Interlude (Garden of Eden - 1)

[Unknown POV]

The sky was painted red, a black, then again red. A constant shift in colors, that to the uninitiated was dizzying.

But to her, as she walked through the city and into the inn, it was a familiar comfort. A reminder of the days she hunched over a computer, over a mat, or even just held a sword in her hand.

All to prepare for her next adventure in this game. But as she swept a lock of blond hair over her shoulder, the door opened with an automatic twist. She found herself blocked by a bouncer.

One with lazy wandering eyes, she scoffed at the man, and with a wave of her sleeve showed him her ID. Only then was she let in.

'Idiot' She muttered under her breath, hunkering over the counter for a nice stiff drink. '

"The regular, Eve?" A man asked her and to which she merely nodded, barely noticing as a hard drink was passed to her.

She took a sip and relished the burn as it went down her throat. Only to suddenly glare at the opposing side of the room.

Her hand lashed to the staff she held hidden in her sleeves. Thousands of hours of practiced mana control brought to bear a presence that could not be ignored.

"Who is that?" Eve practically growled out, her hand tightly holding to the staff.

It had to be known that for the players of Cyclical, that there were no skills, only traits. Every magic, every attack that was made.

It all required the user to come up with it, that was why Eve was so practiced with her magic, as she had done the same thing millions of times, the same sensation, the same flick of her will.

And so it was to no one's surprise that vines grew and restrained the player she had seen. His shifty eyes roaming the bar once more.

Eve stood up, the bartender caring for her drink and belongings as she stepped one step at a time towards her.

Only to be surprised when the player broke free of his bonds and turned to run.

"Freeze" She stated, and with another flick of her wrist the staff in her hand shot out a beam of ice. One that immobilized the interloper with such strength that were he to try to move, not only would he not, but his legs would be frozen off of their hinges.

And so Eve stood once again, victorious over her prey. Only to find her smile fading with a glance at the player, and the outfit he wore.

On closer inspection she found him to be wearing a golden cross, one that was intertwined with a sickle. A play on the communist flag that a known rival of hers had used throughout her own playthrough.

But just as she turned to dismiss the player, and to rid him of his life, he had already done it for her. An explosion rang out, stopped by the guards that stood to the side.

Yet even then she was rattled, the hastily made shield that Eve had put up merely stopped one chunk, with the others making it dangerously close to her face.

It even took a chunk of her hair, another reason for her to be so mad.

"I know you're reading this Eve, and I've sent a little gift, a sprout of conflict since this game has once again started."

Enclosed within the smoke that had read the letter in an irritatingly familiar voice, was a black flower, white in the middle. One that even she, one of the top players, had not recognized.

"Lillith…" Eve ground out, her own voice making even the guards around her wary.

She took a seat once more, and with a giant gulp, drank the whole glass of liquor. A look up, in askance for more and she was obliged.

The bartender sighed, looking to the ceiling and muttering with a careful breath.

"I don't know why I let you do this."

"Cause you can't deny me anything!" Eve yelled out, her face already flushed. She had kicked back another shot and already was starting to feel the effects of the drinks.

She sighed in satisfaction and handed over a coin, one that gave a silver luster in the air. And all was great. Her drinks poured nicely and by the end of the night she had set her head upon a luxurious apartment. 

Bought with the influence she had already garnered from the town she stayed in. 

Yet even as she laid to rest her head, her thoughts did not go as easily. Her eyes closed, a feel of platinum blonde hair tickled her nose.

She brushed it to the side and turned her back to the side, bunching the covers and letting the feel of the open air and the warmth of the sheets wash over her.

"Lilith" She muttered out loud, "Lily, whatever she wants to call herself…"

Her fists wrapped tightly around the sheet, mana rampantly turning about her body.

It was only then that she calmed herself and placed her senses upon the flower she had been given. 

It looked so peaceful, so unique. But even then she could not discount it, their little game had been going on for so long. So… so long. And even now, set to nothing, it still raged on.

Lilith may have the advantage now, but not for long.

It was a promise, one that Eve would keep. No matter the cost.

…

[Eve]

[4]

(500/1600)

[HP: 100]

[MP: 2200]

[strength: 1(1)]

[dexterity: 1(4)]

[vitality: 1(1)]

[intelligence: 5(11)]

[SP: 0]

[Traits:]

[Epic Trait: Born of Nature - Born from the depths of the deepest jungles, to the driest deserts, the harshest snow, each and every environment has blessed your existence. Not one can claim to be loved by nature more.]

[Rare Trait: Mana Burn - Your Mana burns brightly, greater than those of others, yet because of this burn your body aches with incurable burns and natural disasters. 200MP for every 1 int, negative effects negated because of Epic Trait: Born of Nature]