Lynx had fled the battle before it was even partway through escalating. Combat just wasn’t his purpose, nor did he have the skills for it. This was when Octavio’s dagger, short sword and illusions came in handy. What had made this fight different from the ones before it was that his opponent was able to attack at frankly terrifying distances with no weapons other than her appendages. A closer look at her frame through the inferno surrounding them made Octavio click his tongue in annoyance. Someone like her was definitely not up for a seduction attempt. Trying to get in between the potluck of ranged weapons and magic would be suicide, so that wasn’t an option either, or at least for now. This left him with one option.
It was a well known fact that he wore earrings. On one ear was the imprint of an ornate and beautiful royal woman, on the other an imprint of himself. These were his two most useful illusions. There were a few other bits of jewelry that were hurriedly stashed in his bag during the escape from the inn, most of which were stolen and were more of a novelty than anything. For a moment, he tried to remember if he still had that giraffe illusion he won through a card came. No, I sold it for these robes, shit. He wasn’t the type to say bad words, and this extended even into fairly normal words that just sounded unpleasant. But this was a mental conversation with no one but himself as he stood behind his allies. And although he refused to admit it to himself, there wasn’t much he could do.
Octavio stabbed the fingertips of his hands into his temples with none of the delicate grace of the last try. He was expecting his magic to be a bit more tiresome, but then remembered the sheer amount of light around them. It felt incredibly strange to receive such vast quantities of power so quickly, like a tired explorer tripping and noticing a steak on the ground. Quietly and subtly, a mirror image of himself began to form. He was more daring in the amount of energy he took in from his surroundings this time around, letting the feelings of light and energy prick his ear and shake with a gentleness that was somehow astonishing enough to be registered through the entire mess that was unfolding.
This illusion was definitely smarter than the women from before, as he had invested more energy into it. His illusions were unable to surpass the abilities of their original form, but nobody had said anything about just making several of them. A second, just as accurate illusion began to form right next to the first one. The effects of the magic took a slight toll on his energy, but he’d just suppress it. He was an actor, hiding his true feelings. This wouldn’t be anything different from the usual.
The trio inserted themselves behind their teammates and craned their necks in a display of total arrogance.
“There is no grace in killing so needlessly, my princess.” said one Octavio.
“As the number of your adversaries continues to grow, aren't doubts beginning to take shape within your head?” said another. This was quickly shaping up to be a nightmare to anyone not in favor of his personality.
“They have said enough, I believe.” uttered the third, likely having run out of ideas. Octavio was an actor, but had limits when competing against equally boisterous personalities.
He felt so intelligent at his sudden plan. It was both a great method of self preservation among a ranged attacker and gave his allies a chance to live if the woman chose to strike at his illusions.