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The flash of light blinded all the knights in the room, everyone except Aun who managed to cover his eyes just in time. Almost as if he was aware of the magical insect the entire time.
"You're coming with me~"
As the other Lot Knights recovered, the Incubus Knight faced Vanessa alone. His helmet concealed his face, but the Dark Mage could feel his intense gaze at her. "This isn't amusing anymore, Vanessa." He said to her, humor absent in his tone. "I'm off to a mission far away from here. Somewhere full of danger. Please, I'm begging you. Just take Iskah away from here and find her another man. There's plenty out there." He tried reasoning, nay, begging the Dark Mage. "If not for your sake, then for Iskah's."
Upon getting their bearings, the other Lot Knights pulled out their pistols and aimed at Vanessa. The cowled knight asked first. "Another suitress, Inky?"
"Working for one. You remember the Lizardman Iskah?" The Incubus Knight replied. "She managed to hire a helper for her... cause."
"Then pay her off then. Double the price! How much is she working for anyway?" The cowled knight cried out.
"I already tried. She was furious at the offer." Aun recounted his and Vanessa's earlier talk. "She's an honorable Dark Mage."
The cowled knight was in disbelief. "That's... a first. Never thought I'd ever meet one."
"Neither did I-- Huh?!" Aun was suddenly lifted into the air, seemingly by telepathy but it appeared the still-invisible Iskah has opted to simply seize her target and hightail it out of there. It was a testament to Iskah's strength that she could lift a fully-grown knight in full armor seemingly without effort. "Iskah! What are you--"
*CRASH*
The invisible Iskah and the still-shocked Aun hurtled out of one of the windows in the mess hall, leaving Vanessa with the other flabbergasted Lot Knights who were still aiming at the Dark Mage. "S-Shouldn't we be going after Sir Incubus?" Sir Dreams asked. "Or, you know, fighting this Vanessa woman now?"
"We're not exactly equipped to fight a monster." Sir Dances replied. "I mean, these pistols will hurt but only if the bullets manage to hit her, and we each only got one shot."
The cowled knight released an audible sigh. "I'm glad you two are polite enough to explain all that to her--"
*SLAM*
The doors to the mess hall slammed open and in came a very peculiar knight: This person wore the clothes of a Zipanguese onmyoji but wore a very knightly great helm. He pulled out a paper talisman, like the ones that Vanessa purchased from Rie, and accurately hurled it at the Dark Mage. Vanessa could feel powerful magic from the small piece of paper. It might be best not to get hit by any of those.
Vanessa and Iskah infiltrate Wayland Keep, with the small conjured insect guiding the latter towards its master all the way. The keep was a spacious castle with most of its residents being fully-armored Lot Knights. Despite being in their homebase and in a state of relative relaxation, all the knights the two monsters saw were wearing helmets. Vanessa would notice that each knight seemingly has his own unique helmet. Iskah wanted to explain more about the Lot Knights to her Dark Mage companion, but their stealth required silence.
The wards inside Wayland Keep were surprisingly simple and easy for Vanessa to bypass, disable or modify them. A little too easy, in fact. Perhaps these wards and detectors served another purpose other than keeping out monsters? Iskah was no mage, and so was of little help in this regard and completely dependent on Vanessa for these 'obstacles'.
The two monsters soon reach Aun's position. They were in the keep's rather huge mess hall, sunlight shining from the windows but the ceiling chandeliers were lit still, but only Aun and a handful of other knights were present. Aun, like the other knights, was wearing his helm - a maned Corinthian helmet - that completely concealed his head. If it wasn't for his energy signature, he would have been completely unrecognizable.
"...So is everything clear?" One of the seven Lot Knights present said, addressing the rest of the six. He wore a brown cowl that concealed his head into shadow and he spoke with an accent like those from the snowy steppes.
One of the knights raised his hand, a knight with a unique helmet reminiscent of those Caliphates in the East. "So it's just us three? Me, Dreams and Inky? No spellcaster on us?" Iskah perked up at the mention of 'Inky', Aun's name in the order.
"We have no reason to believe the enemy forces near there have any heavy spellcasters. Still, Sir Inky is capable of handling anything magical should the situation arise." The cowled knight replied.
"Ohhh, this is gonna be like those times there were three of us, Dance." The knight named Dreams immediately began to reminisce about the aforementioned times. While the conversation wasn't exactly over. This knight had a simpler helmet, yet still unique in the room.
Aun, meanwhile, stayed silent as he contemplated the mission given to him. Iskah, too, was silent, wanting to hear more about this mission. Vanessa can join in listening in too, the Lot Knights in this meeting seem oblivious to the two monsters' presence. But so far, it appeared Aun the Incubus Knight would be going somewhere if he wasn't nabbed today.
"I have a sneaking suspicion they're trying to eliminate two birds with one stone. Kazenosuke, one of the most skilled fighters in the land, and three monsters that had just exhausted him. Strategically speaking, killing us all now while we're exhausted cleans things up nicely, Oh, and, if these are Varjans, I will have to remind you that you were indifferent to those who'd have a knife at your back at the earliest convenience."
Kazenosuke was not swayed by Zeka's or Vară's words, but Vivian's assumptions elicited a reaction out of him. "Pfffft... Bahahahahahaha!" He laughed out loud.
The dancing swordsman waved a free hand, and all the crows that perched in the surrounding trees flew away to resume their lives. "Unfortunately, no Varjan I know can do what I can." Kazenosuke allowed the three yokai a moment to realize he had power over the black-plumed avians. "But they have their own ways in wielding animals in combat. Good old-fashioned training, which I suppose makes them better than me."
With the crows all gone, the exhausted Kazenosuke leaned back into the wooden wall of his abode. "Alright, alright. You girls win, I give up." He surrendered, tiredly sheathing his blade.
Kazenosuke closed his eyes before raising a finger at the yokai. "You girls fought pretty hard. You fought to win. I could feel all that in our spar." The dancing swordsman surmised. "But what I can't figure out is why? Why fight this hard for an island with no yokai and whose denizens hate you? You three could be out there living... I don't know, peaceful lives literally anywhere else." Kazenosuke was almost complaining in the taskforce's behalf. "...There are no riches here. Nor is the island strategic, I think. Yokai only come here for men, and I can feel that none of you are particularly looking."
"And you three do realize that no matter what he says, Takeshi can just stab you in the backs once the Varjans are vanquished. Right?" The swordsman finished. "You have to know that. None of you are stupid."
"Okay! So, Lord Takeshi has gotten help from Lady Kyouko, who's sent monsters from Zipangu like me, and others from other places here to help you all out. I think its because nobody wants Varjo to have a big foothold out here,"
"Lord Takeshi... willingly collaborating with yokai." The shinobi girl remarked darkly. "Grim tidings..."
"...So anyways, I'm just super glad that I found you! Takeshi said there was a whole other wave of Shinobi that might be with you, so...are they also hiding out here in the forest? Takeshi can use all the help you can provide!"
"Indeed, there are still many of us. Lord Hideo, Lord Takeshi's father, actually ordered all of us to try and find a way to pass through the Varjan blockade to get help." Kageho suddenly stopped to correct herself. "Human help. We were to keep sending out operatives until someone succeeded or all of us died. It was Lord Takeshi who rescinded the order behind his father's back, instead ordering us to simply hide and fortify what we can."
"I thought it was a mercy from Lord Takeshi, but now I suspect darker motives if he sought help from yokai..." It appeared Matsuri's phrasing had caused a misunderstanding in Kageho's mind.
"...I cannot promise aid, but I will meet with Takeshi for an explanation." Kageho put away her sickles, the blades gleaming ominously at the young Inari. "Make your way back to Lord Takeshi. I will follow you from the shadows." And with that, the shinobi disappeared into the darkness of the night. Seemingly leaving Matsuri alone.
With her objective accomplished, Matsuri can head back to Terauchi Temple or go somewhere else.
”Uh...Perhaps we should leave these two along, Ayu-san?”
"Yeah, I think we should." She replied with a sigh. Unfortunately, the sisters would be done with their 'session' before either Ayu or Kirei could leave.
"Spywoman, where’s Takeshi at? I’d rather not wander this place on a fruitless endeavor."
Ayu was looking away from Ripcord and Umami, but returned her gaze once her attention was called. "He's here somewhere. Don't you worry." She replied, again with a sigh. "Let me fetch him so I can just leave him to deal with you two."
"I am being summoned?" Just as Ayu turned around, Takeshi had arrived after overhearing his name being uttered. "I was curious on why some of the refugees were moving away from here so I came to check. It seems someone's looking for me."
"Yep. The sisters over there seem to need your help." Ayu pointed at the Claremont sisters with a thumb. "There's a mark on the Shoggoth girl's neck that won't come off."
"Hmm, let me see." Takeshi approached the sisters, Ripcord in particular, and immediately found and recognized the mark. "Huh, so the Varjans know how to put one of these." The young lord said. "I don't know what the Varjans call it, but here we call it 'Marked For Death'. It's a fairly simple marking spell that helps hunters designate prey, preventing the targets from effectively hiding. Other than that, it's quite harmless albeit annoying. The spell isn't that used anymore since it's more work preparing the spell than building a trap or something similar."
"Removing it is also fairly simple, although quite intimate and some might call disgusting. I can perform the removal process if you want it gone immediately." Takeshi offered to Ripcord. "I would teach it to your sister, but the ritual requires Spirit Energy."
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
"There's a monastery east of here called Fung Temple.
There's a monk there named Nobutada. He's one of the most sturdiest people I know, able to weather blows that could shatter boulders. When my father called for the monks of Fung Temple, I didn't see Nobutada among them. If he's still alive, he'll be in the monastery and he can lend us his aid."
"Sorae's skill with the naginata is fearsome and second to none. She and her clan was summoned to Sanjo Beach, but never appeared. We should head to their estate in the west and find out what happened to them and, if possible, recruit them to our cause."
"Kageho is a shinobi who was supposed to attempt to sneak through the Varjan blockade alongside others. The last wave of shinobi that we could send. I... ordered them not to go anymore, behind my father's back, since it would have been a waste and the Varjans were upon us. It was too late to call for reinforcements from the other islands.
Still, I expected her to show up in Sanjo Beach with the other shinobi. But they didn't. Anyway, their hideout should be around here somewhere. Try looking for any suspicious clearings in the forests around here. We can use their help."
"Kazenosuke could deflect any attack with his spinning blade, and deliver slashes faster than the eye could see. I have no idea why he couldn't make it to Sanjo Beach. I know he's a ronin, but he still should have heeded my father.
Well, his house is near Terauchi Temple. Not very near, but just follow the river near the temple and we'll find his home and then we can ask for his help."
"Yurine has taken care of Clan Oja for as long as I can remember. Despite being a servant, I know she can swing her masakari axe pretty hard. I've little idea of her past but I know it involves tending cemeteries.
She should be in Castle Oja but my father sent her to Onrai to begin enacting some way to protect the graves from being desecrated by the invaders. I know of a famous cemetery south of Terauchi Temple. We can begin looking for her there and she'll surely help us."
"My childhood friend Kikyo was on an anti-yokai mission before all of this. I... was kind of glad she couldn't be on the beach and hoped that maybe she'll find a way to escape and live a full life elsewhere. But I know she would never do that.
If she's coming back, she would definitely head for Port Wadatsumi in the southeast. We should find her before she does anything... drastic."
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
There was a villager woman, crying alone near a large tree within Terauchi Temple.
"Yokai, could I speak with you? A group of bandits is terrorizing Sanjo. They slaughtered my whole family, like animals!
They were killed at our home, near a river. I am Saki, please avenge my family and stop those bandits."
An upset woman noticed the taskforce member approaching.
"As if losing our homes wasn't bad enough, we have to see Varjans in them as well.
They took a home nearby a few days ago. The man who lived there won't leave the area. He keeps begging for help."
A villager sitting on some stone steps in the temple stood up when the taskforce member approached.
"Yokai, I've heard of a small resistance group gathering in the Imahama Area. I believe they're headed by a shrine priestess who wasn't present in Sanjo Beach."
"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not properly trained."
There was a villager man sitting in a corner, quaking in fear.
"Yokai, there's a warrior in Yagata Shipyard clad in black with a bandaged head. He seemed to have slaughtered all the Varjans there and freed me and a few other prisoners."
"He told me to tell you that he wants to meet the taskforce so they could kill him. I'm not sure what's going on with that guy but he gives me the creeps."
It was revealed to Vanessa that Wayland Keep was more magical than it appeared. Protective wards and detectors were practically everywhere, and the notable tower contained the most amount of magical energy. As for the inhabitants, the Dark Mage detected that there were about two dozen people inside the keep that were magically-attuned. And they were all looking at her direction, having immediately sensed Vanessa's spell. Despite that, they all seemingly elected to ignore her and continue with their duties. They likely knew that Vanessa wasn't there for them and thought that whichever Lot Knight that was her target could take care of it himself.
"Mass Invisibility."
"Whoa. This is pretty weird." Iskah remarked at not being able to see herself because of the invisibility spell.
"There we go. Now we just wait for them to find Aun and for me to suss out where to go, what and who to avoid, and then we'll be in and out before the day's over."
Vanessa's wisps infiltrated Wayland Keep, and went along unhindered even though probably half the keep knew they were there. It wasn't difficult for them to find Aun; they only had to zero in on the only thing that emitted Demon Energy in the entire castle. They found him in one of the buildings, in a large chamber that appeared to be the dining area since there were a lot of tables and the table that Aun occupied was filled with cups. Getting to this place required getting past the main hall and past the courtyard, and past a lot of the knightly inhabitants.
The Incubus Knight was not alone, there were several other Lot Knights with him including a couple who were magically-attuned as Vanessa detected. They seemed to be discussing something quite serious.
Name: Main Title: Additional Titles: (Optional. List as much as you want.)
Weapon: Element: Size: (This is basically Model Type. Optional. Has no effect in gameplay.)
Birthday: (Optional) Constellation: (Optional. Can be name only. Has no effect in gameplay.) Homeland:
Backstory: (At the very least, include why they are now currently in Mondstadt specifically in Springvale. Keep in mind that Varka's return is widely-known news, at least in Mondstadt, and there is a contingent of Favonius Knights greeting them in Falcon Coast.)
STATS & ABILITIES:
(Your character's base HP and ATK are determined by your Weapons. You have an extra 2500 points to distribute to the 2 stats.)
HP:
Sword/Polearm - 20,000
Claymore - 23,500
Bow - 18,500
Catalyst - 19,000
ATK:
Sword/Polearm - 1,500
Claymore - 2,000
Bow - 1,800
Catalyst - 1,700
Elemental Skill: (Put here the name of your character's Elemental Skill and the effects it will do. If playing a canon character, I'll trust you on how you will translate their original game effects into this roleplay.)
Elemental Burst: (Put here the name of your character's Elemental Burst and the effects it will do. If playing a canon character, I'll trust you on how you will translate their original game effects into this roleplay.)
Talents: (You can have 3 Talents that can help your character manipulate the combat mechanics in their favor. Try being creative without being too broken. As a general rule, each Talent can only affect 1 stat of either the user's, an ally's or an enemy's.)
"Ready for the fight, underboss? ... How to maintain armor? Only know leather and bone. Also, how to make more?"
"You should ask yourself that question, Gringor." Takeshi playfully replied. "It's these guys that made you retreat, right?"
"That Varjan armor you wear and mine aren't exactly the same. Mine is quite more special, you see, forged especially for Order Legionnaires." Revuel clarified to the questions made at him. "Still, maintaining it is the same... in theory. Polish and clean after battle, take it to an armorer to fix any dents or cracks that appear. As for making more, I'm afraid it isn't that easy. Like I said, this Legionnaire armor is special and requires specific materials and particular forges to make. And those specific and particular requirements are located very far from here."
"How special is your armor, Sir Revuel?" Takeshi was curious.
"Well, it is able to withstand blows from a Minotaur's hammer for one, and can shrug off most of your run-of-the-mill spells." The spellcaster answered. "Some armors also help in channeling your magics, making casting spells easier and more efficiently. Like the one issued to me and what I currently wear right now."
After seeing Eula and Carroll return to the temple grounds and looking for breakfast, Takeshi was compelled to speak up. "Hmm, it seems the taskforce is still preparing for our excursion. How about a nice breakfast of fish?" The young lord offered.
"With all due respect, my lord, I believe we have had enough of fish for now. I think a change in cuisine is in order." Revuel immediately interjected. "How about some eggs paired with peppered rice? We have the necessary ingredients although I admit, it's not much of an improvement over fish and rice. It is still a change in dishes, though."
"A fine idea, Sir Revuel. I shall help in the preparation!"
Unfortunately for the young lord and his enthusiasm, the refugees insisted that Takeshi rest while they prepare the simple breakfast feast for the taskforce. The drizzle overhead was increasing as the winds continued to blow.
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
(REQUIRES ALL PLAYER CHARACTERS)
"I finally have all that I need to rescue my father from the Varjans. The only thing missing now is where the invaders have him imprisoned. I'm coming for you, father. Just wait a little longer." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~
"Lord Takamori's traitorous former student, Setsuna, is training Mongol archers across Shizuyama. Lord Takamori posits that she plans on attacking Omi Springs, his hometown and a refuge for villagers. We should meet with Lord Takamori as soon as possible." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SORAE TALES ~~
"Sorae is on the hunt for Sogen, one of the conspirators behind her family's murder. To track him down, Sorae has asked us to speak with Ayu who may know where we can find him." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SHIZUKA (MERCHANT) TALES ~~
"One of the farms near Komatsu Bay looks like it's had some trouble. Someone should make sure the people there are all right." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.
"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."
"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."
A peasant man eating barbecued meat on a stick was startled when the taskforce member approached. It appeared he has news.
"Yokai! You have to tell Lord Takeshi, there is another samurai noble who survived Sanjo Beach. His name is Lord Tonchiki. He's in his abode southeast of here. If you go see him, I'm sure he would join your cause."
"Err, maybe not. I guess you'll need Lord Takeshi himself to convince him."
A villager sitting on some stone steps in the temple stood up when the taskforce member approached.
"Yokai, I've heard of a small resistance group gathering in the Imahama Area. I believe they're headed by that shrine priestess that started a fight here not too long ago."
"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not trained. Better take Lord Takeshi with you too or else it might be a fight again."
A peasant man warming his hands on a bonfire noticed the taskforce member passing by.
"Yokai, you must do something! It's Ayane's sake brewery in Imahama. That brewery is the pride of Shizuyama, but soon there will be none left. The Varjans are taking it by force."
~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~
"Dealing with these students of the Heavenly Strike was more difficult than we thought. They have already thrown back two of the taskforce. However, the yokai fought them separately and at different times, so perhaps a more cooperative approach would be more fruitful." -Takeshi Oja
"So, if we're only here in town to nab him for you, I don't see any reason to hold back this time around~"
Iskah was unnerved by Vanessa's big smile that wanted to unleash the grandest spells imaginable on their target. Still, a single swoop to get Aun out of Wayland Keep and out of the capital would be worth breaking all the rules for. "A-Alright. Just keep in mind that if we fail, we're probably never setting foot in this place for maybe a month or worse, half a year."
The duo soon reach Wayland Keep, a relatively small castle situated next to the river. It featured its own walls and from what Vanessa could see, it contained a large courtyard or backyard to the side of its structures. Likely, the main training grounds of the Lot Knights. One of the more notable structures inside Wayland Keep was a tower that Vanessa could feel magic emanating from. Probably where the knightly order kept their spellbooks and magic scrolls and the like. Speaking of magic, Vanessa could also feel anti-magic wards from various points in the keep. Although, they could just be the weak ones that the Dark Mage could sense.
"Well, here we are. Wayland Keep." Iskah said to Vanessa, as the two monsters gazed at the place. The entrance to the keep consisted of a set of tall, wide and wooden double doors that led into the main hall. "Is going inside to say 'Hello' gonna be a part of your plan?"
"Your Lordship, I fail to grasp how you can be so calm about this!"
Takeshi was actually taken aback from Shizuka's outburst. "I-I thought this was normal behavior for yokai. They are obsessed with sex and pleasure, after all." The young lord scratched the back of his head.
He then watched Shizuka tell off Kerry about the irresponsible pregnancy. Takeshi was surprised that the Hornet yokai answered back, declaring that she would be staying here with Alice even with a child incoming. The young lord was not sure... No, he was sure this was foolish. Raising a child in a warzone was one thing, raising a yokai child in Shizuyama in front of his father? Takeshi could not imagine the wrath that would visit the nascent family.
Still, that was the future... and the future could change. The island was supposed to be doomed, and that did not come to pass.
"But, right now, I need some time to rest. I also haven't eaten anything all day..."
"Food, eat. Need strength for fight."
"Ah, well, how about some good old rice and fish then? Sorry there isn't much variety. We don't exactly have access to classier goods and Komatsu Bay had just been liberated so it'll be a while before your Lady Kyouko's supplies get here." Takeshi explained. "But don't you worry! I'll prepare the feast myself and you will all have a taste of the heir's culinary skills."
Despite his confidence, Takeshi's dishes of steamed rice and fried-to-a-crisp fish were nothing out of the ordinary.
Eula and Carroll attempted to dine and dash... but as the defenders of Terauchi Temple, the dishes they ate for the night were free of charge. Which was fortunate for the Automaton.
---THE NEXT DAY---
The taskforce rested until morning, the day they would take on the students of The Heavenly Strike technique. But the sun did not greet them when they woke, instead they opened their eyes to cold winds blowing across the temple. The breezes were not strong but they carried the occasional raindrop. Dark and thick clouds blotted out the sun, preventing the heavenly body from warming the land. At least, the clouds weren't thick enough to completely block sunlight.
Takeshi and Revuel stood next to each other as they observed the bad weather, the latter wearing his full armor to stave off the cold. "This land's weather drives me crazy..."
"Well, the frequent downpours of this island do make the soil fertile." The young lord responded. "We're used to it.
Indeed, the refugees of the Terauchi Temple went about their day normally as if it was any other morning.
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
(REQUIRES ALL PLAYER CHARACTERS)
"I finally have all that I need to rescue my father from the Varjans. The only thing missing now is where the invaders have him imprisoned. I'm coming for you, father. Just wait a little longer." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~
"Lord Takamori's traitorous former student, Setsuna, is training Mongol archers across Shizuyama. Lord Takamori posits that she plans on attacking Omi Springs, his hometown and a refuge for villagers. We should meet with Lord Takamori as soon as possible." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SORAE TALES ~~
"Sorae is on the hunt for Sogen, one of the conspirators behind her family's murder. To track him down, Sorae has asked us to speak with Ayu who may know where we can find him." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SHIZUKA (MERCHANT) TALES ~~
"One of the farms near Komatsu Bay looks like it's had some trouble. Someone should make sure the people there are all right." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.
"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."
"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."
A peasant man eating barbecued meat on a stick was startled when the taskforce member approached. It appeared he has news.
"Yokai! You have to tell Lord Takeshi, there is another samurai noble who survived Sanjo Beach. His name is Lord Tonchiki. He's in his abode southeast of here. If you go see him, I'm sure he would join your cause."
"Err, maybe not. I guess you'll need Lord Takeshi himself to convince him."
A villager sitting on some stone steps in the temple stood up when the taskforce member approached.
"Yokai, I've heard of a small resistance group gathering in the Imahama Area. I believe they're headed by that shrine priestess that started a fight here not too long ago."
"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not trained. Better take Lord Takeshi with you too or else it might be a fight again."
A peasant man warming his hands on a bonfire noticed the taskforce member passing by.
"Yokai, you must do something! It's Ayane's sake brewery in Imahama. That brewery is the pride of Shizuyama, but soon there will be none left. The Varjans are taking it by force."
~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~
"Dealing with these students of the Heavenly Strike was more difficult than we thought. They have already thrown back two of the taskforce. However, the yokai fought them separately and at different times, so perhaps a more cooperative approach would be more fruitful." -Takeshi Oja
"Looks like we're walking from here on then. Good thing we aren't in a hurry to get a room at a decent inn or anyhting, right? We wouldn't want to spook the locals with our man-eating summoned horse after all."
Iskah could only laugh sheepishly, sympathetic to Vanessa's magical plight but can do little to the city guards' orders. "L-Look, they said we can still cast magic. Just... not anything grand and flashy like... a lot of your spells." Well, at least the Lizardman tried her hand in consolation.
The city guards said nothing more to Vanessa's sarcastic remarks and resumed their patrol, allowing the Lizardman and the Dark Mage to enter the capital and head towards Wayland Keep.
Nothing major happened to the duo as they walked through the bustling streets of Linirea, only that the crowds became thicker and thicker as they passed through the walls. Unlike in the other Ortusian towns and villages, Iskah and Vanessa spotted monsters walking with the crowds. No one noteworthy, just monsters like Holstaurs and Kobolds. They even saw a stall selling general goods, managed by a crew of Goblins. This crew even had a couple of people browsing their wares. Perhaps because of this, Iskah seemed more relaxed here than in the previous towns.
The walk continued being quiet until the duo encountered a commotion in the streets. A small crowd had gathered and blocked the duo's way, before something darted to the air and hovered there. It was a pink, angelic figure holding an equally pink bow. Heart-shaped decorations adorned her revealing clothing. Short, pink hair, brown-skinned with a white cap, she was undoubtedly a Cupid - a servant of the goddess Eros.
"You are all in pain! The Goddess only wishes to bring levity in your trying times! Do not let your hearts be fully darkened by the war! Lest they become as dark as The Order's whom you fight!" The Cupid declared to the crowd before flying away. "I shall return..."
The city guards accosting the Cupid all shook their heads and told the crowd to disperse. Iskah could only sigh at the scene. "I think I already said this before but ever since the Chief God and The Order betrayed Ortus, divinities and their servants are no longer welcome in the capital because of their association with The Chief God. Eros' Cupids and Houris, Bacchus' Satyrs, the whole lot. The royalty thinks they could be spies for The Chief God." The Lizardman then bit her lip. "To be told that your feelings and convictions aren't real, I know all too well..."
"Anyway, we're getting close to Wayland Keep." Iskah changed the topic. "Got any plans in mind? I know we're restricted in magic, but something like invisibility is totally fine. Also, if we can nab Aun in one fell swoop, then that's worth getting thrown out."
"Well, no time like the present. Let's get moving before your friend realizes the only thing at the orphanage is your boy's lingering stink and a gaggle of his little siblings."
Iskah stroked the summoned steed as it nuzzled against her cheek. "...Yeah. Let's."
The Lizardman-Dark Mage duo set forth. It took them a day of travel before finally reaching their destination...
Iskah and Vanessa trotted to a stop at a hill overlooking the aforementioned capital. The sprawling, metropolitan city was vast and situated next to a great river, befitting the capital of a kingdom. The stone walls looked quite high, even from this distance, and farms, workshops and homes flowed out of the city walls. The most prominent sight was the castle that sported unique blue roofs in the middle of the city, the seat of Ortus' royalty.
"We're entering from the south, and Wayland Keep is at the western part near the river." Iskah said, but not pointing it out. Spotting the keep from this distance was futile anyway. There were plenty of large buildings but only the castle stood out in appearance. "Hopefully, the guards don't recognize me when we approach."
Of course, the first thing that Iskah and Vanessa encountered upon descending the hill and onto the southern outskirt town of Linirea was a patrol of four city musketeer guards stopping them. "Halt! You're one of those lizard monsters that's been harassing The Incubus Knight!"
Iskah cringed from atop the horse. "Err... Yes, I am." She answered honestly, albeit reluctantly. "Wait, why am I singled out--!"
"We have orders to bar your entry should you continue harassing The Lot Knight." The musketeer guard cut Iskah off. "Are you here to harass The Incubus Knight?"
"Uhh... no?" A bald-faced lie from a shrugging Iskah.
The guard shrugged and the tense encounter suddenly relaxed. "Good enough for me. You may pass." He then suddenly raised his hand to stop the two monsters. "Before I forget, try not to cast too much spells in the city especially flashy ones. With the war against The Order flaring up again, anti-magic sentiments are on the rise again. Careless casting of magic inside the capital might set off a riot, something me and the other boys don't really wanna deal with."
"We'll keep that in mind. Thank you." Iskah was unnerved at the warning since magic was Vanessa's main strength.
"That also means no summoned beings either." That caught Iskah by surprise, and she sheepishly looked at her Dark Mage partner to see what she would do.
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