Through The Rift (19/35)

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Jak brushed a branch out of his way as he made his way into the clearing, the Water Wolves nipping at his heels. After what felt like centuries, the small group of adventurers had finally made it to the area where they were supposed to meet the coalition of Guilds. Having straight up sprinted the vast distance betwixt Intoks Capitol and 'Ard Araml's Rift, it had only taken them around an hour to arrive. Jak would probably have arrived with Mako much sooner if it wasn't for them towing six other panting individuals but the redhead didn't say that out loud.

"Looks like we made it," Jak commented as the rest of the Water Wolves made their way into the empty stretch of land.

"What makes you say tha-"

"Woah!!"

"You sure this is the right place Jak?" Mako asked, voice full of sarcasm. "Looks like a picnic to me."

"Shut up."

It was hard not to be amazed or enraptured by everything laid out before them, even for Jak who had seen such things on numerous occasions during his journey.

Full on, intricately built carriages sporting the insignia for House Raine, each one pulled by a rare and majestic monster. Squad after squad of fully suited up Guilds, each one baring their own unique looks with a specialized emblem of a symbol or animal, usually both. Polished gear and armor, powerful beast familiars, an abundance of different gear and useful equipment that must have cost hundreds of gold coins just to obtain. Every square inch of the clearing was packed to the brim with a full on battalion of Adventurers, each one looking set for the battle to come. Though Jak wasn't intimidated by any of them, he was impressed at the sheer numbers some of the Guilds were bringing to the table.

Especially since this quest was meant to be a low key one.

"Captain," A Water Wolves member named Nial Groudin whispered, getting Mako's attention. "Now what are we supposed to do?"

According to Mako, this was their first real Subjugation mission, at least one with such a prestigious reputation like House Raine. When it came to formalities and how to proceed, the Orb regarding said quest had never gave any particulars or on who to report to. All Mako could do was smile wide and display some semblance of confidence, with only Jak being able to see through his friends blatant facade. Without a word, Jak made his way through the crowd of Adventurers, ignoring the stares and glares that seemed to follow him along the way.

There, located at the very front, near the Rift, a large swirling portal that towered a full 30 meters in height, was the leader of the current Subjugation force, Obinay Hokozoku.

Jak didn't know him in person nor what he looked like but it was always easy to spot the one in charge, at least for him. Confidence, a commanding presence, respected by those around them, and usually giving out orders for others to follow. Additionally, Obinay was one of the few people on the Information Orb that Jak had actually looked into somewhat after glancing over who had been in charge.

After bypassing a few other groups who happened to wander through, Jak made his way into Obinay's line of sight.

Upon noticing him, the brown haired individual immediately halted the conversation he had been having and rose up from the ground.

"Red hair, black cape, katana, emotionless." Obinay grinned as he stopped in front of the fiery haired Rookie. "You must be Jak Yanda. The 12th Rookie right? Lugoh told me about you."

Jak nodded. Saying nothing. He wasn't sure how he felt about the description the man had just gave but he didn't comment.

"You're a tad late but no worries. As long as you made it, there shouldn't really be any problems." Obinay slapped Jak on the side of the shoulders. "I'm assuming you brought the Water Wolves with you today? We can't exactly leave here without them. They're just as important as every other Guild here!!"

Jak nodded once again before stepping back, allowing the Coalition leader to see the stragglers behind him, a group of nervous individuals lead by a head of bright blue hair. Obinay was quick to pick up on it as he walked up to greet Mako, the same friendly tone as when he had spoken to Jak. The young Rookie didn't exactly have time to watch their interaction, though, as he was unceremoniously tapped on the shoulder. A young woman, seemingly in her early twenties, stared back at him. Lengthy white hair that reached the small of her back, light blue eyes full of an unknown frustration, earrings that showed off a cross covered in snowflakes. She was gorgeous. Even Jak had to admit that she was quite the looker, even with the snow white armor she donned, giving her a menacing aura.

Even without being told, Jak could tell he was dealing with a real powerhouse, someone out of his league.

A Rift Hunter.

"Yanda," The woman said, spoken as a statement, not a question. "You're late!!"

"Do I know you?" Jak asked. He was certain he had never told her his name before.

"Red hair, katana." The woman crossed her arms. "There isn't a Guild here who doesn't know of you. It was made such a big deal of when House Raine announced it."

(("Lugoh told everyone about it?")) Jak pondered as he looked the female in the eye. (("Guess only the quest was meant to be lowkey, not those within it."))

"Okay." Jak frowned. "What'd you want?"

"The rules said that we were supposed to meet at 12pm on the dot, early attendance is preferable." The woman took out an Orb from a notch in her sleeve and tapped its surface, big block numbers popping into Jaks face. "It is now 1:40pm. Do you realize how behind we all are because of you and your irresponsibility?! You put the entire quest in jeopardy because you can't read a damn clock!!"

"Why didn't you just leave without me?" Jak queried.

"That's not the point-" The woman shot back.

"Easy does it now," Obinay interjected, weaving his way in betwixt the two of them. "That's enough for now Yokina. He's here and that's what matters. All is not lost."

Yokina let out an icy breath, a literal steam of chilly air escaping her nose as she turned around and stormed away, taking a seat near 'Ard Araml's Rift.

"Forgive my Vice Captain," Obinay said apologetically, rubbing the back of his head. "She's a big stickler for the rules. Though you guys are late, it won't affect the outcome of today's Subjugation mission. We HAVE been waiting for you but it's given us time to organize and plan even further so there's truly no need to stress over the time."

"Why isn't the time a factor?" Mako asked, stepping up beside Jak. "Aren't we trying to catch Uglio unaware?"

"We are," Obinay confirmed. "However what isn't mentioned in the Orb handed out is the fact that Uglio is a very cautious guy. He rarely ever leaves his Castle except when he goes out to trade some of his Slaves. When he DOES happen to leave, he's escorted by his strongest and most trusted personnel, some twenty or so Rift Hunters. It's only when he's safely tucked away within his home that he's virtually left exposed, his guard duty cut in half as some of them leave to attend to their own business. He doesn't leave for weeks on end so it's safe for us to take our time."

"So we just run in, magic blazing, and make the capture while he leasts expect it." Jak surmised, going off where Obinay was going.

"Precisely."

"Fine."

"You guys are just in time though as we were just thinking about heading out." The coalition leader grinned widely as he turned around and walked towards the Rift. Situated on his back armor was the picture of a Grey Lion with the word ARIES just underneath it. "With you here, all the pieces are in place."

(("The pieces?")) Jak thought to himself. (("That's an odd thing to say."))

"ATTENTION EVERYONE!! MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION!!" Obinay effortlessly jumped onto the top of a nearby cart, putting himself above everyone else. "We will now be heading to the world of 'Ard Araml, the Desert World forsaken by the WGC. Today we will right a wrong, cleaning the slate that this hovel of a man has brought upon the glorious House Raine and freeing those ensnared by his slimy grasp!! We move out immediately so ready yourselves for battle and charge forth with me!!"

Multiple cheers rang through the crowd as everyone rose up from their positions, adjusting armor and weapons, turning their wagons and beast towards the large Rift in the very center of the encampment. Jak could feel everyone's excitement as chatter and laughter echoed around the area, the sound of high morale and plenty of bravery.

"The Subjugation Of Uglio Mapel is now underway," Mako murmured as the Guild Coalition began moving into the portal. "Everything is happening much faster than I anticipated."

"Yeah," Jak agreed, following the Guild in front of them. "Try not to get in my way ya doofus."

"I should be saying that to you bonehead."

"Hold it right there," Yokino said as she walked right up to them. "Not sure if Captain Obinay informed you yet but you'll be under me during this mission. Meaning you'll be following the Aries Guild and operating as our subordinates as per the WGC's orders."

Jak didn't say anything, merely glancing at Mako.

"If that's how it has to be than so be it," The blue haired Rookie said, giving a small shrug. "Lead the way then Miss Yokino."