Duel Falling Tragedy

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Oreki vs. Kagura





Insomnia

Level 58
58 × 5 = 290
Human Bonus: 10+10+10+15 in Str, Spd, Vit, M.A.
Strength: 71 + 10 = 81
Speed: 71 + 10 = 81 × 2 = 162
-Reaction: 81
-Movement: 81
Vitality: 71 + 10 = 81 × 2 = 162
-Stamina: 81
-Durability: 81
Haki: 51 x 2 = 102
-Armament Haki: 81
-Observation Haki(Precognition): 21
Martial Arts: 25.5 + 15= 40.5 × 2 = 81
-Ittoryu/Nitoryu: 81

Remaining points: 0.5

"Speech"
Narration
Thoughts
Action

In this wicked world, people don't get winning conditions. No matter the situation everyone meets the same dead-end ultimately without exception. Consequently, for that reason, people have created their own "win condition" to suit their laws. From a more comprehensive perspective, these valuable beings are but a joke. Hearing all this makes people want to be a part of it. No matter the decisions they arrive at, the judgment will come to them from god-knows-where. Even if they accept this criticism this world has given to them they will still this game of life. Their activities were not brought out upon free will.

Nero, the man in a blue jacket, a dark crimson shirt, black pants with military-style combat boots, and a sword on his back, was passing through the downtown area of Insomnia city and following the road to the northeast. Sparse forests appeared on both sides of the road, and Nero could start seeing the lingering snow on the ground. It was so cold that he could see his ragged, white breath escaping into the atmosphere. It was a few days ago. As Nero was free that's right. he was definitely taking a break from his taxing days, without a care in the world until he was asked to come to this city by his partner in bounty hunter for god-knows-what-reason. There were no plans for Nero to carry, so he decides to come for a change.

Looking at the scenery from up here, Nero could see that the city was surrounded by mountains on all four sides. There were a few buildings, and probably because now wasn't the right season to plant anything, the fields contained only unmelted snow and some sparse leaves. After walking for a good time, Nero finally saw a bridge. That would be the bridge which goes to the main district of this city, it was an extremely old bridge. Everyone used their own feet or carriage to run across the land like a race, and the sound of commerce just kept going on and on.

No matter how you worded it, it was hard to be remembered by the people as anything other than a policy of aggression. On streets with numerous people passing through, any shop could be easily spotted.

"I guess this kind of thing isn't bad every now and then. I might be asking too much, but it would be more dignified to have little less crowd." Nero sounded like he was joking, but his voice carried a hint of seriousness as well.
 
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Level 55
55 x 5 = 275
Strength: 66+10=76
- 61-80: 4. Small Building Level
Speed:
51+25[+5]=81
81 * 2 = 162
-Reaction: 81
- 81-99 Massively Hypersonic Reactions
-Movement: 81
- 81-99 Massively Hypersonic Speed
Vitality:
51+10=61
61 * 2 = 122
-Durability:61
- 61-80: 4. City Block Level
-Stamina:61
- 61-80 Immense Stamina(Can do several big techniques or abilities)
Martial Arts:
46
46 * 2 = 92
-Brawler style – 71
-Hand to hand Combat - 21
Haki: 61
61 * 2 = 122
Armament haki – 81
- 81-99 Can coat full body with hardening. Can coat intangible attacks with, such as air slashes with hardening.
Observation haki – 41
- 1-100 Mastery: The user can sense anything within (Mastery x 2) meters of themselves when CoO is activated.

Narration
Thoughts
Speech
Actions

"Look out!" shouted NPC#1 "The Moose has hit the rocks!! Steer the ship more towards the left!!"

Two NPCs who were in charge of steering the gigantic red Galleon obeyed the commands of their superior and changed the direction.

It was the fault of the fog spread in the air obstructing the crew's vision. Thus even though the lookouts were perched in their stations were unable to alert the crew about the rocks. The rocks were almost submerged in the water were noticeable by their little heads popping out. Thankfully they did not do much damage to the Moose which had it's bottom covered in new metallic plates - a recent expenditure incurred.

"Furl the sails!" Someone shouted.

Instantly the giant floating sails began rolling and folding neatly in the wooden sail.The ship stabilized and jolted to a halt. The people within the ship started scurrying in hurry. NPC #1 started barking orders to the men while the chill in the air gave them goosebumbs. The atmosphere was exceptionally cold and the wind was blowing like whiplashes, mercilessly thrashing their skin with coldness.

The figure of a intensely red haired girl stood on the figure head of Appa, the moose. She wore a long black skirt with a metallic bat hooked to the waist. Her red scarf which was wrapped around her neck like a tie was flying in the air along with her red tresses. As soon as her pale blue eyes found the shore, she jumped and landed on the ground with a crunching sound.

"Snow" The girl muttered unamused. She looked around her as far as the fog would allow her to. Sparse greenery, wastelands, damp soil with a layer of snow. A bony little mama dog along with her equally bony puppies was hesitating to approach her. Her tongue hanging from the side of her narrow mouth, she looked tired but resolved to find food for her little pups. Hoping to find some food from the newly arrived guest, she kept looking at the girl. Ross returned the looks and now both of them were looking at each other. After a few seconds passed by, the mama dog was less scared and took a few steps forward. Her fur was ruffled and unkempt with a few patches of fur plucked off. Her pups were close at her heels, ready to follow their mum wherever she went.

Ross changed her gaze from the mama dog and looked towards the huge landforms obscurely visible in the reigning fog.
"Mountains." she muttered under her breath as her eyes grew accustomed to the fog. Infact there was a lot of these landforms bordering horizon.

Suddenly footsteps approached her from the behind. It was NPC #1 who handed her some warm cloths and a compass.

"Ah yes. Thank you" She said as she put the object securely into her pockets. She had a strange feeling from this place and she wanted to start with her mission which brought her to this chilly place. It was not just the air but the general setting which bothered her.

She started trudging her way towards the mountains hoping to find some local people.

Before leaving she added, "Give this dog something to eat, will you?"
 
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Insomnia place was no option for the rich or the cultured. The sign of the crudest battle of life, the rude work to be done, and the rude, strong workers who did it. The young bounty hunter Nero gazed out into this gloomy country with a face of interest, which showed that the scene was new to him. On the streets, most people were whispering among themselves. As Nero entered, and many a curious glance was cast at him

Even if the people around him were staring at him with strange eyes as he crosses up, Nero continued to walk. This was because Nero did not understand the meaning behind those strange eyes. The people in his surroundings had very deep and dark bags under their eyes. It should have been a clear sight, but the fog sealed the bright lights.

Nero gazed at the sky and frowned.

"Strange!" murmured Nero, as he stood in the red light coming from the shop he stood across and checked them secondly.

The glares of others were no longer on Nero. Surely enough, Nero wanted to buy a drink halfway through the course, the shop Nero had stopped was very expensive. Even though there were people here who would still probably buy it at a more expensive, this place was still expensive than a regular convince shop.

Nero lightly rushed over to the shop and called out in front of it. "Excuse me, one hot drink please." The one working the shop was an old, looking man.

"Here," Nero heard the shop owner's voice who passing Nero a hot drink; It was the sight of that which started to worry Nero. It looked to see it all clear at a glance, but it was not.
 
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Headed towards the mountains in order to eventually reach a valley of some sort, inhabitated by living people, Ross had headed out leaving her crew guarding the ship in the rocky sea shore. The coat which NPC #1 had given her was warm and gave off a slightly flowery scent reminding her of the care that came along with it. Wearing her long coat which almost reached the floor, she was headed to find life. But that was eventually becoming a tough task. For what seemed like half an hour, she had walked but surprisingly there was nothing to be found. The only things she came across were some skinny dogs - some luxuriously boasting an extremely dried bone caught in the middle of their teeth. The weather was still chilly but not enough to cause any disturbances in her movements or sight. In fact the fog was thinning down.

After travelling some distance, Ross found herself nearing the base of the mountain. The uneven street or whatever she was walking on was now continuing from amongst a series of odd looking dead tree trunks. The trunks were huge but dead. They must have been very large trees when alive but now they stood there lifeless.However, their afterlife wasn't completely meaningless as they provided support to a lasrge amount of wild ferns and crawling plants intertwinning themselves throughtout them. The crawlers have grown in huge numbers and spread from one trunk to another, blocking the light. What was formed was sort of a tunnel which was narrow and dark.

Ross kept walking because this was the way to the interior of the island and if she had to complete her mission then she would have to dive deep. So she came walking and entered the creepy tunnel. As she saw it closely she found that crawlers were dead too. The leaves were yellow and gave off a rotting smell. They were watery, probably from the melting of the snow which had accumulated on them. Due to lack of proper water and soil, the plants died.

The floor was covered with dead leaves and some sort of strange beetle feasting on the dead leaves.

The road was almost dark. Hardly any light penetrated through the thick crawlers and Ross was primarily walking straight ahead. She ws almost halfway when she heard a crunching sound.

She stopped immediately.

"Who's there?" she demanded. No answer came.

Then she burst into a smile. The setting was tricking with her mind. Surely it was dark and lonely, but chances were she was completely alone. If not, it might be one of those dogs. However, if this was really any human being, she would be relieved and greet them with open arms.

To break the silence, Ross activated her CoO to scan the surroundings and was amazed. The previously formed smile widened and she ran straight ahead at full speed. She seemed to be approaching what looked like the end of the tunnel because the light was brighter there and she could see the mountains. But instead of running to the mountains she took a turn and went towards the dead tree trunk in the far end of the tunnel. Supringly enough, a couple of teenagers were sitting behind waiting for her. She slowed down and tip toed as she neared the trunk. Slowly and slowly she moved on the tip of her toes and shouted "Hello there!"

The three teens sitting behind the trunk fell backwards at the sudden greeting. One of them even gave out a small shriek. Clearly they had not planned for someone to jump on them instead. Ross stood their amused carefully examining them. Their condition was pitiful. They wore rags for cloths, impossible feat for someone in this chilly weather. They were covered in grit and dirt with their hairs disheveled, and messy.

One of the teens seemed to have gained their composure and started moving quietly in order to retrieve a shard of glass which had previously falled off from their hands.

As he tried to touch it, Ross was there standing on it as she said "Hey you. Would you like to tell me what happened to this town?"

Waiting for an answer, she looked at them expectantly. Poor guys don't even have a proper knife for mugging, instead using a shard of glass. I would really like to know their story. Good grief! What a pathetic place to live in.

The teen who tried to take the glass has now receded back. He looked defeated along with the other two boys.

"Don't be afraid of me. I mean no harm. Tell me your......."

Before she could finish her sentence, the boys had sprinted away towards the mountains. Judging how malnourished they looked, they seemed to be running at quite a healthy pace.

I must not lose sight of them.

And with that, Ross was running right behind them maintaining some distance while she found herself approaching a hole in the foot of the mountain.
 
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Insomnia appeared to be a notably poor residence city when associated with the city of a local area. This city had presented him the impression that some uncertainty was dangling over his head, Nero had indeed reached a questionable and forbidding city.

"HEY!" Someone shouted. Nero was sure there was no one who would call Nero in this city when he turns his head what he saw was not hurt or the sorrowful voice of a kid there but an unfortunate sorrowful rage in the kid's eyes who has stopped Nero on his track. "Please!"

He said it without too much distress the boy did not speak much. He didn't seem to want Nero out of his sight, and the boy seemed agitated. A soft smile came across Nero's face before he realized it. "Is there something you want to say?"

Nero sighed. He was just wondering what he should say to this kid. What Nero saw in the eyes of that boy there was an emotion dawning on his face.

"Please save my friend! He's in the mountains!" He passed a hand over his face. "Please!" he cried out in a breaking voice.

Nero was left to his thoughts.

"I guess hell must look something like that," said a voice.

Nero turned and saw that two of the city officers had come towards Nero and was staring out kid.

"Stranger you should be careful in choosing your friends. Hanging out with these kids, there are a lot like them around this area." Nero was originally prepared to follow this kid towards the mountain, He saw this scene stopped and looked at the officer

"Have I ever asked you anything? Or do you take me for someone who can't do anything without the guidance of someone?" The statement had none of his characteristic sarcasm.

Insomnia was a place of terror, depressing than anything Nero has witnessed, and because of all Nero could not help but decide to along with the kid.
 
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These runts!
Ross was starting to lose her patience with the teens. They were trying to trick her. All Ross wanted was to be taken to the town but the teens were not leaving the mountains. They were running on the foothills and the scenary didn't change. It was the same wastelands. Ross was starting to lose it now. She was about to give up running after them had she not spotted smoke coming out from a distant chimney.

"Smoke..... That's where they are probably cooking something"

A new excitement rose inside her chest as she grew a tad more hopeful about this place. She found her new objective.

From the coarse of the rocky path, she changed her pace to the soft muddy land in order to follow the smoke. The grass was thicker in this side of the land. It did not take her long to reach the source of the smoke as she found herself standing in front of a huge dilapidated manor with large overbearing gates with the sign "Keep Out".

The gates were rusty and a few bars were broken. There didn't seem to be any guards at the front gate. Despite the rude sign, there didn't seem to be any kind of locks on the gates as they were held together only by a thin rope.

Ross didn't have any second thoughts. She untied the rope which gave off easily and entered the property. The gates creaked unwillingly letting her in. The fog, which was now clearer let her take in the view of what lay ahead. From the gates, there was this cobbled pavement which led to the manor. In between there was this what used to be a giant fountain. Now there is neither water not the mechanisms to keep it working. The whiteness of the marbles have been covered in soot and dirt. On the side of the pavement are beds of grass - atleast that's what it used to be. Due to lack of proper gardening, numerous weeds grew there. Pride had fallen; and what was left was reminiscence.

Ross had reached the front gates of the Manor itself. The old Manor which must been someone's prized property in it's prime. When one saw the remains, it would force them to think what has happened to cause this. What has made the changes. To lose the glory.

Ross scanned the front door for any booby traps or security den den mushi cameras. Her eyes scanned the pale brown wooden door infested with termites which had destroyed the handiwork. There were no bolts or knobs on the door.

"someone probably doesn't want anyone to enter. But I'm certain that this building is hiding something."

She pushed the doors but to her amusement, they wouldn't budge. She shook her head in glee and tried once again. They were probably locked from inside. But this was expected. This fact strengthened the resolve that she had to explore this place and this place is going to answer her questions. The smoke and the locked doors - what lied behind. Only time would tell.
 
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Nero climbed up the mountain road. Although it was not that cold, within mountains, the coldness was still enough to prickle one's skin, Nero had hurried off into the mountains where unbroken nature comes down to the very edge of the slag heaps. The shadow had fallen even darker over the valley. Nero glanced at Kid and at that moment, and said carelessly, "I'm Nero, what's your name?"

Several times Nero had observed the boy for the reply but even so the boy said nothing as he kept going on his track with the gesture of impatience in his eyes

Damn I am filled with curiosity about this town but Nero liked to make his discloser at his own time and in his own way; even so, an impatience looked followed on his eyes "Drr..." the smallest tinge of impatience had crept into the young man's voice. It was quite late by the time the boy stopped finally found their main destination.

Away from the mountain foot, there was a Manor. It was a traditional-style house, as though to express it belonged to a successful person. But as if it also belonged to someone who doesn't care, it was in poor condition. Next to the Manor's entrance was a swing covered in entangled ivies, apparently no longer movable. large gates with the sign "Keep Out". It was a clue that you cannot enter the property, yet the untied rope on the floor was an indication someone has just recently entered the Manor.

Nero had confidence that he would find some kind of hint by nightfall, although that confidence was unfortunately not backed by any good evidence. Deciding to start out by asking the boy some questions he looked at where the boy was standing but the boy was no longer there "This doesn't quite cut it." Nero could not even call it surprising.

Was he a ghost? Nero blinked in surprise at what he just thought to himself. It seemed he had not thought about that possibility. Nero turned towards the Manor and said, "Guess, I'm going"
 
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Ross was battling with cobwebs and dust which had engulfed her as she tried to move one of the many boxes piled up on the basement floor. The boxes were wooden like those which brings in cargo in a ship. They were huge and there were so many of them. They were left abandoned stacked up carelessly against the basement wall. As she tried to bring down one of them, the others came tumbling down spraying the air with years of collected thick dust. The new coat wore by the girl lost it's bright colour and she had to take it off from. There she stood in her usual attire looking attentively at the contents which had just fallen of the boxes.

Hard bound textbooks, parchments and folders. All grubby and smudged emitting a strong musty smell.

Something had piqued Ross's curiosity. It was a hard leatherbound folder titled "The Insomnia Project".

Strange. I wonder what this is all about.

Ross placed the folder on her lap as she sat down on the floor to examine it. She opened the flap binding it and turned the pages.

The pages were scribbled with multiple things. There were anatomy diagrams - not just of humans but giants, mermen and other races. There were mathematical formulas and various other stuff written in illegible handwritting.

Tipsteroids ......

Ross could make out this word. This word had been mentioned in a couple of other places.

While she was engrossed in the strange findings, she almost did not notice the silhouetted figure of beast lurking in the shadows.
 
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"No good, huh…" Nero sigh he was beginning to feel like he's not even close to getting any hint about the city's so-called Insomnia. To be more specific Nero was starting to lose hope to even find something valuable in this big house that had grown old and tattered, the windows were shattered and the bricks decaying. The stairs onward were twisted.

The webs dangled from the billowed in the flurry that moved the dust in the old mansion. There was this possibility that someone else has infiltrated this mansion before him. The untied rope, open door of the mansion leads Nero to this conclusion. His eye landed in a strange room.

"Was I correct about someone being here?" Nero had planned to not look any further in the hall area of the mansion and decides to go inside the first room his eyes have landed. He looks at the door. The bolt was torn free, but leaning inward, he advances into the room which appears to be a library. Nero's eyes, watering as they were, were everywhere at once.

The walls were filled with books. On the tables, there was a random stack of books. Dust accumulated everywhere as far as he could see, spider webs wove loosely around books, dirtied shelves, and stands

"I believe," said Nero in a calm, measured voice, "that I am trying to find forest without trees."

Even then he didn't have the time to waste on nothing as he walked toward the writing-desk to give a start to his search. He took a large breath and promptly choked on some dust, coughing a few times to clear his throat. When he cleaned the dust to check the title, it piqued his interest, the title of the next book in his hand was "The Keeper's Diary" the first page was all about instructions. It was a file authored by a researcher responsible for the "The Insomnia Project".

Nero wondered just what it could be, but since he couldn't think of a suitable answer no matter how much he thought about it he flipped the next page. The words he saw were not printed in a typeface. They had instead been carefully handwritten.

Day 1

I plan on writing everything about this. Today, a high ranking researcher took place in the laboratory. The Project name after this very city, As you may know, many plants have medical effects. Since ancient times, humans have been healing wounds and diseases using various plants.

In this research, we're planning to create herbs that grow around the Insomnia mountains and give their outlines as examples of those plants with medical properties. The main plan is to create a herb that recovers physical strength, cure any disease. By adjusting the amount and experimenting with these plants, we're trying to create various kinds of medicines.

At first, I didn't want to believe in my eyes. It was like an impossible dream to create a cure for any disease. But I can't give up hope. I have to hope that with my team I will create this cure.
"Huh..." Nero had the hunch that this diary belonged to someone who was part of some research. Having come to that realization, he closed the book and was ready to carry in his research about this mansion but before that, a falling something rang in his ear.

"Erm..." There was no trace of surprise on his face but a bitter smile, "I was right... there is someone else besides me"
 
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"GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR"

The beast gave out a blood curdling scream. Lucky for Ross, the beast had not jumped on her while she was busy with the leatherbound folder. Had it been so, then surely it would have been successful in extracting a pound or two of Ross's flesh. Another thing was it had decided to fully present himself in front of her.

It was a huge dog resembling an wolf. Probably the size an wolf would get when he gobbles up 2-3 more wolves. Whoever fed it was doing a remarkable job because the sheer size of the dog was something for the owner to be proud of. The coat was noticeably glossy and well kept as if someone has been shampooing and combing it regularly. The claws were shiny and trimmed. The eyes were a bit droopy and the dog was drooling like anything. Globs of his drool kept falling on the basement floor as it kept growling. Seeing the unexpected visitor, the dog had been continuously eyeing Ross not letting her go for one minuscule second.

Hearing that growl, the girl had leaped up from the floor, took a step back and taken a defensive position, with one of her hand rest on the hilt of her trustworthy bat, ready to use it if necessary. While at it, Ross also took the liberty to activate her CoO and assess her opponent. But as she did, she also took the liberty to scan the manor which she should have done the moment she came in through the broken window. If she fell victim to surprise attacks, the fault was her own.

She bit her lips in desperation.

Damn it! I have let my guard down.

Her sensors caught a couple of things. A few balls of life laying scattered in the upper floors..... a bigger ball of life along with a smaller one.....

The dog, sensing ignorance gave out another growl and to her surprise, took a few steps forward. The droopy eyes were emitting a bit of ferocity and Ross was eager to meet it's master.

I must meet with the dog's owner.

The dog leapt on her! Ross narrowly dodged the dog's huge body and stepped to her side and then dashed towards the smaller balls of light which she had sensed earlier.

I must not waste any more time than I have already done.

The huge dog, being rudely dodged had fallen on some of the boxes - crushing them with his humongous weight. But quickly rose from his fall and dashed after Ross with equal determination screaming for blood. The screams were echoing in the walls and the silent manor once more sprung to life.
 
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"Anybody here?" Nero shouted, his deep voice echoing through the chilly room. "I'm sure there is someone" He jogged toward a row of arches at the back of the hall.

"GRRRRRRRRRR"

"What's with this fantasy-like kind of scream?" is what was floating through Nero's mind. Voice, no matter how many times he tried to compare it, was not the same as any other wild beast. But the main problem right now was not that. Currently, there was some beast inside this mansion.

Nero, who looked like he had adapted to this nature, gave a wry smile. "Indeed, the degree of flexibility in my mind can't match up to this weirdness......"

He smiled faintly, there was unpleasant and dangerous, but it was a relief that Nero wasn't scared of them to the least; These beasts wouldn't as terrible as his imagination had led him to believe upon hearing those first savage cries.

He moved slowly toward the room where the sound comes from, past the steel autopsy table and trays of shining equipment, finally stopping in front of the door.
 
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Oh shit

Ross could help but curse out loud seeing that they have come to a dead end. A large oak door stood menacingly in front of them, refusing to budge. The dog was fast for his huge size. From the anger which boiled inside him for not getting a touch of Ross, the anger was rising with each second as it came pelting after her, knocking off rickety old furniture and what not. Nowhere seemed like a good enough space for this humongous creature to pass in without knocking off a couple of things. He had created a trail of mess following Ross all the way from the basement through the numerous hallways and strange rooms. Ross had taken a good look of what she passed and when. Having the dog at heels, was experimental. If she wished she could have shown this dog stars in daylight but she wanted to keep him alive to lure out it's master.

The huge oak door stood before them. Ross skidded to a halt. As she did it she could hear the ferocity of the dog getting louder and louder. It was almost nearing the red haired girl.

She merely stood there as if waiting to greet some guests. The dog saw that Ross had stopped running which gave him newfound rage and urge to tear her head off. The snarled more wildly and bared his fangs and increased it's speed. Ross waited. Without even a shred of doubt, the dog took a huge leap and went straight for the head. Ross waiting as the fangs were inches away from her head and then at the right time gave a casual dodge as the dog couldn't control his own weight in midair and crashed on the door lying ahead.

The weight of the dog was too much for the old door as it crumbled underneath. The huge doors were unhinged from the walls and they shuddered noisily on the floor, enveloping everything in a cloud of thick dust and flying splinters. Ross waited for the smoke to settle down. The figure of a tall young man with spiky black hair materialized in front of her. He was wearing blue jacket, a dark crimson shirt, black pants with military-style combat boots. He carried a large sword on his back.

Ross was immediately steadying herself for attack. The strong ball of light which she had sensed earlier was definitely his. He looked strong. She felt satisfied that truth had presented themselves in front of her. Now was the time for answers.

She couldn't wait for interrogation. But if only it would be that easy - with that huge sword on his back. His unique blue-red eyes looked determined

So you finally decided to show yourself huh? Took you long enough. It is time for some answers.

She readied her weapon to strike him.

I have played enough of your little games! Now take this! Heavy Metal!!
 
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Several seconds passed before Nero realized someone's footsteps approaching him. He heard these soft footsteps on the other side. Then boom raged, and the door suddenly destroyed. Another boom and crack shook the all dust in the air, enough for Nero to have blurry vision for few moments.

Gradually his vision started to clear. He blinked. Someone was standing in front of him looking towards him. It was a girl. Her red hair which is tied into two side ponytails flowed past her shoulders, and her sailor uniform suited her very well. She was tall for a girl, while it was clear from her reaction that she wasn't from here.

I have played enough of your little games! Now take this! Heavy Metal!!
It was a girl he didn't recognize. Yet upon seeing Nero, she accused him of something he's not aware of, he shrugged, hoping his face didn't betray how annoyed he was. How was he supposed to know what was going on? Her statement didn't make much sense to Nero, but he shrugged and looked at her. She seems annoyed.

"I don't have the faintest idea what you're saying" he replied, but from his tone seemed confused about the whole thing. Nero hurriedly stopped his pointless thoughts and almost at the same time, jumped backward. Also, this was the perfect opportunity to test out her strength. Now feeling genuinely curious about her strength. He focused the weight of his body on the right foot before moving his sword back slightly, then lifting his left foot due to the inertial weight of the sword and shifting the weight to the left side of the body, thus converting the strength in the swinging motion inside the legs and waist from the hands to the tip of the waist into the power for the sword swing to unleased air slash toward the girl in front of him. With a more relaxed expression on his face compared to before, Nero bid his time and then, loudly shouted out. "That dog definitely not mine"

Name: Horizontal
Requirements: 41 Mastery, 41 Strength
Destructive Potency Rank: B
 
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The Insomnia Project ............... Tipsteroids

Giant dog ............ Mysterious mansion

A sword slash


A mass of swept air was sent lashing at her. As it approached her several words came flickering in her brain - her recent learning ever since she had stepped in this house.

I have to dodge .... I must dodge ...... I should dodge no?

"Why the fuck am I not dodging?" She was annoyed and irritated. A few curse words came flying out of her mouth.
With a swift movement of her right leg, she side stepped as the slash almost grazed her body.

I need answers...

She focused her eyes at the man who had presented himself in front of her and tried to meet his gaze. She braced herself for another attack, if any. This time it might be so she would not be able to dodge. She took her stance, holding the bat with both of her hands.

But that instant, behind came a sound of sad whimpering. It grew intense turning into a full blown cry of anguish.

The dog. It's body has been sliced open. Emitting a full pitched cry, the beast was violently trembling in pain while a pool of blood formed around him.

Ross was shocked. The same beast who brimming with so much life was now a shuddering mess of blood. She had so many mixed thoughts. Her heart was thumping exuberantly, her veins pumping hard and brain hyperactive. She was astounded by the sudden event.

Something reminded her she shouldn't take her eyes off the stranger.

She looked back at him, her heart pounding in her little chest.

"So you are not the owner of the dog. I get it. I - - I am Ross. What is your name?"

While she did so, she couldn't take her eyes off the sword he was holding. Something was very menacing about it.
 
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A grin floated upon Nero's lips as he saw the beast's sliced by his slash. his flesh had been sliced open, and blood spluttered out like a fountain. Soaked in blood from head to toe as the beast lay there helplessly while moaning in pain. And that beast died powerlessly as if he was the prey standing before a powerful monster.

"So you are not the owner of the dog. I get it. I - - I am Ross. What is your name?"
She was only holding a bat if to prove that she wasn't thinking to let her guard down, a sharp, focused aura oozed out of her. Against someone like her, the impression Nero getting that she wasn't the kind of person who didn't want to accept the difference between her and her opponent's strength easily.

Nero was thinking to himself that he had heard of that name before, speaking so elegantly and bearing such dignified appearance, showing up in such a house, one would not be able to help but wonder if they were hallucinating. What she's looking for? While pondering over it, Nero was confused and could not think of anything to do other than the answer to the unfathomable entity, "It's Nero."

Nero's stare continued, and Ross was on her guard. He let out a helpless sigh "There's no need to be cautious of me, I'm not planning to harm you." He spoke as he formed an amiable smile.

There was much more to think about than this current situation. These beasts seem to have the capabilities to surpass their physical limits, and this would result in their strength being multiplied several folds. Nero sighed nevertheless, he has collected the necessary intel.

"What are you doing right here?" Nero said this as he slowly resheaths his sword.
 
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The tension relaxed while Ross heard the man speak out his name. To add more, he assured her that he meant no harm paired with a friendly smile. Nero's face looked younger and she guessed that he should be not much older than she was.

Ross slumped down on the floor, placing her bat beside her. It seemed there was no requirement of violence as of now.

She was feeling much easy now. Her heart was beating harmoniously and the blood shooting into her brain had stopped. She was no longer that angry.

Instead the next question which he asked, made her raise an eyebrow in surprise.

"What are you doing right here?"
Now what do I say. Should I reveal everything? Ross tried to control her expressions as much as possible so as not to show it to Nero as she argued within her mind if she should tell him about her true purpose. She was not even sure if Nero was an undercover Marine or even worse a Cipher Pol agent. He could be some notorious pirate too.

But she had to say something. Getting into a fight with Nero inside this manor would be the last thing Ross would want to do. All the evidences and research work would be demolished. A small mistake could throw her farther from her goal.

Ross smiled back at him. "Have you heard of the Insomnia project?" Then she added some of her own thoughts. "This town is not a normal town. We have intel that this town have been home to several illegal research works. Given it's surroundings and the mountains protecting it from all sides, this town is isolated and lawbreakers can come and go as they please. What more, the research work is being funded by patrons - some belonging to this very country. I came here to find out more about the drugs."
 
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"Have you heard of the Insomnia project?" Then she added some of her own thoughts. "This town is not a normal town. We have intel that this town have been home to several illegal research works. Given it's surroundings and the mountains protecting it from all sides, this town is isolated and lawbreakers can come and go as they please. What more, the research work is being funded by patrons - some belonging to this very country. I came here to find out more about the drugs."
Just by listening to her explanation, one would think that she cares too much about this. Or that she would like others to think that she's such a person. But Nero would think that way only because I'm Nero, merely a Bounty Hunter.

That said, Nero couldn't help but look at Ross cautiously. Does this girl have some sort of intelligence network that collects the information? He was thinking she could be a government agent if that's the case, shouldn't this information be classified? Well, there was a limit to the information one could find, after all. If her purpose is the information itself, then achieving the said result will fulfill that purpose. Though Nero sense another layer being added to such a bothersome definition, it just felt cruel if Nero withheld such information. As usual, Nero himself is not aware of what he's getting himself involved in.

Nero looked once again at the girl called Ross. Her gaze had a sort of power that seemed like it wouldn't accept a foolish answer as a response. Feeling overwhelmed by this, Nero's brain instantaneously began recalling all the information he possessed thus far. he replied meekly, "Among the other things yeah"

As he said that the wind blew in through the broken windows, so cold that it was as if his cheeks were being cut. At the same time, those broken windows brought in a little light into the darkness. It seems Nero's eyes have gotten used to the dark.

"My head hurts with all the things going on here and you just confused this situation even more" Nero spoke in a subdued voice. "Though I have come to know about Insomnia project while I was in a library of this mansion, checking out some books but there doesn't seem to be a lot to cover. But we can check out further if you may"

Nero still held distrust to Ross, who seems to know a lot about this. So for the time being Nero decides to hide "The Keeper's Diary" to her that has with him in his jacket.
 
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"Though I have come to know about Insomnia project while I was on a library of this mansion, checking out some books but there doesn't seem to be a lot to cover. But we can check out further if you may"
"That is a very noble idea. Infact that is the very reason I was drawn to this manor because I saw ... " She paused as she widened her eyes at the next word she was uttering "SMOKE!" She nodded her head incredible as if her listener would not believe it. "Smoke in this ancient of a house... Do you know what that means?" Her voice lowered into a whisper. "We are not alone here" As she uttered those words she hastily took one glance at her right and then to her left.

There was a sudden quietness which had crept to this room. The room has become chilly. Cold wind was seeping in through a broken window and Ross started to miss her coat.

But Ross had more to tell him. Now that she had already mentioned about the Insomnia Project to Nero, she must continue, in order to see if he was really someone to be trusted or not. Ross also knew that the name of the project was a new find but the letter which had arrived to her along with the mission also contained a newspaper cutting. The article covered a strange incident which happened on this very island 20 years ago where a trading ship was caught red handed with 30 tonnes of some strange powder. The smuggling was reported by a wealthy businessman who found one of his ships stolen. This very ship was later found about 100 kms away from here on another island containing huge amount of that powder. The ship was obviously confiscated by the marines who had not revealed anything about that mystery powder. But one could guess that those were definitely not 30 tonnes of wheat flour.

"You know, Nero. This island was being suspected of manufacturing an unknown chemical. The Marines and the World Government have burnt the whole place down. They have skimmed through every nook and cranny of this island and everything found suspicious have been taken away. But my sources say that they were hoodwinked. Something has led me to believe that the manufacturing still continues."

Ross waited to hear his reaction.
 
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"Smoke in this ancient of a house... Do you know what that means?" Her voice lowered into a whisper. "We are not alone here" As she uttered those words she hastily took one glance at her right and then to her left.
-oh right, it was because of the dog. She might have felt there was someone else to along with that dog, huh. Nero's eyes were moving around to see the house, the clock he saw on the wall was broken, he didn't know the exact time, but it felt like thirty minutes at least has passed. It was like a bunch of ancient times had been locked in this house and came out now to lengthen the gap. Nero raised his lips sarcastically and said. "Well, we're getting a bit too noisy to be left alone, you see."

Nero had no idea whether his words got through to her, but Ross was in thinking before she spoke again.
"You know, Nero. This island was being suspected of manufacturing an unknown chemical. The Marines and the World Government have burnt the whole place down. They have skimmed through every nook and cranny of this island and everything found suspicious have been taken away. But my sources say that they were hoodwinked. Something has led me to believe that the manufacturing still continues."
Watching as Ross shut her mouth, Nero's eyes moved about in a rare display of confusion. Because to be honest, he had no idea what she meant. He had mixed feelings and smiled bitterly while he sighed. "No, that's the first time I am hearing this,"

Once again, Nero had a thoughtful expression for a moment. Unexpectedly, this Ross is quite suspicious herself. "Yeah well... you have done your research. But just take a look around you. It's undeniable truth this place no longer has anything to offer besides the discomfort feelings it gives"

He paused a few seconds, like giving his words time to sink in. "Who knows I can be wrong, and we got plenty of time. We may as well look around and confirm the fact ourselves, huh?"

As he said this to Ross, he returned a confused expression.
 
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Walking though the hallway Ross ventured into an unknown path which once served as the birthplace of mass homicide. She was looking cautiously as she moved. While she walked she mused over the thought of how she had kept in information from revealing to the man she had just met. He was not yet trustworthy. She could never reveal the information about the strange chemical compound found in tonnes in the trading ship. She thought that such a huge quantity was not possible to be manufactured in this mansion itself. There might be more mysterious mansions like this strewn across the whole goddamn city. Who knew what else this Insomnia city was hiding. Who were those boys who attacked her in the mountains? Who was responsible for the smoke coming out of the chimney? What is the true intention of Nero? Even though Nero had decided not to continue the fight which had started and agreed on exploring this mansion, Ross could not figure out what might be his true intention. It could be possible that he was a spy from the Government and shared the same sentiments like herself that the mansion should not be damaged before finding something. That something which Ross was after too. Then a thought dawned over Ross. This experience had just turned into a race. The race to find the "something" hiding in the mansion. Whoever finds it first would have the upper hand.

She could not lag behind. She had to find it before Nero - for the sake of the innocent people who were killed by it. For the sake of a safe future. For the sake of a better world.

The path had led her to a huge room. As she entered it, she found herself in a bedroom. There was a four poster bed with ragged curtains. The mattress was moth eaten and dirty. There was a central chandelier with missing decorations gathering a mass amount of cobwebs. There was a dresser with drawers drawn open. The mirror beside was cracked. On the floor laid an enormous carpet spread across a huge area. The carpet was colorful and in much better condition than the rest.

Ross stood on the edge of the carpet looked at the chandelier above. Then she moved around to examine the place.

After a few minutes have went past, she noticed an odd thing. A line of tiny spiders were crawling on the dust strewn floor and they were headed straight under the carpet. Ross went a bit closer and stared at them. She looked around to see where they were headed to. They didn't seem to come out from under the carpet. She bent down and studied the carpet. She peeled the carpet from the floor. It seemed to come off easily. She peeled a little more. She went on rolling the carpet to make way for the spiders. As she did so, she found the spiders disappear under a crack into the floor.

Hmm that's odd.

She had now taken the carpet completely off the floor and what she saw made her eyes pop. There was a hidden door under the carpet!

She stepped on the door and as expected, it was creaking. Something hollow was inside. She tried to open the door by sliding her fingers through the crack. But her fingers were not surprisingly that thin.

I have no open but to break this open.

She stroked the door with her bat with a considerable amount of power and took down half of the woodwork. There was enough space to look down and find out what lay behind. She peeped in. There were even more strange apparatus and devices. It looked like a laboratory.

Well, that's some finding! Ross was relieved. She was certain an underground laboratory was definitely going to give her more clues about the Insomnia Project.
 
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