In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
[attr="class","lonelyscroll"] It was time to keep moving. And perhaps that was all they needed to do. And yet, it had felt like it had taken them far too long to get there, to a decision of what they needed to do. [break][break] For what he wanted, it was too simple, and because of that, he was likely cursed never to get it. He’d lived through enough life to know that there were few things he would ever get. [break][break] He did follow along because it was what he was ordered to do. [break][break] And then, Jett was gone. [break][break] Vaile did stop, midair. Looking to where the Purple Orca Captain had been and now was not. Hesitation was a terrible action, but he couldn’t help himself. He hated this place, a cursed place, where unexplained things happened and nothing he could do about it. Where he would lose himself, his control, and the one thing left in this world he thought he could have. [break][break] But there was a further truth that he’d never allowed himself to have such things before. So why now? How could anything have been different now? Jett was gone. A Captain simply vanished. And if the threat of the Daemons could simply wipe such a mage out of existence, then what hope did they have to fight against them? [break][break] The easy answer was that there was no point in hope at all. No, there wasn’t. The Magic Knights and their righteous ways had lost before. They would lose again. It was just that this time, Vaile would have an all too personal experience of how that loss would occur. [break][break] Vaile didn’t need to say aloud that Jett was gone. The Knight of the Dawn could either choose to take note or not, but it didn’t matter because the Orca was missing without so much as a word. And wasn’t that terrifying somehow? Didn’t it take his already fading faith and crush it further? [break][break] As if he had any hope, to begin with. [break][break]
"You are making a mistake." [break][break] Vaile looked at the daemoness, crimson eyes criticizing what she had just said. Perhaps he could have time for some selfish remark. But instead, he let out a humorless chuckle. Dry laughter echoed from his mouth. [break][break] “You’ll find humans are very good that, making mistakes.” He said quietly, his words softer than he intended, almost as if he didn’t mean to respond to her at all. Daemons and humans understanding each other? What a novel concept that he could only scoff at it. Neither one was better than the other and personal tragedy was something that couldn’t be compared. Though, as a wise man once said, misery loved company. [break][break] He simply didn’t care. [break][break] When they made it to the well, a trap was sprung—all in thanks to the Magic Knight, who cared little to be careful at all. Though, of course, he wouldn’t ask for Vaile’s input because the shadow mage’s word was barely any better than that of a Daemon. Vaile closed in, but the blinding light burst forth from the trap. There was little time to react, so he didn’t, taking the hit for what it was worth. But it didn’t eat through his mana skin, and he was relatively unharmed, and already his mana skin would be regenerating from the attack. [break][break] He looked to the Golden Dawn mage who’d done the very same. But of course, another trap would be triggered, and this time Vulkan did throw up a barrier, and it would be enough to protect them both. [break][break] And then the Lava Mage simply had the same idea going for him, brute force and brutish attacks. His apparent plan of attack was simply so, attack. No finesse or other tactful way about it, and perhaps no, he didn’t care about doing it any other way. Another way of looking at it was they had no other choice. [break][break] “Gladiolus.” Vaile said, his grimoire flipping through dark pages, lit aglow with a terribly dark aura. Swords took form from dancing shadows, and without a second thought, all give greatswords that Vaile formed were fired towards the well. [break][break] Vaile allowed himself another moment to breathe before flipping through another spell. [break][break] The words repeated in his mind, making a mistake. [break][break] And again, what did he care? [break][break] He only glanced over to his map of shadows, wondering desperately why he was so reckless to think there was anything he could have sensed about this place, why his own attempts had only ended in his humiliation and his own failure again and again. And maybe there was a feeling that further swelled up inside of his chest as he raised his hand higher, shadows stretching out and taking a familiar blade-like shape, but far larger than any time before it. [break][break] “Gladiolus Giga.” Three giant-sized greatswords, each one 10 meters and over one and a half meters wide, three giant missiles to be launched at the well that he was being ordered to destroy. The three swords would come crashing into the well itself, drilling themselves hard into the ground at astonishing speed and sheer weight of the objects.
COMBAT SUMMARY
[attr="class","lonelytempy2"]
[attr="class","lonelystats"]
MANA SKIN
archmage
MANA POOL
185/240
HEALTH
grand
MANA REGEN
60 ic // 55 ooc
[attr="class","lonelystats"]
POW
195
DUR
002
SEN
031
STA
102
CON
122
[attr="class","lonelyscroll2"] Mana: 235 - 15 - 15 - 30 - 50 + 60 = 185/240 [break][break] TL;DR Vaile is vibing with depression. Gets hit with the trap, has regen mana skin so intermediate damage should be healed up, and then lets Vulkan block the second trap. Then throws some swords (5 senior) at the well and then more swords (3 grand) at the well again. Still is keeping up his map spell, but can't find jett oof and yeah flying spell still active [break][break]
Commander is in effect for himself & Vulkan giving everyone a dandy +2 stat points
Flight Speed is 35 m/s
Map spell should reach 129 m radius
Gladiolas and Gladiolus Giga give +9 and +12 power stat boost respectively.
Fast Lane:Transportation spells may give an additional 5 meters a second faster than normal. Once they become Grand rank this increases to 10 meters a second.
[break] Description: Vaile creates a pair of raven’s wings extending from the small of his back. From tip to tip the wingspan is 5 meters long, with shadow 'feathers' appearing to constantly wither and fall from them. The wings appear to be made of solid shadow and grant Vaile independent flight ability, also increasing their maneuverability and overall speed. Besides creating wings for himself, he is able to create wings for allies and other targets, however, they must remain within his range. The maximum number of wings Vaile can create is equal to the normal passenger number for a senior transportation spell (5).
This perk allows a person to have their AoE spells to have their max size increased by 10 meters + 5 meters per rank they are starting at junior.
[break] Description: Vaile fully concentrates his magical sensory skills on everything around him within a ranged radius, shadow tendrils extend from where she stands and branch out along the ground. They are pure black, thin and have no physical substance. The tendrils can even go unnoticed unless a target has enough sensory to see them, acting similarly to an illusion, they are hidden from a target's sense of sight and further cannot be sensed by an enemies' mana sensory skills unless following the regular seeing through illusion guidelines. He can conjure a 3D model of the surrounding area made of her shadow element, about 5 cubic meters in size. Movements and enemy mana signatures are detected via disturbance in the shadows' extensions, appearing like glowing dots on the map. Vaile can attempt to detect mages or other presences who are hiding their mana signatures from him regarding the normal tracking guidelines. Similarly, Vaile can also attempt to see through illusions following the sensory guidelines.
This perk allows a person's spells to naturally move 5 m/s faster than normal, this increases to 10 m/s at grand rank.
[break]Description: Using his shadow element, Vaile creates a giant-sized longsword, a double-edged straight sword. The blade length is 2 m, 75 cm wide, with a large two handed grip. The giant blade is able to cause major [Senior] Rank damage, which is lethal at a direct hit, can shatter and break bones, slice major/severe cuts, and destroy most non-magical structures. Vaile controls the blade remotely within a range area or he can shoot it off to slice or fire at an enemy from a distance. Vaile is able to create an additional sword per ammo rules.
This perk allows a person's spells to naturally move 5 m/s faster than normal, this increases to 10 m/s at grand rank.
[break]Description: Using his shadow element, Vaile creates a giant-sized longsword, a double-edged straight sword. The blade length is 10 m, 150 cm wide, with a large grip nearly the size of a human limb and slightly thicker. The giant blade is able to cause major [Grand] Rank damage, lethal damage, shatter and break bones, slice through limbs, and destroy most reinforced structures. Vaile controls the blade remotely within a range area or he can shoot it off slice or fire at an enemy from a distance. Vaile is able to create an additional sword per ammo rules.
Ito looked between the three "The woman is called Genesis Fantome and the man is Hans Walker. They are allies to you." he said informing June of information she obviously missing. He could tell that the blueish-silver haired female was less than pleased with the lack of manners the two other members of the group had shown thus far. He chuckled being called by his title, it had been a while since anyone who called him it, even those who currently served him within the library didn't use it nit that he wanted or expected it to be used. "The pleasure is mine I assure you dear lady." he said standing to pull out a chair for her like a gentleman before pushing it in as she sat. "I have to agree they do not have manners but they are not cultured in the ways many nobles are and so we must forgive such slights." he said moving back to his own seat.
"There is no need to be hostile right now and so I offer hospitality in the sacred place of knowledge." his hands going to the books on the shelves as if showing off the wealth of knowledge. "Only barbarian's try to brute force things when there are other avenues open to them. We are illusionary daemons, not frontal fighters, unlike the two cities that attempted the head-on tactic only this town fell, it shows that patience and tactics are what win in battle not bashing against something like a hotheaded blockhead." his eyes went to Genesis as he spoke those words. She was hotheaded and it would get her into a lot of trouble if she didn't learn how to become level headed when it mattered most, such as not antagonising an enemy stronger than one's self.
He moved to the hold the teapot pouring her some tea into a china cup before offering it to her on a saucer. He chuckled hearing the faux surprise "Two in fact." he said motioning towards the other cover that had Hans with a blue-haired elven woman. Watching as she picked it up amused as he took a sip of his own tea. "People do what they must to survive, not everyone is as privileged as yourself or myself my lady." he reminded what now seemed to be his guest. "Well, not everyone has been raised with the privilege of etiquette tutors either." he said with a soft chuckle "I myself had to learn much like my sister did via her wraiths. Some of those old bats still give me headaches to these days." he mused to himself as he thought on how much he had changed since they started to learn instead of just observing.
He listened to June tare into the low born of the group "Now, now my lady they are my guests also and I can not stand by and allow such taunts to happen." he knew he had done the exact same thing but right now this was technically his home so it was his rules. "If you feel the need to continue, you can also leave." it was clear he wouldn't be treating anyone differently while they were inside the library. When Hans's own obscure time as a model had been revealed he had noticed that he himself had been caught unprepared for it though he had remained silent about it at the time "You know there's nothing to be ashamed of, your lover is quite beautiful. You are a very lucky man." he honestly believed that the man was indeed lucky that he had found love.
He smiled watching as Hans seemed to be more in control of his emotions than the red-head obviously was, stopping her from doing something she may regret at a later date. "I would listen to him, I'm not as strong as Lilitu but I am far faster than my dear sister." his voice was non-threatening as it stood, he didn't see the need for harsh words at current. It was the simple truth, Lilitu's true strength was within her wraiths where his... well that lay within his actual elements and he knew at current they only knew one of the two. "No one in this library is in danger while inside it." his voice was cold that they would believe that he was the danger here "After all, I wasn't the one who blew up a graveyard or made a crater inside a park." he said bringing up the incidents that happened little over two months ago. "Or almost killed six children." he said offering a piece of peach cobbler to June with a fork and spoon unsure how she would prefer to eat it.
He looked to Genesis who now decided to talk "I never accused you of being a proper lady, I would never insult the lady Silva in such a manner. However, basic manners even monkeys can understand, so are you less intelligent than an ape?" he'd asked in a completely serious tone "Or if we don't want to look into the animal kingdom do you have less understanding than a five-year-old in terms of respect and manners?" he sighed shaking his head "The bar I set was quite realistic, you are just too bullheaded to accept hospitality and intend to be aggressive no matter what. It will end your life early so I suggest that you learn some basic restraint because not all of your allies let alone enemies will be so understanding that you are a bratty toddler in an adults body." he said coldly.
His eyes narrowed at the red-heads words "I am not using anyone here. The three children are given a proper education of noble standards, the three parents serve me of their own wills." by his almost hissing tone it showed he didn't enjoy what she was accusing him of. "They are safe in my care, they have the best of everything. They have the freedom to come and go as they please, eat the same quality of food I do and have access to sunlight all be it in an artificial capacity." his voice was harsh but he looked over as he heard a gentle knock at the door "Enter." he spoke a young girl came in around six years old dressed in a cute girly silk dress entered walking up to him and curtsied. She looked completely healthy, he stood and gave her a small bow before taking her hand and kissing it lightly light a gentleman.
"How can I help you Lady Elizabeth?" he asked in a calmed tone, the girl was giggling happily at being treated the way she was "Have you, um..." it was clear she was trying to think of the words than scared of him "Have you had the time to grade my homework?" she would ask as if she was asking a teacher. He would walk over to a small side desk that had three notebooks "I have indeed and have your next assignment, I must admit you and your siblings are making leaps and bounds. I am very impressed." she said holding out the three books with some other things "Tell your mother to give you a snack and some juice while study this, it'll help you concentrate." he said offering them to her. She nodded happily taking them before running and starting to run off "Lady Elizabeth what have I said about running?" he asked crossing his arms as if disappointed "Lady's don't run they glide as if they're walking on air." she said "Very good." he replied as she started walking quickly towards the door.
When she left she turned to look at the three again "Yes, because they are in so much danger." he rolled his eyes "I am not using them as a safety net against you, this place is a library and the place in this dark enshrouded town I decided to take refuge." he said "Remember when the graveyard went boom? That family were near death, luckily I do have very strong healing magic so I healed them and have protected them since." his voice was cold, he wasn't lying to them but it was clear she hit a button and the warm hospitality he had was gone. "I don't care if you are low born or not, those in my service are all low born and are all treated with the same respect as nobility. That dress Elizabeth was wearing is made out of the same silk that the royals of this world wear and I designed and made it personally much like I did the boots you currently wear." he said pointing at Genesis's boots. "They are made of the same material as my own and I don't wear second rate material." he said holding out his hand the birdcage coming to it as he walked towards the mercenary and the assassin.
"Also, this is a library and so welcome to all regardless of birth or are you too ignorant to know how to read? Perhaps this is your first visit to such a place as you believe that only the wealthy can be such things or be in such places." his politeness dropped he wasn't having any of it now. He stopped just by the assassin and leaned in "Since you are itching for a fight I will give it to you. I will warn you however, kikka has just become a mana zone and where your friend over there may feel stronger so am I. I was planning on holding back but now I want you dead." his voice dripping with venom towards the red-head, it was clear he was telling the truth. He was planning to hold back but now he had no intention and it was all her fault for that accusation.
With that said he walked towards the front door. "I will be waiting outside when you are ready to fight me." he said as cold as a blizzard before walking out to await their arrivals. Even the blind could see that the female assassin had messed up by pressing one of the very few buttons the daemon had when it came to stirring such a response. He knew that he was far stronger than them but he was no longer caring about the normal way he did things. She seemed to have talked big but now she would have to back it up with the apparent impressive power that made her feel like she could do so without consequence.
~~~~~~
Valo, Hino and Satori:
It had been a somewhat emotional flight towards the purple orca base for Valo at least when he was given the photo that was inside the box. There was something else within the box but the doll-like mage decided that for now, she would hold onto it as she wouldn't be going into close combat like the other two who likely would. She wouldn't want what seemed like a gift now what would be a final gift to become damaged. Soon enough the trio would end up at the purple orca base. The doll-like mage was still unsure why she was being thanked for giving him what was his as far as she now understood it, it seemed to give him some conviction as to what was to come. She had never lost anyone really and those she had not in the manner he had lost the family he seemed to love so.
Satori had commented that holding one's own was different than needing help. That everyone no matter how strong or great they were needed it at points. His tone had been calm as he didn't want to rile him any, it was clear that any wrong word may send him into the deep end and he doubted anyone would want that. He took note of what Hinota had said about her weaknesses and it hadn't changed his thoughts any, she shouldn't be there but he would do his best to protect her from what was to come for Zaven.
The pair noticed that they didn't seem as worn or injured from what they had done so far it was clear from the static electricity that the one who had caused it was the new potential ally. They both gave him thanks and hoped that he was on their side. When they got to the front of the base, Valo explained that the daemoness was different and would likely not be hostile in the beginning but even so everyone should stay on guard. When they entered Lilitu was on her knees her hands over eyes playing circle you with the six children that had been badly hurt from the first time. Upon hearing Valo speaking the game came to an end quickly Lilitu putting herself in front of the six small children like a mother protecting them from attackers.
One of the girls asked if they were there to take them from her and she told them that she wouldn't allow it to happen, but, that they should go inside and help 'auntie' look after the purple orca sleeping in the basement. When they ran inside she confirmed that their lives had indeed been lost but not by their hands, but by an angel of death who deemed them tainted. It was clear she was angry about it more so as she admitted she had ended the persons life that had taken theirs. She continued talking to Valo saying he should already know how she and her brother worked, but she added that she would never harm a child. Her actions so far showed that to be true just by the way she defended and sent them away as to not allow them to get harmed.
Then again that could be because they now belonged to her, but, then if that was the case why wouldn't she use them as tools as one would have expected? She was showing true empathy towards those that she said were within her care. She did give her sympathies for the loss that Valo had endured. She did hide one fact from Valo however, had she not made Charles and himself a promise that she'd remain inside the purple orca base then she would have saved the ones he cherished. She didn't want to give him that guilt to carry on his shoulders, he had been through so much already.
The doll-like mage put in what she believed what the mana beasts were, it would turn out to be true, they weren't mana beasts but wraiths that had been altered due to a taint in her magic, something Valo already would know from when he buried the mana beast earlier. Soon enough the question asked, who would be the one to fall there? The group or the daemons? She also informed Valo she wouldn't use Nanami or Charlotte out of respect. She had easy ways to make the other hesitate and give her the upper hand but it was clear she wouldn't stoop to pick low hanging fruit, it went against some sort of code the twins at least seemed to hold.
Lilitu's eyes went towards Satori a smile on her face "I have done atrocities in my lifetime as has my twin but I started to learn from those I brought into my graveyard." she had been reading him as he was doing the same to her. "I can not change that darkened past but I have done everything within my power to change myself and my brother." she sighed a little "I have never brought anyone into my graveyard who isn't strong, I have always informed them what that means. What a deal is struck like it was earlier everything is put on the table so there are no hidden surprises, they walk in knowing everything upfront." she pointed to his armlet "Much like your ancestors, they knew what it was to give a shard of themselves for the protection of their people." she said gently.
"I made sure they knew, I give every attempt to flee, not to fight because it would mean they would become my protectors." she admitted "I never take their memories or free will away, my magic is tainted and they eventually lose themselves at that point I protect them as they protected me." she explained lowering her hands "I've only gone against that twice. Once for my six children who I will protect with everything I have, the second was with Nanami and Charlotte but I did that for a different reason which I explained to them afterwards." She said looking down, she knew that may hurt Valo to hear "Like the ones who accept their fate when fighting me, I haven't taken their will and they are not enslaved." she said looking up and right into Valo's eyes
"They wanted to be within their home, they wanted to help you... they wanted you to see the truth. It was their wishes and I respected it." It was clear she wasn't deceiving him "Unlike any of the others they will not become tainted and will keep their memories and be themselves." she smiled brightly "Charlotte showed me how to do something and so they are the first I've been able to do it to that will never warp. All going well of course" she genuinely seemed happy at this fact that there was a chance that she could actually have wraiths that would never lose themselves ever.
"My brother and I are sick and tired of the fighting." her right hand going to her left arm "We don't want to keep inflicting pain or bring the puppets of another. We're ready to face punishment for our wrongdoings and accept or demises, however, our natures will not allow us to go peacefully. To be honest, we don't deserve it for the atrocities we've done." she admitted "So please give it your all, hold back none of your anger or pain release it now." she was willing to take the brunt of Valo's anger for what happened to his loved ones. "If I do manage to kill you however will you be willing to enter my graveyard? If not I will bury next to your family." It was the first time she had ever given the offer to someone not to become a wraith if they fought and passed.
Satori was more than content to allow Valo to fight on his own as he had almost requested but made it clear that if either were in danger he would end it himself. "You're loved one is with Ito" he said knowing that Satori had entered the town with another, she had free range to keep an eye all over Kikka like the other two had "And he's angry right now, someone pressed the wrong button on my otherwise amicable twin." she said pointing at a white birdcage on a stone table nearby, the cage looked like it was ready to burst open from the darkened and white flame inside. "If that bursts he will go into consumption meaning he'll get stronger if it snuffs out it means he's dead." she informed them.
"Ito isn't as strong as me in his own words but he is faster, his second element makes sure of that." she said tilting her head "He holds both dark and light as elements. It is likely why he's so balanced at the best of times." she chuckled looking to Valo "Let's begin shall we. Anata and Kiyoshi I require your assistance, will you help me please?" she called two wraiths appearing in front of her. Both looked like they came from Hino, both wore vibrant reds and gold hanfu's their hairs done up elegantly. The pair bowed in unison a little. The fight was now starting.
~~~~~~
Valentine and Vulkan:
Lilitu's words once again fell on deaf ears as she pleaded for him not to destroy the well right then, she had no way of stopping them from making the mistake that they were all slowly closely getting closer to making. All she could do was warn and it would be up to them if they would listen to her. It would seem as if one of the pair had stumbled onto one of Ito's light traps making it burst with a bright light. With their current mana shields, it did nothing to harm them but it would leave a nice bruise somewhere on their body. It may have blinded them for a short time as they hadn't been prepared for it, the trap, however, wasn't really made for hurting or it would have been far stronger. It was more of a deterrent.
It hadn't deterred the pair but it had made them more cautious, shown by when Vulkan connected his second lance with the well while casting a shield spell. The shield was enough to cover the pair as the backlash happened it cracked the lava a good amount that seemed to be troublesome to the pair. Vulkan instructed Valentine to attack the well with everything he had. He let the other know that the shield would repair itself, something that had already begun to happen. He had now called one of his most powerful spells to attack the well. Using both lances and the newly summoned halberd he attacked the well not sure what was going to happen. He was sure that the pair working together could destroy the well then and there before whatever plan the daemons had in store for them could happen.
After this, he realised that Jett had vanished from the pair making the trio now a duo. He believed that it might be another illusion of the daemons, that the captain might have been moved elsewhere in the city as they had been before. This wasn't the case. His question remained unanswered, then again he didn't put too much thought into it, after all, he there was still things that he needed to deal with in this never-ending darkened city. He was sure that at current he was the only one with enough power to deal with the still impending threat. He just saw this as another trial on his journey to gain the power that he sought.
"All beings make mistakes, even gods and spirits if you believe in such things." the female voice said gently "but destroying that takes us one step closer to being able to access consumption against our wills." she informed the shadow mage just as purple runes surrounded within the darkness "Kikka is now a shadow, dark and void mana zone. You are stronger but so are we." She admitted to him not wanting to hide things from him, but she went silent once more as her words were no longer needed.
With enough said the shadow mage also attacked the well with two spells of different strength, as Lilitu had told him they were now stronger and done more damage than he may have expected. The first spell created shadow swords that he launched at the well before the second spell was called, this time three giant great swords formed and too where launched at the well exploded but it too done damage as it exploded. The explosion extended seventy-five meters and made a good twenty-meter deep creator dealing Archmage and Intermediate damage to everything in the area thanks to the mana zone being in effect. The daemons could have said she told them so, but the devastation around them would clearly show their mistake. Luckily that part of town had been abandoned or there may have been issues for both men. The well was destroyed but a good part of Kikka would have to rebuilt after it.
Story:
There had been a small talk, June and Hans accepted the invitation offered to the group, Ito had been the calm host that he had always been. It may have been because they believed that the people within the library would be injured, this wasn't the case. Not long after Gensis accused Ito of using the civilians as a safety net against them. She gained notebooks and left before Ito's calm stoic demeanour stopped, the red-head had pushed a button revealing they had been in his service after he found them when she blew up the graveyard and they could come and go as they liked. They were treated as he would treat a noble and he honestly didn't care what someone was born so longs they showed basic manners.
Standing he collected the cage and walked towards the door stopping by gen stating that since she wanted fight so much so be it, but he was no longer holding back. He informed her that Kikka was now a mana zone and so were her friends magic may be stronger so was his. With that, he left to wait outside the library for the fight to begin. She talked a big talk now it was time to see if she could back it up. What was to happen next was left up to the group.
Valo, Satori and Hinota finally got to the purple orca base, after a small backwards and forwards and a few revelations being told the daemoness herself was ready to fight. She told Valo she wouldn't use Nanami or Charlotte out of respect but she did call two wraiths who showed respect as was their tradition before fighting began.
Valentine and Vulkan got to the well, they had triggered a trap and though it did no real damage it was clear it was meant as a deterrent against messing with the thing. They took no heed even after they were told not to destroy it at current by Lilitu. The daemoness gave some information to Valentine letting him know that the town was a giant mana zone and the true purpose of the wells. It was to give their power bound allowing them the chance to decide to go between how they appeared and consumption. Still, the well was destroyed dealing 75m aoe damage at archmage and intermediate damage, luckily thanks to a request made by Verena the orphanage within the area had been recently been evacuated leaving all buildings empty and so nothing but ruins destroyed. It was now up to the pair what their next course of action would be.
[attr="class","lonelyscroll"] And so, the Daemoness was so vastly disappointed in them. [break][break] “So what now?” Vaile’s dry chuckle continued with his quiet words. “You admit to making mistakes as well? I’d hate to think that there’s anything alike between us.” Resentment filled his every word. There was nothing about Daemons that deserved his sympathy, and he didn’t require any feelings from them. He didn’t want it, because they had made their choice, and so had he. [break][break] “I could die, and you wouldn’t care about me. You could die, and I wouldn’t care about you.” [break][break] And his choice was not to feel anything at all for the creatures that had taken part in his sister’s death. “That’s just the way it is.” [break][break] “Now get out of my head.” [break][break] Valentine uttered the words under his breath. He didn’t need more voices telling him what to do, how to feel, what to think. He didn’t need more disapproval from someone he didn’t care for. He could resent himself enough, and he didn’t need another to do so for him. A fist formed from a shaking grip, his hand squeezing so hard that perhaps he could cut his skin. He was undoubtedly in control, but the same tone could be said to edge, beckon, threaten intense incensed emotion. [break][break] The attacks that landed on the well blew debris, explosions, and sheer force of mana into the air. And obviously, said attack came from power that Vaile himself knew he did not have. The shadow mage crossed his arms, letting his swords and such fade away as he turned away his latest siege of destruction. What was he good for other than breaking things apart? And then, it seemed he wasn’t very good at that either. At least, there were no lives lost here. [break][break] He breathed out, a vain attempt at calming down more intense emotions. “This area has become a Mana Zone for shadow and other dark-related magics. It may make mages like myself more powerful, but it makes the enemy stronger as well.” Valentine said, glancing over to Vulkan once again. Purple runes that floated in the air? There was nothing about this that Vaile liked, as apparent as it was. And despite certain advantages, there was no telling what the Daemons truly had planned. [break][break] “Consumption.” Vaile said, hanging on to the words of the daemoness. “We helped them along, whatever it is. ” He shrugged again, his wings batting in the dark dome. “But if they don’t want it, I’m almost inclined to give it to them.” Perhaps was being petty, but if anything were meant to be a hindrance to the Daemons, then the shadow mage himself would be more for it. Against their will? Wouldn’t it be fitting for the monsters to have a taste of their own medicine? At least, in Vaile’s twisted mind, it was. To hell with anyone who got away with that. [break][break] And yet now, was Valentine himself speaking out of turn? He paused, shaking his head, still uneasy about the fact that he was alone with a Magic Knight. Right here, right now, wouldn’t it be terribly easy for them to kill each other? And if right here, right now, Vaile made that coveted ‘wrong move…’ [break][break] It would be an easy end. [break][break] “Forget it,” Vaile added, coming to a different conclusion. “I have no idea what it could be, do you? Can’t be good if it comes from them.” This time, he addressed the Dawn Knight directly. Perhaps as a Knight, he was privy to more information than Vaile, and that was something that the shadow mage understood well enough. [break][break] But it didn’t mean he had to like it.
COMBAT SUMMARY
[attr="class","lonelytempy2"]
[attr="class","lonelystats"]
MANA SKIN
archmage
MANA POOL
210/240
HEALTH
grand
MANA REGEN
60 ic // 55 ooc
[attr="class","lonelystats"]
POW
177
DUR
002
SEN
031
STA
102
CON
122
[attr="class","lonelyscroll2"] Mana: 185 - 15 - 15 + 55 = 210/240 [break][break] TL;DR Vaile is really ticked off by Lilitu and tells her to get out. (OOF) Vaile sees the destruction from himself and Vulkan and shrugs off collateral damage. Confirms that his shadow element is stronger now because in a edgey-magic themed mana zone. Never took Daemonalogy 101 so has no idea what consumption is :shrug: [break][break]
Commander is in effect for himself & Vulkan giving everyone a dandy +2 stat points
Fast Lane:Transportation spells may give an additional 5 meters a second faster than normal. Once they become Grand rank this increases to 10 meters a second.
[break] Description: Vaile creates a pair of raven’s wings extending from the small of his back. From tip to tip the wingspan is 5 meters long, with shadow 'feathers' appearing to constantly wither and fall from them. The wings appear to be made of solid shadow and grant Vaile independent flight ability, also increasing their maneuverability and overall speed. Besides creating wings for himself, he is able to create wings for allies and other targets, however, they must remain within his range. The maximum number of wings Vaile can create is equal to the normal passenger number for a senior transportation spell (5).
This perk allows a person to have their AoE spells to have their max size increased by 10 meters + 5 meters per rank they are starting at junior.
[break] Description: Vaile fully concentrates his magical sensory skills on everything around him within a ranged radius, shadow tendrils extend from where she stands and branch out along the ground. They are pure black, thin and have no physical substance. The tendrils can even go unnoticed unless a target has enough sensory to see them, acting similarly to an illusion, they are hidden from a target's sense of sight and further cannot be sensed by an enemies' mana sensory skills unless following the regular seeing through illusion guidelines. He can conjure a 3D model of the surrounding area made of her shadow element, about 5 cubic meters in size. Movements and enemy mana signatures are detected via disturbance in the shadows' extensions, appearing like glowing dots on the map. Vaile can attempt to detect mages or other presences who are hiding their mana signatures from him regarding the normal tracking guidelines. Similarly, Vaile can also attempt to see through illusions following the sensory guidelines.
The red haired woman proved herself to be quite hot-headed. She was easily roped into banter by the noblewoman’s taunts. The man seemed to have a bit more self control, though he didn’t seem to find June’s comments to be amusing. That was just as well. Their reactions to her prodding were informative in and of themselves. The silvery-blue haired woman smirked at the other two humans.
The clarification Ito provided more or less matched the descriptions of the two humans in the magazine. He was telling the truth about at least some things. Still, that didn’t make the daemon an ally of hers.
“That is incorrect. Neither of these two is an ally of mine. I don’t know them,” June clarified.
Being human wasn’t enough to make someone an ally. For all she knew, either of these two individuals could be criminals. Someone from the Magic Knights might have been given the benefit of the doubt if only because it would be more inconvenient than not for a fellow knight to cause her harm. These two had no reason not to stab June in the back. Neither had they given any sign of being friendly.
The daemon’s chastisement earned him a single raised brow. “Very well. I shall refrain from being so antagonistic for the time being. I suppose it isn’t the most effective way to solve the problem at hand.”
Even if Ito’s hypocrisy annoyed her, June opted not to let it show. Openly irritating a being strong enough to kill her with only a bit of trouble was a bad idea. Unfortunately, Genesis’ accusations promptly shoved all hope of solving the issue diplomatically off the table. The short woman pinched the bridge of her nose during the daemon’s rebuttal. If there was anyone present that the young woman did not wish to fight, it was Ito.
Neither Hans nor Genesis posed much threat to her. Thus, aligning herself with the biggest threat in the room had been the most logical option from a survival standpoint. Unfortunately, with the mood ruined, it was too risky to continue to try and build up a rapport with the daemon in hopes of striking a deal.
The arrival of the young girl caused a clear shift in Ito’s demeanor. June glanced between the daemon and Elizabeth, offering the small child a brief smile before the little girl ran off. Perhaps there was a way to show Ito that a fight to the death wasn’t necessary. Or, at the very least, there was a way to convince the man not to slaughter them all.
The rest of Ito’s speech was vaguely reminiscent of the ideals of the late Yuurei Krane. Treating everyone as equals. Although such an idea was a bit distasteful to the noblewoman even after all of Yuurei’s efforts to convince her, June could see the merit in treating one’s servants well.
June waited for Ito to leave the building before speaking again.
“He can slaughter you both with ease, you know,” the Magic Knight informed the other two humans as though she were commenting on the weather. “I had hoped to solve things with words, but it appears you two were dead set on getting killed. Do you intend to rush to your demise?”
With that question posed, the short noblewoman stood and left the library. Once outside, she paused, concentrating for a moment. A large orb made of water formed around her, squarely in front of the door, trapping the two rogues indoors.
From within the modest safety of her defense creation spell June called out to Ito, “Is all hope of resolving this without violence lost? Or will I die if I defend the other two?”
Description: An orb formed of condensed water particles surrounds June and/or her allies. The orb is large, silver in color and translucent. Svalin has [Grand] health and can heal up to a [Senior] healing spell’s worth of damage after one post, following standard healing rules. When this shield is placed around an ally, the ally regenerates [20 Mana] per post. Those that attack this shield suffer [Senior] damage from thin streams of ultra-concentrated water attempting to pierce them.
"When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back."
At this point, Hans wouldn't really be surprised if this June person turned out to be a Daemon as well. The way she spoke down at the merc and redhead was almost on par with Ito. To Hans, she appeared to be just another person who's only good at running their mouth while subtly waving their nobility about like a flag. She was a Silva too, one of the noble families who are very well known for this...sort of behavior.
"Two in fact."
Hans rose an eyebrow to the daemon's words before glancing down at a magazine that the creature was turning over. "Su-" Hans held his tongue, his glance to that cover shifting to a full-on focus. That modeling job...it turned out to be more trouble than the merc thought. Was Ito keeping tabs on people Hans cared about? Was he....keeping tabs on her? Hans did not care about Ito's talk on etiquette and such...He was worried, not for himself, but for his beloved. Ito's compliment about the merc's love...it felt more like an underhanded threat to him. So he knew about Hans' relationship with her? That was something that couldn't be gathered from the magazine especially since the couple wasn't even...a couple when that happened.
Hans didn't care if Ito was targeting him as long as Suna wasn't involved...but the merc should've known better. All Hans could do his shift his attention back to Ito. Hans wasn't much for words, but his expressions tend to make up for that, speaking in far more volumes. He did not care about Sven at this moment. His focus was solely on Ito....and he wanted to be the one who ends him....snuff his "lights" out with his darkness....which his glare was enough to get that message across.
But the merc knew better. One wrong move and these supposed others who were in the library could get hurt...Even Suna could potentially get hurt. He was outmatched compared to Ito. No matter how much he wanted to, Hans couldn't act on his violent impulses...and he had to make sure Genesis didn't act on hers which was more likely.
The merc was able to talk Genesis out of whatever she was planning, even though he didn't get her to sit with the others. He was just relieved that she wouldn't do anything too risky...at least he hoped. Hans was all for taking action...but only when an opportunity presents itself. Taking on such a strong foe head-on would not be ideal...but something still needed to be done. Hans may not particularly like this Silva woman...but her approach to this made more sense. These daemons did seem to have a thing for making deals, so right now that was their best bet.
But Hans didn't like it....Any deal made with these creatures will almost certainly be done in their favor.
Hans begrudgingly took a seat at the table with June and Ito as the latter spoke of the folks in this library being supposedly safe...then followed it up with the damage that the previous group had caused here. One of Hans' eyes twitched a little as the six children were mentioned, causing him to shift his attention away from the others for a bit. Even though he was only responsible for...harming two of them, it didn't make the dark mage any less guilty. He still thinks of the blunder he made...how he could've stopped it if he had a little more self-control back then. Hans still wonders if those children are alright since he had never seen them since they were dropped off at that hospital.
"Regardless of who is directly responsible for these...damages, none of this would be happening if you or those other two weren't here." The merc spoke up, raising his head a bit in Ito's direction. "Your very existence in this town, the dome you placed under it...the traps you all have riddled around here, it's the source of all of this unnecessary chaos and destruction." The merc's eyes then faltered as he placed his hands on the table. "I take full responsibility...for my previous actions. I let my own rashness...and inexperience in sensory get the better of me." the merc said with a hint of remorse in his tone. "Still...." His hands balled into fists, the merc looked back up at Ito with no sign of fear. "You daemons took advantage of my...of our weaknesses so that this would happen." When the merc said our, he did not just mean the previous group, but the town as a whole. They have been the ones indirectly manipulating the town's fear and anger with their actions.
Hans did not care for Ito's claims of how he has been treating those in the library, nor his polite interaction with that girl. The merc waited until the girl left before speaking up again. "Being under your "care" is dangerous enough." Even though most of Ito's words were directed at Genesis there were still some things that the dark mage wanted to get across. He had remained quiet for the most part...but that was enough. "How long until they end up like Nanami and her mother, Ito!?" As Hans continued to speak, he rose from his chair, slamming his hands onto the table. While this happened, an aura of darkness had started to engulf the dark mage. He did not notice this at first, but the man's magic was getting stronger...which was also having a bit of an effect on his temper. "Ripped apart by others because of the deals you had them make...the marks you placed on them."
Hans had done exactly what he was fighting hard not to do, what he had tried to stop Genesis from doing....letting his anger get a hold of him....
"If you're going to be fighting Gen to the death...then you'll have to fight me too." The merc wasn't going to let his comrade go at this alone. Their foe is too powerful. Even with this apparent Mana Zone, Ito still has the advantage over them. This was foolish...Something the merc had trained himself not to fall into...but there was no going back now.
The dark mage watched as Ito went out the door, but before he could follow, June chimed in.
“He can slaughter you both with ease, you know,”
Hans said nothing. He was very much aware of this...but nothing else could be done, at least not that he knew of. Perhaps that birdcage the daemon took with him could help in some way...He does seem rather possessive of it. Part of him hoped that June's earlier negotiation attempt would work, but it all went into shambles because of his and the redhead's interference....
The merc was just going to continue onward until June passed him and went out the door....forming some sort of water barrier around it. Did she....just lock them in!? Hans furrowed his brows and drew his greatsword before stepping up to the barrier. He was about to strike at it but held off as he heard June attempting to speak with the daemon again. The man lowered his sword. There was still some anger in his expression...but this was smart. Unlike the other two, the Silva did not experience all that happened here. She would be able to handle this with a clear mind compared to himself and Gen.
But if things go south...Hans will be ready to draw his sword.
[attr="class","hansheader"]N O T E S
gdi Hans
Also all of Hans' Obsolete spells are a rank higher now due to the dank and dark Mana Zone
[attr="class","hansheader"]S P E L L S
Cool spell descriptions here
[attr="class","hansinfobg"]
[attr="class","hansinfo"]
[attr="class","hansinfotext"]
WC 1,250 || TOTAL WC 10,718
TAGS @people ITEMS Cosmic Blessing, Raven's Grasp PERKS List 'em here
Post by Valo Stark✾ on Feb 11, 2021 21:02:38 GMT -5
Valo Stark
"Don't need a reason to seek strength."
"You know these children Valo?" Hinota asked the fire mage.
He was silent for a moment before answering. "I do. I know every one of them." his tone of voice was sorrow, but still focused. His eyes intensely looking at Lilitu's every move. She gave off no openings, she was extremely relaxed more so than he thought she would be. Eventually he got his answer from her though, the children did pass. But of course it wasn't the hand of the daemon's, but an angel of death. Someone who was supposed to be caring for them, took their innocent lives. More evil being done by who? The people here, the very people they were supposed to protect.
Anger. Valo felt it rising in him, a blazing flame inside him that kept getting bigger and bigger. Ever since he saw Kikka being wrapped up in a dome of darkness this little ember of anger, became a raging vortex of wrath. First his anger was channeled towards the unseen enemy, then to allies who made mistakes, then to the enemies who finally had a face when they revealed themselves. After that it was himself, having to live with failures while Kikka was still entrapped in darkness and him being weak. Upon returning he fully prepared to channel all of his anger towards, Ito, Lilitu and Sven should they had crossed paths. But now who was he supposed to be angry with? The Daemons? Himself? No. . .
Who helped in the taking of innocent life? Innocent children who should have survived?
Who started to attack each other? Who took their neighbors lives? Breaking into people's homes?
Who killed James? Who killed Charlotte and Nanami?
The People.
"I am sorry for the loss of those you cherished my dearest prince."
Valo's entire body was hot, his blood boiling. Was it their fault? Humans? Each one responds to a crisis differently. Some will try to help their fellow man with honest reason and good will. Others would fall into the despair and commit horrific acts in order to ensure their own survival. Was there a line that separated them? A way to tell the earnest from the evil? A way to stop these immoral acts? Do the people need to be punished for their crimes?
Lilitu stated she took care of the angel of death, she showed a degree of anger he did not expect. But he didn't flinch, in fact he welcomed it. She took care of the monster, now he didn't have to. It was clear to see Valo was seething in a rage, a rage he had been burying that was now making it's way out. The more he thought about Kikka, the more his opinion and thoughts began to change. On the forefront of his mind was no more of protecting Kikka and defeating the Daemon's for the sake of the people. No. Now it was defeat the Daemon's and force the people of Kikka to answer for it's crimes.
His faith in the people were now lost. No more promises. No more forgiveness.
But what the daemon said next, left Valo a little shocked. She stated that no more lives had to be lost, no more fighting. Her and her brother were ready to be put to rest. Did she not want this fight to begin with? Hinota replied that she doesn't think the daemon was lying and gave her reasons as to why. Bengal was commented that what she said was no lie. Could Ki also determine whether people were lying or not? Valo raised an eyebrow and looked at the daemon. She wanted things to end, so be it.
"I wil not be entering my grave, anytime soon." he replied to the Daemon, he meant his words. The two would come to blows and when it happened he would giving it his all and then some. If it came down to it, if he did fall in the battle he would be taking Lilitu with him.
Lilitu's started to engage with Bengal in a small dialogue, one that led to the mention of Charlotte and Nanami. She already stated she wasn't going to use them in this fight, but she had the means to do so. Truth be told the fire mage wouldn't know what to do, if something like that were to happen. Valo's eyes widened when Lilitu explained that Charlotte and Nanami kept their memories and personalties, everything was intact because they wanted to help him, and let him see the truth. Even in death they looked out for him.
But it seemed like the time for battle was drawing near, the daemon pointed to white birdcage holding a dark and white flame inside. She stated that if the flames were to burst out Ito would be stronger, and if it snuffs out he was defeated. This valuable information Valo kept in the back of his head. The Green Mantis magic knight gripped his silver staff hard and got in position as Lilitu summoned two wraiths in front of her, they both bowed in unison just a little.
Valo moved back just a few feet and this would be the first time he noticed just how fast his movements actually were. It was thanks to Bengal's spells that the Fire mage was capable of reaching speeds that he himself hasn't reached yet. He was probably three or even four times faster than normal, more a mage that relied on his speed it would serve as a great boost for this fight.
"Let's put an end to this."
Using his control Valo summoned two more of his Masshiro golems to his side now having three of them to use in battle. Without warning and more of in a fury of rage, Valo used his mana tether for two of his golems to go forward and aim to sink their flaming claws and jaws into the two wraiths that were summoned one for each. This was definitely not enough to defeat them, but Valo was hoping to get a glimpse at what were capable of. But the fire would not sit idly by, he rarely did in battle. Using his increased speed thanks to Bengal's spell, he sought to close the distance between him and Lilitu's in quickly. Only being a few meters away he dashed in towards her, silver staff in right hand he lunged forward aiming to strike the Daemon with his staff's front end. His attack pattern didn't end there though, if his first attack hit or miss. He would bring his staff back for a moment and swing it horizontally at her midsection hoping to land some hits. His third and last golem stuck close behind him, just in case he needed it for any reason.
BATTLE: Speed = 75 m/s. Valo's perspective on the people of Kikka and people in general are starting to shift more and more with every new bit of info he gets. The fight has officially started! Valo having three of his golems on the battle ground sent two, one each for Lilitu's wraith summons. He rushed in to try and strike Lilitu herself twice with his silver staff.
Name of Spell: 真っ白(Masshiro / Pitch White) Spell Element: Fire Spell Rank: Intermediate Mana Cost: 20 | 10 Type of Golem: Balanced Applicable Perks:Puppet Master -
Puppet Master: This Perk allows your Golems to start with a bonus of +3 to all of its Stats. At Grand Rank this bonus increases to +5. If this Perk is applied to a Balanced Golem these bonuses increase to +5 and +10 instead.
Description: Masshiro is an all white long dragon, that Valo can summon to aid him in different ways. At full length of 6 meters long, Masshiro is a rather long and very slender looking golem. Masshiro is capable of flight, aiding Valo in the air as well. While it may not look as viscous as Valo's other golems it is just as strong, and aggressive. Masshiro is able to use it's arms, claws, feet, tail, horns, jaws and it's entire body to attack whatever Valo directs it too. When attacking it's jaws, claws, horns and tail are covered in flames causing at rank fire damage to whatever they hit. Masshiro can be used for transportation following the transportation guidelines for intermediate ranked golem spells. Carrying up to two people at a time moving at speeds of 10 m/s. They fully respond to commands given by it's user through a mana connection and also verbally.
The doll-like mage noticed how Valo kept his silence for a moment before answering her question, she could understand why. It wasn't easy to see so many familiar faces not as they once were, to know that so many people that he knew have their lives flames snuffed out but yet still seem like they had been. "I... I see. I'm sorry for your continual loss Valo." her voice was small, hesitant but how couldn't it be? It wasn't like her words would revive them or take away his pain any. She felt like an old cliche in honesty saying what would be expected of anyone in her position, by now she guessed he must really hate hearing it but she didn't really know how else to show support in this situation. It wasn't like her home estate was tainted, tarnished and being attacked by daemons who were collecting the corpses of people she knew. [break][break] She read the body language of her fellow magic knight and bit her bottom lip for a moment knowing that he was filled with not only sorrow and grief but anger and rage. "Don't let your flames overtake your sensibilities, you'll just weaken yourself and make mistakes." she called out to him unsure if he would even listen to her words, she was nowhere near the strength of the people he looked up to, she hadn't had a difficult life like him either but she knew mistakes happened when things were done in haste. "Not all mistakes can be undone... you said that to Valentine remember?" she hoped the words he had quoted earlier would knock some sense into him even if her own words couldn't. He had no idea who had told him such words but it seemed like they had helped him before so she hoped they would help him now. [break][break] The daemons they were sent to destroy were a plight that had caused the city to act in one of two ways. The first was to protect and try to keep the faith of the people, the other was more destructive and so snuffed out anything they deemed a threat to their survival or even tainted in some way. She knew there would likely be more to it such as perceived favouritism, the lack of food, water and the likes. They should have banded together to survive as a town but instead, they had turned against their own and in doing so took innocent life away. Innocent life that were just in the wrong place at the wrong time or had unfortunate circumstances thrust upon them. Charlotte, after all, didn't ask for her family to be taken from her and her daughter be revived sealing both their fates. The six children didn't ask to be attacked sealing theirs. [break][break] The daemons were right, they were a cruel people. For all they wore masks of virtue and order, when it came down to it everyone seemed to look out for themselves not caring if others survived. That realization honestly made her feel that sickening and vile feeling raise in her again 'See, it wouldn't be so bad if you let me out. You'd be like the rest of them.' the darkened voice in the back of her mind spoke 'No, I won't... I'm not like that....' she argued back 'Oh but you are, you are like each and every one of them.' the voice cut in her hands clenching her sleeves 'Go back to sleep, I don't want or need you! I don't want to cause harm or pain or suffering! There's enough of that in the world, I don't need to add to it. Go back to sleep!' she shook her head a little fighting back tears hearing the fading laughter of the other voice as she pushed it back down. She didn't need or want to listen to such foul words especially not right now. [break][break] With a deep and silent sigh, she released her sleeves, it was strange, she caught the tail end of the conversation that the daemoness had revealed she had taken care of the angel of death. It wasn't exactly something she had expected to hear, the stranger thing was that she even showed anger at the person for taking the children's lives forcing her to give them new life as her own children. These daemons were honestly nothing like the ones she had come across in Raque. "Valo, keep yourself calm..." she said knowing this really had to be hard on him, but if he let the rage take him over then he was going to end up getting himself hurt if not worse. She knew the people here had committed crimes, the house alone had been proof of that. The six dead children had shown more "We'll make sure those who done wrong will get punished accordingly but you need to keep a level head to see it happen." she tried to support him the best she could. [break][break] She still had no idea if anything she said was or would sink in but she'd just keep trying, it wasn't like she was a combatant but she felt disgusted with herself that she had become little more than a cheerleader at the same time. "Valo..." she bit her bottom lip hearing what the daemoness said "Don't kill her... hear me out..." she called out knowing just how bad the beginning of that sentence sounded her eyes going to the birdcage on the stone table "Where they're willing to accept their fates perhaps allowing them to perish together would be kinder." she said looking to her feet knowing how sappy and sentimental she must sound "I also fear if she was to die it would put the others in danger much like if he was killed it would put us in danger." she looked to the cage once more. [break][break] "If their anger and such is shown within these cages and with how they've acted towards each other thus far, it isn't such a leap of faith to believe if one was lost the other's grief would fall into rage. You're feeling that right now yourself, right?" She couldn't help but wonder if the two men would agree with her analysis "Joseph, can you hear me? I... I need you to contact Genesis or Hans and pass a message for me? They should injure Ito to the point of death but don't kill him, he and his sister should be given the ability to come together and meet their ends that way. It would be safer for all involved." She was a tactician, she looked for things that others might miss and this just seemed logical. [break][break] She saw the surprise inside Valo's eyes when Lilitu started to speak to him again, it looked as if it wasn't something he had expected; everything had shown though that her wraiths were not like what many would expect. Their intelligence was far beyond that of a mana beast or golem, they had free will and thoughts of their own, could defy within reason. Was it because she allowed it or because they were once alive? She had no idea but it seemed like the other was astonished nonetheless that they were given the rights to help him even after death as they wanted to. It was strange but the daemoness really did seem to respect and care for those who technically served her, she had heard of wraith users using their wraiths as mindless golems. "Perhaps they're kinder than we are as a people." she whispered more to herself than anyone else, she was close enough however that if Satori were listening, he would have heard her words. [break][break] She watched as two wraiths seemingly from Hino were requested forth bowing to Valo a little, it seemed as if the fight was ready to start. Valo had summoned more of his golems making her bite her lip watching as they were imprisoned in what looked like water bubbles before they even touched the wraiths, she noticed that they seemingly hadn't moved any. She couldn't tell which cast the spell and that scared her, more so as the golems had been defeated so easily. She watched as the fire mage dashed forward with his staff ready to strike the daemoness but was met with a floating sword preventing the attack from happening. The male of the pair had his eyes closed, a second sword was aimed at Valo's neck ready to kill him if given the order but not before it. "They're holding back." she said quietly looking up to Satori "They're protecting themselves and their mistress, but they won't harm or kill even when they can do so without the order, is she doing that?" she asked unsure about it. [break][break] Each swing of the staff had been deflected, the wraiths hadn't moved nor had Lilitu. It seemed she had complete faith and trust in the two wraiths in front of her and though they had free will they wouldn't overstep a line she didn't really want them to. "Sword magic and Water magic. They both seem to have attack magic." she said loud enough that even Valo would hear it, still with little to go off she had no idea just how strong they were, but given they hadn't moved and cast their spells taking out two golems with ease and deflected Valo's attacks they had to be strong, that much was certain.
Post by Genesis Fantome on Feb 14, 2021 19:54:29 GMT -5
[googlefont="Lobster"][googlefont="Be Vietnam"]
[attr="class","boxas"]
Genesis Fantôme
La Poste
If there was one thing Gen hated, it was being forced in a situation. But then again, she had come back to Kikka knowing all the terms, so she had only herself to blame. As for all those names—she deserved them, though she did not know it. It smothered within her, silently feeding the embers that would alight into a raging fury on a single spark.
She had to agree with the Magic Knight, though, that they were not allies, even if they were humans. The only thing that had kept her in check was her only real ally in the room. He seemed calm enough, and even had the patience and manners to play along. Valiant and cunning, even, with his apology. He would make a good knight someday.
She most definitely would not.
A rogue, however, would be much more likely.
But for now, Gen did not answer to the many words from the daemon. She had spoken enough, and had gained more understanding as to how things might play out. It was a delicate dance, prickling at the enemy while being bashed back in return. He was correct in his understanding that if she lost her temper, he would automatically win. However, it would also be true if it was vice versa. The other two mages in the room were strong enough, they could take care of themselves. Now, if she could make the daemon move his hand, perhaps losing an arm would be worth it.
There was further talk at the table, but while her ears listened, her eyes shifted. A library. Innocent enough within its own rights, but who knew what it actually held? As for the other people who were in the building, she hardly paid them any attention. The daemon claimed that they were all well fed and well treated, but this may all be an illusion. Even when a little girl came up with her finished homework to be checked, the shadow mage did not even bat an eyelash towards her way, though she was acutely aware of her presence.
Just like with Nanami and Charlotte, it could very well be an illusion, and with the daemon right here, she was not surprised at how lifelike and real they seemed. These poor souls might already be dead, but repurposed back into a mirage to serve the daemons’ purposes. As such, she only saw them as a mere hindrance. Just another trick up his sleeve, most likely. Was he not the one who warned her that not everything was as it seems?
Ito brought up the graveyard again, though now, she had put it behind her and it was only a shadow of an event. She had only known that she was knocked out, and when she came to, there was the damage on the graveyard. However, the mages around her back then were perfectly fine, and she was the only one who was affected. That had led her to believe that she must have been the weakest one, and that everyone else had been strong enough to withstand it. She never did know of the full capacity of what her one spell had done, only that it had done some major ‘reconstruction’ of that part of town. Families? Safety? What were those? Trying to bait her into feeling soft for his benevolent actions?
Hell, did she even have a conscience anymore?
Perhaps she really was on her way to becoming a rogue, knowingly or unknowingly leaving bodies in her wake.
It seemed like even Hans was affected by Ito’s mention of his lover. Too affected, as he suddenly seemed overcome with emotion. Men and their battles over a mere woman. Pacts and comradery with other human beings were practical and understandable. But as for emotional affairs...she did not see the point in them. It would only be used as a leverage against them. Like now.
Now Ito mentioned her boots, and it prickled at her incessantly. Was she grateful for them? Yes. Were they still going to be used to defeat its sender? Also yes. Then he went on to talk about stations and classes. Even if he thought in that ‘noble’ and idealistic manner, it just did not work that way in Clover Kingdom. Just the words and attitude from the noblewoman in the last few seconds was proof enough. Gen watched as the daemon stood up, announcing his departure...and his challenge to fight them outside.
Ah, there it was. A real fight.
Exciting? Oui.
Recklessness on her part? Certainly.
Death? Most definitely. He even said it himself, leaning in so close she could have attempted to stab him right there and then. But no, she wanted a fight, and so did he. “Oui, avec plaisir. It would be a pleasure.” It seemed like both of them knew which buttons to press for the other to become triggered. Their determination to end the other was mutual. Now she could finally do what she had been preparing to do, or at least die trying. Consequences? Of course there will be, she knew that from the start. But either way, the fight itself would be well worth it. It also helped that the mercenary thought the same way, as he had said it outright for them both.
Something shifted in the air, and she could feel the shadows in the room flicker for a brief moment. The daemon had said something about the town becoming a mana zone now, just before he left, taking the birdcage with him. She watched him go, though her focus was mainly on the pulsing light within it. As far as she could tell, it should be some type of life source, or an indicator perhaps. Definitely something of importance to him, the way he was so protective of it. Come to think of it, how did the daemons communicate with each other? Did they talk in their heads to each other?
Then the Silver Eagle knight spoke, interrupting her train of thought. Did the other woman think that words would solve this problem, when the daemons had taken over the town so thoroughly and completely? Would words make the daemons reconsider and leave their new conquested base? She had walked out the room, and Gen was a little surprised to see edges of a water spell enclosing the door.
Hans had run over with his sword unsheathed, and she wondered if he was going to slice through that barrier spell and door. But he did not. The noblewoman was speaking, to the daemon it seemed, about avoiding violence. At least her efforts were commendable, as Gen would have to grudgingly acknowledge, though a full-on fight seemed to be the only way to finish things off properly.
But first things first.
Their vision was still perfectly fine indoors, and Gen would capitalize on that as much as possible. She muttered a quick but unheard thanks to that healer from earlier. L'espionnes. Shadows leapt towards her hands, and she formed it into a circular map in front of her. With a nod, her shadows are sent out in ‘shockwaves’, revealing those who are within her range and powers to sense. A mini figure of herself stands in the middle of the map, and there were at least two dark blue figures standing near her—the mercenary and the Silva.
Gen was unsure if it would show the current position of the moving daemon, but if it did, would show him in a gray mini figure. But what she was really looking at was for other possible mana signatures, which would appear in dark gray. Be it the ‘children’ in the library or anyone else around the building, those were what she was looking for. This tracking spell also allowed her to temporarily mask her own mana signature.
Hans would still be able to see her, as it only masked her mana presence. Why did her spell somehow feel...stronger? But regardless, just feeling her magic flow through her calmed and centered her. Her attitude was also most noticeably improved. “Any ideas of what might be inside that birdcage?” She asked him. “I’m guessing it’s some type of communication spell...or is it his soul? Either way, it’s one of his weaknesses.”
Speaking of communications, her hand also hovered over the bracelet on her wrist. “Should we also call for backup?” She wondered aloud. She had used it to call the Captain of the Golden Dawn earlier, but it had been cut short. Did they need backup or reinforcements now? More magical power would always be nice...but the thing is, there was no one to call. None that she knew of, at least.
Gen shook her head ruefully. The others must already be fighting their own battles with the other daemons, no need to distract them.
There was also something she had been saving, but she was still waiting. Waiting for what? Waiting for that perfect moment. “Gonna disappear when we fight, but I’ll be back...maybe.” Her mouth twisted into a wry smirk. She had only tried it once, but it only lasted for a short duration of time and was somewhat unstable. “Do you feel like smashing the door or that window over there? And if you have any cool tricks up your fuzzy short sleeves, get ready to use them soon.”
Summary: Didn’t talk back much (thank goodness), accepted challenge to fight (of course), cast map (INT -> SR map should be able to reach 140m?), and prepping up for fight (leggooo)
Rank & Element: Intermediate ¦ Shadow Class & Type: Enchanted ¦ Armour Magic Specializations: Physical Reinforcement Appearance & Lore: "I hope you like the gift."
These finely crafted black leather boots seem to give off an unsettling energy to any that get to close, they come midway up the shin and have seven silver buttons and seem to have an elastic-like band or string that comes behind the boot and loops over the silver buttons to keep the shoes in place.
Lore: After a compliment to an enemy about their boots and where to get a set just like them for themselves, these boots have found their way to their current owner from said enemy with a note that reads "I hope you like the gift. ~Ito" Whether it is meant to be a taunt or mocking no-one but the sender knows, still they are a really nice set of leather boots.
Name of the Ability: Enigmatic Enhancement Type & Uses: N/A Rank & Specialization: Intermediate ¦ Physical Reinforcement Mana Cost: N/A Range & Speed: N/A ¦ 20 m/s Stats Affected: Endurance Description: The wearer of these boots may feel a little strange while they wear them, it would almost feel as if nothing in the world could harm them or if they could then it would be a lot harder to do. This is because of the endurance buff they give ignore the damage of a single spell or attack per post equal to the rank, or below the current rank of the boots. If the opposing attacker has +20 power to the wearers durability stat they will deal half that spell’s rank in damage. If they have +30 power, the wearer will not be able to ignore any of the damage. This is able to ignore ALL ammo of the single ability/spell that is ignored.
Elemental Type: Shadow Rank & Spell Type: INT | Sensory | Tracking Range & Speed: 20m AoE + Sensory x2 | 20m/s Mana Cost: 20 | 10 Stats Effected: -6 Sensory Applicable Perks: N/A Description: Genesis forms her shadows into a circular map (3 ft/1m in circumference) in front of her, replicating her current surroundings in 3D form. As she does so, she sends out 'shockwaves' of tracking shadows that tells her the location of allies, enemies, or other mana signatures. A mini figure of herself stands at the middle of the map; allies are indicated by dark blue mini figures, enemies in grey, and other mana signatures in dark grey.Following sensory vs control rules, this spell attempts to see through illusions, while masking Genesis' own magical signature. For every 10 Control she has, this spell debuffs -6 Sensory on targets caught in the field, losing effectiveness by a point for every target outside the needed control.
[attr="class","sigh"]POW 25[+9]
[attr="class","sigh"]DUR 01
[attr="class","sigh"]SEN 30
[attr="class","sigh"]STA 31
[attr="class","sigh"]CON 35
[attr="class","sigh"]SPEED 5 m/s
[attr="class","sigh"]HEALTH senior
[attr="class","sigh"]MANA SKIN int + jr
[attr="class","sigh"]MANA POOL 70/90
[attr="class","sigh"]MANA REGEN 10[+5] IC 20[+5] OOC
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Feb 15, 2021 10:34:46 GMT -5
What a mess.
Satori lifted a hand up to rub the back of his neck with a sigh as he watched it all play out, there were alot of emotions running high on the air, but he wasn't connected to any of them. This town didn't matter to him on an emotional level, nor did its inhabitants, or his two temporary allies. Death was death. To kill was not evil, nor was it good, it was a simple part of life. It's counter-balance.
The children should be mourned and their lives celebrated, as the others that had passed should. The fact the souls were intelligent spoke of the fact that what she said was likely true. The magic required to give a wraith intelligence and memory was already immense. But the permanency of that soul's psyche? Unlikely even for adults. It was why Eir was fading. The mind of a person wasn't meant to last for limitless time. Some minds could endure, hold to their individuality for longer, but young children?
Unlikely. Especially Clovian children that were so innocent and naive generally.
Watching as Valo charged, Satori placed his hands on his hips. Not acting just yet. No one was out for blood, this wasn't a fight. It was a play. Until the Daemon needed killed to protect the two other mages, or they spoke up requesting his assistance, he had no intention of acting. This wasn't his play, this wasn't his land, this wasn't his children. The loss of life was a pity and nothing more, for now he would remain silent. Observing from the side as the magic crackled around him, willing to attack at a moment's notice as the spear remained clenched between his fingers.
[attr="class","textie"]The devastation that was wrought was immeasurable after they had destroyed the well, nothing but ruins, and the remains of homes stood now. However it didn't matter this had to end now, whatever this 'consumption' was that the female daemon spoke of, he didn't know, whether it was a good thing, or a bad thing he didn't know. All he knew was that right now everything else was out of their hands. Even if they went to go find the others, he doubted they'd make it in time to help them, or do anything substantial. They could always try, but would it amount to anything? Especially if there were more traps like this around. Vulkan wouldn't have been able to summon a barrier fast enough to block it, if he wanted to, and they would end up just leveling more of the city.
"I don't know...I don't know what this 'consumption' is, or how it affects them. All I know is that I think we are going to have to wait on the others to do their part now. Unless we have a quick way to find them to try, and go help. Flying is out of the question, and if we go on the ground we run the risk of tripping more traps, damaging more of the city. We destroyed the well, and activated this power of theirs...Though if it works on mages like you, that means some of the others got stronger as well. We activated a double edged sword..." he spoke in that same emotionless tone as if everything that was happening around him, had no impact on him.
That couldn't be further from the truth, but for now he needed to push it all down, and continue onward, the only path was forward now.
"What do you think? Do you think you can track down the others, and get us there in time to fight? I have no transport magic, and my sensory is abysmal...This is a job for you." he spoke simply to the shadow mage, and waited for his answer. To Vulkan it was simple, now it was time to fight, but who they helped mattered a great deal. This place was a trap, their decisions were a trap, everything was a trap in this place. All it was going to take was one more slip up, and then everything, and everyone would be gone. Differences aside, the shadow mage was at least keeping his word, and Vulkan felt a pang of sympathy for the man who was simply looking for a friend. That was something he could understand...
She chuckled a little at Valentine's words "I never said I was perfect, hell even gods get it wrong so that just shows you how very screwed up existence is." She wasn't holding back her truth with him, she knew if gods screwed up then everything was flawed by extension. well, except for the wraiths and mana beasts within her care she believed them perfect. "You are a very, very bitter child aren't you Vaile." she said using his true name, she wasn't mixing words with him she didn't see the need when each and every word he spoke was filled with venom. "Get over yourself. You are acting like an angsty teenager when you're almost thirty years old." she said with a frustrated tone "The world isn't against you, the magic knights didn't take your sister from you when she joined their ranks she knew exactly what it meant."
Her words were blunt and straight to the point "Regardless of if a person shows you kindness or hatred you constantly meet it as if the world is against you and that is why you are broken no other gods forsaken reason." To her, this 'little boy' needed a harsh reality check. "You came here for selfish reasons, do you really think that Verena will want to be around someone as bitter as you?" her tone hadn't changed the entire time "The fact you are so bitter and can't let go of her is the reason your mind still has her plague you, the reason those three children died, the reason you will continue to lose control and will likely eventually lose Verena too." it was that simple to the daemoness, Verena had goals that she wanted to achieve and as Vaile was he was of no real use to her in obtaining them.
"I hate to shatter that fragile reality you have but I actually do care when people die senselessly." it was just a matter of fact, it is why she made sure her wraiths remained who they originally were for as long as they could. It drained her to no end to do so but she didn't want their deaths. It was also the reason she protected her wraiths and mana beasts with everything she was. "I can't change the fate of those who died when I do... well... they become wraiths and where they keep who they are for sometimes decades they eventually lose who they once were." it was the sad truth of her magic "I honestly don't care if you care about my death or not, I don't care if you hate me... I understand that people need something to blame when things go wrong." she sighed a bit "Doesn't change the fact your anger and hatred is misguided and misplaced as I wasn't the one who killed her and the daemon who did has likely been dead for years." It was something that he would eventually have to come to terms with not all daemons were alike.
"It is true, this is just the way things are and 'little boy' I'm not in your head the magic knight has heard every word I've spoken this entire time." she said correcting him "You aren't worth my time to have a private chat with, just look after Verena and seek some help before you actually kill people without someone around that can revive them." she said her voice bitter "Oh, and it was one of my wraiths that revived those children so before you go pointing fingers that all daemons love causing misery and death get your damned facts straight." with that she went quiet, she did, however, pity him. To her he was still so young and yet he was more bitter and jaded than herself and Ito and they had been around for centuries.
Hearing Vulkan's words she had a bit of an inner monologue on whether she should divulge such information. "Consumption. So, more often than not when you come across daemons they will not be in their true forms. For example, when you came across the Ito clone he had ashen skin short black hair, a single horn, a tail elongated claw-like fingers and amber eyes and looked like a scholar. Ito's true form has him with blue skin, long black hair, three horns, no tail, normal hands, indigo eyes and looks like a warrior." she said calmly "Once in consumption the flood gates of our power open, we become stronger, faster and a lot harder to kill." she continued. "Ito and myself... we have a secondary fail-safe so we won't go into consumption unless we ourselves break the fail-safe and it will not be of choice if they break." she finished. She hoped the information would help them in the future but she wouldn't go into further on what the failsafe was or how to avoid them being broken.
Why should she give them that information when they had met her with disdain and ignored her pleas at every turn. She understood they were enemies but sometimes there was a mutual enemy and so a truce could be had, right now they had a mutual enemy... her father. "Actually you can go help your companions, all traps are destroyed, illusions are dropped and if you come across one of my children just tell them to return to the graveyard because I'm missing them. They'll run off without doing any harm." she informed the pair "Might I suggest that you split up though." She really didn't care if they took her at her word anymore she just wanted her suffering to end. "Also it wasn't the wells that activated the mana zone but my idiotic father who is currently being defeated by your captains. I could show you with an illusion spell if you like." she offered them not expecting them to take her up on the offer. "If you do decide to come and fight us, please allow us to die with the other that is the only thing we ask." With that, she would leave them to decide what to do going forward.
~~~~~~
June, Hans and Genesis:
It was true that Genesis was one to let her emotions control her, it seemed as if nothing had changed there; but, he was glad to see that Hans had learned his lesson from his first time facing the daemons. As he was corrected he nodded once "I stand corrected, my apologies lady Silva." his tone was respectful on the matter, he had made an assumption that as they were all mortal and here to take him out that they were on the same side. It would seem that wasn't in fact the case, he could understand within reason because the two didn't seem to have a strategic thought in their minds with how they had entered what was currently his sanctuary. "They are both civilians, they were here when the city was covered in darkness originally. They won't stab you in the back from my understanding but neither of them are fond of you by the energies they are giving off." he informed the late arrival.
He was fully aware that he was being a hypocrite in the regards of telling June not to keep jabbing at them while he himself actually done so, though, in his eyes they were inside his sanctuary and so he was the one that made the rules. He knew she was aware that he was stronger than the three of them combined. He was also aware that though she was tough from the information he gathered it would be little more than a minor inconvenience to end her if he so desired. The daemon had been nothing but civil and a gracious host if not one that poked at sore points on the mercenary and the assassin for fun, thing was be was doing it for a reason. He wanted to see if they had gotten better at controlling themselves since his last interaction with him. Hans clearly had while Genesis... well... she had a lot of work ahead of her... if she survived that was.
The silvery-blue haired woman knew that any hopes to end this without bloodshed had come to an end when Genesis has insulted the daemon. His demenor clearly shifted however as the young girl known as Elizabeth had entered the room asking about her homework. Even if the noblewoman saw it as distasteful to treat everyone equal she could admit that treating ones servants well was the correct course of action, an action that Ito indeed showed. Soon enough Ito had left the room in anger due to the insults of the red-headed assassin and it was enough that the water mage wouldn't hold her tongue any longer. She informed them that he could easily end their lives with ease if he so desired, so they were poking an angry bear with a cattleprod so to speak. She continued talking telling them that she was hoping to end this peacefully with Ito but their actions had made it that much more difficult.
She pointed out how it looked as if the pair were trying to get themselves killed and were wondering if they were in a rush to meet their ends. After saying her piece she left the library in the hopes to salvage the situation with the angered daemon. She realised that right now if Genesis or Hans said anything then there was a good chance that they would just make the situation worse, so created a water orb squarely over the library door to keep the two brats inside for the moment. Hearing June's words Ito hung the white cage from what seemed a tree made of darkness "No, of course there isn't." he said calmly but "I am not willing to listen to anymore words unless she gives a sincere apology." he said his tone still calm but cold in this matter. "She was the one that almost killed that family. I healed and have taken care of them yet somehow I'm still the monster here somehow." he sighed shaking his head "Mortals are idiots at the best of times." he sighed.
"This is doomed to end in violence however, the gods are cruel after all but I want to die next to my sister." he said his eyes closing "We are sick of the fighting, the animosity and the hatred but our kind doesn't go down without fighting." this was just the way of things, they could however be reasoned with not to fight with all their strength making it easier for their enemies to give them the ending they all wished for. Genesis however had put a rather large spanner into that as far as Ito was concerned. He hadn't replied to the pair currently trapped within the library but he guessed he would at current.
"I am well aware about your relationship with Miss Suna Hoshi." he said to the mercenary "And I know you are likely wondering, I was instructed by my father to gather information on squads, noble families and anyone that could be sent here to free Kikka from the darkness that has encased it." It wasn't even a small leap of faith for him to jump to this conculsion given how he had clearly spooked them with the two magazines and brought up Suna without mentioning her name. "I believed at least some of you would be coming back to try and correct wrongs done previously so I kept an eye on you all. I'm an observer and where I don't make deals easily mortals are greedy and so yul helped me gain a lot of information." It really was as simple as that, while in the magical darkness of Kikka he could see everywhere it wasn't the same outside of it but he had other methods to achieve the same affect obviously.
"I assure you, Miss Hoshi is perfectly safe if I wished her dead she would already be so." He had no idea if the other had previously saw his last words as a thread but they weren't intended that way, his current words? Well, he was assuring she was indeed safe because there was honestly nothing preventing him from killing her if he really wanted to. He had over two months to have done it clearly and as far as anyone was concerned the daemon had never approached them, then again as far as everyone had been concerned they daemons had remained inside Kikka the entire time. "I can understand my bringing up Miss Hoshi would be a tender nerve to you, however, your glare while I was in the library was laughable at best, you have got a lot of growing to do before you and I would be on par even at my current strength." he made it clear that he understood why the other had acted in such a manner but at the end of the day he wasn't even in the same league as Ito as he was let alone if he was at full power.
"I will tell all three of you something." he began leaning against the tree a little "I am roughly four hundred years old going by your timing and I've made only three deals that entire time." He was telling them this so they would understand that he didn't rush into doing things and because of that making a deal with him would be exceedingly difficult but not impossible. "My sister and I are not like our father, we don't use loopholes even if they're big enough for a sun to go through. Do we make them in our favour? Yes, of course we do but then mortals are the exact same way so why would you think we'd be any different?" he said making them aware that if a deal was struck with the pair that nothing underhanded would happen and they would keep to the letter of their word without exploiting loopholes. "We break our words, well, my sister is already paying penance on that one." he informed the trio showing that though twisted they did have some sense of honour.
"Any deal struck with us is eternal for both sides, you gain not only a marking on your skin but your soul and only the person you struck the deal with can free you from it." he was giving them the disclaimer up front in case they wanted to try make a deal with him "What I will want will be different that my chaotic father or my lovestruck sister." that much was clear all three of the daemons had destinct personalites of what they favored. Sven wanted to cause discord, Lilitu wanted to grow what she saw as her family and Ito well what made him tick wasn't exactly known. "Since I'm in a sharing is caring mood, the six children from before..." his words were silent to June but Hans and Genesis could hear him loud and clear "They joined my sisters graveyard not long after all of you left, an angel of death ended their lives and in retaliation my sister took hers while adopting the six as her own children. It's not exactly like she will be alive long enough to have her happily everafter after all." He knew that the dark mage was likely plagued by what he did and so wanted to let him know what had happened.
The deal was that the daemons wouldn't harm the hospital or those within it while the children were being treated there, there was nothing in the agreement that they had to protect anyone inside it and so they hadn't. Lilitu often went and checked on them through the window but because of the agreement she never stepped a foot inside of it not until they had breathed their last breaths as everyone was protected. The moment the children had died she went through the hospital and slaughtered every member of staff within the place without any remorse before reviving the children after torturing the angel of death herself. She never harmed any of the sick or injured and had even sent out a message that anyone with medical knowledge should go to the hospital because the staff had passed away. He loved his sister but she had a firm hated or people who killed children and so acted emotional when she saw it happening.
"You are right, but, I'm not the one making the darkness my father is and the only reason Lilitu or myself are here is because we're good little pawns... for the most part." his voice sounded bitter at calling himself and his sister pawns but he knew that was the truth of the matter whether he liked it or not. "The chaos is my fathers doing, the destruction is your people's doing. I've yet to destroy a graveyard, a park, a residential area, the magic knights exam grounds or even my fathers shadow palace. I can't argue against the fact that I set the traps around the town because that was my doing but they've not actually caused any property damage." This again was true as much as the group may hate to admit it. He brought up his hand and chuckled a bit into it "Trust me, its not only daemons that take advantages of the weaknesses of others we just do it better." It wasn't exactly something that could be argued as the mortal races were the exact same, if they saw a weakness they'd happily exploit it if it would further their goals.
"You were a mercenary, I expect there has been plenty of times in your past where you took advantage of someone's desperation in the past or exploited a weakness of your enemy; and please don't insult anyone's intellegence and say that you haven't because I'm pretty sure I have information that would prove otherwise." He didn't like that the other was trying to play the 'holier than thou' card when mortals were just as guilty of the same actions, daemons were just more open about it. "You aren't the only one that has put their hands up due to messing up, my sister and I have too. We've accepted our sins, done it a centuary or so ago, it wound our father up the wall. He blames her graveyard for it, it's a good assumption that those wraiths swayed our outlook on things." he couldn't argue that fact, his sister had always made sentient wraiths and it came with the downside that it affected the pair in ways Sven never wanted.
"Being in my care is what is protecting them, had Charlotte and Nanami have accepted the protection offered they would still be alive." he said coldly "They refused, my sister wanted to help them but due to the promise made to Valoriss she remained in the purple orca headquarters. She asked me to intervein and I refused because they had refused the protections offered, actions and decisions have consequences, this was the outcome of the mother's decision." he had given them additional information, the promise Lilitu had made to Valo was the thing that had stopped the mother, daughter and unborn child from being saved. The Green Mantis mage had inadvertantly caused those he cared abouts deaths because of the simple promise Lilitu had made to him and Charles. "I wouldn't tell him that however he's already taking their deaths pretty hard to find out the promise made to him was why they died, I think it would break him." his words showed concern for the Green mantis Mage.
"They won't end up like them, as no one knows they are in my service and upon my death they have been given an item that will allow them to go to an undisclosed location were they can live without the fear of the mob." He had clearly thought things through for those that were within his service. "They have served me loyaly since I healed them and so will not permit harm to come to them if I can help it." that much was clear within the tone he used, it was one of resolve. "Like I said, I've only ever made three deals my entire life and when my sister or myself do so we are above board and give all details up front like I already have with you all and as we did with my sisters new servant, the mark unfortunatly is a biproduct to prove that a deal was struck with one of our kind." it was a sad truth in the matter "Also no deal was struck with those two from any three of us." that was just a fact and it showed in his tone.
"You speak as if that is some sort of thing I should be quaking in my boots about, reality check... I'm not." the fact that the other thought that he could make a difference about the daemon killing the assasin was laughable at best to Ito, as June had already pointed out Ito was far stronger and could kill them all with little effort. Soon enough a singing bowl would appear in front of Genesis soon enough a male voice came from it “Genisis? I am Joseph Cobborn, a junior from the Azure Deer on the team on the other side of Kikka. Hinota asked me to pass on some vital information. Bring Ito to the point of death death, but don't actually kill him. It will be safer for everyone to let the deamon siblings come together and meet their ends that way. She also says not to do anything birdcage that he has.” He would say allowing for her to ask any questions she may want to pass back to the other.
Within her map she would see the markings for herself, Hans, June, Ito and the family within the library as for outside of that it didn't seem as if there was anyone nearby. The redhead then started to wonder what could actually be inside the birdcage, she was wrong about the fact of it possibly being a communication spell but only part right about her theory about it being a soul inside it. It wasn't his but a fragment of his sisters mana allowing him to keep tabs on her as she could with him. She was miles off in regards of it being one of his weaknesses but it was easy to see why she would believe such a thing when it came to how he had been protecting it. It would seem as if the redhead was condemplating calling in reinforcements to help deal with Ito but she realised they were likely dealing with their own tasks so they were on their own because they shouldn't distract them.
With a small banter with Hans it would seem as if the redhead was ready to attempt something, it was true that her mana presence was hidden from everyone but who said that the daemons use mana alone? Whatever she was planning it seemed she wanted Hans to be ready to use any tricks he may be hiding to help them with what she was going to do moving forward. She would get one chance at best so she best make it count or she could really be screwing everyone over.
~~~~~~
Satori, Hinota, Valo:
Valo confirmed that he knew each of the children, it was clear that this whole situation had, had an effect on the fire mage just by the sorrow heard in his voice. Lilitu had kept her position, she was fully relaxed but she was given no obvious opening to the trio, that was to be expected, daemons after all didn't live long if they left themselves open. She had informed the small group of the passing of the children and how it had happened, she had shown her anger at the events and informed them that she had taken care of the culprit. It was much more than that, she had killed every staff member in that hospital in her anger and when she got to the woman who killed the children she made sure to make the woman suffer before her death. She was no pure being and she accepted that but there were lines that even she wouldn't cross so there was no way she would allow another to regardless of the reason. Children were innocent it is why what her father had originally done never sat right with her and why some of her beloved mana beasts had been twisted to unholy homunculi as punishment.
It was clear that the fire mage had lost his faith in people, the daemoness couldn't blame him after all they had taken things that he held dear from him. "Mortals act differently to pressure, sorrow and dispair my dearest prince. Some band together to keep the light of hope burning regardless of what it does to them while others turn into an angry bunch of monsters at take out those they see as a threat or weak." she said sitting down at the table "It is a mob mentality, they believe that because others are doing it, it takes away their responcibility of their actions." she said, it was sad but true. At the end of the day they all should be punished for their actions and she hoped that their punishments were unkind for the murders they had done.
"My dearest prince, as much as they don't deserve your forgiveness do not put the blame solely on them... if we weren't here then... these tragedies wouldn't have happened." She knew it was a truth as clear as the darkness, it didn't absolve them of their sins of course but it should and would be taken into consideration when they were tried. "Don't let the darkness flood your heart like it has theirs, you are far to strong for that. Promise me." her voice was gentle as she requested his promise on the matter, she knew that it would be hard for the other especially given his current mind set. "Prove to them that you can go through the darkness and keep true to yourself, that their actions weren't the right ones." her voice was gentle almost as if she was fragile in that moment while speaking to him, her hand went to her head "Lady are you alright?" the male asked as the female rushed to Lilitu's side helping her to sit on the ground before looking the male and saying something in an ancient Hino tongue. "That's troublesome but we have our orders." he informed the female, the woman nodded though it was clear she didn't like it.
"You two worry to much." Lilitu said with a gentle smile on her face but she brought up her her sleeve to her mouth as she coughed "We don't worry enough it would seem." The female said with a concerned tone. "I'm fine, please continue with your tasks." she said the woman noded once reluctently getting up. "Then I hope you are strong enough to help me into my graveyard." she said calmly from her position on the ground as she brought down her sleeve blood could be seen on the sleeve, the woman walked and stopped before the man shooting him a glance for a quick moment. It was then that the battle had started, Valo had called two more golems and aimed them at the wraiths but they were instantly caught in orbs of water and destroyed with ease as he dashed towards Lilitu his staff aimed right at her, she made no attempt to protect herself, she had complete faith in the two wraiths that had answered her call. This was shown as a sword appeared and blocked every blow Valo had attempted to land on the daemoness.
Surprisingly a second sword would be at Valo's neck showing that he could end the other's life had he wanted to but his hand was stayed. He stopped before doing any damage not because he wanted to but because he knew the one he was protecting cared about him, he knew she cared deeply for those in her care but it had been the first time that she had ever shown the same sort of gentle touch to someone living. "It is bad tactics to run in as you did, as it stands you'd be dead." The man said his tone that of a seasoned warrior "You don't know the strength of your enemies, I understand testing the water but don't be foolish or you will be the same as us whether you like it or not." It was truely a simple fact, mistakes came with consequences and he would soon find that out with the pair he was facing. "These are the only two wraith I will use, they are my strongest" she wasn't lying especially at current, in the mana zone these grand wraiths were of archmage strength.
The entire time the flower mage had been trying to get Valo to keep his head, she knew that this would be a difficult thing to ask knowing that he wanted someone to pay for what had been done. She was unsure if he had heard her words more so as she had just watched him do a suicidal move and run directly towards the enemy without a second thought. It was clear that the young woman was struggling with her own issues, she was however, doing her best to hid them under a mask so she could help Valo the best she could. It made her little better than a cheerleader but it was the best she could do with her limited abilities. It was then she called out for Valo to not kill her as if she had realised something. She knew that both Lilitu and Ito were willing to accept their deaths, they longed for it but the information of the cages made her realise that there was more to it.
She commented that it would be kinder to allow them to perish together, to show them the kindness that they had been attempting to show them the entire time. More than that, she believed that if one was killed the other would go nuclear and likely level the town and that wasn't something anyone would want. She would have no idea if he would agree with her or pay her any mind but she knew he was feeling the anger of grief and could do a lot of damage if he lost control. For better or worse the Green Mantis mage was weaker than their enemy and if he could do a lot of damage she didn't want to imagine the fall out if one of them wanted to really be destructive or go on the warpath. Holding the singing bowl she would make her message known to Joseph to pass on to Gen or Hans to get Ito near death but allow him to come to his sister to allow them to meet their deaths for everyone's safety and to not mess with the birdcage that he had. She trusted that the Azure Deer mage would do as requested as it was vital information.
The doll-like mage couldn't help but notice that the way she cared for her wraiths was apparent, she found herself wondering if these daemons were actually more empathetic than most people. She informed both Satori and Valo that the two wraiths were holding back, that one of them used sword while the other used water and from what she could tell they both had attack spells at their disposal. Problem was no one knew which cast which magic or what other kinds of spells they had up their sleeves, that bothered the Golden Dawn mage to no end more so as they were holding their cards to their chests giving no clues. Other than Lilitu saying that these where her strongest wraiths there was no way to know just how strong they were other than they had dealt with Valo's first attack as if he had just gotten his grimoire.
Satori had remained quiet the entire time watching and listening to all that was said, he believed that the children's deaths should be mourned and though short their lives celebrated. At the end of the day he cared little for the town or its people, even his current temporary allies... there was no emotional bond between them and if death came it came. In war there was no justice nor sin that line was blurred. The larger male done nothing for the moment, there was no threat, no call for blood, right now as far as he was concerned this was all for theatrics. Until the play came to its end and the daemons needed to meet theirs he was happy enough to watch, this wasn't a dance he was part of, after all, these weren't his lands and it wasn't his people that were being affected. The he felt for the loss of life but nothing more and until he needed to act to protect the two mages with him he would remain observing the show. That didn't mean he wasn't willing to attack at a moment's notice however.
Story:
June has locked her allies in the library as to talk to Ito. Ito has informed the smaller woman that he will talk things out but only if Genesis would be willing to give a sincere apology. He did tell them all however that a battle would have to happen between them all. It was now he spoke to Hans informing him that he had been gathering information on pretty much everyone that they would send here and on the former group too. That Suna was perfectly safe because if he wanted her dead she already would be. He also informed the entire group that he and his sister didn't use loopholes and when they made deals they stuck to what was agreed upon without going after low hanging fruit. He even informed the trio of his age and how many deals he himself had made in that entire time. He did inform them that the deals were always made in their favour but then that was just the way of things regardless of race. He informed them that both sides were bound to any agreement made and that Lilitu was in penance for being forced to break hers to Valo.
He even pointed out the similarities between himself and mortals in reards to taking advantage of weaknesses and vulnrability but he also noted that it wasn't exactly by choice. Himself and Lilitu were pawns and they got punished just as bad as any servant if they disobeyed which the pair had. He also explained that Nanami and Charlotte had been offered safety and protection and they had denied it. He pointed out every care he had taken to make sure the family that served him were protected even to what would happen after he was killed. He had left nothing up to chance as not even the family would know where they would end up when they used the item so no one else would either. He also informed them that he hadn't struck a deal with the family or anyone in kikka.
He also informed only Genesis and Hans a piece of informationt that he had ommited to say the first time. The promise Lilitu had made to Valo prevented her from helping the mother and daughter and he was under no obligation to help and so inadvertently it had been a promise his sister hadn't been freed from that hat had caused the tragedy. He also informed hans of what happened to the children and the aftermath that came from it. Lilitu was obviously not a happy person. He also taunted Hans telling him that the threats the mercenary was giving him laughable at best as they were in differing strengths. Gen had gained a communication from Joseph giving information and instructions from Hinota. It seemed however the assassin had something in mind and wanted Hans to get ready with whatever tricks he had up his sleeves.
Lilitu scolded Vaile and gave him what she believed was a much needed reality check, she informed the pair about what consumption was but she and Ito had a secondary fail-safe on theirs that they had no control over if it got broken but didn't go into further detail into that. She did however notify them that the traps and illusions were gone and how to get mana beasts to leave without harming them. She suggested that the pair divide and conquer in regards to dealing with herself and Ito whether they would take her advice this time or not was up in the air as always. How the pair continue was truly up to them.
Valo had attacked the wraiths and Lilitu but the golems were destroyed with ease while Lilitu was defended by a sword magic spell without much issue. Which of the two wraiths did what was unknown but it was clear by what was happening with Lilitu the pair were worried, when the daemoness coughed into her sleeve blood was easily seen. Something was clearly happening with her but no one would really know what. Kiyoshi the male wraith scolded Valo for his lack of tactics and how he would end up dead if he continued going the way he was. Hinota sent a message via joseph to Genesis giving him the information she knew about the birdcages and the safest thing to to hoping they would understand why. It was then she stated the two magics and the magic specialization they both shared but she knew there had to be more to it. Satori had remained silent the entire time watching what was going on, he would jump in when needed but as it stood, right now it wasn't his fight and so would let things play out until it was, now the next bout was about to begin.
[attr="class","lonelyscroll"] She liked to talk, or perhaps hear herself talk. Vaile let her. [break][break] Because what else was he supposed to do? It wasn’t like she was going to listen. It wasn’t like he was going to say anything to change her mind. Both of them had a worldview that wouldn’t be tainted by the other. Because people were selfish like that, daemon or not. [break][break] Vaile let his shoulders drop, and his hollow smile meant something else. The fact that he didn’t care, that didn’t want to, that words like this coming from a daemoness like her didn’t mean anything at all. [break][break] “What is it that you want me to say?” He shrugged. “That you’re right? That you’re righteous? That your morals and values make you the better person here?” [break][break] He shook his head, brushing off her remarks. “Perhaps I should apologize. Maybe I meant to say that your words are just so influential that they’re meddling with my adolescent mind.” What was he supposed to know the difference? He could barely see anything in this eternal darkness anyway. Sarcasm melded with his tone. [break][break] “What makes you care so much to go on a virtuous tirade against a bitter, angsty child like myself?” He could reference his own faults, for he was far from faultless. What the point of it all anyway? This supposed character assassination? Was it to suffice some kind of ego that daemons were the victims? What a laughable idea. [break][break] “No, you never killed my sister.” He shook his head, admitting aloud a different truth. “It was your existence, of Daemons walking on this hell of earth that wiped her from reality. So I will always hate you, for existing.” There was no forgiveness to be found. Logical reasoning was foregone in Vaile’s mind. There was something about this Daemoness who thought she knew everything there was to know about Vaile Valentine that was wrong. [break][break] Vaile’s anger was not misguided. It was exactly where it was needed to be. There was never tragedy to go around. [break][break] “As for what the Summoner thinks of me, it’s not my place to say.” He responded in words regarding the lady Reinsberg. “I did all I could for her because I compared her to someone I lost. And if anything, that was unfair to her.” Crimson eyes trailed downward, showing sadness and softness he’d rarely allowed to surface. He so desperately had clung to her, the idea of her, and in the end, just like his sister, he was barely worth her time or her presence because of who he was. [break][break] A narrowed-minded fool. [break][break] “The Magic Knights killed my sister.” Vaile had to correct her on a truth that he would not allow to be misinterpreted. “She gave up her life for them, her dreams for them, her heart and her love. She gave them everything until she saw she had nothing left.” Until she was empty, until she was hollow, until her smile was so tired that it didn’t mean anything more. Vaile’s voice was trembling with anger, an emotion that bordered pained obsession. [break][break] “Don’t pretend that you know what she gave up, because you weren’t there and you didn’t see her like I did.” [break][break] Those were facts. She could read his mind, she could read his memories, she could read him like a book, but she could never know what Vanilla had felt. It was insulting on a different scale, and one Valentine could not accept. [break][break] “I’m not my sister. I can’t forgive. I can’t let go. I am selfish. I’m bitter. I’m angry!” And perhaps for the first time, Valentine did raise his voice. He yelled out loud, screaming out his final breath. But the question begged, what else could he do? What could these emotions serve him other than turmoil and torment? But the moment passed all too soon, and he held his head in his hand, shaking it with quiet misery. What did it matter? How could he be such a wretched individual? Incapable of forgiving? Incapable of confronting the hate that consumed his every thought? [break][break] “Tsk.” Gritted teeth allowed a small sound to escape. “Forget it.” He muttered, because there he was again, making it all about himself. [break][break] He was just that rueful. [break][break] Consumption was explained in a manner that didn’t deliver anything useful. Vaile scoffed, again, letting crimson eyes drag over to the Daemoness. Stronger? Faster? Harder to kill? “So you’re saying we’re better off killing you now, right? As if we even could.” He threw a hand up in the air, relaying the hopelessness of their situation. “Though, I wouldn’t mind trying.” He added, a somewhat offhand comment, but there was intent to be taken seriously. [break][break] At the mentioning that the Captains were killing off her ‘father,’ Vaile held a neutral expression. “Sounds like something Magic Knights would do.” He returned, offering little in turns of constructive comment, because yes, it sounded exactly like something Magic Knights would do. Defeat a villain. Be heroes. Say they saved and protect everyone because that’s simply what they did as Magic Knights. [break][break] Valentine would admit she was still a mother, in the loosest term of maternity with her wraith ‘children.’ Maybe he would feel guilty if he tried to kill her, if he actually could. It wasn’t as if he’d hadn’t made that mistake before. In the end, he kept making them. [break][break] He didn’t care how the Daemons died, just that they did. [break][break] “If you die, you die.” Vaile answered, “Everyone dies alone.” [break][break]
“Haven’t you said enough?”
[break] He paused, knowing that he had said more than enough and perhaps would have continued, but his demeanor had become more tired as his words had worn on. [break][break] “I assume that if I’m still under arrest, you wouldn’t want me out of your sight.” Valentine turned to Vulkan, a more reprehensible tone to his voice. “Regardless of the outcome, I gave my word I would face the consequences of my actions and accept whatever justice is dealt to me.” Looking to his shadowed map, where now it would likely show an accurate view of their surroundings, not muddled by the illusions of whatever forces the Daemons decided (or perhaps it had the whole time, who knew anything about what Daemons controlled). [break][break] “I ask that Verena Reinsberg, the summoner, not be blamed for what I’ve done.” He breathed out, his composure having returned to him. He stilled looked to his map yet again, which now relayed positions of every mana signature he could sense within range, and of course, one of them would be the very Summoner. “My decisions and my mistakes are wholly my own.”
COMBAT SUMMARY
[attr="class","lonelytempy2"]
[attr="class","lonelystats"]
MANA SKIN
archmage
MANA POOL
235/240
HEALTH
grand
MANA REGEN
60 ic // 55 ooc
[attr="class","lonelystats"]
POW
177
DUR
002
SEN
031
STA
102
CON
122
[attr="class","lonelyscroll2"] Mana: 210 - 15 - 15 + 55 = 235/240 [break][break] TL;DR IDK has a therapy session ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ [break][break]
Commander is in effect for himself & Vulkan giving everyone a dandy +2 stat points
Fast Lane:Transportation spells may give an additional 5 meters a second faster than normal. Once they become Grand rank this increases to 10 meters a second.
[break] Description: Vaile creates a pair of raven’s wings extending from the small of his back. From tip to tip the wingspan is 5 meters long, with shadow 'feathers' appearing to constantly wither and fall from them. The wings appear to be made of solid shadow and grant Vaile independent flight ability, also increasing their maneuverability and overall speed. Besides creating wings for himself, he is able to create wings for allies and other targets, however, they must remain within his range. The maximum number of wings Vaile can create is equal to the normal passenger number for a senior transportation spell (5).
This perk allows a person to have their AoE spells to have their max size increased by 10 meters + 5 meters per rank they are starting at junior.
[break] Description: Vaile fully concentrates his magical sensory skills on everything around him within a ranged radius, shadow tendrils extend from where she stands and branch out along the ground. They are pure black, thin and have no physical substance. The tendrils can even go unnoticed unless a target has enough sensory to see them, acting similarly to an illusion, they are hidden from a target's sense of sight and further cannot be sensed by an enemies' mana sensory skills unless following the regular seeing through illusion guidelines. He can conjure a 3D model of the surrounding area made of her shadow element, about 5 cubic meters in size. Movements and enemy mana signatures are detected via disturbance in the shadows' extensions, appearing like glowing dots on the map. Vaile can attempt to detect mages or other presences who are hiding their mana signatures from him regarding the normal tracking guidelines. Similarly, Vaile can also attempt to see through illusions following the sensory guidelines.
Post by June Silva on Feb 26, 2021 14:00:09 GMT -5
June rubbed her temples at Ito's reply. She waited for him to finish talking before speaking.
"I do not know that what you require is in my power to bring about. As you have stated, the other two bear me no good will. I don't trust the intelligence of the red haired one enough to apologize genuinely even if it were to save her own life. From what you have told me, she and her companion don't seem to care much for thinking or about how their actions affect others. Perhaps that man can talk some sense into her. He is marginally more considerate."
The silvery-blue haired knight glanced over her shoulder at the barrier covering the door. Her attempts to keep the other two out of her way would only last so long. The door was but one exit of what were likely many available in a building of that size. Their options were slim and time was running short.
"You strike me as a reasonable fellow, however, so I'll speak freely. I am here to do a job, nothing more and nothing less. My aim is to free this town of your presence. It has been clear to me from the moment I entered the library that such a thing will require some measure of cooperation on your part. I am in no position to make you do anything. In fact, I find myself at a disadvantage. The only person in this vicinity whom might be able to end your existence is too far away to be of any help to me now."
Each word was delivered dryly, in a matter of fact tone.
"My only option, if I do not desire to die futilely, is to strike some sort of deal. For that to work, I must discover what it is that you want. Everyone wants something. I have made my intentions clear. Is there anything within my power to provide that I can give in exchange for your departure from this town? I would offer an apology from our dear acquaintance, Genesis, though I fear you won't find any words I can compel her to say with force to be genuine so much as the response of any creature to a dire threat."
June knew she was flirting with death. Her tongue was as sharp as it was silver, and at the moment, it was her best "weapon". She was duty bound to work towards some sort of solution other than her death or further destruction. However, lifting her sword against Ito would only fail spectacularly. Unlike some, June wasn't the type to sacrifice her life to further the goals of the Magic Knights or even the citizens of this town. Furthermore, she wasn't the type to carelessly cause massive damage to the surrounding area or people uninvolved in her conflicts.
This situation was perhaps the most frustrating one she had ever found herself in. Satori would have been better suited to herding weaklings like cats to prevent them from getting everyone killed. Perhaps she should have trapped the pair within the defense creation spell. That would have kept them out of her way more effectively.
"Tell me, Lord Ito, what is it you desire? You differ from your father. With him I could not reason. But you? You clearly have a different aim. Do you tire of this position you're in? Though our situations are not identical, I can relate to feeling bound by family expectations. It's quite stifling. Surely you've thought of what life might be like if you weren't compelled to enter into situations like this. Imagined. Perhaps even hoped. I won't pretend I have some moral high ground. I care not for such things. I want results. The question is what sort of end you are pursuing."
[635/2,339]
Grand spell maintained for 25 mana 75 mana recovered w/ perks
Post by Valo Stark✾ on Feb 26, 2021 23:25:27 GMT -5
Valo Stark
"Don't need a reason to seek strength."
"I... I see. I'm sorry for your continual loss Valo."
The Green Mantis heard her apology, he tried to take it in but in all honesty he couldn't. He didn't want to hear apologies, he didn't want to hear about any more loss. Any more death. About how this was the way of war and battle and they were bound to be casualties. What he wanted was all this to end, for these daemons to be gone. For Lilitu to be put to rest. For all this to be finally over.
His impatience, his anger and his rage clouded his irrational mind. His head was anything but clear, seeing the passing of those innocent children just weighed heavily on him. He honestly thought they were saved, that they were going to be ok. Just like he thought about Nanami and Charolette. He could only imagine the horrors all the people that passed had to go through living in this literal dark hell. People that he was forced to leave behind because he was weak, because he wasn't good enough. Why shouldn't he go mad, he started to think. Why wouldn't he just lose his mind and give in to it all.
Hinota noticing his anger tried to talk some sense into him, but it fell on deaf ears. She mentioned things that he said in the beginning of all this, that not all mistakes can be undone. She was right. Every word of it. "I don't ...ca... " was his response. His sentence unfinished, he couldn't finished it cause he didn't believe in it. Ever since becoming a magic knight, since that day Green Mantis accepted him as one of their own. He made a promise to himself. Live in truth. No matter what, live in truth. No more lies, no more deceit. Live in one's truth. If he finished that sentence, he would be lying. He did care, he cared more than anything.
"Valo, keep yourself calm..."
He was trying his best to subdue his anger, but it was hard for him. His heart was racing with fear, nervousness, anger. It was hard to do. Hard to calm oneself in a situation like this. How was he supposed to do it? Even his mind was racing with all things going on, and possible outcomes. How was he supposed to stay calm? He didn't, the fire mage rushed in despite everyone's words thinking a reckless offensive attack would somehow work. His golems destroyed rather easily, do to some kind of water bubble attack. But this didn't stop his pursuit in wanting to end this quickly and attack Lilitu. His two blows coming from his staff were blocked near instantly, by a floating sword. A second sword was at his neck, leaving the fire mage shocked for a moment then his eyes focused again not wanting to show any sign of weakness from his end.
Valo quickly moved back a few meters closer to Hinota and Bengal's position. All of his attempts to attack were blocked and countered so easily, it was frustrating. But he had himself to blame only, what would he gain rushing in recklessly like that? What could be gained from anger and impatience? Nothing but loss and death. He could have died just now, just like everyone else he cared for. He needed to be better than that, he had to be. He had to be calm, he had to breathe.
A short memory of the time he was training his fire spells with Charolette came to mind. He was always reckless in youth, always wanted to learn the next cool fire attack quickly and had little interest in anything else. Valo growing up wasn't the most talented, or promising mage. He could fight with his fists well, but when it came to actual magic he was lacking. But Charolette never ever loss her patience with him, she never seemed mad or annoyed. Anytime he was struggling, she would just tell him. "Breathe in and breathe out, focus on the task. With no other distractions. Just breathe calmly and slowly. These are the first steps towards victory."
Breathe.
The fire mage took a large breath in and let it out, and followed it with another. His breathing was more refined and slow, unlike before which was fast and careless. His mind finally started to clear, no more impatient thoughts. Anger was still there of course, but he wasn't blinded by it. Anger could still be used as a weapon but only when channelled correctly. His body started to relax, his overall demeanor just a lot more calm. There was only one task he had to focus on, and that was putting Lilitu to rest.
Although he rushed in recklessly, he heard the words from Lilitu and Hinota. His eyes till on the daemon and her wraith summons, but his voice was directed towards Hinota. "Thanks. I just had to... breathe a little." he said towards her. "Let's do this the right way. You say beat her don't kill her? Her coming together with her brother should be the right call?" he asked her for reassurance. "I understand. Killing her right now would cause her brother to fall into a rage that will have dire consequences for everyone involved. Cause things aren't complicated enough. But I trust your call Hinota." he added a light little joke in towards the end, it was mostly for himself.
Valo looked back and forth between the two wraiths, these beings were much more than just an average golem. They had a mind of their own, magic of their own both of those combined made them extremely dangerous. Truth be told Valo had little advantages in this fight, just getting to be able to beat Lilitu almost seemed impossible. But his resolve did not waver, he was going to get this done no matter what it takes. One used sword magic and the other water magic, it was tough to tell which one used water but he made a mental note of all the little details. He looked at Lilitu and noticed the blood on her sleeve, something was wrong with her. He made eye contact with her. "You remind me of her. Motherly, protecting, fierce when need be. You asked me to make a promise, if everything you said holds true. Then fulfilling that promise should be easier." he said simply referring to Charolette. He would leave it at that though, he knew she would know whom he spoke of.
The fire mage spun his silver staff in front of him once, while forming another spell. He couldn't afford not giving it his all anymore. "Sāto no ken Kyōka." blue flames formed two seven foot blades that hovered on his sides. But him using his current strongest spells in his arsenal wasn't going to be good enough, he had to use every advantage he could. Then he realized something very obvious, he was being buffed by Bengal's spells. His speed currently was near triple what it was normally, getting in close and using physical attacks was his preference. But moves like that probably weren't the best idea. But that didn't mean he couldn't move around the battlefield. But he was also being healed, constantly.
Using nothing but his mental control of his two blue flaming swords, he sent them both at full speed towards the male wraith. Using his full increased speed he didn't run forward he dashed to his left side of the room in a blur, his silver staff pointed at the male wraith with his right hand. His position was about 20 meters away to the left, giving him enough distance but new positioning.
"Zoka." he uttered one word and the silver staff's length would increase at a surprising speed, aiming to land another attack on the male wraith. His staff grew in length 25 meters. Behind his back was his left hand he would flick his wrist, that would change the course of one of his flaming blades. Instead of having them both aim to hit the male, one would instantly change course and aim to him the female wraith instead. He needed to know what each one's element was directly, but he also had to be crafty while doing so.
BATTLE: Speed = 75 m/s. Valo finally able to calm himself, stated he trusts in Hinota's call. Also commented on how Lilitu reminds him of 'her'. This time hopefully fighting smarter and a more calm mind. Sent two senior rank attacks at the male wraith, followed up by another attack using his staff's ability. Then tried a crafty move towards the end, hoping to catch the two off guard.
Name of Spell: サートの剣強化 ( Sāto no ken Kyōka / Swords of Surtr Enhanced) Elemental Type: Fire Rank & Spell Type: Senior | Attack Creation & Physical Reinforcement Range & Speed: 80 meters | 40 meters AOE | 40 m/s Mana Cost: 30 | 15 Stats Effected: + 9 Power | Senior Strength Applicable Perks: Apex Predator Description: A more powerful version of the original Sāto no ken, summoning a much hotter ethereal blade made of blue flame and heat. The blade is also much longer reaching seven feet in height, as it hovers right behind Valo. Like before the blade will follow directly behind Valo as he moves throughout the battle field. He is still able to control the blade at will now moving at 40 m/s within range of 40 meters AOE, the blade are also capable of following the movement of his physical strikes if he so wishes. Each attack from the blade itself is extremely hot, and will do minor third degree burning damage with every strike. This enhanced version buffs Valo's strength even further causing each physical strike to deal senior rank damage, and cause burns. He is also able to make more blades following senior rank spell ammo rules.
Name of spell: 増加 (Zōka / Increase ) Type & Uses: Burst (Turns Active 4, Uses 4, Recharge 24 mana) Rank & Specialization: Intermediate / Transformation & Sensory Mana Cost: 22 Range & Speed: 20 M/s | 40 M Stats Affected: - Description:
Valo is able to extend the height of Hinokagutsuchi growing from a standard six feet to 40 meters in height in a single direction. Valo is able to stop it's growth at any point to fit the situation at hand. The staff can also become broader for its width, reaching up to 4 meters. Valo's control and connection to Hino has greatly improved to the point he can sense where the staff is in a 20 meter AOE distance. But not only sense where it is, but also call it back to him if need be within that distance.
Hinota watched the other it was clear he wasn't doing well and that worried her, every word she spoke seemed to bounce right off him. She couldn't even pretend to know what he was going through as much as she wanted to empathise with the other she had never felt such pain of loss. She had been sheltered up until when she gained her grimoire, even then she was always with a magic knight that protected her. She heard his words and looked at him instantly, she knew that he was trying to say that he didn't care, but the fact he trailed off showed that he knew it wasn't true and he couldn't make that lie. She was glad that he did still care, that he hadn't lost hope or himself in the darkness that he currently found himself within. She couldn't imagine how the blaze of grief was burning within him. [break][break] She wished she could help keep him calm and composed but nothing she could do right now to do it, she wasn't as strong as either male as she accompanied nor was she a fighter. She knew she could help with the aftermath but not before it, she bit her bottom lip and released a small breath allowing her mana to escape her body it was just a plain miasma that done nothing to or for anyone but it was scented like lotus, lilies, orchids and lavender she hoped that he would help him relax, focus and think clearly. She knew that Satori was dealing with healing but all her spells had it connected to it and so Valo would be able to take quite a bit of damage before it wouldn't cover what was taken, still she needed to do something. She moved into her dresses sleeve and brought out her grimoire. [break][break] Glowing with a pale pink and lavender aura she allowed it to the pages she needed it to go to, soon enough she brought her hands together as if she was holding a lily within them. A closed blue-white lily appeared in her hand, to her knowledge she only needed one so brought it close to herself "Protect Valoriss." she whispered to it the moment she did the lily went into full bloom the further form herself that if floated when it was close to Valo it seemed to burst almost like a balloon the petals floating to the ground. The moment the final petal touched the ground a fully open glowing blue-white lotus appeared around Valo, the scent coming from the flower however wasn't lotus but faintly of spearmint. She had no idea why her flowers didn't smell like what they were supposed to though. [break][break] She knew that any incoming attack that happened the lotus would instantly in the hopes to protect the one within it, he would also find that the healing that he had gotten stronger with the spell adding to what Satori had given him previously. She then lifted her head, the moment she did a baby green and purple seal appeared instantly, a few seconds after the seal appeared thousands of cherry blossom petals seem to burst from it and dance around the area as if caught on a breeze. These blossoms didn't smell normal either, in fact, they smelt of lilac. Some would instantly believe that this spell was some sort of area of effect but that wasn't the case, the spell still wasn't fully active. This spell didn't act like a normal defence spell, it relied on her to be alert as it followed her movements, this allowed her to shield her allies effectively without hindering their own attacks. [break][break] It was a risky defence spell as she really had to be aware of everything going on, she knew that when she condensed the petals it would also give additional healing but for now, she remained calm allowing the flowers to dance around the area her hands going to her side as she watched quietly ready to act if it was needed. She had no idea how well this would work but she had to try to help the best she could, even if they sliced through her defences the healing would still be helpful or at least that's how she thought of it. "It's a lot to take in Valo, rushing makes people very dead and I'm not strong enough to revive yet so let's not have you die or be to badly hurt if we can help it." she said gently. [break][break] She nodded at his words "I believe if she killed her, her twin would destroy the town in grief that would mean anything we accomplished right now would be wasted." she explained to him, she noticed how the female wraith had run to her mistresses side and how they had both showed concern for her. She also noticed the cough and the blood that was on the demonesses sleeve her eyes going to Valo taking note that he himself had noticed. She didn't think daemons could get sick, her eyes went quickly to the birdcage, there was no change so that was good at least. "You are sick?" she asked the daemoness "Not quite dear princess but there are reasons for it." Lilitu replied to her with a soft tone, what she called her caught her off guard that was for sure, these daemons were strange for sure. [break][break] She was glad to see that Valo agreed with her reasoning that killing the weakened daemoness would only lead to others being hurt and it went against why they had been sent in the first place. She had to agree with him this whole situation was complicated and wasn't getting any less messy going forward. "No pressure, hu?" she brought her hand to her mouth and chuckled lightly some of the petals had followed her motion by raising and condensing a little. This showed the others what this spell actually was designed to do. Her eyes went back to the wraiths if they could crack even one of them then it would make things so much easier but that was a tall order as all they knew was that they each had magic and only one specialization. They also worked independently of each other which didn't exactly make her life any easier in helping. 'This is going to be an uphill struggle.' she noted to herself but she would do her best. [break][break] "I have yet to lie to you my dearest prince and when I have I have informed you of my folly." she said gently, this was, in fact, the truth and he would know it to be true. She had informed him when she had broken the promise she made and had destroyed a well at his request and protected the citizens of Kikka though she believed his thoughts on that one may have differed given what he found out. He had also been told the truth about the mana beasts and even the wraiths. "I learn from those in my graveyard, it changes a persons outlook on things." she said to him, there was clear sorrow in her eyes and in her tone when she spoke those words. The doll-like mage picked up on the fact there was likely a deeper story there but it wasn't her place to ask but wondered if Valo picked up on it too. [break][break] Soon there was an explosion heard in the distance followed by two others, she hoped that was the wells being destroyed but remained silent on the matter. She dreaded to think of the damage or the lives that were likely snuffed out by them if they heard them this far away. It seemed as if the talking had come to an end as Valo started casting more spells, she didn't believe that this was a full-on offensive but more information gathering. She watched as the Valo sent the blades towards the male wraith. The pair both lifted their left hands curling their hands curling all but two fingers an orb of water large enough to surround them both appeared before they lowered their hands. It was clear telling who used what wasn't going to be easy, the blades cracked the water but didn't pierce it. She watched Valo changed his positioning, she couldn't determine what was going on but she didn't think it was going to work. [break][break] She watched as he spoke a single word the staff extending quickly to the male wraith but it then changed direction aiming towards the female wraith, this time both there right hands raised the flat of their hands turned towards him trapping him in a bubble of water just before the strike hit the woman. The lotus of her spell had closed protecting him a bit around it within the water there was still the petals condensed around it as Hino had brought her hand up just in time. Swipping their hands to the right, the swords that had deflected his attacks before hit the water orb making it break. It was then that the spell wasn't an attack but rather a reverse shield almost like a water prison, she had to admit it was quite an impressive spell for something so simple. [break][break] "You won't find out anything going at them like that, they're twins and are quite well versed in mimicking each other's movements. They've had over two hundred years to perfect it." Lilitu said showing that it would be futile to try it "Valo, they're from Hino respect and truth is a big thing to our culture especially in warriors; if you want to know things ask them." she had no idea why she hadn't picked up on the earlier behaviour, then again she had been worried about Valo so she guessed she had been distracted. She brought her hand down the petals from her spell still danced around and the lotus still was around Valo's feet as no damage had been given to either of them. "Also Valo, from what I understand about wraiths they have a limited mana pool before they start siphoning from their mage." She didn't know if it was helpful information or not but she hoped it was.
Hinota brings her hand together as if holding a lily, within her hands, a closed pale blue-white lily seems to appear an additional lily appears for every 20 control she has as per the ammo rules. Quickly she moves the lily slightly away from her whispering the allies name(s) she wants to use this spell on as she does so. The lily seems to blossom and so open the more it moves away from hinota before it seemingly bursts and the petals fall to the ground. As this happens an opened lily appears beneath those she spoke the name of. When the lily does appear it will be completely open and those within it will smell a light scent of spearmint coming from the flower itself however with control when she notices an incoming spell the flower will close allowing in the attempt to protect the one cocooned inside it. At this point, the lily will follow clashing rules as normal and will even repair itself at the end of each round if damaged thanks to its self-repairing ability. In addition to being a defensive spell the entire time this spell is active it is healing the one standing inside it for intermediate damage while also actively attempting to cleanse them of any poisons, venoms, debuffs, curses or hexes using the clashing rules for cleansing. This spell remains active until Hinota either runs out of mana or deactivates the spell herself. [break][break]
Active Defence Name of Spell: Active Defence[break] Elemental Type: Flower[break] Rank & Spell Type: Intermediate ¦ Defence Creation ¦ Healing[break] Range & Speed: 40m ¦ 20 m/s[break] Mana Cost: 20 ¦ 10[break] Stats Affected: +6 durability (Self)[break] Applicable Perks: Archangel's Blessing, Self Repairing, Elemental Oddity[break] Description: [break] Hinota often says she was raised learning how to read the tides of battle and this spell shows just how true that statement is. Quickly raises her left hand above her head creating a baby green and purple seal in the top of her a few seconds later hundreds if not thousands of cherry blossom petals seem to burst free from it and dance around the area the scent of the blossoms, however, smell of lilac, at this point the spell is still fully inactive as it isn't doing what the spells function truly is thus not making this an aoe spell. This spell doesn't act like a normal shielding spell as the petals follow Hinota's movements and condense in pockets big enough to take on incoming spells while leaving the ally in questionable to attack unhindered. The condensed petal pockets act as a shield and so clashing rules still take effect when they intercept an attack. The petals can split off in the attempts to defend more incoming attacks using the ammo rules equal to Hinota's control and she can even send them to defend another person at the same time by using the ammo rules but she can not go above what her control allows. (Example: A has three projectiles incoming and Hinota has just enough control to protect against all three projectiles but B is also getting attacked by something Hino needs to decide whether or not to protect A against all incoming projectiles or send some of the petals to protect B thus not going over what she can control via ammo rules.) If not destroyed the shield aspect of this spell repairs at the beginning of each round. [break][break] In addition to being a shield, the petals are able to condense and move around individuals healing them instead of protecting them against incoming attacks, using ammo rules she can heal several allies as long as she has the required control. Using the example above Hinota can heal as well at the same time as defending but can not go above what her control allows via the ammo rules. The healing aspect of this spell can heal for intermediate damage to either health or mana skin. This spell can also close decently bad wounds with some ease and even regrow things like fingers, toes or a potentially missing ear although isn't yet strong enough to attempt full limbs let alone attempt the resurrection of a person. When healing a person the spell also actively attempts to cleanse debuffs, curses, hexes, poisons, venoms by using clashing rules. This spell will remain active until Hino herself deactivates it or she runs out of mana.