#third beta

[p5x-theories]

High-quality version of the Joker vs. Wonder art from the third beta FAQ!

[lopjh]

P5X Cattle Gameplay Details

Please note that not all information is available and translations are done entirely by machine, so some information may not be completely accurate, or misinterpreted.

Role: Healer

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Stats (Level 1):

Health: 295

Attack: 110

Defense: 59

Speed: 100

Persona Trait (Awareness Level 0):

Day and Night Reverse:

Using healing skills grants the target ally [Star Fire]. Each companion can only have at most 1 Star Fire-related effect.

[Star Fire] increases attack power by (15% of Cattle's Attack Power) for one round. At the end of the round, [Star Fire] becomes [Star Fire II], which increases an ally's attack power by (25% of Cattle's Attack Power) for 1 round.

-----------

Awareness Levels:

When an ally with [Star Fire] is inflicting an enemy with an elemental status effect ([Shock], [Burn], [Freeze], etc), increase their effect hit rate by 33%.

Skill Levels of "Jumping Fire Owl" and "Hope Beam" are increased by 2 Levels.

[Star Fire II] increases healing by 20%.

Skill Levels of "Angels Mercy" and "Combat Skills" are increased by 2 Levels.

After using HIGHLIGHT, Fire damage of all allies is increased by 32%.

At the end of the round, [Star Fire II] becomes [Star Fire III]. Which increases an ally's attack power by (25% of Cattle's Attack Power), Fire damage by 20%, and healing received by 20%.

---------

Active Skills:

Jumping Fire Owl(Level 1): Deals (74.2% Attack Power) Fire damage to one foe, with a 75% chance of inflicting [Burn] on the enemy for 2 rounds. [22 SP]

Hope Beam(Level 1): Heals (76.8% Attack Power + 144) HP to one ally. If the target ally's HP is less than 50%, healing is increased by 12%. [26 SP]

Angel's Mercy(Level 1): Helas (40.6% Attack Power + 76) HP to all allies. Increases the healing received by the main target ally by 16%. [26 SP]

HIGHLIGHT(Level 1): Heals (66% Attack Power + 206) HP to all allies, and increases the attack power of all allies by 40% for 1 round.

Passive Skills:

Bright(Level 1): After using an attack skill against an enemy, grant 1 random ally [Star Fire].

Hope(Level 1): Increases healing based on Max Health, max of 3000 Health will increase healing by 14%.

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Weapons:

God's Glory (5 Star):

HP: 168

Attack: 56

Defense: 33

Healing increased by 22%. [Star Fire] increases healing by 4.5% and attack power by a further (5.2% of Cattle's Attack Power).

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Analysis

Cattle seem to be a great healer, with a focus on buffing allies' attacks to pile on damage, especially Fire damage. Unlike other Phantom Idols like Kii, whose support only works with other Fire users, Cattle can serve as a general attack buffer that can slot well into any team.

While his attack buffing power is not as great as Leo, and his healing isn't as proficient as Morgana's, being able to do both at the same time is what allows him to serve as a good medium that can still remain relevant whether you are winning the battle and need to pile on damage, or are low on health.

Potential Teams he would have good synergy with would be:

Cattle - Ann - Kii: Provides major Fire damage with Kii's [Sacrifice] stacks and Cattle's [Star Fire] + Fire Damage boosts from Awareness and his HIGHLIGHT, will allow Ann to reach insane amounts of damage, while still allowing for some safety with a healer. All of the characters benefit from enemies being burned (Cattle for providing [Star Fire] to allies, Kii for setting him up for DOT damage, and Ann for more damage in general), making this team very efficient as long as the enemies don't resist Fire.

Cattle - Leo - Ann: Same benefits from above, but even more damage thanks to Leo's insane attack buffs, at the cost of fewer chances to get Burn off on enemies, as well as less damage overall from the much weaker Leo. Leo's shields provide a useful layer of defense for Ann and Cattle, allowing them to survive longer. However, with this team, the goal is to finish the battle as soon as possible, as without the comparatively tankier Kii, all of these characters are not suited to take any big hits.

Due to Cattle's versatility, he can slot well into any team, but these seemed to be the most standout in teams of team synergy and utilizing Cattle's supportive strengths.

[musubiki]

more timeskip mochi outfits and doodles 🐈‍⬛

[thjslove]

🥺🥺🥺

[conceptofjoy]

sucks that you cant put babies in your sylladex. you should try being more like cal lil man

[b-a-pigeon]

Seeking beta readers for a queer fantasy romance novel

Fell A. Marsh's Taker of the Third Path follows Linmiru, a hedgewitch led by his god to an abandoned inn at an ancient crossroads. His task there is to meet the next person to take the overgrown "third path."

Months pass, and a growing connection with one of the inn's guests leads Lin to question his devotion to destiny—but the fate of the world rests on his prophesied meeting with the taker. And when the day finally comes, Linmiru must confront the reality that nothing at the old crossroads has been as it seemed.

If you're into character-driven fantasy, romance that explores darker, heavier themes, queer and trans characters, and some unique and vibrant world building, you'll probably love this book as much as I do!!

No experience required—the goal here is to get authentic feedback from real readers. All you need to apply for a free copy is a love of fantasy and/or queer romance and the willingness to give your honest opinion! The beta reading period begins later this month, so get in while signups are still open!

✨ Learn More & Sign Up Here ✨

[throneofsapphics]

cold shoulder

Rowaelin x f!Reader

Summary: You got into an argument with Aelin, and she gets sick of you ignoring her.

A/N: Tiny plot, mostly smut.

Word Count: ~3.4k

Warnings: NSFW, possessive, overstimulation, slightly dark, light d/s. I think that's it.

I’d finally made a friend. It took nearly six months, the entire castle avoiding me like the plague after I came to live here. The Queen and King’s mate, whispers would follow me, somehow unaware I could hear them. 

Both Rowan and Aelin were gone, leaving me to my own devices in the castle. My head was pounding, and I made my way towards the healers room. The castle always had one on call. I know where it is, but I’d never visited. I took a few breaths to center myself, facing the heavy oak door, and knocked three times. 

“Oh come on in you bastards.” The voice, a female - or woman, chuckled from within. I fought the urge to smile, pushing the door open. 

“Apologies if I wasn’t who you were expecting.” The woman standing in the room squeaked, dropping the glass in her hands. A wave of magic caught it and laid it on the table for her. “I’m Y/N.” I introduced myself, but didn’t hold out a hand. It was polite to let her do that. 

“Oh Gods I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to call you that. I’m Reina” 

“I’m happy to meet you Reina. I heard I might find some tea here. To help with headaches..” I shifted back and forth on my feet as she jumped up, ruffling through some of the several jars of dried herbs, to make a small mixture, placing it in a small glass canister and screwing the lid on. “You’re a saint,” I breathed, and she laughed. 

“Would you like for me to brew it for you?” 

I debated for a few long moments. It couldn’t hurt to talk to someone. “I’d love that.” I finally said. She nodded rapidly before fluttering around the room again. I made casual conversation, asking her where she’s from, about her family, and what she thinks of the castle. Of course she didn’t dare say anything negative about it. Even if she did, I wouldn’t report back. 

“Thank you.” I said as she pushed the warm mug in my hands, along with the tin full of more herbal mixture. Staying here to drink it might be pushing her comfort levels. “I’ll return the mug.” 

She smiled, opening the door for me. “It was lovely to meet you.” 

“And you as well.” Her voice squeaked again.  

-

I was chatting with Reina, the woman who’d given me the tea all those months ago. I’d visited her again a few times, and she’d always been more than helpful - always had a solution or a brew for something. Honestly, I craved company as well, and she was cheerful and knowledgeable. I learned so much about herbs and plants from her, and soaked the knowledge up like a sponge - even going to pull some extra books in the library. 

Reina and I stopped towards the end of a hallway, when she told me she’d be leaving, at the end of the week - back to her village. She’d been here on an apprenticeship, to learn more and go back to serve her village. A program that Aelin started years ago, shortly after her coronation. 

I gave her a tight hug, she seemed surprised but hugged me back. “I’ll miss you.” I sighed, pulling back and grasping her forearms, as she held mine. 

“I’ll miss you too.” 

“Maybe I can come visit?” 

“I’d love that.” Reina beamed. 

I felt her presence then. Aelin. I stiffened, and dropped Reina’s arms to see my mate a few paces away, glaring daggers into Reina, who looked absolutely petrified. 

“Leave.” She ordered my friend, who scurried down the hallway, almost running. 

“She’s my -” I turned and hissed. 

“Not. Here.” Aelin said through gritted teeth, pacing towards me to stop right in front. She wrapped an arm around my waist, gripping tightly and walking back towards - towards my rooms? They were closer I guess. Her touch was laced with pure possession. 

“What -”

“Wait.” She interrupted my sentence again, and I clenched my teeth. Her grip tightened, holding me closer, her fingers digging into my side. That might be a bruise tomorrow. We finally got to my rooms, and I looked to her for an explanation. 

“I can smell her on you.” Aelin’s eyes were narrowed. My mouth opened, but before I could speak she said, “Go take a bath.” 

“Excuse me?” My eyes widened. Is this a real conversation?

“Go take a bath. Her scent is on you.” Aelin tugged at the mating bond, sending her emotions down it. The jealousy. Something with the bond encouraged me to yield, to give in to her will - to please my mate and make her happy. 

I rolled my eyes, but didn’t say another word and spun on my heel, stomping off towards my bathing room. I despised myself for it. 

I ran the water, making sure it was hot, and threw my clothes in the basket. I scrubbed my body down with the rose soap, the one Aelin had got for me after she found it was my favorite. Once my skin was scrubbed pink and my hair washed clean, I dried myself off and focused on keeping my cool. I threw some clothes on. Fleece lined leggings, and one of my favorite long sleeve tops - cut right below my navel, and flowy. A beautiful darker green color - Terrasen green. Apparently my subconscious is doing everything it can think of to please my mate. 

I took a few conscious breaths and stalked back through the door, letting it swing shut behind me. I stopped a few paces ahead of her, and crossed my arms, not bothering to put a pleasant expression on my face. Aelin’s eyes narrowed, but she looked at me almost approvingly. 

“All to your liking, your majesty?” I used the term to tease her. To aggravate her a bit. Based on how her nostrils flared, it worked. 

She circled around me, much like a predator. I felt myself stiffen, a bit of fear creeping in. “Good, I can’t scent her.” She spit out the last word ‘her’, like she was some sort of demon. My shoulders relaxed a tiny bit. Gods, this is ridiculous. 

“She’s my friend.” I exclaimed. “I hugged her because she’s leaving.” I heard her say something under her breath, something suspiciously like if she wasn’t leaving I’d make her, but I chose to ignore that, and pretend it didn’t come out of her mouth. “Am I not allowed to have friends now?” I said sarcastically. 

“Not when I can scent their arousal on you.” 

My jaw dropped. “She’s just a friend.” 

“Have you told her that?” 

“Of course I have.” I swallowed harshly. “I’m needed in the library,” I muttered, walking maybe a bit too quickly out of the room. 

“This conversation isn't over.” Aelin growled from behind me. 

I stopped in the doorway, turning to face her. “It is for now,” and strode out of the room, letting it slam behind me. 

-

Y/n was pissed, and I couldn’t figure out why. Everything was … almost normal, but she avoided touching Rowan and I, shrugging away from any kind of intimacy, and spent more time than usual in the library. I asked the head librarian, who feigned ignorance. I didn’t push the woman for answers, not wanting to cross that boundary. 

After three days, I cracked and asked Y/n. Her mates eyes darkened. “You don’t remember?” She spit out, teeth clenched. 

I fought the urge to laugh at the venom in her voice, completely at odds with her normal demeanor, but I knew it would make the situation ten times worse if I did. 

“Obviously not,” Rowan said, not bothering to hide the amusement in his tone. “Care to fill us in?” 

“You got pissed over me hugging a friend.” 

That’s what this is about. “Her arousal was over you.” I snarked back at her. 

Rowan looked at me, why haven’t I heard about this? 

Slipped my mind. Thankfully, he left it alone for now. 

“It’s not my fault I’m pretty.” 

Rowan stiffened next to me, but Y/n shoved her plate away, stalking out of the room. 

She stayed in her old chambers that night - from when she first came to live with us, and no amount of coaxing from Rowan could bring her back over to ours. 

-

I didn’t sleep well that night, by myself. I’d grown so used to having both of them with me, the three of us tangled up together. Past midnight, I regretted my decision but I wouldn’t go sneaking in there. Part of me knew I was being a bit ridiculous holding on to the grudge. I probably would’ve been pissed smelling someone else's arousal on my mates. 

But, it stung. Part of me couldn’t help wondering if they’d reject me because of it. Maybe they’d think I was somehow ruined? Stupid, I chastised myself. The thought bloomed out of nowhere, rooted in my own insecurities, but it was enough to make me avoid them. 

-

My patience was running out. I wanted to touch her mate, to feel her, to scent her arousal. But - Y/N didn’t start anything, didn’t initiate anything, and I couldn’t figure out why. For Gods sake I even swallowed my pride and apologized to her. So, like a rational person, I brought it up in the middle of dinner, and bluntly. Never one to sugar coat my words. 

“Why are you avoiding intimacy?” 

Rowan’s look said ‘rutting Gods, Aelin.’ 

“I’m scared you’ll reject me. Or laugh at me somehow.” 

That. That was not what I expected. At all. 

“Y/N.” I said her name softly, dinner forgotten as I rounded the table, pulling her chair out so I could kneel in front of her. On my knees - for her. I grasped both of her lands in mine. 

“Petal. I’d never reject you. Or laugh at you. You know exactly what you do to me.” I met her eyes, and trailed a hand up her thigh, up her side. She shivered as much touch ghosted over the side of her neck, all to grip her chin. Rowan had moved, and he was standing behind her now, a steady presence. If she noticed him, she didn’t turn or look away from me, her attention focused wholly on me. Gods, I loved that, being the center of her attention.  

One hand stayed on her chin. Gripping that soft skin, the other covered her chest, right where her heart was. I felt the heat of her skin through her top, and scented her arousal too, starting to creep up through her. I kept the smirk off my face, barely. 

“This is mine.” My voice was low and possessive enough I almost didn’t recognize it. I rose from my knees, standing in front of her. My hand guided her chin, tilting so she’d see me - look in my eyes. Her hands gripped my hips, and she stood with me. “You belong,” I emphasized, “to me.” 

She bit on her bottom lip, and my thumb tugged it free with a rough movement. Harsh. “I would never reject you.” I yanked her up, one hand wrapping around her waist to pull her flush to me. The chair flung out of the way, and she tried to turn but I held her in place. Rowan’s hands trailed over her shoulders and down her side. 

“You belong to us.” He told her, leaning down so his lips ghosted her ear. Eyes meeting mine. 

Our mate. 

Our mate. I repeated to him. 

She shivered, her body reacting to the pure possession in our touch. “Or have you forgotten that?” I teased. 

“You haven’t exactly shown me.” She teased back, even as a bit of fear crept into her. I could scent it too, and for some reason I loved it. “You haven’t either,” she turned her head to face Rowan. He snarled, flashing his canines when she turned back around. 

“You have no idea what you’ve just done.” I said softly, tracing the line of her jaw. 

“I just told the truth.” 

Oh, there’s still a fire in her. 

Our scents are weaker on her. I spoke to Rowan. 

We need to fix that. 

Do exactly what I say. He rolled his eyes, but he gave a short nod. 

-

I traced my hand down the lines and curves of her body, relishing in every soft bit of skin. I kissed my way down, through the valley of her breasts, stopping to leave a mark right in the middle. I loved the way she screamed as I bit into her, and sobbed. She was begging before I’d even touched her pussy, before my hands touched her breasts. 

“Aelin. Gods, Aelin. Please.” Eventually I gave in, licking one long strip up her core, before biting down on her clit, tugging it. Her back bowed, arching as she sobbed. “It hurts.” She whined. Her eyes fixed on Rowan, like he might convince me to let her finish. 

“Don’t look at me.” He said, “I’m enjoying this.” She fixed her gaze on me again, pleading. 

“I don’t care if it hurts.” I whispered, my warm breath fanning her as she shivered. She got even wetter. “My little painslut.” I whispered, rising back up to meet her lips. My knee pressed into her core, and she whimpered into my mouth, her nails scratching down my back. 

“You’re mine.” She moaned, pulling me as close as she could. 

I pulled back just enough to meet her eyes. “I’m yours my love.” And I kissed her, again and again until her lips were bloody and bruised. Her hands squeezed, pinching my nipples, before scratching down my back to squeeze my backside. She craved me as much as I craved her. Our bodies wanted to be together, belonged together. The mating bond thrummed with joy, feeling fulfilled again for the first time in over a week. 

One of my hands pushed at the back of her thigh, pinning her leg up near her chest, before I made my way back down. 

One finger entered, tantalizingly slow, and rubbing circles inside of her, right inside on the spot. My lips wrapped around her clit, sucking hard. She screamed - loud. I hope Rowan has a shield up. I alternated between sucking and grazing my canines over her until she came undone beneath me. 

After that, I didn’t stop. I kept going until she gave me another.

-

It was almost too much, so overstimulated, so much pain mixed with pleasure but I didn’t want it to stop, didn’t want her to leave. I kept wiggling. Her eyes narrowed, before she lifted slightly. 

“Rowan.” She called, “Hold her.” He listened, climbing up on the bed and kneeling behind me, his hard arms caging my body, tugging me tightly into my chest. 

“It’s too much.” I whimpered, my chest heaving. 

“Then safeword.” Aelin demanded. I didn’t, and kept my mouth shut. 

“You’ll take everything she gives you.” Rowan breathed into my ear. “And thank her.” I shivered, his words making the hair on my arms raise. “Do you understand?” 

“Yes. I understand.” My voice shook as I replied.

“Good girl.” 

I yelped as Aelin’s fingers pinched my clit. The already bruised and overstimulated spot. 

“What do you say?” She teased. 

“Thank you.” I said through heavy breaths. 

“My little pain slut, that’s what you are, aren’t you?” She crooned. 

“Yes. Gods, yes.” I sobbed, as she flicked again, before her fingers pinched it. Tears started streaming down my face. 

“So pretty when you cry.” She purred, leaning in. Her tongue lapped one of the tears, before she met my lips again. Rowan’s arms stayed firm around me - I couldn’t move if I wanted to, I couldn’t feel her or touch her, but I pushed against him as much as I could, trying to get closer. His hold is unbreakable, I don’t know why I expected anything else. 

 “Your turn.” She grinned, and met Rowan’s eyes, over my shoulder, hers glazing slightly. Speaking, they’re using their bond. They moved so quickly I was caught in between them, caught off guard as my body was maneuvered. Aelin leaned up against the pillows, and I was between her legs. Her hand fisted my hair, and pushed me down into her. I hooked both of my arms under her thighs, holding on and started absolutely feasting on her. It hadn’t taken me long to figure out exactly what she likes, and I absolutely loved pleasing her like this. I could do it for hours, and she knew that. She’d had me sit under her desk and do it for hours before. Makes work bearable. She’d told me. 

I startled and whimpered as rough hands gripped my hips, yanking them up. Aelin’s hand fisting my hair kept me firmly in place. 

Fingers slipped inside me, stretching. Preparing me. I kept licking her, lapping at her, even as Rowan pushed into me, inch by tantalizing inch. 

-     

And how would you like me to fuck her, milady? Rowan asked his wife, amusement on his face. She thought about it for a second, her hand keeping Y/N firmly in place, moaning at their mates' touch. He knew she’d keep her there for hours, if she was in the mood. Keep her all to herself. 

Slow. But hard. 

He could do that. He pushed himself all the way in, right to his hilt, and Y/N moaned against Aelin, drawing a moan out of her. He pulled out slowly, almost all the way, before slamming right back into her, she cried out and jolted, but kept her head right there. 

-

Gods it was almost torturous, Rowan moving so slowly, yet so harshly, against me. My already bruised and sore pussy. But - I felt Aelin coming undone under me, and I focused on that, redoubled my efforts, even as his cock threatened to distract me. She was close, so close, I could feel it. Then - Rowan’s hand snuck around my hip, right to the apex of my thighs, pushing harshly against it. I screamed into Aelin, and that sent her over the edge. 

Sneaky Bastard. He’d done that on purpose - knowing what the vibrations from my scream would do to her. I could practically feel how pleased he was with himself, as he pulled out of me, Aelin panting in front of me, her hand releasing my hair. 

“Do you trust us?” Aelin asked me, through heavy breaths. 

“Of course.” I said, immediately, almost offended. She glanced at Rowan, who left. “I feel a bit left out.” I grumbled, rising up to my knees. A grin formed on her face, and she gripped my chin, forcing my eyes to stay on hers. I heard Rowan coming back, and tried to turn. 

“Look at me.” She ordered, and I listened. Maybe I shouldn’t have because silky ropes tied my arms behind me. Rowan tossed another length of rope to Aelin, who caught it, and pulled me up towards the headboard, looping the rope in between my hands, and attaching it firmly. I sat on my knees, and watched with wide eyes. The knots were clever, and there was no escaping them - at least without magic. 

“I figured you might need a break.” Aelin crooned as her hands pushed on Rowan’s chest, pushing him down to lay on the bed. She lowered herself on him, and I watched as she rode him, my eyes wide and breathing heavy. I’d never done that … and no, Rowan would never let me. Watching, though. I liked that. 

He leaned up, her arms steady on his shoulders, and his hands gripping her hips, helping guide her on him, lifting all the way up, before slamming right down. She fucked him - hard. Gods, it was mesmerizing. 

-

Rowan could tell Aelin was in her element, and loved every moment of this. Especially Y/N watching, tied up and helpless to do anything about it. He groaned, coming close to finishing, and felt Aelin start to pulse around him. She threw her head back in a moan, rode him through her orgasm, and until he spilled inside her. His gaze turned to their mate, watching with wide eyes, her cheeks flushed, wiggling to try and get some friction or release. 

“Don’t.” He warned her, and she froze, a sheepish smile forming on her face. He lifted Aelin off him, bringing her up to sit on his face. She whimpered on top of him as he licked one long stripe up her pussy. 

[shin-thalia]

I think about it a lot but there's something really really beautiful about the Minecraft soundtrack.

You're in this world where you can do whatever you want, but instead of having adventure music or rpg tunes you get these.. beautiful notes of pianos and all sorts of music that just fills my soul. I've been listening to it for over a decade, and C418 has been my top Spotify artist for 3 years, but I still don't get tired of it.

Volumes Alpha and Beta are examples of genuinely perfect video game osts that bring me unending peace to the point where I went through a period of being unable to sleep unless it was playing.

It's absolutely fantastic and the knowledge that there's a third album out there that just can't be released harms me on a spiritual level.

I've wept over not being able to hear it a few times.

When it comes down to it, Minecraft's original soundtrack coupled with the original gameplay around the Xbox 360/Ps3 edition time period is one of my greatest sources of nostalgia.

This music, and game, has changed my life for the better and I don't see it get enough praise.

[deiaiko]

#20.1 Sulk

Her footsteps echoed through the hallway, stopping in front of one particular room where her god resided in. She knocked on the door to make her presence known, not expecting her god to answer. Not today, at least.

Hwaryun opened the door and saw her god curled up on the sofa. He peeked at her and quickly looked disinterested at her presence. She considered it better than getting herself kicked out before she could talk some sense into him.

She invited herself in and went straight to the pantry. "Grace couldn't come today, so he asked me to look after you. Would you like some tea?"

Her god didn't answer, but he did perk up at the name. She brewed him a cup of tea anyway, adding a little more sugar than she would have liked for herself since her god had a sweet tooth. She set his cup on the coffee table and took a seat on an unoccupied sofa next to him.

Viole sat more upright, still hugging the sofa pillow. He gave her a once over before he went back to staring into the far off distance. "Why can't Hyung come?"

Hwaryun took a sip of her tea before answering, "He said he needs time for himself."

"Is it because of me?" Viole mumbled into the pillow, eyes shadowed by his long bangs.

"No. He's grieving for his late friends."

"Oh." Viole loosened the grip on the pillow, although only momentarily. "Can I see him?"

'I want to be there for him' was what his gaze seemed to say. Her god was such a compassionate person; it was endearing. Still, she had to shake her head. "You won't be of any help to him with your plate full."

"Why? What does that mean?"

"You have a lot on your mind. It's better to sort them out first before helping someone else." Hwaryun traced the edge of her cup, "Do you want me to guess or would you like to tell them yourself? Putting words into your thoughts will help you to untangle it."

Viole blinked. "I don't know. I feel bad."

Hwaryun hummed. "Do you know the cause of it?

"...Rachel." Viole turned his head away. "My chest aches whenever she comes to mind."

"She betrayed your trust, didn't she? It's expected that you feel that way."

"I've been…I just wanted to help her. Yet…" Viole trailed off. "I know I have forgiven her for making me live like this. But…"

When Viole couldn't find any words to continue, she decided to help him fill in the blanks. "You feel sad and angry because it feels like you're wasting your time thinking about how to get her back, only for her to walk away from you."

Viole buried his face on the pillow, staying quiet.

Hwaryun decided to help herself to the cookie jar on the coffee table and pulled out a book from her pocket. Opening the bookmarked page, she began reading where she left off while she waited for her god to gather his thoughts.

Moments later Viole shifted on his seat and mumbled, "Miss Hwaryun, why should I keep going?"

"To climb the tower?" Hwaryun didn't look up, even though her book was quite boring. "Or to be FUG's slayer?"

Viole stiffened at the latter question. Unlike the book, her god was easier and more interesting to read.

Hwaryun took another sip from her half empty cup. "Well, if you refuse to be a slayer, then what would you be?"

Viole didn't reply. It wasn't like they gave him enough time to think about it before.

"Being FUG's slayer isn't that bad, you know? You have backup here, and we will support you with whatever we have. Connections, money, information. I'm sure Jinsung, Grace or Agni had told you how important those are to help you climb the tower."

Viole bit his lip, "I know that. But that's–"

But nothing they could offer would satisfy him, Hwaryun knew. Because her god didn’t care about money or fame. What he wanted was companionship, his cherished friends, and FUG had cruelly taken that away from him. However, "Believe me, it could be a lot worse than what you have now."

"How much worse could it be?" Viole's voice cracked a little. "I just…want to be with my friends, is it too much to ask?"

"Is it?" Hwaryun clapped the book close, eyeing the untouched tea on the table before looking to its owner in his eyes. "Considering everything I've seen in my lifetime, you're quite lucky your friends are still around."

Viole blinked, staring back at her with a look that could kill. She realized she had worded it like a threat.

"Don't take me wrong, I'm just saying that in general. The tower is just a cruel place, and people who climb it know that they must put their lives on the line to get what they seek. People kill and die for a lot of reasons, and we are no exceptions." Hwaryun placed her finger on her eyepatch, "This eye could have been my life, if I didn't dodge in time. Did you get what I mean?"

Viole frowned. "Then what do I do? I don't want to lose anyone anymore."

Hwaryun hummed thoughtfully, "That is impossible. All you can afford is to do your best by getting stronger, so at the very least, you won't see them get killed in front of you."

Fear reflected in Viole's eyes and he gritted his teeth. "How could you say such a thing?!"

"It's not impossible. If Hansung were to take Khun and Rak as a hostage, would you be able to fight back and win before he's able to hurt them, or worse?"

Viole bit his lip.

"Hansung wouldn't do that, don't worry. But I couldn't say the same thing with other rankers and regulars that will come across you."

Viole considered her words for a long time. "...I don't think I would be okay if I lost them."

"I know." It would be just like what happened with Jinsung.

Viole suddenly jumped down on his feet, staring sharply at her. "They are all still alive, right? My friends, I mean."

"Yes, they are. Grace would have told you otherwise if anything were to happen."

"Then, do you happen to know who Hyung's friends that's…?

Hwaryun shook her head, "No. None that we knew of."

"Ah." The sulking brokenhearted boy he was before was no more, and Hwaryun couldn't help but smile at her beloved god. "Do you think I can help him somehow?"

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☕ Buy me coffee ☕

[wrenisnotdead]

back to my roots,.,.,

[p5x-theories]

Looks like an image of younger Kayo (back when she was a gyaru) appears in the third beta! (Source)

[lopjh]

I signed up for the 3rd beta, so hopefully I'll be able to translate the new characters skills and abilities easier than last time.

It also seems there may be new UI updates based on the trailer.

[knights-unwelcommentary]

We missed out on Sollux being the token techno nutjob that figures out the world's ending months in advance and tries to warn everyone but no one takes seriously

[pulchrasilva]

Goddd I dont know why but the other day we were listing greek letters and my friends each said "alpha" and "beta" and then they turned to me and I said omega instead of gamma oh my god

[highabovethecloudssomewhere]

sorry for going AWOL and for the lack of content guys I sort of went insane and wrote a book

[fellamarsh]

📣 Call for Beta Readers for Taker of the Third Path 📣

Writeblr! I am super excited to announce that I'm looking for beta readers for Taker of the Third Path! If this is your first time hearing about the project, here's the synopsis:

Directed by the voice on the wind he calls god, traveling hedgewitch Linmiru settles in an abandoned inn at an ancient crossroads to watch for the next person to follow the overgrown “third path." Ton’s prophecy is deceptively simple: the fate of the world rests on Lin meeting the taker. But as the months drag on with this mysterious stranger nowhere in sight, Lin begins to form a connection with one of the inn’s guests that leaves him questioning his devotion to destiny… And when the taker finally does arrive, Linmiru must face the realization that nothing at the old crossroads has been as it seems.

Interested? Here's the details:

Word count: ~100k (split into two approximately equal sections)

Genres: queer romance (trans MLM), fantasy, potential tragedy

Themes and motifs: fate, grief, guilt and forgiveness, the past and the future, healing and redemption, revenge, love, circles and spirals, fate vs choice, names, ghosts, home, family, threads that connect vs threads that bind, journeys and return, power

Desired feedback: Broad strokes! Right now, I'm most interested in what works and what doesn't work about the story, specifically its plot and characters. Feedback about character development and dynamics, pacing, and clarity of concepts is what is most helpful to me. If accepted as a reader, I'll provide you with both a list of specific questions and a place to leave open ended feedback. Utilize either or both!

Beta period: Four to six weeks for each half, with some flexibility. Files and questionnaires for part 1 of the beta will be sent out in mid-April 2024; I anticipate sending out part 2 beginning of June 2024. If accepted as a reader I'll reach out to you in March to confirm your participation.

Content warnings: “Off-screen” child and sexual abuse; explicit, detailed, consensual sexual content; death; threats of violence; self harm; attempted suicide; manipulation; mild hallucinations; natural disasters; forced relocation; imperialist violence. If you would like to inquire about the presence of a specific trigger not mentioned here, please do so in the optional question at the end of the form, send me an ask or DM, or reach out to me via the email in the form.

Interest form here! By filling it out, you're not agreeing to beta for this project---simply indicating your interest to do so, so if you think you might want to do it but aren't totally sure you'll have time yet or etc, you're still more than welcome to submit!

Want to learn more about Taker of the Third Path? Read the full summary (under the cut), browse my taker of the third path tag, or check out a free preview on Patreon!

Linmiru Oddatma has spent the last ten years wandering. In accordance with the agreement they made the day he cast off his childhood name, Lin trusts that Ton, the Windblown, god of things caught in the wind, will lead him to the people who most need the help that he is best equipped to render. He fully intends to dedicate his life to this work. When he pictures his future, it is a spiral widening, taking him ever further from where he’s been before.

He never imagines that Ton will entrust him with a prophecy so powerful and profound that it will change the world.

Now Lin finds himself an innkeeper in the remote Kagognair Fastness, his wandering arrested by lonely days spent watching and waiting for the one who will next travel the overgrown third path outside his door. He does not know what will happen when they meet—but he does know that failing to do so carries deadly consequences.

Thankfully, he has a few distractions to help him pass his long days besides doing divinations to better understand Ton’s instructions. The faerie village of E'Dedga, situated in the adjacent valley, is more than eager to allow him to teach its cadre of magically gifted children. Lin is especially grateful to find Rukne, a boy increasingly alienated from his peers by his start-and-go magical development, among his students. The young faerie is exactly the type of person Lin longs to help the most. Rukne, more than anyone he's ever met, reminds him of the person he lost so long ago.

Naturally, Linmiru has visitors to the inn to entertain as well. His favorite is Olma, an aging wizard who spends her stays cracking jokes, smoking pipeweed, and regaling Lin with stories from her youth. 

But not all of Linmiru’s guests are quite so delightful. In fact, his most regular visitor is anything but.

Linmiru confirmed the day he first met Gent that he is not the taker of the third path—just as he confirmed his wish that the man never come back. Quiet, impenetrable, and with a name that is not a name at all, Gent returns to the Siffsarta with disturbing frequency. Whenever he's not holed up in his room or glaring at him in hateful silence, Gent insults Lin’s religion and interrogates his reasons for running the inn. Lin can handle a bit of rudeness, but Gent’s presence sets him on edge. He seems to want something from Lin; what it is, he has no idea.

But the worst thing about Gent isn’t the fact that he might be dangerous. It’s that, despite all reason, Linmiru is attracted to him.

As the wheel of the seasons turns, Lin learns more about Gent, about the faeries, and about the Fastness—a place of deep magic with a long and ancient history. In contrast, he understands less and less about the coming prophecy. Ton's answers to his questions are vague, cryptic, or absent entirely. Lin's frustration with his situation, with himself, and with his god only grows. He begins to feel—and Ton confirms—that there is something he's not quite seeing.

He doesn’t think Ton means Gent’s attraction to him, unnoticed by Lin until the instant before he first kissed him. Nor does he think Ton means the realization, deep into the nights he spends with Gent, that he is starting not to care about the prophecy. If he could get to the heart of what has brought Gent here, of what happened in his past, and help this man who is somehow more gentle with him than anyone has ever been, he wouldn't mind if the world as he knew it came to an end. Maybe then the dreams of his past that increasingly plague him would end, too.

As winter bears down—as Lin finds Rukne ostracized by the people of his village—as he learns the terrible meaning behind Gent's real name—as the past and the future run together, compressing into the present, Lin finds himself, at a critical moment, unable to move. The truth behind Ton’s prophecy is nothing like he ever expected.

If he doesn't want everything to end when he finally confronts the taker of the third path, Linmiru will have to be like a spiral, and turn away in the same movement that he turns back.