02:50 IST, Twentieth day, First month, 3079 PV | Lokan System / Lokan III / Random Forest
We are being pursued by unknown hostiles. Not only did they figure out how to interdict our ship, but they then proceeded to destroy it. Thankfully, we managed to escape onto a nearby planet where we have been stranded.
Naturally, just ten minutes before we can shift out, the hostiles detect our presence and start pursuing us. Classic, though at least Ray and I now have some combat training.
We run through the very dense forest, passing by dozens of trees in the blink of an eye. These augmentation kits combined with inae telekinesis really are nice.
Initae:"Currenty tracking one hundred thirty seven hostiles, including fifteen mechs, six gunships, and thirty two ships of varying size in orbit. Keep your defensive barrier up at all times. Seven minutes until we can shift out."
Ko:"Roger, Ms. Transcendent."
We continue running, although it starts to feel like the entire world is shaking. I start to hear massive booms in the distance. Presumably from the mechs that are pursuing us. I also notice a low humming sound coming from the sky. Whoever is pursuing us, really wants us dead.
Initae:"Drop to the floor, now!"
We instantly comply, dropping as low as we can. Moments later a few centimeters above us, everything is vaporized. Like, gone, almost as if it wasn't there. I can smell the smoke and singing of flesh in the air.
Initae:"Sevran, I guess we have no choice but to fight. Ray and Ko, stay as low as you can, cover yourselves with as thick of a barrier as you can."
I immediately form a very thick inae barrier. While I am doing this, Initae assumes her combat maid form (which if it wasn't for the situation, we would've probably started laughing at) and her blades and armor appear. However, this time she seems to radiate something. Almost like she is projecting a field that says 'come near me and you die'.
She surrounds herself with an inae barrier the likes I have never seen. It almost appears as though it is solid, but it still has the glowy texture that you'd expect of raw inae. Moments afterwards, several projectiles impact and are instantly vaporized against her barrier.
Initae:"Oh my, they've done it now. You guys might wanna cover your ears."
After she says this, several hundred projectiles appear out of the air. Each made out of pure inae and practically overflowing with inae. At this moment, she has a devilish grin on her face. She is definitely enjoying this.
At the edge of the vaporized area appears several large mechs. Easily 15m tall and loaded with weapons. They appear completely black, with no notable identifiers.
About three seconds after they appear, Initae releases her barrage. They get vaporized. Along with nearly everything within a 200m radius. I feel a massive pulse of energy hit against my barrier, but it is able to resist. The mechs are gone, along with anything else that was nearby.
Initae:"All mechs destroyed, still detecting fifty four ground hostiles as well as ships. Get up you two, we are moving. About three minutes until we can shift outta this hellscape."
Ray and I stand up, I still maintain a pretty thick barrier around us. We began to run opposite the direction where the mechs appeared. Initae says something about having to deal with those nuisances.
Ko:"Hey Ray, how you doing?"
"I'm doing great! This is so much fun! Did you see Initae? She was so cool!"
"Yeah, this is kinda exciting! Though I'd rather not have the whole death chasing us part."
Initae:"Im glad you two are enjoying yourself, though if you weren't here I could easily vaporize them all. Silly mortals are so weak."
Neither of us can come up with a good retort, so we just run for several minutes in silence. This is truly fun. I can't remember the last time I was so excited and exhausted at the same time. This has nothing on a FPS game, even the most highly advanced LinkMMOs can't compare.
Initae:"Alright, time for us to skip this place. Though I would love to stick around and dance some more, these folks are really starting to get annoying. They seem to be preparing to just glass the entire planet."
Ko:"Well then, let's be outta here before they do so."
Ray and I grab onto Initae and we feel the familiar feeling of shifting. Moments later we are sitting inside the Grand temple of Risia Bastion. Ray and I immediately collapse onto one of the nearby seats. Initae sends of several strings of raw inae, likely messages to various places.
Ray:"That sure was quite fun. I can't believe they were actually trying to kill us! Also that beam thing was soooo cool. And Initae was also crazy strong! To think how much she must've been holding back because of us…"
Ko:"To think that maybe one day I could wield at least a fraction of that power…"
Initae:"Well, I don't know if you'll quite get all the way there, but definitely at least a part of what I used. Also for your information, I wasn't just holding back because of you. I don't wanna just casually destroy entire ecosystems, it requires a lot of annoying paperwork and bureaucracy."
Ray:"Makes sense, filing paperwork is such a pain."
Ko:"Werent you going to school to be a lawyer? You'd think you'd have to at least somewhat enjoy paperwork."
"If anything, lawyering made me hate paperwork even more. I even went into trial law, but there is still so much paperwork. I must've gotten seven digital papercuts a day."
"Sounds rough, I'm glad I pursued the NEET career. No paperwork involved! Didn't even have to file taxes."
"Lucky, that's what you get when you have an infinite source of wealth."
"Pff, I'm sure I woulda managed NEEThood even without my father's money. A true NEET can survive by many means. Including taking advantage of friends rather than family."
"Wow, I didn't know there was a meta to NEEThood. Guess everything nowadays has a meta."
"Yup, sure. I'm sure even intergalactic space combat has a meta."
Initae:"Youd be somewhat correct. Currently the standard is just a ton of battleships and using cruisers to send boarding parties. Its highly efficient, since breaking through proper repulsor shields is quite difficult usually."
After Initae says this, several people rush into the temple, including Sage Qualtrak. They immediately start conferring with Initae about stuff that is probably quite important. As an ascendent of the transcendent, and thus second in command. I should probably join in, but eh, that's too much effort for my worthless NEET self.
Instead, I move to sit right next to Ray and proceed to lean against her. I get a comment about how much of a worthless NEET I am. But I have already accepted this fact about myself, so it doesn't really bother me. If anything, it's nice to have some semblance of normality after a bit of craziness.
After all, we are the Moonlight Duo. I'm sure the universe will forgive a bit of laziness and healing every now and then. If anything, showing our more human side to the public might even make us more popular. I mean, there are many net streamers that basically just show their tedious daily lives and tens of thousands tune in to watch.
Initae's meeting seems to wrap up and the various officials depart. She then comes over to speak with us.
"Well, good news and bad news. Good news first: It seems that the IEC hasn't disqualified you two from the trials. Bad news: they are only willing to offer you third place, and you must still complete the last three altars. Though they are allowing the Order to assist with transportation."
Ko:"What! But why should it negatively affect us, we were shot outa the sky! Due to a defect in their provided ship."
Ray:"This is absurd, they are even making us finish the trial still! Even knowing we will have last place."
Initae:"Well, it could be a lot worse. If you complete all the bonuses you'll still get a decent amount of points. Plus, since you two will be completing the altars after the others, all the attention will be solely on the two of you. Which is massive for publicity!"
Ko:"This still sucks, but I guess it's not the worst outcome possible."
Initae:"I suggest you two, especially you Kovon, go get some rest. You just saw your first combat technically. You must be exhausted mentally at least."
Ray: (while suppressing a yawn)"Hmm, Im still rearing to go. But I guess we should get some rest. I can't wait to dream about awesome mechas tonight!"
Ray and I then proceed to head off to our assigned quarters. Which are apparently my rooms that I stayed in as an Initiate. We collapse into the bed and fall asleep very quickly. I have been feeling quite drained, all this inae use sure does add up quickly.
17:00 IST, Twentieth day, First month, 3079 PV | Risia Bastion City / Grand Temple / Ko/Ray's Bedroom
"Hey, sleepyheads, wake up! Just because we are off that planet doesn't mean your combat training stops."
I wake up to a familiar call from none other than the godly transcendent being in the shape of a twentysomething girl. It seems that she is ready to torment us with relentless training once again. Ray still seems to be asleep so I not-so-gently shake her awake. When she awakens she gives me a weird look and gives me a light punch to the shoulder.
"Jerk, you could be a bit gentler, you know. I was having a wonderful dream. I got to fly around in a giant mecha suit and save the universe from an evil devil!"
"While that sure does sound nice, our own little devil is demanding that we start combat training once again."
"Ooo, great. I can't wait to be pelted by endless projectiles again."
Initae:"If it's any consolation, I, the magnanimous devil, have something else planned for your training. You'll be sparring against some visionaries that I voluntold that they would fight against you two."
Ray:"Wow, we get to fight some actual professionals! Maybe we will stand a chance!"
Several hours later, I can comfortably confirm. We did not, in fact, stand a chance. We were paired up against many visionaries and forced to fight for hours. Every single combat resulted in either Ray or I knocked right onto our behinds, or into a wall.
Initae:"Geez, you two can't even take a few visionaries. I know you're only at a low affinity, but these guys are only around medium. You shouldn't be failing so badly against them. Now get up, and continue working. No rest for the contestants."
Ray and Ko:"Yes Ms. Transcendent. Whatever you say Ms. Transcendent. All hail the holy Ms. Transcendent."
We then continue to train for who knows how long. Blow after blow. Slice after slice. Counter after counter. Dodge after dodge. We have started to draw quite a crowd around the ring. Apparently everyone is eager to see two contestants made absolute fools of in the ring.
Although, I can sometimes hear some people cheering in support of us. So perhaps it's not the worst thing ever. And to be fair, we are improving. At a 'not half bad rate' according to Initae. Whatever the klack that is supposed to mean.
After several more hours of training. We are practically about to collapse onto the floor. Thankfully, Initae decides we have had enough.
"Alright, that's enough for the day. Keep this up and you might reach medium within a year. Feel free to have the rest of the day off to go flirt around the city if you wish."
Ko and Ray simultaneously:"We don't flirt! It's just normal conversation!"
Initae just sighs in disbelief. Somehow not convinced no matter how much we tell her.
Ray and I then depart off into the city. Which is normal. The streets are filled with families, workers and members of the order. The skies filled with ships. The air with sweet floral scents. All is as it should be. A stark contrast to the hellscape we just escaped from.
Ray:"Let's go see if we can find a park. I hear they have some really cool lakes here!" She then grabs my hand and drags me down the street. I offer to fly us around, but she says that ruins the fun of exploring the city.
I gotta say, I kinda agree. Previously when we were just flying around we missed a lot. Its kinda nice just to stroll through the streets between the crowds. It still amazes me, it feels just like a normal city. Couples are just casually strolling down the street, hand (or gripper) in hand. People that are rushing back from shopping trips with full bags of groceries. There are many strong looking people carrying loads of materials. Members of the Order are just casually walking the streets, doing who knows what,
To think, there are tens of millions of such cities throughout the sanctum and universe. All full with millions or billions of people just going about their daily lives. All of them are probably aware of us and have been watching us during the trials. In fact, we draw quite a large amount of attention as we pass through. Though nobody bothers us, they might bow in deference to me briefly, but that's about it. We are just a normal pair of companions enjoying the wonderful city.
We wander around the city for a few hours. We explore parks, do some window shopping, and even buy a few things. Of course, we round off the day doing some bar hopping. We walk into one of our regular bars that is faintly human-styled. We sit down at the bar and the barkeep approaches us.
"My my, if it isn't the prodigious humans. What might I do for you today, fine peoples. The usual? Or are you feeling risky today? We'd love to hear some of your fantastical tales."
Ray:"Two of the usual for now. Though I'm feeling quite risky today, so maybe ill spice it up later."
Barkeep:"Sure thing miss. My dearest condolences, Ko-buddy. It looks like you're gonna have to drag a corpse home again."
Ko:"No need for condolences, I have gotten used to it by now. She does love to get blind drunk and leave me with the aftermath."
"Hey! I've never overdrank in my life. I always stop just before I die!" she says, while slurring her words slightly.
"You say that, but you got that bottle nought thirty seconds ago and a third of it is already gone. Also, remember back that time in Tokyo during our birthday trip. You got drunk literally every opportunity you had. We had to escape the brawls you started nearly a dozen times! At this rate you might as well go join the Arkan species."
An Arkan nearby:" Hear hear, we'd be glad to welcome you miss. You definitely have the spirit!"
The bar erupts into cheers of agreement. It seems I'm not entirely useless at crowd manipulation.
Ray:"Hmm, well then, if you'll have me. Next round's on me!"
About three hours later, a very familiar sight can be seen. Ray is slung over my shoulder, completely unconscious. We are walking down the street, though everyone seems to be averting their eyes. Probably at the stark contrast in her behavior. I swear, one day I'll convince her to set up her kit to automatically expel alcohol when she falls unconscious.
We make it back to the temple and Initae is standing outside the door, waiting to welcome us back.
"Welcome back, did you two have fun flirting all across the city?"
"We weren't flirting. How many times do we have to tell you this?"
"I don't think you'll ever be able to convince me. It's just too unbelievable."
"Hmm, maybe try asking some of our schoolmates. They'll tell you that this is just completely normal behavior, not flirting!"
"Wow, you two have been flirting this much since all that time ago! That just makes me even less convinced."
"Gah, you're unbelievable. It's not flirting."
"Whatever you say, Mr. It's not flirting. Anyways, I've got good news! I've acquired the use of a battleship and crew to use in traveling between the next few altars. We depart for Likaz, the planet of sorrows at 13:00 IST sharp, the second day of the second month. So get some rest until then. You'll want it."
"Thats not ominous at all. By the way, why can't you just teleport us there?"
"Unfortuantely, the IEC is letting us help, but they said I can't just shift us around. That'd make it far too easy. Still, I've got one of our fanciest ships, we should make good time along with using the voidliths. Perfect for you to practice shifting!"
"Oh great, shifting battleships again. I sure hope I've built up enough tolerance by now."
"Eh, you'll probably be fine. Maybe."
With that not so encouraging response, I carry Ray inside and tuck ourselves into the bed. Then I proceed to pass out. All that socializing definitely drains my mental energy. Perhaps more so than inae wielding.
The trial continues, but hey, Ray and I are still together. And together we can overcome anything. So, bring it on.
End of Chapter 35
A/N: Dear reader, welcome back. Author here once again. Our brief aside on the planet Lokan is finally over! Back to the main trial, albeit with a few compromises made by the IEC. Do stay tuned, there is still plenty more to come!
As always, if you are enjoying reading, be sure to follow/favourite/comment/share with a friend, it is always appreciated. See ya in the next one, dear reader.
Cathrix
If you wish to continue reading, the story will no longer be continued here. You can find it on RoyalRoad: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/133183/humanitys-game-aliens-decided-a-worthless-neet