Surviving the Simulation: The Grand Crusade

"Rex, thank you for all your help. If you need us in the future, we'll be back at the Starlight Oasis like we discussed," Xander said as he shook Rex's hand.

"Same to you, my friend. I'm not sure what we're going to find at Rantoul, if anything, but I'll try to get word to you about what's happening," Rex said.

The goodbyes continued as everyone went to head their separate ways, but remained committed to establishing some type of mutual defense understanding between the safe zones. But if that goal was too lofty, then they promised to be there for each other personally should either have need. It was the type of trauma bonding created among people that had fought, bled, and suffered loss together. They may have made it through the initial crisis, but everyone understood it was nowhere near the last.

While forces crushed the cult at the St. Joe safe zone, Victor slipped away during the confusion after the final battle. Not only that, but there really wasn't a clear understanding of what the cult's grand plan was. The only thing the team had proved for sure was that Victor had been poisoning the librarian with the goal of getting her to turn over control of the safe zone to him. There was nothing to explain the purpose of the undead experiments. Xander was sure he hadn't heard the last of Victor Stern.

After Rex and his team were out of sight, the captain of the guard turned to Xander, Jo, and Zoey. "You guys sure you want to go back to the Starlight Oasis? We could use your help here."

"Sorry, Captain. Even though the council has apologized profusely, I think everyone is going to be better off if we're not here. We're still committed to helping this safe zone and will have JT send representation to figure out some kind of trade agreement or mutual defense if he's open to it. Victor severely damaged our reputation, and you know, even before the reboot, people believed lies long after proven false," Xander replied as he picked up his gear.

"I get it. Just know that you have my trust and thanks. We wouldn't have been able to do without you," the captain of the guard replied with equal parts respect for Xander and disappointment that the words he had spoken were true. Even after the council informed everyone what had really happened, the notion that adventurers had actually been at the root of the issue persisted.

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Saying their goodbyes one last time, the trio left, heading south toward Sidney. Jo had suggested that they restock from their hidden cache and check on the dungeon. Xander and Zoey were curious if the other adventuring team had made it to the dungeon and if there was any indicator of how they'd done.

From there, they'd continue on to the Starlight Oasis. Xander had been honest with the captain, and St. Joe had left a sour taste in Jo's mouth from her time being held by the cultists. She was dealing with the trauma decently, but she still wanted to get away from the memories of that place.

Xander couldn't disagree, but for different reasons. It had been some time since he and Zoey had been at the Starlight Oasis, but JT just seemed to have a better grasp of the needs of a safe zone post reboot. Once the excitement of the Cult of the Simulation died down, Xander had spent some time using the new wiki feature and had discovered an entry regarding Starlight. It seems they had the start of a solid crafting scene going and Xander was determined to take up smithing.

"Zoey, thank you for everything. I know I've said it more than once, but again, thanks," Jo said. She leaned over to bump shoulders with Zoey. The two had quickly come to an understanding of the situation surrounding Zoey and Xander being traveling companions. Once they cleared the air, the two bonded.

"Not a problem. It's not like I really have anywhere else to go. So sticking with you guys is the best bet. To be blunt, I'm also glad we're going back to Starlight. Those St. Joe folks were pricks, with a few exceptions, of course," Zoey replied. "Think we've heard the last from Victor?"

"Honestly, no. I think we just scratched the surface of what's going on there, and Victor is too much of a weasel to just slink off into obscurity. At least we're past the initial reboot drama. Now hopefully we can get to a new norm."

"Why did you just say that? Every time you say something like that, the Simulation takes it as a challenge. Isn't that right, Mr. Lightbringer Crusader?" Zoey said in disbelief.

"Oh, please. I've told you, I am not the main character," Xander replied.

Greetings, players! Simulation global event incoming! The number of unsanctified remains found within the world has allowed regional Undead Generals to manifest and gather armies. Find these armies, and destroy the Generals to clear a region. Go forth and defend the realms, mighty hunter. Warning: While an Undead General is active in an area, each active spawn point generates 30% more undead. Rare and elite undead will appear 10% more often.

"Well… shit."

—END—