The Joys Of New Eridu!

*Nicole POV*

Watching the strange man named Arthur descend down a building and land in front of them, hundreds of thoughts went through her head.

There was no doubt he was a strange man. While there were a considerable number of strange things in the world, supposed prophecy seemed strange, almost unbelievable. Of course, she has no choice to believe him considering he knows about her little run in with the current Chief of Section 6.

Now, why would someone with such a desirable ability help them? While she wasn't complaining, there was surely something much more important. Did he want something from her?... Well, it was quite obvious he wanted something from her.

It was quite hard to ignore his not so subtle glances at her body. She didn't mind. There was a reason she chose these clothes. It's easier to convince people when they're focusing on your body rather than your words. And then there was the flirting. Certainly wasn't the first time it happened. What could she say, her body was a work of art.

Large breast, plush thighs, and a fat ass. With a top that exposed a considerable amount of cleavage and denim shorts that were just a size too small. Head turning was an reoccurring event wherever she went.

"So, Mr. Prophet. Got any last minute visions before we head in." She crossed her arms, watching his eyes flicker briefly towards her breast before looking back up at her eyes. At least he had decency... And now that she looked, quite handsome.

"Well, apart from Phaethon getting hacked by Null_Face and us having to face off against the Dullahan on our part..." He paused for a long while before continuing. "That's about all."

 "Null_Face..." If she remembered correctly they were a recent hacker that sprouted a few weeks ago that was quickly gaining rise. "Wait, if you know about this, why not inform Phaethon?"

"Simple. Fate is a fickle thing." He spoke with a rather cryptid smile, spreading his arms out. "Me helping you guys out with the Dullahan doesn't change fate at all. After all, it was predetermined you'd win with or without my help. However, there are cases where fate shouldn't be changed, like with Phaethon getting hacked. It's something that's needed to... Progress the story. I have no clue what would happen if I change it and I'd like to keep it that way."

"I see... But then why help us." She stared into his eyes with mixed feelings. Honestly, she couldn't get a read on this guy at all. "If there's no need for you to be here, why help?"

"Well, I simply want to be along for the ride. That, and your hot as hell." He said the last words so naturally it took her a few seconds to react. And like that, her brain stopped.

"Woah... Did he just hit on Nicole?"

"Usually, that ends in someone getting beat up."

And finally, she reacted. "Y-You! What do you think you're saying at such a time!" A fierce blush spread across her cheeks. Getting hit on was normal for her and usually that would end with her 'reprimanding' the person for it. But this... It was so sudden, so blatant that it stunned her.

*Arthur Pov*

Idle thought. Nicole looked extremely cute embarrassed. Seeing the blush on her cheeks and the scowl forming on her lips I almost wanted to take a picture. But then Nicole would try to kick my ass.

"Now, now, no need to get worked up." I raise my hands in defeat. "Besides, I was only stating the truth, is that so wrong?"

"I- Ugh- You!" The girl stammered at my words, the her cheeks growing redder.

"Can you guys hear me?" Unfortunately, before I could tease Nicole more Belle's voice suddenly came from the Bangboo at Anby's side making us all collective turn to it.

"Er... Did I miss something? Nicole, why's your face so red-"

"It's nothing!" Nicole was quick to try and change the topic, wanting to forget the previous events as soon as possible. "Proxy! We're entering the Hollow. Now!"

As Belle watched Nicole walk into the Hollow, huffing the whole way she turned to me where I gave her a simple smile. She then turned to Billy and Anby who shrugged and followed their boss.

"Don't worry, Phaethon." I reach down and pick up Eous, getting a confused squeak from Belle. "She just needs to release some steam after getting embarrassed."

"Right... But do you always have to pick Eous up?"

"I can't help that Bangboo just look so grabbable." To prove my point, I increase my hold on Eous as I walk through the Hollow, quickly catching up with the Cunning Hares.

"Alright, we made it into the Hollow." Nicole, who was more calmer than before spoke first. "Now, let's find my strongbox!"

"That reminds me, Boss. How exactly did you locate the strongbox?" Billy turned to Nicole, tilting his head in confusion as the girl let out a chuckle, a smug smirk forming on her lips.

"That's a trade secret~ You thought I'd spill the beans just like that?"

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I assume Rain helped with that."

"...." Her head slowly strained to face me, her eyes a mix of acceptance and pure annoyance. "I... No, it's not that. I have a few contacts within the HIA. I simply gave them an offer they couldn't refuse and had them from previous mutations for this Hollow." A long sigh escaped her lips as she reached up to massage her temple. "But still, you even know about her? Just what exactly don't you know?"

"Your three sizes." I said the words so naturally I even surprised myself, and Nicole was certainly no better. I was never this... Blunt in my past life, especially towards women. I mean, it was certainly a nice change, just one I'd have to get used to.

"I... I can't with you." Despite the blush on her face she managed to remain calm, Gesturing to Eous who was held firmly in my grasp. "Proxy, let's get started... Proxy?"

At the prolonged silence of Belle, Nicole turned to Eous who's screen interface looked to be glitching before it's eyes returned. "What was that? Sorry, I think the connection might've been disrupted for a second."

Nicole looked at me and I simply raised a finger to my lips in a shushing gesture. She seemed conflicted, her gaze flickering between me and Eous for a long while before she subtly nodded.

"I was simply telling you to lead the way."

I was surprised Nicole actually obliged. In fact, I was surprised she trusted me that much. To her, I'm nothing more than a stranger, and at best, barely an acquaintance. She shouldn't have so much trust in someone for someone she knew for all of 2 hours.

But it was good she did. In a way, Null_Face needed to hack Belle and Wise for them to gain access to Fairy. Since Null_Face was the one to explain about the Rosetta Data. Without them deleting the extraction data, the two siblings wouldn't need to use the Rosetta Data. 

Since the game only just finished what was basically the prologue in a way, I'm unsure of many things, but Fairy is without a doubt the most important thing. 

I let out a mental sigh of relief as Belle begins guiding us through the Hollow from my arms. I guess she realized I wasn't going to let go anytime soon and my grip was just strong enough for her to not be able to escape. Sucks for her, but Eous's body is just too squishy and soft to let go of. They should start using these things as therapy helpers.

"?" Suddenly, my detection picked up a much more obvious presence then the other Ethereals we've encountered so far. It was like comparing the flame from a matchstick to one of a candle. I'd assume this is-

"The air around here seems to have grown thicker." Anby spoke up, causing the others to frown as they soon also realized it.

"Yeah, the resolution on my video sensors just dropped, too." Billy's hands tightened around his revolvers.

"That means we've probably gotten closer to the Dullahan. Right Proxy?"

".....Sorry, I didn't catch that." Belle's voice was faint and distracted, as if concerned with something else. I mouth the words 'soon' to Nicole, seeing her eyes narrow briefly before returning to normal.

"Don't drift off while guiding us! I paid top dollar to hire the best Proxy around, Phaethon! Watch out or you might just get a negative rating on Inter-Knot!"

"That better be a joke... But I think there really is a problem on our side. The connection has been cutting off for awhile now."

"You're right, Belle." Wise's voice was heard faintly from Eous's body. "There's something wrong with the HDD. It's reporting an error... Listen up guys, the Ether activity has impacted our signal. Be careful!"

Eous's screen interfaced flickered before going back to normal, it's eyes blinking in a daze. "Ehn-na?"

"I suppose this was that 'soon'." Nicole looked down at the Bangboo in my head before looking up at me as I nodded.

"Don't worry, they'll be okay." I was quick to assure her in case of anything bad. "As for you guys I suggest you put on your game face."

"What do you?"

"Ethereals approaching." Anby interrupted Nicole before she could question me, causing her to turn around to see the large number of Ethereal. She turned to me and I simply smiled.

"I'll assist, but I have to take of this little guy." I look down at Eous, getting a confused 'Ehn-na' in response. "Wouldn't want them to wander off."

Nicole huffed. "Like we'd need your help." She turned away and I took all the joy in staring at her ass as she walked off to regroup with Billy and Anby.

"Hey, little guy." I look down at Eous, smiling. "I'm about to do something really stupid."

 *Nicole POV*

A single question lingered in her head as she battled against the Ethereals. Why did she trust Arthur so much?

She had no reason to trust the man. For all she knew, this could've been a farce set up by him to lure Phaethon into danger. He was a complete stranger, and yet... She trusted him.

This wasn't like her. Getting distressed about something like this wasn't her style. Normally, she would've taken the help in stride or even try to wring him dry of some Dennies.

"Anby, Duck!" The suitcase in her grip parted to reveal the barrel of a gun, just as a concentrated blast of Ether shot out of it. Anby ducked the second she heard her words, the Ether whizzing past and striking an Ethereal.

She trusted Anby, and she trusted Billy. The two had stuck with her and bonded. Sure, they had their... personalities, but she cared for them nonetheless.

"Hmph. That jerk. Messing with my head like this." Muttering in frustration, she swung her weapon at a nearby Ethereal, the suitcase slamming into it with enough force to send it flying back just as a hail of bullets from where Billy was struck it down.

"Nicole, a thought occurred to me."

"Gah!" A small shriek escaped her lips as she jumped backwards, staring at the reason for her current thoughts just a few feet away, the same unchanging smile on his face. How the hell had she not noticed him? "W-What do you want."

"Well, I was thinking." One of his hands fell to his side as his katana appeared in his grip. She couldn't help but tense up. Was he about to attack her? Was he actually a bad guy- "If I can kill the Dullahan in a single strike can I get a kiss?"

...

...

"What?"

Bold. There was no other way to describe it other than that. The sheer straightforwardness of his question made her brain practically short-circuit. And when she finally recovered she had no words to say.

She's never kissed someone before. On the lips to be exact. She simply hadn't found someone worthy of that opportunity. And yet this guy comes along and ask the question in such a tone as if asking about the weather.

It was strange, it was somewhat annoying, but... It was immensely hot. She wouldn't deny, the man before her was hot. If he told her he was a model when they first met she'd believe him.

Striking good looks that could probably swoon most women. Despite his rather skinny body, considering she saw him jump down from a roof about 15 feet tall and not show any reaction she knew that those arms and legs were brimming with strength.

She'd never say it out loud but she did have a preference towards a man that could take charge. Of course, if it came to anything else, she'd be the one on top.

"...Why ask such a question." She finally found her words, asking the question with the most blandest tone she could muster.

"Well, while you guys were fighting the Ethereals I went off to piss of the Dullahan." ...He did what? "It should be here in about..."

"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅!!!" An eerie screech came from behind making her slowly turn around to be greeted by the sight of the Dullahan perched atop a tipped over train cart.

....Today has been a day. And you know what, she doesn't care anymore.

"Fine." She crossed a single arm under her cleavage, 'unknowingly' pushing them up. "If you can do such a feat I'll give you not just a kiss but a date."

It wasn't unheard of to eliminate a superior Ethereal in a single shot. But if one were to think of someone who could do it off the top of their head, they'd no doubt think of Hoshimi Miyabi. Who, currently is the youngest Voidhunter, and also the Chief of Section 6.

So to compare someone of her caliber to this blunt man. She just really couldn't see it. But she did see an opportunity.

"And if you don't. Then, I expect a large amount of Dennies for the trouble you caused by bringing the Dullahan here." If the smile on Arthur's face could get bigger then it certainly did as a strange glint appeared in his eyes.

"Challenge accepted."

*Arthur POV*

Call me Vergil, because I am motivated as fuck. A date with someone as hot as Nicole? And all I have to do is slay some tutorial boss?

I'm not stupid enough to make a bet I can't win... Atleast I think I'm not? Anyways, when I went to go poke around at the Dullahan I was able to realize something. It was weaker than me. Not by alot, but it was weaker.

"Alright, sit tight little guy." I sit Eous down on the ground, patting the top of his head. "Wouldn't want you getting hurt now."

"Ehn-na!" Adorable.

"Now, let's deal with you." I turn around, facing the Dullahan. The moment it arrived it had been focused solely on me. What did I do to piss of the thing? Well, I kicked it in the balls. To be fair, I wasn't expecting it to do anything but it for some pissed the thing off pretty badly. My guess was that since it was a human before becoming an Ethereal it still had it's male bits just covered by the Etheric matter.

"Sorry about this." I began walking forward, the Dullahan letting out another ear-piercing shriek. So noisy. "I know you're supposed to be a tutorial boss and all, but." I point the tip of Shiro-hi at him, a wide grin forming on my lips. "I really want that date."

Time to do a little thing called taking another person's move. The flames respond to my will and burst to life along the blade. I take a stance, letting out a soft exhale as I raise Shiro-hi above my head.

The Dullahan, seeing my unmoving form shot off the train cart, rushing towards me, swinging it's blade along my neck.

Alright, let's hope this works.

I concentrate on my weapon, the flames growing bigger and brighter. My arms tense up and I strike downwards with all my might.

An arc of fire cut through the air and towards the Dullahan. Before it could even think it cut right through him... and a good portion of the train carts behind him.

The Dullahan was cleanly split in two, it's body separating as it flew past me, landing on the ground before promptly vanishing.

"So it worked..." I look down at Shiro-hi in awe. While it wasn't near Miyabi levels, it was still a pretty good start. "So, about that date."

I turn to the three who had killed the surrounding Ethereals. They stared in shock. Oh, I see, summoning a sword from flames and dispatching 3 Ethereal's in less than a second was soooo normal. All of a sudden, cut a Dullahan in two with one strike and it's like your the most shocking person in the world! Fucking bullshit, man.

Mh, speaking of the Dullahan, it gave a much bigger boost than the normal Ethereals. Around a .90% increase to my total power. It doesn't feel like much considering it's a boss, but I also did kill it with one strike.

"Woah... That... was.... AMAZING!" Billy was quick to break out of his stupor, moving around animatedly. "To kill a superior Ethereal in one shot! Such strength!"

"Mh." Anby nodded along, her face back to it's usual blankness. "An impressive feat."

And as for Nicole. It looked like she was trying to process her life choices. It was obvious she wasn't expecting me to be able to hold up my end of the bed I had most likely blown her mind with the show I put on.

Well, I was doing it for the date. Thank you, Dullahan. Your contribution to my goals will not be forgotten for as long as I live.

"Anywho..." I walk up to Eous and pick him up. I'd grown fond of the little Bangboo in the short time I knew it. If he didn't belonged to Belle and Wise I'd probably steal him. "I suppose now we wait for Phaethon to reconnect to her Bangboo."