was one player bigger, Finley bringing up the rear. The moment he stepped out into the sun, he stretched his arms high up towards the sky and sighed.

Ah freedom. I missed the warmth of the fake virtual sun. He cheered with a heavy hint of sarcasm in his voice. The others all turned around to watch him expectantly, waiting for him to finish his moment. When he lowered his arms, he met their eyes and smiled. Lets get down to business, shall we? He suddenly motioned towards the nearby street, where another player could be seen approaching.

Cheryl, with her bright pink hair waving in the wind, walked forward hastily with a big smile on her face.

What the hell is she doing here? Lina snapped angrily.

Oh dont get so defensive. Im here to help. Cheryl smiled as she stepped out of the crowds of the street to stand beside Finley at the base of the barracks steps.

If we want to pull this off, were going to need her help. Finley explained. Ive already been notified of a gold transfer from your friend Chax, so, I suppose we should get started right away. The quicker we get this done, the better. The method I am proposing will take exactly 16 hours. One mistake, and it all falls apart. So you must all follow my instructions to the T. Got it? If you guys mess it up, theres no refund.

We can follow your instructions. Aegis spoke on behalf of his group.

Good Now, Finley turned to Cheryl. Which one first?

Lina. I can do her best. Cheryl replied excitedly.

Right. Good. Lina, come with me. Finley motioned her over, but she didnt respond and instead stared at the pair of players like they were crazy. This caused Finley to sigh in frustration. Whatd I just say? Follow my instructions exactly. He glared at Aegis, who turned to Lina.

Go, itll be okay. He wants his money, right now hes got a good reason to not turn on us. Aegis nodded to her, which finally prompted Lina to step forward.

Okie dokie. Ill start. Avatar of Loki: Lina! Cheryl cheered, suddenly transforming into Lina as a perfect copy.

Heh? Lina looked at her copy with wide eyes.

Why? Aegis looked at Finley in confusion.

We need to keep them guessing for as long as possible. Like I said, this plan is a one off, and if VGN figures out what were up to before were done, its over. The less you know, the better, because I need you streaming the entire time so they dont suspect anything. Ill rotate your party members out one by one and qualify them using my method, and well utilize Cheryls avatar skill to hide the fact that your members are missing. Finley explained.

Your jobs He then motioned to everyone else other than Lina. Is to just keep training and act like nothing is happening. Got it? Finley said, and they all nodded back reluctantly. Good. The Training Hall of Kordas is that way. Finley pointed towards the western section of the bustling city. Stream on, right away. Cheryl, dont forget to act like Lina to the best of your ability.

You mean, act like Aegis girlfriend? No problem! Cheryl cheered before running over and grabbing onto Aegis' right arm. Aegis quickly shook her off though as he saw a look of pure rage appearing on the real Linas face.

Cmon, youre with me. Finley motioned Lina to follow him before he began walking into the streets of Kordas.

Itll be fine. Trust me. Aegis said to Lina, causing her to hesitantly nod back and follow after Finley. Once Lina and Finley left, the others all found themselves glaring at the fake Lina.

Guys, you really need to work on your acting skills. If you cant pretend Im the real Lina, this just simply isnt going to w-w-w-work. She faked a shy stutter at the end of her sentence before walking forward, leading the group in the direction of the Kordas training grounds.

I feel like were all really going to regret this. Darkshot sighed, but was the first to start following behind her.

If it gets us to the tournament to crush Seraxus, itll be worth it. Rakkan replied, following as well. Pyri, Herilon, Sapphire and Aegis went closely behind them.

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