Eden was in her infirmary back at her castle in a private room. The hospital was full of injured and the rest of her army had returned with Arthur. While she was unconscious she kept burning up and struggling to breath. It was as if she was still fighting in her mind. She had broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder, torn muscles all over her body. Her insides were swollen from the impact of the kick and the landing. Her face was almost unrecognizable with how swollen she was. Expat rushed over to her castle as soon as he heard Eden was in a bad state. Corruption was already by her bedside when Expat entered. She stood up and walked over to him. Then she slapped him across the face. She didn't say anything, just gave him a stern look. Expat was enraged at first and then he calmed himself down when he noticed Corruption's eyes were slightly puffy and water was starting to collect on the bottom eyelid. He looked down and said, "I, I don't" "Save it! For when she is awake." interrupted Corruption. She walked back to her seat next to Eden. Erza was standing at the other side of the bed still guarding Eden silently. Onibat rushed into the room and made a sudden stop when he saw Eden's condition. He gritted his teeth and scowled. After a few moments of silence Onibat finally asked, "What the fuck happened?" Only Expat turned to look at Onibat with a solemn face. "I don't know, she was providing me with aid and then when I turn to look, she was already gone. I went to assist Arthur and try to find her. When Arthur suddenly fell on one knee he said 'Eden is in trouble'. I searched the battle logs if something was recorded, nothing was there besides her archer battle and defense on the camp where Arthur was fighting." Onibat began to breathe harder and said angrily,
"You rushed into battle didn't you! Eden had no choice but to support you! And now look at her! Some fucking help. You couldn't even protect her when she needed you the most. Some fucking strong man you are."
Maur was walking in when Onibat finished and said "I don't think your yelling is going to help Eden get better. Besides, if Eden was left in this condition, what do you think you could do? This is the reality of war." Onibat looked annoyed at Maur. Why was Maur siding with Expat, he asked himself. Notme and Ron were right behind Maur. Then after seeing Eden's condition, Notme punched the wall. "I'm with Onibat, why volunteer to go with Eden if he can't even be there when she needs it. She isn't careless like this motherfucker," said Notme as he pointed at Expat who was now getting irritated at them. "I have to agree with Maur on this one," said Ron and then continued, "This is war, Eden knew the risks and if she couldn't defeat this opponent, then Expat wouldn't be able to either. He hasn't gotten back to his previous power. They would have both ended up the same way or maybe dead with their power stripped. How did she survive such a brutal attack?" Maur looked at Erza curiously, this was the first time she was in plain sight. She wasn't sure if Erza was a knight of Eden's or something else. Maur began to walk to Erza to look at her more closely. He noticed she resembled Eden a lot, the difference was her eyes and hair. Then as he looked at the sword and shield in Erza's hand, something on her boot caught his attention. Drops of blood were on Erza's heel. It wasn't splattered, like someone who was bleeding, stood or leaned in close enough to get some of their blood onto her. Maur was zoned out with his thoughts until he heard a commotion, Expat and Onibat were at each other's throats. Expat asked Onibat, "Who are you saying is not a man?" "I called you a pussy but same thing," said Onibat as they both were about to punch each other. "Stop," yelled Eden with a strained voice.
Corruption reached for a glass of water to hand to Eden to drink. Eden drank a little bit and then she pulled a healing potion from her desk. She recovered a little, her face was not swollen anymore. "Why were you unconscious for so long?" asked Maur. "My stamina dropped to zero and with all my injuries it slowed down the recovery for stamina," answered Eden. Expat tried to rush to Eden's side, but Onibat and Notme got in front of him before he could get closer. With their backs to Expat they greeted Eden. "It's not his fault, the opponent was strong. I think 100 times stronger than Jericho." Eden said while looking down at her hands and squeezing the blanket. She bit her lip when she thought of how easily he overpowered her. They all looked shocked at the comparison. "How did you survive?" asked Onibat, still amazed by what she said earlier. Maur looked at Eden, then at Erza's heel. Eden noticed Maur's eyes traveling and smiled. She knew Maur would catch on quickly, he was impressive after all. "I used my trump card. I have been testing the limits and glitches, but you can use your guide," said Eden. Notme looked around the room and asked, "where is yours?" Eden turned her head to look at Erza. "I wanted to share this information with you guys, but I wanted to trust you all first and test it out," said Eden as she took another drink of water. "Erza, you can relax, you don't have to guard me anymore. I need a status report on all my losses." Erza placed her sword away and the silver shield she had on her hand vanished. "But there was no battle report of you with the opponent on the alliance logs," said Expat as he was still trying to get in front of Onibat and Notme. I don't know how to explain that, but if you guys can wait for me in the meeting room, I will get dressed and see you there. Corruption, please stay behind." They all nodded and began to leave. Expat was still standing there refusing to leave, but Maur grabbed him by the arm and said, "Come one, you heard, she only wants to talk to Corruption. You'll get your turn, lover boy." Reluctantly, Expat followed Maur out the door.
"I'm sorry I made you worry about me," said Eden softly. Corruption shrugged her shoulders and said, "who said I was worried." They paused for a moment and then laughed. "But seriously, I am truly sorry for breaking my promise," added Eden. The night before the war, Eden had spoken to Corruption about stepping down as leader if she was to get defeated in battle. The team needed a strong person to lead so the neighboring alliances don't start poking around to see if they can plunder. Corruption had refused and made Eden promise to return safe, nothing that would worry her. "I also wanted to apologize for not telling you about Erza sooner" added Eden. Corruption shrugged her shoulders again and said, "I always knew there was something different about your guide. The way you kept her hidden and cloaked in a robe all the time. I figured that if it was important, you would tell me when it's time." Then Eden began to explain to her how Erza is her shield and how Odin told her eventually your guide's conscience is released. She didn't understand why the guide is removed and you get features instead. It sounded like a shitty deal to lose the original in exchange for part of them. Corruption looked at the fairy that was sitting by the window. Then she told Eden that the strange part about your guide is that mine can't come close to it. It has an instinctual response not to be near Erza. When Corruption arrived, her pixie fairy, Tinkles, was flying behind her but she reached some sort of forcefield that prevented her from getting closer. Then after a few tries, Corruption ordered it to sit in the far window. Eden looked pensive, then Corruption snapped her back to the present by reminding her that there was people waiting for them. Eden drank another recovery potion and switched outfits. She was still in her bloody clothes that were now dry. Since she was unconscious, she couldn't say a command to change. Before they left the room, Eden stopped Corruption and asked her, "Do you think I should tell them about their guides being prisoners and their conscious being trapped?" Corruption paused, " I think yes, but we have to wait a little longer to find out more information. We don't want them to freak out." Eden nodded in agreement and they both went to the meeting room.
In the meeting room, everyone was anxious to find out more about the war. They had had a sudden turn on the second day, which was shocking. Eden passed out her reports, but was missing the damage report from her fight with Odin, she wondered why. After marking their battles on the map, there was a staggered pattern. They looked at the power range of the opponents. It looked like they were all mostly in the same range. Expat shared his reports during Eden's absence in the battle and it was a noticeable leap in power for the type of opponents they fought. Maur then said, "it looks like they sent their weaker ones on the first wave and then once there was enough over confident ones, they sent in the calvary." Eden nodded while added, "during our time in the enemy territory, they took staggered positions to quickly identify the route of the enemy. I don't have any reports from the other people because they aren't sharing. They think we will use it against them I think." "Its useless hiding reports for that reason, its old report by the time you share it," said Expat. "I unfortunately don't have the report of the one I fought, I think it's because it has Erza in it. Unless the system administrator caught on to it and blocked a report from generating when she's a variable," said Eden while calling for her silver armor that appeared in the middle of the desk. It was broken and pieces were missing. Eden continued to talk, "this is what's left from my armor, the one that I thought was impenetrable. It only took one hit from the guy I fought." Everyone examined the pieces of metal. "Since there is no report, I will look like a liar if I was to say how strong this man was, but also it seems like something we shouldn't share." "So how did that guy leave you in one piece Eden?" asked Ron. Well after I managed to activate my shield with Erza's help, he decided to spare me. I still don't know the reasons, but I have a hunch we will know in due time." They all nodded in agreement. "With that said, I believe we have a long way to go. We need to work more hard on our research and stats. I don't know what happens when you get slayed but I'm not looking to find out.
Eden took a sip of her tea before saying what was on her mind pending. "I think this place is designed to turn it into something else and there are many unknown factors. For example, the role our guides play and what happens during a loss. Because I was spared, I fell asleep as normal to recover my stamina and didn't experience what this server calls death. We should treat our guides and people in our cities with dignity because we don't know much, just that they play a role. Also, we need more of us in boss raids to get more quality rewards." Expat then said, "why treat the support like people, they are just generated things, replaceable and has no feeling. This is a game, no need to feel sorry for them." Corruption frowned, "Eden has her reasons, I suggest you hear her out and take her thoughts in consideration." Expat got up from his chair, "this conversation is unnecessary. If we are not making plans on how to get stronger, then I will excuse myself." They followed Expat with their eyes as he left. "I fucken want to punch that guy in his stupid face," said Onibat. "I already slapped him," said Corruption. Onibat's face dropped as he said," You slapped Expat?" "I sure did, all that talk about being by Eden's side to support her during the pre-war meeting, just to see Eden in her state upon return. I just lost it when I saw him. Sorry Eden." answered Corruption. Eden took a deep breath before saying, "I'll talk to Expat about this interaction privately. I can't ask you guys to ignore his behavior or words, but just to let me deal with him. If he doesn't make a change, then I'll give him the boot. Is that a fair compromise?" "Eden, I know you are trying to be considerate of him, but you don't need to. We just accepted him because you vouched for him. Now it's up to him to make that effort," said Maur. "I get it, let's move past this and get back to developing a plan to improve our power.
In FOX alliance castle, CallanRok and his confidants were sitting at the table looking at their reports as well. They got to the second day and also noticed the spike of power change. He was livid with how everyone fell into their trap. The scouts that got away were a sure way for their enemy to distribute their power. What he was more upset about was that they all perished at the hand of one individual. Child's play is what CallanRok thought. We were merely children to them and worse, their training tool for their weak. CallanRok was looking at the report where Reaper was the user name of who defeated everyone. He heard from people he talked to in FTG and who were part of the coalition that Jericho fought Reaper and defeated him. Though it wasn't a defeat in CallanRok's eyes because there was no kill, it was a defeat on the report because he retreated. Any one who encountered the Reaper would have the same outcome if he chose to leave. Jericho must've shown his strength and he is probably the legend ready to be born that was mentioned to him. No one else was reported to survive an encounter with him. Everyone outside his Alliance who encountered the reaper was still dead or has respawned. No one at the table spoke of the feeling of dying, but they all experienced it. It was like falling constantly and watching the timer go by really slowly. It felt like an eternity in the darkness and memories replaying, things you have forgotten, things you wish you could forget and things that you planned for but never experienced. It was as if you were being tortured with all those thoughts. When you returned you were glad to be alive, but afraid to die and eager to survive. Weak and powerless was the last thing he wanted to feel in this war. His urge for ultimate power grew.
"Are we going to talk about the elephant in the room or are we just going to process it in silence?" ask Elise, a blond lady with bright blue eyes that wore red lipstick and pearl earrings. "What is there to talk about, we all have regrets and were reminded of that, end of story. Just move on and get stronger," replied CallanRok. Everyone stared into space but nodded slowly in agreement, except Elise who then asked "Don't you think it's worth exploring since you really don't die when killed on the battlefield. We just return weaker and have to build up again, but not from scratch." Then Larry, a younger male with dark brown eyes, black hair, muscular, defined chin and dark lashes that made him look like he was wearing mascara, cleared his throat to say, "Though we want to utilize everything to our benefit, I think most of us came back different from that experience and just want to process it later." Elise looked around before saying, "The experience is different from getting killed outside the server war. Otherwise you wouldn't have a recollection of dying or a report. Think about that while you process your feelings." Elise got up and left. Another female with brown short hair, small body and green eyes got up to run after her after quickly excusing herself from the meeting. CallanRok let out a breath before saying, "She's right, the penalty of losing is tortured memories, that's all I can say. Let's get back to discussing these reports. Andy, it looks like you were able to hold a bit longer than the rest, what did you do differently?" Andy was a hefty man with some muscle on his arms, a beer belly, plump cheeks, full beard and thick dark brown hair. His hair was short but long enough to see his hair waves. Andy sat up straight to answer CallanRok, "I had a lot of disposable subjects at level 1. They served as a meatshield while my stronger ones did the killing, but only during a defensive tactic." CallanRok nodded and smiled in approval.
Back in FTG alliance castle, the team was sitting at the dining table eating and talking about their loss while exchanging stories of their experience. Some share reports and chuckled as how they were defeated, but had to pay the price of torture. Jericho listened to the conversations near him asking himself if he was also close to experiencing the same thing but was spared. No one saw what he saw during the battlefield. They all believed what they saw from afar, he couldn't tell them anything different. Then Jiman raised his glass, "Cheers to the immortal Jericho! He didn't get his ass kicked like us and even took on some big ass dude called Reaper. I heard that fucker killed everyone in FOX alliance that participated in the war." Jiman laughed and the rest joined him except Jericho who was shocked at the news. He had been pondering on his fight at the training grounds while ignoring everyone until now. "Wait, did you see a report or is that a rumor?" asked Jericho. Jiman still smiling he pulled up his history on his chat and showed a conversation he was having with someone from FOX. They were sharing their experience and then the words, "everyone died at the hand of Reaper, I mean everyone!" Jericho gulped a little and then he chuckled while saying, "I guess I'm a beast that even the Reaper turned tail ha ha ha." "That's what we're talking about!" replied Jiman excitingly as he clinked his beer with Jericho's before they both drank. However, even though Jericho acted happy, he still had his doubts. "By the way, we should probably work on developing a plan for the next server war in 14 days," said Dboots, who was sitting a few seats away. "Seriously, aside from getting our ass kicked, we should do that," responded Jiman. "What happened to Eden and Expat," asked Dboots as he took a bite of the stake in front of him. "Why bro? Did you want to spy on their love making? You know Expat is chasing that ass already, literally," replied Jiman as he laughed at his own comment. "I'm just asking because we usually swap reports, but she's been silent," said Dboots as he rested his arms on the table. "You haven't heard from her? Do you think she encountered the Reaper and is dead?" Jericho asked with interest in his tone. Jiman gave Jericho a look before saying, "You too bro? She went off with Expat to the enemy territory. I haven't seen her since." Both Dboots and Jericho looked at Jiman who kept eating his food unbothered. "Don't look at me like that, I was leaving the throne, and had some funky tacos the night before. But I saw them use a token before I realized you punks left me behind," said Jiman. "Awww you feel left out? I'll wait for you next time, cupcake, can't leave me boo behind," teased Dboots as he leaned in for a smooch. "I'll fucken kill you," Jiman replied quickly. Then they all began to laugh. "I guess I'll check in on her after dinner, I did invite her to come with us, but we all sorta just went to do our usual," said Jericho as he took another drink.
Later that evening, Eden and the team agreed to increase power evenly on certain levels while keeping the top tier high in numbers. She called her generals over to her study and issued new orders on what needed to be done. Arthur, who mainly assisted Eden in battle asked, "Commander in Chief, have you recovered fully from your assault?" Eden nodded and said, "I will be back to full strength after I execute my orders and we get back to increasing my power through the training schedule I set up." Eden looked up at Arthur's face and noticed his face showed of concern, but not just his, all of her generals. She felt as if she noticed them for the first time. Eden asked herself, am I seeing things or are my Generals exhibiting emotion? Then she tried to recall Odin's words again. A sudden flash of a detail she didn't notice until now. Odin used the word "realm" to describe the server, but then switched back to server throughout the conversation. Could this be a different realm, not server? Then she remembered Erza calling this a realm at first too, but then everything was switched to server. At what point did they switch to seeing it as a server like a computer she asked herself. Her head began to feel hot from all her sudden thoughts, like something was preventing her from recalling all those details. She placed her hands on head to apply pressure to it and took a few breaths. Then she began to mumble a prayer, "Heavenly father, I know you are with me and you always keep me in your mind. Nothing happens to me if you don't allow it to. Please father, help me with this pain that I cannot control. I know anything is possible with you. I ask for this simple thing and thank you for all your love and care, in Jesus mighty name, Amen." She took a deep breath and a sense of calm fell all over her body. She had a sudden revelation, all will be known in due time. She smiled and continued working on a reply for Jericho while saying to Arthur, "Thank you for your concern all, I will do what I can to avoid getting myself in a dire situation again. Please execute my orders and I will meet with you in the morning, there is something I want to give each of you. They all nodded and left the room.
"I was in battle most of the time on the enemy server. We returned and got ambushed by the enemy, but luckily I survived the ambush. I got away by activating a shield. I took a loss and am now recovering. I've been quiet from the embarrassment I had" said Eden in her reply. I wasn't lying, she just left out a few details. Jericho responded quickly, "did you meet Reaper?" "Who is Reaper?" asked Eden. "It was some viking looking guy. He took down all of FOX and everyone else that crossed him except me," said Jericho. "No, I didn't come across a player titled Reaper, it's not in my reports or Expat's" said Eden truthfully because she only knew Odin by his real name. "So if you didn't come across him, why is your power lower and why were you silent?" asked Jericho. "I was caught off guard by an opponent and during the battle my stamina depleted. I don't know how else to explain my loss," answered Eden. There was a pause between the two of them. Then Eden asked, "So how did you survive against the reaper, can you share the report so I can learn from you?" Jericho sent the report and wrote, the guy left as soon as I struck him twice, he came without an army. So there's not much to see on this report. Weird though, I don't see their power level." As Eden looked over the report, she recalled her scouting tower requirements and information. Then she wrote, "Perhaps, you don't have the tower requirements yet to unlock his power level or there's some glitch he is extorting to hide his power." Jericho replied, "that sounds right, but I still think you should receive the power report on your enemy. Anyway, I should call it a night." They both said good night and went to bed.
Eden was trying to sleep but her mind kept going back and forth through the details of the war. Then she recalled Odin mentioning, your army is fighting mine and Expat helping in that battle. She opened her eyes quickly and turned on the lights. She then went to her study to go through the report on her camp. The report said Wrath was her opponent, but Odin was the name he gave her. She then asked Erza, "Can someone have two names?" Erza, who now sat on a chair against the wall next to Eden's desk answered, " You can have multiple names. Your passport has the option to change names and during server war, you can cloak your name temporarily to be anonymous." Eden recalled Erza mentioned the first part on the day she arrived, but not the second part. Then Eden paused before saying, "Erza, speak to me with your conscious mind please." Erza stayed silent and Eden let out a sigh because she was hoping that it would work. Then Eden asked Erza, "Are you able to tell me what species you are?" Erza replied, "I can, but it's not the time for you to know that information, all will be known in due time." Eden gasped and slowly turned to look at Erza. "What can you tell me?" asked Eden slowly. "That your prayers are heard and you are not alone," answered Erza with a smile. Eden's heart swelled and she felt her eyes pumping tears as if their purpose was to dehydrate her. "Natalia, fear not, the Lord is with you, no weapon formed against you shall prosper," said Erza. "I was beginning to forget my birth name," said Eden as she felt her body tremble from the rush of emotions. Her body then felt this warm sensation wrap itself around her and Eden felt comfort. She didn't know what Erza was, but she knew she had to be linked to the living God. That was all she needed to know to reinforce her strength. That night Eden fell into a deep sleep.