❂ Battle Focus (1/Swordsman) - User's every 10th normal attack crits for double damage. Passive ❂ Lunge (1/Swordsman) - User lunges out with their blade, piercing a single target for moderate damage. 50MP. ❂ Wide Swing (1/Swordsman) - User swings their weapon in a wide arc, hitting up to 3 targets for low damage. 100MP. ❂ Swordsmanship (5/Swordsman) - User gains increased damage for their normal attacks. Passive. ❂ Flurry (5/Swordsman) - User slashes and impales with their sword in a flurry of motions, dealing moderate damage. 100MP. ❂ Strike Down (5/Swordsman) - User raises their sword then strikes down cleanly, dealing high damage against a single target. 150MP. ❂ Hilt Bash (5/Swordsman) - Whenever an opponent misses a melee attack against user, user automatically deals moderate damage back. Does not stack with any other damage modifier. Passive. ❂ Arc Slash (10/Swordsman) - User slashes out with their weapon, causing an energy strike to travel in a linear line. 300MP. ❂ Parry (10/Swordsman) - User parries a melee attack, nullifying it. 150MP. ❂ Greater Swordsmanship (10/Swordsman) - User gains increased damage for their normal attacks. Stacks with Swordsmanship. Passive. ❂ Disarm (10/Swordsman) - User with their superior skill utilizes a quick, skillful motion to disarm their foe. Target drops the item with high chance. 200MP.
❂ Sidestep (1/Universal) - User steps aside. Low chance of evasion. 20MP. ❂ Meditate (5/Universal) - User focuses for few a minutes, recovering either 200HP or 200MP. 0MP. ❂ Boost Self (5/Universal) - User gains +5 Strength, Agility and Intelligence for a while. Can only be used once a day. 200MP. ❂ Greater Accelerate (10/Universal) - User's movement speed greatly increases for a bit. 300MP. ❂ Knee Strike (10/Universal) - User grabs the target and knees them, dealing high damage to single target. 200MP.
❂ Forgotten Katana (250 Renn) - Equipped ❂ Oliam's Longsword (360 Renn) - Equipped ❂ Leather Armor (100 Renn) - Equipped ❂ Small Knife (20 Renn) ❂ Cutthroat's Gloves (100 Renn) - Equipped ❂ Sturdy Clothes (25 Renn) - Equipped ❂ Power Threads (220 Renn) - Equipped ❂ Ring of Protection (100 Renn) - Equipped ❂ Spell Resist Cloak (80 Renn) - Equipped ❂ Helm of Resistance (150 Renn) - Equipped ❂ Red Potion x 5 (300 Renn) ❂ Greater Red Potion x 1 (100 Renn) ❂ Blue Potion x 4 (220 Renn) ❂ Potion of Resilience (80 Renn) ❂ Potion of Might (100 Renn) ❂ Ancient Mage's Talisman (450 Renn) ❂ Canteen (30 Renn) ❂ Whip (25 Renn)
Power Treads: +5 to strength Ring of Protection: Minor damage reduction Spell Resist Cloak: Increased Magic resistance Cutthroat's Gloves: +5 Agility Oliam's Longsword: +5 to all attributes, +5 to sword wielding skill Helm of Resistance: Increased damage reduction against ranged physical damage "Champion of the Lesser": User gains +30 STR, AGI, INT and STM but takes additional damage from all sources if any friendlies with lower level than User are nearby. Potion of Might: Damage + 30 Potion of Resistance: Damage Taken - 20 Yellow Potion: +10 Agility
Kira turned her attention around to the sound of a heavenly voice and was ecstatic to see it belonged to none other than Cecila. She huffed with a grin and placed her hands on her hips in a haughty sort of pose, flicking a few stray bangs of her hair to the side "I had been expecting you to show up! The great Akumi never backs down from a battle and neither do her great generals! Now that you are here, it shall be a complete culling of these weak fools!" She took her right hand off her hip and formed it into a tight fist in front of her. Kira had always been a kind of tomboy ever since she adopted the whole demon personality, so she rarely ever expressed the kind of femininity that the other girls in the party did like Cecila and Willow.
She lost interest pretty quickly after Karuu began to rehash the same information he gave out to Cecila. It didn't matter how good her academics were, when Kira assumed her demon personality she traded all of that for pure aggression. Kira only looked at Karuu after he called her name, and she gave a sly, devilish smirk in reply to his challenge "You should know how foolish it is to challenge me, but very well. I shall make sure to empty those pockets of yours." She spoke in a deadly serious voice, with a hint of playfulness at the end and began to walk off further into the dungeon.
At least, she would have if she hadn't been suddenly grabbed by Willow. A tilt of her head expressed her slight confusion before Willow brought up a point she gave some consideration to. For a moment she gripped her own chin, closing her eyes in thought, before giving a small nod "Very well, I shall be gracious and lend you poor mortals a sample of my power." If anyone outside of their group had grabbed her arm like, she would have been inclined to take their head off. However, it was drastically different for those she considered her allies. Once her arm was released, she straightened her posture and walk a little farther ahead pretending like she was not listening to Willow's strategy talk. In actuality, she memorized every part. It was like this nearly every time, as she wanted to appear like she did not need strategy to win just her raw skills.
Kira decided to take Cecilia up on her offer for a free yellow potion as she came over, reaching out and taking one of the yellow vials "Your tribute is greatly appreciated. I shall return the favor with a brilliant show of my power." Translated it meant she was very grateful for the potion and will use it the best she can. Along with the yellow potion, she drank two others from her inventory and tossed them all to the ground where they shattered like digital glass. A delicious flow of new power spread throughout her body as the potions activated, whether that was their actual effect or another figment of Kira's incredible imagination.
***********
The self-proclaimed demon-lord watched around her as everyone ran to engage the enemies in front of them. Her head was slightly lowered as she walked forward slowly as the power from her title engulfed her, the raw boost to her stats practically doubled them. A loud, creepy giggle left her lips as both her long-sword and katana were drawn from her hips, making a cross in front of her. There was only one target on the battlefield that interested her right now and that was goblin trainer. None of the other monsters were worthy of her attention right now. It was also just so perfect that Cecila had delivered him to her and was quite a nice gift. Champion of the Lesser....yes, she was a god compared to these lower forms of life. Now she was going to demonstrate to that goblin just what it meant to go up against the great Akumi.
She yelled out across the battlefield to Dennis "Don't touch him. He's mine!" Within a few moments she had pushed off the ground, the katana in her right hand and the long-sword in her left, and moved like the demon she claimed to be. Her emerald eyes carried with them a wild look as she bared her pearly white teeth in a vicious smile. Once Kira was engaged in battle, she became more wicked and harder to control. A sinister laugh left her as she reached her target "You face the great demon Akumi!" The moment the last word left her lips, she sprang into goblin trainer smashing her right knee directly into its face. Her foot pushed off the creature's chest and she made a short flip backwards before charging in again this time with her swords at the ready.
A flurry of steel came flying at the goblin trainer as Kira utilized both of her weapons. Each one striking faster and harder than the last as the true demon side of Kira was unleashed. Once she had finished using her 'flurry' action, Kira stepped to her opponents side to into its blindside. There she demonstrated how skilled she had become with her dual-blade skill with as she attacked three more times with a seamless flow. The first strike was her katana at the creature's legs with the second strike was made across the torso at the same time. Finally she ended it by thrusting both weapons towards the goblin's rib-cage. Afterwards, she used her superior agility to push off her feet and launch herself backwards next to Tower, while readying her 'parry' action just in case "The power difference between us is far too great. The way I see it, you are already dead." She taunted once more at the goblin as she landed.
Summary
- Drank Yellow Potion, Potion of Resistance, and Potion of Might - Charged at Goblin Trainer and used Knee strike - Used 'Flurry' on Goblin Trainer - Used sidestep to move to Goblin Trainer's side. - Struck goblin trainer three times. First a slash from the katana and then the longsword. Ended with a thrust using both of them. - Readied 'parry' action and pushed back to line up with Tower.
Daniel gave Kalisa nothing more than a simple nod to acknowledge her apparent happiness for his survival. Every moment speaking to her...to a woman just made the crawling feeling all over his skin worse. Ever since Elizabeth di-, passed on, he felt the urge to run from any woman that got close enough to him. Luckily, she was a bearable distance and the conversation felt like nothing more than a few formalities. A fact he was thankful for. However, he got somewhat apprehensive when she asked about his where he came from.
A cold look shined in his eyes "Edinburgh. City of Ancaster." His hometown and the source of all his misery. Daniel lowered his chin that it nearly touched the top of his chest. It was the only question she appeared to have for him at the moment and he was grateful. Thinking about the past was not something he wanted to do right now. Instead, he watched as she showed signs of fatigue which made sense, however what didn't was when she asked for permission to rest "Tch, sure. You don't need my permission." Despite teachings from Elizabeth, Daniel never really grasped the necessity of manners. Although, Kalisa didn't seem to wait anyway. Daniel didn't look at her when he responded softly "Yeah." No amount of him could trust anyone of his squad-mates to be alive at the end. Forming a bond was just asking for further pain. Even so, a subconscious part of him wanted to ensure that the now sleeping Kalisa would live through it.
Daniel was still awake from earlier when he saw Kalisa suddenly jump. It didn't surprise him in the least cause he had been there several times. Bad dreams, nightmares, were going to be plenty and they would never end. His head turned as she addressed the lance-corporal who had been staring at her like some kind of weirdo. People staring that long back home usually ended up with a knife in their ribs. However, from his position he could clearly see another player coming into this match. His brows furrowed as the blatantly obvious infatuation with the lance-corporal was written all over the girl's face. Honestly, he couldn't view it as anything but pathetic that she express it so carelessly. They had just went through hell and it was only day one. Now this girl was already in-love with her superior?
The conversation should have been an excuse for him to remove himself from the situation, however the exchange triggered a rage deep inside he hadn't been aware of. Standing from his seated position on the box, he made his way over to the three "You're both idiots." He stated strongly looking at both Diana and Jean. Whether it was the shock of the battle or years of suppressed feelings, somehow he lost the fragile control on his emotions "Take it to a tent or a goddamn foxhole for all I care! This is day one. Day one! You can't just pretend everything is going to be alright now that we have a single victory and start flirting with each other like you haven't got a care in the word!"
A flood had been released, and Daniel was caught in his own disaster "I can't believe I have to follow orders from someone who clearly lacks any kind of spine and fight alongside a woman who couldn't have her head any farther up in the clouds!." His breathing at this point was heavy but with those words his eyes widened as the realization came upon him. He immediately broke any kind of eye contact and turned his back on them without a word, grabbing his rifle as he left moving away from them down another a trench corridor punching the side wall with nearly all of his power as he walked by.
He wanted to scream. He wanted to release a furious cry into the sky. Jean or the girl didn't deserve what he said to them. Daniel fell with his back against the trench wall once he felt he had gotten far enough away. Why did I do that? The question circled in his mind as he bit down harshly on his own teeth. Was this a sign that he wasn't as stable as he thought he was? Where did all this anger come from? Was it always there? It would be impossible to face either of them again. For now, he would remain here out of their sight and do his best to calm down.
Voltaire had been on the streets his entire life and so he knew when something didn't feel right. The subtle signs he just barely managed to pick up. Quite frankly, it irritated him that the mention of his familia's name would cause such reactions. Voltaire reasoned that they knew something he didn't. Doris seemed to know Solome, so maybe he would ask him later.
He responded to Doris's request with all his bravado, as if making a promise. "We will be sure to do that."
A blank expression washed over his face as he was called 'beautiful'. It was not a word ever used to describe him, only ladies, so he took minor offence to it.
He glanced at Astella as she walked by with a minor look of confusion at the vague information she gave, watching as the group of women walked away. With their absence came a feeling of reprieve that Koph shared with him. His muscles relaxed and he felt less on edge, though he pondered what was meant by 'something good'. His attention turned to his partner as she seemed to share the same thought "Could mean anything. I say we check it out." Voltaire didn't quite trust her but there was no reason she would put them in grave danger. Still, he would definitely remain on guard.
The weight of the air in the room was almost suffocating as nearly everyone was looking down at him from their stands. A look of uncertainty was expressed clearly in his eyes as he understood the gravity of this trial. It proved impossible for him to tear his gaze away from the imposing Darius as he spoke. He found himself taking short breaths, waiting until he might have a chance to defend himself. His head turned towards the military police commander as he announced his plan for him. A gasp escaped his mouth while a shiver shot through his body though he did his best not to show it outwards. Death was not something he was even close to accepting. Luckily next was the scout regiment who proposed a plan that fit perfectly with Eren's own goals.
Kiera had to grit her teeth upon hearing the military police's proposal. She admitted that they knew little of Eren's power but that didn't mean he deserved death. Relief came when she heard her uncle's proposal. The scout regiment was not safe by any means but it would be better than an execution. As Darius asked his question, even she felt an incredible suspense.
Eren looked back up at Darius with as much conviction as he could muster "Yes! As long as I live!" He stated strongly.
Daniel had closed his eyes for the moment as he leaned his head back against the trench wall, he was going to try an get a moment's rest while he had the chance. His outside composure would appear unfazed by the hell they just went through, but the mental scar was deeper than even Daniel himself knew. Living the life he did, it was crucial to learn how to suppress traumatic experiences to the lowest level of your psyche. He didn't care about questioning the morality of this war or the intentions of the Federation. Daniel was here to survive just as he always had. The possibility of living a happy and comfortable life feeling more like an impossible dream more than ever.
His extremely brief respite was interrupted by the sound of a womanly voice, one that he oddly enough recognized. Dull, green eyes opened up to her familiar image but it did not comfort him to have a face he knew talk with him. A deeply-rooted anxiety bubbled within him at her presence, a event brought about by this own foolishness. The tension of that first battle might have allowed him to push past it but now it showed its ugly head again. His head did not move but his eyes did follow her as she sat down, giving him a smile that he had seen before on someone he used to know. It was just talk with a squad-mate, he had to hold out.
After letting out a long exhale, he spoke "I am not so easy to kill." A crass smile was forced on his lips as he continued "I'm holding up better than the others. What about yourself?" He started to lightly tap the ground with his boot as a way of taking his mind off the idea that Kalisa was a girl. A girl that could make you care about them more than yourself and tear your heart apart, whether they meant to or not. That was the cruelty of love. No matter what, losing it is always painful. He looked at the other fresh soldiers trudging through the trenches as saw the sheer shock of their faces. A few of them seemed to cry over a lost comrade or friend. That was their fatal error. He crossed his arms bringing his gaze back to his own squad and Kalisa. Death happens even to the people your are closest too. Daniel thought briefly about what the one soldier said, a family? That was a concept that didn't really make sense to him.
Today is just another day within the grand walls of the Sanctuary. A brilliant sun began its rise into the clear blue sky shining rays of light down upon the wings and towers of the massive castle forever situated on a cliff separated from the world by a thin, but powerful veil of magic. The landscape surrounding the structure was uneven and marked by large, jagged rocks on the approach to its sole building’s entrance. Its inhabitants went about their routine while a host of automation sentries patrolled its decorated halls. What happens in this castle of wonders is anything but ordinary. Magic and technology combine together to create a place the likes the world has never seen. Doors that open to an untamed forest or an untouched beach. A collection of books larger than any in the world and all perfectly preserved. Magical constructs that are beyond all reasoning. Spells that are not yet known to the outside world. It is as much a place of learning as it is a place of refuge. Each resident guaranteed safety and free access to all the facilities granted by the Sanctuary's master. The massive castle is even home to a few permanent residents who have decided to live out their lives in the peaceful security of the Sanctuary. These 'disciples' are often tasked with helping out others and using their knowledge and skills to benefits the Sanctuary. It can appear as a paradise to some when the world outside is harsh and bitter. As long as the master of the Sanctuary lives, it shall remain as a place of safety and peace. He is as mysterious as the castle itself, choosing to cover up most of his body including a mask that he never takes off. It is split down the middle with one side painted black and the other white, with opposite colored eyes painted on each. Curious individuals are free to challenge him to a duel but none have ever last long against his might. It is believed that he is a human but the raw strength he possess and incredible magic power tends to make most people unsure if even this is true. Despite all this power, he does not show any signs of it corrupting his mind like it would to so many others. Instead, he expresses nothing but compassion and understanding towards others. When he is not teaching others, he can often be found wandering the castle halls conversing with the residents. He has an uncanny ability to show up just when someone needs him.
“The world is once more heading towards a point of no return. I have foreseen this for some time now but my oath forbids any intervention. Our fates are tied to no more than observers of our own world until it is already too late. Where are the others now I wonder? Disguised as pilgrims traversing the land? Hermits deep in the wildlands and mountains? I long for their company yet I wish I never do. Their presence before would be the gravest of omens. I suppose I am not entirely lonely as I have each and every one of my precious children here with me within this sanctuary of mine. I suppose there is also the visitors that come now that I have opened its doors to them, though they are more temporary and risky relationships. Even so, It has become my greatest pleasure in harboring them from the cruelty of the world outside and giving them a chance at a new life. It reminds me of a simpler and more peaceful time of my life. I hope I never have to use this fortress for its true purpose. For now, I will shelter all who seek it.”
Rez smiled solemnly as he finished the latest entry into his journal, setting the pen back into its jar of ink. He turned his head to look at the bookshelf that was nearly filled with such journals. Writing everyday was a necessary part of his routine as the years spent in this place have all started to blend together. Sometimes the entries were about his thoughts and sometimes it was about the numerous personalities that have come and gone through the centuries. He could safely say that everyday spent here has been interesting at the very least. Rez never tired of hearing the children's stories, their tales of triumph and tragedy. It was perhaps the one, true factor that has stopped him from losing his own identity. He smiled warmly at the thought then pushed his chair back off the desk and stood up. Enough time had been spent in his personal chambers already and it was time to greet everyone. Would today bring any new faces? It was a question he greeted every day with a hopeful smile. After the sins he had committed, this was the least he could do to atone.
Rez left the comfort of his chambers and headed down the spiral staircase that led up to his tower, which was also the highest point in the Sanctuary. It would have been more practical to use the elevator at the center of his tower but he preferred to walk when possible. Once he reached the bottom, he was greeted by one of the many constructs, named sentinels, he had named Bradamante "Good morning, master. Breakfast has been prepared. The instructors's lessons are ready. The amali Vey has requested the archery range again. New guests should be arriving with a day or two. That is everything." The deep, not quite human voice spoke in a toneless and clear voice as it always did with the morning report.
Rez nodded to confirm he had received the report "Thank you, Bradamante." He turned to face the contruct, who was several inches taller than the master "Make sure you are at the front gate in preparation for these guests' arrival and give them your warmest welcome when they get here." Bradamante was the only construct other being that was allowed inside Rez's tower, so it was also the first 'face' he met every morning. The artificial creature was far more direct and to the point than the others "Of course." Bradmante replied immediately and proceeded in front of Rez, moving at a far quicker pace. Efficient, obedient, and unrelenting. These traits were instilled into each of the constructs that guarded the Sanctuary, making them the perfect soldiers.
The master followed in Bradamante's footsteps, choosing to walk down the grand, double staircase that led to the open central chamber. Large pillars extended to the roof above high enough for even a fully grown dragon to enter. Ancient banners with heraldry long forgotten hung from the ceiling illuminated brilliantly by cages of blue flames. Directly above the center of the room was a large painting of some unknown heroes battling an army of undead warriors. the large room was the equally enormous front gate made of a dark-grey metal. A intricate design was carved into each door that was never in the same pattern twice as it slowly shifted throughout the day. For most of the inhabitants here, the day began with a large breakfast held in the main mess hall and that was where he was headed as well.
A wave of delicious aromas invaded his nostrils before he even opened the door. Once he was actually inside, it engulfed his sense of smell completely. Everyone who saw him enter greeted him loudly, save for a few, while he walked further into the room. It used to be that all the food here was created through magical means using old recipes, but recently there has been a few of the residents that have volunteered to prepare every meal for all the others here which made each bite even more tasteful. He moved over to his favorite table which was situated by the large glass windows facing out towards the twisted landscape.
Rez, who was known by the residents as Mister R or Master R, watched the children eat their food while he waited for his to be brought out. He knew each and every one of their names. There was Volfango, a male Amali who had come here on the brink of death; Cisna, a female Anserian who showed up in tears and refused to speak anything of her past; Arton Yule, a Draeni with a dream to become a champion of the weak; Vey, an Amali rebel looking for the strength to free her people from oppression; Valerie, a Dark Elf mage on a quest to explore the darker side of magic; Voltaire, a young human trying to rise above his broken childhood; Emile Volstryggr, a human without any combat or magical ability but with a strong charisma and a desire to create a world of peace; and several others. It was Rez's hope that he could help them achieve their goals and dreams, and perhaps make the world a better place for it. The only way to avert the coming disaster, was to have faith in the people of this age.
SleepyWrites,
Chronic,
Snowdrops,
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Noctis,
HereComesTheSnow,
Kuro,
Izurich,
Framing A Moose,
BigPapaBelial
