>>6312733It was rare that you found yourself forced to be the voice of reason. Even rarer was the idea that you’d back down from a fight. But something about this situation seemed weird. Perhaps Crowley was simply a powerful warrior, able to defeat five of Fodlan’s finest singlehandedly. But to do so without receiving any damage in turn was another matter entirely. Was there something more to this man? Some sort of ace up his sleeve that allowed him to take those badges? All you knew is that you needed more information here, and fast.
>“Hold on.” You call out to your allies. “He said he was hoping to run into us. Let’s hear him out first.”“Are you kidding me?” Butch looks at you incredulously. “Six badges show up right in front of you and you want to play friendly with the guy? Who made you leader, anyway?”
“I’m afraid this oaf might be right.” Saoirse mutters. “What are you thinking?”
>“Just give me a damn minute.” You snap. Wrangling these two was starting to make you miss your allies. At least they knew better than to doubt you. You turn towards the Dagdan and take a step forward, unarmed. “You, you’re Crowley, correct?”“That’s me.” He grins from ear to ear. Despite being held at blade’s length by three Crest wielders, he seemed to not be as worried as you’d have thought. “And you’re…Tristain d’Rusalka, right? From the land of Rusalka, I presume? Beautiful place. Very nice mountains and beaches, I hear.”
>“You’ve heard of Rusalka?”“Of course! I’m pretty well-travelled. I would love to visit one day.” Crowley says. “Perhaps I may yet have the opportunity. Provided you lend me your aid, of course. I wasn’t lying when I said I was looking for you. In fact, I’d even been anticipating it! These badges?” Crowley sticks a hand into a pocket on his chest, and flashes in your face five badges, which he holds together like a playing card hand. “I thought I’d go ahead and collect them for you. As payment.”
>“Payment?” You grimace. “What the hell are you talking about you fool? Start making sense, and fast.”“Woah, you’ve got a temper.” Crowley says, seemingly surprised. “But yes, payment. In a way, you could say I’m looking to hire you. I need a favor, and I need someone strong enough to carry it out. Do you recall the two Dagdans you’d seen me with earlier?”
>“Those giant hulking freaks? How could I forget?” You recall the two brown-haired men that had been alongside Crowley before and during the first stage. Massive brutes strapped in formidable armor and oversized weapons. Next to them, it would be a stretch to say that Clay was a Dagdan.“Adam and Nathaniel.” Crowley says. “You’d heard the announcement earlier, no? They’d defeated two foes on Floor 7, and would have a badge each. In all likelihood, they’re on Floor 12 right now, and progressing further ahead. I’d like for you to defeat both of them.”
