AzureKnight

Magus Reaver: Scions of Sorcery

Interlude

Bloody Salvo

The Neutral State of Cambridge.

A moderately sized city that was situated near the Holy Capital of Flugell, and thus was well within the borders of the Licsuhianist Clergy. However, as its name suggests, it is considered a neutral local where magus who don’t subscribe to the dominating religion, Fae ambassadors, and Church officials congregate as needed. While many of the bureaucratic processes that take place are for the most part superficial, they nonetheless play a vital role in maintaining a non-violent status quo between the varying factions.

Soon, however, that would be the least of this city’s worries.

Cambridge was surrounded by forested hills on all sides, save for the flat main road that led to the city’s front gate. On the hills to the west, hidden within the trees, sat a peculiar man dressed in militaristic grab. He wore a mask that completely hid his face, along with crimson goggles.

Stationed along with him was a squadron of Belua warriors of various races; they seemed starved for combat and some of them were fiddling with their weapons and claws. Directly next to the human mercenary sat three other Belua. Given their bearing, they were likely the leaders of the squad.

One was a feline Belua who’s feral appearance held characteristics of a Panther with blue fur. He wore armored cloth and carried a pair of twin blades, giving him the appearance of a seasoned veteran.

The next was a large and intimidating insectoid Belua whose carapace looked more like golden armor. He had five scarlet eyes in total: Two on his face, and three beady, soulless ones situated on his forehead in a triangle pattern. He had four, powerful arms on his top part, with two of them holding a large sword and polearm weapon. The other two probably made use of the large bow he had on his back. The multiple wings that were at rest were covered in golden scales.

The final Belua was one the man was already quite familiar with. A large reptilian man covered head to toe with crimson scales. His eyes were practically glowing with a vermilion hue, almost as if embers were flowing out of them. He was the first to speak to the merc.

”This is the place, boyo.” He said. From where they were situated they could overlook the entire city. ”The monkey noble resides in that ritzy residential district. Ya remember the plan, yeah? The kids behind us will dick around the town and stir up a ruckus, whilst the four of us will use the opening to break into his mansion. He said, pointing to the feline and insectoid Belua sitting beside them. We’ll have a nice little chat on the subject of our ‘contract’. As promised, you’ll be compensated: provided you hold up your end of the deal?”

“All crystal clear, Mister Kinnich sir.” The mercenary replied with a thumbs-up. It was actually a lie. Keith was not actually that sure as to why they were targeting this noble in this neutral city of Cambridge. But he wasn’t one to fuss over the details, unless he was the one leading the operation. “Also, can I get an autograph from that guy?” Keith pointed his thumb at the insectoid Belua. “I’m pretty sure his kind won me a contest a couple decades ago.”

Kinnich and the feline Belua shot Keith a look, then turned to the insectoid Belua. ”Dharna, you got clues what the hell he’s talking about?” The insect warrior, named Dharna, clicked his serrated jaw and gave a wave of dismissal. Kinnich shook his head. ”You’re an odd ape, do you know that? Never the matter, lets saddle on up fellas. ”

With a wave of his hand, the squad that was sitting behind them jumped forward, all of them racing down the hill. Their warcries began to drown the vicinity as they broke through the town walls and began their assault. Soon afterward, screams and sounds of fighting could be heard.

Kinnich then motioned for the four of them to make their move. ”Don’t fall behind; You get caught, that’s all on you boyo.” He said with a sneer. The three Belua leaders then raced off toward the residential district, covering the distance between it and the forested hill with alarming speed.

Keith followed the three Beluas and although he was behind them most of the time, he was deft and nimble. Attempts by the town guards to block him were futile, for the mercenary utilized leaps and slides to bypass them to keep up with Kinnich and his crew. “I’d fight the other animal guys if I were yooouuuu!” Keith yelled at Cambridge’s defense forces as he left them in the dust.

The feline warrior looked back at Keith, seemingly impressed with his footwork. ”The ‘uman’s pretty quick on his feet, I’ll give him that.” He said, clawing a guard cleanly in half as they attempted to approach him.

Dharna flew low, his wing buzzing spreading scales that caused the knights to become delirious and nauseated. They were easy targets for his bowwork, having arrows stuck right between their eyes. ”I thought the brats were supposed to be distracting most of the law enforcement.” He said.

”They are.” Kinnich answered him. ”These are knights that defend noble districts. They wouldn’t concern themselves with the riffraff that happens over at the commoners’ sect.”

This didn’t seem to slow down Kinnich in the slightest, however, as any that tried to get close to him were instantly set aflame. Kinnich was running as normal, but the streets began to be lined with the charred remains of those who approached.

The four criminals were having no trouble tearing through the city streets, and were nearing the noble section where their target mansion was. Until -

A squad of knights barred the way forward for the brigands. At the front of the group stood the presumed leader. She was a young woman with long silver hair that was tied in a ponytail. She wore combat garb and she held a large magitech rifle in her hands. ”That’s far enough, you filthy animals.” She said with venom. ”If you want something to hunt, go back to the wilderness you came from and chase some hares.” The knights that stood behind her brandished their weapons and reloaded their guns.

”Oho! How confident the monkeys are with their little guns. Kinnich spat, unfazed by her insults. ”Dharna, Talaf, I believe we’ve got some time - let’s have a little fun with this~ “

”This scaly freak seems to be the one in charge. I’ll handle him, the rest of you handle his circus troupe.” At her order, the knight coordinated themselves as they surrounded their three targets. Talaf licked his lips and snarled, while Dharna hissed as he readied his weapons.

“Take them!” One of the knights exclaimed. Six of them rushed the two Belua, whilst two attacked Keith. Perhaps because he appeared to be the only one who was human, they felt that he was less of a threat. One gunman shot at him whilst the other attempted to flank him with a large axe.

“If I’d known this place had guns, I’d have brought my entire armory.” Keith released a long sigh before brandishing a sword to block the gunshot. Only, he was far too late to actually block the shot. Blood flowed freely from a freshly-made hole in his body, but the mercenary did not seem fazed at all. “Aww, man! I was supposed to look cool and all!”

Keith whined as he stepped back to evade the large axe vertically swung at him and retaliated by slicing off the arms of the knight with one slash. Brandishing his other sword, Keith hurled the blade at the gun knight like a throwing knife before closing in for the kill. “You guys doing okay? Still alive?” The mercenary asked his Belua allies aloud as he swung his blade at the gun knight.

”Right as rain.” Talaf mused. Wielding a sword in one hand, and wielding the other with his…tail? Indeed, the feline warrior had wrapped around the handle his tail. While this seemed like an unorthodox method of weapon wielding, the knights found it nigh impossible to find an opening. In his free hand he sliced any to ribbons using his claws; To the garrison, it felt as if they were fighting a woodchipper. There was that, and the numerous currents of lightning that surrounded him; His foe were either sliced to ribbons or electrocuted.

Dharna, on the other hand, had all of his foe flailing on the ground, as if they were gasping for air. Dark veins appeared all over their bodies and their pupils began to dilate, others were fortunate to have been bifurcated before they had the chance to suffer. This was caused by the poisonous scales emitted from Dharna’s wings; They buzzed with a horrid hymn as the last of his foes expired.

That just left Kinnich along with the now alone captain, who’s poker face had vanished and was replaced with a desperate frustration. She let loose shot after shot, but the bullets all incinerated before they even touched Kinnich’s scales.

”W-Who the hell are you monsters?!” She exclaimed. ”You’re just animals!”

”Animals are we?” Kinnich asked calmly. He began walking toward the captain. This caused her to panic, unloading her entire magazine unto the man. Of course it did nothing, and by the time she realized she needed to reload, Kinnich had punched her onto a rock wall. A singed fist mark could be seen on her stomach, and she was coughing up blood. Her magical firearm lay far away from them both. Not having lost consciousness at this point, her eyes filled with fear as Kinnch strolled closer to her. ”W-Wait…”

”Kinnich, you always play with your food. We DO have a job to see to.” Talaf said.

The captain’s eyes widened even more when hearing that name. ”Kinnich, The Sun Beast?” Using what little strength she had left, she attempted to scurry away on all fours. It was futile, as Kinnich grabbed her by her head and hoisted her up into the air. ”I…I remember some of the Paladins talking about you. They said you were an S-rank criminal and had a flee on sight order that only excluded the Apostles!”

”My reputation precedes me.” He said, bring her to eye level with him.

”D-Do you want money? We ca- Urk!” She was cut off mid-sentence as his hands were on her throat.

”If I want money, I will simply take it. Which is partly why I’m here. Principle’s got more to do with it though. My feline friend does have a point, however, so I’ll leave you here for now.” He said, thrusting her onto the metal fence. Using his intense fire magic, Kinnich began to melt some of the steel beams of the fence to where it binded her limbs. She screamed in pain as the heat cooked the flesh around her arms and legs.

”Goodness. Just what are you planning, scoundrel?” Talaf said.

”That will be revealed later.” Kinnich responded, looking toward the mansion on the hill. ”For now, let’s continue onward. It’s bad manners to keep the affluent waiting.”

He turned to Keith, who still seemed to be engaging a lone soldier. Although, his morale had long since vanished. ”You all good over there, boyo?” He said to Keith.

After jamming his sword into the torso of his final opponent, Keith kicked away the lifeless corpse before responding. “Still a hundred percent, boss lizard!” The mercenary then realized he actually had been wounded and looked down to check the bullet hole he recently acquired. It was still bleeding, but not to the same degree as earlier. “Err, make that ninety-eight percent!”

Joining Kinnich and the others, Keith bore witness to the silver-haired woman whose limbs had steel bars from the gate grafted into them. She continued to scream, but Keith was only curious. “Whoa. Leaving a little welcoming gift, are we?”

”Somethin’ like that.” Kinnich responded flatly. ”I certainly plan on using her for something, but we’ll worry about that later. Come along now.” Kinnich quickly made his way toward the mansion, nimbly running on and hopping off the sides of buildings and rooftops. Talaf and Dharna followed behind him, catching up with little effort. Just before Keith followed, he’d hear the battered and burned captain call out to him with bated breath.

”He-Hey! You there, masked rogue! You’re human, aren’t you? W-Why are you siding with those…beasts? How can you stomach watching your own kind get slaughtered in such ways?!”

“Honey, I’ve done things worse than what these guys have been doing. Okay, that’s not exactly true. Melting steel to stick them to your flesh is pretty hardcore.” Keith replied, indulging the captain’s question. “And besides, the only side I’m on…” The mercenary then fished out a small pouch from one of the corpses and shook it to make the coins inside jingle. “...is this.”

“Look on the bright side! If you survive this, you’ll know how to talk to me next time.” Those were Keith’s final words before following his Belua allies.

The captain’s eyes widened in horror and disgust at Keith’s answer.

”Godless vermin!” She exclaimed with what little ferver she had left. ”I pray that crimson monster spills your intestines on the floor while he burns whatever money you came here to collect. Trash like you never prospers in the end: You won’t be the ones who are laughing at the end!”

After coughing up a bit of blood, the silver haired knight had finally lost consciousness. With that Keith would then make his way to catch up with Kinnich and co.

--

On the inside of the mansion, there was a lavish bedroom that also appeared to host guests and pleasurable company. In it sat a very nervous man. Given his bearing and the way he addressed the other personnel around him, he was likely the master of the house.

He wore a dark-colored, brownish suit with decorated buttons, and a long trench coat of darker hue over it. He was tapping his cane with his index finger rapidly, further signifying his discomfort.

”I’d like to know just what the hell’s going on!” The man snapped. ”First there’s some report of rogue beastmen attacking the commoner district. Then, not a moment later, suddenly my domain is being hit?” He looked at the staff he had around him, all looking as nervous as he was. He appeared to be waiting for someone to answer.

”Is it that Liesel brat? Has she finally made a move against the Paradigm?” He said.

“Marquis Aulbach, that’s highly unlikely” One finally said. “None of the opposing nobles would dare do anything as brazen as hire a band of renegade beastmen to wreak havoc on the citizenry. Especially not ones this barbaric!”

”Then who else would have reason to attack?! This assault was too coordinated to have been a random act of terrorism!” He leaned back in his chair, losing his energy from the mere situation. ”Have my wife and daughter been evacuated safely?”

“Yes, milord, they’ve already been escorted out of the city.” Another guard said.

”Good. Dammit all, the others will see this as a sign of weakness and cut all ties with me. I can’t afford that!

--

Overlooking the mansion, the four assailants had found their target. Kinnich turned to Keith.

”There boy, inside that mansion, that’s where the Marquis lies. We’ll need to find him, which will be the easy part. You can kill whoever you want, but the lord of the house will need to be left alive. For a time.” He said ominously.

The group had remained undetected after arriving at their target, not that it really mattered up to this point.

”Keith, was it? Would you like the honors?” He pointed to a window that appeared to be on the third floor of the mansion. ”As a token of good faith, you will be the one to start the charge. Go ahead and cut loose.”

“Aww, I’m touched.” Keith placed a hand on his chest in appreciation before brandishing his two swords. “Cutting loose now, boss!”

The mercenary then ran up a tall tree that reached the window of the third floor. Running across the branch nearest to the window, Keith leapt and crashed through the glass, sending bits and shards all over the place. The mercenary rolled to an upright position, pointing his swords at the people present.

“Where’s the Marquis?!” Keith demanded from the people in the room. “I want to sell him some prime real estate over a cup of coffee!”

The personnel in the room all looked at the masked man in shock as he crashed through the window, while Marquis Aulbach jumped out of his chair.

“Who the hell are you?!” One of the men exclaimed.

“Milord, you must flee!” Another one said.

”Y-You! Did that brat Liesel send you?!” Aulbach finally uttered out. Before he could hear his answer, two of the men grabbed him and promptly escorted him out of the room.

“We’ll hold him off, take the Marquis and flee!” Said a guard. The other five present pulled out sorcerous firearms and blades, some had magic circles appear around their hands. “Prepare to die, craven wretch!”

Keith would then find himself being assaulted by gunfire, slashes, and blasts of various elements as they attempted to defend their lord. Whether this would actually be effective or not remained to be seen however.

“Five against one, huh? I like these odds!” Keith flourished his blades before responding to the attacks.

What followed was a chaotic battle that pretty much destroyed the room. The two belligerent parties did heavy damage to each other. However, only one of the parties could take the punishment and outlasted the other. Gunshots, explosions, slashes and screams echoed out of the room for several minutes before it all went silent.

Keith emerged from the destroyed room with corpses of the guards inside, looking like a corpse himself and even holding his detached arm with the remaining one. “Get back here, Marquis! You and I have a score to settle!” The mercenary limped forward as he placed his detached arm on its stump to begin the reattaching process.

The Marquis scrambled through the halls of his mansion, guards in tow. He was made even more nervous due to the screams he heard.

”That man, is he dead?” He said with bated breath.

“Nevermind that now, just keep moving!” Said one of his escorts.

Just as they were heading through the halls, a large squall of wind completely shattered one of the nearby walls. The gust was golden in hue, and one of Aulbach’s guards was unfortunate enough to have breathed it in. He was on the ground, choking with dark veins appearing on his neck before they even realized it.

“Shit!” The surviving guard exclaimed. “This way!” He led Aulbach down another corridor. Keith would likely be drawn to the Marquis by the sounds of destruction.

And indeed he was drawn, the mangled Keith blocked the corridor that the Marquis and his remaining guard was heading down to and cutting off the latter’s escape. Looking barely alive, he pointed his burnt hand at the target. “Surrender now, or risk looking like me!”

Aulbach and his lone guard looked in disbelief at the appearance of their assailant, his mangled body causing them to recoil.

”Who are you, who sent you?” The marquis said in a panic

“My lord, get back! He must be an augmented human, or a malfested!” Shouted his guardian. Drawing his sword he immediately charged at the cadaver-esque Keith. “You must flee my lord!”

Looking every which way, Aulbach attempted to dart down another hallway while his lone guard engaged the brigand, hoping for an easy fell given his foe’s current state.

“I’m the monument to all your sins!” Keith yelled in reply to the fleeing Marquis. The mercenary, despite being badly-wounded, moved deftly to the side to evade the guard’s sword thrust. He then grabbed hold of the guard’s hands that wielded the sword before spinning around until the guard, himself, was stabbed by his own sword through the torso.

This little distraction managed to buy the Marquis time to escape Keith, but the latter was sure that he couldn’t escape Kinnich.

The marquis continued his frantic run through his home, shouting profanities at his state of affairs. Just as he was about to turn another corner, a large burst of flame destroyed a wall in front of him. The heat was so intense that it completely melted everything in its wake, and it caused Aulbach to stumble back with a yelp. Kinnich slowly emerged from the opening, appearing to have materialized from the fire itself. His arms were folded and he carried himself with a relaxed, almost cordial demeanor.

”It’s good to see you again, Marquis Aulbach.” He began. ”I apologies for the damages done to your home, and the casualties that have accompanied it.”

”Kinnich?!” Said the lord in utter disbelief and terror. ”Y-You betray me?!”

"After I’ve had time to re-evaluate our current arrangement, I’ve decided that I no longer benefit from working with you." Kinnich replied with a scoff. "I’ve also come to take everything you’re worth in exchange for the time I’ve given you."

"How can you say that? That mission at the plant was bot-" Kinnich had a hand around the man’s throat before he could finish his sentence. The next moment he was lifted off the ground, gasping for air.

"Keith, my boy, his currency and valuables should be down in the cellar. That will be your payment, be a sport and grab it would ya?" He said. "This ape and I have matters to discuss."

Keith saluted at the order. “With extreme pleasure, sir!” The mercenary then skipped away to the cellar, eager to see the riches that the Marquis hid down there. He also grabbed small, but valuable, items on the way there. A little side income to the main payout.

--

Keith would find himself taking a flight of old looking stairs down a winding corridor. After a few minutes, reaching the bottom, his sight would be pelted by the countless flickers of gold. Jewelry, gemstones, precious metals, and equipment as far as the eye could see all contained in this aged cellar. Keith would no doubt be quite satisfied with the ‘payment’ he received; The Aulbach house was indeed quite affluent.

The merc would also hear the pained screams of the marquis coming from above, along with the crackling of intense flames. Keith may have started to feel that eventually Kinnich would set the whole damn place on fire…

“Uh oh, looks like this place ain’t gonna be here for long. I may have to leave pretty soon…” Keith remarked, but the eyes behind his goggles still sparkled after the sight of House Aulbach’s wealth. “...but not before I take this. And this. And that. And this. And a little bit of that. And some of this.” The mercenary began taking all the valuables he could fit in his pockets. “Ah, perfect! A sack with which I can put my well-earned ‘reward’.”

The cloth sack was quickly full of loot from the treasury and after he gained considerable weight from the treasure he took, Keith figured it was time to rendezvous with the gang… well away from this… compromised building.

As Keith filled his sack and lined his pockets, he would hear footsteps coming from the stairs, heavy footsteps. They were accompanied by an insectoid crackle; Dharna seemed to have followed Keith down to the treasure hall.

”I see you’ve wasted no time in gathering all of these trinkets.” He scoffed. ”We forgot to mention that there’s something that we’ll need to take with us that should be here. Something more important.”

After looking around for a bit, Keith noticed a box filled with peculiar multicolored orbs.

”Ah, there we are.” Dharna said. He motioned for Keith to grab them. ”According to Kinnich, those are new experimental magical objects, I believe they are called aima? I do not pay much mind to the silly tinkering of those humans. Go ahead and grab them, we are about done here and we should make haste.”

More screams echoed throughout the halls, and the heat around the pair began to intensify. They wouldn’t have much longer.

“Sure thing, Beedrill!” Keith duly grabbed the box and got a bit curious. “Aima, huh? As in, ‘Aima blow you and everything you love to kingdom come’?” The mercenary picked up one of the blue-and-gold orbs and examined it closer. He wondered if it was more useful in the field, or in the market. “Pretty little things. Do you mind if I take one for myself?”

“Anyway, is it me or is it getting hot in here?”

Dharna made another clicking sound with his serrated jaws. ”I would presume so… I honestly don’t care if you take a few, but I would suggest confirming with Kinnich first.” He said, looking up at the floor above them. He led Keith back upstairs, where they would both see that the walls and parts of the ceiling were set aflame. There was irregular rumbling that accompanied it, signifying that the structural integrity of the mansion was about to give. Dharna walked through it all without a care in the world, although Keith was the one who had the least to worry about. The insect Belua simply knocked away any debris that came crashing their way.

--

After they made their way back to Kinnich, the pair would overhear the last bits of the conversation he was having with Marquis Aulbach.

”...Poor little ape~” He sneered. ”Me, the Church, and your pretentious little alliance! You’ve enemies on all sides!”

“P…leas..e s-stop…this…” Aulbach was able to barely get out, his breath bated by the rising heat and panic of the situation. “C…an’t brea..the…”

”Enough of your damn whining. Your life is now mine, but don’t be too sore about it, your friends will be joining you.” He retorted, holsting the man up on his back ”I’ve decided there’s use for you yet. Oh! There you boys are, was afraid you got cooked!” He joked at Dharna and Keith. ”Come, we join Talaf.”

Keith would feel himself begging air into the air and out of the mansion by Dharna, where Kinnich jumped with such force he gave off the illusion of flight with the Marquis on his back. As they cleared the mansion, the building collapsed with a loud tumbling roar as it was engulfed in scarlet embers. The smoke chimney could be seen from the cityside below, and sirens from the other side of the city were still going off. The fighting seemed to have died down. The merc would now find himself on a rooftop along with his three cohorts.

”Talaf! How did the little ones do?” Kinnich asked his feline comrade.

”They performed admirably.” Talaf said. ”We had some losses, unfortunately, but they were honourable losses.” He looked off at the destroyed mansion for a moment, then looked at the unconscious marquis. ”It seems things went well on your ends as well?”

”Aye boyo.” Kinnich said.

”You left Aulbach alive?” He said inquisitively. ”That means death would’ve been his better option. Always scheming, you damn reptilian!” He said almost with a laugh.

Kinnich made a huff that spewed soot from his nostrils, as his form of response.

”I believe Keith had a question for you, Kinnich.” Dharna interjected.

“Oh, it’s nothing too important.” Keith held up the box of Aima he was tasked to retrieve. “Just curious as to what these things are. And if I can, y’know, have one. Pretty please?” The mercenary attempted to look at Kinnich with puppy-dog eyes, but his mask and goggles got in the way of all that.

Kinnich looked at Keith for a moment, curiosity worn on his face. He then chuckled with a low hiss.

”I suppose I can part with a few, boyo. Consider it part of your payment.” Kinnich said. Walking over to the masked merc, he held out his clawed hand. ”However, I believe it’s time for you to provide what you promised, Mr. North.”

As part of their agreement after Kinnich initially attacked him, Keith promised to give him a sample of the substance he obtained from the strange cult of zealots. Referred to as…some kind of nectar…

“Ah, right. That.” Keith handed the Aima box to Dharna before patting down the pockets of his outfit for the substance. “Now where did I– Oh, right!”

Keith crouched down and removed his right shoe. Hidden between the soles and the rest of the shoe was a tightly-corked glass vial that was filled with a dark-purple… darkness within, almost touching the cork. After putting his shoe back on, Keith held up the vial and hovered it right above Kinnich’s open palm. “Remember, this stuff is real dangerous. Don’t eat it, don’t sniff it… I mean, I guess you can do that if you’re real wild. Keep it in a glass container when not in use. If it spills out… err, throw someone on top of it and then leave the area as fast as you can.”

“...Let me guess, that’s exactly what you’re going to do, aren’t you?” Keith finished before dropping the vial onto Kinnich’s hand.

”Somethin’ like that, boyo.” Kinnich mused. ”Follow along, we’re about to leave.”

Backtracking, Kinnich led the group back to where he had left the poor captain hanging on the gate. She seemed to have passed out due to the pain. Walking in front of her, he held her head up by the chin and held the vial up, which now had its cork removed. Not bothering to shake her awake, he squeezed her mouth open so as to administer the solution to the woman. After emptying its contents, he discarded it to the side, causing the glass to shatter.

The three Belua looked curiously, observing what effects would come from the strange concoction. The woman’s skin immediately began to turn pale, and she began to convulse violently. Making various choking sounds, her voice began to sound unnatural and distorted, along with violent veins beginning to appear all over her face and exposed flesh. After a few minutes, her eyes rolled up in the back of her head and she went limp. Kinnich made a squint, then huffed a smoke plume.

”Perhaps the little brat was worthless after all?” He inquired. ”Was she not strong enough to trigger any meaningful effects?”

”We should leave.” Talaf said. ”The Paradigm will make a response once they hear the news. We’ll need to stay ahead of them if we’re to use them.”

”Hmm, scum.” Kinnich said. He spat a bit of lava at the woman’s body, which melted some of the flesh on the side of her cheek. The fact that she still didn’t respond signified that she was indeed deceased. Motioning for Keith to follow, the four assailants promptly made their way out of the city. It didn’t take them long to clear the forested hills they were stationed at before. While moving, Kinnich turned to address the masked man once again.

”You know, I have to admit you performed well for an ape.” He said with a bit of snark. ”And I’ve never met a magus that had the regenerative capabilities that you have. I wonder if that's sage-level alchemy, or perhaps some sort of high spirit provides you with that boon?” He laughed hardily.

”Since we’re technically partners now, I suppose proper introductions are in order. What’s your full name?”

“That’ll be Keith North to you, my good lizard friend! But out in the field, I’m known as The Red Strike.” The mercenary happily replied. “And you’re not the only one curious about my sweet, slick respawn abilities but I’ll tell you right now: I have no clue how it works either.” A lie, but uttered by Keith with the utmost confidence.

“Also, I can’t believe you just used that one vial on that gate girl. I thought you’d get some mages to study the stuff for yourself or something.” Keith remarked. “But eh, it’s your property so you can do whatever you want with it. Another vial, however, is gonna need another payout.”

“But besides that, what do we do now, boss?”

”The Red Strike, huh?” Kinnich responded, curiously. ”The Sun Beast and the Red Strike. I suppose it must be fate crafted by the Six.” He snarled to himself, oddly reprehensibly.

”Then I suppose it’s my turn. Kinnich du Valeniquen.” He said, pointing a thumb at himself. ”It used to be a name that carried pride and honor. Now, it’s one that carries fear and bile. It’s all relative though, haha!” His introduction at first held a rather introspective bitterness to it, but then it was quickly drowned out by grandstanding.

”The kitten over there is named Talaf Aleasifa, the fly is known as Dharna Kadava. I only keep them around because they look pretty.”

”To hell with you, scaly freak.” Talaf said in protest. ”A face like yours has no room to talk.”

”I wonder how’d you feel if this fly gouged a hole in your stomach and turned it into a ration bag.” Dharna added.

”Lovely little dolls aren’t they?” Kinnich said, chuckling ”As for what’s next, gonna get this cock to wake up and tell more about his little alliance. They’re planning something big, and I’d like to hear more about it. He said, pointing toward the marquis on his back. ”You’re free to go back to your other masters if you’d like. Of course, perhaps you’d like to go find this fool’s wife and daughter. Not that we need them, but they might make good leverage. ‘Course, this Paradigm might hunt them down anyway.”

The little back-and-forth between the Beluas amused Keith. It appeared that Kinnich had some baggage regarding his last name, but the human mercenary could not care less about it. “Well, if you say so. I’ll head back for now since I do believe my employers need me for stuff. Still, I’ll keep a lookout for the guy’s wife and kid and let you know if I find anything.”

“Been nice working with you, Sir Kinnich du Valeniquen.” Keith made an exaggerated bow. “Hope we get a chance to work together again~”

The Belua marauders looked on as Keith swiftly went off back to his original employers, having with him some of the aima he was ordered to steal for them.

”Odd fellow, that one.” Talaf said.

”He is quite useful, at the very least.” Dharna added.

”Certainly useful, but more than just odd.” Kinnich chimed in. ”I don’t sense any mana in that man’s body whatsoever. He doesn’t carry the scent of a corpse either, but he doesn’t die easily. His existence is rather out of place here. We’ll worry about that later, though. There is more work to be done.”

They charged off on the path at alarming speed, soon the city couldn’t even be seen in the distance. To their side however, some of the other Belua fighters they sent to the city began coming up to converge with them. They were made up of the ones that survived the initial attack and managed to escape. As far as Kinnich was concerned, they were the only ones working keeping around anyway. The ones that did die were supposed to…

--

The woman Kinnich left to die was still lifeless, stuck on the gate she was bound to. However, unbeknownst to them, a large spider-like appendage had fiercely sprouted from her back. After flailing around for a brief moment, it trashed as it began to tear through the steel of the fence. The woman then began to rouse, and with elongated teeth, made an eerie shriek.

---

Infirmary

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@Hammerman @The Irish Tree

After their sparring match, Lanus and Renee had arrived in front of Elaine’s office, the former holding a tissue to his bleeding nose. They overheard what sounded like conversation, recognizing the voices as belonging to Elaine and Grisha, which stopped at the knocking. The door opened, fully revealing the two.

”Yes? Oh my…” Elaine said, looking at Lanus with a curious gaze, then looked at Renee. ”Seems like things got a little heated during your sparring session?”

Grisha remained silent for the moment, which likely meant he wanted to observe how the Tower’s reavers interacted with the staff during standard operations.

”Let’s get that looked at. Hopefully just a minor bruise.” Elaine led the pair into her office. Seating Lanus down on a stool next to the bed, Elaine held her index finger out, which shone with a small orb of light on its tip. ”Let’s see that nose, mister.” Elaine said, gently nudging Lanus’s hand away from his nostrils. With tender care, Elaine placed her finger on the tip of his battered nose, causing it to shine with a weak shimmer. In just a few moments, the bruising all but vanished, and Lanus’s nose was as good as new. She then grabbed a small bottle of some type of indigo-colored pills. Taking one out, she crushed it with her index finger and thumb, which made a fine dust on her finger. She blew it on his nose, which made him feel a pleasant coolness on it.

”Thaumaturgy spells that weak can heal small wounds, but don’t provide much comfort.” She said. ”I’d say be more careful next time, but something tells me that this injury was at least somewhat warranted…” Elaine said, squinting at Lanus like a stern mother.

”I see that some things never change.” Grisha said.

–

As Hector made his way to Elaine’s office, he would run into Alexandra, the Church knight who was acting as Grisha’s junior for the inspection. She noticed Hector’s slowed pace and labored face.

”Oh, hello.” She said, before squinting at the man. ”Actually, I’ve heard of you before. You said your name was Hector Wyland? You’re the third son of that house, yes? There was gossip that a mission you went on had turned for the worst. Some of the other soldiers and knights thought you had died, imagine the shock when it’s revealed that you’re slumming it with a bunch of self-serving magus.”

Alex may have been overstepping her bounds, but it seemed that her natural curiosity had taken her over for that current moment.

”Tell me, why didn’t you come back to the capital after you survived? I realize that you may have dishonored your house in your failure, but the Scion of Light forgives all, so long as your willingness to follow good service doesn’t dissipate.”

–

Elaine then looked at the direction of the door, having heard the knocking. ”Yes, pleace come in.” She said. Lanus and Renee would see Hector and Alexandra standing at the door.

”Ahem. Please pardon my intrusion, but, I just wanted a few words with the Fae reavers here. I believe you said your names were Lanus and Renee?” Alexandra said, looking at the couple. ”I…was actually watching the fight you two had and was rather…intrigued by the skills you displayed. Truthfully, I’m curious about the ways in which Fae fighters utilize sorcery and combat tactics. Would you care to fill me in with detail?”

”Sir Hector had arrived here at the same time I did, and I presume he has a different reason for coming here. To treat his aches and pains perhaps?”

---

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Repository

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@Silverstein

The Holy Seer looked at the boy with an interested gaze, not a cautious or angered one oddly enough. She made a gesture by holding a hand up to put the Fae at ease.

”Worry not boy, I haven’t come to take the book away from you.” Tethys said. ”Although I am rather curious as to why you cling to it with such fervor. Tell me, what exactly has the book shown you?”

Kiff glanced at Tethys with a perplexed gaze. ”Oh? Well, that’s a relief, haha! I’d hate to have one of our newbies to already be labeled an enemy of the Church. Uh, if you don’t want the book back, why are you here?” He inquired.

”Intrigue, mostly.” She responded. ”I had discarded that book long ago, deciding that I no longer had any need of it. Along with…other reasons, and I’m rather surprised that it ended up here of all places. Perhaps this was all preordained?”

She eyed the book heavily, having many memories flood her mind at once, some happy and some rather melancholic.

”Tell me, Leon Hyksos, what has this book shown you? I imagine that it was something less than savory?”

---

---

Nadia's office

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@Polaris North

It was a moment before Shavis heard an answer for her knock on Nadia’s door. ”Come in.” She heard in a flat tone.

Shavis would then see a couple of brief cases that were stuffed to the brim on Nadia’s desk, which had various papers scattered across it. Backpacks that were full of scrolls and vial packs were also sitting on the table in the center of the room. Nadia looked at Shavis with a neutral, albeit tired expression on her face.

”Ms. Shavis.” She said. ”Can I help you? I’m kinda busy right now…”

---

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Eon's Halls

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@FrogRFlowR

Evelyn and Lapis had finished packing, the former seemingly more than necessary, and decided to reconvene in the conference room until they received further instruction. However, while on the way, they were surprised to run into Asterope.

”Oh! Ms. Asterope!” Evelyn said. ”You returned back to the Tower! And yes, you are correct in your assessment of me being the MVP in the last mission! ” Eve said proudly, placing a hand on her chest. Lapis looked at her friend with an annoyed expression.

”Humility goes a long way, Eve.” She said.

”As for my trump card technique, a witch doesn’t usually share her secrets, as I’m sure you of all people would be aware. However! I don’t mind making exceptions every once in a while. The first step of the spell is creating a Void field.” She said. ”Generally, a ‘field’ is a space in which its user creates a space around them that embodies the core of their magic. In my case, I made a void field, where my targets are helplessly trapped in a gravity well. Then, that’s when I blow them to bits with my star magic!”

”You’re so confident, I heard you fell flat on your face and couldn’t walk after casting your ‘trump card’.” Lapis said in a snarky tone.

”Shut it!” Eve snapped back. ”Now then, when an Elementalist possesses an affinity for two or more elements, they can often train to combine them to create a new element. In my case, I have talents in both fire and lightning magic, and combining them creates an explosive plasma element I’ve dubbed star!” Placing a hand on her hip, she flipped her hand using her other one, clearly proud of herself.

”The element is essentially weightless, meaning that it isn’t affected by the gravity well, and it more or less guarantees a sure hit against all of my immobile victims!”

”Umm, of course, using all of that sorcery takes a toll on my magical reserves, as Lapis so rudely stated…” She said, glaring at her Belua friend, who responded by blowing Eve a razzberry.

---

---

Conference Room

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@Frozen0Titan

As Damian continued to remain hidden in the empty conference room, he carefully contemplated what his next move should be. Tethys knew he was there, and spoke to him. However, she chose not to have him reveal his presence, oddly enough. This left him in a precarious situation right now. That was, until he heard a familiar voice call out to him.

”Goodness, you’re so skillful at hiding, it’s quite impressive but also a little sad as well. It’s all right, if she was going to do something she would’ve done it by now.”

It was the headmaster Arteus, who had finally returned to the Tower after his morning absence. He addressed Damian in a reassuring tone.

”Why don’t we have you come down from there and we’ll talk. Don’t worry, I did promise your grandmother that I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.”

---

---

Outside Bellum's Office

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@PaulHaynek

Whilst on his way back to his room, Einer would notice that the door to the greenhouse was open. It filled the halls with the distinct odor of nature, and within the young noble could hear Bellum humming along with the sounds of what he would presume to be packing.

Einer had some packing of his own to do, but perhaps his curiosity would get the better of him? Bellum's skillset and role at the Tower may not tantalize him enough in his path to seek more power...

Tales Of Shizuyama: Alternative (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

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S T E E L P E R F E C T I O N : S O V E R E I G N W I N D

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Terauchi Temple: _{@PaulHaynek @Enkryption @FroggRFlowR}

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Kirei looked at Tomi with utter perplexity, she gave a whole monologue but didn't seem to be saying anything that made sense to the parties present. However, it was certainly something that she did, in fact, know of Lady Kyouko and her taskforce.

"...You said your name was...Tomi, yes?" Kirei responded. "I still don't understand how it is you know of Kyouko-sama and this taskforce of ours, going as far as claiming to be a member of it somehow. I'm even more curious how it is you've come to know my brother." Turning to the side with a sharp glare, he clicked his teeth as he tried to vent his frustration.

"For now, however, I will ultimately leave what happens with you to Takeshi-san. Kyouko wanted us to honor his wishes as we aid him in this journey. For now, I have some other matters to attend to."

Walking off, he overheard some commotion regarding the Claremont Sisters, and decided to investigate further.

Collab with @Enkryption

Of Kilns and Monsters

Kirei, listening intently at the speech the Claremont Sisters gave to the gossiping villagers, began to walk over to them. He gave a gentle, rhythmic clap to show his approval while his face bore a slint-eyed smile.

”Your dedication through adversity is something to be admired.” He said cheerfully. ”Although, I often find humans more frightening than mamono these days. Regardless, I for one love the sound of a proper mess hall! As the captain of the taskforce serving Lord Takeshi, I only see it as proper that I lend my aid as well.”

A sudden breeze gathered around Kirei, as metal objects began to materialize around him. Various crafting tools floated around him, moving in a circular motion.

”So, what can I do to help?”

Ripcord would be the first to take in the Human that approach; he reeks of confidence and self-assuredness... but, such things were in short supply and dire need. "Bricks," she says, simply. "A kiln that can produce many. A mason that can cut them, and other stone; shape brick into home."

Kirei would notice that Umami was watching the tools float around him with animal-like attentiveness.

”Ah, a kiln? Goodness, this role has me really stretching my artistic muscles! I usually only craft weapons from my metal, with handy tools being an every now and again sort of deal. ” Kirei with a light chuckle. He noticed one of the sisters eyeing the tools he had already crafted, Umami was it? He felt some feline attributes coming off of her, along with other animalistic traits he couldn’t quite pinpoint yet.

Regardless, he stretched his hands and prepared to work his magic. Focusing on a part of the ground before the three of them, he began to channel mana and made a large clump of metal appear. Minutes passed as with various hand movements Kirei changed the shape and density of the metal until it resembled a sizeable kiln.

”Whew! Hopefully that will suffice. The metal used can also more than withstand the temperatures needed for our intended use.” He said to the sisters.

Ripcord eyed Kirei curiously. A man with such talent could be invaluable to their future endeavors, and to the restoration of such a place. Unlike another before her, she didn't have magic to turn back time, and set all things right. No, only her hands and her mind.

"It will need to be relocated to a safer place, and made with the intention of fitting into a space, but yes..." Ripcord beamed, "It's perfect to start."

”I see, no worries then.” Kirei said, further responding by seamlessly lifting the kiln off the ground, demonstrating that he still held control over the objects he’s created.

”I would imagine one of the unused pagodas around the temple will suffice, unless you have something else in mind?”

"Might need it to be bigger, so we can make a lot of bricks at one time," Ripcord says.

"Bigger is better, umu~" Umami agreed.

Kirei surveyed their surroundings for a moment, looking for something that would fit their needs. Eventually he spotted an empty shrine off a little ways. It appeared to be unused, in addition it was likely much more spacious on the inside that earlier structures pointed out.

”Perhaps that will work? It's a little shabby, but there's plenty of room.”

"It is definitely bigger," Ripcord says.

Kirei would notice something curious: neither of the sisters had moved from their genuflect position beyond their heads.

Kirei looked back at the Claremonts with a raised brow. He noticed that they were in the same position from earlier. ”Uh, is something the matter? I know it’s shabby, but with a little elbow grease and skillful artistry it can be touched up with minimal effort. Shall we get started?”

He motioned for the Sisters to follow him as he made his way toward the old shrine, still having his tools floating around him with the kiln to his side.

Neither of the sisters moved. They’d yet to be addressed by the crowd at large, to whom Kirei was not a representative of the whole, but a piece that had come forward. There were more, however.

Kirei looked back at the sisters again, who he noticed still weren’t moving from their spot. Before he said something, he overheard the refugees talking amongst themselves. They were staring at the trio; It seemed they were the current talk of the town.

“Those two yokai seem like decent folk.” One villager said.

“They seemed to be with that young fellow in the white clothes with the shades. I think he’s human.” Another said.

“I don’t know, he might be tainted.”

“Still, he can make tools and structures, I think it might be good to accept their help.”

After some time of speaking to each other, the villagers looked toward the trio and nodded. They gave a unanimous statement of approval to accept the help of the Sisters, which made Kirei smile.

“Seems the villagers know when to appreciate good character, that should give us some good motivation. Wouldn’t you agree?” Kirei said to the siblings.

Ripcord would nod, and rise to her feet.

"Owie..." Umami whined, rubbing her feet. "Hurts..."

Kirei wasn’t sure what to make of the Sisters’ behavior, as they finally seemed to rouse after receiving the approval of the locals. He wouldn’t worry about it for now though, he’d just focus on the construction efforts.

The three taskforce members finally arrived at the old shrine. The place was dingy and rather musty inside, filled with cobwebs and empty crates. It seemed the structure had been abandoned for a long time, but Kirei’s earlier words echoed in his mind. He then turned to the girls.

”So, where would you like me to put this?” He said, pointing to the kiln that was floating at his side.

"Need to take out the roof, install ventilation, and likely set it in the center, against the back wall," Ripcord says. "Mami, measure, mark, double-check."

"Si, Papi!" Umami chirped, before assuming her Werebat Form, and flying around the room; using echolocation to make a structural map.

Kirei looked with intrigue as Umami shapeshifted into a more chiropteran form, he wondered what type of yokai would be able to do that. His mind went to chimera first, but they don’t possess the ability to change form at will like that. He wouldn’t mind that for now.

Walking to the back of the room, as per Ripcord’s suggestion, Kirei placed the kiln on the back wall.

”Safe and secure.” Kirei said. ”What next?”

"Needs to be bigger, but wait for Mami to get back from measuring," Ripcord says, as Umami made her second circuit. After a minute, she landed; her body shifting back to normal. "What’s the measure?"

Umami would press her forehead to Ripcord’s, and close her eyes. After a moment, she drew back. "That’s the best result..." she says.

"I can handle it," Ripcord says, before her arms soften, and her fingers changed to chalk. Firing forward, she started to make several measurements and marks into the floor, walls, and ceiling. "Alright, sections done..." she says, drawing her arms back to normal. "Kirei, there."

”Ah, yes.” Kirei said.

Pointing two fingers at the spot that Ripcord marked, a concentrated vacuum wave erupted from them. The shockwave punctured a hole sizable enough for their efforts, before dispersing into the sky above them.

”That should do.”

"It will serve," Ripcord says, "Otherwise, the ceiling would fall in. Need support beams, there, there, there, and there..." she pointed to four large circles. "We’ll need to open the walls, too..."

Kirei had to admit, using his ferrokinetic abilities like this made him reminisce. It wasn’t often that he did so, but his then mentor stressed to him the importance of flexibility and creativity. He giggled a bit, but then went right to work again.

”Consider it done.” He said.

With graceful hand movement, Kirei generated four steel beams and placed them at the designated locations, then wielding precise wind magic created more openings for the necessary ventilation.

”How’s that?”

Ripcord would raise her arms, suddenly turning into saws, and whipping into the ceiling; the rubber hose movements resulting in four clean slices, and the unsupported ceiling falling out.

"Mami, go!"

Umami rushed in, as her feet transformed into cloven hooves and thick horns curled out of her forehead, as she turned into a Weresheep, and headbutted the ceiling chunks into dust.

"Kirei, duster!"

”Oh ho? I’m a duster now?” Kirei mused jovially. With a waving motion, Kirei’s hands generated a gust that blew away excess dust and debris that would have descended upon them.

The sight of Ripcord being able to shapeshift parts of her body was not lost on Kirei. He was slowly becoming more and more fascinating with just what type of monsters the Claremonts actually were. He remembered them saying something about having been created by the Varjans?

”I trust none got on you gals?” He said.

"Would it matter," Ripcord asks, before slicing through sections of the wall to make doors. "Bust through, Mami. Kirei, can you make sliding doors," she asks, as Umami headbutted the walls and opened the doorways. "If so, it'll make transportation of hackled and unhackled bricks easier to go from entry left to exit right."

Kirei chuckled at Ripcord’s response, watching intently as she hacked away at more of the structuring, making an entrance of sorts. Umami grew ram-like horns and headbutted and created an opening where Ripcord slashed.

”You want sliding doors, eh? I’ll have to be meticulous on how I craft the metal for that.” He said. His eyes closed, he clasped his hands together, then revealing an amorphous clump of metal after parting them.

”If it’s too flimsy, the doors will fail and fall apart. But, if it’s too sturdy they won’t open properly. It requires the just the right amount of attention” Sending the metal clump toward the opening. With some more hand motions, the metal eventually formed into slim doors. Kirei then walked over to them, proceeding to test their integrity. They slid seamlessly, and seemed to hold up quite well.

”That’s actually the first time I made a door. Not bad if I say so myself!”

"Of course, you would say so," Umami says, shaking her hair, "What next, Papi?"

"We need to put the kiln in place, and we should be good to go," Ripcord says.

”Ah, the final piece.”

With the wave of one hand, Kirei picked the kiln back up and placed it in the aforementioned spot.

”That should be good. Are we all set, gals?”

"For the time being," Ripcord says, before her outfit shifted on her body into that of a proper French Maid, and she spawned a broom; setting out to clean.

”By the Mamono Lord, you’ve been busy here, haven’t you?” Mused an alluring voice. Kirei chuckled before turning to face the source of the voice, making sure that the kiln was securely placed.

”I see your curiosity finally got the better of you, eh Lavi?” He said.

Appearing from the very shadows themselves, Lavinia shifted into view in front of the sisters. She looked around for a moment, inspecting the work done on the old shrine.

”My, my, I believe I overheard those young dames conversing about building a dining hall of sorts? That does sound lovely, and it seems that you're starting with building a smithy of sorts? With all of the shouts and sudden wind volleys, some of the villagers grew a little concerned.” Lavinia said, turning to get a closer look at the sisters. She made sure to take in their appearances; She noticed that Ripcord seemed to be something of a Shoggoth, like Kyouko’s maid who’s sadly no longer with them. However, Umami is who REALLY caught her attention.

At first glance, she appeared to be a chimera of sorts, possessing the physiology of various mamono. Sheep, bunny, lupin, and chiropteran, two of which Lavinia also had qualities of. However, neither of them could be counted as the actual species, Lavinia could tell just by sensing Umami mana signature.

”I heard you speak your names, Ripcord and Umami Claremont. Allow me to formally introduce myself, again possibly. My name is Lavinia Isabella, a mamono mage from the Magus Association. I’m not necessarily associated with the actual Sabbath, but I do conduct proceedings and business with them from time to time. Also…” She stared at Umami for a moment, not that anyone could actually see her eyes at the moment.

”Please excuse me if I’m too forward, but I find you to be quite curious. Tell me, you’re not a chimera are you? You’re a rare instance, correct?”

"Whaddya stupid? 'Course I am," Umami says, as she smoothly transformed between her Wereforms; before Lavinia's eyes, she took on attributes of a sheep, a bat, a hound, a cat, and a rabbit, then Human once more. "Couldn't be anything else, sadly. It's the curse we bare, right Papi?"

"Umu~" Ripcord nodded, as she swept dust into a pan, and dumped it into the "pocket" of her "apron". "Are you asking for a reason..." she asks, as her strange eyes cut sideways at Lavinia, "Better question: A good reason? Boss Kikyo doesn't like us talking about the past."

Lavinia giggled at Umami’s words and the showcase of her transformation abilities. Chimera usually have a static form composed of the various creatures it took to make them, and they certainly can’t freely change into each separate form at will.

”Goodness, you certainly are quite the chimera aren’t you?” She mused. She noticed Ripcord was getting a little apprehensive at Lavinia’s questioning. It seemed that they didn’t like talking about themselves in detail that much, a sentiment that Lady Kyouko herself cosigns.

”My apologies, as stated earlier, I did not mean to pry or offend. It’s just that I found your sister to be a bit similar to me in terms of physiology, thus becoming a bit curious.”

Kirei and the sisters would witness two large, ivory wings sprout from Lavinia’s back, enveloping her whole. Once they parted, Lavi’s bestial form was on full display. So too were her eyes, filled with a rapacious and primordial vigor that Umami would perhaps find to be familiar.

”Do you see now, love?” She sneered, the alluring charm in her voice gone, having been replaced with an uncouth snarl. ”I imagine you and I are birds of a feather! Not many know of my kind, and sometimes I can’t help but feel a little homesick!”

The trio who repurposed the shrine would feel an eerie chill filling the building around them, with the shadows seemingly encroaching upon them.

”Tell me, little Umami, is it the same for you? Do you feel it often: The Hunger?” She spat, oddly endearing in a way. ”Some call it the Thirst, a craving, or even a yearning. Bellowing out into the night, preying on the fear of the unknown. Hearing the prancing of footsteps, unrhythmic and frantic, along with the heavy panting of the catch. Then, when they’re cornered, the game is then over. The cat wins, and after the final roar and cry, comes the feeding.” Lavinia appeared to be shivering with ecstasy.

”Do you have this feeling, love?”

There was a clatter of Ripcord’s broom, as it bounced off the floor of the shrine, and underneath rose the growl of something unlike ancient Automaton creations, the purring of the old Precursor engines. Halfway grown from her right arm, Ripcord held her weapon - biological engineered from her own body, the weapon that her old masters called a “chainsaw”. It growled, jagged teeth encircling a long, wide blade that dripped digestive acids.

Lavinia could see that Ripcord’s face was devoid of a mouth; all that remained was a smooth expanse of skin mapped from chin to nose.

Like a twisted starfish, she’d projected her mouth forward into the armament that now extended forth in both hands.

"You are crossing a line." Ripcord spoke clearly - her Shoggoth nature exposing, as mouths split open across her body and clothes in equal measure, alongside eyes that unblinkingly watched all corners as the shadows crept in. "My sister is no beast, neither of prey nor of burden. Umami is Human, and you will not drag her to your level."

Trembling, clearly, said sister was clutching Ripcord’s side with fingers turning bone-white from blood loss, as she squeezed her eyes tight. Reflexively, she had turned into a Wererabbit, and her ears were pressed to her head for fear of being grabbed by them, as she tried to hide. It was plain that Umami didn’t want any part of what Lavinia was selling, but her shaking legs weren’t listening to her panic, her flight stalled by the sheer reach of the true Chimera before her.

"P-Ple-Please... I don’t wanna die... I don’t wanna... feel... anything like that..." Umami whimpered, tears breaking past her waterline, and spilling over. "I’m not a Monster... I’m Human..."

”Hey!” Kirei said, stepping in front of the sisters, facing Lavinia. ”This has gone far enough.”

Lavinia’s eyes widened with shock at the pair of sisters, she had upset Umami to the point of tears which caused Ripcord to bear her own fangs in defense of her beloved.

”My level? What the hell do you -” Lavinia was about to snap when she saw Umami. The poor girl had tears pouring from her eyes, she was practically crushing her sister’s flesh, nestled beside her for protection from the primordial beast in front of them. Unlike her, Umami did not want to embrace “The Hunger”...

”M-My goodness child! I didn’t…” Lavinia’s wings had closed on her yet again, and she returned to her normal form when they opened up again.

”I-I simply thought that you were….” Lavinia was quite flustered and rather bewildered at having upset Umami to such an extent.

”Lavinia, you did take things a little far. Kirei said. ”There are things that Ripcord and Umami don’t want to touch upon. Respect their boundaries.”

”Please, I-I didn’t want this!” Lavinia stuttered out. ”I just thought that she and I could…. Forgive me….” Lavinia bowed in penance, unable to defend her blunder.

Kirei stared back at the sisters, his eyes reassuring. ”Ripcord, Umami, it’s alright. She meant no harm, and she had no desire to change who you are. You are Umami Claremont, Ripcord’s little sister and already one of the most helpful members of the taskforce.”

"..." Ripcord’s focus was hyper-fixated on Lavinia, but her weapon ceased its notable rotation. It was easy to see, the Lesser Shoggoth was in no state of trusting Lavinia, but her weapon lower - not due to either the apology nor the peacekeeping, but from Umami drawing away from her side.

Slowly, the Lesser Chimera approached... her movement slow, listless, like a flower drifting along a river; heading, unerringly, to the end of the water flow, but in a pattern all its own. Looking up, she would gaze upon the Mamono of unknown existence, and unadulterated fear, and opened her mouth - with the exception of four molars in the back, top and bottom, her teeth her all fanged, even in Human form - and sank them into Lavinia’s left breast; her arms wrapping around the woman’s back, as she held her... trembling.

Ripcord absorbed her weapon, after a moment - her many eyes and mouths closing. "Fine, then," she says, squatting down to pick up her broom. "If Mami forgives you, I will bear no grudge..."

Lavinia would notice, and likely Kirei, too, that Umami wasn’t shaking. After a moment, the younger of the two would pull back, and draw back to her sister’s side; bashfully hiding behind her, now.

Whatever the biting represented was unknown to all but them, unless questioned.

”Ah~” Lavinia was, needless to say, quite surprised at the sudden bite to her ample bosom. Kirei was as well, though he understood that yokai often had odd methods of expression. Lav felt Umami's small hands wrapped around her, and the former was compelled to return the favor. After scaring the poor girl half to death, she naturally wanted to do anything she could to comfort her. After the embrace ended and Umami went back to her elder sister, Lavi wanted to say something but she couldn’t find the words. She perked up when Ripcord said that Umami had forgiven her.

Was that what the bite meant?

Lavinia looked at Kirei for a moment, with the latter nodding in acceptance.

”Well, I’m glad that matter is now settled. I guess I get back to helping you girls out, if you’d like. Lavi, I think it should be fine if you want to stay and help out, if you’d like.”

Lavi blushed a bit, looking at Kirei then the sisters. ”...I’d be more than happy to, if you want me around. Although, I mainly just manipulate water in all its forms and the darkness itself. I’m not sure if that could be of any help to you.”

"For now, we need to clean up, and get this entire floor cleared of everything but floor," Ripcord says. "Mami," she summoned, "you can Play Rough. I won't scold you for breaking anything in the room, but don't hurt anyone."

Umami's tear-reddened eyes widened, and she squished her cheeks with a nearly hypersonic, "REALLY!?" as her Werecat Form perked up brilliantly blinding in happiness. "Jmu~! Thank you, Papi!"

Ripcord nodded, before Umami transformed back to Human, and then sprouted large, rabbit-like ears, implying her Wererabbit Form, however, much to Kirei's and Lavinia's surprised, it didn't complete as she spotted a pair of avian wings at her shoulder blades, chiropteran wings from her hips, and her busy rabbit tail exploded into a much larger, bushier brush.

She was, to a lesser extent, a copy of Lavinia's species, and the True Chimera could feel an almost maternal connection with Umami, which would only be exacerbated with great pressure by Umami excitedly taking her hands before she could react, and looked up the her with large eyes, as she chirped, "LET'S PLAY!"

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I C Y C R E E D : B E W I T C H I N G D A R K N E S S

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Terauchi Temple: _{@PaulHaynek @Enkryption}

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Lavinia gave Ayu a curious look with her covered eyes. She was aware that Shizuyama as a whole was anti-monster and didn't allow them into their borders. But, it seemed that the man who currently enforces the decree, Lord Hideo, was particular heavy handed in ensuring that it's followed at all times.

"Worry not, love, my long ears have heard you loud and clear. I just hope as well that no serious trouble comes to the young lord." She said to Ayu.

After a little while, she noticed that Kirei and the Claremont Sisters were up to some kind of commotion off toward an old looking shrine. Her curiosity overtaking her, she decided to go over to investigate.

Refer to the "Of Kilns and Monsters" collab

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N O B L E S S E O B L I G E : S O U L O F F I R E

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Kazenosuke's House: _{@PaulHaynek @The Irish Tree @Rezod92}

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Vară watched carefully as she tried to find any opening that would allow her and Vivian to attempt a coordinated counter against Kazenosuke. At this point, it seemed impossible, the man certainly proved he was worthy of his renown. The ronin didn't bat an eye as the clones Camael advanced toward him. He easily dispatched three of the four clones Zeka made, and even held off her familiar easily enough.

”Ugh, Gods! Just who IS this guy!” She groaned. ”Is he a hero or something?” She wondered that if human warriors this strong existed on this island, how strong were the Varjans that they were still able to effectively take it over? The fight having dragged on this long, she was quietly starting to lose her confidence, as three powerful mamono were barely holding their own against one human.

Just as those thoughts entered her mind, Zeka's fourth clone was able to score a hit on Kazenosuke's back, though he was able to dispatch it soon after regardless. He then turned his attention back to Camael, seemingly now in a worse position to deal with the bulky servant.

The real Zeka came up to the other two girls, stated that now is the best and perhaps only time they'll have at a shot at the snarky swordsman. Vivian was in agreement, and motioned for Vară to follow her lead. She skated to circle around Kazenosuke and attempted to strike him with a kick at his blindspot. Channeling the rest of her demonic energy, Vară's fiery aura tempered to a boiling point as vermillion embers gathered around her. Using hand motions, the embers turned into several wisps; It appeared that she was going to use Firefly, but the fire bombs were bigger than normal, and likely more powerful. She then sent them out toward the swordsman, flickering sparks flew all around Kazenosuke until he was completely surrounded.

”Don't worry, you won't die from this attack. Maybe~” She mused. ”Firefly Destruction!” She exclaimed. "Along with Camael for good measure!" Camael would act as Vară's frontal attack, whilst her wisp were secondary fire for added damage. Camael charged his lumbering body Kazenosuke and make him the receiving end of a claw swipe.

Vară was secretly praying that this gambit would decide the match, as she wouldn't have anything left after this attack. She would have no choice but to dismiss Camael, lacking the mana to keep him bound to the material world. She would likely have to revert to her normal form as well, which would leave her completely defenseless.

She didn't even want to think about that scenario happening...

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

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Breakthrough

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Komatsu Bay: @PaulHaynek @The Irish Tree(Lili) @Crowvette @Restalaan(Skars)

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Shizuka fully felt his blade cleave straight through Na'Kratz's arm, along with making a large gash across his abdomen. The sorcerer's blood sprayed over Shizuka's chest, with a bit of it getting on his cheek. The ronin silently watched as his foe writhed in pain before crumpling to the ground with a thud. He wiped the blood off of his cheek as he continued staring at his motionless body, noticing that he still seemed to be alive.

"You should've used your free hand to break you leg bindings to make a last minute dodge. My attack had too much momentum and power to be blocked by your flesh and garb alone." He said coldly. He swung his sword to remove the excess ichor from it, then sheathed it in one smooth motion. He then turned to his allies, who appeared to be alright. Skarsneek stumbled to his feet, glad that the fight was over.

"He was indeed strong." He said to the goblin. "I would've liked to fight him alone to avoid any unnecessary casualties, but this wasn't the stage for that. Better to use the environment to our advantage."

As Shizuka delve more and more into these conflicts, he can fell himself slipping back into those bloody days. Days where constant killing elicited no emotion and were a daily constant. He wasn't a fan of it, but it didn't really matter did it?

He watched with curiosity as Skarsneek took the helm of Na'Kratz and began to walk outside with it, exclaiming that their show-called champion had been slain. His cheeky stunt worked spectacularly, as the morale of the rest of the warriors was instantly crushed and they scattered away like ants from a fire. Soon, the sounds of brigands outside were replaced by the whispers of the locals. Picking up Na'Kratz's unconscious body, Shizuka motioned for his allies to follow him out, and what they witnessed were all of the villagers gathered around them. They had concerned and intrigued looks on their faces, unsure of what to think of the taskforce.

That's when Ayu stepped in to help them decide.

Playing heavily into the role of, "hypeman", Ayu told them hyperbolic statements of the taskforce's power. Shizuka gave Ayu a look as she went into her hammy speech. It seemed to work, as the locals soon started singing their praises, and even bowed before them.

"I suppose that's that, then. Liliana, I hope you're no worse for the wear as well." He said to their reunited sprite comrade. He then went over to Ayu for a moment.

"Ayu, are you sure about this? This may have...unfavorable outcomes down the line if we're not careful. As for this brute." Shizuka motioned toward the defeated Na'Kratz on his back. "I believe imprisoning him would be to our benefit. We lost Kasseros in the previous attack. He's already told us the mastermind behind this whole invasion - A man named Serek'uar, known as the Sapphire Prince. Also, we've confirmed that Takeshi-dono's father, Oja Hideo, is in fact alive and is being held at Kaneda Castle. We'll have much to discuss once we return."

Disgaea - The Nethertime Support Force

@Shiyonichi

The kitsune's eyes bulged to the point where it seemed they would burst out of her head, having seen the chips the backpack girl offered to her. "Ah! A thousand thank yous, kind stranger. Your generosity will not be forgotten, and you will be blessed with prosperity from the Retsumaru Shrine!" It was to anyone's guess what in the bloody hell she was talking about, but at least now her hunger was being quelled. Chinatsu wasted no time in devouring the contents of the bag, with little crumbs flying every which way.

Her feeding session was cut short, however, as the last member of the force suddenly road up on a motorcycle. They road with such speed that it kicked up a sizeable dust squall, blowing the bag out of Chinatsu's hands along with the rest of the chips. Looking at the flailing bag with horror, she made a shrill yelp as the rest of her breakfast was scattered on the ground. She then quickly turned to Kai, the apparent convenience store worker.

"Black-hearted dastard!" She exclaimed. "You dare to ruin the snack of an innocent maiden in peril? Have you no shame, scoundrel?! Prepare to be destroyed!" Her tails swayed and thrashed violently as she went on her tirade. She then pulled out a pair of ornate fans, which glowed with a deep azure aura.

"Blackheart Kai, taste the wrath of Chinatsu, Maiden of the Blue Flame!" She said, making a unnecessarily flash pose with blue flames gathering around her.

"Of course, I MIGHT be willing to forgive the transgression if you give me a stack of VIP coupons or store credit for wherever station you work at..."

Revue of Annihilation

Rhys

Name: Rhys Cavanaugh | Human | 27 | Male | 5’10”| 175 lb
0th Circle | Ice | 🎵

Born in a small mountain community, Rhys was a commoner through and through, and his lands as well could hardly be considered affluent. With the soil and foggy peaks covered in snow year-round, the winters were especially brutal. Resources were scarce to the point it wasn’t uncommon for those unprepared to die from the elements, with there never being enough to go around. If that wasn’t enough, thanks to the wound inflicted by the Perishing Star, the villagers also had to contend with attacks from fell creatures and the like. While this made life more than difficult, it also made the villagers strong and gave them a large sense of community. This strength is what guided a young Rhys in his day-to-day life.

Being one who had a gift for martial talent, Rhys often found himself among select villagers who went out to gather resources and fight back against monsters to provide for his homeland. Most days were a life-and-death ordeal for him, but in his mind it made him who he is and stronger for it. His exploits earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, and it gave them something they lacked for a long time: Peace of Mind. For once, it seemed the villagers could focus more on building up their home as opposed to focusing solely on survival. At least, for a while…

During an eventful trek, the party that Rhys was a part of had encountered a particularly powerful monster. Despite their efforts, they could do little to stave off the beast, soon all Rhys could hear were the beast’s bellows and the sounds of his comrades' pained screams. The fight had caused enough damage to the cliffside they were on to collapse, with Rhys seemingly falling to his death.

As he fell, he thought he saw two turquoise sparks of light falling at him as he descended…

Rhys then awoke after a period of blackness. He had no recollection of how long he had been unconscious or how long he fell, but somehow he managed to survive. His thick coverings were all but mangled, and his body was battered and bruised. However, he felt strange - he wasn’t cold. It had to have been below freezing in the cavern he fell in, his surroundings being completely covered in snow and frost. All the same, he felt no chill blowing over his beaten body. He left a sensation on both his neck and right wrist as well. The two sparks of light he thought he saw earlier were of the countless shards from the Thousand Faced God, they punctured his neck and were absorbed by his body. The aspect of the power manifested as a crimson sigil that appeared on his wrist.

Unaffected by the cold, he managed to find his way out of the cavern without too much trouble. He was determined to head back to his village, as he felt it was in danger. However, upon entering he saw that his worst fears had come to fruition.

His home had been destroyed. The streets were littered with corpses and debris. He saw the monster there as well, much to his rage-filled delirium. The creature, however, appeared to have suffered numerous injuries. It seemed that the last of the villagers banded together to put forth an effort to stay the beast. Having nothing left to lose, the only thing on Rhys’s mind was revenge. No longer being deterred by the perpetual blizzard that was custom in his lands, in addition to the creature’s weakened state, Rhys was able to finally slay the creature. Atoning for the loss of his villagemen didn’t feel the void that their absence had left, of course, but it did tell him that it was time to move on.

Survival was the core of his culture, wallowing in self-pity until his eventual death would betray that.

Deciding to continue moving forward, he found that adventuring work was the most lucrative path for him, given his skill set. He heard tales of the Adventurer’s Guild in Oratorio, so it was decided that his travels would take him there next.

Path to Ascension

0th Circle Ichor-Blessed

🔷Ichor: 0
🔷Wealth: 0
🔷Paladins: 1
🔷Followers: 0
🔷Resources: None.
🔷Artifacts: None
🔷Property: None.

Divine Protection of Ice
🔷Permafrost Oracle - You no longer feel the horrid sting of sub-zero temperatures. Even in the most rapacious blizzard, the lack of sight and warm will not impede you. You can also sense and predict certain types of precipitation.

Starting Benefit
🔷Treasured Companion - 1 Paladin. You've granted your grace upon someone whom you trust deeply.

Lysanndra

Name: Lysanndra Neider
Human | 23 | Female | 5’7”| 140 lb
Tier 1 Paladin | Privateer | 🎵

A young and calculated warrior who once served a local upcoming government as a privateer, tasked with hunting local corsairs or other sellswords who disturbed the peace of their lands and interests. Her skill with the blade and ruthless efficiency earned her the name “Huntress Neider”. Unfortunately, whether by bad luck or a cruel twist of fate, she lost her vessel and crew during a terrible storm. The only thing she kept was her life, but having failed her mission she also failed to secure an asset that was integral to maintaining her employer’s political power. She was decommissioned from her station and was forced to live as a common adventurer with no backing to make end’s meet.

Upon a chance meeting, she stumbled across Rhys during a mission, apparently he had been hired as an adventurer to take out a small swarm of monsters alongside her. Aside from being impressed with the man’s skill, she became interested in the rather peculiar abilities his Ichor granted. If she had the ability to sense and predict weather patterns, perhaps she would’ve been able to avert the tragic loss of her crew and thus not have to live this troublesome cutthroat lifestyle.

She decided to become Rhys’s paladin and champion his cause, perhaps feeling that she could make an even stronger crew with him. She may have also felt a sense of kinship with him, both knowing what it’s like to lose everything in an instant.

Skills:
🗡️Deadly Huntress - Lysanndra possesses great insight into predicting the movement patterns and habits of targets she’s hunting, whether it be criminals or monsters.

Grades
STR - I | END - I | DEX - I | AGI - I | MAG - I | LCK - I

Disgaea - The Nethertime Support Force

Strolling through the Hinomata marketplace, a young kitsune demon was on her way toward the central plaza, the agreed upon rendezvous point for the Nethertime Team. Her posture and stride were quite odd, however, as she seemed to be attempting to carry her steps with a certain...grace? Or perhaps lack thereof? She tried to give off the presence of a seductive allure, but it seemed as those she was suffering from a loss of energy.

Likely from the fact she had no money to buy food this morning.

The girl had spent the last of her savings buying the structure deck for her favorite TCG yesterday, completely forgetting about the fact that she would have no fare for the day after. Her stomach growled as she strode with face filled with bitterness and regret. Great. I can't make an epic entrance like this. It feels like Imma keel over any second now..." She said in her mind.

After walking a little ways, she finally made it to the plaza, eyeing the Nekomata who would serve as their leader. Ms. Pirilika, she thought her name was? She had a yellow prinny with cat-like characteristics following her. Then there was another demon girl who was carrying a huge backpack with her, fiddling with a firearm. Upon seeing her, Chinatsu's eye lit up with delight. Before the demon girl had time to react, she zipped right up to the gun-wielding girl's face with a pitiful and submissive expression.

"Hi! Excuse me, do you have any food in your bag? Would you be kind enough to share, pretty please?? I'll give you all of the cards in my new pack. Oh! Except the ultra rare one, I've been waiting for that one to come out all year..."

Revue of Annihilation

How much is sort of?

But ya, its early enough that there wouldn't be anything to catch up on.

@ERode

Enough to where I'm gonna be working on a CS XD

I was just reading over all the information, I think I have a pretty solid understanding of the setting material.

Revue of Annihilation

@ERode

Am I right to presume there's still room in this for one more? I'm sort of interested.

Disgaea - The Nethertime Support Force

@Darkmoon Angel Mind sending a new discord Link, the current one is broken.

@Shiyonichi

discord.com/invite/Nkpbzh56

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

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Breakthrough

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Komatsu Bay: @PaulHaynek @The Irish Tree(Lili) @Crowvette @Restalaan(Skars)

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A bit surprised by the physical strength of the Varjan Lord, Shizuka quickly flipped back on his feet in time to see Skarsneek struggling against the maddened Na'Kratz. It seemed he had injured Io as well, as she was on the ground attempting to regain her stride. Although, she had also cast a spell to inhibit him with bony hands. Skarsneek had let himself get injured to take out one of Na'Kratz's wrist, and made it easier for him to be bound by the spell.

"If you're done with your temper tantrum, I think it's time you went to sleep.

Determined to end this, Shizuka phased forward, using [Uryūbutōsen ● Raiu] to deliver a massive pelt of slashes all over Na'Kratz's person. He would feel the devastating effect of being assaulted by slashes backed with lightning and wind sorcery; Io and Skarsneek would feel the immense pressure of the strikes blow over them. Shizuka would then attempt to finish the fight by hopping into the air above Na'Kratz and perform a [Uryūtsuizume], ending it all with a two-handed slash that would decide the contest.

Shizuka could also sense the chi of both Ayu and Liliana nearby outside. Hopefully they'd be alright as well.

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Terauchi Temple: @PaulHaynek

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Both the sisters looked at Takeshi with surprised expressions at his statement, Atsuha herself had blushed a bit.

"Ah, Takeshi-san. While it is no secret that Skars-kun is my dearly betrothed, I also trust him to take care of himself while out and about. I also understand that my responsibilities extend to the entire of the taskforce - to your cause. I am glad that we could be of help to you and Lady Kikyo." Atsuha's response came with a bright smile.

"What my nee-san said!" Hinami said. "Besides, that meanie-head Gringor seems to always want to go out on his own, and he like saying mean things about big brother Skars-kun!"

Atsuha couldn't help but chuckle at her sister's grievance. Although, the mood began to sour as an odd tension began to fill the air as Takeshi and Kikyo began to speak to one another.

"My Lord and Lady, is...everything alright?"