KESM: Terra Quatuor Chronicles

The air in the Nexus buzzed with quiet energy as Sabbath made his way across its general space, weaving through adventurers and mercenaries engrossed in their meals or whispers of trade. From behind the counter appeared an elderly man, a figure who seemed to defy time.

His hair, wild and snow-white, gave him the look of a mad scientist, while his sharp, deeply wrinkled features told tales of a life lived long and hard. His frame, though tall, bent slightly under the weight of years, but his movements were surprisingly quick, aided by a stunning staff crafted with unmistakable skill, no doubt by his own hands.

This was Meister Ray, a retired Forgesmith renowned across the Four Kingdoms. Though he'd hung up his hammer long ago, his reputation still cast a long shadow. Ray worked only for himself now, a choice that many whispered about but no one dared to question. His dark robe shimmered faintly under the Nexus's light, drawing curious glances.

'Extravagant as ever' Sabbath thought.

As Ray approached the counter, Sabbath exchanged brief pleasantries with a few familiar faces before catching up with his friends already there, watching as the old man stepped out from behind the curtain that separated the general space from the Nexus staff quarters.

Sabbath could remember with lucid detail his first encounter with Meister Ray, who at the time, due to his quirky way of speaking made it sound as though he said 'Mystery'. Sabby couldn't believe it had been twelve years now, since meeting this eccentric old man, he couldn't think of anyone who hadn't always known Ray as an ancient fellow. 

"Sabbath ma boy!" hailed Ray, in a raspy voice. "Good to have you back so soon." 

"Thanks Ray, it's been four months, but yeah, 'soon' works." Sabbath replied, his tone dry. His attempt at humor falling flat. 

"Cut the old man some slack." Hayz said, ruffling Sabbath's hair.

"Yes, yes. Straight to business as always, Sabby." Ray said while signaling refreshments for their section.

"Hurts when you never address us first, old man." Jon chuckled.

"Forgive this grandpa, old habits really…. But first — good to see you all again. You've made quite the name for yourselves." With a short pause, he continued. "I see your team is as seasoned as ever, warms my heart every time. Lord knows how daunting the tasks you take on are. On one hand this will be your last mission as Bound, on the other, it could be your last mission.... It will be the hardest one yet as you're up against a Tier-2 Fiend, with Origins in Arthuria."

The table fell silent at the mention of Arthuria. Hayz's smile faltered for a moment, his gaze distant. The Kingdom of Knights was his home, or at least it had been before his exile, as a right to passage after an incident, at the ripe young age of seven. He didn't dwell long on the memories, though, shaking them off as the first of the refreshments arrived. 

Hovering carriers glided toward the counter, laden with food and drinks. A marvel of Esper craftsmanship, their tech never failed to impress. Not a hint of mysticism in these creations, yet they showcase traits of the supernatural. A sentiment shared by all members of the team. Well, except Sabbath and Emaila. 

"Never gets old." Jon muttered with a sigh.

One couldn't tell if he just addressed the banquet or the words which had pierced his heart. Blessing a piece of cake, he brought it to his mouth, and bit on the delectable pastry, enjoying its every flavour. After many a blissful seconds, he said. "Now, what was that about a Tier-2 Fiend?" Trying his best to keep his surprise and rage in check.

Ray sighed, setting his tea down. "You've been dealt an unfair hand, all of you. The system was never meant to favor the Bound—" 

"We know what we are, you don't have to remind us." Emaila cut in, her voice sharp but steady. 

Ray nodded, his expression softening. "Fair enough. The mission details are on Sabbath's tab. You'll need every advantage for this one." Gently cradling the cup of tea, taking a sip, he continued. "For now, eat and rest. I've set up a room for your stay while you prepare."

"I wish you luck, kids."

The private room hummed with energy. Sabbath stood at the center, his presence commanding as he outlined their plan — mixed with the eerie glow of the magical conduits lining the walls, the room's temperature seemed to drop, on an almost physical level, several degrees lower.

The stakes of their mission, and the promise of freedom on each of their minds.

"We've spent years fighting for this moment." He said, meeting the eyes of each member in turn. "One last hunt, and we're free. No more running. No more quotas. Just…. life."

Hayz, ever the irreverent one, leaned back in his chair and muttered. "Sureee, because fighting a Tier-2 Fiend sounds like such a relaxing holiday." 

The group chuckled, tension easing for a moment before reality set back in. A Tier-2 Fiend wasn't just powerful — it was a force of nature. Equivalent to a Bishop-level Knight from Arthuria, this monster was beyond anything they'd faced before. The crew's resolve was strong, but so were their fears, it went without saying, this Fiend was far too powerful for them to face, at their current Rank.

Sabbath's voice cut through the quiet. "We're not strong enough yet." 

They all knew it, but hearing it aloud made the truth heavier. 

The meeting ended, and they scattered to ground themselves. Each had their rituals. 

Angelie polished her blades with the care of an artist. Emaila meditated, her glowing hands illuminated the air as she refined her Esper skills. Hayz tempered his war hammer, while going over battle strategies and his knightly creed. Jon tinkered with his alchemical vials, while re-evaluating his spells with meticulous focus.

Just as they settled in for the night, the couples — Hayz and Angelie, Jon and Emaila —took a moment to lean on each other. Quiet embraces, whispered reassurances. 

Sabbath stood apart, watching them. Pride filled him, but so did dread. They were ready — but would it be enough?