Sho Minazuki

Emerald Odyssey — An MMO Isekai RP (Now Accepting!)

@Rune_Alchemist: Seems good to go then. Accepted.

@SilverPaw: Also looks fine. Accepted.

@Sho Minazuki: Hm...

I think my biggest problem is in the conceptualization of the 'Ashigaru' class. Ashigaru, historically, were frontline infantry, which makes them existing as a sort of sniper... Odd, I guess? I also don't know how I feel about the idea of sniper classes in MMOs, as the long range only means so much when you're either forced to be in a more enclosed area or do mechanics and break lining up your shot. Class designs also usually are a bit more complex than 'prep, load, fire', and I'm not sure how much a linear gameplay style like that would keep people. In my opinion, outside of FPSes this specific subarchetype of ranged DPS is best off in strategy games or action RPGs where that range advantage can be taken full advantage of without the necessity of kiting.

The rest is probably fine though? Might need to give it another brush over later.

@PKMNB0Y

Yes I've had difficulties figuring out what to do with it, so I based it on how matchlock rifles were used in warfare. You'd be surprised how engaging it could be if the game allows, there's kind of a reason people like to do sniper builds.

Though I understand you have a point, but Ashigaru were just footsoldiers who used matchlock rifles, there isn't a whole lot more that can be done with it in specific to Ashigaru other than soldier utility such as first aid and small arms explosives.

Emerald Odyssey — An MMO Isekai RP (Now Accepting!)

Well everything should be ready for scrutiny. I'll draw him up later.

Hider

Appearance

Name: Itouchi Horiyama
Character Name: Saito Souji
Race: Human
Age: 24
Personality: Itouchi is a somewhat reserved individual, as one might expect from a young Japanese man, however he has a particular sense of judgement. He is prone to making his own conclusions about other people, and while he may not act on those conclusions without further observation, he can break that rule should the person in question be of distaste to him. In particular, those who treat others horribly, who act in service of only themselves, or if they act childishly and waste people's time. Normally he would simply avoid them, but there are times when he may confront them if he believes that not doing so would seriously harm the group.

Despite his rather strong sense of judgement, he's a friendly person, though perhaps due to being reserved, acts somewhat formally most of the time. There are times when around close friends he may act much less so, making more jokes and acting somewhat more carefree. Perhaps something one might notice is a particularly fondness for the Shinsengumi, and though it is not as obvious as it used to be, the leftovers of that more pronounced phase of his remain in his name.

History: Itouchi like many young men graduating university, would find themselves applying for a company and then working there as a salaryman. He was rather fortunate to find a good company, having had a rather normal upbringing. It was this somewhat normal lifestyle combined with the more lonely lifestyle of a salaryman that perhaps pushed him towards Emerald Odyssey, seeking something a little more exciting between work days.

He started playing roughly three or four years ago, and for the first few of those he became an accomplished raider, perhaps the very best for one of the expansions, but stopped after realizing the stress it was beginning to put him under. Though he is thankful for those years as it has shaped him into a more than competent player, both overall skill with the game, and when it comes to playing with other people which was a central component. From then on he normally just played the game with friends, only delving into difficult content on a casual basis.

Class(es):

• Samurai - [Katana] - A melee DPS class that utilizes a Katana. A swift and agile class boasting high critical rate and critical damage that aims to move through droves of enemies with very few strokes of the blade. As a drawback, their damage if they do not land a precise strike would be more than underwhelming, and defensive capabilities are nearly none, preferring to avoid blocking with their weapon. They have access to perhaps the fastest set of weapon skills called Battoujutsu, where the samurai may resheathe their weapon, gathering up their focus and spiritual energy before unleashing it in an impressive display of blinding speed.
• Kagemusha - [Nodachi] - Meaning "shadow warrior", a tank class that utilizes a Nodachi. In particular they make use of shadowy decoys to gain the attention of the enemy and even confuse them, as well as creating veils of shadow over their allies in order to hide them or guard them from attack. Every shadow generated costs a portion of the Kagemusha's health pool, however should these decoys slay enemies or deal sufficient damage, they can return to the Kagemusha to restore their health.
• Ashigaru - [Matchlock Firearms] - A ranged DPS class that utilizes matchlock firearms. Though it has a low firing rate compared to many if not all ranged classes, it boasts high damage per shot, and the highest critical damage of ranged classes. Despite being a ranged DPS class, it is frequently seen fighting in close quarters, only retreating to fire off their fatal shots. The Ashigaru also use matchlock handguns in these situations, with skills based around evasion and breaking armor. This class is also known to be a popular secondary, as the handguns can be used alongside any weapon that can be wielded with one hand.

Non-Combat

• Blacksmith - Though he doesn't delve a lot into crafting, he found himself making use of blacksmith frequently to maintain his weapons. He can craft new ones too, but for some reason the best weapons he can craft are all for his classes. Blacksmith as a profession is quite popular as people need or want new shiny gear all the time, and while he is not a reputed crafter, the katana that he can craft are of top quality... And nothing else.

Other:

• His character name Saito Souji is a combination of Hajime Saito and Okita Souji.

Emerald Odyssey — An MMO Isekai RP (Now Accepting!)

I'm quite interested in the Log Horizon angle. Will probably make some kind of samurai.

Fairy Tail - Smothered Lights [Always Accepting]

The storm that is approaching

Hider

╔══════════════════════╗

✖ ‖ N a m e

Wolfram Faust

✖ ‖ T i t l e s / N i c k n a m e s

"The Dark Wolf", "Dark Slayer", "Demon Hunter", "Artefact Hunter"

✖ ‖ A g e / B i r t h d a y

22 / March 8th

✖ ‖ G e n d e r

Male

✖ ‖ B o d y T y p e

Medium Tall

✖ ‖ G u i l d

Sapphire Falcon

✖ ‖ O r i g i n a l G u i l d

Sapphire Hornet

✖ ‖ G u i l d M a r k L o c a t i o n

Above the left wrist

✖ ‖ F a m i l y

Mother and Father, both deceased

✖ ‖ M a g e R a n k

A Rank

✖ ‖ P e r s o n a l i t y

Wolfram holds a reputation as an aloof individual who tolerates very little nonsense. Often being seen with a book, in silence, or seemingly in thought, gives the immediate image of a professional individual, and for the most part that seems to hold true. He takes certain things quite seriously and sorts out his priorities often immediately turning down or shooting down anything irrelevant or of little importance. It may seem as if he was impossible to approach or hold a conversation with, though that could not be further from the truth.

A light conversation on current matters he would oblige willingly, or on topics of interest or intrigue. So long as they are not trivial, he will serve it more than a little thought. He is surprisingly also not devoid of humour, though he seems to do so sparingly. Suffice to say he is more the type to take an opportunity, rather than force humour constantly. There are very few people who knows this about him including those who have worked with him, more so because he speaks unless required, or unless there is business at hand.

✖ ‖ L i k e s

✖ - Old legends and literary stories
✖ - Classical music.
✖ - Weapons, such as guns and swords, especially swords.
✖ - Measures of martial skill.
✖ - Martial arts
✖ - Board games

✖ ‖ D i s l i k e s

✖ - Those of weak will
✖ - The foolish
✖ - Deceit
✖ - Unprofessional conduct
✖ - Disrespectful treatment of cultural items.
✖ - Those who cannot back their egos.
✖ - Dark Guilds

✖ ‖ B i o g r a p h y

Biography

The Faust manor sits within a deep and thick old forest, a tad decrepit, and rather old, seemingly and from a glance it might seem completely uninhabited. A small and simple family lived within this abode, silently and quietly living their lives, completely unaware of the legacy that which they lived upon. The Fausts are an old family, tracing back to being among the very first mages in history. It's a wonder that the family lineage has stayed alive all this time, but they are no longer the great and prestigious family they once were, fading into obscurity over the ages as the family's members stepped further and further away from magic.

Young Wolfram was an only son born to two loving parents, his mother was a historian, and his father was a member of law enforcement in the nearby town. Though the family of Faust was no longer as prestigious, the family's centuries of history were still within those walls, countless books on various topics, interesting trinkets from bygone eras, and family heirlooms displayed in various parts of the house. Though admittedly there were some that were missing, likely from old members of the family in the past having sold them somewhere. When it came down to it, this house was a minor trove of old magical artefacts.

Having lived generations here with the house mostly untouched, a family that now only sought to live their days out in peace and distancing themselves from mages and guilds, perhaps lacked the knowledge regarding that which they sat upon. One day when Wolfram was out playing, members of a Dark Guild attacked his home and ransacked it for the valueable artefacts within. It was not an attack that could randomly happen, only one who researched the Fausts and their long heritage would know to eventually find this old home. When Wolfram returned to his house, he was greeted with fire and death, his home now smoldering and a litany of items missing. He sat there perhaps for hours until the fires died out, unable to process everything properly, before crying his eyes out.

A member of the law enforcement from the nearby town eventually came to visit upon realizing one of their members had mysteriously stopped attending that day, and the scene was wrapped up by officials. After about a month, Wolfram aged 9 at this time was allowed to go through the belongings that were left behind after the investigation had concluded it was an arson and theft, with traces of magic left behind.

It was a good few years since then and during then, he pored over whatever was left, including the assortment of magical tomes. He was given special permission to visit the wreck of his house under supervision, a privilege he was only allowed to due to the close relationship of his father and the police. He did not use this until a year later, having processed the events, now seeking answers.

A good few months passed where he visited his old house every other day, and it was only until then he found a hidden passageway underneath the house, leading to an old magical lab. It was suffice to say, untouched, but it was a very small lab, almost like a safe room. Within lay only a single artefact, a tome for a dark elemental magic, journals, and some books relating to ancient artefacts. From what he could read of the journals, this belonged to a member of the family some three or four generations past who took it upon themselves to recover the family's legacy.

According to the research, the Faust family was one of the first to summon demons, the legacy of the family was founded around the creation of artefacts with the help of demons, and sometimes even using them directly. At some point though the experiments had gotten out of hand, where members of the family would mix their blood with a demon's to bring out even more power from these artefacts. This would lead to one of the earliest versions of Satan Soul, though it appears that those of this method required an artefact to use the magic.

Over the centuries and through various incidents, the Faust family would quickly lose their influence, losing their numerous demonic artefacts, and then become an obscure footnote in history. However, their power still sleeps within their blood, even now. They need only the tools. It was hard to believe for the young Wolfram, and still was, as try as he might he knew not how to use this magic, as supposedly the katana that had been recovered was one of these artefacts. Still... He felt a connection to this pursuit, things that were rightfully his, and his family's, furthermore... More of them were taken during that fateful day. Perhaps... If he started searching too, he could eventually find the ones responsible.

And so it was from there he undertook training as a mage, practicing his arts day and night, researching and finding a way to use the wepaon left behind. It wasn't until his mid-teens that he found himself joining up with Sapphire Hornet, and from there he grew as both a mage and swordsman.

Even with the changes to the light guild and it's merge to become Sapphire Falcon, he was among those who saw the fewest changes. All that changed for him was what guild he was associated with, his goals stayed the same. To track own the long lost possessions of his family, and to find the ones responsible for murdering his parents. He looked into any case that might relate to demons too, in hopes of finding out he can awaken his family's dormant power, or even clues to his family's possessions as they have a deep connection to demons. Though he entertains the present and his guild mates from time to time, it's always made clear what he seeks.

✖ ‖ M a g i c

Dark Horizon - A versatile dark elemental magic enabling one to mold dark energy how they please. In that way it's rather similar to many other dark magic, however the defining trait of this is that it is able to detonate and result in a fine slash, or a whole array of them. Advanced applications of this include retaliating after-images, after-image dashes, and creating fine blades at a set location as opposed to firing them off like a projectile. Wolfram has mastered the application of this magic to an extensive degree, allowing him to manually detonate the blades by sheathing his blade.

Visually the magic takes on the form of a fog or aura of darkness with what appears to be stars and a galaxy within, and has a slight glow about it. When detonated, a small explosion erupts at the center before splitting into a solid line and slashing anything caught within it. The magic can take different colours depending on the user, but for Wolfram it is a deep blue.

✖ ‖ S p e l l s

• Swirling Darkness - One of his standard attacks where he quickly creates an array of slashes from a distance. He can do it multiple times, or even do larger ones, executed by an almost instantaneous draw and sheath of the blade, the sheathing action of which would detonate it and make it appear as if he slashed from far away. Due to the ranged and speedy nature of this attack, it's very difficult to see coming without a keen eye. It also has a few expanded versions:
  
  • Dark Judgement - Executes the attack at a wide range all around the user. A more climactic attack that ends when the user sheaths their blade, causing the area to erupt in slashes.
  • Black Daybreaker - A large version of Swirling Darkness but consists of one strike with a high level of power, though it's range and speed is lower. It is summoned and then detonated after Wolfram sheathes his sword. Due to it's size and strength, it has a considerable level of cutting power.
• Void Slash - A single swing that coats the area in front of him in his magic. Once he sheathes his blade, it detonates into a single brilliant slash. The coat of darkness will impede on the movement of enemies caught within it. Other applications are:
  • Shadow of the Void - A simple enhancement to his sword swings that follows up his swings with a second slash from his magic at higher range and power, at a delayed pace. This technique sacrifices the movement impeding property for constant and high damage over time.
  • Void Reversal - Three swings down, up, then a big overhead swing, detonating at the same time as the third slash.
  • Cloak of the Void - A counter-attack that creates the darkness around the user. Upon taking a hit, the user will move away and leave the attacker to be struck by a retaliation.
• Empty Shadow - Wolfram will move quickly at a significant level of acceleration while leaving behind after-images. While not as fast as something like lightning, it serves as a way to close distance and follow up on attacks. He is not invulnerable during it's use, and changing direction is nearly impossible.
  
  • Shadow Guard - A move where he dashes away while shielding himself from the front with an after-image. The after-image will absorb a portion of the attack dealt and retaliate briefly by detonating into a slash. This is an escape that while does not leave the user unscathed, will allow them to maintain some level of control of the battle.
  • Abyssal Assault - An offensive application where he uses Empty Shadow consecutively while slashing, letting him assault a single or a few targets within an instant. It will appear as if he had become a blur zipping around his target followed by slashes.

✖ ‖ T a l e n t s

• Master Swordsman - He regularly practices his forms. In particular the speed and precision of his strikes are most deadly.
• Marksmanship - One would not expect him to have some skill with firearms, but he's used a few once in awhile. While hardly an amazing shot, he knows his way around them.
• Martial Artist - He has a decent amount of skill in hand to hand combat, so in a case where he's unarmed he still knows what he can do. He may not outpace someone dedicated to the craft though.
• Artefact Hunter - Among his peers of Sapphire Hornet, he was known to delve into old ruins and track down old artefacts, and has been in fact responsible for the recovery of some items. It appears though he's seeking something else...
• Writer and Reader - It's not at all rare to see him sitting in a chair in a corner surrounded by books, typically of old tales and legends. He's also a writer who occasionally submits short stories to magazines. He gets paid for it though so what he started on a whim has become a regular routine.

✖ ‖ O d d i t i e s

• Standoffish Aura - Despite how he is, he has an air around him that makes it hard to approach him. Cold one might say, or dark.
• Dramatic Flair - He has a bit of flair for some dramatic response. Ordinarily he's quite professional, but he won't turn down a chance to have himself a little fun.
• No Sympathy - You'll get no sympathy from him. Not at all the type to simply sit down and console someone. It may not be best to ask him to negotiate with people who are amidst emotions.
• Personal Priorities - If he has a goal in particular situations he will often pursue that. Not a problem when he's alone, but if he's to work with other people, it will certainly cause some friction.
• No Patience for Fools - Were he to work with such a client or team mate, one may find themselves with him in absence. He will certainly still be around, somewhere, but this might make it tricky to coordinate anything with him.

✖ ‖ W e a p o n s A n d T o o l s

Mikazuki
A katana bearing his family's crest. Supposedly there were many other weapons within his family, but this was the only one he could find. It's blade has an unearthly sheen, and appears unblemished despite lack of care over the decades. One can feel a kind of power sleeping within. As of moment, it is but a normal katana as far as function goes.

✖ ‖ M i s c e l l a n e o u s

Insert anything else that you feel deserves mentioning.

✖ ‖ T h e m e S o n g

Bury the Light

Just a user's note here to name that the above has been rejected but I'm keeping it here anyway.

Fairy Tail - Smothered Lights [Always Accepting]

I've never seen a GM make changelogs. I've had a fair share of FT RPs hitting troublesome ends, here's to this one maintaining reasonable pace and living long.

I'm interested. I'll be asking some things in a PM later.

Silver Gate Academy [Accepting New Players]

Kyoto

Sunset > Evening

Sunday, June 5th 20XX

---

Utsumi adjusted his spectacles as it appeared everyone had finished deliberating on what they would do. Despite asking if they had questions, it appeared they were all set on this path they were to undertake.

“Well, it certainly seems it was foolish of me to ask if anyone had questions. You are all set on this it appears”, he signaled them to follow him as they made their way in the direction of Nijo Castle.

---

The group skirted around the castle walls, and were now standing in Suzaku Park Baseball Field, which was only a few blocks away from Nijo Castle. On a night like this, there was no one around, and based on what Utsumi described along the way, the Alliance was surrounding the castle, so the location he was using before to support which was Nijo Park, was not safe from their notice.

“When I cast this spell, the enemy will see the portal before you arrive, so once again, be ready to attack even as you pass through. As for the support I can grant you, at this distance all I can do is provide preventional protection. That means I cannot heal you or block large attacks. Naturally, I will be moving closer to increase what I can do as the events unfold”, it might appear he too was nervous, but it seems that other than stopping them from taking too much damage, he couldn’t do much else.

“Now… All we do is wait for Kuuto’s signal”, he ended.

---

Somewhere in Kyoto...

The sounds and blaze of a festival danced about at the foot of the buildings of urban Kyoto, a mesmerizing cascade of gold and orange lights, like a congregation of fireflies at an insane density. At least, this was the view that Kuuto beheld as he stood atop a building in the distance, looking directly at Nijo Castle. His arms were crossed as he stood there in waiting, knowing full well what some of his students were about to do, though trusting Utsumi, he was confident they were in good hands. Furthermore it would fall to him to make it sooner rather than later.

Soon, he heard the doors behind him, the roof access, swing open as a few people in suits emerged, one of which held a long wooden box. The group of around five people then set about to stand in formation behind Kuuto as the center figure placed the box down, opening it, revealing a katana tucked in it’s saya. The saya was specially adorned with an inscription citing the moon, it’s tsuba was crafted from silver rather than the typical brass or lined with gold, further enhancing its affinity to the moon.

“Lord Kirizanto, we have arrived with the Munechika Mikazuki. You have been granted permission to utilize this artifact for this operation, naturally it must be returned after the events conclude”, said one of them. Kuuto held out his arm, hand outstretched, signalling the one who presented the katana to bring it to him. As soon as the blade was in the Kirizanto family head’s hands, he wasted no time to enter a stance, holding the blade still sheathed behind him as his coat fluttered in the wind, hand at the ready. His eyes glinted as the speck of gold on Nijo Castle became the focus of his gaze.

“Kirizanto Ougi, Mikazuki Special, Stride of Tsukuyomi”

The battle is currently being conducted in the discord server

Silver Gate Academy [Accepting New Players]

Kyoto

Sunset

Sunday, June 5th 20XX

---

The vermillion hues spread across the sky over Kyoto appeared to forebode the kind of night that was to follow, filled with lights of gold and orange hues, with a searing brightness that strained the eyes, yet a brilliant display as it bounced against the array of clouds in the heavens. The students gathered around a small park just a minute's walk down the way from the Uzamari Ryokan, as Utsumi kept his end of the deal.

"I see your attitudes had not changed since yesterday, if anything some of you seem more determined... Although the number has... Risen a little", Utsumi adjusted his glasses as he was referring to the addition of Helena and Asta, and it was likely the former would inform Rodrick too...

"Well, I suppose more of you would increase your chances of success anyhow... I've been informed of what the Alliance has chosen to do in this event. I will be going through that, what we will be doing, as well as the challenges we are to face", he began.

"To begin with, the Alliance will be deploying a sacred artifact to destroy the egg, the katana Mikazuki Munechika, due to it's affinity with the moon, as the Egg had been identified to have a strong affinity for the sun. Kuuto has informed us that he is the one to be wielding it, as the Alliance deemed him the best option. All he's said though is... He'll send a signal when he'll be using it to create a crack in the egg. Theoretically in this instance, Seirin should be recoverable. As such, the plan goes that when he's done it, I will be sending you all in front of the Egg with the spell Great Port of Undine, and you will retrieve Seirin as priority", he explained.

"Though... Bear in mind, this is still a gamble, it is unknown if Seirin can actually be recovered from the egg like this, furthermore, it also appears that most of the Sennen Matsuri's yokai forces have retreated, which has left Shinzo and a small token crew including the Kurobozu, all alone, it is unknown why this is the case, but perhaps of interest, the young lady assassin is also there. It is very likely Shinzou will be at the egg, so as soon as you emerge from that portal and even before it, you must be prepared", it appeared that they had to be ready to act right away.

"Ah yes... I will also be providing support should a direct confrontation with Shinzou come about, as I doubt he will be so lenient as to fight like last time against you all. Given the presence of the Alliance, it's very likely that should there be a fight, you all will only need to survive long enough for us to converge and capture him", the plan seemed rather clean and clear, with only a few dangerous variables, but it felt appropriate.

"If there are any questions in regards to the operation, I suggest asking me now. Once we depart, there will not be a chance to ask us, as we'll be right in the midst of it all".

Silver Gate Academy [Accepting New Players]

Kyoto

Sunday, June 5th 20XX

---

@Taka

Hider

With each attempt, Aurelius' focus deepened, while his body fatigued. If not for his background and being familiar with physical exertion, he would not have the stamina to continue as he did, trying again and again, his movements becoming sharper. The basic forms he had learned from Akimoto along with the sparring helping him familiarize with how to wield a katana, there was no telling how he would apply this to his more European style blades, but that was of no consequence while he made attempt after attempt.

Day turned to sunset as sweat dripped down his cheeks, running down his brow, his focus so tuned that he ignored the sensation, and... With a single stroke, he cut the leaf with nary a disturbance in the wind. The motion was fluid, quick, the wind around the blade did not stutter as the blade swept through it perfectly, and his movement was perfect for that one moment.

"Oho~ Not bad... Hm, ordinarily I'd ask you to do it again, but it seems I should not stay here for too much longer", Akimoto looked towards the sky. There were ominous clouds as a flaming night slowly began to set in.

"Well, for now, I'll let you borrow this", he produced what appeared to be a small, beaten handbook from his person, handing it to Aurelius. Upon it was what appeared to be some archaic sword arts... Anyone who had studied Musashi Miyamoto would not recognize it, but there were arts he mastered that he did not share with others, and this was what was suggested by the writings in this book.

"I'd like you to learn everything in it. Next time we meet, hand it back since... It's also a bit of a good luck charm, but I'm sure this is what the old man would've wanted... Oh and that katana, you can keep it for practice", he looked to the sky again then turning back to Aurelius.

"Well, I'll be going now, I'm sure you have some business in this city, so I'll leave you to that", he got up, they said their goodbyes, and just like that he walked away to who knows where.

Just as Aurelius was packing up his gear and cleaning himself up of his sweat, taking a drink or what have he, he spotted a blue bird landing on the seat beside him. It was Utsumi's blue magical bird... So it appears it was time.

@ERode

Hider

Motsumine fluttered his fan for a moment, closing his eyes before opening them again and answering Otis' question.

"That, is merely the manipulation of Yoki, I suppose the idea of manipulating one's spiritual energy in such a direct way is a new concept to your world, however it no less requires great skill to do so", so it was just a natural ability.

"I advise being wary, as such skills are known to be versatile, requiring very little preparation", he added. His eyes turned quickly to the side of the room where a member of the Alliance was there, bowed and waiting for him. It seems they've just arrived.

"But it appears our time is up. Do be careful on your way back, and good luck to your endeavors", and with that, he allowed Otis to leave. It would seem he must conduct his business at the estate for the upcoming battle.

As Otis began leaving the estate, he spotted a blue bird landing near him, looking directly at him... So it appears it was time to go.

@I-Am-X@Lonewolf685

Hider

Lorelai on her way back found herself with a small companion on her shoulder... Utsumi's blue bird. So the time had come.

Meanwhile, over at the ice cream parlour, Helena and Asta eating their ice cream while Ultana was finishing hers off... As she only bought one compared to the others getting extra, a blue bird landed on their table.

"Hm? Isn't that the teacher's spell?", pointed out Helena. That's right, these two had no idea what was coming up.

"Must be serious if he's calling us this way", commented Asta. It wasn't for these two but for Ultana but... Well... She can explain it or not, regardless she needed to get going it seems.

---

Eiseikato

Sunday, June 5th 20XX

---

The halls of the illustrious Inn run by Kitsune were quiet at this time. Swept clean, pristine, with nary a footstep found or heard, ghostly quiet some might even say. At the front of the Inn there was a sign saying it they were closed, and only guests already checked in would be allowed to stay. The staff was set to only the bare minimum, with only some chefs and attendants left to ensure the guests left over were taken care of. The young senior left in charge, Kohane, was stepping around the Inn, looking for the junior left in her care, Koyuki, and yet she was nowhere to be found.

Her search finally led her to the last place she might be, the fine lady Kuzunoha's chamber, and as she stepped up the polished lacquered stairs, turning to her side, then slowly sliding the doors open after sitting down in seiza, she was surprised beyond belief with what she saw... Or did not see. Lady Kuzunoha was... Nowhere to be found. Kohane was told that they were to close and go onto minimal staff for the night, with other staff allowed to go and take the night off, she had all of them accounted for except Koyuki... Surprise turned to confusion, turned to speculation...

"Where... Where have they gone...?"

Silver Gate Academy [Accepting New Players]

Kyoto

Sunday, June 5th 20XX

---

@Taka

Hider

From Aurelius' arrival to just a few hours later as lunchtime neared, Akimoto noticed something about the way Aurelius fought. The confidence he had before yesterday had washed out. Not that it was a bad thing, it completely changed the way he swung his blade, no longer going for large and wide swipes, it seemed as if Aurelius might understand one of the essences of the style he's teaching. Well, it wasn't as if this enigmatic wandering samurai was not privvy to what had happened at the castle, in fact he was an onlooker from far away, choosing not to get involved. As lunch broke and they returned after a break, Akimoto spoke to Aurelius,

"Well well, I don't know what happened but you seemed to have changed the way you swing that glorified stick around. Good for you, for the rest of today, practice what I showed you when we first met", was he giving up on him? It could be interpreted that way, or... He felt he was ready to try it.

"Don't think about it, let your soul guide you... Is what I was told by my master, maybe it'll work for you", because it didn't for Akimoto, admittedly, as he looked away for awhile, then back to Aurelius.

"I'll just be here and watch", he said as he took a seat down at the bench behind him.

@ERode

Hider

Motsumine sat across the young owl boy at the Fujiwara estate. Guards were posted around the place, more crowded than it was before, though based on how they moved it was likely Motsumine's own entourage. There were definitely more posted around Nijo Castle based on some of the talking that went about. When Otis let on that he knew about Seirin, and that he encountered Shinzou, he was with nothing else, requested to come see him at the estate, and despite conditions would be let through. So here he was.

"So, you wished to know more about Shinzou? Hmhm, it appears we are of like mind. I'm afraid there is nothing concrete I can share about him, ever since his emergence as a member of the Sennen Matsuri, it had been a mystery as to what he was. Initial reports made him out to be like a kamaitachi, but the first sighting of his yokai transformation suggested otherwise, and against all belief, we theorize he is a descendant of Fuujin, a shinto god, or kami. Even now many of the Alliance do not want to believe it, that he is half kami, but... Such a thing to me is believable. After all, yokai and kami, are two sides of the same coin", he explained.

"You who had fought him with your classmates and forced his hand should have seen it yourself, so there is little denying it... Hm, perhaps the only thing stopping us from settling on the matter is the lack of divinity... Which is a power we scarcely understand ourselves, but let's see... The golden egg that you had witnessed is made entirely of divinity, ignoring all magic or earthly energies. As far as I can tell you about that can be read about in our archives, as there has been very little development in understanding divinity", he then moved the topic. Despite how calm he seemed, there was a slight speed to the way he spoke, as if there was some urgency. Otis should know well that there was an upcoming battle, so that made sense.

"In any case, I am impressed at your curiosity, and survival, or luck. Two intimate encounters with Shinzou and to survive while being a student, truly remarkable, even if the second was a concerted effort", he praised.

"Any final questions? As I'm sure you're aware, there are pressing matters due to come very soon".

Silver Gate Academy [Accepting New Players]

Kyoto

Sunday, June 5th 20XX

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@I-Am-X

Hider

Ultana's walk around Kyoto proved to be rather... Peaceful, to say the least. Despite what they were going to be dealing with, everyone in the city went about their day as per normal, in fact there appeared to be preparations for a festival tonight. What kind of festival...? Well, there didn't seem to at all be any concrete one. Everyone seemed to have a different name for it, but there was no doubt one was going to happen if the preparations taking place were not such. Some of the people in the staff seemed slightly weird, but that was of no concern right now.

As she continued to wander she ran into Helena and Asta who were exploring the markets for cold confectionaries.

"Ahhh! Ultana! It is nice to see you here, I had caught wind of an ice cream store in this area that was famous for unusual flavors... Besides wasabi", she began. Asta behind Helena was busy fanning herself,

"I... I do hope it's not too far from here... What is with the heat today? It's much greater than before", she commented, before taking a swig from a bottle of water.

@Lonewolf685

Hider

The blacksmith's small house just some minutes down the forest road had been hard at work for the last few days. Some of the people living in the area were impressed with the young lad's dedication to an otherwise rare and outdated craft for the modern day, but the material he had to work with was too much for him to pass up. Rare material originating from a distant land with seemingly troublesome properties, but forged right... The user might be able to make use of them.

Come today, Lorelai had come to collect her order. She spent time beholding the weapon, both the carefully carved and polished shaft of the spear, adorned with intricately tied and wound wrappings, a simple yet unique pommel, and a wrapping near the head, leading up to the main point, the spear's blade. It had a crystalline patterning to it, glistening with polygonal shapes like the surface of a diamond, albeit with the colour of silver steel and shining turquoise. This was all tipped off by a flat and almost glowing edge, it was hard to tell whether it was silver, or ice blue. When asked if there was a name for it, the young boy Muramasa put his fingers to his chin in thought...

"Hmmmm, I have not thought about it as I forged it, but let's see... If I had to pick, Seshoukan Muramasa...", perhaps to Lorelai that sounded strange, though all it meant was 'brilliant blue pierce'. Naturally, Muramasa would be added to the end of that, to denote who the blacksmith was. The effects of the material were preserved, albeit they would be weaker than the origin of it. Perhaps with more material like this, something more impressive could be made.

"But, I am open to other suggestions. As I said, I had not thought about it till now", he added on.