n

n

nNix sat comfortably behind the assassin as Gideon's Bone Crow circled overhead. According to Delyn Xai, the healers would appear in the air about twenty meters above Ice Falchion. The group watched patiently as the archers slowly widdled away at the boss's health. Ice Falchion was about double the size of a normal man; he wore gray furred armor that covered most of his pale blue skin. White hair and pointed ears gave him a distinctly Dhassi appearance; he dual-wielded ice-colored falchions and had a silver helm that covered his head.

n

/Hunter: Del: Almost at fifty percent, we're getting ready to rush in.

n

/Hunter: Nix: Be careful, Del.

n

/Hunter: Del: If you are concerned, then come down here and help me!

nThe blowing snow cut visibility down to less than thirty meters; Nix was forced to activate his thermal vision to see Ice Falchion clearly. From above, he was a dark red blob in a field dyed pink with his blood. The number of arrows protruding from him and the surrounding area had reach monumental proportions.

n

"What do you think of their strategy, Nix?

" Gideon had his own opinion but was interested in the Inferno Leader's input.

n

"The Dhassi are hunters but not well equipped for this kind of fight. They lack tanks, CC, and top-end gear. We should be able to keep them from wiping again.

"

nGideon chuckled at his passenger's confidence, but he agreed with the assessment. Despite being a civilization that was constantly fighting among themselves, they weren't adept at responding to changes.

n

/Inferno: Nix: He summons the healers when he's down to one-quarter health; there could be an additional stage before he is finished.

n

/Inferno: Del: Like what?

n

/Inferno: Nix: Look for a rampage-type skill or some all-out blitz ranged attack.

nWhisper: Delyn Xai to Nix Any last-minute advice?

nWhisper: Nix to Delyn Xai Yes. Once the melee starts, jump down from the ridge but don't rush in. Since he becomes immune to ranged damage, he's likely using a skill that prevents him from throwing.

nWhisper: Delyn Xai to Nix Join our channel.

nNix has joined Dhassi.

n

/Dhassi: Nix: Have the healers stay on the ridge.

n

/Dhassi: Delyn: You heard him. All melee fighters prepare to enter the fight. Do not approach Ice Falchion; let him come to us.

nNix watched from above as the Dhassi raid slid down the steep incline separating the ridge from the valley floor's edge. As soon as they did, Ice Falchion raised both weapons.

"Who tanks for these guys?

"

nGideon guided his Bone Crow a bit lower.

"Delyn Xai, Raine, and someone I haven't met. They rotate in, using skills to maintain defense and switch aggro. It looks ugly, but they manage.

"

nFalchion waited for a handful of seconds before he broke into a run and charged the Dhassi. Delyn Xai ducked under the first strike and managed to turn the target. Nix watched as the Fir'Dhassi used a combination of impressive footwork and blade skills to defend the attacks. He lasted only a handful of seconds before Raine cycled in to relieve him. The Inferno Leader immediately noticed that Raine's bladework had improved; although she lacked the offensive mastery of Delyn, her defense and footwork were just as good. Having seen Delyn wield the blade convinced him that Chiba was better.

n

/Hunter: Jiggs: It's like watching paint dry... maybe even slower.

nNix kept an eye on Ice Falchion's health; either his health and defense were quite high, or the Dhassi had really low dps. He spotted Del's stalker form flashing in for a slashing attack at the mob's back, immediately stealing aggro from Raine, who was forced to chase.

nThe stalker dodged and circled back toward Raine, ducking behind her until the Nature's Wrath could reestablish aggro.

n

/Inferno: Del: Sorry, Raine!

nGideon grinned over his shoulder at Nix.

"That's why their dps is so bad; they have to limit their strikes so that the tanks keep aggro.

"

n

/Hunter: Nix: Pays to have a Titan cub.

n

/Dhassi: Raine: He's summoning the healers!

nNix sprang at the target that appeared directly below him. He raked his claws across the neck of a second healer sending a spray of crimson mist into the air before he landed directly onto the back of his target.

nNix has landed a mortal strike on a Ritual Ice Servant.

nWith only limited tooth and nail experience, he copied Morti and clamps his jaws on the back of his target's shoulder while his claws pierced through ribs and shredded its organs. He clung desperately as the creature dived in a tail-spin toward the ground.

nA Ritual Ice Servant has been slain.

nNix felt the ice creature shudder beneath him before going completely limp. He kicked off from the healer's corpse less than five meters from the ground.

"BEAR FLOP!

"

nThe Hotter slammed down onto the head of Ice Falchion; although not nearly as heavy as Morti, Ice Falchion staggered to one knee. Nix bit into the top of Falchion's helmed head, dug all of his claws in, and started wrenching his head from side to side like an angry dog playing tug-of-war.

nPaco has activated Storm Legion.

nAll enemies within range must attack him for the next twenty seconds.

nNix grimaced with disgust as he felt his sharp teeth crunching through the Regional Lord's skull. With Paco's taunt active, the rest of the raid was able to burn him down with relative ease. The Inferno Leader jumped free when Ice Falchion finally collapsed face down on the ice.

nNix has slain Ice Falchion.

n

/Hunter: Gideon: Damn boss, don't believe in tapping the brakes?

n

/Hunter: Nix: Prey waits.

nNix turned in time to see Del padding toward him, her white fur around her mouth and claws were stained with blood.

"Everything okay, Del?

"

nDel nudged his shoulder before rubbing her head against him.

"That Pathfinder tank taunted right before Ice Falchion rampaged. It probably saved us from a wipe.

nNix glanced up at Paco, who was flying overhead; he had closed long enough to taunt the boss before retreating to safety.

"Yeah, that was perfect timing.

"

n

/Hunter: Nix: Quick thinking, Paco. Well done.

n

/Hunter: Paco: I tank **... That's what I do.

n

/Hunter: Nix: I want Pathfinder to lead the way on the next Regional Lord here in Oasis. Then we'll hold off on the last one.

n

/Hunter: Gideon: Understood.

nNix found Raine and Delyn Xai looting the corpse; since it was their raid, he didn't bother to check what dropped.

nRaine smile at his approach.

"I thought you didn't put wings on that.

"

nNix waited until she was finished.

"The flight part was ugly, but I stuck the landing. Hop on; I'll take you back.

"

nRaine nodded and slid easily onto the Hotter's back.

"That went a lot better with you and Pathfinder helping.

"

nNix spotted Cora and Del walking side-by-side up the worn trail that exited the valley.

"I'll come back to Parliament for a few minutes.

"

nRaine leaned forward until her chin rested on the creature's muscular shoulders.

"We don't have a real tank; our method is a bit risky.

"

n

"Pathfinder will assist on the next fight; Paco is a top-end tank.

" Nix caught up with the Ain'Dhassi rangers without even trying, only slowing down when they were a few strides ahead.

"After this next boss, I want you to return home to Haven.

"

nRaine nodded against the warm fur on his neck.

"This Hotter is really something. Did you get a look at that healer you swiped? His neck was sliced almost completely through.

"

nAn hour later, Nix bid goodbye to the Oasis fighters and gated back to the Gemini Temple. Del had decided to remain with Cora and help with the next Regional Lord. It was lunchtime by the time Nix sat up in the Turtle House's Master Bedroom. He stowed the Hotter in his inventory and opened a breach directly to Lana.

nThe warmth of the glowing Thermocules made Market street seem like summer. Shoppers walked up and down the boardwalks with their families while perusing mercantile goods. Nix spotted a familiar face dishing out bowls of stew.

n

"Could I get some?

" Nix grinned at the ponytailed sniper as he picked up a bowl from the nearby table.

n

"One lunch special coming up, Trip-7!

" Darsi scraped the remains of the large pot into his bowl before covering it with a lid.

"All out!

"

nHe waited while Darsi shut down her station and placed her items back onto the nearby cart.

"Just doing one meal, right?

"

nDarsi nodded.

"We've had to get volunteers to help, but we maintain twenty stations in the city from 0900 to 1300.

"

nThe duo walked back toward Madam Ravine's while the wagon continued onward toward the next station. The street that had been empty a week earlier was filled with people and the comforting noises that large groups make. Shouts, laughter, and running kids made their endeavors seem worthwhile.

nNix grinned at the blond, who seemed to be watching him for approval.

"Great job, Darsi. Spring is coming!

"

nDarsi nodded in agreement.

"Spring is **ing coming, no matter what that Ice Bitch wants.

"

nTwo large men greeted them when they arrived at the entrance to Madam Ravines. If Nix remembered right, they had both been chopping ice when he'd first seen them a few days earlier. The House of Pleasure was standing room only, quite the trick for the middle of the day.

n

"What's going on here?

" Nix had been hoping to turn things around at the establishment, but the crowd didn't necessarily fit in with the customer base.

nDarsi pointed at the Bay window's long sofa where Madam Ravine was sitting with a man and woman.

"That's the Judicial branch of Lana. They've asked permission to move a few of their offices here.

"

nNix kept his face expressionless as he walked through the crowded room. Half of the women wore costumes, while the rest wore elegant outfits that were somewhat revealing. Glancing around the room, he started taking note of his father's handiwork. The Cowgirl, Milk Maiden, Forester, Baker, and Princess outfits were obviously tongue-in-cheek.

nThe Inferno Leader nearly tripped over his own feet when he spotted the cherry on top.

"Serious? My dad stole the 'Sexy Librarian' fantasy from me?

" He stepped in front of the woman, shaking his head at the audacity of the older man.

"Nice outfit! That entire look was stolen from me!

"

n

"Y-You want like my clothes?

" The dark-haired woman shook her head slightly, causing her messy bun to come undone. She muttered a curse under her breath as she repinned her hair.

"Who is this, Darsi?

"

nDarsi's smile could have melted butter.

"Mayor Enfield, meet Nix, the Inferno Guild Leader.

"

nThe dark-haired woman's countenance changed when she realized who she was speaking to.

"Guild Leader Nix! It's my pleasure to meet you.

"

nNix ignored the grinning sniper and shook the mayor's hand.

"Just Nix is fine, Mayor Enfield.

"

n

"Don't let us keep you, Mayor.

" Darsi pulled Nix to one side where Vooni and Rico were sitting. The mayor left with a polite smile and joined the group next to the bay window.

nNix greeted his dad with a smile and sat down.

"Thanks for the help here.

"

n

"Welcome, Nicky. It was nice to get out of Haven.

"

nQuest Updated.

nCurse of the Ice Goddess.

nObjective: The Mayor of Free Trader City

nhas requested that you help him build support

nwith leaders of the Four Corners.

nReport to General Remis in Dhou. Completed

nReport to Quartermaster Felid Sah in Vespri.

nReport to the Thieves Guild in Mocai. Completed

nReport to Madam Ravine in Lana. Completed

nNix read the updated quest.

"With luck, I can get Vespri done before we have to take on the Colonial World Boss.

"

nDarsi reached for a canter filled with a dark red liquid and poured four glasses.

"I'm not volunteering for Vespri, going to focus on crafting instead.

"

nNix raised his glass. Unfortunately, he didn't have that option. He only had a short time before Khione's curse would once again be active.

n