Everything is Permitted! [Job/Solo]

A quiet, peaceful evening.

That is one way to describe the sort of atmosphere one would feel in Fiore. Fiore, in general, was a place of far too much drama. And though drama can be entertaining, this sort of drama was repetitive, and sad. It would always be guilds on the news, both dark and light. “So and so did this” and “So and so did that.” It was… it was always someone attacked this town and the Rune Knights brought justice to them, or perhaps the villain brought justice onto the law. The point is, people were narrow minded. No one ever sought a better solution to things. No illegal guild sought their solution through better, more efficient means.

He knew that violence was always a potential answer in any fight. It may be a solution that children are taught to shun throughout their childhood. But it was a forbidden shun that was far too tempting for mankind to neglect. Violence is not something avoided, but prevented. But it is never seen on the same level.

It’s simply human nature. No. It’s a nature that both human and non human have accepted and embraced as a potential possibility to assure an outcome. It’s both selfish and cruel. That one must suffer so that the other can benefit. That one must spend in order to make. That one must cry in order to smile.

But it’s a nature far too blindly respected that a fraction of beings think that they can shun the nature. The instinct.

The Rune Knights was a faction that Isaac would serve for the majority of his life in Fiore. A servant to the public people. A slave to justice. And as harsh as those words may sound, they were a blessing. He got to endorse the proposition of peace and tranquility. And yes, so it may be true that Isaac believes in peace and a harmonious times. But he was at a point where he would only advocate for it in the case it involved his only kin.

But there was no true peace. There was no perfected government. All throughout Earthland, there is some problem that needs solving. Because problems are like infections. If it’s not prevented and handled with before it even happens, an epidemic will start and the infection with grow even stronger and larger in quantity until one finally drops dead. Others, on the the other hand, prefer to keep their vaccines to themselves. An endless supply of self reassurance that they would be okay at the cost of the fear and paranoia others would face, saying “I may not be okay”.

Yes, Isaac has experienced that sort of paranoia for decades, centuries even. But he has come realize but violently wise cultists that a perfect world was a dream, and there is no harm in dreaming; but the pleasures in dreams is that they were fantasies. Just illusions that fit to the person saw. But, if those fantasies come true, they were never truly dreams in the first place.

Yes, it is true that even children can be wise. Or maybe it isn’t? Sometimes children are said to be wise because of their reminders they bring to more mature beings. Reminding them to do basic things and to indulge themselves in life’s simplest pleasures from time to time, to break from their daily or regular workings to enjoy their freedoms. Although true and subjective, that is not wisdom, coming from children who think they’ve seen the world or children who think that the world is as green and blue as a picture tells them it is. But the same picture would not tell them that this green and blue, beautiful place is is blood red and black. A black so dark that is blinds you, no light in sight to guide you through the bloody mess. No, that is no wisdom. Children are being children, and if adults need a grim reminder to be delivered to them by the naive words of a child, then that adult is a child themselves.

Or perhaps it was the anger that Isaac had for his youth that denied him the chance to give things more perspective? From birth, he had to grow up and learn to lead when he wanted to follow. Write the tutorials when in truth he wanted to follow the tutorial. Watch others play when he wanted to participate. Call it foolish and childish, but these were things that heavily depicted his view on the world. On how spoiled people can really be.

Isaac made no effort to escape back to the fantasy of being a child with no responsibilities and could do whatever they want. The fantasy that when you fell down and scraped your knee, that people who cared about you would come to your rescue and ease the pain. He accepted that he was not his siblings or a child anymore and can never regress in order to experience that pleasure of truly believing the world was as blue and green as they would tell you. But he could preserve the satisfaction and happiness of his own kin while approaching a lifestyle where he could find closure.

Isaac realized that he had just sacrificed his entire law enforcement career when he retreated from the Garou Knights, and could no longer return to their forces due to his own convincing. He was told and was convinced that he made up for his sins and had successfully repented for his crimes by a person who has forgiven themselves for the same sin and crimes. He was free to live his life as he pleased. But the trouble was that he had devoted his life to making up for his sins and crimes, and what was he to be after? He never expected to realize that it didn’t require a lifetime of suffering and swallowing-your-pride to make up for what he has done, so what was he to do now? Support his son? Of course… but was that all? Or was it not?

No, in his mind, it wasn’t. He knew that he had only but a few decades ahead of him to live out and to appreciate his freedom. One may see this as short and fearful, but Isaac? Isaac, no. He has seen his extensive lifespan as a curse, not some blessing or gift. But with this sensation of feeling mortal… truly human, he couldn’t help but embrace any death that comes forth. But how would he live his life out till then? Peacefully? Away? No, he knows that he can die now. And he knows that he can die with inner peace. So, what does he do with his time? He balances a pacifist, peace loving and kind mindset behind the lifestyle he is trying to adapt to. A dangerous one. A life that silently advocates the world’s red and black features with his own hands. He thinks that this is a lifestyle he can transition to, but he must first test himself.

Today, Isaac had received a letter from angry Law Enforcement protesters who heard of his recent removal from the Rune Knights. It read as follows: ”A Major of the Rune Knights is visiting his home town of River Village. I want you to kill him by any means necessary, you don't have to fight him head on. In fact I wouldn't recommend it, but it would be quite impressive if you did, it'd also be a great show of our power. In any case at the end of the day, The Major needs to be dead.”

With some careful research and conversing with the protesting client(s), Isaac discovered that the Major was visiting family back in the River Village, allegedly spending a week or so there as vacation. However, the Major was well known for bringing unnecessary violence to criminals out of proportion to their crimes. Many of them have suffered severe injuries, and few of them? Dead. And as you could assume the protestors were the friends and family of those people and sought true justice upon the Major.

But was Isaac doing this for the sake and in the name of justice? It could be. But most importantly, it was a test. Testing his ability to move on. In order to transition to this dangerous and risk taking lifestyle, he had to prove to himself that he could betray and abandon his previous lifestyle. A servant to the people and a bringer of justice and peace and harmony. This was the trial he must complete. To kill a fellow Rune Knight.

It was both an offense and a crime, but he had confidence that he can prevail in this trial for the betterment of his life, or what little of it he had left. It was transitioning into an early night, and at the pique of the River Village’s entrance, stood a middle aged man with a stylish beard and hairstyle, wearing a wine red collared shirt and black, buttoned vest with long black pants and shoes. Quite the look, really.

River Village. And the name speaks for itself when you could smell and taste the humid air in the area and the seemingly never ending sight of water and river that would go on and on. Down by the same rivers were small, compact avenues of houses and gardens that looked to be well maintained and flourishing. Probably because it was so close to water. In those gardens were diverse amount of vegetation. Some were actual crops, like tomatoes or cabbage. Others held flowers and other decorative plants that surprisingly held fruit. It seemed like a self reliant village, really. But for raging rivers so loud, it was very quiet. And only a few people were outside from what he could see.

With a blank, dead face, Isaac proceeded downhill until he came by the first residence he could find himself to get close to. With his arms crossed behind his back, Isaac peered up to look at the building’s sign, which was sweetly labeled “Mabel’s Flower Shop”. Quite the humble town, it seemed. It was early at night, so he didn’t expect them to be open, but he decided to knock on their wooden door anyway and peak into their window.

Quickly afterwards, a young woman with short brown hair and hazel eyes, wearing a long white dress and a green apron proceeded to swiftly crack the door open and return the curious look. ”Sorry sir, we’re closed for tonight..” She smiled with a sigh, dipping her head in obligatory apology.

Smiling in return, Isaac also dipped his head, ”A pity. From what it seems, your shop has a beautiful selection. But I am not here to buy any of your products. I just need directions, is all.” He chuckled, the young woman tilting her curiously and proceeding to open the door all of the way.

”Oh dear, what is someone like you doing wandering about so early in the night?” She held a cuffed fist to her chest innocently, her wide green eyes staring into his with such wonder.

”Actually, I heard that a Rune Knight major came here on vacation. I wanted to pay him a visit myself. Do you know where I might find him?”

”Rune Knight Major…? Oh! Major Williams! Yes, his family home is just down the street by the residency lane. We don’t get a lot of visitors here, so having him here really gets around town quickly! But try not to disturb him, he never gets to see his family often. I’m Mabel, by the way, sir!” She grinned and pointed down the road.

Reaching out to shake her hand, Isaac chuckled, ”Isaac Anicetus, a pleasure to meet you, Mabel. I do hope your business succeeds, shame it if didn’t. Good night.” Isaac bowed and waved his hand weakly before continuing down the directed path. Major Williams, Isaac remembered that name quite well as he has come across him several times, surprisingly. They were never close friends but they did share a bunch of quick conversations and generally enjoyed one another’s company.

Down the road, in the lane of residencies, that is what she said and that is where Isaac went. For such a simple village, it certainly had a pleasant atmosphere despite only talking to one person (Who already seemed quick to turn the other cheek). - However, as Isaac proceeded down the lane, he noticed a particular order in housing. The smallest houses are the ones you see first and although lights could be seen on through the windows, many of the people inside avoided contact. As you continued to walk through, larger houses can be seen, but not too large. If anything, more like a townhouse. But it was around the end of the lane that large condos can be seen, all polished and stand-offish, clearly owned by the wealthier families in the River Village. All had beautiful gardens in front of him and even water fountains made of marble with exquisite designs and features. And one clearly had a label on it’s front gate “Williams Residence”.

With a small smile at the end of his lips, Isaac proceeded up the small staircase and to the gates of the residence, a mailbox all polished and prepped up but completely hollow and empty. Surprisingly. You’d think a guy so infamous would get a lot of hate-mail. All the lights in the home was on and clearly visible through the many windows. Two children, a young boy and an even younger girl ran through the home, and would go from window to window chasing each other until they noticed the middle aged man standing at their gate. The young boy pointed and his lips began moving, causing an older women to flock to them and peek outside to where he was standing, and tilting her head curiously.

The member 'Isaac' has done the following action : Dice Rolls

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'Monster Dice' :

As soon as a family inside the residence were aware of Isaac’s presence, eight Rune Knights and a crowd of people flocked to him. ”Halt! You have trespassed private property! You have the right to remain silent or we will attack!” One young, scrawny Rune Knight announced. Clearly impulsive, seeing as Isaac only walked up the steps and didn’t proceed any further, didn’t say a word and didn’t touch anything.

Awkwardly and sheepishly, Isaac waved his hand. ”Please, no need to arm yourselves. I am not armed and mean no harm.”

”Please remove yourself from this property!” He announced again, reaching for the hilt of his blade as a threat.

”Unfortunately, I have business with Major Williams inside the residency so I shall personally request entrance.”

”Last warning sir, please leave the private area!” He began to slowly unsheathe his sword, meaning ‘business’. It was silly, inducing fear into others with violence. It only proved the point Isaac was thinking about earlier.

”I apologize, but like I said, I have business with the Major and will not be leaving unless I see him.”

”You’ve been warned, on the offense, men! HYAH!” He snarled before fully unsheathing his shortsword and lunging at him.

”ReQuip: Betties.” Isaac sighed, blade-sheathed mechanical tonfas materialized onto his arms and successfully deflected the blade with it’s metal flesh, swiftly uppercutting the alternate tonfa into his gut, causing him to tremble motionless until he fainted. Doing about the same thing with the others, the small crowd fled to their homes and watched from their windows.

The member 'Isaac' has done the following action : Dice Rolls

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'Monster Dice' :

It was at the moment that he realized that more people fled from the scene in an instant, and all of the lights to the house flipped off in an attempt to redeem themselves away from the residency, which was a failure, of course. He wasn't terribly stupid, to their dismay. Eight more Rune Knight officers escaped from the interior of the estate, onto it's grounds with their weapons unsheathed and drawn. How pretentious these people were... so quick to draw blood and break the peace. All foolish to draw their swords to strike him after seeing their fellow officers fall to one attack of the trespasser. "You all do know that all I wanted to do was talk to the Major?"

Suddenly, the eight soldiers parted on equal and opposite sides of the area as an older man, looking to be in his early fifties walked down the steps with both arms folded behind his back and a smile to his lips. "Ahh... Isaac Anicetus. Thought I'd never see you again?"

Isaac smiled back in return, still on the fence. Major Williams, a pleasure to see you again. Hate to have us meet in such a dire situation."

"Yes, I suppose so... weren't you let go from the Rune Knights? Why are you here? My family is frightened." His tone became more strict and enforcing, transitioning into a more aggressive atmosphere.

"I was, and I am here under private request. Unfortunately, you have been sentenced to execution. Please cooperate."

"Pssshahaha! Execution? By who's word?" He busted into laughter and held his stomach to prevent himself from aching to his chuckles.

Isaac sighed and shrugged, "That's classified even to me. I'm just carrying out their will. Now then..."

"You? A petty wizard, thinks you can defeat me, a Major?! Such fooli- !!?"

At that crimson moment, six bullets fired, three from each shotgun as the Major fell dead, but unbloodied. The magical force in of itself was enough to knock the life out of him. Smoke drifted out of the guns as the soldiers took a moment to process what just happened. All fell silent before they charged at him with red faces full of anger and hatred. Just like the previous group, all were hit somewhere on their body and dropped to the ground unconscious, it seemed like a pile of swords began to stack up on this estate, a shame, really. Was this the best the Rune Knights could do? They were useless in the field of battle. One hit to take them down, and a total of sixteen officers would lie there unconscious alongside a body riddled with bullet holes but no blood. It was more disappointing than brutal.

It was a quick and swift death, and although he has slayed many people over the decades, something felt different at this moment. He felt the blood pump through his veins and the very hairs on his arms erect. His chest grew tight and his face grew hot. It was a feeling too familiar. A feeling he last felt when he killed off his fellow cultists.

Isaac stood there in silence, looking down at his machinery attached to his arm. The heat that emitted from it, it was merely smoke a moment ago, but he felt it press against his flesh in the most uncomfortable way. He felt his body begin to go number and number, but somehow the heat of the weapons that killed Major Williams were as ferocious and scolding hot as a fresh flame. His heartbeat continued to thump a regular pace, but each beat seemed more rough and painful than the other. These people, his former colleagues, his allies and peacekeepers had fallen by his hands. They didn't mean anything to him, not these people at least. And the Major had it coming to him anyway. But they stood in the name of the Law and Rune Knights. The name he stood by and served once. But now.. now it was different. He had proven that he was ready to abandon these people just as they abandoned him. But this feeling... was it thrilling or painful? Or was it just the adrenaline getting to his head?

This feeling was of equivalency to the powerful feeling of what happened centuries ago. The loss of his son, Atlas. The death of his wife, Setta. And the slaughter of his fellow cultists. But what was this? Was this the farewell he wanted to give off? He didn't have to worry about jail time, he would pay any fees required for his let-go, knowing his wealth.

But it was as if this decision would push him for what rest of a life he had. Things were different now, he had two sons and a house to live in. Enough money to fund several different industries and have self profit. Basically his brother, Kotomine, a priest, had told him that he had been forgiven for his sins. And had repented for his crimes too cruel for him to believe it. But he did. And for once, he felt free of the chains that would bind him for the longest time, but welcomed their tight grip. A grip so powerful it would bite into his skin and have him bleed. But he realized that he deserved it. He embraced his scars as a burden that he may be living with for as long as his prolonged life allowed it. There are times he wished to die, for the sinful crimes of which he had committed. But no. He saw death as a cowardly way out of his punishment. And being a man of his own personal honor, he could not cross a bridge over the ravine of punishment he had to climb in and out of to get to the other side.

But what was this other side? On this other side, what would await him? More challenges? Of course. Happiness? Probably. But was it something he wanted? Or would he rather die? These questions were perplexing, even to him. But now that he has grasped the proof he needed, he could now transition to a longer, happier life.

"I was an adult, and had been residing in near and far villages from all across the lands. I had many memories of these villages and the villagers within it. Some were groups of hunters and huntresses, some were villages of farmers, some were towns and gatherers. And from a vast and diverse amount of villages, I had collected skills and knowledge.

I was more of a wanderer than anything, and would always come back to a particular village where this elderly lady, who ran an orphanage, would let me stay in her home. Her name was Rosaline, but the kids would always call her Mama Rosa, or Auntie Rosa. It was more particularly found in different age groups that determined what the kids called her.

But, I found a home in that village. A second family. At first, I didn't dare interact with the children, I felt as if a outside like I should not be associated with them. So like my younger self, I would watch, and I would wonder. Eventually, the kids themselves managed to just force me into playing with them. I initially did it out of politeness, who was I to reject a child's request of play? Soon, I grew close to them. All of them.

"Mister Anicetus! You came back today! Play with me and Marx!" Some would ask me.

Some would ask "Teach me how to read, Isaac!" or "Teach me how to cook, Isaac!". I remember their smiling faces, eager for learning. None of them were educated in anything. Some of them didn't even have names. So I named them myself. I was like... an older brother."

This was the last page in his journal of his life, and he thinks it's time to add the next chapter. Everything seemed to be going his way now. His family now reunited, and he could settle down in his estate he had yet to move into. Isaac sighed and unsummoned his weaponry and left the small River Village, back home, and ready to transition to another life.