"If this is something I can help with, then as a priestess of Aylama it is my duty to help those in need."

Alicia said nothing to this. Her torso suddenly bent forward and it was soon clear that she was bowing at Seleth. "Thank you." Those were her only words before running off.

"Alicia! Where are you going?" Mira futilely tried to follow but Alicia was quite the runner. The onmyouji girl realized there was no catching up to her. "She's probably going to try and find Varjan." She muttered. Glancing back at Seleth and Raviel, she began. "You... you two are probably confused about all that."

"I can... I can explain everything." Mira said though it appeared it took strength for her to say that. "It's... it's supposed to be a secret but... I can trust the two of you." She sighed. "...I don't know where to start with this. Umm, why don't we begin with a question you want to ask me."

"Also, are you two still down with lunch? It'll be on me."

---

---

"Perhaps it would be for the best if we took in Juan de la Cruz now. Considering he is an accomplice, there would be a high chance that he would cleaned up just like the warehouse we had been at. I imagine it would be the best to get him while he is still alive no?"

"There is truth in your words, Miss Nisval." Athos replied. "The crime ring may tighten their security after the incident last night which means they might reduce the number of their accomplices. Probably through execution."

"Very well then, that is our mission. We shall apprehend Sir Juan de la Cruz." Athos declared the next mission of the investigation. "He shall be detained and questioned regarding this... drug ring operating in Zauberheim."

"Since we have given adequate proof of criminal activity, the Crown has given us permission to have the city guard aid us in our investigation. Which means we can have backup in apprehending Sir Juan and we can do it directly." The court mage revealed. "However, I recognize that you may want to use... quieter methods in extracting Sir Juan which is also fine."

"So I must ask, would you like the city guard with you or not?" Athos asked again the investigators. "If you do go with the city guard, I'm afraid there will be no element of surprise. On the other hand, if you will not go with the city guard then you will be all alone against anything the crime ring will throw at you."

"Regardless, I have... contacted a new recruit for the investigation. You will likely meet him at the day of the operation." Athos added, a confident smile in his face.

@PaulHaynek @Frozen0Titan(KAZ, MAL)

Hearing Varjan's chilling words and seeing his teary-eyed face, the princess's concern only multiplied. Seeing the boy begin to leave, she tried to say something to get him to listen. "Varjan, what are you going on about? What's happen to you?" His words made little sense to the Princess. However, it seems that the boy had already begun to leave. Lisia feared that her words fell only on deaf ears.

Suddenly, a hooded man along with a rather large tiger appeared in front of the princess. The man respectfully bowed to Lisianthus and asked if he could speak with her a moment. Before speaking, she had turned one last time to her fellow classmate before he vanished from view.

"Ah...yes, hello sir. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I suppose I could spare a moment, but perhaps I could first have your name please? It's common courtesy to give your name before addressing someone. Said the princess as she examined the man. However this man was, she could sense a strange energy from both him and his pet. From the looks of the hooded figure, he had the look of a traveler - a participate in the tournament perhaps? And his tiger, imposing and impressive looking, seemed to emit a peculiar aura.

---

@PaulHaynek

"Doesn't make any difference to me." Replied Hisana, continuing to twirl the card on her finger. Keith had began to mention a few characters he had tangled with the night prior. Hisana showed slight interest at the mention of the two magic wielding beastkins, thought not so much at the old man. However, at mention of the last person, a large smirk appeared on her face. Excitement began to swell in her eyes.

"This eastern man you speak of who uses ice magic? Perhaps I do know of him~❤️" Hisana stopped spinning the card as she gathered a pink magical energy in her other hand. Waving her hand over the card, a picture of Enishi appeared on it. She showed the picture to Keith.

If this is the man you speak of, then he and I are well acquainted!❤️"

---

@PaulHaynek @Frozen0Titan(TIB) @Polaris North @CitrusArms

I suppose going after the noble would be the best course of action at this point. We have enough evidence from last night, and by interrogating him we can get even more information regarding these shadowy activities the court mage spoke of earlier." Enishi was in agreement with Faye, Juan needed to be apprehended before someone else gets to him.

While Enishi said that he was willing to lend for the continuing investigation, deep down he was conflicted. As a bounty hunter, his primary objective was finding his target. He felt that perhaps he should not being meddling in the affairs of a nation he wasn't a part of. Plus, who's to really say that Hisana had got involved in all of this? With that woman, there's no telling what she might decide to do while here in the kingdom. The hunter thought to himself.

Enishi listened to the sage's proposal of having members of the city guard assist them in there investigation. After thinking for a moment he gave his response. "Being too direct may put Juan's life in danger, making it that much harder on us. An indirect approach may be more efficient in this case."

"I don't mind having a few guards tag along with me. But I ask that they be skilled in masking their presence and quick on their feet. Can't have any slip ups at this point."

Her omens and I'll tidings were put aside, and perhaps that was for the best for now. Prying further would yield nothing until she knew more, and could be pointless until she reaffirmed the guidance that brought her here. Until then, she would do well to make friends. She learned a few things, that they were after a man supposedly associated with this drug trafficking, and that there were more warehouses. It sounded like the bureaucracy involved in all this was thick and complicated, too.

"If you want to do something stealthily, your adversary only has one or, maybe, two men that will recognize me. The man with the axe and that guy in the armor with the staff. We can use that to our advantage. It sounds like our time frame is too short for me to infiltrate their ranks, but surely there's some other way we can use that to our advantage."

"Wait a minute, you said they're probably going to execute people?" Though there was crime in her homeland, murder was... rare, and always a crime of passion. Assault, battery, sure. To execute someone flew against her beliefs, their beliefs. She couldn't abide it, but what could she do, without knowing anything? Damn...!

--- Courtyard ---

"Of course your highness." He gave a small nod to the young girl. "My name is Kazudain, one who has long traveled this world. This is Maldur, my ally and ever constant companion." If she knew the reputation behind his name it would help save some explanations but if not there was no worry. At the mention of its name, Maldur strode forward to greet the Princess. His large head dove into her personal space, sniffing about her a moment. With a mewling groan he then rubbed his head against her, taking a liking to her. The Princess could see the small smirk on his face from his hood.

"You'll have to forgive him, for all his power and ferocity he has a large soft spot for young-lings." Removing his bow the man then sat beside the princess, opposite Maldur.

"The last few days have certainly been interesting have they not? Though you seem quite troubled, possibly to do with the young man who recently left?" He spoke with a warm tone, inquiring but not demanding. If she was willing to share her troubles he would do what he could. If not he wouldn't force the girl, regardless of station.

--- Meeting Hall ---

It seemed to be decided that the noble was the new target. It was for the best, Tibrus supposed. Having the city guard on hand to help would be both boon and detriment however.

"You're right about the city guard, any element of surprise would be lost with them walking with them. We may have some alchemic cloaks but we don't have enough to conceal an entire regiment. If we wanted their help we would need a way to bring them there instant...ly..." Tibrus slowed with the last few words, a thought coming to him suddenly. Suddenly he drank the rest of the elixir. He would have a slight headache the next morning but he would be alright. He turned to Athos.

"You remember that failed project a few years ago? The Inter-Kingdom Travel Grid? How we never got that to work properly outside the smaller prototypes?" The KTG as it had been called at the time, was to be a teleportation grid that spanned the entire kingdom. Keystone altars would dot the kingdom, making a magical web-way connecting all sectors.

It was theorized to allow users, regardless of magical aptitude or stamina, to travel to any designated keystone location within a meter's accuracy. It was meant primarily as quick travel for the city guard to traverse the kingdom when needed but, in emergencies, would allow the civilian masses to vacate to safety.

Ultimately, the program was deemed a failure. The process itself taking over a month for a single pair of keystones to be made, which by itself wouldn't be an issue if not for the cost. The amount of rare materials required would have bankrupted the kingdom after making enough keystones to cover only a third of its area. Part of that cost was due to the costly and complicated location designation spell system that needed to be crafted. Another issue was power, the keystones greedily devoured mana like nothing else. While groups of people could use it without adverse effects, the amount of power needed climbed exponentially for each person added.

With no source capable of constantly providing the mana requirements, the project was deemed unfeasible. That isn't to say there wasn't anything useful from it. Only a single pair was currently in use, it had been set aside for the royal family for the direst of emergencies. Tibrus rubbed his chin

"With limited use we could get a small group of the city guard to their location when needed. With a few of our mages and some mana booster elixirs we could get-" he took a moment to calculate. "-12 guardsmen there within seconds if they go in 3 at a time. All they would need to do is drop the keystone in a close area with enough space." While there was a slight risk to using them, limiting such use to only a few seconds would be safe enough.

"It would also mean we would have a quick escape route to take Juan back with us to a designated location."

~~Seleth~~

@PaulHaynek@Polaris North

---

"Alicia wait!" Seleth shouted after her, the dark elf preparing a few dark orbs but it was too late. Alicia was gone faster than she could stop her. "Fool!" She growled, casting her gaze towards the ground. "What does she hope to do by herself?" Harsh words with a harsh implication, but it was at least clear that Seleth was also worried.

"I'm not hungry any more." Seleth replied to Mira. How could she eat when something like this was happening? Her stomach was currently the least of her problems right now. Ugh, what should she do? Chase after Alicia? Find Varjan? What could she do if she did that? She didn't know what was going on. Frowning, Seleth sighed shaking her head. "...but fine. I'll come along if only to hear what happened. Firstly...what's going on between Alicia and Varjan? I didn't think they even knew each other. And why would Varjan even suggest something like he did to me? The Goddess does not wish for any life lost. Anyone with a shred of sense would realize that."

@Frozen0Titan

Lisia was a little offput by Kazudain's tiger at first, but she sensed a kindred spirit coming from the beast. She responded Maldur's show of affection by gently stroking it's head.

"Your tiger is quite the impressive specimen, I'm not familiar with it's breed." Lisia continued to pet Maldur as Kazudain asked what was on the princess's mind.

"Well, I see that you overheard our conversation. That boy was a fellow student and I wanted to see what had been bothering him for the past few days. He was actually on the verse of tears before you came." The princess stopped petting Maldur and looked in the direction that Varjan left to.

Mr. Kazudain, I imagine that you are one of the outside competitors in the tournament? Have you just gotten done with your match?"

Raviel was surprised when Alicia ran off. He was about to run off as well and perhaps get to her by using his teleportation but found himself unable to - sensing that his mana pool was far from replenishing enough for him to be able to use it. He grumbled something under his breath concerning Alicia's decision to head towards - presumably - Varjan. Seleth was correct. What did she want to do? Or hope to do? After all, Varjan seemed like he didn't want to tell these to his friends since he went to Seleth for that kind of advice. Or maybe it was because she was a priestess?

Questions swirled his mind and the woman who maybe has some inkling of knowledge to share was right in front of them and even offered up the information to them.

"Aside from Seleth's questions, how did you guys even meet Varjan? I mean, the dude's cool and all but he doesn't strike me as the type who makes friends?" The beastkin bluntly questioned. Sure, he's conversed with Varjan before but the guy kept everyone at an arm's length.


Faye listened to both Enishi and Tibrus as they offered their suggestions. The beastkin was more inclined to agree with Enishi - not letting her earlier blunder on being sneaky get to her anymore - but Tibrus was suggesting something she had not heard of before. The Inter-Kingdom Travel Grid - she had been so out of touch from Zauberheim that she hadn't even heard of this project before. She had no idea what it was and Tibrus seemed to just keep how it worked vague - but obviously it involved something with teleportation/

Faye could ride with that. But hearing that it never took off worried her. What if it failed at a crucial moment of their mission? Or just failed in general?

"If this truly does work, then perhaps it might be for the best." She said, tapping her fingers on the surface of the table in an erratic fashion, as if she was silently thinking to herself in code. "Otherwise, an indirect approach would be for the best. We could post guards at certain choke points just in case he runs and we don't catch them. Of course we can't make this obvious."

"I have, your highness. It was an interesting bout though in the end I was not the victor." He gave an idle shrug. "Not a large matter really, I came to see the prowess of the latest batch of students from this generation and I can do so both in and out of the ring. I could always ask another for a spar once the tournament is done." His hood was turned towards the princess, just enough for her to see the bottom of his uncovered face. Meanwhile, Maldur simply laid his head upon the princess' lap even after she had ceased in petting its head, only releasing a soft mewl in displeasure but otherwise remaining quite docile. The man shook his head.

"Unfortunately the only student I faced was rather rude and of poor social character. Though his skills are competent with his shadows and poison he was far too condescending and arrogant for a win achieved primarily by luck and that neither Maldur nor I were trying to kill him." He didn't sound angry, more disappointed overall. Maldur merely released a soft chuff.

"I know many students here are far better in character and manner than that boy, but I still wish to see such manner and skills firsthand. Which is why I'll remain to watch a number of matches in the coming days. Such as your future bouts for example. I find it quite rare for another to take up the difficult art of Lightning magic in these past few generations. Rumors have it that your skills are quite competent and I wish to see where they rank compared to others. Perhaps you have time for a quick demonstration if possible? It would not be a spar but rather a simple showcase. One lightning mage to another." His words were spoken with a genuine curiosity, one that seemed to be shared with the large cat-beast who turned its head to look at the princess as well.

"...but fine. I'll come along if only to hear what happened. Firstly...what's going on between Alicia and Varjan? I didn't think they even knew each other. And why would Varjan even suggest something like he did to me? The Goddess does not wish for any life lost. Anyone with a shred of sense would realize that."

"It must be getting very bad then. For Varjan to snap and ask death from Goddess Aylama." Mira replied, a sad look upon her face. "I knew we should've done something. But I fear it's too late..."

Mira then smiled, genuinely, as she addressed the first question. "Ahh, you see our little Alicia here is... infatuated with Varjan. I mean, he's not my type but I can see why she likes him. He's smart and despite his looks, he's pretty polite and quite the joker too. Oh, he loved his puns." She chuckled. "She and Varjan have known each other since they were children. But Varjan drifted away since... Alicia's not exactly on par with Varjan if you know what I mean. It's only now that they've managed to reconnect."

"Aside from Seleth's questions, how did you guys even meet Varjan? I mean, the dude's cool and all but he doesn't strike me as the type who makes friends?"

"No, no he's not." Mira replied with a smile.

"Well, like I said, Varjan and Alicia go way back. Meanwhile, me and Ecthel, we were... Ugh, how do I put this." Mira sighed before beginning for real this time. "We were contacted, by Court Mage Athos. Me, Alicia and Ecthel, to become friends with Varjan." She revealed. "We were told it would help Varjan since, like you said, he isn't really a guy to approach someone and make friends. However, Ecthel told me that there might be something more to it."

"Anyway, I don't know if Varjan actually knows we're just plants or not." Mira continued. "Don't get me wrong, I consider Varjan a true friend even if the road to that friendship is questionable. I like him and I'm sure Ecthel and Alicia, especially her, feels the same."





Your search in the Academy infirmary for any of Varjan's previous opponents yielded no results. What you did find, however, was a familiar face. "You won't find any of Varjan's opponents here, Elf." It was the student that attacked you and the Beastkin a day ago. He was in one of the beds, covered in many but minor injuries.

"His last opponent bailed on him and the all the ones before that have recovered or also have bailed." He continued. While there was a tinge of anger in his voice, it was clear his rage was spent and it did not seem he was looking for another fight. "Why're you looking for them anyway? Is Varjan your next opponent?" He asked.

"Wait, don't tell me..." He then laughed. "You're screwed then. And I doubt any insight from his previous opponents are gonna help you."





As Kazudain and Lisianthus conversed, a female Feathered One of brown wings, white hair and formal clothing entered the premises and appeared to be looking for someone. She was apparently looking for Kazudain since the moment she saw him, she immediately approached. "Sir, if I may..."

She stopped when she saw Princess Lisianthus. "Uh, ah, please forgive me." She bowed at the two. "I did not know you were there, Princess Lisianthus and busy with this man. Please forgive my intrusion. I shall leave you two alone until you are done." She then excused herself from the two and began waiting at the side.

The presence of royalty tensed her up as she stood diligently with eyes looking straight and forward. It was almost comical.

---

If this is the man you speak of, then he and I are well acquainted!❤️"

"Yeah! Yeah! That's the one!" Keith confirmed. "You know him? Who is he? Your ex-boyfriend or something?"

"Well whatever, you've got info on him so that gives us a leg up." Keith remarked. "Then again, he also knows you so that means they also have a leg up. So we're back to square one. Maaaan!" He whined at his conclusion.

"Oh well, what do you know about him? Does he have powers other than ice? Does he wear something else other than that funny hat? What's his favorite color? Does he like theater? What's his opinion about duck-chicken relationships? Did you and him ever smash? Do you know what I mean when I said 'smash'? I'm hip right? Please tell me I'm hip."

---

---

"Wait a minute, you said they're probably going to execute people?"

"I'm afraid so, Miss Lumina. These types usually have no qualms about taking lives, especially if it's in their best interests to do so." Athos replied.

The court mage listened to Tibrus' plan and he found himself nodding to it. "A sound plan, Sir Tibrus. Using the keystones can catch the criminals off-guard, giving us an advantage. I can also contribute in the mana requirements." Athos remarked. "Very well, this shall be our plan. We will find Sir Juan de la Cruz and try to apprehend him without violence. But should violence arise, city guards will be teleported in to aid you."

"Are there anymore questions? Any suggestions?" Athos asked before realizing he has one himself. "Erm, how will we know if the need for aid arises?"

Thessir

Ah well, he could hardly be blamed for trying.

Stumbling upon his old Acquaintance as he were Thessir simply shook his head and chuckled under his breath.

"Making friends as usual I see." He joked to the wounded one, a wry grin stretched across his face. He heard the young man out as he basically went over things he already knew. At least the fellow had saved him time by confirming that no one with prior experience fighting Varjan was present here.

"Seems to be the common thought around here. The man's defeatid all comir's effortlissly, surily his nixt opponint will fall no diffirent, yes?" Thessir had paced away from his listener, waving his hands broadly as he spoke. He stopped, letting his arms drop to his sides. He stood still for a moment while his rhetorical question hung in the air.

"True... Or not true. It makes no diffirence now."

_
With that said he turned suddenly leaning back on his heels as he leaned forward mildly, making a sort of pointing gesture to the wounded one.

"What matters is that They believe he won't lose." Swinging his arms back he crossed them behind his back as he started pacing to the right of the one he was speaking to.

"I have nothing to lose but much to gain, evin if I do not win." He turned on his heels and started pacing back the other way, unfolding his right hand from behind his back and pointing at the recovering fellow.

"For him success is expectid. If he wins all he'll do is meet expectations. If I win I'll shattir all those expectations. Heh, evin if I come close to winning I'll shock them all." Turning to face his attentive young audience of one he stuffed his hands in his pockets, standing still if only for now.

"I'm no strangir to fighting against the odds. Eviry fight so far I've been at a disadvantage. I'm growing quite used to it." He took his left hand out, holding it palm up near his side while he shrugged.

"Not to say I won't give it my all but being honist? I look forward to getting back to my research. These day walkir hours exhaust me." Tipping his head forward his hat's shadow fell before his face leaving only his grin visible as he stuffed his left hand back in his pocket.

"Win or not I'll give them a show..."

_
He suddenly looked up, his smile much more friendly than his rather crazy grin from before.

"Ah, sorry. I'm sure your not intirestid in my ramblings. Thank you for letting me know where not to look though. I'll be turning my prepirations towards more concrete investmints of my time." He began to stroll leisurely towards the exit.

"I wish you a swift recoviry."

~~Seleth~~

@PaulHaynek@Polaris North

---

The dark elf narrowed her eyes at Mira. They were...asked to spy on him? How dirty and underhanded. Perhaps odd, coming from a dark elf such as herself and while she could understand such methods, it didn't mean it sat well with her at all. Seleth sighed in mild annoyance. This whole thing was just...incredibly annoying, wasn't it?

"Do you make such obviously bad decisions on a regular basis? Or are you just dimwitted?" Seleth chastised harshly. "Friend or not, such a thing is dirty and unscrupulous. What if he found out you were 'plants' or asked to be his 'friend'? That would make anyone both paranoid and mistrustful, would it not? If he found out I can certainly understand why he might ask me such an absurd thing and I can hardly blame him if so." She rubbed the back of her head, unsure what to think of all this information. "Gah...first a weird knight tells me about absurd prophetic dreams with me in them and now this. I don't need these distractions for the tournament." Seleth grumbled.

"You wouldn't happen to know where he is would you?" She asked, a very pointed question, not intending on taking any other answer than the one she wanted. "I'll go seek him out and speak with him myself. I asked his mother to speak with him again at the Cathedral anyways."

@PaulHaynek @Frozen0Titan

As Lisia was about to answer Kazudain's inquiry of her lightning magic, an female birdkin official had arrived. She had apparently been looking for Kazudain, but quickly backed off when she realized the princess was present. She stood off to the side, tensed up and awaiting the princess to finish her business.

"That's quite all right, I was just talking with this man about lightning magic. I won't be too long." Lisia stood up and backed away a bit from the hooded man and his feline companion. She then began to gather both light and lightning magic in each of her hands, she then condensed both energies into one orb of mana. As she shot it into the air a bright display of dancing sparks illuminated the air around them.

"I practice magic known as blessed lightning, it combines both light and lightning magic properties. It makes use of both, in addition to being able to zap opponent, it has purifying and and rejuvenating abilities. It is an art that is passed down in the Razelian Royal Family."

"I'm sorry to hear that you lost your match, though I get the feeling that you may have been holding back. I'd like to see your electrical magics at some point, as well as the magic of your companion here." The princess could see strong mana coming from the feline, she'd only ever heard of such creatures in texts and from word of mouth.

---

Hisana calmly sat where she was as Keith began out a barrage of questions about her relation to Enishi, chuckling a bit a the 'smash' tidbit. While she wasn't quite familiar with the terminology, she could guess what he meant based on context.

He is a bounty hunter who has made somewhat of a name for himself. He specializes in taking out bandits and dangerous criminal offenders. Besides his icy abilities, he also has access to various Onmyōdō spells. These range from creating simple illusions, to being sometimes able to nullify certain magics. He's also a good tracker, but he can only find me if I let him.~❤️"

Hisana folded the poker card in her hand, which then promptly vanished into thin air. She then turned to look Keith dead in the helmet. "While I don't see what purpose it would serve you to know, I've never seen him in any other type of head-wear besides that white kasa. As for his favorite color, I believe it's blue."

She then hopped up then began walking towards the armored man. She placed a hand on her hip and stared at Keith with a slight quint and a smirk. "Now, love, if we're done with twenty questions - when do we start this little escapade of ours?"⭐

"We could show you a quick demonstration, couldn't we Maldur?" Said beast growled and ruffled his head before standing. Kazudain chuckled before looking back to the princess.

"Speaking of, Maldur is a great tigris glacius of the frozen wastes in the northern continent far from this continent where the Kingdom of Razelia resides in. As a whole the breed thrives in the cold weather, with blizzards that would snap freeze your blood in moments without protective gear and blessings. They are so attuned to those lands of ice that many of their kind can use ice magic. Maldur here is quite adept at it-" He couldn't continue as the his mouth was blocked by thick ice. Much of his body was in fact. The princess and the onlooker would find Kazudain suddenly encased in a large block of ice, from his feet to his mouth.

Eyes aglow, Maldur had an air of amused pride as it licked its paw. When the glow disappeared so too did Kazudain's ice prison. Said man had an air of agitated annoyance about him though no true animosity.

"Yes well, he has other abilities than simply encasing his master within ice on whim for petty amusement." It might of been a trick of the light but the princess might have sen the cat-beast roll its eyes at the man. Said beast strolled to the princess, rubbing its head against her side as a ploy for more petting's.

Shaking his head Kazudain continued. "Despite his quirks he has been ever loyal and helpful, saved my skin plenty of times in the past." He chuckled as said tiger turned to give him a chuff and mewl before going back to the princess. The man held out a hand which became wreathed in lightning instantly, the sound of crackling arcs filing the air.

"I too am a Lightning user but of the raw element rather than an elemental mixture. I do not know if the properties of the Light helps in controlling the chaotic edge of Lightning but know your level of control is to be commendable in the eyes of a Lightning Arch-mage." He offered a small smile with polite warmth. He turned to his wreathed arm.

"It takes great control to bring Lightning to heel for when unleashed it can cause awesome destructive calamity at any scale. No doubt one of your parents have shown you examples of such." With a flex of his hand the lightning condensed into a ball of mana not unlike what Lisia had done earlier.

But rather than shoot it into the air the ball elongated, lengthening and becoming languid. One end widened while the other tapered to a point, the new shape moving about the man. The newly formed snake turned its head a bit before slithering through the air until reaching the princess. It flicked a fork tongue before going around her head, soon coming back to a ball in front of the girl. It zapped to the man's outstretched hand, shuddering as more lightning was fed to it. It brightened considerably, turning slightly blue as the air itself became charged where even the female bird-kin would feel the change in the air.

Thrusting his hand to the air, the ball cannoned into the air with a loud boom that ruffled all loose handing clothing of the three people present.

"When you have the control your only limit is your own mind and intent. With that, lightning can be just as malleable as water."

Just when she thought she was starting to understand the strange customs of these lands, there was a new curve ball. The way Athos spoke, it wasn't unheard of or even uncommon. She was reminded of just how different this place was. Most everyone back home held life as sacred, even criminals. Maybe they'd never admit it, but the last recorded hit or execution was a few years ago, now.
That's what it was. This land was not at peace the way hers was. She should have noticed it sooner. It was hasty to assume that this place was her ultimate destination, but she understood now why she thought so.
All that aside, there was still a reason to remain here. That man said something very foreboding, and she meant to find out what he meant. Since no one else had anything to say about it, the best way to find that guy again would probably be to stick with these guys.
"You say these stones need to be fed Mana to function?" It sounded like the crystals that grew in her homeland. "If I could infiltrate their location alone while going unidentified, I can plant one stone in a good place, warp out, and bring someone back with me. Then we can proceed however. May I try to activate one?"

@PaulHaynek@Frozen0Titan@AzureKnight@Polaris North

---

"Friend or not, such a thing is dirty and unscrupulous. What if he found out you were 'plants' or asked to be his 'friend'? That would make anyone both paranoid and mistrustful, would it not? If he found out I can certainly understand why he might ask me such an absurd thing and I can hardly blame him if so."

"..." Mira had nothing to say in reply. Her face darkened as she realized how correct you were. Perhaps she always knew, it's just that she never thought about it. Or rather, tried not to think about it.

"You wouldn't happen to know where he is would you? I'll go seek him out and speak with him myself. I asked his mother to speak with him again at the Cathedral anyways."

"...I don't know." Mira weakly replied. "With the tournament going on, I doubt Varjan's allowed to roam around in the open. He's probably back at the Caldeyrons' home but I doubt they'll let you see him."

And Mira was right. Should you have visited the manor of the Caldeyrons for Varjan, you were told that he was busy at the moment. You were even reminded that you and him could see each other once the tournament was over. With little else to do, you prepared for the next day.





After Kazudain and Lisia were done talking to each other, the Feathered One explained that Kazudain was being summoned by a person of authority, identity undisclosed.

With that, Kazudain and Lisia has to part for the time being. Although, it was likely they were going to see each other again.

---

"Now, love, if we're done with twenty questions - when do we start this little escapade of ours?"⭐

"Oh, we'll start once we're ready..." Keith winked at you. But you could not see this due to his helmet. "Which should be about--"







The next day had arrived and prepared or not, you were to face the well-known Varjan Caldeyron.

This match would not take place at the Academy's practice halls. No, you were summoned to a more open field: The Academy's own arenas, designed specifically for the annual tournaments. While it was used outside of tournament-season for various activities, today was its time to shine. Today, it would be used for its true purpose: A duel between two fighters.

The arena was round in shape and the floor was of stone with many different designs engraved unto it. Four stone pillars surrounded the arena and it appeared they served a purpose other than aesthetics. The audience stands were also round, large and also surrounded the field, completely encircling it. Other than that, there was not much else. There was no overhead cover so the Sun shone its full brightness upon the stadium.

You were at one end of the arena and soon enough, you see Varjan take his place at the opposite side. The audience seats were filled to the brim. Many were going to be watching this spectacle. After a few minutes, the referee began which silenced the crowd. It was the usual speech about the rules in the tournament but right after that, mages around the arena began casting a spell.

Moments after, two large trees materialized at the sides of the arena, its leaves blocking the sunlight. Its roots were large and several of them shot up from the floor and dived right back down. You realize these were but illusions but they appeared real and the shadows they cast were real enough to be used by you.

"And without further ado... BEGIN!"

Varjan was a straight run from across you and the boy did just that. He leisurely ran towards you as if he was just going to ask you something. What could he be planning?



The next day had arrived, as well as Seleth and Lisia's next match.

Their match would not take place at the Academy's practice halls this time. No, this time they were summoned to a more open field: The Academy's own arenas, designed specifically for the annual tournaments. While it was used outside of tournament-season for various activities, today was its time to shine. Today, it would be used for its true purpose: A duel between two fighters.

The arena was round in shape and the floor was of stone with many different designs engraved unto it. Four stone pillars surrounded the arena and it appeared they served a purpose other than aesthetics. The audience stands were also round, large, completely encircling the arena. They were also filled to the brim with people. This was the semifinals, after all. Other than that, there was not much else. There was no overhead cover so the Sun shone its full brightness upon the stadium.

Seleth and Lisia found each other to be their opponents for this match. Both of them realize that whoever wins this, would likely be facing Varjan for the Grand Finals. After a few minutes, the referee began which silenced the loud murmurs of the audience. It was the usual speech about the rules in the tournament but right after that, mages around the arena began casting a spell.

Moments later, large rocks and boulders materialized in the arena. They were placed randomly, some were isolated, some were together. Some even formed a hill of sorts near Seleth at her left. It was clear to the two students that these were illusions but they looked and felt real. They could use them to their advantage if they so wish.

"And without further ado... BEGIN!"

---

The operation had began at midday. Sir Juan de la Cruz was spotted in a carriage in the Southern Gate Town near the river. It appeared he was going to enjoy some delicious lunch over at a restaurant. With Tibrus' plan on standby, the investigators can call upon the city guard should the need arise. For now, the investigators were alone, hidden and with the element of surprise.

However, Juan de la Cruz was more than likely protected and his protection will likely spring out once he was threatened. So now the investigators had a choice: They could search for de la Cruz's protectors first and deal with them so the target would be apprehended without further incident. Or they could throttle Juan then and there and force his protectors to come out and show themselves.

Either way, Juan himself will no doubt attempt to get away himself so he must be considered too. Also, the streets were a bit crowded too so there's that as well.



"...So that's how No Nut November began."

You and Keith were escorting Juan de la Cruz as he made his way to a restaurant for lunch. And by 'escorting', you were closely watching his carriage in disguises. While you were given a simple brown hood to hide yourself, Keith was in a cute, frilly pink dress with an equally cute and pink umbrella. He still wore his helmet though and also, presumably, his armor beneath the dress.

Once the carriage was getting too far, you and Keith began to close the distance. Keith tiptoed in his high heels as he began to speak. "Alright, so Juan here can get fragged at any moment so we need to keep our eyes open at all times." The merc-in-a-dress warily glanced at the surroundings. "You never know where they could be hiding."

"Also, let me know if my zipper's loosening. Don't want the public to see my pure back now."







The Feathered One brought you before Athos, the royalty's court mage. The first meeting was some brief greetings before the court mage explained that everything had to wait until the next day for the day was already spent and he had much to say.

Once the next morning had arrived, you were within the Luminous Citadel. In one of the meeting rooms, Athos began. "Good sir... and tiger. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Athos, the Court Mage of the Zauberheim family as well as an occasional helper in other places like our Seraph Academy or even at the Radiant Cathedral."

"You have shown incredible skill at the tournament and you display an air of... mystery about you." Athos continued. "May I know who you are? You appear to be someone famous and yet I have not heard of you. Also, you somehow managed to enter the tournament with your friend here." He gestured to Maldur. "I suspect he is no ordinary tiger. Am I correct?"

~~Seleth~~

@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight

---

Seleth returned to the Cathedral later that night. Her search for Varjan and Alicia went unsuccessful. Despite her attempts not too, she couldn't bring herself to not feel at least a little concern. Not that she'd ever admit such a thing, but it bothered her knowing something was amiss but being unable to do anything about it. Annoyed her. Geh, whatever. Some meditation would clear her mind, it always did. She just needed to focus more on her match and the victory she needed.

---

The next match was cause for concern. She had done well up until now, but things were going to get even more difficult from here. Not to mention, the change of scenery. It wasn't at the academy's practice halls, and was now too the academy owned arena's. As she walked to the arena, she had to fight the urge to sit and calm her nerves. She was going to be fighting in a proper arena, in front of many people...against an opponent likely more skilled than she. Defeat wouldn't just mean she got knocked out of the tournament...but humiliation. Her breath caught as she inhaled. While normally this wouldn't be so concerning, it was exactly who she was fighting that was making her so nervous.

Lisianthus von Zauberheim. Princess of Razelia. The Scion of Blessed lightning. Someone born with all the talent in the world. Seleth might have also been born to a wealthy, old Dark Elf religious family, but she was having doubts about how well she could match up to someone so well renowned. Exhaling, she stepped into the ring. The announcer gave the usual speech about rules as several illusory boulders manifest on the field, and a large pile made a small hill to her left. She'd need to use everything to her advantage here, if she wanted to win.

"I'm surprised a spoiled princess was able to make it this far." Seleth coldly began. "I suppose those fancy titles of yours aren't entirely for show." The dark elf hefted her spear, twirling it in a show of dexterity. How should she do this? All of her opponents until now had mostly been melee oriented. Lisia however, was different. Perhaps a more defensive strategy would be appropriate here.

First, Mock Soul - all filled with the 'Shadow Weight' curse. They all split off from Seleth, with Seleth leaving no trance behind as to which one she really was, and readied a Mirror for deflection in case Lisia got lucky and attacked from a distance.

Thessir

Another day, another opportunity to fling himself at the face of the proverbial cliff and hope it crumbles before he does.

It wasn't fun but at least it worked thus far.

Standing there across the arena from Varjan was Thessir, fully decked out in his baggy attire with his travel pack on his back and a long sharpened stick in his left hand. The brim of his hat cast a shadow which concealed his face in darkness, hiding his somber expression as listened to the announcer run down the basics he was familiar with by this point. The day was hot. The sun was bright. He had four pillars and no clue what to expect. Needless to say he wasn't starting all too chipper.

His expression changes however when he saw the mages cast the illusory trees that somehow cast real shadows!

"Great worm! I gotta git the ricipe for that illusion!" He balked, eyes wide with excitement since the prospect of generating real darkness sounded highly promising. Surely there was a catch to it but for now all that meant was that there was slightly less sun to go around. It was something to look into when he had the time.

"And without further ado... BEGIN!"

_
Show time.

Expecting pretty much anything at this point the first stratagem of his was to move out of direct fire.

Strange... For someone reportedly so powerful he must care little for dispatching foes quickly. That or he's more of a close combatant. Thessir considered that as he fell back, kicking off the first step of his one step plan. As he fell he sank into his very own shadow. Over in the shadow of the pillar behind and to the left of Varjan Thessir didn't just rise from it's shadow, he rocketed up from it. As he's tested quite thoroughly if the shadow he enters disappears while he's still in it he'll be ejected quite quickly from the remaining shadow. This can apply to either shadow which has certainly made for some entertaining albeit painful learning experiences. He's never seen what happens if both shadows he's inside disappear completely. He's fairly certain he never wants to test that theory on himself.

As he ascended at rapid speeds he let the wind rush past him, taking in the thrill of wingless flight. Near the top end of his arc his ascent slowed, his body a fair few feet over the top of the pillar. He fell a short distance and landed with casual grace. From above he looked down to his opponent, his coat actively being tussled by the swift high-up winds. At this angle those below could see the wide grin that split across his face. Reaching up he secured the tip of the hat so it wouldn't fall off his head.

"Here's to an honorable duil." He took a bow, or at least something that looked like a bow and a curtsy met halfway in the matter. He had brought his right leg back and bent it a bit, swept his right arm out and to the side in a broad gesture and bent forward over the bottom of the sternum a bit. It was a bit like a stage bow only somewhat contained as he was none too keen on falling off the pillar onto the lit sections of the arena floor.

_
"May the bist man fall... Eheheheheh." He really couldn't help but laugh sometimes. It wasn't even like it was all that funny. The real joke ran much deeper than what words could convey.

With that said he quickly cast his pride and joy, his Dark Form. As it took hold of his matter he shrugged off his pack and stuffed it into his coat where it disappeared. He hid the pack behind the tree to his right which was shortly followed by the sharpened wooden dowel. As for his spell his head and torso were transformed into living darkness. He left his arms and legs unchanged up to their base, keeping just enough mass to count for up to half of himself. As his bones became liquid his posture changed. His upper body was leaning forward and he had his hands tucked in his sleeves as he watched for what his foe of much fame would do.

To be quite frank the young man's gait was rather relaxed. Perhaps he has something he wanted to say? Or does he just care so little? He wondered, waiting on his opponent while watching like a hawk through his eyeless face.

Faye hadn't been at ease ever since the start of the day. The Furred One didn't seem to be too keen in what they were about to do. This was broadcasting to everyone that something was wrong - since they'd be using the guards and also because they would be fighting in the streets. There was no more secretive spy work after this since their enemies would know their faces if they haven't apprehended them by then. It was a very risky task. A do or die situation. If they fail... well, there shouldn't be any room for failure. Becuse if they did, not only have they painted a large target on their backs, but they also would deal with higher forms of secrecy and would thus make their job a whole lot harder than it already is.

Before the operation, Faye had been nowhere in sight - having little contact with her companions if any at all. They had devised a plan already and they only needed to enact it at midday. So she went into meditation in the Radiant Cathedral so as to be able to calm herself and make less mistakes. This whole deal has got her on edge and she was starting to think that her mental state wasn't in the right anymore. Nerves getting the best of her means less control over air. And the less control over air she had, the less she was effective in battle.

At midday, she reappeared at the rendezvous point. "Alright, should we just grab Juan and go? I'm sure his escorts will be forced to come out." She said once she and the others have convened. "We could just send one to get Juan so that we can still get a jump on them if you want to go for a more surprise approach." She continued, waiting eagerly for their input.

@PaulHaynek @Rune_Alchemist



Lisia did well to prep for the upcoming matches after parting ways with Kazudain, whom she must admit had an impressive mastery of lightning magic. Truthfully she wanted to learn a little more about his techniques, but the official had called him away on some sort of business. Regardless, Lisia spent the rest of the day preparing strategies for the upcoming matches.

---

The next day, the princess found herself stating in a new arena, filled to the brim with on-lookers, and standing opposite her was Seleth Thenri. She was an apparent problem child among the academy students. Lisia really only had rumors and gossip to go off of, but apparently people were tired of her attitude. She wasn't familiar with the dark elf's magics, but she'll learn them as the match goes on. One of the most important parts of battle is the skill to adapt to any situation. The princess couldn't take this opponent likely, if she made it this far she must be a fighter of considerate skill.

Lisia wasn't much at all bothered by the snarky comment made by her opponent, it was something she was actually used to. Being the crown princess of the kingdom and a student of renown comes with ire. "Likewise, I'm impressed that a petite fighter like yourself manage to make it this far as well. I do hope your lance is sharper than your tongue!" Retorted Lisia.

Lisia looked as Seleth began to make copies of herself around the field, trying to confuse her as to which was the real one. The princess guessed that Seleth wanted the princess to make the first move, but how to proceed?

Gathering up orbs of light, Lisia decided to cast them at each of the clones, to see which would be the real one and hopefully dispel the rest. She hoped she could cast barrier in time in case her plans go awry.

---

Hisana, usually never wincing at any situation, couldn't helped but be completely perplexed by Keith's tatse in fashion.

Why are...you wearing that silly outfit? If people see you in that, they might start to get the wrong idea."💧 Said the dame with a blank expression. She then listened heard him say to keep an eye out for Juan's pursuers, though she ignored the part about checking his zipper.

However, there was a certain tension in the air. It was show thick Hisana could feel it caressing her innards. It wasn't from the operation, it was from the anticipation. Anticipation that a certain someone who's gotten themselves involved in all this would also find his way here today. Hisana had been mostly bored since she arrived here in this land, even the fight she had against the academy student didn't sate her in the end. However, if Enishi was to show to show himself here, it'd make it all the worthwhile.

---

@Frozen0Titan @Polaris North @CitrusArms

Enishi stood with Tibrus and Faye at the rendezvous point in the city square. Juan apparently was in a carriage heading out to have lunch, and they had a choice of either finding Juan's pursuers or simply forcing them to come out. Enishi clenched his fists, doing his best to lower his mana levels so as not to lose the element of surprise.

"No point in wasting time looking for these thugs. As Faye-san says, they'll come straight to us if we pounce on that noble."

Being honest with himself, Enishi's had a staunch feeling at his core. He could place his finger on it but something was...off. He wondered if the old sage's words rang true about his target. Whether they were or not, they were about to find out.

"What say you, Tibrus? Faye-san and I are for going after Juan directly."

The meeting adjourned, with only more questions for her, and no solid link to her own investigation. Just some forboding comments and reactions. Was the man in the armor even serious when he said that, anyway? If he wasn't, then this could really have nothing to do with her objective.

The woman heaved a sigh as she came down the steps outside the building. Well, at least the Court Mage had seen to it her expenses would be covered. She'd have to do something for them, in return. But what? Hmm.

She spent some of her time speaking to people in the market, and then she found a park as she got tired of the noise. It was a lively place, and densely packed. There was a city as dense as this one back home, but it was... Different. The structure of it was way more organized, here, though the lives were not. It so often seemed like people were at odds with each other, here.

The day turned to night, and by then Lumina found herself work as a gardener. An old couple ran a store, and couldn't find the strength or speed to both run the store and tend the back garden. They used to make snack-like products from their produce, but to was too much work, anymore. As proof of her capabilities, she spent much of the evening weeding in the garden. She found some planters she could use and set small crystals in the dirt, burying them like seeds.

With a little luck, she found a vacancy in a hotel nearby, and got herself a room. She needed to meditate and recenter herself. The kind of energy prevalent in this land had been setting her on edge. She had been wrong to trouble the Court Mage with her mission without gathering more information first, and ascertaining how this place fit into her quest.

She sat upon the bed in the room, a pair of crystals in her palms. She took a deep breath, first calming her mind and clearing her being of the negativity infecting her. The night air was crisp this night, and her windows were open to draw it in. Once she felt that she was ready, she focused on the crystals. One was the vision, recorded in whole. The second was a sort of... interface. A layer between her and the vision. One of the seers had imprinted commentary and some Q&A into it. It was almost like talking to her. The second crystal was useless without the first, but the vision crystal alone could be used.

~~~

Lumina had left her white mantle from her shoulders today. It was tied into a tight little package on her belt, with her other satchels. "That's the carriage, there? If you're going for him directly, do you have a plan? We should have something basic, at least. I can grab him and get out, easy. Provided he isn't a very large man, anyway."

There were a lot of people... Provided he was light enough and the carriage didn't get away right away, she could grab him, jump to the roof of the carriage and away from there. But, she wondered what the others would come up with, as well.

@Frozen0Titan @AzureKnight @Polaris North