A Hero's Quest: Eye of the Demon Emperor
- Thread starter Birdsie
- Start date
- Original Fantasy
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Just try to be nice and friendly with him whilst trying to gently let him down while stating that we would be okay with being friends (because being friends with a son of the king is good idea and Artoria is a nice person).
Chapter 3: Days of Glory - Part 26: Life Of The Party
Birdsie
Sharp Talons Cleave The Worthy
- Location
- Poland
You stroll through the ballroom and poke the prince on his shoulder while he's busy talking to a guard near one of the doors. Alonso turns around, looking at you. Now that you focus, you can see him gulping as soon as he sees you.
"Hey!..."
"Hi."
...
...
"So, what's up?" he breaks the silence. He's nervous. Only slightly, but he is nervous.
"Oh, nothing. It's just... I've been enjoying the party and y'know.... those flame snails are pretty crazy!"
"Oh, yeah! The flame snails are... cool..." Alonso states, paradoxically. In a second, he understands his mistake. "I-I-I mean... they're hot! Like... uh..."
"Like what?" You lay one arm on your hips with a smirk.
"Like... dragons? He... he... Pyndwyn's breath must have been scalding, right?"
'Oh, God, this is pretty awkward,' you think.
'Oh, Elder God. This is the most awkward conversation I've had,' Alonso thinks, screaming internally. 'Did Frederic tell her about how I feel? No. He wouldn't. He's not that kind of person... or is he? Oh, Elder God. I'm about to break down. Oh, Elder God. Please, please, have mercy on me.'
"Sssssoo..." Alonso breaks the silence again. "I'll go... get... more wine... for my..." He looks down at his nigh-full cup of wine. "self."
"Sssssure."
The prince begins to walk away, but you stop him by holding his shoulder. "Anything you want to tell me?"
He takes a deep breath. Alonso stands there, speechless. He stands for several seconds, probably calculating what to say next. After a moment of silence between the two of you, he musters the confidence to speak. "Eeeh, yes, actually." He turns to you. "You..."
...
"Look gorgeous in that dress!" Alonso smiles.
"Thanks for noticing," you snark, unimpressed, with lowered eyebrows.
His lack of courage means you can't get to him directly. You clear your throat and look Alonso straight in the eyes, with a clear, determined sight. Your voice is slow and underlined. "I hope we can be friends," you say, hoping to make it clear.
"Yeah!" he affirms joyfully, nodding. 'Did I just get friend-zoned or is this a declaration of us stepping up? God. I'm so bad at this.'
Suddenly, you hear a voice behind you. "Uuuuh, strike one, my lord." You look back to see a random guard of the ballroom. The one Alonso was speaking with earlier.
Alonso looks at the guard angrily. "You're not allowed to speak on duty, Jeremy!"
The guard looks forward again. "S-sorry."
'He's right though!' Alonso panics inside his mind. 'It's over. I should just... find a way to slip... by... escape the social prison...'
"So, I'll go find Vivian. See you later," Alonso says, calmer than before. He walks away.
So that's that.
Several men in black body-suits leap across the rooftops. Assassins, clad in darkness, with cloth covering their faces. Shining iron daggers sheathed into sacks of leather on their bodies, with other various equipment. Some had throwing knives, others bows, and others had swords and scimitars.
A single hero stands atop another rooftop, above them. A shadow before the moon, with glorious hair.
The assassins stop moving next to a wall of the royal palace. A secluded location, far away from any guard patrols, on a small elevated location near the eastern wing of the castle. "I have the key," one of them says, taking out a purple magical crystal and showing it to his fellows. "Prepare for Codename Rex Mortis."
"Roger," one of them says.
"Understood," says another.
Many more affirm. There are at least seven voices more.
"Ahem." The hero draws attention.
One of the assassins exclaims, "Look up in the sky! It's a bird!"
"It's a skeleton!" another replies.
"No, it's a... hero!" an assassin says, surprised and aroused.
"Buenos tardes, amigos," the hero above them speaks up. "If you would explain to me what Rex Mortis is... that'd be much obliged."
...
All stare in awe.
The assassin leader points at him. "Never!"
"Well, I didn't ask for your opinion. Tonight, justice is served cold." Senor Fred throws off his cape, takes out a Spiderman Hair Comb and adjusts his hair. He looks grimly at the assassin leader. "Just like snails."
"Like what?" an assassin asks.
"Snails..." the leader broods. "They have been my biggest fear since childhood. You bastard. Who are you?"
"I am... Senor Frederico Caballerio! And tonight... I will be your waiter!" He draws his spade. "I will cut you up like they do in an Espanian restaurant! Tonight, cold snails are our main course!"
"You calling me slow?" the assassin leader asks, angered.
"I'm calling you a snail," Senor Fred answers. "It's because snails are inherently evil creatures. All they do is slither and leave behind filthy mucus. It's just like you! You... villain! Now, prepare for justice! Justice will be swift! Justice will be painful! It will be..."
"Get him!"
"DELICIOUS!" Senor Fred leaps at the enemy.
You sigh. Frederic approaches you. "How did it go?"
"He was too scared to tell me anything except that the dress looks good on me."
"It does look good on you," Vivian approaches and sits down next to you. She has the same, blank look on her face.
Frederic shrugs. "Don't judge Alonso too hard. He's not that bad, you know?"
"Is that so?"
Vivian blinks. "He actually tries his best. His best, however, is not too much overall. I would give him A+ for effort and F+ for effectiveness." She's ruthless and savage, but she's right.
You sigh again. "What an idiot..."
"Hi-yaaah!" Senor Fred swings, cutting down the pants of the last assassin. He runs away, screaming, with his white underwear with heart symbols showing.
"That will teach you how snails should move! Run and tell everyone of how slow you were compared to Senor Fred!" Senor Fred looks at the camera and smiles. He knows he will have to chase these assassins soon, to draw information about who they're working for from them, but for now, he can advertise safely. Fred looks you (the players) straight in the eyes. "Also, buy my merchandise at: www.redbubble.c––––"
"Whoa, what are you?" Alonso takes a step back as soon as he sees Senor Fred. He's shaking in fear.
"I am the Hero of Justice! Senor Frederi–––––"
"GUARDS, INTRUDER!" Alonso screams in fear.
"No-no-no-wait! I mean no ill intent, nino!"
Several clinking sounds can be heard as a pair of armored feet move up to the prince. Guards, armored, with spears in hands. "What is it, my lord?" They look up and see Senor Fred. "Agh! What is that?"
Senor Fred sighs, then jumps up onto the roof. "I will be back, little nino, to protect the people of Espania!"
"We're in Albion, you weirdo!" Alonso yells back at him, putting his hands in a cone shape to carry his voice further.
"Justice!" Senor Fred jumps off into the night, fading among the rose petals falling down from the sky for dramatic effect.
[] Speak with Leona.
[] Speak with Roderick.
[] Speak with Roland.
[] Speak with Aegis again.
[] Speak with the king, once he's no longer busy.
[] Speak with Vivian.
[] Speak with Frederic.
[] Write-in.
Time: Night
Calendar: 1006-08-25
"Hey!..."
"Hi."
...
...
"So, what's up?" he breaks the silence. He's nervous. Only slightly, but he is nervous.
"Oh, nothing. It's just... I've been enjoying the party and y'know.... those flame snails are pretty crazy!"
"Oh, yeah! The flame snails are... cool..." Alonso states, paradoxically. In a second, he understands his mistake. "I-I-I mean... they're hot! Like... uh..."
"Like what?" You lay one arm on your hips with a smirk.
"Like... dragons? He... he... Pyndwyn's breath must have been scalding, right?"
'Oh, God, this is pretty awkward,' you think.
'Oh, Elder God. This is the most awkward conversation I've had,' Alonso thinks, screaming internally. 'Did Frederic tell her about how I feel? No. He wouldn't. He's not that kind of person... or is he? Oh, Elder God. I'm about to break down. Oh, Elder God. Please, please, have mercy on me.'
"Sssssoo..." Alonso breaks the silence again. "I'll go... get... more wine... for my..." He looks down at his nigh-full cup of wine. "self."
"Sssssure."
The prince begins to walk away, but you stop him by holding his shoulder. "Anything you want to tell me?"
He takes a deep breath. Alonso stands there, speechless. He stands for several seconds, probably calculating what to say next. After a moment of silence between the two of you, he musters the confidence to speak. "Eeeh, yes, actually." He turns to you. "You..."
...
"Look gorgeous in that dress!" Alonso smiles.
"Thanks for noticing," you snark, unimpressed, with lowered eyebrows.
His lack of courage means you can't get to him directly. You clear your throat and look Alonso straight in the eyes, with a clear, determined sight. Your voice is slow and underlined. "I hope we can be friends," you say, hoping to make it clear.
"Yeah!" he affirms joyfully, nodding. 'Did I just get friend-zoned or is this a declaration of us stepping up? God. I'm so bad at this.'
Suddenly, you hear a voice behind you. "Uuuuh, strike one, my lord." You look back to see a random guard of the ballroom. The one Alonso was speaking with earlier.
Alonso looks at the guard angrily. "You're not allowed to speak on duty, Jeremy!"
The guard looks forward again. "S-sorry."
'He's right though!' Alonso panics inside his mind. 'It's over. I should just... find a way to slip... by... escape the social prison...'
"So, I'll go find Vivian. See you later," Alonso says, calmer than before. He walks away.
So that's that.
***
Several men in black body-suits leap across the rooftops. Assassins, clad in darkness, with cloth covering their faces. Shining iron daggers sheathed into sacks of leather on their bodies, with other various equipment. Some had throwing knives, others bows, and others had swords and scimitars.
A single hero stands atop another rooftop, above them. A shadow before the moon, with glorious hair.
The assassins stop moving next to a wall of the royal palace. A secluded location, far away from any guard patrols, on a small elevated location near the eastern wing of the castle. "I have the key," one of them says, taking out a purple magical crystal and showing it to his fellows. "Prepare for Codename Rex Mortis."
"Roger," one of them says.
"Understood," says another.
Many more affirm. There are at least seven voices more.
"Ahem." The hero draws attention.
One of the assassins exclaims, "Look up in the sky! It's a bird!"
"It's a skeleton!" another replies.
"No, it's a... hero!" an assassin says, surprised and aroused.
"Buenos tardes, amigos," the hero above them speaks up. "If you would explain to me what Rex Mortis is... that'd be much obliged."
...
All stare in awe.
The assassin leader points at him. "Never!"
"Well, I didn't ask for your opinion. Tonight, justice is served cold." Senor Fred throws off his cape, takes out a Spiderman Hair Comb and adjusts his hair. He looks grimly at the assassin leader. "Just like snails."
"Like what?" an assassin asks.
"Snails..." the leader broods. "They have been my biggest fear since childhood. You bastard. Who are you?"
"I am... Senor Frederico Caballerio! And tonight... I will be your waiter!" He draws his spade. "I will cut you up like they do in an Espanian restaurant! Tonight, cold snails are our main course!"
"You calling me slow?" the assassin leader asks, angered.
"I'm calling you a snail," Senor Fred answers. "It's because snails are inherently evil creatures. All they do is slither and leave behind filthy mucus. It's just like you! You... villain! Now, prepare for justice! Justice will be swift! Justice will be painful! It will be..."
"Get him!"
"DELICIOUS!" Senor Fred leaps at the enemy.
***
You sigh. Frederic approaches you. "How did it go?"
"He was too scared to tell me anything except that the dress looks good on me."
"It does look good on you," Vivian approaches and sits down next to you. She has the same, blank look on her face.
Frederic shrugs. "Don't judge Alonso too hard. He's not that bad, you know?"
"Is that so?"
Vivian blinks. "He actually tries his best. His best, however, is not too much overall. I would give him A+ for effort and F+ for effectiveness." She's ruthless and savage, but she's right.
You sigh again. "What an idiot..."
***
"Hi-yaaah!" Senor Fred swings, cutting down the pants of the last assassin. He runs away, screaming, with his white underwear with heart symbols showing.
"That will teach you how snails should move! Run and tell everyone of how slow you were compared to Senor Fred!" Senor Fred looks at the camera and smiles. He knows he will have to chase these assassins soon, to draw information about who they're working for from them, but for now, he can advertise safely. Fred looks you (the players) straight in the eyes. "Also, buy my merchandise at: www.redbubble.c––––"
"Whoa, what are you?" Alonso takes a step back as soon as he sees Senor Fred. He's shaking in fear.
"I am the Hero of Justice! Senor Frederi–––––"
"GUARDS, INTRUDER!" Alonso screams in fear.
"No-no-no-wait! I mean no ill intent, nino!"
Several clinking sounds can be heard as a pair of armored feet move up to the prince. Guards, armored, with spears in hands. "What is it, my lord?" They look up and see Senor Fred. "Agh! What is that?"
Senor Fred sighs, then jumps up onto the roof. "I will be back, little nino, to protect the people of Espania!"
"We're in Albion, you weirdo!" Alonso yells back at him, putting his hands in a cone shape to carry his voice further.
"Justice!" Senor Fred jumps off into the night, fading among the rose petals falling down from the sky for dramatic effect.
***
[] Speak with Leona.
[] Speak with Roderick.
[] Speak with Roland.
[] Speak with Aegis again.
[] Speak with the king, once he's no longer busy.
[] Speak with Vivian.
[] Speak with Frederic.
[] Write-in.
Time: Night
Calendar: 1006-08-25
Last edited:
Birdsie
Sharp Talons Cleave The Worthy
- Location
- Poland
Hm, I figured you'd want to speak with Aegis about Cervitou's backstory, but alright.
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I trust Cervitou so I'm not too bothered by it. Also, Cervitou is one of your favourites so you're going to work more of his backstory into the quest anyway.
Birdsie
Sharp Talons Cleave The Worthy
- Location
- Poland
Who knows?
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I'm just making a calculated judgement of your character.
Birdsie
Sharp Talons Cleave The Worthy
- Location
- Poland
I like to subvert expectations whenever possible.
Chapter 3: Days of Glory - Part 27: The Nightmare
Birdsie
Sharp Talons Cleave The Worthy
- Location
- Poland
"So, Vivian," you speak, once Frederic has left. Social gatherings don't seem to be his thing. "What about you?"
"What about me?" She turns her head to you.
"How does your magic work?"
"I just know things. It doesn't have a basis to it. When I want to see someone, I see. When I want to know something about someone, I know. When I want to recognize what kind of underwear you're wearing, it's pink."
"Eh?!" You blush. She's right. You're less embarrassed since she's a girl.
"Please, never do that again."
"Conversations are naturally stale to me," she glooms, with closed eyes. "Every topic me and a potential conversant explore has already been answered. I know their opinions, only they don't know mine. So I don't ask questions, ever."
"I... I see. What if someone has magical protection?"
"True. Powerful mages are an exception, but I don't have any questions to ask of them anyway. For an example, I know that right now, you are prepared to summon your sword. I know that there are many spirits in this room. I also know when I will die."
Your eyes widen. "You will... die?"
...
"Yes. That is the reality. We must accept it and move onward."
SWISH-SWOOSH-CLANG!
Two times dodged, one time parried.
SWISH-KRIP!
One time dodged, one time hit. The sword pierces the guard captain's chest, going deep through his heart.
The man in black armor smiles under his helmet, showing a white, toothy grin. He puts his foot on the guard captain's chest and kicks him off of his sword. The guard captain falls to the ground, producing a puddle of blood that spreads across the stones.
The man in black armor looks up, to see numerous guards defeated by his comrades. The city of Lanerfield, behind him, burns.
A guard suddenly goes through the doors of the hall. "We must evacuate at once! The city is under attack!"
The king goes to the guard. "You there, what is the meaning of this?"
"M'lord," the guard kneels. Without looking up, he expands. "He Who Cheated Death has returned."
Leona grimaces. Roderick walks past the guard, he turns to address everyone in the ballroom. "For all night, we have been getting drunk and partying. And now, the time of reckoning has come! Those who have the mettle to fight among us will prove themselves worthy of their titles. The others may stand and die for nothing!"
You sprint to Leona. "Mom, who is he talking about?"
Leona looks at you. "The oldest enemy of our bloodline. And the first to be defeated by Baragar. Turenval, the Arch-Necromancer. Do you know, Artoria, why necromancy has such a bad reputation? It's because of him, and the things he did. Hundreds of years ago, Turenval wrought terror across Albion, until he was stopped by our ancestors. This is what gave Baragar a large portion of his fame."
Vivian walks up to you, surprisingly calm. "Do not fight, Artoria."
"W-what?"
Leona looks at her in confusion, not bothering to bow.
Vivian looks at Leona. "If your daughter fights here tonight, she will meet a cruel fate. I'm sorry to say that."
"My lady, just what kind of prophetic powers do you think you have?" Leona inquires.
Vivian frowns. "The kind that will save Artoria's life."
You protest. "I will fight alongside you, mom."
Leona thinks. She stares at you with an angered, calculating gaze. Her eyebrows furrow. She thinks like that for several seconds. "No. You will stay here."
"But..."
"No." Leona turns away and begins walking to the exit of the ballroom. She reaches her hand out to the left, and a sword warps into it. Particles of mana gather around her body and form an armor over her dress. She is more prepared than you thought.
Leona walks up to Roland. "Roland. Make sure Artoria stays indoors."
She then goes up to Roderick and the two leave to fight.
You clench your fists. You're also prepared to fight, but, maybe Vivian is right? Maybe losing your life to glory isn't the best idea. You turn to the princess. "Will I really die?"
Vivian nods callously. You feel heartbroken that you can't fight alongside your parents when the capital of your homeland is burning. "And will I die if I help escort the king?"
Vivian looks forward into empty space for a moment. She is emotionless. She looks back at you and shakes her head.
You nod at her, then walk over to Advan and Aegis, who are already discussing how to evacuate the palace and all of the royalty and aristocracy. "My lord. I will help escort you." You reach out with your hand. Golden light streams from it, blinding everyone near for just a second. You hold Excalibur in it and look at Advan.
Advan nods to Aegis, then looks at you. "You may help, but be careful."
Roland protests. "Hang on, you're meant to stay indoors."
"I'm meant not to fight in the battle happening outside. I'll avoid it if I help escort His Majesty. Won't I?"
Roland thinks, then sighs. "Damn it, sister. Fine."
Alonso walks up to Advan with a quick walk. He is surprisingly calm, as if he had nerves of steel. It's very uncharacteristic. "Father, the guard reports there's no way. The castle is surrounded. We will have to use one of the secret exits. Or teleport."
Advan ponders on the report. "Then... we'll go through the sewers."
A mage-strategist shakes her head. "Negative, my lord. The sewer system will collapse under enemy fire in seven minutes. It's too risky."
Advan ponders again. "Any ideas?"
"Teleportation will be imprecise and ineffective under enemy magic. Our best bets are to fight our way out, or use a secret exit and fight our way out."
Advan nods. "To the dining room."
The nobles, servants, guards, mages, and everyone else in the ballroom gather together. Everyone is there; Alonso, Frederic, Vivian, the king's wife, and all of the noblewomen, men, and their children that you met tonight. Plus the guards, like Jeremy. Everyone rushes out, with the armed and prepared to fight at the forefront of the group. You move through the huge, decorated corridors of the castle, followed by the magical, protective spirits of the ballroom.
You stumble upon two black knights. You and Aegis jump out, as the group slows down. Excalibur moves in a blur, as you slice. You cut one of the undead monsters in half. Aegis pummels the other with her enchanted gauntlets, killing it and splitting its body into bits. You keep running unimpeded.
You move through several corridors, encountering enemies every now and then, until you find yourself in the biggest dining, slash, meeting room, that you have seen in your life.
King Advan moves to one of the empty, decorative sets of iron armor at the side of the room and pulls its pinky. The finger, surprisingly extends. Once it is drawn out, Advan lets go and the finger recoils, triggering some kind of mechanism. The wall opens up, creating a stairway that leads downward.
"This way," Advan barks, taking a torch in his hand, giving a few others to the guards, and leading the group downward with Aegis at his side.
You and the group stumble into an underground dungeon. Advan and Aegis lead on, knowing the passage expertly well, like they have a map in their heads.
"What are the chances of an ambush?" Advan asks.
The mage-tactician, who you, now, suspect to be the Court Enchanter, answers. "I don't know, but there are enemies in the tunnel."
"How many?"
"... Ten? No... there's... twelve, but more are on their way. We must hurry."
Advan speeds up. So does the rest of the group, now half-jogging.
...
SCHWING! An assassin in black robes drops from the ceiling, above Advan's head. Before his dagger can even reach the king, Aegis swiftly jumps, faster than a human eye can register, covering but a few meters as if teleporting, and then kicks the assassin horizontally with enough force to make him hit the wall and make it crack. He's clearly dead after the kick.
SCHWING! SCHWING! Two more assassins jump out. Aegis jumps forward, grabs them by their throats, and hits them against each other so hard they fall unconscious or dead. She then lets go of them and leads onward.
"Nine enemies remaining."
Four assassins, previously invisible, run past Aegis. It's your turn. You move forward, swinging Excalibur. It moves in a wide arc, with enough speed to make it blur in the eyes of any watchers and yourself. Excalibur cuts. Two fall dead.
Roland draws a bow he took from one of the guards. Holding the arrows in his draw hand, he fires one, then one another without a second passing. The arrows pierce the assassins.
"Five remaining."
Advan rises his hand. "Stop. Something's wrong." He stares at the empty space for a moment, not moving a bit. His eyes look thoughtful.
Aegis turns to the king. "What's happening?"
Vivian already knows. "They are distractions. No assassin hired to kill the king, especially by an undead, enemy king, would be so foolish as to attack so haphazardly. These assassins were mind-controlled."
"This has a purpose, but what? What is the purpose in throwing such... cannon fodder... at us?" Advan deliberates. He looks down at the dead assassins.
You break into the conversation. "My lord, it doesn't matter," you argue. "What matters is that we get out of here. Right now."
"She's right," Aegis nods. "Let's move while we still can. Their purpose is to intimidate us. We can't allow that."
The Court Enchanter's face twists. "Stop!... All enemies are gone. One remaining... he's... I detect strong mana signatures. He's sixty meters down the tunnel.... fifty meters.... forty..."
"Make a firing line!" Aegis orders the archers, who move forward and make a line, drawing their bows. The line has two rows. The archers at the front kneel, giving the ones behind them space to fire their arrows. The archers draw their bows, as mana gathers in their hands to form arrows. Magi-bows.
"Thirty... twenty..." The Court Enchanter keeps counting down.
"Draw!" Aegis barks the order. The archers draw their arrows to their cheeks.
"It... stopped..." The Court Enchanter looks up. She steps forward, behind the archers. "My lord, the enemy is twenty meters ahead of us. Your orders?"
"Let's wait until he attacks, then turn him into a target practice instrument," Advan commands.
And so, you wait. The tensions are high.
And you wait. Two minutes pass.
"Court Enchanter, what's happening?" Aegis asks.
"He's not moving."
Aegis growls. "I'll go check it out."
[] Offer to check it out.
[] Let Aegis take care of it.
[] Write-in.
Time: Night
Calendar: 1006-08-25
"What about me?" She turns her head to you.
"How does your magic work?"
"I just know things. It doesn't have a basis to it. When I want to see someone, I see. When I want to know something about someone, I know. When I want to recognize what kind of underwear you're wearing, it's pink."
"Eh?!" You blush. She's right. You're less embarrassed since she's a girl.
"Please, never do that again."
"Conversations are naturally stale to me," she glooms, with closed eyes. "Every topic me and a potential conversant explore has already been answered. I know their opinions, only they don't know mine. So I don't ask questions, ever."
"I... I see. What if someone has magical protection?"
"True. Powerful mages are an exception, but I don't have any questions to ask of them anyway. For an example, I know that right now, you are prepared to summon your sword. I know that there are many spirits in this room. I also know when I will die."
Your eyes widen. "You will... die?"
...
"Yes. That is the reality. We must accept it and move onward."
***
SWISH-SWOOSH-CLANG!
Two times dodged, one time parried.
SWISH-KRIP!
One time dodged, one time hit. The sword pierces the guard captain's chest, going deep through his heart.
The man in black armor smiles under his helmet, showing a white, toothy grin. He puts his foot on the guard captain's chest and kicks him off of his sword. The guard captain falls to the ground, producing a puddle of blood that spreads across the stones.
The man in black armor looks up, to see numerous guards defeated by his comrades. The city of Lanerfield, behind him, burns.
***
A guard suddenly goes through the doors of the hall. "We must evacuate at once! The city is under attack!"
The king goes to the guard. "You there, what is the meaning of this?"
"M'lord," the guard kneels. Without looking up, he expands. "He Who Cheated Death has returned."
Leona grimaces. Roderick walks past the guard, he turns to address everyone in the ballroom. "For all night, we have been getting drunk and partying. And now, the time of reckoning has come! Those who have the mettle to fight among us will prove themselves worthy of their titles. The others may stand and die for nothing!"
You sprint to Leona. "Mom, who is he talking about?"
Leona looks at you. "The oldest enemy of our bloodline. And the first to be defeated by Baragar. Turenval, the Arch-Necromancer. Do you know, Artoria, why necromancy has such a bad reputation? It's because of him, and the things he did. Hundreds of years ago, Turenval wrought terror across Albion, until he was stopped by our ancestors. This is what gave Baragar a large portion of his fame."
Vivian walks up to you, surprisingly calm. "Do not fight, Artoria."
"W-what?"
Leona looks at her in confusion, not bothering to bow.
Vivian looks at Leona. "If your daughter fights here tonight, she will meet a cruel fate. I'm sorry to say that."
"My lady, just what kind of prophetic powers do you think you have?" Leona inquires.
Vivian frowns. "The kind that will save Artoria's life."
You protest. "I will fight alongside you, mom."
Leona thinks. She stares at you with an angered, calculating gaze. Her eyebrows furrow. She thinks like that for several seconds. "No. You will stay here."
"But..."
"No." Leona turns away and begins walking to the exit of the ballroom. She reaches her hand out to the left, and a sword warps into it. Particles of mana gather around her body and form an armor over her dress. She is more prepared than you thought.
Leona walks up to Roland. "Roland. Make sure Artoria stays indoors."
She then goes up to Roderick and the two leave to fight.
You clench your fists. You're also prepared to fight, but, maybe Vivian is right? Maybe losing your life to glory isn't the best idea. You turn to the princess. "Will I really die?"
Vivian nods callously. You feel heartbroken that you can't fight alongside your parents when the capital of your homeland is burning. "And will I die if I help escort the king?"
Vivian looks forward into empty space for a moment. She is emotionless. She looks back at you and shakes her head.
You nod at her, then walk over to Advan and Aegis, who are already discussing how to evacuate the palace and all of the royalty and aristocracy. "My lord. I will help escort you." You reach out with your hand. Golden light streams from it, blinding everyone near for just a second. You hold Excalibur in it and look at Advan.
Advan nods to Aegis, then looks at you. "You may help, but be careful."
Roland protests. "Hang on, you're meant to stay indoors."
"I'm meant not to fight in the battle happening outside. I'll avoid it if I help escort His Majesty. Won't I?"
Roland thinks, then sighs. "Damn it, sister. Fine."
Alonso walks up to Advan with a quick walk. He is surprisingly calm, as if he had nerves of steel. It's very uncharacteristic. "Father, the guard reports there's no way. The castle is surrounded. We will have to use one of the secret exits. Or teleport."
Advan ponders on the report. "Then... we'll go through the sewers."
A mage-strategist shakes her head. "Negative, my lord. The sewer system will collapse under enemy fire in seven minutes. It's too risky."
Advan ponders again. "Any ideas?"
"Teleportation will be imprecise and ineffective under enemy magic. Our best bets are to fight our way out, or use a secret exit and fight our way out."
Advan nods. "To the dining room."
The nobles, servants, guards, mages, and everyone else in the ballroom gather together. Everyone is there; Alonso, Frederic, Vivian, the king's wife, and all of the noblewomen, men, and their children that you met tonight. Plus the guards, like Jeremy. Everyone rushes out, with the armed and prepared to fight at the forefront of the group. You move through the huge, decorated corridors of the castle, followed by the magical, protective spirits of the ballroom.
You stumble upon two black knights. You and Aegis jump out, as the group slows down. Excalibur moves in a blur, as you slice. You cut one of the undead monsters in half. Aegis pummels the other with her enchanted gauntlets, killing it and splitting its body into bits. You keep running unimpeded.
You move through several corridors, encountering enemies every now and then, until you find yourself in the biggest dining, slash, meeting room, that you have seen in your life.
King Advan moves to one of the empty, decorative sets of iron armor at the side of the room and pulls its pinky. The finger, surprisingly extends. Once it is drawn out, Advan lets go and the finger recoils, triggering some kind of mechanism. The wall opens up, creating a stairway that leads downward.
"This way," Advan barks, taking a torch in his hand, giving a few others to the guards, and leading the group downward with Aegis at his side.
You and the group stumble into an underground dungeon. Advan and Aegis lead on, knowing the passage expertly well, like they have a map in their heads.
"What are the chances of an ambush?" Advan asks.
The mage-tactician, who you, now, suspect to be the Court Enchanter, answers. "I don't know, but there are enemies in the tunnel."
"How many?"
"... Ten? No... there's... twelve, but more are on their way. We must hurry."
Advan speeds up. So does the rest of the group, now half-jogging.
...
SCHWING! An assassin in black robes drops from the ceiling, above Advan's head. Before his dagger can even reach the king, Aegis swiftly jumps, faster than a human eye can register, covering but a few meters as if teleporting, and then kicks the assassin horizontally with enough force to make him hit the wall and make it crack. He's clearly dead after the kick.
SCHWING! SCHWING! Two more assassins jump out. Aegis jumps forward, grabs them by their throats, and hits them against each other so hard they fall unconscious or dead. She then lets go of them and leads onward.
"Nine enemies remaining."
Four assassins, previously invisible, run past Aegis. It's your turn. You move forward, swinging Excalibur. It moves in a wide arc, with enough speed to make it blur in the eyes of any watchers and yourself. Excalibur cuts. Two fall dead.
Roland draws a bow he took from one of the guards. Holding the arrows in his draw hand, he fires one, then one another without a second passing. The arrows pierce the assassins.
"Five remaining."
Advan rises his hand. "Stop. Something's wrong." He stares at the empty space for a moment, not moving a bit. His eyes look thoughtful.
Aegis turns to the king. "What's happening?"
Vivian already knows. "They are distractions. No assassin hired to kill the king, especially by an undead, enemy king, would be so foolish as to attack so haphazardly. These assassins were mind-controlled."
"This has a purpose, but what? What is the purpose in throwing such... cannon fodder... at us?" Advan deliberates. He looks down at the dead assassins.
You break into the conversation. "My lord, it doesn't matter," you argue. "What matters is that we get out of here. Right now."
"She's right," Aegis nods. "Let's move while we still can. Their purpose is to intimidate us. We can't allow that."
The Court Enchanter's face twists. "Stop!... All enemies are gone. One remaining... he's... I detect strong mana signatures. He's sixty meters down the tunnel.... fifty meters.... forty..."
"Make a firing line!" Aegis orders the archers, who move forward and make a line, drawing their bows. The line has two rows. The archers at the front kneel, giving the ones behind them space to fire their arrows. The archers draw their bows, as mana gathers in their hands to form arrows. Magi-bows.
"Thirty... twenty..." The Court Enchanter keeps counting down.
"Draw!" Aegis barks the order. The archers draw their arrows to their cheeks.
"It... stopped..." The Court Enchanter looks up. She steps forward, behind the archers. "My lord, the enemy is twenty meters ahead of us. Your orders?"
"Let's wait until he attacks, then turn him into a target practice instrument," Advan commands.
And so, you wait. The tensions are high.
And you wait. Two minutes pass.
"Court Enchanter, what's happening?" Aegis asks.
"He's not moving."
Aegis growls. "I'll go check it out."
[] Offer to check it out.
[] Let Aegis take care of it.
[] Write-in.
Time: Night
Calendar: 1006-08-25
Last edited:
Birdsie
Sharp Talons Cleave The Worthy
- Location
- Poland
So, yeah, big update. Also, think carefully on your votes. I dislike giving advice, but one wrong move, and people will die - possibly including Artoria.
EDIT: Also, asking Vivian who the enemy is, is pointless. Same for asking the Court Enchanter. The enemy is using magical interference to ensure getting precise information with magic is difficult. Just saying that because it is scarcely mentioned in the update, and this is what everyone will tell you if you ask such a question.
EDIT: Also, asking Vivian who the enemy is, is pointless. Same for asking the Court Enchanter. The enemy is using magical interference to ensure getting precise information with magic is difficult. Just saying that because it is scarcely mentioned in the update, and this is what everyone will tell you if you ask such a question.
Last edited:
Okay then, time to strategize.
[X] Ask Vivian which exits we can go to from here that will help us escape. If she can't find out, ask the King.
-[X] After that, don't let Aegis go after the person, instead, shoot an Excalibur-beam down the hallway. After that, if it isn't dead, in the words of Monty Python, RUN AWAY!
[X] Ask Vivian which exits we can go to from here that will help us escape. If she can't find out, ask the King.
-[X] After that, don't let Aegis go after the person, instead, shoot an Excalibur-beam down the hallway. After that, if it isn't dead, in the words of Monty Python, RUN AWAY!
- Location
- UK
- Pronouns
- They/Them
[X] Ask Vivian which exits we can go to from here that will help us escape. If she can't find out, ask the King.
-[X] After that, don't let Aegis go after the person, instead, shoot an Excalibur-beam down the hallway. After that, if it isn't dead, in the words of Monty Python, RUN AWAY!
-[X] After that, don't let Aegis go after the person, instead, shoot an Excalibur-beam down the hallway. After that, if it isn't dead, in the words of Monty Python, RUN AWAY!
Chapter 3: Days of Glory - Part 28: Elucifer Lyserg
Birdsie
Sharp Talons Cleave The Worthy
- Location
- Poland
"Vivian. What exits can we go to from here?"
Vivian shrugs. "Only straight."
"Let me through," you order the archers at the front. They open up their ranks to let you past. You brandish Excalibur in your hands. You move it above your head, then swing downward, releasing a wave of yellow light. It flies through the corridor.
You hear the sound of a sword being unsheathed. You see a red light, and then, the wave of yellow energy hits one of red. You see the Drifter at the other end of the hallway.
"Drifter," you exclaim.
"Hello... niece," he steps out from the darkness. His red sword glows momentarily with energy. He stares at you with his red, angry eyes. He forms an adamant shield with his body, to keep you from going through. His goal here is clear, but you decide to ask anyway. Just in case.
"What do you want?"
"Can't you guess?"
You brandish Excalibur, pointing it at him. In that case, there is no room for discussion. You can't convince him to go away, or let you through. The only thing that will work is, hopefully, intimidation. "You have five seconds to go back. Then I whoop your ass."
"That piece of skeletal vermin is not here to protect you again, little girl," he snaps. The Drifter looks at you, narrowing his eyes. "My master is occupying him as we speak. Tonight, you bleed."
"Why are you doing this?"
"To seek redemption."
"How is this redemption? What you're doing is evil!"
"Evil is subjective. What I'm doing is good," he argues, gesturing dismissively.
"I don't believe you." You shake your head. "What you do isn't heroic. How is killing a king heroism?"
"I am bringing balance, peace, and security. The stability that the world needs. I want to unite all the people on the planet under one lord and king. It is very heroic."
"And your means is destruction?"
"Correct. What's wrong with that? The death of the few for the benefit of the many."
"I'm talking about more conventional heroics, where the goal is less about the destruction of evil and more about the healing."
The Drifter is visibly upset by your words. "Healing?... Healing!?" He tears his scarf off, revealing the rest of his body. It is covered in scars, bruises, stitches, and other visible marks of emancipation. It has pieces of metal melded into it, possibly as a way of amending the loss of bodyparts. He is like a cyborg. "Healing is for soft-hearted, grinning fools! You tear out the cancer and let them deal with the aftermath. The scar serves as a reminder to others!"
You're not getting through to him. You amass legs, enhance yourself, and leap forward. Excalibur moves in a blur, slicing. The Drifter blocks, while nobility and the king rush past him. Aegis hesitates to leave you, but she can't abandon the king. After giving her a nod, Aegis nods back and she proceeds after the group of guards, nobles, and the royal family that ran through the tunnel.
S-WAN! An arrow hits the Drifter in the chest. He jumps back in recoil. The arrow doesn't go any further than a centimeter into his thick armor.
"Away from my sister."
"Two of you?" he asks.
You slice at him. Excalibur chips a piece of his armor. The Drifter swings back and hits you across the chest. You're not wearing any armor, so the attack leaves a large, open hole in your chest. You move back, as blood pours out, staining your dress with red color.
The Drifter dodges some of Roland's arrows and runs toward him. The two exchange in melee, while you stand there, clutching your wound. You feel the immense heat from your chest. It stings. You were cut clean. You feel weak. But you can't give up. This is nothing.
You cast a surge of fire from the palm of your open hand as the two fight, which the Drifter merely absorbs, not showing to be damaged at all. Neither ice or fire are very effective against him.
You move in to help Roland, delivering a downward cut in a wide arc. The Drifter dodges the attack, then responds in a similar manner. Roland quickly takes out a sword and blocks his attack before it can hit you. You thrust Excalibur under their blades, managing to pierce the Drifter's chest. The sword cuts through where his heart should be.
You take out Excalibur from his chest. The Drifter stumbles back, wounded, but far from death.
"D-damn you... I'm..."
D-D-D-D-D-D-BAN-BAN-BAN-BAN-BAN-BANG!
Six arrows, like thunder. They roar through the hall in your direction. Three miss, one hits Roland, two hit you. Your shoulders are hit by powerful, magical arrows. Roland is hit in his knee and falls down. You let go of Excalibur momentarily in pain, but you pick it up quickly again to protect yourself.
The archer fired from the darkness, somewhere behind you.
The Drifter looks up at the figure with the bow. "I didn't need your help, Lyserg."
"Yes, you did. And call me Elucifer."
"These children are the ones you had trouble with? This is absolutely pathetic." The brown-haired warrior, called Elucifer, says, holding a magical, ornate bow in his hand. It has engravings of wolf heads on it. He draws another arrow and fires it into your foot, making you fall to the floor. It moves so quickly you can't even see, or stop it.
"Only the girl is our target. The boy is meaningless," the Drifter replies bitterly as he sees that Elucifer is about to shoot Roland.
"W-what the hell do you want?" you look up at them.
"Your eyes," Elucifer smirks. "Actually, I guess it's more like your soul."
"Why?" Tears stream down your eyes. Are you about to die?
"It has a piece of–––"
"Shut up. You're not supposed to tell this to anyone," the Drifter moves his hand back, preparing to slap Elucifer.
"Oh?" Elucifer looks at the Drifter, knocking his hand away. "And you'll do what? Tell Turenval about it? Oh-oh, wait! You'll tell your daddy about it."
"At least I had a 'daddy.'"
Elucifer's face twists in anger. "Take that back."
"Or what? You'll complain about it to your mommy? Oh, wait, you didn't have a––"
SCH-BANG-CLINK! Elucifer fires an arrow at the Drifter at blinding speeds, faster than your brain can calculate. The Drifter slices it apart without issue, taking a step back. The two pieces of it hit the floor behind him.
"Last time we went through this, I used my sword and blew the two of us to Hell itself. If you want, I can drag you down there again."
"If you do that, we'll both go down there."
"My own soul be damned if yours burns, you bastard. You took everything I had. I won't hesitate to take what is yours."
"Come at me, then!" Elucifer draws the string of his bow. Seven arrows appear in it.
[] Use the chance. Slowly crawl to Roland and help him get up, then run.
[] Use Nature Magic to summon a swarm of local pests to distract them, then run away.
[] Write-in.
Time: Night
Calendar: 1006-08-25
Mana: 190/200
Vivian shrugs. "Only straight."
"Let me through," you order the archers at the front. They open up their ranks to let you past. You brandish Excalibur in your hands. You move it above your head, then swing downward, releasing a wave of yellow light. It flies through the corridor.
You hear the sound of a sword being unsheathed. You see a red light, and then, the wave of yellow energy hits one of red. You see the Drifter at the other end of the hallway.
"Drifter," you exclaim.
"Hello... niece," he steps out from the darkness. His red sword glows momentarily with energy. He stares at you with his red, angry eyes. He forms an adamant shield with his body, to keep you from going through. His goal here is clear, but you decide to ask anyway. Just in case.
"What do you want?"
"Can't you guess?"
You brandish Excalibur, pointing it at him. In that case, there is no room for discussion. You can't convince him to go away, or let you through. The only thing that will work is, hopefully, intimidation. "You have five seconds to go back. Then I whoop your ass."
"That piece of skeletal vermin is not here to protect you again, little girl," he snaps. The Drifter looks at you, narrowing his eyes. "My master is occupying him as we speak. Tonight, you bleed."
"Why are you doing this?"
"To seek redemption."
"How is this redemption? What you're doing is evil!"
"Evil is subjective. What I'm doing is good," he argues, gesturing dismissively.
"I don't believe you." You shake your head. "What you do isn't heroic. How is killing a king heroism?"
"I am bringing balance, peace, and security. The stability that the world needs. I want to unite all the people on the planet under one lord and king. It is very heroic."
"And your means is destruction?"
"Correct. What's wrong with that? The death of the few for the benefit of the many."
"I'm talking about more conventional heroics, where the goal is less about the destruction of evil and more about the healing."
The Drifter is visibly upset by your words. "Healing?... Healing!?" He tears his scarf off, revealing the rest of his body. It is covered in scars, bruises, stitches, and other visible marks of emancipation. It has pieces of metal melded into it, possibly as a way of amending the loss of bodyparts. He is like a cyborg. "Healing is for soft-hearted, grinning fools! You tear out the cancer and let them deal with the aftermath. The scar serves as a reminder to others!"
You're not getting through to him. You amass legs, enhance yourself, and leap forward. Excalibur moves in a blur, slicing. The Drifter blocks, while nobility and the king rush past him. Aegis hesitates to leave you, but she can't abandon the king. After giving her a nod, Aegis nods back and she proceeds after the group of guards, nobles, and the royal family that ran through the tunnel.
S-WAN! An arrow hits the Drifter in the chest. He jumps back in recoil. The arrow doesn't go any further than a centimeter into his thick armor.
"Away from my sister."
"Two of you?" he asks.
You slice at him. Excalibur chips a piece of his armor. The Drifter swings back and hits you across the chest. You're not wearing any armor, so the attack leaves a large, open hole in your chest. You move back, as blood pours out, staining your dress with red color.
The Drifter dodges some of Roland's arrows and runs toward him. The two exchange in melee, while you stand there, clutching your wound. You feel the immense heat from your chest. It stings. You were cut clean. You feel weak. But you can't give up. This is nothing.
You cast a surge of fire from the palm of your open hand as the two fight, which the Drifter merely absorbs, not showing to be damaged at all. Neither ice or fire are very effective against him.
You move in to help Roland, delivering a downward cut in a wide arc. The Drifter dodges the attack, then responds in a similar manner. Roland quickly takes out a sword and blocks his attack before it can hit you. You thrust Excalibur under their blades, managing to pierce the Drifter's chest. The sword cuts through where his heart should be.
You take out Excalibur from his chest. The Drifter stumbles back, wounded, but far from death.
"D-damn you... I'm..."
D-D-D-D-D-D-BAN-BAN-BAN-BAN-BAN-BANG!
Six arrows, like thunder. They roar through the hall in your direction. Three miss, one hits Roland, two hit you. Your shoulders are hit by powerful, magical arrows. Roland is hit in his knee and falls down. You let go of Excalibur momentarily in pain, but you pick it up quickly again to protect yourself.
The archer fired from the darkness, somewhere behind you.
The Drifter looks up at the figure with the bow. "I didn't need your help, Lyserg."
"Yes, you did. And call me Elucifer."
"These children are the ones you had trouble with? This is absolutely pathetic." The brown-haired warrior, called Elucifer, says, holding a magical, ornate bow in his hand. It has engravings of wolf heads on it. He draws another arrow and fires it into your foot, making you fall to the floor. It moves so quickly you can't even see, or stop it.
"Only the girl is our target. The boy is meaningless," the Drifter replies bitterly as he sees that Elucifer is about to shoot Roland.
"W-what the hell do you want?" you look up at them.
"Your eyes," Elucifer smirks. "Actually, I guess it's more like your soul."
"Why?" Tears stream down your eyes. Are you about to die?
"It has a piece of–––"
"Shut up. You're not supposed to tell this to anyone," the Drifter moves his hand back, preparing to slap Elucifer.
"Oh?" Elucifer looks at the Drifter, knocking his hand away. "And you'll do what? Tell Turenval about it? Oh-oh, wait! You'll tell your daddy about it."
"At least I had a 'daddy.'"
Elucifer's face twists in anger. "Take that back."
"Or what? You'll complain about it to your mommy? Oh, wait, you didn't have a––"
SCH-BANG-CLINK! Elucifer fires an arrow at the Drifter at blinding speeds, faster than your brain can calculate. The Drifter slices it apart without issue, taking a step back. The two pieces of it hit the floor behind him.
"Last time we went through this, I used my sword and blew the two of us to Hell itself. If you want, I can drag you down there again."
"If you do that, we'll both go down there."
"My own soul be damned if yours burns, you bastard. You took everything I had. I won't hesitate to take what is yours."
"Come at me, then!" Elucifer draws the string of his bow. Seven arrows appear in it.
[] Use the chance. Slowly crawl to Roland and help him get up, then run.
[] Use Nature Magic to summon a swarm of local pests to distract them, then run away.
[] Write-in.
Time: Night
Calendar: 1006-08-25
Mana: 190/200
Birdsie
Sharp Talons Cleave The Worthy
- Location
- Poland
That's true.
If neither of you noticed, Elucifer is the guy that Dilate died fighting against. He literally killed himself for the greater good and took Elucifer with him. They can't get along even after getting resurrected.
- Location
- UK
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Yeah, I suspected thar so I went back to check.
That's why I can't help but question the competency of their boss. Not necessarily the intelligence, since that could be how they get their jollies, but it doesn't seem the most effective pairing.
Chapter 3: Days of Glory - Part 29: Mirage
Birdsie
Sharp Talons Cleave The Worthy
- Location
- Poland
"I was foolish to carry out that promise."
"You were foolish to oppose me, Dilate Baragar!"
Roland looks up. "B-Baragar? No way..." He's stunned by the words he hears before him.
Before Roland can react anyhow else, the Drifter jumps up. Mid-jump, his form disappears and flashes forward leaving behind a red trail. All the while, Elucifer draws his bows and fires arrow after arrow, trying to hit his foe, but the Drifter avoids the attacks and drives his sword across Elucifer's body twice. Elucifer is thrown back by the attack, but clearly not hurt too much, save for several grazes on his body.
Elucifer growls, as the two engage in further combat.
You slowly crawl toward Roland, using this as a distraction. You help him remove the arrows, then the two of you get up and quietly walk in the opposite direction, hoping to slip by.
CLANG-CLANG-CLANG–––––––the sounds of combat stop suddenly.
D-D-BANG! Two arrows hit you in the back, followed by two more to Roland's back. "Fools!"
You look back to see Elucifer gloat over you. "We may not like each other very much, but we are not as stupid as to let our game get away! However... as a hunter, I have sworn the following: I have sworn my prey will always know how and why they suffer. As such, I will not take kindly to the blackened monster behind me trying to silence me."
"Do as you wish," the Drifter snarks. "Turenval won't be happy."
"He's never happy," Elucifer snaps back at him, before turning to you. "You will suffer a loss of your soul."
You grit your teeth and stare him straight in the eyes. "Why?"
"You have a fragment of the being I am named after in you. Our master wants it, but the Gods want to stop him. They are resurrecting dead heroes. A war is about to play out, girl, and you just lost your last battle - all thanks to my amazing magic. Now, time for a little soul extraction."
Elucifer hangs his right hand over your forehead, while holding it with his left. It glows a bright, green light, emitting trickles of magical lightning. He reaches in closer, but he's stopped.
"I must admit... your parlor tricks are amusing..." a voice sings. "I bet you've got a bunny under your eye-patch. Now here's your chance to get the best of me, I hope your hand is hot! I'll set the record straight; your methods are out of date, so for your education I reiterate; you're only second rate!"
"What?" Elucifer looks back.
Cervitou is standing there.
"Oh," Elucifer pushes your head, knocking you to the floor. He doesn't look at you as he does it. "If it isn't the Baragar's family favorite fourth-dimensional can opener. You do realize you're going to lose your life, Cervitou?"
"I know. I know. Your big Beholder's Eye underneath that eye-patch negates mana and spells. Scaaary~! I'm shaking in my boots."
"Cervitou..." Roland smiles. "What are you doing here?"
Cervitou sighs. "So, here I was, teaching Tavish how to cast illusion magic. And suddenly - whoopbam! - a guard runs up to me and says there's black knights going into town. I instantly knew what it meant."
The Drifter cuts in with sarcasm. "You're awfully happy today. You can actually express your feelings, Cervitou!"
Elucifer muses. "Hm, perhaps it was stupid to send soldiers to Megafni?"
Cervitou snarks back. "It was stupid to send soldiers anywhere but Lanerfield. Had you done that, maybe I wouldn't have brought the whole Exarchy with me."
Suddenly, light flashes behind Cervitou. Hundreds of lights, like beams falling through the ceiling and down into the wide tunnel. Each beam warps in a mage. Each one has unique attire, staves, race, gender, and age. Each one a specialist in his own field, or even more than that - a master of many. Cervitou laughs, almost maniacally.
"Two-hundred and fifty-eight elder mages! You think your Beholder's Eye can stop this much magic, Elucifer Lyserg?" Cervitou points his finger at Elucifer.
Elucifer stands there, in a mixture of shock and awe. He takes a step back and stumbles, tripping over Roland's leg. He crawls backward, while the Drifter stands in place, motionless. The two villains watch as a whole organization of ancient sorcerers and wizards prepare to destroy them.
The Drifter shakes his head. He squints.
Elucifer sits there, shaking in fear.
Cervitou points his finger at Elucifer. "For allowing these children five seconds to run, so I will too give you five seconds!"
...
The Drifter laughs, suddenly, breaking the atmosphere. The mages, including Cervitou, look at him. "That's clever! That's so clever! Elucifer, use your Eye. Do it, now."
"W-What?" Elucifer utters, in absolute fear, looking at the Drifter.
"Just do it, you coward."
Elucifer takes off his eye-patch and looks at Cervitou.
A sound of static mana spreads across the tunnel. The mages disappear, fading into the air like gas. Cervitou, on another hand, looks as if he was shapeshifting. His body contorts and twists into various shapes, until his black robes turn into a white tunic and an exotic face - Cervitou turns into Tavish.
Elucifer gets up, with anger painted across his face. His Beholder's Eye has the ability to negate mana. It glows in purple color, in contrast to his other, brown eye. Elucifer gets up and moves up to Tavish. "Clever boy! Illusion magic! You almost had me!"
Elucifer punches Tavish, knocking him to the ground. He proceeds to kick Tavish twice.
Elucifer gloats over the boy. "I knew you were a fake! Cervitou doesn't talk like that! You trash! You little peasant!" He continues kicking Tavish.
You stand up slowly, much to the Drifter's amusement. He doesn't seem to mind it, so he just steps back as you creep over slowly. You pick up Excalibur. "Leave him alone, you bastard!"
SWOOSH-F'TANG! You cut Elucifer in the back, slicing off a good chunk of meat from his body and penetrating the armor. He was not prepared for this, so he could not put on the same barrier he used with the Drifter. Elucifer stumbles forward. A stream of blood gushes out of his back. He falls down, slowly dying.
You look at the Drifter, Excalibur at ready.
The Drifter shakes his head. "I don't plan to fight. I'd rather let you get away and tell Turenval it was his fault. Maybe he'll finally give me someone else for a partner."
You smile. You help Tavish and Roland up. Tavish heals everyone's wounds. The two of you proceed in the direction that the king, Aegis, and the rest of the group went down to. They passed minutes ago, but if you hurry up, you might be able to catch up. It won't be easy, though.
"Where's Cervitou, Tavish?" you ask of the boy.
"He's busy fighting Woguran, Akena, and Kyro. He sent me in his stead."
"Who are they?" You recognize the names. Senor Fred mentioned them.
"No time now. I'll tell you later."
The trio of you make it outside. You watch from a balcony as Lanerfield burns. Black smoke from the scorching buildings flies up into the sky, forming dark clouds. You see black knights fighting veteran city guards and His Majesty's Royal Guard, as well as numerous professional soldiers and even adventurers or random, armed citizens prepared for such a contingency. You go down a stairway to ground level.
Leona approaches you. "There you are? Are all three of you okay?"
"We're fine. More importantly. The Drifter and Elucifer are inside the tunnel, mom."
"Go find your father," Leona roars. "Evacuate as many people as you can. The king made it to the safety of his bunker. Don't leave your father's side and avoid combat."
[] Refuse. You'll stay with Leona and fight alongside her.
[] Agree. Go and rescue civillians.
Tavish nods. "I'm down for that."
Roland looks at you expectantly. He will do whatever you decide to do.
Time: Night
Calendar: 1006-08-25
Status Ailments: Fatigued
Mana: 191/200
"You were foolish to oppose me, Dilate Baragar!"
Roland looks up. "B-Baragar? No way..." He's stunned by the words he hears before him.
Before Roland can react anyhow else, the Drifter jumps up. Mid-jump, his form disappears and flashes forward leaving behind a red trail. All the while, Elucifer draws his bows and fires arrow after arrow, trying to hit his foe, but the Drifter avoids the attacks and drives his sword across Elucifer's body twice. Elucifer is thrown back by the attack, but clearly not hurt too much, save for several grazes on his body.
Elucifer growls, as the two engage in further combat.
You slowly crawl toward Roland, using this as a distraction. You help him remove the arrows, then the two of you get up and quietly walk in the opposite direction, hoping to slip by.
CLANG-CLANG-CLANG–––––––the sounds of combat stop suddenly.
D-D-BANG! Two arrows hit you in the back, followed by two more to Roland's back. "Fools!"
You look back to see Elucifer gloat over you. "We may not like each other very much, but we are not as stupid as to let our game get away! However... as a hunter, I have sworn the following: I have sworn my prey will always know how and why they suffer. As such, I will not take kindly to the blackened monster behind me trying to silence me."
"Do as you wish," the Drifter snarks. "Turenval won't be happy."
"He's never happy," Elucifer snaps back at him, before turning to you. "You will suffer a loss of your soul."
You grit your teeth and stare him straight in the eyes. "Why?"
"You have a fragment of the being I am named after in you. Our master wants it, but the Gods want to stop him. They are resurrecting dead heroes. A war is about to play out, girl, and you just lost your last battle - all thanks to my amazing magic. Now, time for a little soul extraction."
Elucifer hangs his right hand over your forehead, while holding it with his left. It glows a bright, green light, emitting trickles of magical lightning. He reaches in closer, but he's stopped.
"I must admit... your parlor tricks are amusing..." a voice sings. "I bet you've got a bunny under your eye-patch. Now here's your chance to get the best of me, I hope your hand is hot! I'll set the record straight; your methods are out of date, so for your education I reiterate; you're only second rate!"
"What?" Elucifer looks back.
Cervitou is standing there.
"Oh," Elucifer pushes your head, knocking you to the floor. He doesn't look at you as he does it. "If it isn't the Baragar's family favorite fourth-dimensional can opener. You do realize you're going to lose your life, Cervitou?"
"I know. I know. Your big Beholder's Eye underneath that eye-patch negates mana and spells. Scaaary~! I'm shaking in my boots."
"Cervitou..." Roland smiles. "What are you doing here?"
Cervitou sighs. "So, here I was, teaching Tavish how to cast illusion magic. And suddenly - whoopbam! - a guard runs up to me and says there's black knights going into town. I instantly knew what it meant."
The Drifter cuts in with sarcasm. "You're awfully happy today. You can actually express your feelings, Cervitou!"
Elucifer muses. "Hm, perhaps it was stupid to send soldiers to Megafni?"
Cervitou snarks back. "It was stupid to send soldiers anywhere but Lanerfield. Had you done that, maybe I wouldn't have brought the whole Exarchy with me."
Suddenly, light flashes behind Cervitou. Hundreds of lights, like beams falling through the ceiling and down into the wide tunnel. Each beam warps in a mage. Each one has unique attire, staves, race, gender, and age. Each one a specialist in his own field, or even more than that - a master of many. Cervitou laughs, almost maniacally.
"Two-hundred and fifty-eight elder mages! You think your Beholder's Eye can stop this much magic, Elucifer Lyserg?" Cervitou points his finger at Elucifer.
Elucifer stands there, in a mixture of shock and awe. He takes a step back and stumbles, tripping over Roland's leg. He crawls backward, while the Drifter stands in place, motionless. The two villains watch as a whole organization of ancient sorcerers and wizards prepare to destroy them.
The Drifter shakes his head. He squints.
Elucifer sits there, shaking in fear.
Cervitou points his finger at Elucifer. "For allowing these children five seconds to run, so I will too give you five seconds!"
...
The Drifter laughs, suddenly, breaking the atmosphere. The mages, including Cervitou, look at him. "That's clever! That's so clever! Elucifer, use your Eye. Do it, now."
"W-What?" Elucifer utters, in absolute fear, looking at the Drifter.
"Just do it, you coward."
Elucifer takes off his eye-patch and looks at Cervitou.
A sound of static mana spreads across the tunnel. The mages disappear, fading into the air like gas. Cervitou, on another hand, looks as if he was shapeshifting. His body contorts and twists into various shapes, until his black robes turn into a white tunic and an exotic face - Cervitou turns into Tavish.
Elucifer gets up, with anger painted across his face. His Beholder's Eye has the ability to negate mana. It glows in purple color, in contrast to his other, brown eye. Elucifer gets up and moves up to Tavish. "Clever boy! Illusion magic! You almost had me!"
Elucifer punches Tavish, knocking him to the ground. He proceeds to kick Tavish twice.
Elucifer gloats over the boy. "I knew you were a fake! Cervitou doesn't talk like that! You trash! You little peasant!" He continues kicking Tavish.
You stand up slowly, much to the Drifter's amusement. He doesn't seem to mind it, so he just steps back as you creep over slowly. You pick up Excalibur. "Leave him alone, you bastard!"
SWOOSH-F'TANG! You cut Elucifer in the back, slicing off a good chunk of meat from his body and penetrating the armor. He was not prepared for this, so he could not put on the same barrier he used with the Drifter. Elucifer stumbles forward. A stream of blood gushes out of his back. He falls down, slowly dying.
You look at the Drifter, Excalibur at ready.
The Drifter shakes his head. "I don't plan to fight. I'd rather let you get away and tell Turenval it was his fault. Maybe he'll finally give me someone else for a partner."
You smile. You help Tavish and Roland up. Tavish heals everyone's wounds. The two of you proceed in the direction that the king, Aegis, and the rest of the group went down to. They passed minutes ago, but if you hurry up, you might be able to catch up. It won't be easy, though.
"Where's Cervitou, Tavish?" you ask of the boy.
"He's busy fighting Woguran, Akena, and Kyro. He sent me in his stead."
"Who are they?" You recognize the names. Senor Fred mentioned them.
"No time now. I'll tell you later."
The trio of you make it outside. You watch from a balcony as Lanerfield burns. Black smoke from the scorching buildings flies up into the sky, forming dark clouds. You see black knights fighting veteran city guards and His Majesty's Royal Guard, as well as numerous professional soldiers and even adventurers or random, armed citizens prepared for such a contingency. You go down a stairway to ground level.
Leona approaches you. "There you are? Are all three of you okay?"
"We're fine. More importantly. The Drifter and Elucifer are inside the tunnel, mom."
"Go find your father," Leona roars. "Evacuate as many people as you can. The king made it to the safety of his bunker. Don't leave your father's side and avoid combat."
[] Refuse. You'll stay with Leona and fight alongside her.
[] Agree. Go and rescue civillians.
Tavish nods. "I'm down for that."
Roland looks at you expectantly. He will do whatever you decide to do.
Time: Night
Calendar: 1006-08-25
Status Ailments: Fatigued
Mana: 191/200
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