>>6318565A confrontation with Mystletainn. You didn’t know when such an opportunity would present itself again. The notes Alvin had given you implied that smashing the sword alone would not be enough. While Elric would be free from his possession, Mystletainn himself would be released to wander the world once more. And he’d probably be pretty pissed. Having two powerful Crest users backing you up would certainly put your mind at ease.
>“I’ll be going to Floor 18. It’s about time I deal with that brat.”“Heh, if you say so.” Butch chuckles. “Best of luck to you then. If it all goes well, I’ll see you at the top. And as for you, little lady, take care not to die before then. I’d hate for something to happen to you before we have a chance to get to know each other better.”
You and Butch share a bumping of fists, all while Saoirse scowls at the outlaw. With a flash, Butch vanishes, heading off to Floor 23. You had to admit, you did not dislike the man. Perhaps you could talk him out of whatever ridiculous bargain he’d made with Marek. Despite how great a fight it would be, you’d hate for things to have to come to blows between the two of you in such a manner.
“We shouldn’t waste anymore time.” Crowley says. “Onwards, my stalwart companions, to Floor 18!”
“If we beat this Elric guy, I want his badge.” Saoirse grumbles under her breath.
Together, the three of you step onto the warp panel, expending one badge each to skip five floors and head straight for 18.
>Turn 14/40>Floor: 18/40When the light subsides, you and the others find yourselves standing before the ruins of what looks to have once been an intimidating fortress. Large stone walls that look as though they’ve weathered a great storm defend a sandy courtyard filled with debris, of which the only entrance to is through a raised portcullis. Atop the walls themselves, you see only a scattering of wooden boxes and barrels. As you stare through the open gate, you see what at first glance appear to be slabs of iron thrown about. Only when you squint your eyes do you realize what you see are in fact corpses, fully clad in some sort of metal armor. More illusions? From the looks of things, a fight had occurred here.
“Someone’s been busy.” Crowley says. “I see no signs of your target. Perhaps he chose not to remain on this stage after all?”
>“Somehow, I doubt that. Be on your guard. It’s possible that he’s hiding further within.”“Laying an ambush?” Saoirse suggests.
>You raise your voice loud enough, hopeful Mystletainn could hear you. “You hiding from me, you old fossil?! What happened to all that bravado from earlier? I thought you’d taken over Elric’s mind, but evidently you can’t shake his cowardice!”You walk through the portcullis, entering the courtyard expectantly. As you step through the raised gate, you hear Saoirse exclaim surprise from further behind you.
