Ryu's arms flexed, somewhat clumsily returning his Great Swordstaffs back to their sheaths. He had been looking forward to training his body control back to where it once was, being very expectant of the kind of gains he would have to his Necromancy as a result. In fact, this was exactly why he had chosen to commission a holster for his new weapons rather than simply storing them in a spatial ring, he wanted to push his body to its limits so he could gain this greater control. But, he hadn't expected to be interrupted before he could even decide what his next step would be.
It was quite a shame. Ryu had thought the benefit of being upfront with his high status would make people leave him alone. He had grown used to running into trouble these past few years because his standing was too low. It seemed that the trouble he had to deal with had less to do with how low his standing was and more about how unlucky he was.
Ryu calmly observed the young woman before him, seemingly not minding the slightly awkward silence.
She was quite a beauty. Though nothing compared to Ailsa, she seemed to command attention of her own under the circumstance that a Faerie Princess wasn't also nearby.
That said, her beauty was secondary. She wore tight fitting grey robes that may have followed her curves, but also worked to accentuate the Team Emblem that rested just above her right breast. This very emblem was the very same one shared by all those who followed her, making it obvious that they were all a part of the same organization.
What was especially intriguing, though, was that this young woman also seemed to have stepped into the Immortal Ring Realm. And, not only had she done so, but her completion of the Realm was not shallow and her age was most definitely quite young.
Simply put, compared to the talents Ryu had run in the Shrine Plane during his second life, and even compared to the few he had stumbled across in his short time in the Moon World, she was leagues above.
It could be said that this young woman was the closest person to his own talent that Ryu had run into in his second life.
Of course, this wasn't saying much. It was impossible for her to compare to him and the quality of youths Ryu had come across were lacking. But, it still said something.
After a long while, just when the young woman was starting to get uncomfortable and seemingly realized that AIlsa deferred to Ryu, Ryu finally spoke.
"And you are?"
The young woman cleared her throat. She had never been treated this way before, but anyone who could have a Cultus Faerie by his side likely had the right to be so arrogant. She had thought that since Ryu was still in the Divine Vessel Realm, things would be somewhat easier to handle. But, despite being so close to him, he didn't seem to display any fear whatsoever.
Under normal circumstances, even if one's backing was far higher than another, there would be a minimum amount of respect afforded to those with higher cultivation than you. This was the way of the Martial World, where strength reigned. However, Ryu didn't seem to take her seriously at all.
Of course, how could she know that Ryu was used to berating World Sea Realm experts even as a mortal?
"… Ah, yes. We are the Violet Olive Team and are under the rulership of the Immortal Sakura Alliance. We're here on orders from our superiors to have a chat.
"According to the unspoken rules of our several Alliances, we aren't meant to cross into one another's territory especially during these sensitive times. Might I ask which Alliance you're affiliated with and why you've come to our territory?"
Ryu sent a glance over to Ailsa, to which she responded with a giggle.
'Teams, Alliances and Factions — that's the order from smallest to largest. Alliances are usually less strict and aren't truly recognized by Osiris. Same goes for Teams. Factions, on the other hand, are the real big players of this dream world.
'That said, due to the smaller restrictions and size, there are far more Teams and Alliances than there are Factions. As such, most of what happens in the lower regions are dictated by these smaller teams. If an Alliance is provoked, things can get especially murky because many of the shops here run through them.
'Of course, the same can't be said for major establishments like the bank we just left. But, for smaller places like the weapon's smith who forged your blades, you'd have to be careful.'
Ryu listened to Ailsa's words filter into his mind, but he was still quite intrigued.
'Immortal Sakura Alliance? What a bold name…'
"I am not part of any Alliance." Ryu replied plainly.
The young woman frowned upon hearing these words. No Alliance? Then what was he doing here?
It was also impossible for her to think that Ryu was part of a Faction because even the worst of Factions would spawn their members in Higher Quadrants. Even the most fringe members of such Factions would spawn within elite resting locations in Middle Quadrants. Something like a Faction member appearing on a Lower Quadrant was unheard of.
None of this even mentioned the fact Ryu had appeared among the lowest grade sleeping pods as well. It was already hard enough for them to accept that such a person had a Cultus Faerie to begin with, let alone then accepting that he was from a Faction.
'Is he a Lone Wolf?'
If Ryu really was without affiliation, things would be easier. If he didn't have any backing, dealing with a single Divine Vessel Realm expert wouldn't even remotely be a problem. In fact, it would be too easy. This was especially due to the restrictions Faeries faced.
Under normal circumstances, a Faerie would enter with their Life Partner as a proxy. As a result, their combat prowess would be assigned a value of zero. Basically, floating in the air like that was practically the extent of Ailsa's abilities currently.
Of course, there would be an exception if Ailsa also gained the approval of the Mercenary Guild on her own. But, judging by the fact she had no qi fluctuations around her, this was unlikely. Plus, even if she had, so what? Since her Life Partner was in the Divine Vessel Realm, even if she surpassed him she would at most be in the Connecting Heaven Realm.
It seemed that they had been overly cautious?
"In that case, it seems we've overstepped. But, since we are here, I believe it's important for Sir to understand a few things.
"As I mentioned previously, this is a sensitive time. I'd like to warn you in advance not to take any unnecessary steps that might effect your future in Osiris. In fact, if I were to give you any advice, I would advise you to quickly relocate to another Lower Quadrant world. I see that you recently commissioned the creation of your weapons, so you must not be lacking in funds…"
Ryu listened to these words curiously. He wondered just what was happening here that they would be so serious.
"Unnecessary steps? Such as?"
The young woman looked back toward the group that had followed her before looking toward Ryu. The look she had on now was as though she was looking at someone who didn't understand his limits.
"I believe we've said all that is necessary and we've given you enough face. We'll be taking our leave now."
Ryu raised an eyebrow, his face still the picture of calmness.
'What did she mean by that?' Ryu turned his question toward Ailsa.
'I'm not sure, but if I were to guess, it is likely related to the resources of the Quadrants.'
'Resources?'
'Mm… Osiris is a dream world, but there are tangible benefits to be gained. Most importantly, it's a world for training and exchanging benefits. Some of these benefits can be traded amongst people like you just did with your new blades. However, many more of these benefits have to be fought for through ranking competitions and field competitions of the like.
'They're likely worried about you interfering in these missions. Or, rather, they were back when they thought you were a part of an Alliance. It seems they're looking down on you now, my Little Ryu.'
Ailsa giggled lightly, her actions causing several eyes that had been quietly listening in on the clash to stick to her like glue.
'Oh… So that's the case, huh?'
Ryu hopped out from the crater he had formed, his steps heavily landing on the paved roads and causing cracks to spread. Not long later, the crater began to mend itself as though nothing had happened.
'Immortal Sakura… Immortal Sakura… Is it a coincidence?'
Ailsa smiled, seemingly knowing that Ryu had already made a decision. If he didn't seek chaos, would he be the Ryu she knew at all?
Not long later, an uproar sent waves across the Lower Quadrant world. News that one of the missions the Violet Olive Team had reserved was now gone spread like wild fire. To make things more interesting, this matter was undertaken by a lone wolf in the mere Divine Vessel Realm!
**
Across worlds, there was a lush paradise with beauty beyond words. Pinkish violet clouds hung in the air, a refreshing sent rode the soft spring breezes, and the creatures seemed to laugh jovially, splashing about in crystal clear waters.
At the center of this world though, a huge commotion was taking place, a commotion so large it made what was happening in that Osiris Lower Quadrant seem like a joke.
After so many years, news of Princess Ailsa had finally been found!