The Manaverse

North East Penthouse

Granite City

After the opening of their Guild's Shop, Radiance, the Crusaders started breaking up their workout routines into smaller groups throughout the day so someone could always operate the store. They had discovered that they didn't need Diggy present for his Profit Skill to work either. They just needed to perform all transactions through the Panel Brick had made for Diggy.

Safe Zone staff seemed a little irked that they were doing so well, so they foisted giving out daily rations onto their stand. The team didn't mind one bit as it actually increased the attention their Shop received from the general public, increasing their sales.

Diggy's plan was ingenious. They gave out ten Mana Chips in exchange for enough supplies for Crimson to make between four and five servings of her Stamina Skewers, the only food she could make that increases stats temporarily. They then sold those for between twenty-one and twenty-six Mana Chips in total thanks to Diggy's Skill. Hunters were more than willing to drop twenty-five Chips on the buff bestowing food. Their first day alone, they made enough Chips to give one Guild member a Mana Stone without using their own supplies. Before long, they should be able to get everyone's Skills to Stone rank.

The morning of the second scheduled Group Dungeon Run, Diggy, Crimson and Isabelle were running the Shop. Brick took over for Isabelle so she could work out with Joy and Jut.

The trio arrived back at Jut and Brick's condo after running and begun practicing their Skills, ending the workout with light sparring after Jut and Isabelle practiced stances and attacks with their sword and staff respectively. Joy watched them, giving them the pointers she could as an outside perspective. It was overall a very pleasant session. Ever since their meeting where they took turns critiquing everyone else, the entire team of hunters had grown a bit closer. Even Joy was being less standoffish and was being more of a team player.

Isabelle was enjoying herself thoroughly. She had been a little worried after their first group run. They seemed to have little to no direction the entire time. The conflict between Joy and Diggy was subtle but annoying. The whole team up felt confusing and forced. But the changes since then had been great in alleviating her concerns.

Stepping inside off the balcony, Isabelle walked over and grabbed her water, talking a slow sip. She felt sticky in her workout clothes of a grey sports bra and matching tight shorts. She used a towel Jut had provided to rub down some of the sweat that clung to her.

Jut and Joy entered the Penthouse shortly after she did. They were both laughing and Joy was still talking, finishing a story.

"And we walked in on them. They were totally butt naked. So much for not swinging that way." Joy chuckled. She was wearing a very similar outfit to her own, only black, and her blonde hair was tied back in a tail.

Jut, who was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, laughed at the comment. "I mean, it's a okay to say your mostly into one kind of person and have fun with another kind from time to time but don't lie to yourself and everyone around you. Then again, it might be hard for some people to admit something like that. Either way, I'm sure they jumped apart real quick." He joined Isabelle by the fridge and pulled out a glass, using the tap to draw water for himself.

"Actually." Joy said with a snort. "Barbs looked straight at me and said "Fuck it" before going back to kissing her. We let them both be after that." Joy finished before she fell silent, looking sad briefly.

Isabelle used that moment to interject. "Jut. I don't really want to walk across the sky bridge just to shower. Can I use the communal one here real quick?"

Jut, who was still smiling at the image Joy had laid out for him, turned to her. She couldn't help but notice his continued improvements. He had slimmed down since she'd first met him and he was putting on some muscle definition. Before, he had looked like someone who only did limited exercise at work and likely spent the rest of his time gaming. Now, he was starting to look like someone who did hard, physical labor all day. It made her proud of him. He had put in so much effort and it was showing. He nodded to her question.

"Sure. I'll hit the shower in my room." He turned back to Joy who was hovering pretty close to him, her eyes searching his body like Isabelle's had. Yet, her eyes seemed much more predatory. "You can join her or you can make yourself at home. I won't be long."

Isabelle turned away and walked towards the communal shower room each Penthouse had. She undressed using her armory in the first shower stall, just in case someone followed her into the room, then rinsed quickly under the warm water. As her hair was soaked in sweat, she rinsed it out. As she had done the entire shampoo and conditioner treatment that morning, it wasn't needed just then. She did, however, use a small amount of her body wash, the precious substance still a quarter full. She dreaded the moment she would run out as she doubted it was in production anywhere in the world at this point.

After she was dried off, she engaged her Armory again to swap into a clean layer of causal clothes. She had chosen a tank top and jeans that morning. Then she spent some time drying her hair and pulling out the small make up case Jut had given her what felt like a life time ago. She still had a lot of her finer, more expensive make up left, but was saving it for special occasions.

Cody decided to make her appearance known. The AI Guide had taken a very feminine persona that had only grown since they had reached Stone Rank. Their virtual body was a glowing, pink ball of light that bounced as words appeared in the chat log.

Didn't want to slip into the shower with Jut, huh?

Isabelle scowled as she closed the make up case with a click. We've been over this...

I know, I know. But you clearly still like him. Your heartbeat increases when he speaks to you, and you're keenly aware of his improving body. So what if you're not in a good place to date someone? That doesn't have to stop you from having a little fun.

Cody. Isabelle made sure her mental sigh was audible. My emotions from before, during the rally, were spiked and I was losing my mind. I was having a mental break from all the stress and craziness the System brought. It's fairly common for people to become a little unhinged in a situation like this. I do feel a lot better now, but it doesn't mean I'm actually into him. He did save my life, and we have a lot of fun together, but I'm not going to throw myself at him. We don't really know each other. Besides, you heard him talking to Diggy the night they reconnected. He isn't into me, so it would be a waste of both of our time. I am also not going to let myself fixate on him, or anyone. I am going to focus on getting stronger and surviving.

The chat window's green and blue coloring changed into the simple black with white text of a Lore Search page.

Conversational Lore Found:

Jut to Diggy: Like I said, man. Isabelle is one of those full time e-girls. There's no way a dude like me can score a girl like that.

Cody's chat window opened over that page.

That's not the same as "He isn't into me". It sounds more like you just need to step up and make the first move.

Isabelle felt herself heat up in embarrassment at the reminder of that night. It was the same night Jut had given her the make up case.

When I was an E-Girl, he's probably right. I would not have spoken to him in public if I had known him. I had an image to upkeep. In fact, I saw him for the first time before he saw me. He had just arrived at the mall I was holed up in. My eyes washed right over him. The point is that neither of us are ready for more of anything and it would be dumb to try during Lock Down. I would appreciate it if you would drop it, please.

If you say so. Just don't let yourself almost die when someone else makes a move before you get the balls too.

The chat window and Lore Search pages both blinked out of her vision. Isabelle sighed out loud this time. She collected herself then went to leave the communal bathroom. When she cracked the door, she heard raised voices, which made her stop and listen.

"I said no, Joy. Please don't push."

"Why not? It can be quick and fun. No one has to know."

"I tried to be nice about it. But I wont do that to Diggy."

"You men." Steps could be heard before a cabinet door slammed closed and water could be heard pouring from the faucet. "Diggy is not allowed to call "dibs" on me. I am not property."

A loud sigh and tense silence followed. "I am not saying you are." Jut's voice was subdued. "However, I have been in the spot I would put Diggy in and watching a friend be with the one you want is hard and damaging to the friendship. It makes you feel lesser about yourself. That alone is enough of a reason I wont do anything with you. I have my own reasons as well, but they aren't relevant as they aren't about you."

"So, just like in the Dungeon, I am expendable. My desires and wants are unimportant?"

"That's not it either. Not only would something like that complicate the team dynamics, I'm just not interested. Not in dating anyone or even just hooking up. I'm not in the right head space for it and during Lock Down makes the idea worse."

Joy's next words could have been taken very harshly, but her tone implied respect and understanding. "You're still thinking about Kit."

"Yes... No... I don't know... and that's the point. I need to focus on getting stronger and surviving. We all do. The rest can come later."

"I see your point." Joy said softly, with the same understanding as before. Isabelle could hear the ding of the elevator doors opening. "Some of us don't cope the same way you do. I was just looking for an outlet. I'm sorry and I wont bring it up again. See you at the Run."

The doors closed but Jut still spoke. "It's okay. I think it's best I don't tell Diggy about this quite yet... Because! He would be pissed and they just started working well together again." He had to be speaking to his Guide.

Isabelle stepped out of the hallway and made it known she was listening to his now seemingly one sided conversation. She did her best to sound only concerned for him.

"You okay?"

Jut looked hurt, confused, and frustrated. He looked up at her and the emotions he was feeling just before were covered up in a flash with his usual, neutral expression. "You heard that? Of course you did. Yeah. I am fine. Thanks." He said dismissively.

"If you want to talk about it, I can listen." She offered. Part of her was curious what was all said. But more than anything, she didn't want him to experience the same mania she had felt. Giving him a healthy outlet for it was a good idea. "I mean, if you aren't going to tell Diggy, I can hear you out and I wont say anything either."

"I-" Jut started but clammed up. He looked like he was considering her offer. Then he looked relieved and spoke. "I do understand her, you know? To just let go and have some fun, some pleasure, to take the mind off of the problems the whole human race has been facing... I just... I can't... won't do that to Diggy. Is that such a bad thing?"

Isabelle shook her head. "Not at all. I am sure she did understand that too. Being rejected is never fun. That being said... so much for only being into Humans, right?" Isabelle forced a teasing grin.

"I know! What is that? I know I look more human than he does, but she knows I am not." Jut chuckled at the hypocrisy. He sighed again. "I appreciate your support here, but it wont help to drag the matter out. Let's just let it go. We have the Run in a few hours and stewing on it will only make it more complicated. I think I will play with my Skills a bit more. What are you going to do now?"

"Isn't that hard with no opponent? Aren't your Skills combat oriented?" Isabelle asked, stepping further away from the hallway, glad for the change of subject.

Jut nodded and gestured towards the balcony again. She followed his lead and went out the door behind him. They sat on the patio furniture before he began speaking again.

"Gods, it is so nice out here." Jut mused aloud about the slightly chilly air before answering her question. "While true, I want to try activating each of them separately and see if I can pick out the differences in how the Skills feel." He drew a dagger from his inventory. Slowly, a blue glow enveloped the blade. She recognized it as his Magical Strikes Skill. "This ability feels... like something flows through me to the weapon and back again, like what I assume my blood circulating would feel like if I could feel it, only more pronounced and warm."

The blue glow faded and a soft current of green, breeze like energy flowed around the blade now. "This is Windy Steps. It feels much the same, but is a lighter sensation. And, despite the energy being present on the blade, the flow feels... more contained within myself. It's light and airy, like a warm spring breeze in my veins."

Finally, the wind magic faded and a blackish sheen appeared on the dagger, swirling and menacing. "This is Consequence. It feels... like Windy Steps does, only denser and more sinister. It also gives me a chill down my spine, like tension in a scary movie used to. Like something is hiding just out of sight and might jump at me."

Jut looked over at Isabelle. She had just been watching and taking mental notes on what he said. "Each Skill feels like it makes the flow of energy in my body act differently. It's strange to feel them individually as I have become so used them all being active at once. The sensations were so chaotic that way, I couldn't distinguish them from one another. Now to try all three again. Why not at least try to circulate your own energy with me? Maybe you can feel something from your Skills too?"

Isabelle nodded. "Sure. Why not? I don't have any plans right now."

Isabelle raised her palm and looked at it. She began the process of creating a Mana Bolt. A cool sensation in her middle shot down her arm and into her hand. The bolt formed and she fired it into the wooden pillar they had found and dragged up there for that exact purpose. A chunk of it splintered off as the bolt hit, leaving a sizzling sound behind. Isabelle explained what she felt.

"Hmm... maybe I can recreate that sensation myself." Jut said to her. He closed his eyes and focused.

Isabelle smiled and watched him. She couldn't help her stray thought. Besides. If something did happen between us, I would want to be a forever thing, and I doubt our futures lay in the same direction.

Sure... keep telling yourself that.

Cody popped in and out quickly. Isabelle fought a scowl but it was easy to do as just for a moment, Jut's hand glowed the same color hers had. It flickered out and Jut groaned.

"So close."

"Did you figure it out? Can you recreate my Skill?" Isabelle asked.

Jut scowled and shook his head. "Not exactly. I might be able to with practice, but I can't seem to get the Mana to flow out of me and form the bolt. I can get it to accumulate in my palm, but that's it."

"I get that you want to recreate Skills you don't possess, but for what purpose? Do you think it will be that beneficial?" She asked. She was very curious what his answer was. She could see plenty of uses for it but it seemed impossible. What would the Skills they received be for if they could just duplicate the effects without the Skill?

Jut hesitated briefly, gathering his thoughts. "I think the System doesn't "give" us Skills. I think it gives us a short cut to make magical things happen. I believe we could all use all of the Skills if we could figure out how they worked."

"So, like, everyone could heal wounds if they could learn how to activate the Mana within themselves like I can?" She asked for clarification. The idea was interesting. It would mean that, given the right training and practice, people wouldn't need a team at all. They could tank, heal, and deal damage all at once. She added her concern. "I don't think we have large enough Mana pools to be able to do that, even if it is possible."

Jut nodded. "There's also the elemental differences too. Does my Fire Affinity mean I can't cast anything but Fire type Skills or Spells unless I possess a specific Skill that allows for a different type? Or can anyone use Wind magic and I will just have an easier time using Fire due to my affinity?" He shrugged. "I'll have to keep practicing. I think I'm going to use my entire Mana Pool feeling out my Skills then get food from Radiance just in time for the Run. What's on your agenda until then?"

"Do you mind company? I think I want to try moving my Mana around my body a bit too." She asked because it seemed like he was giving her an excuse to leave. She didn't really want to go anywhere though. Joy would be fuming for a while and she didn't have anywhere specific to be.

"I don't mind. We can walk down together if you want food after. I'm sure Lily would love for you to stay." Jut said before closing his eyes and turning on his Skills again.

Isabelle closed her eyes, but couldn't focus on Mana just then because Lily had appeared as if Jut had summoned her. She was purring loudly and bumping her head into Isabelle's hand for pets. She, of course, obliged.

Isabelle spoke to Lily, loud enough that it was obvious she wanted Jut to hear. "Shhh, we don't want Jut to know you're the whole reason I'm here."

Lily purred louder, rubbing her head against Isabelle, curling up and getting comfortable.

Jut gave Isabelle and Lily a grin with one eyelid cracked before he closed it again and went back to his practice.