"Aah!" Lumina had found a suitable crate, but shortly found it beat from her hands. She turned to find the culprit, and barely hand time to raise her guard before the offender kicked her away. She stumbled, fell, and rolled into a crouch, regaining her balance and retrieving a crystal buckle from her back, sliding it onto her left arm. "Can't kill me? Well, that's only fair, I'm hardly out for blood, either. Shall we make this a friendly contest?"
A fight that wasn't a fight, then. She grabbed her crystal buckler from her side, charging it as she made a dash for a pile of crates with a clear shot to the door. She'd watch for him to try and stop her, with his fireball or whatever. Her activated shield should be enough to block the brunt of the magic attacks, while she hooked her foot around a crate and kicked it toward the door or - *oh, look, a hole in the wall. The last one was light enough, if this one was about as dense, she should be able to get it to slide home. She'd kick a few crates at the door that way before grabbing a final one and sprinting for it. She'd have to be ready to guard against another attack, he'd surely be after her.
With one last bash to her jaw using her mighty shell-shield, Gamora successfully defeated her opponent with ease. That, along with the mere effectiveness of her fire-based arsenal, nearly assured that her victory was in the bag. Granted the opponent was incredibly skilled with her rapier, lunging with quick strikes to and fro, and her speed made herself an incredibly hard target to track, but in the end the officer was successful. Although she had to admit, she seemed very cocky during the beginning of the match. If she had to eat that cockiness that could've smacked back at her, it would've been a humiliating defeat.
Her next match was to take place in the arena tomorrow, so she had the rest of the day to herself. Still, as a security officer, she still had to do her duty, such as walking up and down the hall and to punish any troublemakers that ignored the established ethics. The day otherwise was rather bland and all trouble seemed vacant from the academy. So as soon as her shift finished, she was free to leave. Yet as she walked down the hallway leading to the west exit, she finally finds trouble. And it was a classic scene that she had encountered so many times before.
There, huddled back before a wall, was a lass - neigh, a quite beautiful lass - wearing a simple red dress, facing expressionlessly as a small group of female students began to insult the poor thing. Gamora couldn't see who she was at first due to the heads blocking most of her features, but from what she did see the girl didn't like this at all. And good lord was the language ferociously and disgustingly toxic. And she thought the generic "Whore", "Slut" and "Bitch" insults were bad enough - the new-folk have gotten really inventive with their "rich" vocabulary these days.
And so, like any other time, she had to whack at this hornet's net herself.
"Alright, ya lousy good for nothin' blokes!" Gamora announced as she began to separate the victim from her harassers, "That's enough of ya's! Git outta here before I whack some sense into ya'll! Go on! Git! Shoo!"
The security guard was met with some resistance at first, but eventually the bullies ceased their fire and began walking towards the exit and out of sight. Once they were gone, Gamora inspected the girl they were harassing. And it just so happened to be one of the usuals.
"Oi, Nur-laddie," she sighed as she asked with a heavy accent towards the young girl's expressionless face, "Ya OK lass? What were those scabby doaty dobbers tellin' ya this time?"
"...Hahaha, as expected, yes!" As soon as Raviel hit the floor, Seleth grinned doing her best to refrain from a celebratory jump in excitement. Haha, this was going far better than she had hoped! Oooh, this was wonderful! "Aylama has graced me with victory once more!" Giving her spear a twirl, she gave the cheering crowd a few energetic bows, excitedly reveling in the feeling of winning again. Ah, it was nice to finally feel some vindication of her greatness, heh! Well...aside from the fact she felt like Raviel still let her win.
...and then she promptly tripped over her own feet.
"Gah I am sorry!" She managed to catch herself before she fell face first. Ah, right she shouldn't let herself get too big of a head. Dusting off her robes, Seleth looked over to Raviel.
"You know, I can't decide whether I appreciate you letting me win or not." Seleth said, walking over to Raviel once he was up and about. "You could have just pinned me, you know. It's what I would have done in your situation." she sighed, face turning to one of mild annoyance. "Don't get me wrong, winning is fine...but a serious opponent wouldn't have done such a thing. You would also do well to remember that. You are alright, at least?"
She couldn't shake the feeling that she could have done better there, really. She was glad and both ecstatic she won, but...she believed what she had said. In an actual conflict, she would have lost. She shouldn't have allowed herself to be in such a situation to start with, and she should really have found a better way to remove herself from that situation. Perhaps she could have used Shadow-step, but she had panicked.
Raviel had not known what had happened. He had always been used to this flash of darkness whenever he teleported. To the untrained, teleportation was jarring and would take them a few moments to get their bearings. Raviel did not need those anymore. But this time, it seemed like he never got out of the darkness. Or at least, it was taking too long. That was when he figured out that something may have gone terribly wrong in his teleportation. Spatial magic has always been kind of iffy and dangerous when not handled properly - every magic is - but this one would sometimes end the user in between a wall.
He sharply took in his breath as his eyes fluttered open and saw that the nurse was looking over him. Oh. He was unconscious. The nurse had given him the official say that he had indeed lost. Raviel couldn't help but roll his eyes at himself. He hadn't gotten as far as last year but he guessed he couldn't do anything about that. "Yep, I'm fine!" He cheerily said as he sat up. Raviel felt like he needed to get a few more rest time. "Ahhh, thanks. See you again next year." He said with a wide grin.
Seleth's voice made him snap to attention and his head swirled to her. He crossed his legs as he sat there, gazing at her. Ah, so she felt like he let her win? "Trust me, I was serious about winning." He said seriously. For once, his voice was devoid of his usual cheery and joking tone that he usually had. "I didn't want to win like that. For a tournament, that would have been a really low blow. Even if I had won, I wouldn't really feel it since I didn't really plan on doing that." He told her, intertwining his fingers together. "If this was a real fight, I wouldn't have gotten off. I know that much." This time, he was grinning and he was easing back into his old persona.
He stood up, waited for a moment as he swayed and he took in a deep breath. "Accept the win Seleth. I'm gonna cheer for you in the next rounds." Raviel said with a thumbs up. "I'm fine. Just really tired. Those shadow balls sapped most of my mana pool when I teleported."
Faye Nisval
Faye watched as the other beastkin had charged in. What a good person. Now she was hoping that she could get out with a single sample in hand. She kept her focus on summoning the continuous winds and was just as surprised as Enishi when explosions were added to the mix. The fire had been fed once more and if anything, it may also have been breaking their samples. That Keith person probably was still in there. What a fearsome mercenary.
The explosions created had debris falling onto Tirbus. She scowled as she saw this happen. Faye was surprised when Enishi gave the idea of aiding both Tibrus and the beastkin inside, but she could see the reasoning behind it. "As you wish. Hold on for a few minutes alright?" She said as she took the talismans before running to Tibrus. She tapped her fan against it and the debris would blast off to the side, not to harm anything again.
Faye then looked inside where Keith was continuously firing his fireballs. With a quick glance at Enishi and a nod at Tibrus, she charged inside - letting out another strong gust of cold wind mixed in with Enishi's stronger spell to expel the fire near the entrance to avoid other boxes from suffering the same fate as their burnt bretheren.
Faye attempted to send a strong gust of wind to Keith to at least make him stumble back so he wouldn't be able to cast another spell so quickly.
The sound of a whistle, a finer timing couldn't have been had to hear such a sound.
Pulling his blades back he disentangled himself from the man's body, his coat and hat slithering out from beneath his cloak and over to where he left his legs. With all his limbs gathered back up he stuffed his arms and legs back into his shirt and pants as his form began to revert to it's true shape, the shadows peeling back into their positions. By the spell's end there he was, the victor standing there with his hands in his pockets and his hat tipped forward so the shadows obscured his face. To be frank any kind of forward tilt on his hat obscured his face anyhow since he was certainly shorter than a majority of the people there.
"I guess what they say about lightning mages is true. They really are the fastist at everything." Even with that and a short compulsive laugh at his own joke his hands were only in his pockets because otherwise they'd only be hanging at his sides. While he was fine most everywhere else his arms had born the brunt of Kazudain's attack. Worst case scenario he figured he'd be able to get them back in working order again but it'd deplete a fair amount of his healing concoctions that he had stored away for those times where he gets messed up pretty bad.
_ "Next time you fight I'd suggest being the more cautious. All the lightning and all the tigirs in the world won't save you from dying to a blade in the gut." A cold chuckle followed the tail end of his small piece of advice. The fact that not only did he have to fight two spellcasters instead of one in what was supposed to be a one on one duel but also that his opponent brought a bloody tiger to boot had darkened his mood to some extent. He really didn't need the help given the fact this fight had taken place during the hours of the day he normally slept through. After all he mostly attended classes that took place towards the later few hours the school was open for. Fencing classes in the afternoon were really the earliest he was required to get up and even that was a fairly miserable time given how early that cut into his sleep schedule.
With that said he walked on over to one of the medics currently not directly tending to the man's injuries.
"Say, where does a fellow like myself find some healing around hire? Or is there a cost for such treatmint?" He asked the medical personnel while keeping an eye over on the magus and his pet. While he didn't expect the man to be so foolhardy as to attack him right in front of everyone with guards on the premises after the attack he had sustained yesterday at the gate he wasn't keen on being off his guard lest he get caught unawares a second time.
As Seleth and Raviel talked, two familiar figures entered the practice hall they were in. "Seleth! Raviel!" Alicia waved at the Dark Elf and the Furred One. "We heard you two were fighting so we came as soon as we were able."
"However, it looks like we are late." The girl wearing the eastern clothes was recognized as Mira Yasunori, one of Alicia's friends and by extension, Seleth and Raviel. "Greetings, Seleth and Raviel. I... hope we're not interrupting anything." The onmyoji girl teased.
"Mind telling us about the match?" Mira then asked.
"Say, where does a fellow like myself find some healing around hire? Or is there a cost for such treatmint?"
"Oh, you can head to the infirmary for that." The medic replied. "And don't worry, any treatment is free for tournament contestants."
"Though, are you sure you got hurt? It didn't look like you got hurt much." The medic remarked. "The healers will lambast you if they find out you were just overreacting. But don't worry, they'll fix it even if it's just a bruise or something."
"Anyway, good luck with your next match. I heard you'll be facing none other than Varjan Caldeyron himself."
"Excuse me, Varjan, is everything alright? Please excuse my intrusion, I simply saw a fellow student was bewildered about something and I wish to help lighten his shoulders. Would either of you mind if I sat with you for a brief moment?"
The maid shot you a glare. "Pardon me, Princess, but you need not concern yourself with matters like these. These are matters below your station and thus, not worthy of your time and attention." She said to you in a mocking manner. It appeared she was trying to get rid of you while looking polite.
"Anesh." Varjan tried to restrain his servant.
"Besides, someone like you would not understand the problems that Lord Varjan faces." Anesh continued her assault, unwilling to relent. "So please, save your attempts at appearing caring and concerned to us. We are already your loyal subjects so you do not need to gain our approval and affection."
"Anesh! Stop!" Varjan raised his voice which have indeed stopped Anesh. "Anesh, you're dismissed. I'll see you back in the manor."
"But Lord Varjan..." Anesh attempted to retort.
"Anesh, please." Varjan tiredly requested. The maid did as she was told. She stood up from the bench, bowed to you and her master and left. Varjan then returned to you, now that you two can have a normal conversation. "What do you need, Princess Lisianthus?" He first asked. "Is it something about the tournament? Don't worry, I won't hold back against you and I hope you feel the same." The boy gave you a tired smile.
"Or is it really about lightening my mood? If so, then I must echo my maid's sentiments: Why?"
"Oi, Nur-laddie, Ya OK lass? What were those scabby doaty dobbers tellin' ya this time?"
Nur looked at you with eyes of irritation. "Why'd you waste your time doing that?" The girl asked. "They're not gonna stop. They'll just come back more fiercer than before since they'll think I rely on people like you to keep them away. They're never gonna stop."
"In fact, where were you?" Nur suddenly asked. "Where were you when all this started? Where were you when I needed you the most?" She continued, her voice rising in anger. "It could've all stopped then and there. But no, you people simply stood aside and let rumor after rumor circulate!" She began lashing out. "Do you even care? Or do you only care if it's within sight?"
"Or maybe, maybe you agree with my tormentors' sentiments... Maybe you also think I'm just a conniving b**** who uses her good looks to get what she wants!" Nur jumped to a conclusion. "Come on! Tell me I'm a whore! A b****! A pig and a cow! That's what you really feel, isn't it?!"
"You see, my... well, I guess our, operation here is a simple supply-and-demand market." Belle began. "Contestants in the tournament demand an 'advantage' to help them win, I supply said 'advantage'. It's cheating and illegal, of course, but hey, when has that ever stopped people? Especially if no one would know."
"While the law here is competent and honorable, they're also adherent to principle and protocol. And that's something to our advantage... so long as we keep our tracks clean." Annabelle then eyed Keith who shrugged. "I'm afraid we can't kill people willy-nilly or else we'll be taken even more seriously... than we already are." She eyed Keith again.
"Hey, I did my best! What was I supposed to do against two Beastkin and a dude with a sword and a funny hat?" Keith said in his defense, also revealing a figure who was familiar to you. "You better be glad no one got captured."
"But rest assured, dear Hisana. We will have our bloodshed soon enough. We just have to patient." Belle told you. It appeared she herself shared your penchant for violence. "Oh, but you are free to brutalize and intimidate people as much as you want. Discourage them from investigating our venture." She added. "Now then, you can direct any further questions to our friend Keith. I've other matters to attend to. Farewell for now, Hisana. Your eyes are pretty too~"
Annabelle stood up and disappeared in a flash of pinkish-purple light. "So yeah, please direct any concerns to your pal, Keith North. He will address it to the best of his ability. And by 'best', I mean 'as little effort as possible'." Keith said. "Anyway, if you don't have any questions, we've got a job to do. Namely, protecting our 'assets'. You know, like those two bumps on your chest."
Harassment aside, Keith continued. "We've another warehouse set up to try and recuperate losses. It's probably going to get hit but I'm thinking they're going after the staff instead of the stuff this time so there's that." The mercenary continued. "Then we've got someone named Juan de la Cruz who handles our pay but might be brought in for questioning. Might. But in the event that he does, he's likely to spill. So we gotta protect him from being caught or get rid of him if he's caught."
After removing the debris from Tibrus, Faye doused some of the flames with her enhanced wind spell before sending a gust towards Keith which allowed their new Beastkin ally to secure some boxes. Having failed his objective, the mercenary fled.
With Keith gone, Enishi was able to put out the fires that threatened to burn down the warehouse and everything in it. Most of the boxes have been destroyed or burnt to ash but a few were secured.
"You want some more, huh?!" Keith fired more fireballs at your direction but your trusty shield protected you from the attacks.
When you started kicking some boxes out of the warehouse, the mercenary panicked. "Hey no! Don't do that! That stuff aren't for mortal eyes!" He attempted to get close to you but he was interrupted and blown away from a wind blast from one of your allies outside, allowing you to secure some boxes from Keith's wrath. "Damn it!"
"And I would've gotten away with it if it weren't for you, meddling kids!" Keith yelled as he fled the scene. The fires have also been put out, saving the warehouse from at least collapsing. The situation was as good as over.
"Based from witnesses and reports, there was a fire in the warehouse but died before it could completely destroy the building." Athos began to the investigators. "Rebuilding it will not be cheap but it could've been more expensive."
The investigators, including Lumina, were assembled again in the Luminous Cathedral meeting room and were now being debriefed by the Court Mage. "However, you have achieved our objectives and secured some pretty solid evidence for drug trafficking. Enhancers, curses, even just physical drugs were in the boxes you secured." Athos said. "You've all done a very good job."
"I'm curious though. How did this little operation go? How'd it lead to a warehouse almost burning down?" The Court Mage asked of the investigators. "And who is this new friend of yours?" He added, referring to Lumina.
Her new friends expressed a need for her to go with them. Well, it made sense. She'd probably have to give a report to their coordinator, given her involvement in their operation. Hey, if money was something she needed here, maybe she should get paid. It felt weird to ask for payment for something she would have done anyway, though.
They led her to a grand cathedral, where they were to meet with their boss, another mage. She listened through the man's debriefing, which ended with the question of who she was. "I can answer your questions, sire. I can only guess that the people inside the warehouse started burning things in response to one of their companions, coming down through the roof, as the result of a fight outside. As for myself..."
"Lumina Lusteria." She offered a bow, "in my homeland, I hold the title of 'the Lustrous'. The seers of my homeland have sent me here on a mission. They have foreseen a terrible event in a far off land, one that inspired them with great fear. I have come here in search of the source of those fears, in hopes that I might allay them. Tell me, have the been any... omens, of late?"
As the conversation continued on the events prior, Tibrus nursed a small vile of red liquid. After Faye had sent her opponent through the warehouse roof by accident, the investigation had fallen downhill. Someone inside had decided to remove as much of the evidence as they could, explosively at that. One such explosion had sent rubble his way, and unluckily had flattened him to the ground.
A larger piece of timber had struck his head, added to hitting his head on the ground put the Architect in quite the daze. The Enhancer potion he had taken earlier stopped him from blacking out but only just. His skull still throbbed but the elixir he was sipping would heal him completely, he simply needed to take it slow.
The rest of the night had gone by in a blur after that which appeared to have gone somewhat poorly, though some crates did make it out untouched. So there was some evidence to be had. He listened in as the newcomer introduced herself and her purpose here.
"Truly so, miss Lumina? You'll have to write down the exact things that you were told for reference." He paused from forced wince, massaging his temple before turning to the Court Mage. "Professor At his, give me another hour to heal and I can begin cataloging and looking though The crates we obtained. I can also deconstruct what some of the enhancers are distilled from. It might leave some clues to who made these, along side where these might of come from." With another wince Tibrus took a sip from the vile, taking a moment to collect himself before continuing.
"This will likely take some time for me to go through and it would be best I stayed here for now. I wasn't as of much help as I would have liked And for that I apologize." He sent a look to both Enishi and Faye at this."
"With this I'll be sure to find some more clues. But one thing we can't ignore is how large an operation this was. The warehouse was filled with many boxes like the ones we brought. There is a great deal of money being passed around, and I fear this investigation will travel far deeper than we anticipate."
Practice Halls ---
"Considering his arms would be hanging limply at his sides if they were out of his pockets, the child has a very good reason to seek aid." Kazudain walked up beside Thessir, but not so close to be shoulder to shoulder. He cast a glance at Thessir. "Using lightning magic I know the signs of nerve damage better than most, I had to heal myself from similar wounds while training."
The man spoke casually as Maldur came up and sat on his haunches beside his master, looking at Thessir a moment before turning to clean his paw.
"If we're going to be giving advice to each other after the bout then here is my advice to you. You need to grow further socially boy, your attitude as the winner is pitiful. Your skills may let you survive many a fight, but you won't get far in life. As for your comment earlier about all the lightning and tigers in the world won't save me from dying from a blade to the gut? You're not the first to use poison against me or stab me in the stomach and you won't be the last." And turned and began making his way out, he called over his shoulder.
"Also, don't assume you can speak from the high ground when sheer luck won your battle today boy. You could have lost just as quickly had Maldur wished to." There was a flash and the entire hall, from floor to ceiling was covered in ice, Maldur's glowing eye staring straight into Thessir's own. In another flash it was gone, the pair leisurely walking out of the hall.
Once out of the hall Kazudain strolled on his way to a medical station. The wounds were inconvenient at most but still better to deal with them. On the bright side, the pair could now explore the Kingdom at their own pace.
"Hmm, maybe after I'm healed we'll check out the Princess' next match? I remember being told she uses Lightning magic as well. It would be interesting to see her skill level." Maldur gave a chuff and a shake of his head, causing Kazudain to bark out laughing, the noise echoing down the halls...
"Tch," Seleth's face turned a bit red as she replied. "Of course I'm accepting the win! Don't try and make me feel better about it." Well, it did make her feel a little better about it regardless of what she said or how she was acting. Folding her arms, she set her spear against the wall, sighing lightly. "...well, I suppose it doesn't matter. Thanks, but I'll win regardless if anyone's cheering for me or not. So go cheer for someone else, I certainly won't need it." That was how she felt...though if he did she would certainly not mind it, but before she could expand on the thought she was interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Alicia...Mira. Instead of being here, shouldn't you be training for your own matches?" Seleth mused. "But no, you're not interrupting anything. I won spectacularly as expected." Now that she was in front of a few people, Seleth was feeling a little more confident. She ran a hand through her hair, brushing a few loose strands off her shoulder. "Raviel was no match for me, of course."
Raviel beamed at Seleth when she had accepted the win without any quarrels. Being brushed off wasn't a foreign feeling when dealing with Seleth, so the beastkin took it all in stride. He made sure that the ground beneath him wasn't moving before he finally stepped to the side to test out his balance. He wasn't as tired as he thought he was. He supposed that the shock of depleting his mana pool was the only thing that made him feel sick. Resting would be a good idea and watching fights would certainly be a good rest.
He turned to the two newcomers who had announced their arrival. Brushing off the tease, he waved at them and gave them a grin. "Heya!" He greeted with an energetic wave. When Seleth explained what had happened in as little detail as possible, Raviel simply nodded along - obviously not bothered by his own loss. "I fainted. Depleted my mana pool before I even realized it." Raviel pointed out, knowing the flaw in his own fight.
"How about you guys? I trust you guys won?" He asked with his tail swishing to the side in excitement to hear all about their own fights.
Faye Nisval
The beastkin was pondering over what the crates contained all the way until they got back with said crates. When she sat down for the conference with Athos, it was only then that her mind had reminded her of her mistake. She nodded along when Lumina - the beastkin who had aided them in their fight - explained the situation and had introduced herself properly to their client. Her eyes then wandered over to Tibrus who had recovered from passing out due to the debris. At least he didn't seem too banged up, right?
"Forgive me. It was my mistake that the mercenary had fallen through the roof in the first place. I may have gotten carried away during the fight." She said with a deep bow of her head. It was a relief to hear that the damage wasn't as severe as it could have been but she was still feelng guilty for the mistake in the heat of battle.
She then turned to Tibrus and waved her hand dismissively. "It's fine. I believe your expertise lies within knowing what those crates contained. We're counting on you to analyze it." She then folded her arms on the table. "If you need any extra healing, please do not hesitate to ask."
"Alicia...Mira. Instead of being here, shouldn't you be training for your own matches? But no, you're not interrupting anything. I won spectacularly as expected. Raviel was no match for me, of course."
"Oh? You look a little tired and roughed up though, Seleth." Mira remarked, unamused at the blatant boast. "Anyway, don't worry about us. We've trained all that we can. All we can do now for our next matches is to do our best and pray to the Twins for luck."
"Or we can take some drugs to enhance our abilities!" Alicia jested.
"A tasteless joke, Alicia." Mira was even more unamused. "Many people fall for its benefits but it is a deception. In exchange for power, magic-enhancing drugs usually sap its users strength and leaving them unable to fight in the long-term. And don't get me started when people overdose."
"How about you guys? I trust you guys won?"
"Yeah! We won our matches with flying colors! I used that correctly, right?" Alicia replied.
"We're actually here to watch you guys fight then invite you to some lunch. I guess we can skip to the latter part now. So! Do you guys want to eat with us?" Alicia invited Seleth and Raviel. "Or will you two be off on a date somewhere?" The girl attempted to tease the Dark Elf and the Beastkin.
"Knowing these two, them being an item is highly unlikely." Mira then smiled slyly. "Unlike you and Varjan."
"Hey no! Varjan and I aren't an item!" Alicia denied. Her face blushing while Mira laughed. "Stop laughing!"
"Lumina Lusteria. In my homeland, I hold the title of 'the Lustrous'. The seers of my homeland have sent me here on a mission. They have foreseen a terrible event in a far off land, one that inspired them with great fear. I have come here in search of the source of those fears, in hopes that I might allay them. Tell me, have the been any... omens, of late?"
Athos was momentarily shocked, horrified, for a brief moment before replying. "N-No, Miss Lusteria. We have not... divined or... sensed any grim omens about the future." The Court Mage replied, composing himself. "P-Perhaps the source of your people's fears are... are somewhere else? There are more lands beyond Razelia, you know? Ortus is one." Athos added.
"Er, what now?"
"Ah, yes. For our next course of action..." Athos cleared his throat, relieved that the subject of the conversation had returned to the investigation. "We have two choices. We may divide our manpower but I do not recommend that action."
"Since we have gathered sufficient evidence, we can question Sir Juan de la Cruz about the matter." Athos presented the first choice. "We can probe him and, perhaps, get some important information regarding this operation. He does not strike me to be a loyal minion to this so no need to get rough with him."
"Or, we can pinpoint another warehouse and extract a more... direct accomplice to this operation." Athos presented the second choice. "Of course, if we do manage to catch one, no doubt that his or her lips would be sealed more tightly. So, there are those things to consider." The Court Mage explained.
"Sir Tibrus is right. This may be larger than we think."
As he listened to the lightning mage speak his confident smirk slowly unfurled into a great cheshire grin. When the man turned to leave with his mighty fleabag Thessir let out a great burst of raucous laughter.
"Ha! Calling me a poor winner eh? Heheheh, that's a first!" He fit his words in between bouts of jeering chuckles. His laughter only started to simmer down as Kazudain and his pet left the building. Spinning on his heels he turned to the medic who was just previously attending the defeated one.
"Say, since I suspict we're both gonna be on our way to the infirmary mind if I ask a thing or two about the fellow? If mimory serves corrict I mit, er-" He paused momentarily as his accent was starting to slip through a tad thick. "met the lad on the way to the signups a couple days ago. Dour sort, ain't he?" He casually asked them as he started on his way to the infirmary where, hopefully, the medic was on their way to as well.
If that medic wasn't heading the same way he supposed he could just strike up some conversation on the guy with someone else.
Nothing like digging up info on an opponent He thought to himself as he strolled along with a skip to his step despite the tingling numbness running up to his elbows.
Lisia stood silent briefly at Varjan's inquiry. A warm smile then appeared on her face as she began to speak. "Well, I've noticed that for the past few days you've had quite the somber expression on your face. And it feels like it's something more than just being down in the dumps. During the tournament thus far, you've carried yourself with a sense of dread. It's rather difficult to put into words. Do you mind if I sit next to you?" The Princess sat on the bench next to the prodigal student.
I certainly hope I'm not prying too much, but as the student council president, it's more or less my responsibility to see to the needs of all of Seraph's student body. That includes you as well, Mr. Varjan!" Said Lisia with a stern yet gentle tone. "Now, I think it's safe to say we've some free time until we're called for the next round of matches. So, if there's anything you wish to get off your chest, I'm all ears. If it's too personal and you don't feel comfortable giving me the details, then I can get an instructor or the principal for you. Though, hopefully whatever the matter is I can be at least of some help!"
Hisana walked over to the table and sat on the edge of it. She then began spinning a poker card on her right index finder while her other arm rested on her thigh. She took a moment to ponder the choice Keith had given her, not really giving much attention to the raunchy comment made by the mercenary. "Hmm, a scandalous midnight warehouse scene, or what essentially amounts to babysitting. Except we can "dump" the baby if they become too much of a handful."
According to Keith, one of their warehouses had already been hit. The mercenary's words made Hisana think that the authorities would have little reason to hit another warehouse, seeing as how they more than likely got what they needed the first go-around. To Hisana, that meant that she probably wouldn't see much action taking that job. If they were targeting staff, it'd make sense to target their benefactor.
"I suppose I'll protect this Juan person, sounds like the authorities will be after him because of last night. I'll make sure any pursuers are dispatched accordingly.⭐"
Enishi sipped a bit of tea he made from some provisions he had stored in his pouch. "Last night certainly took an unexpected turn. But, it comes with the job. What matters is that we were able to salvage a bit of evidence, and that Tibrus-san and Lusteria-kun are unhamred." He said before taking another sip.
"I must admit, I'm more used to hunting brigands and dangerous criminals than dealing with nobles tied up with organized law-breaking. I'm rather out of my element, but I can adapt. As I said at out last meeting, my blade is yours to use as you see fit. Though, I still expect to claim my personal target as well."
Enishi's eyes narrowed as he thought of what havoc Hisana has reaped during these past few days, staring into his choko.
"My apologies. I did not mean to cause you distress. But, I can see you understand the weight of my mission." The seers had made two crystals for her. One, containing their raw vision, should she ever need to see their fear for herself. The other contained their guidance, to lead her to the place she needed to be. "I will have to meditate on my instructions, but I believe that this place matches them without conflict." That would do little to put the man at ease, it would probably upset him more. Alas, she could not let such concerns stop her.
Or perhaps he knew something he wasn't letting on? Or maybe...
Not for mortal eyes...
"Perhaps our investigations aren't unrelated. I clashed with a man in armor, wielding some kind of fire staff. He was using it to launch fireballs at the wares. He said something... That the crates were full of things 'not for mortal eyes.' I believe that might count as an omen... So, pending my meditation, perhaps we can help each other in our investigations."
Well, "that, and, er... Perhaps you can help me with something else, too? We, er... Don't have currency in my country. I've managed so far, obviously. I had to pay to dock my ship at the harbor... But, it's so strange." It was something she'd have to get used to, but maybe, as a foreign dignitary, there was some way they could help her in this.
"Geh!" Seleth comically flinched at the accusation, though quickly changed the subject before they could linger on the topic. "Haha, well, if you've won then that means I have even less to worry about going forward." Another boast, and probably quite untrue. Still, she was glad that they were doing well even if she was terrible at showing it. It really meant she'd have to put in more effort though, wouldn't it? Anyone who made it this far had at least some level of skill. She'd need to make sure she was -
"D-dating?" Seleth sputtered out, interrupting her thoughts as Alicia teased her and Rav. At least she didn't have to go on to defend herself. Mira quickly changed the subject to Varjan, and she couldn't help but to recall the events of yesterday evening. "...Did something happen with Varjan, Alicia?"
The air lost its humor as both Alicia and Mira turned to you with worried faces. "W-Why would you ask that, Seleth?" Mira first asked. "Did you--"
"I can't answer that question, Seleth. Not now, at least." The girl warrior replied, cutting off Mira. "But I must ask you in return, did something happen to Varjan lately? Did he... did he meet someone? Did he do something? Where did you see him?" Alicia bombarded you with questions. It was clear that she was concerned with the boy and may know more than she lets on.
"Please, Seleth. I need to know." Alicia pleaded. It was strange to see the ditzy, energetic girl in a more serious and anxious state.
"Say, since I suspict we're both gonna be on our way to the infirmary mind if I ask a thing or two about the fellow? If mimory serves corrict I mit, er- met the lad on the way to the signups a couple days ago. Dour sort, ain't he?"
"The boy's lauded as the most powerful mage in Razelia. I can't imagine what kinda baggage he's carrying when he's out of our eyes." The medic replied. "I heard he used to be happier. Well, relatively."
"Anyway, good luck with him if you ever get the luck of fighting him." The medic continued. "Don't know how you'll handle him considering he's floored everyone he fought so far. Maybe you can abuse your shadow powers but you'll have to count on Varjan not adapting which is highly unlikely. Still, you can just forfeit the match and go home just like what his previous opponent did. Really I can't think of a way to counter him."
"So, I guess luck is your only weapon against him. Stock up on horseshoes I guess." The medic said before leaving.
I certainly hope I'm not prying too much, but as the student council president, it's more or less my responsibility to see to the needs of all of Seraph's student body. That includes you as well, Mr. Varjan! Now, I think it's safe to say we've some free time until we're called for the next round of matches. So, if there's anything you wish to get off your chest, I'm all ears. If it's too personal and you don't feel comfortable giving me the details, then I can get an instructor or the principal for you. Though, hopefully whatever the matter is I can be at least of some help!"
Varjan looked at you in disbelief. "I..." He started before stopping.
"...My needs were ignored a long time ago, Princess." Varjan began in earnest. "Everyone. Everyone in Zauberheim ignored me. They wanted to. It was best for everyone to ignore me. To ignore what I say." He said. "There's no helping me, Princess. If you do, they'll tell you off. They'll say that you don't know me or what's best for me. Right before they continue ignoring me." You get the feeling he was using the word 'ignore' with a different meaning here.
"Not even the Twins listened to me." Varjan continued. "I prayed. I prayed that they would take me away from here. I didn't care how. I didn't care if they killed me. But they didn't. I find myself still waking up to... all of this." He sighed before looking up. "In my darkest hour, they abandoned me. Well, at least Seleth Thenri was willing to lend an ear to me."
"Don't bother helping me, Princess." Varjan turned to you, his face on the verge of tears. "It's too late. Their minds have already been made up. They might try to ease my position with... falsehoods, but I'm no fool. They see me as just..." He stopped himself. "You'd never understand. In fact, I don't doubt that you'll ignore me too once you realize who I am or what I'm capable of."
Varjan stood up and began to walk away. "Farewell, Princess. May the fates smile upon you. For they have frowned upon me." Those were his last words to you but perhaps you have something to say in response?
Kazudain left the Practice Halls in search for Princess Lisianthus. He was pointed to Seraph Academy's courtyard where the Princess had apparently went to after her own match. There, Kazudain had indeed found Lisianthus but she was talking to a young man who Kazudain could sense had great power within.
The young man left Lisianthus and walked away, towards Kazudain and Maldur. "Nice tiger." The boy remarked. "Do they let exotic pets inside Seraph Academy?" He wondered before continuing to walk away.
"I suppose I'll protect this Juan person, sounds like the authorities will be after him because of last night. I'll make sure any pursuers are dispatched accordingly.⭐"
"Alright then. Looks like we're on guard duty." Keith replied. "Fair warning, he's kinda foreign so I hope you don't mind hearing exotic languages."
"Anyway, while we're preparing, anything you wanna know before we begin our little op?" Keith asked. "Like, who we're up against and stuff? Ooh, that reminds me!" The mercenary remembered. "So, like, there's four to five people that raided our warehouse last night. There's this Beastkin gal who uses wind magic, another Beastkin gal who uses... crystals? An old-ish dude who... Well, I have no idea what he does."
"And finally there's this Eastern dude who uses ice magic." Keith revealed, unintentionally. "Since your a girl who gets around a lot, you don't happen to know any of these characters do you?"
"that, and, er... Perhaps you can help me with something else, too? We, er... Don't have currency in my country. I've managed so far, obviously. I had to pay to dock my ship at the harbor... But, it's so strange."
"A currency-less country? What an interesting feature of your homeland." Athos remarked. "But don't worry, your expenses will be paid for. I suppose I should make preparation for your allowance too."
After that, Athos took his attention off Lumina. It appeared that her insistence that Zauberheim was the centerpoint of the visions have irritated him slightly.
"I must admit, I'm more used to hunting brigands and dangerous criminals than dealing with nobles tied up with organized law-breaking. I'm rather out of my element, but I can adapt. As I said at out last meeting, my blade is yours to use as you see fit. Though, I still expect to claim my personal target as well."
"Worry not, Sir Enishi. We shall apprehend your target soon enough. Who knows? Perhaps she has become part of this ring. We'd be killing two birds with one stone." Athos replied.
"Now then, what will be our next target? Another warehouse or Juan de la Cruz?" The Court Mage once again asked of the investigators.
"Well, considering that they were plenty ready to destroy their own product to get rid of evidence, they likely have a much larger stock than what we found in that warehouse. How much we can't guess, but security will likely be tighter on the next warehouse we find. Which makes me think, will they do the same for Juan de la Cruz?" By now the elixir was really starting to come in to effect, the Architect breathing a little easier and able to focus a little more on the conversation.
"Either you go after, you'll have to be quick. Going after one target will give them time to fortify the other."
--- Courtyard ---
The pair had quickly made their way to the outer courtyards after being given directions, and given a healing elixir to mend the wounds in his sides. Once out it was easy for Kazudain to find the Princess, sitting upon a bench speaking with another student it seemed. It looked to be a deep conversation so he waited off to the side for it to finish.
It appeared he came at the right time as the young boy soon stood from the bench, walking towards him. He raised a brow as the boy approached, making a casual comment about Maldur before walking off. Kazudain gazed at the boy as he walked off, the young man held a great power within. Kazudain would admit that it was unexpected, though it was rumored that a certain boy held a great deal of power and potential. This must be the one called Varjan, he seemed far more distant than expected.
Turning back around the pair walked towards the Princess, giving a small bow when she caught sight of the pair.
"Fair greetings to you your Highness. I hope you are well and in good health these days. I would be honored to have a moment of your time if possible."
Seleth frowned as the two girls seemed to lose their joviality, a serious mood coming over the two of them. It confirmed her suspicions that something may be happening.
"...Hmm." Seleth gave a thoughtful pause. "Varjan came to the Radiant Cathedral where I live and work as a priestess." How much should she say, exactly? Part of her wanted to respect his own privacy, but at the same time what he had said...if her inaction led to him hurting himself, she'd never be able to live with herself. She was nothing, if not determined at most things even if she wasn't so great at them. "...He asked me if he could pray to the goddess for death. If I could kill him." Her gaze turned towards the ground, a scowl overcoming her features. "Absurd! What a fool! To ask something like that! I should kill him for even thinking such a thing. Pathetic for someone as skilled as him!" Seleth sighed, shaking her head. "I wanted to speak with him more, but his oh-so-pleasant mother ran him off before I could. Now you obviously know something more than you're letting on, Alicia." Seleth continued in a more gentle manner. "If this is something I can help with, then as a priestess of Aylama it is my duty to help those in need."
"The boy's lauded as the most powerful mage in Razelia. I can't imagine what kinda baggage he's carrying when he's out of our eyes. I heard he used to be happier. Well, relatively."
Thessir could only grin and chuckle, shaking his head with his hat tilted forward so only the grin could be seen on his face. It still tickled him that his foe claimed he won out of luck when clearly luck was the opponent every step of the way through.
"I suspict his education was seasoned with a taste of the whip in a mannir of speaking."
"Anyway, good luck with him if you ever get the luck of fighting him. Don't know how you'll handle him considering he's floored everyone he fought so far. Maybe you can abuse your shadow powers but you'll have to count on Varjan not adapting which is highly unlikely. Still, you can just forfeit the match and go home just like what his previous opponent did. Really I can't think of a way to counter him."
"Oh please, If I gave up every time I was about to fight someone toughir I'd of nevir made it past the preliminaries." He punctuated the end of his retort with a short dismissive laugh and a slight wave gesture.
"So, I guess luck is your only weapon against him. Stock up on horseshoes I guess."
"Luck, luck, luck. So many are always on about luck." Thessir griped as the man left to his business. There he stood, the last fellow to remain on the arena floor though only at that time. He took in a deep breath and sighed heavily.
"Prepare as I might only fate knows who it shall crown the victor."
He spoke largely to himself, dwelling on what was. The medic hadn't disclosed any info that was particularly enlightening about his possible opponent so that was a lot of talk for what amounted to very little. Alas, time was ever on the march and he was not one to let himself get left behind. Taking up a steady stride he strolled his way onto the medical center. He figured his first priority would be to get his hands back in working order and since they were offering free service curing the third degree burns to his skin and flesh seemed like an adequately reasonable excuse for some free treatment. He wouldn't pass up the opportunity to strike up some conversation with any of Varjan's past opponents if they happened to still be recuperating in the medical ward.
Raviel didn't seem too affected with being teased - at all. In fact, he stood there with his hands inside his pockets as he listened in on the conversation, not bothering to say anything. Especially as it progressed down to Varjan. He noted the stark difference between Mira and Alicia's personalities as the latter pressed Seleth for answers regarding what Varjan had done in the city. The beastkin did not truly understand what was transpiring considering he seemed to be the only one out of the loop about one of the most skilled magicians they had.
He turned to Seleth - his ears flicked as she told them what exactly Varjan had done in the Radiant Cathedral. The mere fact of hearing that Varjan wanted Seleth to kill him and be claimed by their goddess made him growl. It was not Varjan's request that made him think ill of the situation, but more of because he assumed that the goddess would be happy with something like that. He, however, continued to stay silent - not really having anything to contribute to the conversation aside from a resolute presence to also know and perhaps help Varjan and his situation.
Faye Nisval
Faye tapped her fingers against the wooden table in a rhythmic and calming tune - for her, at the very least. The others didn't seem to mind all that much. Her eyes swept from one speaker to the other. Athos had given them to options - a warehouse or Juan de la Cruz. The beastkin waited for the others to answer before giving her own thoughts on the matter.
Enishi was still going to help them but insisted that they needed to apprehend his own target as well - whoever that would be. He seemed impartial.
Lumina pointed out that Zauberheim might be the focal point of a disaster - if the bad omen were to be followed. The beastkin hummed in thought but obviously their client was not all too pleased to hear this. She also seemed impartial to what they should target next.
Tibrus had given them a clear view of what to expect and Faye nodded in agreement to him. The factors to consider were many as one target would be no easier than the other and going after one would result to the other either being more difficult or close to impossible to get to. The beastkin stopped tapping the table as she spoke.
"Perhaps it would be for the best if we took in Juan de la Cruz now." She offered her thoughts. "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?"
