types qw

A Good Plan

Chapter Text

Gen sighed, waving around with a document.

"Okay, let me get this straight. This clan called Creed of Dread has been around for centuries and the only reason they survived is a mask?"

Kalim tilted his head before slowly nodding.

"Well, yes? But not just any mask, it's a sealed artifact which, I'm pretty sure, belongs to the Error Pathway."

"Sure, but you said they can't use it?"

Gen, who couldn't read too good in such a bad light placed the papers down.

Kalim shook his head.

"No, anyone who puts in on will die, that's a fact."

Gen's eyes narrowed, but he stayed silent.

Seeing this, Kalim continued his explanation.

"It's a mask which steals physical strength and the vitality of the wearer. So, naturally, the person will die if he wears it. But it doesn't just steal the strength, it actually stores it. Meaning when one 'breaks' the mask, all the strength which was taken up until that point will be returned and possess the closest person."

"Well, we only found records featuring two such instances, and the strength of the one who broke the thing could be compared to, um... an Angel? But without any special abilities, just strength and durability. Of course, that's because thousands of lives went into this thing."

Gen clicked his tongue.

"I get that much, but why were they in such a hurry. I mean, kidnapping around hundred people a month is not normal."

Kalim nodded in agreement.

"It's not, their usual way was one to two people a week. It's strange that it would jump so fast for seemingly no reason. And to even try to..."

Gen leaned back into his seat, unsure of what Kalim was trying to say.

"Okay, so- They already tested that putting the mask on a Beyonder will not take away their Beyonder abilities and will still only take their physical strength. So, they thought if they turned someone into a monster... Goddess that's a bad idea."

Seeing the strange reaction, Gen blinked.

"Well? And did it work?"

Kalim looked up from the papers.

"I can't tell."

Seeing Gen raise his eyebrows, Kalim continued.

"The first experimentation was meant to take place two days ago. But there are no reports."

Gen looked at the ground filled with corpses.

"These have been here for about two days..."

He then sighed.

"Seems like it failed."

Kalim nodded.

"Yes, but that means that right now, there is a crazy Beyonder creature running around."

Gen stood up, his eyes scanning the bloody trails.

"Then we should get to it. Go make a report, I know how to trail. And I don't think a crazy monster will hide its tracks."

Kalim was silent for a while before jumping off the seat.

Since the Scout Patrol parted into two, Juny made an artifact for Kalim as well, so he'd have a way to attend the Troop Meeting.

"I can do that. But you should also use that to report to Juny."

Gen looked at the brooch and nodded.

"I know, I'll do it."

...

Dager frowned as his eyes scanned the surrounding sea.

Dager's flagship was currently secretly docked to get additional supplies.

It was early, too early for it to be called morning.

The ship was not too far from the City of Generosity Bayam, probably around seven hours of sailing away.

Dager's been bubbling with energy and thus got up early, but his brows couldn't help but furrow even this beautiful morning.

He felt extreme pressure, almost as if he was standing before a Demigod.

Brielle stood next to him, probably also getting the chills.

"What do you think that was?"

Dager gave her a glance before easing his expression with a smile.

"What else, one of the mighty Pirate Kings decided to pay us a visit, even if from afar."

He then leaned on the wooden railing.

"But that's none of our business, go back to your post."

Dager turned back, his eyes scanning the crowd as his smirk grew wider.

"The fun is about to start."

...

The creaking of the ship's hull was the only thing breaking the suffocating silence.

Ralven's face was highlighted by the flickering light of a nearby lamp.

Even in the cool night, Ralven's face was covered with beads of sweat.

He lightly rubbed his palms together, watching the man on the other side of the table.

The opposing man was tall with a deep scar spreading across his jaw.

He tore meat off the bone before taking a swig of a foamy beverage.

The burp was loud, bringing Ralven momentary disgust.

He couldn't help but click his tongue.

"You don't understand what it's like, Dager walks around like he's untouchable, but he's just a kid. A kid who's gotten lucky too many times."

The man before him gave Ralven a glance before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

A loud thud sounded as he placed the jug of beer on the table.

"You're not wrong, mate. Dreamers like him think they're invincible, but all it takes is one good shove to send them overboard."

Scarjaw wore a deep smirk, leaning back.

Hearing those words, Ralven's grin widened.

"And I'll be the one to do it. He's blinded the rest of the crew with his so-called charisma, but they'll see reason once he's gone. They'll follow me."

Ralven heard a low chuckle and turned his head.

A distance from the table was a man leaning against the wooden wall.

It was the First Mate, a hulking brute known as Cragg.

"You've got the spine for it, I'll give you that. But you'll need us to make it happen. We've got the muscle, the weapons, and the strategy. You just open the doors for us, and we'll make sure Dager's reign ends today."

Ralven snorted.

"Strategy? Muscle? Don't flatter yourselves. I could've taken him out already if I wanted. You're just convenient."

Scarjaw raised an eyebrow, his smile turning sharp.

"Convenient, huh? I thought it was you crawling to us, desperate for help."

Ralven's eyes narrowed, leaning closer across the wooden table.

"Just remember your place. I'm not some lackey. This is my ship, my plan, and my future. You're here because I allow it."

His tone was cold, crossing the line of command.

Hearing his words, Scarjaw exchanged a glance with Cragg, amused.

"Oh, we know our place, all right. Just make sure you hold up your end of the deal. We'll keep your mates distracted, so you better do your part."

Ralven smirked.

"Don't worry about me. Worry about making sure you do your work. I will make sure that Dager's gone before he even knows what's happening."

Cragg tilted his head, a predatory grin cutting across his face.

"Yea, you'll get your throne."

"And your fame. Imagine it, Captain Ralven, the man who took down the Vice Admiral Celestial Flame."

Scarjaw added, his words smooth.

"I'm sure everyone will remember and fear you for years to come."

"That's right. And you'll do well to remember it."

Ralven's chest puffed with pride as Cragg secretly snickered.

Scarjaw stood up, his smile widening as he turned his back.

Leaving the wooden structure by the dock, Scarjaw laughed.

"Arrogant fool. He's as useless as they come."

Cragg chuckled, glancing back at the shut door.

"He's already dead. He just doesn't know it yet."

...

The sun was already hovering high in the sky, signaling midday.

Gen paused before reaching underneath his coat to take out the gray brooch.

Seeing that the starry embroidery stopped glowing, he infused it with spirituality and took a step back.

Before him, the space ripped and split, creating a portal.

Through it walked a big gray wolf, Kalim.

Gen tried to gaze behind him into the Pocket Dimension, but the door disappeared before he had the chance.

He looked at Kalim and leaned back against the tree.

"The fact that you're here means that you gave the report?"

Kalim nodded, sitting down on the tall grass.

"Yes, Juny was quite quick to answer."

"So then? What should we do?"

Before answering him, Kalim looked around.

"Did you find it yet?"

Gen moved his hand to scratch the back of his neck.

"I know where it is, but I didn't come closer to it. It feels... threatening?"

Kalim nodded as if it made sense.

Seeing that, Gen probed.

"So, what did she say?"

Kalim tilted his head, unsure where to start.

"When I finished explaining and Juny went over the documents she... laughed?"

Gen's eyebrows rose.

"What kind of laugh?"

Kalim shook his head.

"Not like that. She looked at the records of the Creed of Dread's past experiments, scribbled something on a piece of paper and then just laughed."

Gen blinked a few times.

"Did she at least explain it?"

"Yes. After laughing, she called the Creed of Dread's members complete idiots and explained that their experiment didn't fail, but it also didn't work the way they wanted."

Gen motioned for Kalim to continue.

Kalim's eyes wandered to a nearby tree before returning to Gen.

"Juny said that the ingredient they fed the 'subject' was the Core crystal of a Six-Winged Gargoyle. One of the main ingredients for a Sequence 5 Marionettist. And so the 'subject' probably turned into a weaker Sequence 5 monster after losing control. Normally, this would mean that the transformation into a monster is permanent until death."

"But there is a large possibility that would not be the case this time. This is because of that strange Mask of Accumulation. We already learned from the documents that it steals the vitality and strength of whoever wears it, but that it cannot take the Beyonder abilities of a Beyonder."

"Juny said that this sealed artifact belongs to the Error Pathway's Sequence 4, Parasite. But she also said that there is a reason why it's Theft ability seams so weak and limited. She also pointed out that it has something to do with the name, Mask of Accumulation."

"The Mask is not meant to kill, but to keep and store the Stolen strength and vitality. This is why the Theft was weakened, but not removed."

"So then, Juny said that with speed at which the Mask steals the strength and vitality, and considering that its ability to steal concepts is still in a way present, the 'subject' which turned into a monster would have it's sanity returned while the Mask was trying to Steal the strength of it's 'monster part'."

Gen wore a blank expression.

"I don't get it."

Kalim growled, similarly confused.

"I didn't understand either, so Juny said not to worry about the process but about the outcome."

Gen nodded.

"Which is?"

Kalim's eyes once again darted to a nearby tree and back.

"That guy who lost control will turn back into a sane human with time. She wants us to help him achieve it faster and then bring him to her for further investigation."

Gen sighed.

"Alright. I suppose we shouldn't touch the Mask?"

Kalim nodded.

"Yes, under no circumstances are we to touch the Mask."

Gen pushed himself off the tree and pulled out the brooch.

It flickered gray before opening a small rip from which Gen pulled out three small bottles.

Two of them seemed like medicine while one was a potion.

It had a calm, almost relaxing structure.

With light-blue glitter flowing through grass-green liquid.

Gen then looked at Kalim.

"How big is the chance that the guy will attack?"

Kalim stretched his back, glancing up at Gen.

"You mean the percentage? About 95% that he'll be hostile. It's too early for him to have calmed down already."

Gen let out an annoyed groan.

"I'll have to fight a Sequence 5 crazy monster?"

Kalim's mouth opened into a smile, showing his sharp teeth.

"I wish you luck. But don't worry too much, it's going to be quite weak. Not to mention, the Mask is still suppressing and stealing its strength."

Gen hummed, not really much calmer.

"So a Marionettist, was it? What does its monster form do? What happens if we fight it? Like the side effects?"

Kalim paused, silent for a few seconds.

"I... didn't ask."

"..."

Gen's eyes narrowed, but he didn't reprimand the wolf, simply sighing.

"Never mind then. Let's just do our best."

Kalim stood up, his tail slumped on the ground.

"Yes, let's."

...

The workshop glowed with the soft hum of lamps, casting long shadows over neatly arranged tools.

Jenica sat by one of the workstations, meticulously sketching a blueprint for a recent customer.

The tip of her pencil faintly scratched on the paper with precision.

Just then, the door bursts open.

"Miss Jenica~"

With happy steps, Tessa rushed in, bringing an air of chaos behind her.

She wore a wide grin.

"You're going to love me for this one!"

Jenica sighed, looking up from her work.

Her composed eyes met with Tessa's happy-go-lucky attitude.

Truly a match made in hell.

Jenica's tone is cool and maybe even dry.

"I highly doubt that."

Tessa stepped aside, revealing a young man with a toolbox.

The boy looked nervous, his hands sweaty.

His gaze flickered between Jenica and the rest of the workshop, both bringing him awe and slight nervousness.

Tessa beamed, her voice brighter than one might think was possible.

"This is Carol! He's a genius with his hands, better than me even! He just got kicked out of craftsmanship school because, well, money. But trust me, Miss Jenica, he's good."

Jenica raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable.

Her eyes momentarily softened as she observed Carol's worn-out shoes and trembling hands.

Although all signs of such emotion disappeared instantly.

"I don't take charity cases."

Carol flinched while Tessa rested her hands on her hips.

"He's not a charity case! He's skilled. Give him a chance!"

Jenica slowly exhaled, setting her pencil down with precise care.

Her eyes locked with the nervous boy.

"Fine. If you're as skilled as she claims, prove it. Fix that."

Her finger moved to point at a mechanical device.

It was a small and intricate contraption with several broken gears.

The device was something minor which Jenica received as a commission just today.

It was something easy and quick to repair, as long as one knew the necessary precautions and steps to take.

Carol hesitated before nodding.

He set down his toolbox and immediately got to work.

His complexion changed the moment a tool appeared in his palm, his hands now steady.

He lightly disassembled the device, replacing the broken components with spare parts from his box.

Within minutes, the machine hummed to life, its gears spinning perfectly.

Tessa grinned triumphantly as she eyed Jenica, but the other only nodded.

"Passable. You can stay for now."

Without caring any longer, she turned back to her blueprints.

Carol let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding.

His hands back to their anxious tremble.

He placed his tools back before taking the repaired device.

As he moved it to a nearby shelf, he slipped, accidentally knocking over a small vial of black ink.

The ink splashed onto one of Jenica's blueprints, smearing the lines.

Carol's expression turned to one of pure horror as the workshop went silent.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean-"

His voice cracked as he panicked.

Jenica sent him a sharp glare.

"Carelessness has no place here."

Carol's face collapsed.

Immediately, Tessa opened her mouth to defend him, but Jenica raised a hand to silence her.

She then picked up the ruined blueprint and examined it.

Seeing the damage, she nodded before calmly folding it and setting it aside.

"Accidents happen. Just don't let it happen again."

Carol nodded rapidly, so much so that his neck hurt.

His eyes were filled with both shame and gratitude as he gently placed the device onto the shelf.

Seeing this scene, Tessa smiled, teasing.

"See? She's not so scary once you get to know her!"

"Tessa, if you don't have work to do, I can find some for you."

Jenica's tone was calm, not looking up from her work.

Tessa froze before awkwardly laughing.

She grabbed Carol by the forearm, dragging him to a nearby workbench.

Her whisper still as cheerful.

"She's secretly nice, don't worry."

Carol's eyes lingered on Jenica's ever moving hands, filled with overwhelming precision.

He then nodded as Tessa showed him to a free workstation.

The place became silent with just the clinging of tools and the scratching of a pencil being heard.

As she worked, Jenica observed Carol out of the corner of her eye.

This boy who was not a Beyonder moved his hands with a craftsman's instinct and the eagerness to learn.

Despite the earlier mistake, his eyes didn't seem to hold even a hint of hesitation.

A faint smile tugged at her lips as she refocused on her work.

...

The Supernova Pirate's flagship, Infernal Abyss, swayed across the waves.

Far out on the horizon, colorful twilight hues spread and highlighted the scene.

The force of cannon balls hitting the water near the ship caused seawater to splash onto the deck.

The enemy's shots fell short, but still close enough to raise alarm.

Dager stood at the front of his ship, arms folded on his chest.

It was a casual posture with an infuriatingly confident smirk, but his eyes were sharp.

If the enemy ship's aim got too close before the real show started, he'd cut his fun plan short in a heartbeat.

Valler and Brielle stood behind him, exchanging glances.

Valler checked the placement of his gun and blade for the fourth time.

Seeing this, Brielle's usual cockiness was gone, her gaze flickering between Dager and the approaching ship.

After a while, Valler finally muttered.

"Captain, they're firing blind, but it's only a matter of time before they actually land a shot."

Dager rolled his eyes, waving his off.

"Let them shoot. The more powder they waste and spread around, the faster this ends."

Seeing the strangely wide grin, Brielle tilted her head.

"You're unusually calm, even for you. Care to finally share the whole plan?"

Dager chuckled, moving to lean his elbows on the wooden railing.

"You'll see soon enough. Just do as we discussed before and it'll be all good."

The two met eyes again, but didn't argue.

Valler sighed as he made some distance between himself and Dager.

His gaze lingering on the chaotic crew running across the deck.

Further back, Ralven loitered near the mainmast.

His dagger was well hidden, but not well enough for seasoned eyes.

He was confident, arrogant even.

And he moved with those emotions clearly noticeable in his every step.

His eyes darted to Dager and a smirk tugged at his lips.

Of course, it was not the sneaky kind.

And even in the chaos, the crewmates were not blind.

Tannel was a young member of the crew, one without Beyonder powers but with a fierce belief in loyalty.

The boy narrowed his eyes, his legs moving.

He stepped closer to one of the senior gunners, Lenk.

"Ralven's up to something. Look at him. He's hovering there like a vulture."

Lenk shrugged, calmly adjusting the cannon even in the chaos.

"The Captain knows. He always does. Best not to get involved."

Tannel scowled.

"What if he doesn't this time?"

Lenk gave him a deep look, not saying anymore.

Nearby, Kaelith's sharp eyes caught Ralve's movement as well.

She furrowed her brows, leaning closer to Brielle, whispering.

"Ralven's prowling, should we intervene?"

Brielle shook her head.

"Not yet. Captain said to do as we were told. He has a knack for knowing when the rats are ready to bite."

Kaelith hummed, her eyes still anxiously tailing the 'sneaky' Ralven.

Despite the crew's trust, tension still lingered as Ralven inched closer to Dager.

It was slow, excruciatingly slow as the enemy ship drew closer.

Their cannons roared again and a cannonball slammed into the water near the Infernal Abyss.

A thin wall of fire protected and evaporated the seawater which sprayed over the deck.

Valler subconsciously gripped the hilt of his blade.

"Captain, they're closing the gap."

Dager didn't even flinch, raising his hand to signal for the crew to hold their positions.

"Brielle, how much longer do you think until we're in their range?"

Brielle clenched her teeth, but answered.

"Two minutes at this speed."

Dager's grin widened to the point of looking creepy.

But his eyes narrowed, staying sharp.

"Perfect. Just enough time to deal with the rest."

Just as those words fell, the wind hit stronger.

Dager's light-brown hair flickered up as Ralven lunged forward.

The already short distance was closed instantly.

Ralven's dagger flashed brighly in the dim light of dusk.

The blade was sharp, aiming straight for Dager's back.

But before it could land, a fiery serpent coiled up from Dager's body, its molten scales glowing with intense heat.

The serpent twisted around Ralven's wrist, stopping the blade.

Ralven's scream tore through the air, the heat searing his skin.

With a loud thud, his dagger clattered to the deck.

"This was your grand plan? You've been practically shouting your intentions since we left the port, and you thought I wouldn't notice?"

Dager questioned, turning his body to finally face Ralven.

His grin was gone, replaced by a cold glare.

Ralven shuddered, but his pride has yet to fade.

"You're not untouchable, Dager! You think you're invincible, but one day someone will-"

Dager raised his hand and tightened the serpent's grip, cutting Ralven off with a choked cry.

Before he could deal the final blow, a shout rang out from the crowd.

"Enough of this!"

Bryshar, one of the senior crew members, charged forward with his weapon drawn.

"Captain, you've gone too far! This is your reckoning!"

Dager didn't move, his eyes scanning the advancing man.

Valler reacted instantly.

In a swift motion, he appeared directly behind Bryshar.

Grabbing the man, Valler drove his own blade deep into Bryshar's shoulder, pinning him to the deck.

Bryshar let out a cry, his weapon slipping from his grasp.

Valler held him down, digging his knee into the man's back.

"You dare raise your weapon against the Captain?"

Valler's voice was calm.

But his eyes could spill venom.

"I should gut you where you stand."

Valler threat was cold, unbelievably so.

Dager waved his hand, his face expressionless.

"Valler, stand down."

Valler's hesitated, his eyes narrowed with uncertainty.

He lifted his knee, but the blade was still firmly in Bryshar's shoulder.

"Captain, he-"

"I said stand down. I'll deal with him."

Valler flinched, his tight grip on the dagger's handle softened as he pulled it out.

He moved a distance away, still close enough to take action immediately.

Dager took a step forward, Ralven still struggling in the grasp of the fiery serpent.

Dager stopped beside Bryshar, his eyes sharp.

"You thought you could play me for a fool? Plot behind my back and then challenge me outright? You're either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid."

Bryshar glared up at him, defiance flickering in his eyes despite the pain.

"Your arrogance will be your downfall, Dager. One day, someone will—"

A deafening gunshot cut him off.

For a moment, time seemed to stop as Dager straightened.

Fire was flickering faintly around him.

Emotionlessly, he glanced down at his chest.

The bullet had ricocheted harmlessly off the fiery serpent which was still slithered around his body, protecting him.

Slowly, he turned his head towards the source of the gunshot.

There, standing atop an unconscious man, was Kaelith.

Her expression was fierce, eyes burning with fury.

She gave him a look, silent for only a second.

She angrily spat at the limb man.

"Captain, this rotten bastard tried to take your life."

Kaelith's voice was trembling with restrained anger, kicking the man beneath her.

"I caught him before he could reload."

Dager's gaze moved to the still smoking gun on the ground before lingering back to her.

Then, a small smile tugged at his lips.

"Good work, Kaelith."

Just then, the enemy ship came into range.

Dager turned around, his attention back on the sea.

The enemy ship fired another volley.

One of the cannonballs grazed the Infernal Abyss, shattering part of the railing.

But that was all, the rest of the cannonballs didn't hit.

Instead, fiery ravens appeared around Dager, shooting the cannonballs down.

The metal couldn't resist the force, causing an explosion to happen midair.

The flaming explosion didn't disappear immediately.

Instead, it spread.

As if it was being guided by an unknown force, the exploding cannonballs moved and returned.

The slight spread of gunpowder in the air around the enemy ship was all that was needed.

Dager eyes were calm, the fire around him roared and flew out.

With each additional raven, the bright red light intensified.

The burning explosion flew at the opposing ship.

And, as one would expect, the flame didn't pause, thrusting into the ship itself.

The enemy vessel didn't just go up in smoke, it itself became mere fuel for an even more grandiose explosion.

It was a beautiful sight.

Pure fire blending together with the hues of dusk.

The Infernal Abyss rocked from the force of the blast, but Dager stood steady.

His eyes lingered on the mesmerizing view for a moment longer before he once again turned back to the crew.

"Now then, what do we do with those who don't know their place?"

The astonished crew woke up at Dager's words, their eyes moving to the three men.

One painfully struggled in midair-air, squirming in the fiery serpent's grasp.

The other pinned to the ground by Valler's dagger.

And the last one was unconscious, his wrist crushed.

Instantly, the crew erupted into cheers, their fear and tension replaced by exhilaration.

"Feed them to the fish!"

"Turn them into shark food!"

"Stab them in the guts!"

Hearing the roaring laughter, Dager gestured towards the three men.

The fiery serpent split, covering the traitors's legs before squeezing tightly.

The sound of bones being crushed was heard, followed by painful cries.

But the crew didn't show displeasure, instead, they all moved.

Pushing each other to grab the traitors and throw them overboard.

As the enemy boat collapsed and sunk in the distance, Dager leaned against the railing.

He watched the still-lingering flames with satisfaction before turning to Valler.

His tone was much lighter than before, back to his cheeky self.

"Valler, double rations for everyone tonight."

Hearing his words, the crew screamed exaggerated praises on Dager's name.

Valler smirked, pleased with the outcome.

"Aye, Captain."

Watching the crew laugh and cheer.

Dager kept back with a smile.

Those who were against Dager were dead and those who doubted him had their faith restored.

It was truly the perfect outcome.

Dager once again looked at the, now completely empty, sea.

He narrowed his eyes, as if considering something.

After a while, two sets of footsteps stopped beside him.

Dager turned, meeting eyes with Kaelith and Valler.

The two's clothes were light, unlike their usual attire.

Kaelith smirked, jumping to sit on the railing.

"I suppose we should go check the wreckage? Huh, Captain?"

Dager's eyes narrowed, his smile not fading.

"You don't have to do that right now. Go have some more alcohol."

Kaelith laughed, turning her body to face the sea.

"And what, you were gonna jump down there? Heh."

And with that, she pushed herself off, diving down into the seawater.

Dager looked at the rippling water before turning to Valler.

"You're going down too?"

Valler nodded.

"Well yes, I'd be too much for Kaelith to do it alone. Also, Brielle has the crew handled. No need to worry, Captain."

Dager looked back into the dark night.

"It's fine then, just be careful."

Valler scoffed, not replying to such not-Dager-like statement.

He jumped over the wooden railing, standing on the edge of the ship before looking back.

"Dager,"

"Hm?"

Hearing his name instead of the usual 'Captain', Dager's attention was piqued.

Valler smiled, speaking as he jumped off.u

"It was a good plan."