The back alleys of Sixenbelt hummed with the faint glow of neon signs and the distant clatter of virtual machinery. Pepper and his party had just linked a gate between Aitoil and Rabbits, a feat that felt like threading a needle through the chaotic tapestry of Shangri Frontier.
"All done, Pepper-han," said Aitoil, wiping virtual sweat from her brow with a grin.
"Thanks for the help today, Aitoil, Bilac-san," Pepper replied, his voice steady but warm. "Aitoil, take these MP potions. Bilac-san, here's some drive ore for you."
"Thanks a bunch, Pepper-han!" Aitoil chirped, pocketing the potions.
"Aye, I'm headin' back to Rabbits to start craftin' two Madness Breakers," Bilac said, her gruff tone softened by enthusiasm. "Gimme a bit, alright?"
"Please and thank you," Pepper said, bowing slightly. He watched as Aitoil and Bilac vanished through the gate, their silhouettes swallowed by the shimmering portal. His plan was set: head to Sixenbelt's weapon shop to nurture one of the three growth variants of his Madness Breaker, then log out. But just as he turned to leave, his in-game email app pinged with a new message.
Curious, Pepper opened the app, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he scanned the sender's name. A quick exchange followed, each message laced with the competitive banter that defined his circle of gamers.
Subject: Just Started Shanfro From: Bushikatzo To: A-Z
Yo, A-Z! Just logged into Shanfro, and holy crap, this game's unreal. Moves like it's my own body—way better than those trash games. Oh, and I told Pencil about it too. Any idea what level that guy's at? I wanna catch up quick and rub it in his face after all his email taunts.
Subject: Re: Just Started Shanfro From: A-Z To: Bushikatzo
Congrats, Bushikatzo! Welcome to the grind. As for Pencil—er, Pencilgon—I don't know his exact level, but judging by his gear, he's probably maxed out. I just hit Sixenbelt myself, but leveling here's a pain with some restrictions. Planning to ask Pencilgon for a good leveling spot. Bet he'll demand something ridiculous, though… Oh, I'm level 30, by the way.
Subject: No Way From: Bushikatzo To: A-Z
Maxed out? Damn, Pencil's gonna be insufferable. And quit sneaking in that level flex, you jerk—it's lowkey annoying. Whatever, I'll catch up soon and make you my punching bag, A-Z. Be ready.
Subject: Re: No Way From: A-Z To: Bushikatzo
Guess I'll hide in a safe zone then ^^ But seriously, let's both level up so Pencilgon can't lord it over us when we cross paths. Catch you later, Bushikatzo.
"Still as competitive as ever, that Bushikatzo," Pepper muttered, chuckling softly. He knew his friend's gamer pride all too well—a fire that burned bright and refused to be outdone.
His thoughts drifted to his next move. Though reluctant, he wanted to test the leg-parry and kick tactics of his Kotei Battle Legs: Expyde Warleg, and he needed to progress his special quest. That meant swallowing his pride and asking Pencilgon for help, even if it meant enduring her notorious price-gouging.
Pepper opened his email app, his fingers hesitating over the keys. Each word he typed felt like stirring a bubbling meringue of frustration and dread. After several revisions, his hands trembling with reluctance, he hit send.
Subject: As a Shanfro Veteran From: Pepper To: Pencil
This is the last thing I want to do, but I'm asking you, Towa, as a Shanfro vet. Know any efficient leveling spots accessible from Thirdrema? I'm working on a special quest that unlocks a new weapon, but it's got level and stat requirements. Being cursed by Lycaon's making it rough. I'm willing to meet any demands you have, short of unique gear.
(Oh god, I sent it… What now? My chest's been a mess since that moment, and Pencilgon's gonna have a field day teasing me. This sucks…)
Pepper groaned, pressing his forehead against the alley wall, his avatar slumping in defeat. Showing weakness to Pencilgon was a recipe for disaster, but desperate times called for desperate measures.
Then, another email pinged. Bracing himself, Pepper opened it, his face twisting into a grimace as he read.
Subject: Re: As a Shanfro Veteran From: Pencil To: Pepper
Your big sis Pencilgon knows just the spot for leveling near Thirdrema! I'll show you, but only if you party up with me. Got any free days after tomorrow? Let's meet at Thirdrema's Snake Apple, the usual spot. Oh, and… thanks, A-kun. I'm kinda happy you're relying on me.
Pepper's shoulders relaxed, expecting some outrageous demand only to find a simple request to team up. But suspicion lingered—Pencilgon was never this straightforward. He scoured the email for hidden traps, finding none. She was probably saving her schemes for their meetup. Sighing, he checked his real-world schedule—work shifts and university lectures—and replied that two days from now worked.
The weapon shop in Sixenbelt was a fortress of clanging metal and glowing forges. Pepper stepped inside, greeted by the shopkeeper—a grizzled man with a scarred eye and burn-marked arm, his apron barely containing his muscular frame.
"Evening!" Pepper called.
"Well, if it ain't Pepper!" the shopkeeper replied, his voice rough but warm. "You made it past the ruins from Thirdrema, huh?"
"Yup, that's me," Pepper said, nodding. "I heard from a blacksmith in Phosphocie that adding drive ore to my Madness Breaker can evolve it into a new form. Can you make it happen?"
"Got the materials?" the shopkeeper asked, leaning forward.
Pepper placed his Madness Breaker and a stack of drive ore from the Iron Ruins on the counter. The shopkeeper inspected them, nodding approvingly.
"This'll do. But it's late, so give me two days, yeah?"
"Deal," Pepper said, relieved. His plan was clear: in two days, he'd grab the upgraded weapon, meet Pencilgon at Thirdrema's Snake Apple, and grind at her secret leveling spot until he could equip his Kotei Battle Legs.
As he stepped out of the shop, a prickling sensation halted him—a stare boring into his back. He turned to find a girl avatar, 'Kyoju,' gawking at him. Her peach-pink hair was tied into twin tails, adorned with six cherry-blossom ribbons, and her red-lined dress screamed flamboyance.
Their eyes locked in awkward silence.
"…"
"…"
Pepper tried to sidle past, but Kyoju grabbed his cloak, yanking him back until he stumbled onto his backside.
"Um, excuse me, do you need—"
"I'd heard the rumors, but to think you match the description this well!" Kyoju's voice boomed, a gravelly, middle-aged man's tone that clashed hilariously with her magical-girl aesthetic.
Pepper snorted, caught off guard. "S-sorry, that was just… unexpected. Uh, what's up?"
Kyoju smirked, undeterred. "I haven't introduced myself. I'm Kyoju, leader of the analysis clan 'Library.'"
"Library? Wait, you're the ones posting those deep-dive articles online!" Pepper said, recalling their detailed breakdown of the Iron Ruins. "Those are seriously helpful."
"Glad you're a fan," Kyoju said, her gruff voice softening. "Now, Pepper-kun, I've heard you were chosen by Lycaon and bear its curse. Is that true?"
Pepper tensed, his instincts screaming caution. If Aitoil and Bilac had been here, this could've gotten messy. "Before we talk about that, this street's too crowded. And I can't discuss Lycaon without someone else present. Mind if we grab a spot at a tavern after I contact them?"
Kyoju paused, then nodded. "Fair enough."
Pepper sent a message to Pencilgon via an owl courier. Minutes later, a magic circle flared, and Pencilgon appeared, her grin wide—until she saw Kyoju. Her face twisted into a scowl so blatant it could've curdled milk.
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