The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.