>>3383969
About time God

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>>3383974

Words cannot express how sorry I am that this took so long, as an apology, allow me to start the thread off with an interview I meant to add last thread.

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>Interview with Dainary Helda aka #1246

>Why do you want to be a Hunter?

"Must I answer such a question? If so, then I'll be quite honest, I wish not for the title of Hunter." She states.

"I am here as a rite of duty, if I had the choice I would've stayed home and danced with my fellow maidens as I am so ordained." She states.

"What Duty? I cannot answer. Hm? Nevermind the license? What would I do if obtained the title? Hm...." She trails off.

"Before I journeyed this far, I would've answered, toss it away, but now....I must confess, this land of the west intrigues me greatly." She states.

"If I were free of my duty, I'd love to take the chance to explore it thoroughly. I was under the impression all you westerners were
and underdeveloped savages." She confesses.

"And while I think my assessment wasn't entirely inaccurate, I do see now that at least in part, my prejudice was speaking for me. The people are strange, but interesting." She compliments.

"The culture far more free...and far more degenerate here in the west, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, perhaps, after this is battle is over, I can let my hair ride the winds free of my armor and see where they take me..." She states.

>Who do you most want to fight?

"I care not my combatant, though if I must pick, that Cremoxian dog Ronnie would make a nice ornament for my spear, even if he is a tad on the small side." She releases a rare giggle.

>Who do you least want to fight?

"Where I come from, saying you don't want to fight someone is synonymous with the words I don't find you worth fighting. Which couldn't be further from the truth, each and every warrior here got to this place precisely because they are worthy of combat." She compliments.

"Though, I must admit, while I would never turn away a challenge, I would much rather not fight Prince Noell and his aide." She admits.

"The fangs of the Mighty wall Lion have never known defeat and I'm not about to try and teach them. I value my life far too much for that." She starts.

"And as for Prince Noell, he I want to fight even less, I and all of Dalam fear the blade of Cromwell, we know better than any land the death and destruction it can bring. After coming this far, I do not wish to taste the despair that sword brings." She explains.

[END OF RECORD]

>>3383984
Tell me what manga that's from and we'll be good

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>>3383984
>taking this long to post my questcoke

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https://youtu.be/7maJOI3QMu0

Ding-Ding Goes the chime as Flourette returns, Ronnie unconscious in her hands as she rushes him inside the room.

You, Bradford, Etheline, Arztz, Landon, Reynauld and a few others rush your way over to her side, Bradford comes in first by virtue of his long stride, "Hey baby! You were sexy out there! I just knew you would kick that bastard's mini-ass-"

"I appreciate the compliment but please step aside!" Bradford's attempts to flirt are literally pushed aside as Flourette knocks him away and finds her way to the nearest free table and lays him flat there.

"He requires immediate medical attention, are there any medical supplies in this cafe!?" Flourette Demands.

Arztz steps up to the table with the calmness and precision of a surgeon as he places a caring hand on Ronnie's abdomen wound, "Unfortunately not. I checked first thing as I got here, but they barely have any medical supplies outside a few thin bandages and disinfectants." he explains.

"As you'd expect, Do you people really thing the owners of an establishment this fine would want us leaving the place smelling like a hospital ER?" Dillion chimes in

She bites her lip, "I see..." She says with a pained look as she turns to Arztz, "I'm sorry you have to help me fix my problems."

Arztz smiles, "Don't worry, this will only be the second gunshot wound I get to treat this week, it makes for good practice." He explains.

Reynauld steps-in, "You saying I was just sum training dummy to you Casper? And here I was thinking I was thinking we had sumthing special Casper." he laughs

"Mr.Reynauld! This isn't the time to be joking!" Arztz scolds, unwillingly to put up with Reynauld's brevity with the crisis before him.

"Well the hell else can we do but joke around? Not like we got any tools to save the fool!" Reynauld counters.

What will you say?

>That doesn't mean we can't try and save him!

>Reynauld's an ass, but he's right, this is hopeless.

>It sucks that he's gonna die, but he was such an asshole, does it really matter?

>>3383997
>That doesn't mean we can't try and save him!
Wish upon a star.

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>>3383992

Uhhhhh, anon, sorry to break to you, but that's not manga, it's...well, allow me to just post the link.

https://nhentai.net/g/238109/

Believe it or not, I read this more to farm reaction images then for the actual purpose of the material and trust, me I got a good few images out of this one.

Also it's just all around great, as expected of menea

>>3383997
>That doesn't mean we can't try and save him!


>>3384005
>it's from a hentai
Of course

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>>3384009
>It's from a hentai

You act as that's a bad thing anon, come now, we both know that makes it least 2x better.

>>3383998

>We can still save him, we have the technology!

>Writing.

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"Just because it seems hopeless doesn't mean we gotta give up on him!" You argue.

Reynauld looks a little annoyed, "And what do care about tiny here? Weren't you rooting for his ass to get dropped?" He asks.

"No, wanting a friend to win is different from wanting to see an asshole lose. Just because he's a dick doesn't mean he deserves to die!" You counter.

Flourette smiles at your reasoning, "No truer words ever spoken Mr.Holums, I'm glad to have a friend like you at my side in times lie these." She agrees.

>Your continued support has gotten Flourette to see you in a new light! Relationship with Flourette Rutland-[The Lion on the Wall]- [Level 1/5]-[100/200 points till the next level]

>Level one bonus! [Firearm training], if you find the free-time, you can go to Flourette to have her train you in the use of firearms in combat!

Reynauld shakes his head, "Boah don't it feel nice to kiss each other's ass like that? Now how about you put some a that love out for tiny there, looks like he's fading quick."

"Hah...Hah...." Ronnie pants as he fades in and out of consciousnesses.

"You can't be serious, he's going to die at this rate!" She exclaims, a trace of panic in her voice.

"Boy, weird for you to be so concerned when you're the bitch that pushed the little bastard to death's door." Vanilla counters.

"I was only doing what I had to gain victory, I don't want his blood on my hands, so, anyone, please help me not to spill it!", She pleads.

"Say no more!" Sheldon and Ami appear from below the table as if they've always been there.

"What the hell?" you say as you notice that the twins have somehow changed clothes without anyone noticing.

Sheldon has changed from his usual high-class suit to a pair of green Hospital scrubs typical of that of a male nurse while Ami wears a more colorful nurses's outfit, one with the skirt so high cut that if it was even an inch shorter, her panties would be on full display.

"Worry yourself not, our deadly maid, you won't have any blood on your hands today." Sheldon reassures as he taps Flourette on the shoulder with gloved hands covered in fake blood, or at least, you think it's fake.

Ami claps her hands in the air, "Though we wouldn't usually waste our time and money on losers like this quarter-pint, we're fully ready to make an exception since you, the winner, don't wish to give him the sweet release of death."

Ding-Ding On the cue of Ami's claps, 4 men, dressed in dark suits with sunglasses over there eyes rush in, stretcher in hand and what looks like an ambulance outside waiting with them.

"Those guys look like they're meant to be putting people into body bags, not keeping people out of them." Vanilla comments.

"Well that's usually there job, but as we said, this is a special occasion." Sheldon responds.

Swift and gentle as the wind, the 4 black-clad men hoist up Ronnie's body and carry him off to the ambulance.

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Flourette kneads her fingers together as if in prayer as she mutters the words, "May the will of the Wall hold you firm and guide you steady..."

"The will of the Wall?" you question.

"It's the Cremoxian way of saying Stay Strong. Which I'm sure he will, I hear Western medicine is highly advanced and potent." She states.

Ami chimes in, "Yeah and western medicine is also highly expensive! You can bet that guy's medical fees are coming out your wallet!" She says, pinching her fingers together.

"Oh my, I mean, I don't mind since I've chosen to save him, but I hope the fee's nothing outrageous..." Flourette worries.

Sheldon laughs, "Look at that, she still thinks fees matter! As a Hunter, you could pay for the hospital fees for everyone in this city for the next 3 years and you'd still have barely gone through half the cash you've got racked up now!"

Etheline's eyes light up, "Oh yeah, that's right! You're a Hunter now Flourette!" She says excitedly.

"The first to take the title and worthy of it, your fighting skills are excellent." Landon compliments.

"I'll say! I can't tell what was hotter! You kicking that midget's ass in that frilly dress! Or the barrels of your guns filling that bastard full o' holes!" Bradford makes pew,pew noises and shooting finger guns in the air.

"I knew you'd be the winner. I'm just surprised you beat his ass so quick." You compliment.

Floruette is overwhelmed by the praise, "T-Thank you all so much, your faith in me is what guided me to victory. I'm just happy to know I've obtained my license."

"Speakin' a which, when is the lady gonna get her license?" Reynauld questions.

"All licenses will be handed out when the tournament has ended, we ask your for your patience in waiting and your bloodlust in enjoying the rest of the fights to come after this one." Sheldon answers.

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>>3384023
>image
Not smug enough.

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Everyone is crowding around Flourette, either complimenting her amazing skills or inquiring her opinion about how they should operate in their fights.

"Flourette." But then, the whole commotion is brought to an end as Noell calls for her in a commanding voice.

Flourette complies without hesitation, breaking away from the crowd and bowing her head to her master, "Yes, young master?" She asks.

"I watched the fight from beginning to end and I saw-" He pauses mid-sentence to stand up and walk over to her, "That you disobeyed my order. You lost control and let your old self take over." he declares.

(Huh? What order? Didn't he only order her not to lose?) you remember.

While you have no idea what he means, Flourette does, as you see a saddened look on her face as her bow grows deeper, "I'm truly sorry young master, I only did what I did to ensure a swift victory." She answers.

"Even so, you understand that you went against your word correct? That you've broken our promise?" He questions.

"....Yes, young master." She answers.

"....." The whole room is silent as Noell stares down at Flourette, her body prostrated and free for him to do any number of cruel things to her.

Knowing this, Bradford steps up and in a ironic turn of events, attempts to break up the fight, "Okay, okay! Cool your jets for a sec there emo boy! The Lady's done nothing wrong-"

"Good work." Noell says as he turns away and sits back down.

"Huh!?" the whole room collectively shouts at his sudden shift in attitude.

The most amazed of all though must be Flourette, as she raises her head with a surprised look on her face, "As long as you understand what you've done, it's fine. I forgive you." Noell says as he relaxes in his chair.

"....." The whole room goes quiet again at this bizarre turn of events.

"Master Noell..." Flourette says with an appreciative tone.

"Watching that battle from start to finish was truly amazing. I'm glad to see your combat skills are as impeccable as always, as expected of my personal aide. I'm proud of you." He compliments.

She almost looks ready to cry from Noell's gentle, loving words, "Thank you master, I'm happy to please."

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You have to take a step back, you're simply too blown away by the events taking place before you, (Noell's being...nice?) you can't believe the words Nice and Noell can work together in a grammatically correct sentence.

"Wha-What's happening? Is there some kind of gas leak in the room or something?" Vanilla questions.

Bradford ducks under a table, "Everyone! Get down, the meteors will be landing any second now!" He screams in legitimate panic.

Etheline approaches Noell slowly, a deeply concerned look on her, "Noell? Are you alright buddy? You didn't hit your head right? If you're in pain, you can tell us you know? We're here for you."

Noell narrows his eyes at you all, "Have you all lost your minds? Wait no, you bunch never had any to begin with. A better question, why are you all acting as kindness is foreign to me?" He asks.

"Well, cause...you know, you're you!" Bradford answers receding further under the table.

"What sort of asinine drivel did you just spew? If it isn't obvious to you brainless dolts, I'm fully capable of kindness. In-fact, aren't I showing you all kindness right now tolerating your presence in-spite of how feverishly annoying you all are? You all should be thanking me for not leaving yet." He berates.

You all breathe a sigh of relief, "Oh good, he's still just Noell. False alarm people!" Bradford shouts as he comes from below the table.

"So even Noell is capable of being nice from time to time huh? Never would've guessed it." Vanilla states.

"The hell kind of madness has taken you all? You're getting on my nerves." He argues.

Landon leans in and speaks, "They're all just complimenting you my Dark Delight. You just showed us there's a bit of cream to go with all that ice in your heart~" Landon teases as he reaches out a finger to tickle his chin.

"Move that finger near me and you'll never stick it anywhere ever again you degenerate." Noell stops.

Landon retracts his finger, "Though you're mainly still made of ice..."

Sophinia hops on Landon's back and speaks, "Don't worry Lanny, I have somewhere you can stick that finger that's way hotter than that cold boy's face." She flirts.

"Oh yeah? And where's that?" He asks.

She pulls him away by his hand, "Why don't you follow me to the bathroom where we can have some privacy and you can find out?" She tempts.

"But of course my fair lady." Landon follows her right in.

Noell gags, "Is there any depths those two degenerates won't stoop too? I swear they get more bold with their perversions by the day."

"Well nevermind those two, we have something far more interesting to show you!" Sheldon exclaims as he once again presents his laptop, the brackets on full display, expect this time, Flourette and Ronnie's name have been removed from the list.

"Oh man, we're going straight into the next fight!? No breaks!?" Bradford asks, excited as a wild dog eyeing a steak.

"The only break you get in this life is death!" Ami exclaims.

"So let's see who's going to get a break this time!" Sheldon says as he slams down on the enter key, randomizing the selections.

Let's turn, turn, turn this wheel of Death, Destiny and Despair! The duo chant once more as the entries spin like a roulette.

You stare at the screen with a growing sense of worry, (Only 18 people to go, that means 9 more fights, that was a hell a fight to start with and I can tell it's going to get more heated from here...) you think.

Soon enough, the roulette slows to a crawl and the results become clear, "And the results are in!" Sheldon and Ami shout as they point in unison to the two next fighters.

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An irk of annoyance rings through your being as Sheldon's finger falls upon you, "Looks like it's your time to shine Moody! You ready to cut someone other than yourself for once!?" He taunts you with that repetitive insult yet again.

"The only thing I shall rend is that offending digit if you don't remove it from my sight at once knave." You threaten, you mean it too, you're just waiting for the first chance you get to cut down all these annoying clowns.

"Ow! The edge! How about instead of threatening us, you throw some of that sweet shade to your opponent!" Ami points to the person who will be facing in mortal combat.

"My prince..."Dainary lets out a pained and slightly fearful whisper as she looks to you.

Your name is Noell Cromwell, Swordsman of the land of blades, 72nd son of the legendary Cromwell line and rightful heir of the throne, a position that all the people of Brenho would throw away their lives to protect and others to steal.

You look back to Sheldon and Ami, who by some magic have donned new outfits in the meager few seconds your head was turned.

Sheldon wears solid steel plate armor with the helmet of old knight,"To arms my good knaves and wrenches! We have for you this day a combat so glorious that the heavenly Father himself will see it fit to lay the land these two fight on as Holyland!" He exalts.

Ami wears a crimson long dress with gold flecks all over it and a red butterfly mask,distinct of an Victorian era Noble.

"Yes, yes my holy paladin! But if you must ask us, we think the truly glorious thing will be the blood they spill to claim the land! You know how our Lord just adores his blood, hellfire and brimstone!" She says in a done up haughty accent.

Sheldon laughs uproariously, "Amen to that dear sister!DEUS VULT!" He shouts proudly.

No one is impressed, "What shitty drift store do you two keep buying these outfits? Hot Dropit??" Vanilla asks.

Sheldon pulls out a longsword, "I'd watch my tongue if I were you fair maiden. In my day, a lady doth dare talk back is to receive my hand back!" He threatens.

"Good God, there really playing this one up huh?" Derrick sighs.

"Quiet yourself, oh sardonic brute! Or shall We return thee to your homeland of short tempers and terrible, dyed-looking hairdos!?" Ami taunts.

Derrick slams his fist against his table, "Maybe Sheldon had a point, Me think the lady doth protest too much, a problem easily remedied with a stern talking to and a nice red cheek." He threatens.

Sheldon steps up, "Calm yourself oh, Blonde ruffian. Surely you've heard of turning the other cheek? Words of our lord boy!" He exclaims.

"Turn your cheek to me and I'll smack that one to. Lord be my witness, judge and jury cause if smacking your dumbasses is a sin then I'm ready to meet the devil." He declares.

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Ami ignores Derrick's threat as she moves on, "Have thou ready thineselves for the combat ahead? We of the Royal court of the Hunter's Guild have for you a battle shining and sharp as steel! A battle between a prince and his knight! A clash of Nobility and honor! And, call me Marie and let me eat cake, It will end with someone's head in the guillotine!" She hypes.

"On the left! We Sir Noell Noose Goose Cromwell! Lord of edge and prince to the country Brenho! A master swordsman and the son of Cromwell! A line of swordsman so legendary and infamous that in some circles they're worshiped as Gods and in others, cursed as demons!" Sheldon introduces.

"Noose Goose?, I swear, I threaten to end my own life once or twice and you all think I'm actually suicidal, you people make me so sick to my stomach that I'd rather a drink of poison to another hour of your drivel." you say with a shake of the head.

"And on The right we have the honorable Dainary Dragonsbreath Helda! A 1st grade knight, trained in mastery of the spear since birth, her skill is heralded to be so great that she's believed to be ordained by the gods themselves! This earned her the right to join an elite squad of knights called the Spear Maidens! A set of fighters so skilled in combat with spears that it's said their fighting is like a dance!" Ami introduces.

"Dragonsbreath... what sort of appellation is that? I don't quite get it, but I like the sound of it, yes, I have mighty dragonsbreath!" Dainary smiles.

You hear a collection of giggles and snorts, "Uhhh, guys, should we tell her?" Etheline asks.

"Just save it for now dearest, I think it's best we leave this language barrier up." Landon cautions.

"With introductions out of the way, let us turn to our magic ball one last time to determine our fighters field of combat!" Sheldon announces.

"Mortal Combat that is!" Ami shouts as she slams the enter key and The screen cycles through a series of images depicting strange arenas and treacherous zones.

Soon enough the cycling stops and the result is determined.


Atop the screen, the words: Unzeray Cathedral is displayed as an image of an unbelievable sight is displayed.

Everyone is left speechless as they stare at the lone church, massive in size, but dwarfed by the stature of it's terrain, lying on a single piece of land, so small that it's more of a jut of rock that forms a cliff then any real land, situated right on of a waterfall's edge, connecting to a massive lake.

The image barely does the epic scenery justice and yet everyone is still left awestruck, "What kind of magic church is that!? It's basically floating in the sky there!" Bradford exclaims.

"That magic church is Unzeray Cathedral." Sheldon answers.

"A relic from ages long past, this beauty of medieval engineering was constructed back in the early settlement days, at the center of a massive oasis that was said to be a piece of the garden of Eden itself, dropped from heaven unto Earth." Ami continues.

"I'm no believer, but even I can see why they'd say that! One look at that place and I'd say God must've handcrafted that just to look pretty and breath-taking." Vanilla compliments.

"Much the same logic drove early architects to build the structure and despite the numerous causalities and centuries it took to do so, it was completed and stood as a testament of faith and power to the Kukan'yu people." Ami explains.

"This testament was only made stronger as the Cathedral seemed to have a strange power protecting it, preventing any disaster from destroy it." Sheldon states.

"Strange power?" You question.

"It was taken by sandstorm after sandstorm, yet it was never buried. Was shocked by earthquake after earthquake, yet even when the ground around it fell to pieces, it never collapsed. Rocked by Hurricane after hurricane, yet it never weathered." Ami lists off.

"It truly seemed like the Church was protected by God, no force of nature was powerful enough to destroy it or the many attendants of it's holy glory...That is, until a disaster so great, that it seemed reminiscent of the great flood of old befell the church." Sheldon explains.

"In a single night, silently yet shockingly, violently yet quietly, the waters of the usually still oasis rose up, as if pushed up by the very devil himself, they rose and rose until they consumed and submerged the Cathedral. Drowning thousands, almost annihilating the church in it's entirety!" Ami explains.

"Eventually the great tides resided, but the Cathedral was no longer in a state to be worshiped in. It's one of the greatest disasters of Kukan'yu, known as the Great flood of Unzeray." Sheldon continues.

"It now sits around center of the city, a standing testament to the power of good architecture and seen as a precursor to the concept of the Sand globe." Ami concludes.

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"Whoa...quite the history for quite the building...." Flourette admires.

"Now hold on a second! That tale you told is all epic and magic and stuff, but that Cathedral doesn't look all that destroyed to me! What gives!?" Bradford points out.

"Ah, good eye madman! You see, through the virtues of honor...humility...and lots and lost of money, we of the Hunter's guild started a restoration process on the church and brought it back to it's former glory!" Sheldon exclaims.

"We restorated the structures, the tapestries, the art, we even added a little extra by putting up life-sized statues of people that used to attend the church daily!" Ami boasts.

"Good God, how much cash do you guys have to burn?" Derrick asks.

"Ah young Hunter training, learn this, the only difference between Greed and Temperance is whether you're burning the money on yourself or someone else. And thank the lord we have enough money to do both!" She answers.

Dillion gives a curious look, "Hey, wait a moment, I know about this project, my uncle helped funding this." He states.

"A billionaire that cares about something other than lining their own pockets? Hey Bradford, better get back under that table, I'm pretty sure that meteor's coming after all." Vanilla taunts.

Bradford ducks right under the table, "Just tell me when!" He requests.

That riles him up, "Oh come on now! That's a terrible stereotype and you know it!" He counters.

"Oh? So the rest of your family approved him spending God knows how much dosh on a putting a few statues on a rock in the middle of a lake?" Vanilla questions.

That quiets Dillion down, "....I will admit, he hasn't been invited to a family outing in years, but being honest, that's actually a good thing considering all that goes on at our parties is a lot of hot air spewing and cocaine snorting. I wish I could skip them." Dillion explains.

"Hey now, Why didn't you tell me you had parties that wild Money bags!? If you don't want your invite, I'll be happy to take it off ya!" Bradford states.

Dillion gives him an annoyed look, "Oh Lord no.The world can barely handle you clear minded, the last thing we all need is you on crack."

Bradford retches, "Oh god no! I'd never do crack, that shit's disgusting! But coke on the other hand..."

Dillion gives Bradford a dumbfounded look, "You do know they're basically the same thin- you know what, nevermind you, I'm not in the mood for an aneurysm." Dillion dimisses.

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"More importantly, as far as I know, a part of restoration project's terms was that it would never be used for commercial purposes by any business. How did you obtain rights to use it as a battle arena of all things?" Dillion questions.

"What part of 75% access to restricted areas do you not understand? The threshold of our mighty kingdom extends to all realms, even ones we have no right being in!" Ami explains.

"So that gives you the right to have these two destroy everything that we built? 1000s of years of history, for the sake of blood-sport entertainment?" Dillion questions.

"There's no entertainment in destroying places no one would miss. Unless someone's being hurt, things get so dull and deary..." Ami answers.

"Spoken like a true psychopath." Vanilla comments.

"You say that but are you not entertained!?" Sheldon asks.

"No." the room collectively answers.

Sheldon waltz over to the door as he opens it and speaks, "There are a few special conditions to this fight, but I think it's best you both learn them first hand. I'm sure you'd rather that then hearing it from our lively traps!" Sheldon explains.

"No truer words spoken." you agree.

"So then, without further ado, I ask that you two prep yourselves up you two, if you have any goodbyes, say them now. If this departure be your last, surely you want it to be without regrets." Ami warns.

Hearing that, you close your eyes and begin to meditate and prepare yourself for battle, but as you attempt to focus, you hear the pitter-patter of footsteps surrounding you.

You crack your eyes as Derrick, Bradford, Landon approach you, Bradford speaks first "Didn't think it'd be your turn so quick spider-monkey! After the hell you showed me on the train, I expect you to dust that chick harder than your maid dusted that midget!" He encourages.

You breathe an annoyed sigh, "Indeed, now perhaps I'll fair a better chance of doing that without your godawful noise in my ears." You ask.

"Noise!? The hell you calling noise!? I'm just trying to prep encourage you, you wannabe cliff-hopper!!" Bradford's shouts.

You feel a shock of pain in your ears from that shout, "If you're trying to encourage me to escape from this room as quickly as possible, then let me tell you, you're doing an excellent job, but I'm going to ask that you stop, now." You counter.

Flourette smiles at Bradford, "Don't be like that young master. He's really just trying to be nice in his own special way." She compliments.

Bradford looks away with a slight blush in his cheek, "T-That's right you rope-molester, can't you see how hard I'm trying!" He exclaims.

"Don't worry Mr.Bradford, Noell appreciates your kind words, he just has a hard time expressing thanks. He knows we're all rooting for his victory!" Flourette states.

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Thank you, with you by my side there's no battle I'm unready to brave. is what you want to say, but you have a promise to keep...

you glare at her, "Who permitted you to spew so much bile from that hole you call a mouth? Do you want to take another trip to visit your brothers and sister in the bathroom? Who needs encouragement from trash like you?" you insult.

She nearly spasms from the shivers that hit her from that one, "N-No master, I've had enough to drink..." She states.

Derrick smile, "Well If you don't want any encouragement, don't worry, I ain't planning to give you any." He states.

"Huh? Then you just plan to anger me? Worry not, you've already accomplished that." you point out.

"No, no, I just know that you don't need me to tell you that you have to win. I'm sure you can tell that on your own." He counters.

"Well good then, it's rare for you to have such intelligence Derrick. How pleasant." you compliment.

"Yeah, instead of wasting my time buttering you up. I'm just gonna go dry and say that if you lose, I'll never let you live it down." He says with an evil smile.

"Excuse me?" You say with a tinge of rage.

"As your frie-frien-Freiii-" Derrick struggles to etch out that accursed word, you would usually berate him for it, but you know just how hard it is to say that word as well, so you refrain.

"Ahem Working partner. I know that me being nice would never motivate you, so instead I'm just gonna tell you that if you actually lose this fight, you can bet there won't be a day that goes by where I won't make fun of you for it." He explains.

"...." Your eyes twitch in rage from the mere thought of that.

He notices this and smiles, "Well? Feeling encouraged now?" He asks.

(Every day, I'm left to wonder what sort of lapse of sanity drove me to let this worm become my ally. Though at the same time, he's not wrong. I'm suddenly feeling 100% motivated.) you think.

You meet his smile with a glare, "After I'm done hunting down that woman, it's your head I'm taking next." You answer.

Landon laughs and chimes in, "I've seen your skills first-hand, so I have no doubt you'll make quick work of this fight. But I ask you, since your opponent is such a beautiful lady, spare her face of your wrath at least." He pleads

"I ask for no such mercy. Please don't give it to me." Helda promptly cuts in.

Landon looks back at her, "Eavesdropping? that's not very ladylike."

"I'm not very ladylike. I care not for what you think of looks, beauty gives no real advantage in combat so I have no reason to preserve it." she counters.

"So you look like that au naturel? All the more reason for you to fight to save it. A rose like you rarely blooms on the battlefield." He flirts.

File: Dainary Helda05.png (96 KB, 220x331)

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"Roses don't bloom on the battlefield, warriors do, all a rose on the battlefield can do-" She stamps the end of her long halberd into the floor, "Is get stomped on and die." She counters.

"I couldn't agree more." You state, catching her attention.

"I don't expect to step into that arena cutting down roses and poppies, the only thing I cut down is people." you threaten.

"Surely you're the same, yes?" you ask.

You see a pang of fear in her eyes, "It is apart of my code of honor to never glorify the act of stealing another's life. But I'd be a liar if I were to say I wasn't a professional at it." She answers.

You tap your blade on the ground as you use it to prop yourself out of your chair, "Which is exactly why an opportunity to kill a threat as massive as myself is so fortunate correct?" You ask.

She looks perturbed, "What are you talking about your majesty? A knight takes no pleasure in raising their weapon to their master. Even the idea of such a thing is sacrilege." She counters.

You narrow your eyes, "Yes, Which is exactly why it's so fortunate that you don't have to raise your spear against your true master, isn't it?" You argue.

She blinks at that, "What do you mean majesty? You are and have always been my master." She states.

"Is that so..." You question with a glare, (I should rend her tongue for spewing such lies, the moment she prostrated herself before me she made the name of her true master clear.)

(I have an envoy from your sister to deliver...) you remember.

You grit your teeth in quiet seething, (My sister...That witch, even now her envy of the throne leads her to betray and attack me, even if by hands not her own.)

(This woman, she's just an agent of hers, another greedy parasite aiming for the throne wearing the mask of an honorable righteous person. I've had it up to here dealing with monsters pretending to be heroes...) you grip your knuckles white in rage.

Helda gets up and meets you face to face, "Your majesty, though we may fight, know I hold no grudges against you, no matter the result."

"It may be selfish of me to demand this of royalty such as yourself, but I ask that you hold no grudge against me either, no matter the result." She asks of you, extending a hand for you to shake.

What will you do?

>Shake it

>Brush her off.

File: ay.gif (272 KB, 256x192)

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>>3384170
>>Shake it
Let's not Act too Autistic here, eh?
Also, ROCK is BAck MOTHERFUCKERS!
I missed ya dude, I can't wait to see how this thread unfolds.

>>3384177
Get back to work
>>3384170
>Shake it like it's 1998

>>3384177

>Also, ROCK is BAck MOTHERFUCKERS!

I was never truly gone, I only lurk in the shadows, waiting for the best moment to drop my work on this board.

>>3384180

>Get back to work

>Akire is getting put to the QM Farm

Welcome to my world friend.

>Give her a shake.

>Writing.

File: Noell Cromwell19.jpg (94 KB, 736x1040)

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You place your blade into her hand, causing her to nearly jump back in shock, "Y-Your majesty...what are you doing..."

"You said you wanted me to hold no grudges, this should make my answer clear." you state.

In the back, you hear something rare, Bradford whisper, "Psst, hot-stuff, what's they doing?" He asks of Flourette.

"The warrior's handshake is what we call that, It's a customary sign of respect that dates back to the earliest days of Ochiman history." She begins.

"To the people of Ochima, one's weapon is the core of their being, no different than their very soul, to let another grasp one's soul is a show of ultimate respect. It means one is willing to put their very existence on the line in battle." She explains.

Bradford shakes his head in confusion, "I barely got half of that, but seeing your pretty lips flap at me is nice, so why don't you try again?" He asks.

Flourette giggles, "Okay, would a comparison be simpler then? It's like going all-in in a poker match. Betting every single chip on a single gamble." She explains.

"Ah! Now I get it! So he's basically saying that he's willing to put his everything in this fight right!?" Bradford comprehends.

"Spot-on!" Flourette praises.

Ignoring the ribble-rabble in the back, you speak, "Cease calling me your majesty. Save your prostrating and schmoozing for after the battle at hand." You order.

The disturbance in her eye is palpable now, "But Sir! A knight cannot forget her position no matter the situation! There can be no exception to this rule-!"

"There is a an exception. It's called a battle to the death." You counter.

"In the field of combat, there are no kings and queens, no knights and peasants, there are only two positions in any combat. Victor or Victim." You declare.

"...." She's stunted silent by those words.

"Now how about we stop wasting time and start determining where we stand on the foodchain?" You say as you pull your blade from her grip and walk towards the entrance.

She stares apprehensively at your back as you walk your way towards the vehicles outside.

However, before you exit, Flourette runs up to you and whispers something in your ears, "You needn't try too hard young master, since I've already obtained a license, we've already completed our mission. We have everything we need to compete in the festival." She explains.

File: Florette Rutland08.jpg (131 KB, 400x615)

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"With that in mind, focus only on survival. Do anything it takes to come back alive, our plan hinges on your survival after-all." Flourette reminds you.

"Do you doubt my skills Flourette? Do you believe that dragon will best me?" you ask.

"Of course not young master, I know if you put your mind to it, you will always come out victorious. But do not become arrogant, Ms. Dainary is no slouch, she did not earn her title through schmoozing her way to the top, the number of men she's slain must number in the 100s for her to hold her title." She warns.

You feel a sliver of excitement, "100s of men hm? Does that mean if I defeat her, I'll be stronger than a 100 men? Such a feat sounds worthy of my line. The more you talk, the more my blade wishes to taste her blood." you state.

Flourette sighs, "I see your heart is set on victory then?" She asks.

"But of course, for a man to become a king, first he must always know victory, second, he must never know defeat. Those are my Father's words, you should know them well." you quote.

She frowns upon hearing your Father, "Of course master, may the stars shine in your favor." She says as she backs away and you head out the door.

"Flirting before a fight? How risque~" Landon laughs.

Flourette turns back with a smile, "Just imparting some advice to alleviate the pressure. you must get your mind out of the gutter Mr.Landon..." Flourette says as she heads back inside and Helda reluctantly walks out.

You enter the car and drive off towards your next battleground, but that's when you notice something strange on the seat next to you.

"A breathing mask?" you question as you pick the re-breather.

File: Unzeray Cathedral(Central(...).jpg (583 KB, 1400x667)

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Time: January 20, 2000, Sunday, 2:32 PM. Early Afternoon

Location: Renpiri Region, Sunnyside City center, Unzeray Cathedral

CREAKKKKKKKKKK.... Goes the two massive doors of the Cathedral as you and Dainary push them open to see the beautiful insides of the church.

https://youtu.be/dbbtmskCRUY

Symphonic music, epic and powerful, slow and nerve-wracking bellows through the Cathedral as you both walk inside, side by side with weapons in hand.

Light flows inside like waves, coming from the various windows, blessing each and every spot it falls on and like the rain, the sun falls everywhere in this place.

You walk over a slightly worn red carpet as you walk further inside, observing the tapestry hanging from the second floor archways, admiring the art that adorns every corner of the place, from the walls painted in the image of the 12 apostles, to the roof which has God sitting in his throne, the various angels of his kingdom flying all about.

To the stained glass windows in the image of the Mother Mary, with a single, shining infant in her hands.

All along your walk, you look at various statues. Life-like representations of priests, standing high and preaching the good word unto the followers, who kneel their heads low listening to them in perfect, perpetual silence.

Along with them, various knights stand by their sides, promising protection and order with their blades and spears in hand, watching over the good men and women of the Lord.

And dead center of it all, is a single, old man before a great staircase leading to the second floor. On his knees, hands clasped, head bended in prayer as the light from the stained glass pours down upon him.

The sight is so awe-striking that the both of you have to stop and admire it, "Amazing...They have some truly amazing things here in the west, don't they your majesty?" She asks.

"I wouldn't know, I've only residing in this place for a matter of weeks and I've only explored what little I've been allowed by this test." you answer.

"Yes, that's precisely why it's all so amazing. We've explored so little yet this land has given us so much and it could give us so much more, I truly want to see it all..." Dainary says with an uncharacteristic, maiden-like smile.

"This is the first time I've seen you so happy. Is this art that amazing to you?" You ask.

She holds a hand up to her face, "I was smiling...? I didn't even realize...does that disturb you lord? Am I...allowed to smile?" She asks.

You give her a curious look, "What sort of question is that? Of course you are. You're allowed to smile, you're allowed to frown, you're allowed to do anything with your mouth. Why would any movement you make with your face concern or disturb me?" you ask.

"Sorry, it's just that, from a young age I...was taught that a smile is something a knight is never to wear. We must always appear strong and stoic, like a statue..." She says as she looks up to the picture of Mother Mary.

"We aren't allowed to act to act as we please, to don this armor is throw away everything...family...future...womanhood...your humanity..." She explains.


"....." you go silent as you listen.

"All for the sake of becoming an unstoppable warrior. A living force of nature. Or as we in Dalam like to call it, A Daughter of the Dragon. To pick steel, to wield arms is to cast away one's humanity, that's the first tenant of the knight's code of honor." She finishes.

You step forward onto the steps as you speak, "I disagree. I believe it's the opposite." you say as you ascend the steps, Dainary following after you.

"To wield up arms is to enact one's will as a person. To pick up steel is a core piece of human nature. We are a species that lives and dies fighting. Our very existence is a never-ending battle." you counter.

"A battle? A battle against what?" She asks.

"A battle against, nature, our future, our past, each other....ourselves." you answer.

"To live is to fight. thus it's only natural we live as we exist, in never-ending war with the world itself." you finish as you reach the Zenith of the staircase, an Apse above your head as staircase branches off into two narrow pathways on either side of you leading to the arch-way covered walkways that wrap around back to the entrance of the Cathedral.

"....." She doesn't know how to respond to your assertion.

"That's enough talk of philosophy, surely the battle will be starting soon. Let's keep going." you order as you two pick the right path and walk on.

File: BeanBuddy (Cafe).jpg (911 KB, 2048x1366)

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>Meanwhile back at the cafe...

https://youtu.be/n08b1ptdnYM

"So what's the gimmick with this one?" Derrick asks as he knocks back a small glass of rum and cola.

"Why are you automatically assuming we threw some sick trick in there? Couldn't we have just sent them into a big ol church to raise some hell?" Ami asks, finally dropping the weird accent.

"For once, the savage is right." Dillion agrees as he takes another spoon of his sweet potato and coconut cream soup.

"There's 3 reasons to assume you've thrown in some hidden threat in this arena: 1.You did so in the previous fight, 2.You supplied them with masks without telling anyone why, 3.There's no way you two monsters would let a chance to mess with out heads slip." He explains.

Sheldon looks flattered, "Ah, how sweet, you've come to know us so well! It's nice to know you love us so much!"

"It's more fear than love, but whatever allows you to sleep better." Arztz says as he gives Bradford a back rub.

"Ermmmm, come on twinkie, you're too soft! You've had guys go balls-deep inside you but you can't even go knuckle deep inside a guy's back!? Try harder!" Bradford demands.

"I don't really understand what you mean by balls-deep, do you mean the balls of my elbows? If so, please bend over a bit more Mr.Bradford and I can put my balls as deep inside as you want." Arztz requests.

"Now hold on Twinkie, that sounded a little funn-nyyyyyyyyyy..." Bradford melts into butter as Arztz starts rubbing in earnest.

"Does this please you Mr.Bradford? Do you like my balls deep inside you?" Arztz asks.

"Yeahhhhhh, I love'em..." Bradford relaxes.

Everyone in the room is forced to do a double take as Bradford's moans fill the room, "Okayyyyy, moving on" Vanilla says as she snubs her second cigarette, a faint blush on her face.

"What is the trick you guys got planned anyway? What do they need the masks for?" Vanilla asks.

"Well, for now, nothing." Ami answers.

"You gave them a pair of breathing masks for no reason? Sorry, but even I find that a little hard to believe..." Etheline counters as she looks down at some new gadget, fiddling with it's bits and pieces.

"Oh, have a little faith in us will you?" Sheldon asks.

"No." The entire room answers.

"Fine okay, so yes, the masks are protecting them from something. But nothing that will bother them for now. So it's nothing that will bother you for now." Ami states.

"I see you're fully intent keeping this hidden element a secret. How crass." Dillion states.

"Oh don't be like that. Fine, we'll give you a hint." Sheldon argues.

"Hm?" Dillion hums.

"The Devil haunts that church and it's only a matter of time before his evil comes pouring in." They say in unison.

>Back to the Cathedral...

The firm stone beneath your feet reminds you of the castle back home, bringing you back to your younger days you used to wander the halls of the castle, free as the wind and curious as a cat.

You used to find every little hidden room, hide in every little nook and cranny, worried all your nannies to death but you know they just loved having to go out and find you.

But pleasant memories isn't all this brings, memories of your Father. Memories of that stern, powerful man knocking you into the dirt and mud, day in and day out, never resting whether it be rain of water, rain of sleet or rain of snow.

Those days of harsh bruises and harsh lessons...

"What are you hoping to accomplish?" You're almost thankful to be pulled from those memories, but not by Helda's voice.

"Excuse me?" You ask.

"What are you hoping to accomplish by taking this Exam?" She asks again.

"To become a Hunter, what else?" you half-truth.

She's clearly not in the friendly mood she was in earlier, in the few moments of silence you shared, she's returned to her hard, almost robotic self as she speaks.

"There's nothing to be gained from lying sire, I'm sure we both know that a western title means nothing to you. Your future does not lie here after all." She counters.

You glance back at her as you walk, "I'm not lying, I truly do seek the title of Hunter, but of course, my end goal is take my rightful place on the throne." you clarify.

"And why do you seek the throne?" She asks.

Your walk comes to a halt at as you reach the end of the walkway, a balcony that doubles up as a bridge to the other walkway on the opposite side of the Cathedral.

The balcony stretches the entire length of the Nave, either side of the walkway is separated by a massive ray of light cast by a Rose window adorned with art of Jesus giving the sermon on the mount to all his followers in Galilee.

Helda walks past you into the ray of light, nearly disappearing in it's brilliance as you speak , "To ask such a question of royalty is blasphemy in your circle correct? You could be killed for questioning my claim to the throne." you state.

"Were you not the one just earlier saying to forget our positions? Here there is no blasphemy, only one warrior asking a question of another." She counters as she passes through the sea of light, unto the other bank of the balcony and looks you straight in the eyes.

"...." you can't deny that.

"Besides, I'm not questioning your claim to the throne your majesty, I simply ask why you seek it? Why do you wish to be king?" She asks.

What will you say?

>Because it's my birthright, I have to take it.

>Because if I don't take it, someone less worthy will.

>Because I don't want monsters like my sister taking it.

>>3384260
>Because if I don't take it, someone less worthy will.
>Because if I fail Ochima will burn, its men die and the lamentations of its women will be heard on the wind.

>>3384267
Supporto

>>3384114
So when is someone gonna point out the fact that Sheldon and Ami are full of shit and these matches aren't random at all

>>3384267
Sure, this is good

>>3384267
>>3384269
>>3384284

>Someone less worthy and write-in

>Writing.

File: Noell Cromwell06.jpg (66 KB, 754x1059)

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"It's simple, if I don't take it, someone less worthy will. It's my duty to take the throne so some worthless lout doesn't." you answer.

"Is that really the reason? You seek the throne simply because you feel obligated to take it?" She questions.

"Obligated? This is no mere obligation. He who sits the throne determines the fate of Ochima. If the one who sits the throne is not worthy, then all 5 kingdoms will know despair for the rest of their days. Men shall die and the lamentations of our women will be heard riding upon the wind." you explains.

"I know, I wouldn't be standing here if I didn't know that." She states.

"if you know, then why ask me? Why question my motives?" you ask.

She gives you a deadly serious look in return, "I'm asking if you truly wish for the throne, if you would not be willing to part the responsibility to someone else? Someone just as worthy as yourself." She asks.

Your narrowed eyes quickly turn into a glare dark enough to blot out all the light in-front of you, "You'd best pick your next words with extra-care, they might just decide the difference between life and death for you today." you threaten.

She clams up a little, "Please hear me out. As I am sure you've realized by this point, I ventured here at your sister's request, because she too wishes to take the throne." She explains.

"She wishes to steal the throne from me, not take it." You correct.

"No sire, you're mistaken, your sister bares no ill will for you, in-fact, she wishes take the throne in part because she doesn't want you to have to bear that burden." She argues.

"The only burden I'm bearing at the moment is having to even consider the lies you spew. Just how many times did my sister make you rehearse this script? She should have had you do it a few more times. I find your act wanting." You counter.

Perturbation takes her face, "No your majesty! Can't you see you're being blinded by paranoia, you're even suspicious of your own flesh and blood-!"

You shake your head, "You're the one being blinded. Blinded by her lies." you cut her off.

"You haven't the slightest clue the kind of woman my sister, nay, the kind of monster she is." You state.

"She's only trying to do what's best for the kingdom, what's best for you-"

"Do you even hear yourself when you speak? If she really wanted to be the honest and fair ruler of Brenho, she'd be standing here herself, rather than sending a worthless pawn like you to distract me." You state.

"She had no other choice! She can't leave the country, not while the enemies of the throne knock at our doors and walk our halls back home! Can't you see!? Can't you see that your sister wants to save you!?" She asks.

"All I see is a fool that's bought so hard into her lies that she can't even see she's being used." You counter.

File: Noell Cromwell31.png (375 KB, 600x600)

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"I've lived my whole life being told something's going to break me. My duty as prince, my lacking skill as a warrior, my inferiority to my brother. Not one of them has broken me yet." you argue.

"This will! The throne will! Just like it broke your mother who's gone mad with power! Just like it felled your brother who couldn't handle the conflict that came with it! Just like it made a demon out of your father! So too will it make a demon out of you-"

SHING rings the sound of your blade, so sharp and deadly it slays the very air around it as you point it at her with all your killing intent behind it.

"...." She's brought to deathly silence as she feels the weight of your hatred, the sword is meters away from her yet the murderous will behind it is strong that she must feel like it's already at her throat.

"Don't you speak even one more word. Don't you ever speak ill of my father." You say in a calm voice, but your tone is as deadly and sharp as the blade in your hand.

"Your majesty, please...don't..." She begs.

"First you dare question my right to the throne, then you proceed to insult my father and by extension me as his spawn. It was a mistake allowing you to even utter a single syllable." You berate.

"Master...I'm sorry-"

"Not a word more. No more, I've had enough of you speaking." you cut her off.

"Instead of your babbling, let's do some math. How many letters are there in my name?" you ask.

"....." She says nothing.

"How many letter are there in my name." you demand.

"....13." She answers.

"13...you have brought 13 disgraces unto my name with what you've just said. One for each letter." you explain.

"Your majesty...I..." She struggles to find words.

"Do you know what the punishment for knights that bring disgrace to the name of their lords is? It's the rending of their digits, one for each letter in the lord's name." You threaten.

"....." A drop of sweat runs down her forehead.

"13, Unless we include some toes, it seems we'll be a few short...whatever, I'm sure your life will make up the cost." you declare.

BZZZT a terrible noise, the sound of a radio tuning in, cuts your confrontation short.

"-Ah ha! Now hold on you two! You should be saving the stabbing till after we begin the match!" Sheldon shouts over the hidden intercoms.

"Any attacks thrown at your opponent before the match officially begins are prohibited! You can and will be disqualified for it!" Ami explains.

"Hmph..." You reluctantly pull your sword back.

Helda breathes a sigh of relief as the twins speak once more, "Now, now, no need to be so sour Stabby McBroodsalot. We were late, so I guess it's kinda our fault that you got a bit too excited." Sheldon admits.

"But you see, we had to make you wait around a bit so you could get used to the area, or rather, so the area could get used to you." Sheldon explains.

"Used to us?" You question as you look around the area, looking up and down the whole Cathedral's length and see nothing of note...

swish... That is, until you hear a small swish of water, like a tide rising coming from below.

You both look down to see, a little past the entrance, a wave of water is pushing and receding it's way into the church, slowly but surely flooding it's way in.

"Oh Lord...is that...?" Helda realizes the meaning immediately.

"That's right! Remember our story from earlier? It seems we forgot to mention the part where the waters that flooded the church and drowned everyone never truly stopped." Sheldon explains.

"Every few years, the tide rises back up, just like it did back during the great flood and completely fills the place up, forcing us to have rebuild it over and over again." Ami continues.

"We think it has to do with global warming or something but we don't know and don't really care. What we do care about, is using this brutal natural phenomenon to give you a fun challenge!" Sheldon states.

"You two will have to fight while the church slowly floods, starting from the entrance all the way to the balconies you're standing on in about....let's say, 20 minutes." Ami guesses.

"Meaning, you have about 20 minutes before your church trip becomes an under-sea dive!" Sheldon declares.

"But don't worry! We gave you both rebreathers for exactly that reason! They'll last about...I don't know, 10 minutes of continued submergence?" She guesses again.

"Well, whatever amount of time you get, you'll have to use it to defeat your opponent, or we'll be fishing both your corpses from that church after this!" Sheldon warns.

"Good thing we sent you to a church, won't even take a second for you to reach those pearly gates if you drop dead!" Ami laughs.

You look down at the growing tide, it gets stronger even as the twins prattle on, (I was wondering what was taking them so long, so they were preparing this kind of death-trap some in their absence. I'd expect no less from those demon twins.) you think.

"Now that we've given you two more than enough time to get ready, I say it's about time we let this battle get under way!" Ami exclaims.

"Now! Ready...Steady...Die!" They shout in unison.

"....." But after that shout, comes silence, neither of you move a muscle.

This is it, the deciding moment, who so ever moves here decides the pace of the fight from then onwards, one of the most crucial moments in any battle. The moment when the two fighters souls crash for the first and possibly last time.

You watch as Helda brings up her spear slowly, you ready your blade for whatever assault she may launch, but instead of attacking, she holds the spear in the air, basking it in the light of the Rose window pointing it to you.

"What are you doing? Do you want me to break your spear?" You ask.

"Of course not, but if this is a duel. Then its only right to start it the way the first fathers intended." She says with a shake of her spear.

You sigh as you step closer, "Your adherence to the code of honor borders on fanaticism." You state.

"What you call fanaticism, I call principle. Iron principles that have guided me to every victory I've ever known." She states.

You hold your sword up and place it against the head of her halberd, "Careful what you preach. Those principles may just be what herald your defeat." you warn.

"There can be no defeat in showing grace and respect before a fight." She declares.

"At least your spirit as a warrior shines half as bright as that armor of yours." You compliment.

Your weapons cross as you inch closer to each other, "Let's see which one I can break first." you declare.

CLANG Rings the steel of your weapons as you hop back and the battle begins in earnest.

https://youtu.be/NDPftQZfh58

BATTLE COMMENCES

Party Status

Noell:

>Life: 140/140

>Armor: 150/150

>Status effects: Peak Condition

VS

>Helda:

>Life: 120/120

>Armor: 200/200

>Status Effects: Peak condition

>Special Arena effect! [Great flood]

>Water is slowly rising and flooding the arena! With each round that passes, the water rises a little higher! for each round you stand in the water, you receive a -5 loss on attack and evasion rolls. (This effects both you and the enemy, all DCs get lower by 5 for every round they remain the water.)

Once the distance has been made, Helda immediately lowers her core and spreads her legs shoulder length. She raises her spear with the gentleness of a feather and holds her stance with the mettle of a statue.

(A high defensive stance, inviting me to take the first strike? To willingly give away the initiative...is this overconfidence or a trick?) you wonder as you eye her down for any gaps in her stance

She leaves nothing open to you, she's like a wall of iron, solid and unbudging and even as you stand still with your guard down, she makes no move to strike at you.

Eventually, she makes her intentions clear jostling her spear a little, calling you to just strike already.

A tinge of rage strengthens your grip, (Fine then, it's your head, if you're giving it to me, I'll gladly take it.)

What will you do?

Strategic options

>Aim for her weapon, attempt to disarm her.

>Aim for her armor, attempt to wear her down.

>Aim for her life, look for gaps in her armor.

Swordmaster Stances

>High Stance (+5 to attack.)

>Mid-stance (+5 to Defense.)

>Low-stance (+5 to evasion.)

Son of Cromwell Stances

>Executioner Stance (+15 to attack, -5 to defense, -5 to evasion)

>Cremox Steel Stance (+15 to defense, -5 to attack, -5 to evasion)

>Angel of Dalam Stance, (+15 to evasion, -5 to attack, -5 to defense)

(Pick one strategic and one stance)

>>3384441
>Aim for her weapon, attempt to disarm her.
>High Stance (+5 to attack.)
>Executioner Stance (+15 to attack, -5 to defense, -5 to evasion)
What could possibly go wrong?

>>3384460

I said one stance anon, executioner or High?

File: i'M retarded.gif (2.09 MB, 240x180)

2.09 MB GIF

>>3384466
Ah shit sorry, I'm retarded. Sorry QM
>High Stance (+5 to attack.)

>>3384441
>>Aim for her weapon, attempt to disarm her.
>>Angel of Dalam Stance, (+15 to evasion, -5 to attack, -5 to defense)
Prevent her from doing anything, then strike

>>3384441
>Aim for her armor, attempt to wear her down.
>Executioner Stance (+15 to attack, -5 to defense, -5 to evasion)

File: [Consideration].jpg (136 KB, 1146x631)

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>>3384486

Not that I'm doubting your choice anon, but just so you and anyone else who choose the special stances knows, the +15 you get is out of a sacrifice of 2 other bonuses, in addition to the +5 you get from the stance itself.

It's essentially choosing to min-max Noell for a round in order to get the extra edge in a attack.

For the defense or evasion bonuses, bare in mind if you're choosing to attack, you're at -5 point disadvantage in exchange for when your opponent retaliates, you have +15 to your dodge or defense, that will not go to your attack, but your defense the following action.

tl;dr Unless you have some plan in mind, it's best to avoid using the special stances, just a word to the wise.

Okay, the vote has been split in such a way that I can't really make a definitive call, I can say that.

>Aim for her weapon wins.

But I still need more votes to decide on the stance, that's not something I can just roll to decide for you all.

>>3384589
>Executioner Stance (+15 to attack, -5 to defense, -5 to evasion)
Changing my vote to this

>>3384611

Executioner it is then.

>Writing.

(First step to bringing her down is breaking down that spear, she's got double my range with it, I have to disarm her...) you reason.

(But from the way she's poised, I can see anyway of breaking through that guard of hers without giving her everything I offer.) knowing that, you put both hands to your blade and hold it high, parallel to your temple.

Dainary gasps, then smiles, "Do you consider that worthy your majesty?" She asks.

"....." you say nothing back, (Not surprising she'd ask that, this style is reversed for use against only the strongest foes, a style made for bring and killing kings. Executioner.)

You ready your back leg to kick off as you prepare to strike...

>Roll1d100+20 (+15 from stance, +5 from [Close-Range Specialist] trait).

Rolled 29 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>3384729

Whoops almost forgot the DC.

>DC:70

Rolled 29 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>3384729

Rolled 69 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>3384524
Idea was on the assumption that she had some kind of defensive measure to counter our attack so we could slowly weaken her offense and completely avoid her strategy with our defense so that she'll be a sitting duck before the tide even has a chance to get that high. And according to my understanding of the rules the -5 penalty should be countered by the +5 from peak condition so we don't really lose anything. Looking back on it I due admit that Executioner was probably better

>>3384729
I swear to god if I also get a 29

>>3384733
>>3384777

What are statistical chances we roll two of the exact same odd number? I'm not very good at math, but it's probably high and very unlucky.

>>3384788

>I keep forgetting about the peak condition bonus

You are exactly right anon, thanks for reminding me

Also, you just saved this from being a failure.

>Rolled 89

>Take her spear

>Writing.

>>3384817
>What are statistical chances we roll two of the exact same odd number? I'm not very good at math, but it's probably high and very unlucky.
Well it's 1/100 x 1/100 so wouldn't it be 1/1000? Could be wrong though

File: Noell Cromwell28.jpg (346 KB, 1462x946)

346 KB JPG

https://youtu.be/w0IFXsaF39w

"Brace yourself." you warn, catching her attention and weakening her guard for an instant.

In that instant you push off your back-foot in a running start that nearly sends you flying into the air from the force of your run.

Dashing so fast that you nearly turn into a blur before the light, you aim you swing your blade from below in an attempt snap the staff of her spear in half.

She's surprised, but not taken off-balance, her warrior instincts kick in instantaneously, in a snap, she twists her long, heavy halberd from and switches from one hand to the next at speeds so fast you can barely even keep up with them.

In a half a second, her spear has shifted from her head to her hips as she grips the spear with both hands and thrusts it forward.

On reflex you bring your sword back up to block, but that's exactly what she wanted, as you pull your sword back, she pushes her thrust upwards and instead of hitting you, she uses the crevice between her axe head and spear head to grab and knock your weapon into the air.

(Incredible, she managed to knock the weapon out my hands in a single strike. As expected of a spear maiden, she wields that spear as if in dance.) you admire.

(However...) without missing a single beat, you jump up onto the stone banisters of the of the baloney, flipping off them to double your distance as you fly, upside down into the air.

But the change in perspective does nothing to you, you grab your flying blade midair and in a single fluid motion.

"Huh!?-" Dainary is left awe-struck before your feat of extreme agility, that moment of surprise is enough for you to spin in the air, carrying your blade in a slash that slaps the top of her halberd.

CLANG Sparks fly off clashing of the two metal, while you're unable to break the spear, the weight of your slash is enough to knock it clean out of her hands, sending it flying to the flooding grounds below.

You land perfectly on your feet and point your blade at her throat as you get upright, "Surrender." you demand.

"....." Dainary is left quiet, trying to process the sheer number of movements that went on over the course of just 4 seconds.

"Did you not hear me? Surrender. I have taken your weapon." you inform.

She laughs, "As expected of you, your majesty, your skill is unbelievable! It's been ages since I've been disarmed so quickly!" She praises.

"I don't want your admiration I want your surrender, don't make me cut your tongue out and end you." you threaten.

She begins to raise her hands, "Yes, yes, I hear you, the problem with that however, your majesty..." she trails off.

>Roll1d100+10 (+10 from acrobatic fighter, -5 from [Executioner] effect, canceled by +5 from [Peak condition])

>DC: 65

Rolled 69 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>3384917

Rolled 32 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>3384917

>>3384955
>>3385069

>Rolled 79

>What's with all these 9's?

>Writing.

In that instant, a flash of air runs by your face, one so quick your conscious brain can't even register the attack.

You just narrowly managed to avoid taking the gust head on, craning your head just fast enough to avoid a direct hit, as your brain finally catches up, you realize the gust of air is actually a fist.

A fist so swift and sharp that despite you dodging the strike, a small cut still forms on your cheek, a little trickle of blood running down it.

You don't have time to clean it as a another gust comes flying in from your right, a big hook aiming for your temple.

You arch your back and barely dodge that one as well, then you cat leap from your arched position, dodging the following sweep at your feet.

>Trait confirmed! Dainary Helda: [Martial Artist] (+5 to all confrontations in hand-to-hand combat)

"......" you glare at her as you land, her fists raised in a aikido-like stance.

kooooohhhhh-Ahhhhhh she takes measured breaths as she takes another rock-solid stance.

She smiles at your glare, "...The problem with that, your majesty, is that you underestimate my ability to fight!" She exclaims.

"I thought the combat arts of Dalam were strictly molded around the use of spears or greatswords, and yet you're clearly a practiced martial artist." You question.

"I'm a tad progressive in that regard, the combat code of Dalam teaches you to either kneel or die at the hands of anyone strong enough to disarm you of your weapon." She answers.

"I didn't like the prospect of giving up simply because my weapon's been robbed of me. Destroy my spear and I shall rend you with my hands, rend me of my hands and I shall destroy you with my feet." She explains.

She shoots a glare your way, "Remove my feet and I'll use my life to end yours. That's the fighting style of a victor." She declares.

"More like the survival style of a cockroach." You counter as you grip your blade tightly.

"Now I'm going to squish you like you." You threaten.

"Well this is a cockroach isn't one to be so readily squished. Ready that blade of yours majesty." She says as she shifts to an attack stance.

"If you tread too lightly, I'll snap it along with you in two." She threatens.

ROUND 2

Party Status

Noell:

>Life: 140/140

>Armor: 150/150

>Status effects: Peak Condition

VS

Helda:

>Life: 120/120

>Armor: 200/200

>Status Effects: Peak condition,

Strategic Options

>Aim for her Armor

>Aim for her Life

>Knock her off the balcony

Stances

>Change from [Executioner stance]? [Y/N] (To what?)

>>3385213

>Knock her off the balcony
That armor is Heavy, she'll be stuck at the bottom in it.
>No stance change.

>>3385276

>Knock her off

>Writing.

You look down at the Nave once again, checking to see the water level.

Fwooshh... You can hear a not unlike the sea-tide rising as you look down and see that the entire hall below has been flash-flooded.

The water reached from the entrance way, all the way to the large staircase that you climbed to reach this balcony.

The water was only about ankle-height, but even so, a minute has barely even passed since you've started fighting and yet the water is already at frightening levels, give it a few more minutes and it would surely reach neck-height.

(If I were to knock her off and perhaps cripple one of her legs, I could sit quietly up here and wait until the water reaches her throat, from there, her only options would be surrender or death.) you realize.

(Plus, that armor of hers is solid, but heavy, if were to get stuck in even waist high water and then toppled over, It'd be nigh impossible for her to find her balance again.) you realize.

With all that in mind, you come to decision that knocking her off is the best course of action.

But by the the time your plan is formed, Dainary grows tired of waiting for you to make the next move.

CRUNCH goes the hard stone beneath her feet, she leaves too light impressions in the stone, launching off them with her fist poised to strike you.

>Roll1d100+20

>DC: 75

Rolled 56 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>3385360

Rolled 28 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>3385360

>>3385378
>>3385382

>Rolled 76

>Just barely

>Writing.

File: Noell Cromwell10.jpg (321 KB, 806x1080)

321 KB JPG

https://youtu.be/K9t9aPriDts

Her speed is something to be reckoned with as she closes the distance in a single step, her fist like a cannonball as it aims for your liver.

You block the attack with your sword, sparks fly as the armor on her fist clashes with your swords, the shock that runs through is nothing you could've imagined, your arms strain to push back her attack as you deflect her fist and aim a slash at her chest.

She dodges just outside the swords range and closes right back as sends out a series of iron fists, each aiming for vital areas in your torso, you deflect each one and return every strike with a slash in turn, however, none hit home, she's not at your level, but her agility is something to behold as she pirouettes and back steps her way out of the range of your strikes with deadly precision.

These clashes continue, you only manage to make the lightest of scratches on her armor as you try and think, (She strikes like a dump truck yet dances like a fawn, her strength can only be rivaled by her grace in using it, I thought disarming from her spear would make her hopeless but all it's done is make her faster!) you realize.

(But no matter, that speed won't mean anything if I catch her off-guard!) you pull back and ready your sword for a thrust.

She puts her hands up, ready to catch or re-direct your stab, her eyes show no fear in the prospect of impalement.

But that was never your move in the first place, as you reach half-way through your thrust, you feint, pulling your sword back as you twist on your back leg and put your strength into your other foot as you pivot and deliver a bone-shattering, spinning back kick.

Her eyes go wide as she puts her hands up to narrowly block the donkey-like kick, sending her flying into the air.

>-25 Life (95 points remaining)

>-25 Armor (175 Points remaining)

She attempts, but fails to recover, the power of the kick is too much for her to try and counter-balance it, she begins to plummet to the waters below.

However, in realizing there's no chance for recovery, she decides on a new course of action.

She thrusts her hand and grabs your extended leg, "Wha-Damn!" you shout as you're pulled with her to the waters below.

>Rolld100+10 to see how you stick the landing.

>DC:60

Rolled 88 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>3385498

Rolled 29 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>3385498

File: [Deeply Unsettled].png (77 KB, 201x530)

77 KB PNG

>>3385536

By god another 29, is this our cursed number or something?

>>3385506

>Rolled 98

You fight her hand off your leg as you correct yourself mid-air, you fall a good 15 ft, you might lose a leg if you land normally.

Knowing this, you look for one of the nearby statues and spot one of the many follower statues from earlier.

The feeling of air rushing through your hair and clogging your ears is disoriented but not discombobulating. you twist and ready yourself for landing.

Splash! a geyser of water is blasted into the air as you crash into the statue using it as leverage to soften your landing, shattering the beautiful piece of art into clay dust and broken parts as they get washed away by the rising flood.

It takes you a moment to find your footing, you took no real damage, but it still hurts like to stick such a landing.

CLANG as you struggle to find your footing, Dainary, who somehow managed to stick the landing just fine has re-found her spear, which she has just stabbed into the ground in front of you.

You look up to her, a rage-inducing smile painted on her face, "Well now, seems I wasn't the only one who took an interest in foreign fighting styles. That was a taekwondo kick wasn't it?" She asks.

Despite your anger, you can't help but smile too, "Yeah, an annoying bitch taught me that one." even with her being miles away, you can tell Flourette enjoyed that one.

"Are you talking about the Wall lion? So she taught you that attack hm? You know, I don't your relationship with her, your words tell me just standing near her is gut-retching to you, yet you take her everywhere you go and even took her on as your personal aide. Why?" She asks.

"Whatever do you mean? I'm quite fond of my attendant, in-fact, it wouldn't be a lie to say she's the one person I can stomach to be around for any length of time...well, maybe 2nd now." you correct, remembering Derrick, though that's a stretch.

"Your mouth tells one story yet your heart speaks another, I see it's a relationship only you and her would understand. Nevermind that, how about you do me the honor of surrendering Majesty?" She asks.

"Excuse me?" you ask.

"Considering I've got you pinned here, would it not be courteous to surrender gracefully? It would be no small feat on my record if I were to add, Bested prince of Cromwell on my military service sheet." She states.

"Well being defeated by you would be the greatest shame I'd ever know." you counter.

"Well you have no choice, other then death I suppose. What else can you do?" she asks.

You smile, "Well you see my good knight, my attendant isn't the only one I've learned from since I got here." You answers.

"Hm?" Is all she gets to hum as you grab your blade and slash upwards against the water, splashing a wall of water in her face.

She stabs through the water rapidly in attempt to impale you, but misses each shot as you dodge away.

File: Dainary Helda02.jpg (177 KB, 980x1425)

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As you make as much distance as possible, you feel your movements become noticeably slower as the once ankle high water reaches knee length.

But even so, you put your blade up as you speak, "I learned that trick from a petty, annoying westerner I can't shake off. If there's one thing he's good at, it's coming up with ways to survive after all." You compliment.

She laughs, "And you told me that you didn't know whether you love this land or not, sounds to me like you've taken to it quite nicely your majesty." She says as she begins to circle you, spear at the ready.

You circle her in turn, walking slowly through the rising waters, you notice that across from you, there's another door you missed while you were entering, an ominous-looking back door, hidden away from the congregations sight.

You make note of that door as you speak, "Surely you jest, if it seems like I'm enjoying any of the encounter I have here, It's merely a mirage, a delusion conjured up by your sickly sweet mind." You counter.

"Is that so? Why then are you smiling as you say that?" She asks.

That catches you off-guard, "Ah-!" you didn't even realize the grin was there.

That moment of weakness is not one she misses, dashing through the waters, she comes in low, spear gripped in both hands, aiming to pierce through your stomach.

"Looks like we both have some issues to sort through." She winks at you before launching her attack on you in earnest.

https://youtu.be/jWtsclhXgdo

ROUND 3

Party Status

Noell:

>Life: 140/140

>Armor: 150/150

>Status effects: Peak Condition

VS

Helda:

>Life: 95/120

>Armor: 175/200

>Status Effects: N/A

Alert: Flooding level has reached knee-height, -5 to all rolls applied

What will you do?

>Evade her strike

>Defend and counter it

>>3385694
>"I learned that trick from a petty, annoying westerner I can't shake off. If there's one thing he's good at, it's coming up with ways to survive after all." You compliment.
What is he referencing?

>Defend and counter it
We're still in offensive position right? If so we're best suited to counter attack

>>3385721

>What's he referencing?

Derrick, he's learned that splash attack from seeing Derrick fight.

>Defend and counter.

>Roll1d100-5 (-5 from the [Executioner] effect, cancelled out by peak condition, -5 from arena effect)

>DC:65

Rolled 31 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>3385782
I got that but what fight?

Rolled 53 - 5 (1d100 - 5)

>>3385782

Rolled 32 - 5 (1d100 - 5)

>>3385782

File: [Big OOF].png (83 KB, 355x355)

83 KB PNG

>>3385790

The train one, while he was fighting Christina, he tossed lots of debris around and that taught Noell how to fight dirty.

>>3385801
>>3385813

But nevermind that, seems we've got our first failed roll in a long time, it's been a while since the dice gods cursed us.

>Rolled 48

>Too slow on the uptake...

>Writing.

https://youtu.be/A6cSbof7Pik

You raise your sword in an attempt to defend the coming thrusts, you're successful, but just barely in the beginning.

Despite being in knee deep water, Dainary hasn't slowed down even a little in her assault, her stabs flow like the water below your feet, dancing towards your blade but aiming at your vitals.

You deflect each and every one, but never once are you left with the opportunity to counter, or even dodge away as just blocking is taking everything you have.

Her stamina is something to behold as well, she's thrusted up to 20 times now, and each strike seems just as powerful as the last, all you can do is back up while blocking and try and find an opportunity to strike back.

Tap you feel something solid on your back leg, "Hm!?" you hum as you notice that you're inches away from crashing into another follower statue.

(Damn it all! If I crash into that, I'll lose balance and leave myself open for a mortal blow!) you realize as you attempt to strafe around it.

Noticing this as well, Dainary re-doubles her efforts, her thrusts becoming like the wind, so fast that they begin to blur into each other, becoming so numerous you can't possibly block them all.

You manage to keep your vitals safe, but cuts hit you across your arms and face as the sharp spear edge cuts into your skin like butter.

She pulls back for one final, guard-breaking stab to deliver a mortal blow, but in that moment, she relents, giving you the opportunity to roll around the statue, using it as cover as her fatal stab shatters it into a pile of dust.

The ensuing dust cloud comes bursting up at her, giving you a second to kick your foot out and knock her back.

>-26 Life (108 points remaining)

>-38 Armor (162 points remaining) ((Adsorbed 20% of Life damage))

"Hah....hah...." you take the second to finally breathe as you stand back up.

"I see you've got some armor made for fighting people like me." She notices.

"Huh?" you blurt out as you find your footing.

"I tried stabbing your stomach twice but my spear just wouldn't get through, that's some thick armor under those light clothes." She compliments.

You look down a moment to notice there are two small holes in your clothes, this leaves you awe-struck, (She slipped past my guard twice? I was saved by virtue of my armor, if it wasn't there, I'd be...) you begin to realize the strength of who you're facing.

You growl in rage as she smiles, "Now then sweet prince, how about we really get into this, come at me ready to kill." She demands.

You give your sword a practice swing to check if your sword arm is still good, thankful it's mostly unharmed, aside from a few cuts.

"I thought you didn't want my bloodlust." you assert.

"I didn't. Then I saw how brilliant you are when you put your full force behind killing someone. While I don't wish for death, I want you to come at me as if I do." She eggs on.

You ready yourself for combat, "You too are far more formidable then I originally anticipated." you compliment.

"I'm happy to impress." She takes it with grace.

"Which is exactly what will make bringing you to heel so satisfying, a life isn't worth taking unless it's worth fighting for." you declare.

"Then as you command my prince, I shall with my life on the line!" She declares as she readies for combat as well.

Party Status

Noell:

>Life: 114/140

>Armor: 112/150

>Status effects: N/A

VS

Helda:

>Life: 95/120

>Armor: 175/200

>Status Effects: N/A

What will you do?

Strategic Options

>Aim for her Armor

>Aim for her Life

>Lure her into that strange room

Stances

>Change from [Executioner stance]? [Y/N] (To what?)

And I shall leave this option open till tomorrow, it's gotten quite late after-all.

We shall restart at 12:00 EST tomorrow, a question to those of you picking and rolling, what are your thoughts on the fight so far?

>>3385918
>>Lure her into that strange room
Angel of Dalam Stance, (+15 to evasion, -5 to attack, -5 to defense)
Too much health left to take her out quickly, set up is better

>>3385922
>what are your thoughts on the fight so far?
It's fine, not horrible but not amazing either. I preferred the Flourette fight, the environment had more of an impact on play style and was more creative than just some minuses to rolls

>>3385918
>>3385936
this

Thread should resume in an hour, but I have some early morning business to tend to, so I may be a little late, just a warning.

>>3385960
>environment had more of an impact on play style and was more creative.

Is that not the case with this fight as well? Legitimate question, I geared this entire fight around the fact that you could use the environment to your advantage and change the course of the battle via knocking fighters around to other locations.

If you feel I'm being less creative here that's fine, as long as you enjoy the fight.

>>3385936
>>3385990

In the meantime while I waltz off, why don't you all roll for me.

>Lure her in with Angel of Dalam stance

>1d100, no bonus (+5 from [Close range specialist] is cancelled out by arena effect, +5 from [Swordmaster] cancelled out by [Angel of Dalam] effect)

>DC:60

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>3386594
The problem I have with the water is that it's just some roll minuses, hardly anything I'd call creative. The last round had a sandstorm that raged every couple of turns and you would not wanna be caught in it so you had to make sure you took cover on those turns or get fucked. One is much more creative and strategic

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>3386594

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>3386594

>>3386652
Welp we're fucked

>>3386668
I mean looking at Noelle's stats on the character sheet he should get +5 from Sword Master

File: [A lack of Shamen Gurls].png (336 KB, 653x483)

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>>3386611
>>3386652
>>3386666

Ohhhhhh, no, I just got back and this what I find?

It seems all those 29's were foreboding to this conclusion, it is truly our cursed number.

>>3386675

Sorry to tell you anon, but if you read why I specified [No Bonus], it's because choosing [Angel of Dalam] lowers your attack by 5, and the bonus you get from [Close range specialist] negated by the arena effect, there's no saving this one.

But worry not anons, you'll still get to go the secret room...

>Writing.

>>3386675
>>3386749
I'm retarded, I meant Querulous Warrior. It's probably too late now though

File: Dainary Helda03.jpg (47 KB, 450x600)

47 KB JPG

https://youtu.be/AyWZ770n5aE

You look back to that strange door, (that room seems so far removed from the rest of the cathedral, hidden away by the tapestry and glorious lights, lies this single, shaded door, I think I have a good idea what lies beyond that door and I'm quite sure I can use it.) you reason.

You look to the water below your feet,(Also, open up that door should cause some of this flooding to lessen, even if it's not permanent, I should be able to move as I desire.) you realize.

You then look to Dainary, (But to do that, first I need to get past her...) she takes up her defensive stance again, ready for any attack you throw at her.

(She's baiting me again, I can't break through that guard, not in this water, but I can't just dodge past her....fine then, I have no choice, I'll have give up on landing any real attacks.)

Realizing this, you drop your Executioner stance and ready a new one.

You remove your second hand from the blade and reverse grip the blade, you pull the blade up against your forearm kneel forward.

This catches Dainary's attention, "Oh? Switching up styles your majesty? Smart, although, that stance doesn't look very practical for attacking." She states.

"....." you say nothing back, (She's exactly right, there's only about two actual attacks you can do in this stance, I've dwarfed my attacking capabilities drastically.) you note.

You learn forward, (But that's because this style wasn't made with overwhelming strength in mind like Executioner was...) you think.

You kick off like a duck in water, gliding through the nearly thigh-high water like air, unfettered by the restraint in speed, almost fading into a blur as you close the distance between you and her.

"Huh!?" She shout as she's caught off-guard.

You then sidewidening flip with your blade at your back, letting the force of gravity carry you for heavy attack that nearly breaks her defensive stance.

She stabs upward at you, but misses completely as you hand spring away, (It was made with overwhelming speed in mind.) you think as you launch your assault.

Mixing acrobatics into your attacks, mimicking much of the same speed Dainary displayed earlier, you manage to push her towards the strange door, taking advantage of her surprise at the switch in pace to keep her on her guard.

However, this only works for so long Dainary adapts to your attack pattern.

Her blocking gets more precise and soon enough, as soon as you're inches away from knocking her into the room, you dash at her, blade poised for an uppercut slash, she's ready and faster then you.

Half-way through your slash, instead of stabbing at you like you'd expect, she changes the grip on her staff and pulls her spear edge away, instead grabbing your arm with her staff and pulling you forward.

>>3386756

Don't worry, you're not retarded anon, that character sheet is just a mess of letters and numbers that basically only exists for me to remind myself of what bonuses to add and for you to use to berate me when I fuck-up and forget one.

(I plan to rectify this soon by adding a much more condensed, much more controlled sheet.)

But even so, no that bonus doesn't apply yet, because I specifically wrote that it has to go Beyond the 3rd round, we're still in the 3rd round anon, we're about to enter the 4th where the bonus will actually apply.

Anyway...

>Still writing.

>>3386802
Oh ok

File: Unzeray Cathedral(Flagell(...).jpg (388 KB, 1920x982)

388 KB JPG

"Keen to take me on a ride are you Majesty? Allow me to return the favor!" She taunts as she twists you in a circle, your arm trapped in her spear's grip.

After disorienting you by spinning you around enough to make your stomach literally turn, she ends it by delivering a full-force kick to the guts with enough force behind it send you flying.

CRASH! goes the door as you're blown through it, nearly knocking off it's hinges as you're kicked so hard that nearly toss up the contents of your stomach.

>-30 Life (84 points remaining)

>-40 Armor (72 points remaining)

There's a searing pain in your stomach as you fight your way to standing straight again, it takes everything you have to just prop yourself up.

"Oh me oh my! What's this terrifying space doing in such a holy place?" Dainary asks as she walks into the room, examining it as you get up.

That prompts you to look around yourself, you see that the room looks almost like a torture chamber, chains on the walls with red substances attached to them that could be rust or blood, you can't quite tell.

Various bottles containing elixirs and various kinds of oil for soothing or enhancing pain, some even flammable and in the center of it all, a giant Iron maiden, it's deadly maws wide open waiting for it's next victim.

BZZZT the intercoms shoot on again, "--Ahhh, so you guys found it huh?" Ami's voice comes through the speakers.

"That little creepy corner you've found there is what's called a flagellation room. Or in less fancy terms, a whipping room." Sheldon explains.

"This is a torture chamber? To think they'd allow something so cruel in a church..." Dainary asserts.

"Not quite torture per se, the people that go in that room, do so, mostly by choice." Ami corrects.

"It's a place where only the most sinful and repentant followers go give their flesh up to God. Letting their crimes flow away with their blood." Sheldon explains.

"Most of the time anyway, let's just say not each and every sinner is so willing to repent, but the church was always happy to help them, Ahem change their minds." Ami implies.

"The tools in that place are still workable and ready for use. So if either of you are feeling repentant, you've come to the right place! God's happy to receive your pain and suffering! " Sheldon says as the intercoms cut back out.

"What a dull and deary place, reminds me of the dungeons back home, the horrors that must have gone in this room in the past...I can't even imagine the number's that have died." She states.

"You don't need to imagine, you can just ask them when I send you out to meet them." You say as you finally regain your footing.

"Huh?" Dainary blurts out.

You spit out a globule of blood and ready your sword, "Did you delude yourself into thinking you had me beaten? If so, it's time to wake up, I wanted you to follow me in here. For in here, all that accursed water's gone." you point out.

File: Noell Cromwell33.jpg (32 KB, 480x480)

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The water flows in from the door, but it only reaches up to to the soles of your feet, you're finally free of the flooding, if only for a moment.

You point your blade at her as you speak, "I've had about enough of this back and forth with you, I'm making these next exchanges our final."

>[Querulous Warrior] activates! (+5 to attack, -5 to defense)

Dainary is a little shocked at your anger, but smiles anyway, "As you wish majesty, let's both give it our all!" She says as she readies her spear to attack you.

ROUND 4

Party Status

Noell:

>Life: 84/140

>Armor: 72/150

>Status effects: Querulous Warrior

VS

Helda:

>Life: 95/120

>Armor: 175/200

>Status Effects: N/A

What will you do?

Strategic Options

>Aim for her Armor

>Aim for her Life

>Attempt to trap her in the iron maiden and force her to surrender

Stances

>Change from [Angel of Dalam] stance? [Y/N] (To what?)

>>3386842
>>3386842
>Attempt to trap her In the Iron maiden and force her to surrender

>Change to executioner

I'm not sure If we can get her to surrender, but we setup for this hopefully we can get some payoff.

>>3386862
Pretty much this she beats us in a drawn out fight. And executioner + All our other attack bonuses we'll give us a good shot

>>3386862
>>3386872

>Attempt to trap and switch to Executioner

>Roll 1d100+30 (+15 from Stance, +5 from [Swordmaster], +5 from [Close Range Specialist], +5 [Querulous Warrior])

>DC: 70

Rolled 82 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3386879
RON!

Rolled 52 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3386879

>>3386879
I'm not gonna roll. I'm not risking a crit fail when we've handily succeeded.

>>3386910
We can't get crit fails, the bonuses cancel them out

File: [Awakening].png (181 KB, 290x545)

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>>3386910

You know I usually just take the first two rolls cause I think my quest is half-dead, but now I'm starting to think that you guys are just going silent on me on purpose to force me to take the passing roll.

That's cheap and dirty, can't say I hate it though, if I were in your position, I'd do the same.

>>3386881
>>3386895

>Rolled 112

>Time for a comeback.

>Writing.

File: Noell Cromwell23.jpg (63 KB, 500x666)

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https://youtu.be/8M3BA18f9Rk

Even back here, the symphonic music of the hall still rings loud and clear, you take it in for a moment, letting you push back the pain and focus on the fight at hand.

Taking your blade in both hands, you give up on any defense in favor of full force assault, (I have to strike with everything I have, for me to push someone that fast and strong into that metal maw, I can't give her even one second to breathe, I've got to completely overwhelm her.) you realize.

Not letting a second more pass, Dainary rushes forward, her spear poised to impale your stomach, but you're ready holding your blade sideways, you catch her spear in the same crevice she used to trap your blade before.

Now you use it to trap her, as you dance around her stab, re-directing forward, pushing her off-balance, then you gently slip the blade from the crevice and slash at her wide-open back.

"GAH!" She screams as your mighty slash rends through her armor and cuts into the flesh underneath.

She lurches for a moment as blood begins to pour from her back, the sight of the red staining her armor, the smell of iron in the air, the taste of blood on your blade.

The grip on your blade strengthens as you take it all in and the excitement grips you.

>-50 Life (45 points remaining)

>-50 armor (125 points remaining)

>Dainary is bleeding!

>[Blood-soaked Iron] activates! (+5 to attack, +5 to evasion)

You don't let this chance pass you by, without a single break in your assault, you slash again.

This time she narrowly dodges that one and puts up her defense, which allows her to barely block the series of slashes that come after that.

You put all your weight into every slash, basically slamming the blade into her like a club, it's not skillful, but it's effective in not allowing her the chance to counter as you push closer and closer to the Iron maiden.

Clink-clink ring the vials and oils in the room, the force of your attacks is so powerful that all the objects in the room shake and kick off dust from force of it all.

Chips begin to form in the spear's staff as the slashes begin to crack and cut it to pieces, it barely holds up to your attacks.

Before long, you close in on the maiden, you notice that sweat drips off Dainary's pained face, blocking all of your attacks has depleted even her horse-like stamina, making the part where you relent from slashing and pull back for a kick that much easier.

The kick knocks Dainary right into the maiden's rusted spikes, "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" She lets out an ungodly shriek as she feels the spikes push through her armor and right into the open wound on her back.

She attempts to pull herself off the spikes, but you don't let her, you put your hand against her chest and push her back on, slowly but powerfully inching her back unto the spikes.

The pain of it is so great that she can't even scream, she falls unconscious, allowing you to breathe peacefully.

"hah....hah..." you pant as you back away from her, (Seems that was too much for her body to handle, she's lost consciousness.) you realize.

(But that won't allow me to win, I have to either get her to submit, or...after I get to wake up, I force her to struggle a bit before taking her head off. With how hurt she is, she can't fight much after all and that should abide to the tournaments rules.) you reason.

You feel inclined to do the latter, but then you think again, (Everyone's back at the cafe is watching this right now, while I couldn't care about the rest of the ribble-rabble's opinion's, surely Flourette and of course, Derrick is watching this.) you realize.

(Should I kill her when I clearly have a choice to spare her, would such a thing...Be the right thing to do?) you question as you think on your choice.

What will you do?

>Wake her up and attempt to get her to surrender

>Wake her up and kill her.

>>3387066
>Wake her up and attempt to get her to surrender
Let's not go FULL autistic psychopath

>>3387066
>Wake her up and attempt to get her to surrender

>>3387066
>>Wake her up and attempt to get her to surrender

>>3387070
>>3387086
>>3387101

>No murder, not today.

>Roll1d100+15 (+10 from [Acrobatic Fighter], +5 from [Blood-Soaked Iron])

>DC:65

File: [shaggy].png (54 KB, 184x184)

54 KB PNG

Rolled 98 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>3387104
Let's GO!

>>3387107

Holy shit the power of dead memes is too much!

>Rolled 113

>>3387107
I'm not sure whether to be happy about the crit or disappointed that it fits perfectly with that meme

File: Burning.jpg (49 KB, 800x535)

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You feel the temptation to kill, this drive to end life, it's said to be something passed to every son of Cromwell, this lust for blood.

But even so you resist it, (What would they think if were to kill her here? Flourette would probably agree that what I did was necessary, even if cruel. But Derrick...those words he shouted in the cafe...) you begin to re-call.

This choice is pointless because I couldn't do without either! If I didn't have my friends, I couldn't have made it this far!, he shouted, I thought those words were naive and stupid, but...I feel strangely tempted to abide by them.) you think as you approach her.

(All my life I was taught to kill those who would threaten me, that those who threatened me also threatened the throne and by extension the kingdom. But this woman...) you think as you trudge through the water, which now has finally reached ankle height.

(She's a threat, but she's not my enemy and she is certainly not an enemy of the throne, she's just a knight doing her duty the best way she knows how. Someone like her..) you reach your hand out to awaken her.

(Isn't to die yet-) your train of thought is interrupted as you see her squirm for a moment.

Your outstretched hand stops as you examine her, (What? Was that just a pain spasm?) you wonder.

Then she moves again and you pull back, (No, she's definitely awake!) you realize.

"ahhhhAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Suddenly her screaming restarts, but this time it isn't the shrieks of fear and pain she had previously.

This scream is more like a howl, the kind of you hear of wild enraged beasts when they're backed into a corner.

Then forcefully she rips herself from the spikes in a way that looks both extremely painful and unnatural with the way she contorts.

(By god, it can't be, is she..?) you're not allowed to finish thinking as the purpose behind her strange contortions becomes clear.

The first thing that comes off is her shoulder, freeing a single hand which uses to swing around her massive spear, one-handed in an almost super-natural display of strength.

You flip and dodge out of the way, the strength of her attack rips her right off the spikes of maiden, sending her crashing through tables, splashing the various oils into the water and onto the walls.

Despite this, her assault doesn't end, rolling out of her landing, she comes swinging at you wildly, only the slightest hints of her previous skill remains, she swings her spear more like a massive club, flailing wildly and widely at everything.

Not once does she hit you, you duck under, jump over and hop off the walls to dodge her attacks.

CLANG Doing so, however, causes her spear to slam right into the wall, creating sparks which ignite the the blotch of oil.

ROARRRRRRR the flame howls out as it bursts up from a single spark, the flames catch the stone wall and crawl up to the wooden rafters above.

File: Spoiler Image (262 KB, 1920x1080)

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The flame travels at ungodly speed, flowing from the rafters above into the center of the cathedral outside, catching the fabric of the tapestry and burning it's way up to the very roof.

Soon the flame conquers the whole building, burning everything in sight. Covering this whole room, walls, roof and even the water-soaked floors, lighting the oil mixed within the water up, truly burning everything.

Steam and smoke rise up, making it a little hard to breathe, but that's the least of your concerns.

"hah...Hah...hahhhhhhhh..." Gasping and panting like a wild beast, Dainary rises to her feet and retakes her stance.

But this version of her stance is unnatural, completely unlike her previous state. Unlike the unbreakable wall of iron from before, her back is slouched and her movements have a kind of madness in them.

Her breathing is uneven and there isn't a hint of grace to be found anywhere, she's ready to attack but it's clear there's no defense to be found in that stance.

But most disturbing of all is that look in her eye, her pupils have shifted, becoming sharp as a knife and slit-eyed, not unlike a lizards.

"I see, looks to be that I wasn't the only one having trouble fighting my bloodline." you state.

"hah...hah..." She isn't listening though, she's too far gone for that.

(As I feared, I drove her too far. Her mind's collapsed and she's entered that state, the state the people of Dalam call Demi-dragon) you realize.

>Trait confirmed! [Demi-Dragon]: When beaten to less than 50% life, automatically enter a blitzkrieg-like state where you abandon reason and attack relentlessly. (+15 attack, -10 defense, -5 evasion))

(This is Dalam's proof of their bloodline, proof of their union of man and dragon. It's told that inside each of them, the soul of a dragon lurks within them. This is what it looks like when that becomes manifested.) you realize.

(I heard stories and epics of how glorious, how beautiful the awakening was, but this...this is...) you trail off as you stare into her wild eyes, drained off any grace or love for combat from before, just the drive to kill and destroy in them.

"...Disgusting." you can't help but utter your feelings verbally.

"This state of yours is stomach-turning Helda. You were majestic before, now you're no better than a beast." you insult.

"Grrrrrrrr.." She growls as her killing intent locks-onto you.

As the smoke and steam begin to truly fill up the room, you don the re-breather as you speak, "It seems I drove you too far. I knocked the sanity right out of you, but as I told you before, I don't cut down beasts, the only thing I cut down is people." you state.

"So worry not, I shall not kill you. This battle ours cannot end like this-" you ready your blade, "So ready yourself, it's time for me to wake you up." you declare as the battle starts again.

https://youtu.be/ybIIdMVGxgA

ROUND 5

Party Status

Noell:

>Life: 84/140

>Armor: 72/150

>Status effects: Querulous Warrior

VS

Helda:

>Life: 45/120

>Armor: 125/200

>Status Effects: Demi-Dragon

What will you do?

Strategic Options

>Push her towards the flames to burn her awake.

>Knock her into the water to water-board her awake.

>Attempt to grapple and restrain her.

Stances

>Change from [Executioner] stance? [Y/N] (To what?)

>>3387238
>>Knock her into the water to water-board her awake.
The other options are dumb

>Stay in Executioner
Might as well take advantage of her penalties

>>3387259

Sorry anons, but I have some afternoon arranagements that will keep me away for 3 hours, maybe more, I'll post as soon as I return as we're finishing this fight, this session.

But for now.

>Knock her into the water with Executioner.

>Roll 1d100+30 (+15 from Stance, +5 from [Swordmaster], +5 from [Close Range Specialist], +5 [Querulous Warrior])

>DC:60

I shall write whatever story these rolls give, see you soon anons.

Rolled 77 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3387282

Rolled 87 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>3387282

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>3387282

>>3387289
>>3387302
>>3387731

I've returned.

>Rolled 117

>Time to wake the dragon.

>Writing.

File: Unzeray Cathedral(buring down).jpg (189 KB, 2000x1125)

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The heat from the surrounding flames causes small bits of wood to collapse around you, adding more fuel to the growing pyres.

Sweat drips down your face and the only reason you've haven't begun choking to death on smoke is thanks to the re-breather conserving what little air you have left.

None of these things concern Dainary though, she sweats herself dry, breathes the smoke in wildly and continues to move fine regardless.

You ready yourself to take the initiative, but Dainary rushes to it faster, leaping into the air, her spear pulled back in one hand and her hand reached out to grab you in the other.

"GRAHHHHHHHHH!" She lets out an ungodly, inhuman screeh as she flies towards you.

You resist the urge to flinch at it as you stand your ground, the second she closes in, you dodge out of the way of her hand and deeper towards her center.

Before she has a chance to stab you with the spear, you thrust the hilt of your blade into her solar plexus.

"Bwah!" She coughs violently as all the air in her lungs is pushed right out of her throat.

But the disconnect of her mind and her body becomes clear as in spite of the clear gut-retching pain strike, she pushes you away and attempts to stab you repeatedly.

CLANG,CLANG,CLANG

Each of her stabs makes a violent clashing sound, like the metal of your two weapons are crying out in pain.

Her strikes hit with the force of a dump truck, crashing into your blade, you manage to deflect each and every one of them despite them.

Seeing that stabbing doesn't work, she swings wide, attempting to use the ax-head of her halberd to crush your skull.

You dodge out of the way of her cleaving attack, which ends with her smashing the axe-head into a flaming wooden structure, cutting the otherwise solid wood in two.

CRASHHHH! The wooden beam the structure was connected to comes flying down in-between you two.

You hand-spring out of the way falling beam, but Dainary doesn't mind the heat, instead smashing through the flaming beams with her shoulder, burning her face a little in the process.

She swings at you again, you meet her attack with your own, putting your two weapons into clash as you both begin to fight for power.

Even as her arms push for supremacy in your clash, she attempts to bite at you from behind her spear.

(She's completely lost her mind. She doesn't feel pain, so she can only mindlessly attack. If I were to just continue to dodge and counter like this, I'm sure she'd destroy herself long before I ever could.) you realize.

File: Noell Cromwell30.png (760 KB, 792x522)

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https://youtu.be/bJoQ0KkHNCE

(But that's a problem, I promised I'd save you, not kill you. So I must save you before you kill yourself...) You look down to the water below your feet, it's almost knee-height now, meaning it's deep enough for you to dip someone's head in.

That gives you a solution to this problem, instead of powering through the clash, you pirouette your way out of the way of the attack.

"Ah!" She loses balance, pushing weapon outwards, you bring your weapon high and swing down at it.

SNAP! You split the staff of her spear in two, completely destroying her spear.

"AHHHHHHHHHH!" That doesn't get her to relent, instead she drops the two pieces of her weapon away and rushes at you, grabbing your throat with both hands.

"Gah-!" The strength of her choke is too much to push away, you're knocked into the waters below as you attempt to fight her off.

Your attempts are futile, her strength is too great for you to push her off without also have to stab her with your sword, you feel the blood to your brain being cut-off, consciousness begins to fail you.

That is, until you notice that one of long wooden ends of her spear floats over to you, the cut edge of the spear so smooth it forms a hap-hazard stake.

Despite your draining breath, you grab the floating weapon and drive it into a small gap in her braces, impaling her through one of her biceps.

While the pain doesn't get her to stop, it does cause one of her arms to fail her, giving you enough freedom to force her other hand off you by sheer force of will and twists her around.

Splash!Splash! Waves crash through the room as you take your place on top of her, grabbing her head, you dunk her into the water below.

"Bubbbbbbbbbb-AHHHHHHH-Bubbbbaaaa-" She screams and tries to force her way up to you, but you keep her down for as long as possible before giving her a chance to breathe.

You repeat this process several, until finally, "Bubbbbbb-Wai-Bubbbbbbbb Please stop-" It takes you a moment to realize she's speaking actual words.

You pull her up again, "Cough,cough,cough Ah...hah...ahhhh.." She coughs and hacks water up until she finally frees her air-way enough to speak.

"Oh...Oh god...it hurts so much...everything...hurts like hell..." She groans.

You let yourself fall off her and into the water below, "You preach to the choir and all you'll get is your words sung right back at you." you state.

"What?" She asks.

"It means I'm the same, complaining to me won't fix it." you explain.

"Oh...my apologies, the oxygen deprivation is beginning to destroy my higher thinking capabilities." She reasons.

"I thought the Demi-dragon did that for you." you counter.

"Oh, is that what happened...oh lord, what have I done?" She says as she looks at all the destruction she's caused.

"You did as you promised-" you say as you rise to your feet, weak and straddling now that the adrenaline has worn off, "You gave me everything you had. I had truly underestimated your abilities. You've given me one of closet fights I've ever had." you say as you extend your hand to her.

She laughs and takes it, "Who said I was done fighting you?" She asks.

"Oh come now, we'll burn to death if we continue to go at it, I appreciate your unrelenting spirit, but learn when you're beaten ." you state.

"I accept that I'm outclassed here and forfeit. but I am never beaten. You're a formidable opponent. One I could not hope to truly defeat yet." She praises as she rises to her feet and begins to walk out of the burning room, covering her mouth as she dons her own re-breather.

"But that doesn't mean this is over. I insist you let me stay by your side, allow me to fight alongside you, grow alongside you, so that one day I grow strong enough to defeat you and in defeating you, I can prove that I what it takes to protect, oh future king." She asks as you two begin to walk out of the room and hurry out of the burning cathedral.

"Allow an agent of my sister to stand by my side? You must be as daft as you are deaf, I refuse." you decline.

"I am agent of no man or woman majesty. I am agent to the throne and it's clear you are the one to sit on it, so allow me to guide you to it." She counters as you both reach the massive doors you used to enter the place previously.

"Didn't you say earlier that the throne would break me, that it would be better my sister sit on it? Why the change of heart?" you ask as you push it open.

The sun pours in, once blocked away by the smoke and washed away by the water, you look out at it clear and still shining.

Dainary walks outside and turns her back to it, allowing her hair to take in the peaceful outside winds and the sun to flow into her smile.

"Because I've realized you have a heart!" She answers.

"...." you're stunned silent by those words.

"You had the chance to kill me multiple times, but instead you choose to let me live! You risked your very life to save my own. Only a righteous and loving man could do such a thing!" She praises.

"Righteous...loving..." those are words you're not used to hearing, people back home always say the opposite of you, they call you heartless, a husk without emotion or feeling.

You who is either cursed as a demon by those who fear you or discarded as a failure by those who hate you, you are now being told you have a heart.

The feeling it gives you is something you've never felt before, the feeling of finally being acknowledged, even if by a single person is too powerful to be described with words.

"A righteous man makes for a strong ruler. And a loving ruler makes for a great king." She extends a hand to you.

"Can a knight not follow her king? Is she not allowed that simple pleasure? Am I truly not allowed...at your side?" She asks.

What will you do?

>Accept her

>Reject her

>>3387951
>>Accept her
"Whatever"

>>3387951
>Accept her

>>3387961
>>3387987

>Another member to the crew.

>Writing.

>>3386933
Just something to note Rock, I usually just lurk this quest, so It's not like I do this every thread. In fact, this Is the first time I've thought to do It and It's because I just realized that this quest effectively has the crit-fail rate of a d20 (If I'm reading It right). I can't speak for other anons of course, I don't know If this Is something others do.

https://youtu.be/aA5ewHqUiXY

You smile despite trying your hardest to stay stone-faced, "Now why would I need you? I've got my amazing personal aide. She's the greatest shield one could ask for, how can you protect me?" you ask.

"No shield is complete without a spear at it's side, and trust me, I'm one of the strongest spears you could ask for." She promises.

"Did I not break your spear but a few moments ago? How do I know another won't do the same?" you ask.

"You are the first and I shall ensure the only man to break my spear. And even if another breaks my spear, my fists shall prevail." She takes a step closer to you.

"Should my fists fail, my legs shall rise to the challenge." She takes another step.

"Should my legs fail, even so I shall fight. If every weapon I use falls to pieces, if every action I do leads to death, I shall use my very life as a weapon to ensure you keep yours." She promises as she comes face to face with you.

"And know this, a broken spear can always be replaced. You've forged in me a brand new spear, one that belongs completely to you, your majesty. The spear I call Dainary Helda is already yours." She points at herself.

She extends her hand again, "Will you not take a hold of your new weapon? Oh future king of blades?" She asks.

You grab her outstretched hand and speak, "No warrior walks into battle without his shield and spear, to do so is to invite death on yourself, so course I'll take you with me, o mighty spear maiden." you agree.

"Are those your Father's words?" she asks.

"No, they are my own and so are you." you answer.

"This was a good fight, now let us return, you need to rest up for the fight that will come after this and I just need rest in general." you state.

"Oh no, I plan on dropping out, this battle was more then enough for me." she states.

"Excuse me?" you ask.

"I came here to obtain a license in case I needed someone worthy to take the throne. But I've already succeeded in my objective. I've met you and you have a license now. I have no more reason to fight now." She explains.

She smiles a worn out grin, "Besides, I'm far too tired to fight again anytime soon! Another fight would actually break me!" She laughs.

You chortle, "Ah, only moments after picking you up and you're already worn and torn. What an excellent spear...." you smile as you return to the cafe with her following behind you.

>>3388002

Don't worry yourself anon, I'm not particularly mad about it or anything, I get that the general consensus is that I'm a rather harsh QM when it comes to punishing bad rolls, so I understand the fear of failure is high since the risk is also high.

But I believe that's what makes the quest so exciting! (If it is actually exciting, I can never really tell but you all seem to enjoy my work anyway so I assume it is.), so I understand the desire to avoid rolling when the result is already satisfactory, it doesn't get me angry cause it's not like I want you all to fail or something, I just want to make combat in this quest isn't boringly easy is all.

If anything, I'm happy to encourage lurkers to participate and discuss things! Even if it's way to circumvent the systems at play.

Since you're in a chatty mood, might I ask which thread you came in on and why you read my quest?

>>3388032

Besides that, I'm stopping for today, we shall resume tomorrow as we move onto the 3rd fight!

No brakes on this train!

Oh, also as a sort of intermission, I shall post another couple interviews.

Give me a moment.

>>3388056
>Since you're in a chatty mood, might I ask which thread you came in on and why you read my quest?
Obviously not him but I assume it was a question for everybody? In my case I liked HxH and I had nothing better to do so I read it with the hope that some of the exam phases would be creative and interesting. As I read through the, let's say, "rough start" there were some scenes I liked that made me feel like i wasn't just a time waster and as this quest went on it got better and better and I'm quite surprised at the dramatic shift in quality. The dialogue and character interactions especially, they are by far the best part and always entertain

On that note cause I'm curious is there anything that inspires your dialogue, or does it just come to you?

>>3388060
Hype

File: Reynauld Stevens07.png (88 KB, 264x350)

88 KB PNG

>Interview with Reynauld Stevens aka #122

>Why do you want to be a Hunter?

"Why? Ain't that obvious? Money a course!" He exclaims.

"The hell else would I risk my hide fer? Charity? Honor? Justice? Can I eat honor? Can I drink charity? Hell nah! I just want that life-time supply cash!" He declares.

"Huh? What am I gonna do with all the money? Well....First things first, I'm gonna buy me a full course meal and after I stuff my guts, I'm gonna stuff the guts of every hooker west side to east of Xetas!" He promises with a laugh.

Soon his laughter dies down and a frown takes his face, "After that though...Well, I did promise to start my own PMC, the Storm Riders or the Wild Ones or some such." He answers.

"Huh? Why would I need a PMC when the Hunter license will get me all the money I need? Well..thats..." He bends his head down to think a moment.

"It was 20 years ago, when I was just a boy, full of piss and vigor with shit fer brains, I joined the Yorbain military at just 18 cause I wanted to make something outta myself." He admits.

"But all that place made outta me was a fool...ah who am I kidding, I've always been a damn fool!" He laughs sadly.

"And cause I'm a damn fool, just a year later, I got discharged like a damn fool and learned that all the blood I spilled was fer fuck-all and I was left beaten and broke." He admits.

"But...I wasn't the only one. Everyone who fought in Bergosse with me, all the people I damn near got killed, all the people...I did get killed..." He struggles to speak for a moment.

"I owe it to them that I was still alive and strong enough to fight in this exam. And once I get the license, I'mma become a War Hunter and make a home for all the pieces of shit left behind in the war." He promises.

"All the men and women who were thrown away by the government, all the people thrown away by them friends, them families..." Under his hat, a flame is lit in his eyes.

"I'm gonna become a Hunter and give them murderers, monsters and degenerates like me a home, give them a family. That there is why I wanna to become a Hunter and ain't no one gonna stop me." He declares.

>>3388073

I'm happy to know I'm improving, I look back to my original first few threads as a sort What not to do guide and through lots of practice and lots of me spending hours of the day just thinking about how to improve the quest, I just naturally got better at writing it.

As for dialogue, I find that to be a hard question to answer. There's no one thing that inspires me, so I can't really name you one specific source that I pull my way of writing characters from.

Evidently I watch tons of anime (Else why would I be making an anime quest on a Turkish oil-wrestling board?) but if I had to name some shows that I find have amazing dialogue, shows like: Gintama, Graisa no Rakuen, Angel beats come right to mind.

But In a way a it kinda just comes to me, but not in the sense that I just magically just conjure up these chats but at the same time, I don't really plan them either.

My method that works so far has been that I spend some time just developing a character's motivation as a singular, usually very simple thing, then all their complexities spring from there.

You'll notice that characters that (At least in my opinion) have the best dialogue with others are ones that are kinda stereotypical, if not archetypal.

Bradford and Noell for example, For Bradford, I started with the premise He's crazy, selfish and has no concern for his own safety and then I developed a backstory around that, trying to find what kind of life a person would have to live to have the kind of mindset Bradford has.

From there I developed his backstory, his feelings towards other characters, how he interacts with other characters, his thoughts on certain topics, all from just 3 central traits of his character.

Same for Noell, but his traits are Serious, Cold and Edgy, but the deepness of his and Bradford's characters is that they aren't just crazy and edgy, that's just how they look on the surface, once you delve deeper you find they have way more going for them then that, in a strange way, the character's kinda just write themselves, I just write their back-stories and motivations.

I don't really even know if this answers your question, but it's the best I can give, considering I don't fully understand it myself, I just that I know it works.

Anyway...

>Still writing.

>Who do you most want to fight?

"That paper a yours long a enough fer this? No? Then I'mma keep it brief." He promises.

"1st off, I'd love to skin that Dillion (#996) boah, I bet his hides worth a fortune and a half! Lord knows he could do to share." He starts.

"Next, I want to beat some sense into that double barrel dumbass (Bradford), he barks like a wild dog, but I bet he bites like a pup. I want to make him put his money where his huge mouth is, might make him shut up fer once." He explains.

"And I Kinda want to take that one sad boah, what his name again? Noelle or sum other girly-ass name? Whatever the hell, I want bring his ass to town! Who the hell does that boah think he is? Thinking he can get this far swinging nothing but that little sword of his around!" He taunts.

He pulls out his revolver, "That boah needs to learn what real steel looks like and I'm ready to show him."

>Who do you least want to fight?

"Good question, I barely know myself!" He laughs.

"Well, and I know this is gonna sound a little queer, but I don't wanna fight Casper (Arztz, #312)." He starts.

"I know, I know, a big man like me scared of a little boah like that, but hear me out alright, I saw just how he gets when he fights, when he lets that hoiti-toiti Mr.Nice guy face fall off, you see that boah's like the devil's own son." He says with a fearful look in his eyes.

"The way he smiled and laughed as he watched that Bone Devil choke to death on it's own spit, it's bladder spraying and bowels emptying from pain...I don't want to get on that boah's bad side alright." He explains

"Other than him, I wouldn't want to fight the giant, he's bigger than any beast I've ever faced, but only half as fearsome. He's kinda soft actually." He states.

"I ain't one for taking on men who ain't fit for fightin' and I especially ain't one to take on someone that could flex me to death if he wanted." he says with a laugh.

[END OF RECORD]

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>Interview with Howard Billingham aka #1233

>Why do you want to be a Hunter.

"Vengeance. Plain and simple." He answers.

"Vengeance against whom? That's a list a too long for your paper and too heavy for your brush." He begins.

"I want revenge for the brothers I lost in the war, and the Yorbian government will pay for it. I want revenge for the men, women and children killed in the Bergosse Conflict, and the Ochimians will pay for it. I want revenge for the body I've lost and Ethical Engineering will pay for it!" He shouts.

"But most of all, I want revenge against this very world for letting every monster I just listed exist and prosper! This rage, this hate of mine will not be quelled until I've brought every last one of them to their knees and whispered their sins into their ears as they die by my hands!" He declares.

"That's why I want to become a Hunter! To destroy everyone who's ever wronged me!....Huh? What will I do after gotten my revenge?" He repeats.

".....I....I don't know..." He struggles to answer.

"What will do after I destroy them all...maybe I'll rebuild...give back after I destory...No..." He cuts himself off.

He looks down, "These hands of mine could never build again, they can only break things down, destroy the same way I was. That's all I'm worth...I've got nothing left to give back..."

He looks back up, "So I'm going to take my worthless self and drag those monsters down this bottomless pit with me. Let's face, I'm too far gone...all I can do now is burn bridges. Not build them." He finishes with a determined tone, but a hint of sadness in his voice.

>Who do you most want to fight?

"I think #1 on my list is pretty obvious, If my revenge is going to start anywhere, it's with the head of that little bitch (Etheline, aka #7)." He answers.

"but if I can't get her, I'd want to take out that goon of hers, the blonde one, the hell was his name again? Derrick? Right I'd like to bury his ass if I get the chance." He answers.

>Who do you least want to fight?

"That ghost kid (Arztz, #312) seems like he'd be dangerous, my nose barely works anymore and even I can sniff the noxious gas he's got on him. I don't fight well with people who can get under my skin so much." He answer.

"I also don't want to fight that raging spreg (Bradford who nearly assaulted me at the door. Not because I'm afraid of his dumbass, but I don't even want to give that prick the time of day." He continues.

"I think my objective in this Exam is pretty clear. I'm not gonna waste time pretty up my destructive desires, I just want it all to burn. I'm going to make it all burn." He declares.

"And the first log that will be tossed into my fire will that little bitch outside there, mark my words." He promises.

[END OF RECORD]

That's all for now, till tomorrow same time anons.

Calling it now the next fight is gonna be Etheline vs Howard, followed by Landon vs Reynauld

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>>3388079
>>3388112
>this whole interview
Reynauld is going to become this world's version of Big Boss, isn't he?
>>3388167
>Landon vs Reynauld
That'd be interesting, although I'd feel like overall Landon would have the advantage. I wonder if this is the case, who'd we play as?

>>3388641
>I wonder if this is the case, who'd we play as?
Probably Landon cause he's in the OP

Thread resumes in 10 minutes.

Time: January 20, 2000, Sunday, 3:32 PM. Afternoon

Location: Renpiri Region, Sunnyside City, BeanBuddy Cafe

https://youtu.be/suOoYogz_f0

Ding-Ding rings the chimes of the store as Dainary and Noell return, cuts, bruises and burns cover their whole bodies as they virtually limp their way inside.

You, Flourette and Landon rush to his side, "Young master! How's your condition!? You haven't sustained any permanent damage have you!?" Flourette shouts as she examines him all over.

"None. Unless all the brain cells I lose speaking to you count." He berates.

"If he can still wise-crack like that, he's fine. If I were you, I'd turn my attention to Miss giant, gaping wound in her back here." you point to Dainary.

Landon strides towards her, "Don't worry, I already am. I can see my Dark Delight took my request and spared your good looks, in-fact he seems to have enhanced them, I sense a new kind of womanhood blossoming within you." He claims.

"Woman-hood?" She questions.

He leans in and whispers, "I mean I can sense you've fallen for someone." he teases.

She blushes, "You perverse knave, what are you saying!?" She cries out.

"Ah! That reaction, seems I'm spot on!" He laughs.

Noell looks to Dainary, "What sort of sexual harassment did he level at you? Be sure to file a report, for every crime we catch him on, that's one more year to his sentence, so we need as many we can get." he states.

"You're actually compiling a report on me? I thought that was just a joke..." Landon questions as Dainary looks away from Noell's gaze, her blush growing stronger.

"It was nothing that serious! He just...He asked me...." She can't say it.

"He asked you what? Don't be afraid to say it, I know it hurts to remember, but please recall, your word could bring a stop to this terrible predator once and for all." Noell states.

"Now listen here, I've never preyed on anyone! Unless they ask for it of course." Landon laughs.

"He has to be stopped." Noell puts the pressure on now.

But Dainary still can't answer, "He asked...he asked me...Oh no!" before she has a chance to answer she collapses to the ground.

"Ah! What terrible fate! The blood loss has removed the strength from my legs!" She hams it up as she reaches to the skies for help.

You and Landon can see right through this, (I can see she's trying to avoid answering an awkward question but by god I've seen burning possums pull off a better dying act...) you think.

"What? The adrenaline must have finally drained from your system, what a travesty..." Noell actually falls for it, his ability to read social cues is worse then Dainary's act.

"Oh yes your majesty! Oh, the pain, oh woe is me! Mighty Wall lion! Please, aid! I need medical attention!" She begs Flourette to save her.

"Did you not hear her Flourette? Get to fixing the woman, she'll be working with us from now on." Noell orders her.

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Flourette isn't such a fool though, she casts a suspicious look at Dainary as she lies on the ground, "Of course young master. Just a simple question before I proceed, what did Mr.Landon ask of you?" She asks as she leans in on her.

"Ah...that's...can't the healing come before my answer?" She asks.

"You can answer as I heal you if need be. What did Mr.Landon ask you? It didn't happen to be anything about the young master correct?" She asks.

Dainary blushes once more and looks away, "O-Of course not, what would make you even ask such a thing?" She questions.

She gives her a scrutinizing look, "I just had to check considering you seem to react adversely whenever his name is brought up. If there's any info that concerns the young master, my ears are sure to be the first they reach." She explains.

"First and only, that is." She declares.

"...." Flourette gives Dainary a look that says, If you dare try and double-cross Noell I'll have your head, but strangely enough, it also looks to be saying, If you dare try and make a move on him, I'll tear you to pieces, that's mine, I saw it first.

But there's no way that's true, so you decide to dismiss the possibility, "Flourette you absolutely daft wench, stop cross-examining the woman and just heal her. If you don't hurry, you'll be forced to heal her, on top of the bruises I'll give you." He threatens.

She shivers at that, "B-But of course, young master, right away!" She complies and begins healing a very apprehensive Dainary.

After that little exchange, you find your seats again as Sheldon and Ami take the floor.

"Boy that last match sure was a scorcher huh? We expected some heat, but not that much heat." Sheldon states.

"I know we told you guys to go crazy and all, but you must have burnt down millions of Jenny's worth in art, caused almost billions in damage to the infrastructure and caused irreversible damage to the ozone of this place!" Ami exclaims.

"You say all of that like you two care remotely about any of that." You counter.

"Well I mean we don't. But what if those environmentalists blame us for causing all that damage! Those hippies are bloodhounds for potential lawsuits!" Sheldon counters.

Dillions cuts in with a laugh, "You simpletons crack too easily under pressure. All you need to do is tell them is the whole thing was started by an accidental bush fire lit by a stray cigarette." He explains.

"They'll be too busy making forest fire PSAs and petitioning the government for higher vice taxes to even bother sueing you." He finishes.

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"Would it really be that easy to distract them? Surely they care too much about the environment to let a few minor social problems turn them away from the bigger picture." Arztz questions.

"Casper, we're talking environmental activists here. Their entire existence is a social problem." you state.

"Besides ghost boy, you know you can trust fat stacks here. He's probably been dodging ethical lawsuits for years. Ain't that right?" Vanilla insults.

"I'm not legally obligated to answer that question. If you want, I could call my lawyer have him answer that for you." Dillion states.

"See what I mean? Bastard's practiced that line so much he throws it out on reflex." Vanilla taunts.

"And I'm sure you've heard from enough lawyers that you know to start running away when you see one." Dillion counters.

"The only lawyer I know is this one right here buddy." She puts up a middle finger.

"Oh yes, I can bet that lawyer of yours has helped your case many a time." Dillion states.

"You bet your ass he has. Maybe you want to meet his assistant while you're at it?" She puts up her other middle finger.

"Oh what a graceful team." Dillion sighs.

Ami claps, "Come on now Ladies! Save the cat-fighting for the arena! You got a grudge, you settle it there!" She exclaims.

"Speaking of which, I think it's about time for round 3 good people!" Sheldon says as he presents his laptop once more.

"Good lord, the ashes from the last place we burned down haven't even gotten cold yet and you're sending us off again?" Reynauld complains.

"The ashes can get cold we're done throwing logs to the fire!" Ami answers.

"Now let's find out which you one of you sticks are ready to get burned!" Sheldon exclaims as he hits the button and spins the roulette once more.

Let's turn, turn, turn this wheel of Death, Destiny and Despair!

the once lively room is gripped all at once with silence as every eye falls on the screen, a sense of tension, two times as thick as any before it takes the room.

(That last match showed everyone just how dangerous these matches can be. It's not enough that half the people in the room would murder you at the drop of a hat. Now we have to worry about these psycho twins throwing us into literal burning death-traps just to spice things up) you think.

you feel a cold sweat run down the side of your head, (Now the bar has been raised so high someone could hang themselves off it. At any moment, it could be my head that ends up in that noose...) you worry as the roulette spins to a crawl and the next fighters are decided.

>>3388933
>"Besides ghost boy, you know you can trust fat stacks here. He's probably been dodging ethical lawsuits for years. Ain't that right?" Vanilla insults.
>"I'm not legally obligated to answer that question. If you want, I could call my lawyer have him answer that for you." Dillion states.
>"See what I mean? Bastard's practiced that line so much he throws it out on reflex." Vanilla taunts.
>"And I'm sure you've heard from enough lawyers that you know to start running away when you see one." Dillion counters.
>"The only lawyer I know is this one right here buddy." She puts up a middle finger.
>"Oh yes, I can bet that lawyer of yours has helped your case many a time." Dillion states.
>"You bet your ass he has. Maybe you want to meet his assistant while you're at it?" She puts up her other middle finger.
>"Oh what a graceful team." Dillion sighs.
My sides

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"The results are in!" The twins shout in unison.

A number eyebrows raise and laughs burst out as the next match-up almost seems like a bad joke.

"Oh lord/ Lord Oh..." Brovoski and Reynauld groan in unison as their names fly up on the display.

"And so the third battle is decided! What a match-up! On the left, we've got our on modern day cowboy! Reynauld 'Dead-eye Dick' Stevens!" Sheldon introduces.

"Dead-eye Dick, man, the last time someone called me that was back in my teethin' days. When I was popping bottles with BBs instead of heads with brass. The little brat next door called me that cause he wanted to bully me." Reynauld states.

"Ah, I remember them days so well, cause after that, I popped the brat's left eye and told'em how's that for dead-eye, dick?. One of my shining moments there." He nods.

A few concerned looks get shared as Ami ignores him and continues, "He's ruff and gruff good ol' boy from the fields of Xetas! A professional marksman, he's fought beasts and men alike and killed both in his tenure as an infantry man in the Yorbian military! As short-lived as that might've been!" Ami explains.

"Would've served a life-time if they just let me keep my goddamn hat. Ain't my fault the military got no sense of style." Reynauld laughs.

"So we know that Reynauld is a manslayer, but his opponent is more than a man! He's a mountain! He's Turnland Man Mountain Brovoski!" Sheldon exclaims.

"Man Mountain sound like you make fun of Brovoski accent. Well he let you know that Offended is Brovoski and Hard is English." Brovoski states.

"A traveler from Kuggend, Land of of the giants, he lives up to his homeland's legend! Standing just 3 inches from 10ft tall! He's a living, breathing tank with muscle for armor and hands that could make a bear feel tiny for guns! A monster of a man that makes a other men look like children around him! He's Goliath incarnate!" Sheldon hypes up.

"But now we're going to see, Does our Cowboy have what it takes to be the David to this Goliath? Or will he just be another ant scarped from under the giant's feet!?" Ami asks.

"This is one hell of a match up..." Vanilla states.

"Took the words right from my mouth! We've got a cowboy hunting a giant! In all my days I'd never thought I'd see something like this! This is the kind thing you'd see out of a dime novel!" Sheldon exclaims.

"Yeah, a shit one. You sure that machine a yours is functioning right? It ain't rigged or nuthin' right?" Reynauld asks.

"We've said it once and we'll say it again. The match-ups are perfectly random, we have no input on who gets paired with who. Or who gets shot or stabbed by what." Ami explains.

"Well I'm only asking cause of all the people I wanted to shoot and stab, Super-Size there's the one man I didn't!" Reynauld complains.

>>3388993
Oh shit, didn't see that coming. they aren't even in the OP. Does that mean we get to choose?

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"Brovoski agree, machine must be cursed, three times it give us bad fight. three times it make everyone suffer! It evil machine!" Brovoski complains.

"The only thing cursed here is your luck! Stop blaming lappy! He's trying his best!" Sheldon says as he hugs his laptop from behind like a bullied child.

"Since when did you give it a name?" you question.

"It's name could be Butch Cassidy for all I care, won't stop me from filling it with holes for screwing me like this!" Reynauld threatens.

"Leave some for Brovoski too, he always wanted to know what roasted plastic smell like." He threatens.

"Well now gentlemen, before you get to destroying my brother's favorite computer, how about we decide where you two will be destroying each other!?" Ami exclaims as she hits a key on the computer and decides the location.

The image of a carrier ship on the high seas appears on screen, mostly empty across the deck barring a single waiting jet resting on the metallic giant of a seafarer.

"An aircraft carrier? You guys bought an aircraft carrier just to make people fight on it?" You question.

"Oh, this isn't just any old aircraft carrier. It's a special old aircraft carrier. I'm sure our cowboy here knows the look of this ship quite well." Sheldon states.

"HoneyBun..." Reynauld whispers, looking strangely disturbed by the ship.

"Her name official name is YNS Honey Bunny, this old girl is a relic from the Begrosse conflict, Decommissioned in after it's final battle in 1981 against 5 battleships with only 2 attack vessels on it side, this beast managed to use air support alone to sink all 5 ships, though that cost her the lives of her two friendly ships and almost all her attack aircrafts expect just one, a fighter jet named the Pink Rose." Ami starts.

"Pink Rose...No...It can't be..." Etheline seems perturbed as well.

"After the decommission, this beauty, along with the legendary jet on it's deck, were given as a gift to Kukan'yu as thanks for their assistance during the battle." Sheldon finishes.

"So that's why there's only one jet on the deck. It's a standing testament to the valiance of a solider, what a beautiful piece of history..." Flourette whispers in awe.

"What a beautifully badass piece of history history! A single pilot taking down an entire armada on his own, no support, no cannons, just bombs and gunfire!" Bradford exclaims.

"Which crazy bastard pulled that off!? He still around!?" Bradford questions.

"You mean if she's still around." Reynauld corrects.

"And fer the record, naw, she ain't around no more." Reynauld answers.

"Sounds like you know something there Ram Ranch! Mind sharing with the rest of the class!?" Bradford demands.

"Naw...even if I did, it's ancient history now..." He lowers his head to hide his face behind his hat.

"Ah come on! You can't just bait me into asking and pull out before giving me anything good! I expect that kind of shit from a stripper, not you! Well, that's if you ain't danced in a banana bar before!" Bradford taunts.

"...." Reynauld doesn't bother responding, he seems to be lost in thought.

"Tch, tease..." Bradford turns away.

You look over curiously, (He didn't take Bradford's bait...something's wrong.) you realize.

(Now, while I think people giving Bradford less attention is generally a good thing. Brings the noise level down by at least 50%, the fact that Reynauld didn't even bother to give him a dirty look after that stripper jab isn't natural, something's up with him...) you think

(...Huh?) It's then you notice you aren't the only one staring at Reynauld, Etheline is looking at him too, a look of sadness and concern on her face, (Why does Etheline look like that? Does she want to comfort him? Well, that's not odd, Etheline wants to comfort anyone that looks sad, but at the same time...why does she seem so...broken-hearted?) you wonder.

"Alright, we get that the thing's got a real bonkers history, but doesn't that make the place a terrible arena?" Vanilla questions.

"Huh? How so?" Sheldon asks back.

"Well, I mean, the things basically a giant historical artifact, even if you rented the place out, there's no way those two idiots can go wild in there without breaking something they aren't supposed." Vanilla explains.

"Your point is....?" Ami asks.

"My point is, doesn't Kukan'yu want that thing squeaky-clean and bullet hole free? There's no way you they'd let you destroy for a random fight." Vanilla states.

The twins laugh in unison, "Oh Vanilla, I thought you were only blind one eye, not both!" Sheldon taunts.

"You picking a fight?" She threatens back.

"Of course not, it's just that, even if we don't destroy it, it was going to be blown up anyway!" Ami explains.

"What!?" Reynauld breaks out of his silence.

"The hell you mean they're blowing it up!? They can't just destroy it, that's...that's just..." Reynauld struggles to find the words.

"Sorry to break it to you cowboy. But the thing is nearly 40 years old and the parts needed to keep the afloat are getting more expensive and out of date as the days go by." Sheldon explains.

"The government was planning to tear the whole thing down and use whatever they could salvage in some newer ships. When we heard about that, we decided, since it's going to be destroyed anyway, why not let us make it's departure a little more....glorious." Ami states.

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"Glorious?" Brovoski questions.

That's when Sheldon pulls out a large, black, rectangular cube and slams it against the table. He then presses a button atop it and the number 30 shows up in dark red display.

This sends shivers of fear and alert through everyone who looks at it, "Hey...is that what I think it is?" Vanilla immediately realizes the purpose of the device.

"Go figure an explosion queen like yourself would know what this is. That's right, it's a bomb timer." Sheldon explains.

"You see, the conditions for this next match are gonna be a little different then the last two." Ami begins.

"This timer is connected to a small nuclear device with enough power packed into it that it will destroy in 3000 meter radius. After we send you two aboard the vessel, activate the timer and you'll have 30 minutes to win the battle, or you end up as irradiated dust floating around the Zenermac Seas." Sheldon states.

"This battle will be more a race to survive than a battle to death, once the timer starts, there's no way to stop it, not even we can stop it by that point." Ami explains.

"But fret not young fighters, for while there might not be a way to stop the explosion, there is a way to escape it!" Sheldon reassures.

"When the bomb reaches 5 minutes before detention, the engines on the single jet on the top deck will activate along with an auto-pilot system that will lift off 30 seconds after activation." Ami explains.

"So if I were either of you two, I'd focus less on defeating my enemy and more on reaching the flight deck as quickly as possible. because even if you manage to gain victory, it won't mean too much if you end being obliterated at the atomic level." Sheldon advises.

Panic begins to set into the crowd, "You crazy bastards actually plan to nuke a ship with two people on, I'm one for extra-crazy shit, but even I have say that's going a bit too far!" Bradford states.

Vanilla laughs ruefully "Oh man, Nukes and Begerosse, now there's a classic combo's that's works magic! This is amazing, it's like you guys just can't let that shit go can you?"

Brovoski is left aghast, "This way out of Brovoski's ballpark, he not ready to become pile of ash...."

But the one most thoroughly disrupted is Reynauld, "You planted a bomb on it!? I knew ya'll were fucked in the head but this is too much, the hell are ya thinking!?" He demands stomping his way up to the twins.

The twins put their hands up in surrender, "Woah, woah there bronco! I know 3000 meters of pure radioactive annihilation sounds like a lot, but we made sure to drive that ship at least 10 miles away from the coast of the country." Sheldon explains.

"The worst that will happen is that vaporize a few fish and maybe super-heat some deep sea sand into glass. No bigge." Ami adds.

"That ain't what I mean! I don't care about any of that! The HoneyBun-That ship means too much for you just to blow to hell, that's...That's just..." He shouts in exasperation.

You're nearly left agape at this response, (This is the first time I've seen him so angry, or even this emotional. He wasn't even this pissed about getting shot...) you think.

"It's better than it getting scraped for spare parts and dumped in some junkyard right?" Sheldon questions.

"Yer such a...I don't wanna..." Reynauld struggles to speak.

"At least this way it will meet it's end making something great of someone else rather being some floating piece of metal in the sea." Ami comforts.

".....Damn it." Reynauld grunts as he throws his head down and finds a seat in a nearby chair.

"Mr.Reynauld..." Arztz whispers.

"Anyway, now that we've explained just what you'r getting yourselves into. We've got two ships waiting for you at the nearby port that will be setting off in the next 5 minutes. That's all the time you get to prepare people! Chop Chop!" Ami rushes.

With that, everyone splits off to either return to their original seats, deeply relieved they don't have to be the ones fighting in that arena, or goes off to comfort Brovoski who nearly hyperventilating from nervousness for his coming fight.

On the opposite end though, you have Reynauld alone, hat still down, lightly biting his lip, either out of rage or sadness, you don't quite know.

What will you do?

>Talk to Reynauld

>Help Comfort Brovoski

>>3389260
>>Talk to Reynauld

>>3389260
>>Big Man you'll be fine, you're a tech head, so I am sure you'll be alright.

>Talk to Reynauld

>>3389260
>>Talk to Reynauld

>>3389264
>>3389269
>>3389288

>This cowboy needs a talkin' too.

>Writing.

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You walk over to the lone cowboy and speak, "Hey Ranger, why so glum? That 100-yard stare of yours is looking a little short right now." you joke.

"Leave me alone Sundance, I ain't in the mood..." He rejects.

You step closer, "Reynauld, there's two things I'm terrible at in this world, first is solving problems, second is leaving friends alone. Let's see if we can fix that first one." you state.

He laughs a little at that, "Boah, you actually got me to laugh, you sure can work magic with that tongue a yours, that why you got so many lady friends?" He jokes.

"Save the dirty jokes for Landon. For now, why don't you tell what's on your mind." you ask.

"Come on now Sundance, you know I'm a fool, I ain't got nothing going on up here." He states.

"That outburst a second ago tells a different story." you counter.

"...." He goes quiet.

"You got history with that ship? Why not share it with me?" you ask.

He sighs, "That ship...It was my FOB during my first and final tour of Begerosse and I was on it during that battle 5 ship battle them twins was talking about." He explains.

"Really? No wonder you were so pissed out it getting blown up, must have a lot of good memories there." You guess.

"Hell naw. You think I got any good memories of that war? I hated that damn ship." He corrects.

That confuses you, "What? If you hate it, then why do you care if it gets blown to hell?" you ask.

"'Cause while my stay on the ship sucked, the people that fought on it didn't. I made and lost a good number of buddies on that ship, they fought like hell till they got sent to it for real on that ship." He explains.

"I see..." you understand.

"But most of all, that ship and on that day, I lost a friend too dear to me forget. I lost the woman that saved my life...Zola Brooks." he states.

"Brooks?" your interest is caught.

"I knew it." That's when Etheline cuts-in.

"Huh?" Both of you blurt out.

"Etheline? Ain't ya that little munch-kin that worked on my Blue ligthin?" Reynauld remembers.

"Yes, but our talk was so quick. I never got a chance you to tell you my whole name." She states.

"It's Brooks...Etheline Brooks." She explains.

Reynauld immediately figures everything out and he's left shaken to the core, "You...You're her little girl...I can't believe I didn't see the resemblance till now." He stands up and hangs over her.

"I knew when I heard that plane name that it was my mother they were talking about. The Pink Rose....my father designed that jet for her and she named it after me, because of my pink hair." She explains.

"And I knew from the way you reacted, you must've been with my mother in her...final moments." She adds.

"I was! I was in the same squad as your mother. We were sailing to a new deployment point when all them ships just appeared out of nowhere! And...And..." Reynauld loses his voice.

"Your mother...she...she died a hero. She died my hero." Reynauld states.

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"Everyone that knows her says that, but I want you tell me, what was she like...in her final moments?" She asks.

"She was...She was thinking of you." he starts as he re-tells his story.

>Reynauld Back-story

>20 Years ago...

Time:Thursday, February 12, 1981, 4:33 Pm, late afternoon

Location: Ticalant Ocean, Sailing between the Gulf of Byland and South Ochiman Sea, 16 N-Miles off the coast off the coast of the Begerosse Isle

Popopopopopopopopopopop...Btooooooooom, popopopopopopopopop... goes the sound of gun and canon-fire in the distance, planes fly and missiles fire wildly, people die left and right, both ally and enemy.

"We're fucked." you say as you look on at the undying conflict in the distance, the chances of your survival chances diminish by the second.

Your name is Reynauld Stevens, you're 20 years old as of last month and you have a feeling that's gonna be the last birthday you ever have.

As people scramble for weapons and vehicles in the back, you sit off the edge of the ship, one leg hanging off the edge, the other crouched up as you watch the nearby death and destruction as if it has nothing to do with you.

Though it does, those are your friends dying out there, it hurts less to act like they aren't though, so you try your best to laugh at the explosions in the distance.

"Hey Cowboy, you just enjoying the sea breeze to get ready for the fight?" A tall, fit woman with purple hair, dressed in a short rider jacket and a skin tight combat suit approaches you from behind.

You look back to see her usual friendly smile, even in this dire situation, she smiles as if nothing's wrong, "Mind if I join you? I think I need to work up some nerve myself." She says as she basks in the soothing sea winds.

"Sorry Violet, but I don't there's any worth working up any nerve here. I'm darn sure this is the end fer us." Violet, it was the codename she was given on account of her purple hair, Violet Phantom she was called, but everyone just called her Violet.

Not just cause it was easier, but because she was too sweet to be called a Phantom, "Really? I still think we've got a pretty good chance of getting out of here alive." She counters.

That gets you to laugh, "Ever the optimist huh? As cute as that is, I gotta be honest-"

BOOMMMMMMMMMMM goes a nearby ship as a sizable hole gets blown into it's hull, "-I think we're all screwed. Ya hear that? That was the sound of the 4th hole that got blown in our last attack vessel. Other bastards already resting at the bottom of the drink." You explain.

"I never said things weren't looking bleak, I just said we can still get out here alive. Death on the battlefield is a choice, not an end goal." She declares.

BTOOOOOOOOOOOOM-PHIOoooooooooooooooooo... goes the sound of our 8th friendly plane having it's wing blown off and plummeting into the water.

"Then I guess that guy chose poorly huh?" You laugh dryly.

She looks out to the distance with sadness, "Oh man, that was Billson, he was an excellent pilot, he flew me over my last para-drop...." She remembers.

"Ya see how fucked we are now? That was our 2nd to last jet fighter and we've only got one attack copter left, our battle's over...least now we can get some peace-huh?" You look back to see Zola's gone and heading off.

You get up and look around to notice she's heading off to the jet fighter at the end of the deck, "Hey! Hey! Where the hell ya going!?" you shout as you run after her.

"I'm going to avenge Billson." She answers nonchalantly.

"Wait! Why? How?" You ask as you catch up.

"Why? Cause I don't want anymore of my friends to die. How? Well, you just said that was 2nd to last jet right? That means mine's still in commission right?" She answers.

"Well, yeah-but-but-ain't you infantry? You even got any pilot training?" you ask.

She holds a finger to her chin, "Not formally...but I've got a little practice, so I think I'll be fine." She answers.

"A little practice...? Do you wanna die fool!? Get the hell back here!" you shout as she reaches her jet.

"And what? Die sitting around twiddling my thumbs?" She asks back.

"Ah...Well...." you can't counter that.

"You said so yourself, if we just sit around and wait, we're going die in a few more minutes. So if I'm going to die anyway, I'd rather die fighting to survive then on my butt complaining about how fate played me a bad hand." She states.

"......" you're left utterly speechless.

"Besides, I got a little girl, not even a few months old waiting for me at home. Plus a dumb husband that won't even last a few months without me if I died out here. So there's dying for this young lady!" She exclaims excitedly as she opens up the cockpit and climbs in.

"You serious!? Well, shit wait..." You stop her again.

"What is it now? Those guys won't forever you know?" she asks.

"If you're serious about that little girl thing. I don't think you should just die like this, I...there's this escape boat under deck." You start.

"....." She gives you a curious stare.

"It'd be desertion...but if we both used it to get the hell outta here while everyone else is still fighting-"

"Hahahahahaha!" She laughs uproariously.

"W-What're you laughing at!?" you ask.

"Listen cowboy, I appreciate the concern, but there's two things wrong with what you just suggested." She answers.

"1st, if I did take your offer. What are the chances of us fleeing from here back to Yorbia alive? We'd be making enemies of both the Begerossians and our allies and that's assuming we escaped from here without being blown away in the cross-fire." She counters.

"....." There's no arguing with that.

"2nd, didn't you say you have friends here on this ship? Do you really want to abandon them just to get out alive? Would life even be worth living by that point?" She asks.

Yes of course it would, get out of that damn plane ya idijit! is what my head was telling me at the time, "No...No it wouldn't." Was what my heart said instead.

"See? That's why I'm doing this, if we're going to be damned if we don't, might as well get damned while we do! It's always better to act then react!" She declares with that same smile, unbroken even before the face of death.

"Well then...what the hell am I supposed to do, the can I even do..." you wonder.

"Well I'd say fight. But don't let me tell you what to do. My morals aren't yours! Just cause I believe something cool doesn't mean it's true. The point of principles is that after you make them, you never break them." She states.

"And if yours tell you to run away, that's fine, you're not a coward, you're just brave in a way less cool-looking way, which is kinda cool in of itself!" She praises.

"So you do friend. If you're still around when I land again, I'll treat you to a beer or something!" she says as she turns back the pilots wheel.

But that's when you notice something, there's a slight shiver in her otherwise steady hands, (She's afraid...but even though she's afraid...she's still...) you can't believe your eyes.

That's when she speaks again, "Hey cowboy, just in case this really is the end and I don't land again. There's something I want you to tell my daughter." She asks.

"Y-yeah? What is it?" you ask.

"If you're father does anything stupid while I'm gone, be sure to walk right up to him and sock him with a right hook!" She states.

That leaves you stunted, "Huh? The hell you say?" you ask.

"It's what I do everything that dumbo starts thinking anything that would put himself or anyone else in danger. I'd just walk up to him and Pow! A straight right hook to wake him up!" She explains.

You can't help but laugh, despite your tenseness, "Well now, don't you sound like one abusive spouse. Maybe your husband won't miss you too much after all."

"Hey now, no need to be so rude! I don't hit him that hard! Just hard enough to snap him out of it! Besides, he's kinda guy that likes getting pushed around by strong women." She winks.

"Ah hell, should I add that to the message too? I'm sure your little girl would just love to hear what her parents like to do behind closed doors." You joke.

"Yeahhhh, if you could just omit that last part, that'd be great." You and her both share a hearty laugh.

BOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM A shot lands on your ship, rumbling the whole vessel, nearly sending you tumbling you to the ground.

"S-Shit!" you shout as you quickly find your footing.

"Well, looks like fun time's over, wish me luck!" She says as she straps into her jet, dons her helmet and closes the cock-pit hatch.

"I'm gonna need it...." She whispers as the hatch locks in place, finally breaking that brave face and takes on the look of a solider ready for war and death in equal measure.

https://youtu.be/m9JCveBR-TI

PHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO went the engine as it fired, you back away as the cylindrical flames of the engines burn bright blue at first but quickly turn to brilliant orange.

And then, as gracefully and suddenly as a bird taking off into the sky, the jet lifted from the ship platform and into the battle in the heavens.

And what a battle it was.

Soaring beautifully through the sky like an angel, the way she controlled that jet made her seem more like a mythical entity than a pilot.

She closed in on each ship at top speed, the second the AA guns fired out, she dodged each and every bullet by mere inches, each one threatening to graze her hull, but not one makes contact as she gets close enough to release a barrage of gunfire unto the deck, destroying all the AA's in a single swoop and turning a few crew members into bloody paste.

It's as she pulls up that she arches in a perfect circle mid-air, dropping down like a missile while focusing her fire at the softer parts of the ship, churning through the iron and steel like butter, the ship alights into a giant sea-side pyre as she pulls up.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMM she pulls up just before the ship ignites into a exploding star on the sea, her ship masked by the burning mass of metal's smoke as she dances from the flame into the skies once more, untouched by the other ships.

Sorry to do this to you all, but I just got called up on urgent business and I won't be coming back for at least another 4 hours.

I shall post as I arrive, for now, good-bye anons.

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You're left in complete and utter awe at her unearthly prowess, "The hell she say again...? She got a little practice? She's better than damn near anyone in the whole airforce!" you shout.

She's a valkeryie, guiding the fallen and hopeless to victory using her golden spear and wings, she soars around, completely obliterating the once dominating ships, in compairson of size, she's like a mosquito buzzing around, biting at giants, but in compairson of strength, she's like a gorilla stomping ants as she destroys a 2nd and a 3rd ships in a matter of minutes.

>Back to reality...

"She sunk whole battleships? With just a jet? In minutes?" you ask, utterly baffled by the story so far.

"That was my reaction when I saw. It was something straight outta movie! She was dogfighting battleships and winning!" Reynauld laughs in amazement.

Etheline smiles, "So my mom was that amazing huh? Dad said she was a great fighter, but I never really believed it." She confesses.

"Oh you better believe it girly! Now that I think about it, your mother wasn't just good there, she was a legend among the ranks! A master at infantry, support and apparently piloting too! Hell, the only thing she wasn't good at was R&D!" Reynauld praises.

"Well yeah, Dad says half the reason she married him was because he was so good with technology. He covered all the bases she couldn't he told me." Etheline says reminiscent.

"What was the other reason?" you ask.

"Cause he was a loser." She answers.

"Wha-" that catches you off guard.

Reynauld laughs, "Yeah, she told me that she couldn't help but be attracted to real pathetic men. Don't you go copying her missy! She was a damn idijit I tell ya!" He states.

That gets Etheline laughing, "Yeah, she's so cool...but tell me, what happened after that?" She asks with a grim expression.

He adopts it as well, "What happened after...well, let me save you the long story. Your mommy was a hell of a fighter. But she was even bigger hero and that's just what put her down. She was killed while saving someone else who got caught in the line of fire..." He explains.

Etheline holds her hands to her mouth, "So that's how she...Oh god..." Etheline looks to be on the verge of tears.

What will you say?

>Don't cry, she died a hero, that's not something to cry over, it's something to be proud of.

>It's terrible she had to go die in the line of duty, she should have just ran away when she had the chance.

>It's great she went down a hero, but she should have deserted, at least then she'd be alive and able to take care of Etheline.

>>3390589
>>Don't cry, she died a hero, that's not something to cry over, it's something to be proud of.
She said it herself living while abandoning your principles is hardly living at all, it's just a shame she couldn't do both

also
>Don't you still have a certain message to deliver Reynauld?

>>3390641
Sure, this

>>3390641
>>3390711

Sorry for the late respose, my internet died for a few minutes there, worry not however, I still managed to write everything up.

>Etheline Don't cry and Reynauld don't forget!

>Posting.

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You put a hand to Etheline's shoulder, she looks over to you, tears welling in her eyes, "Don't cry Etheline. You heard what he said, your mom went down making sure someone else could survive. That makes her a legend, not a tragedy." You tell her.

You give her a resolute look as you continue, "You shouldn't cry when you hear a legend. You should feel proud to know the story of such a hero and even prouder to know that hero is your mother. Right?" you ask.

>Etheline is moved by your words of support! +50 points! (270 points to go!)

She nods, "Yeah...You're right, you're right, no tears. I'm sure she wouldn't want me crying over her." She states.

"Damn right she wouldn't. That girl, she was always smiling, smiling just like you, she smiled when things were high, she smiled when things were low, she smiled for us when we was winning and smiled to comfort us when we was losing." Reynauld states.

"That's how strong your momma was. she could smile through anythang. be hail, hell or high water. She smiled when she took fists to the face! As rare as that was...And let me tell you girly, you're looking as tough as she was." He compliments.

She regains her smile just like that, "Yeah...Thank you, Mr.Reynauld."

You smile as well, "Hey now, since when could you pull moving speeches like that off? You're usually so damn sardonic." You state.

He laughs, "Guess youse rubbing off on me Sundance. Feels like I'm just getting sentimental in my old age though, but...it feels kinda good to be nice and sincere for once." He states.

"...ah, wait, one more thang." He suddenly remembers something.

"Your mother gave me a message for ya." He states.

"A message?" Etheline questions.

"If yer Father's acting up, make sure the next time ya see him, give him the best right hook you can swing!" He paraphrases.

Etheline looks dumbfounded, "H-Huh? A right hook? Really?" she asks.

"I asked damn near the same thing and she told me that the only way to get your father to see sense was to knock it into him." He explains.

"Still, that's what she wants me to do? Punch him in the face?" She asks.

"Only if he's acting up, is he?" He asks back.

".....I can't say." She states.

He puts hands up to reassure her, "Don't worry, I insist. I'm not one to go round sniffing people's dirty laundry. Keep that on the line." He states.

Etheline looks to Reynauld again, "Can you tell me...exactly how she died?" She asks.

Reynauld looks apprehensive, "Are you sure you want to know that?" He asks.

She nods, "I've made it this far, I might as well hear the whole story. How could she have been killed with her skills? Who did she save?" She asks.

Reynauld tips his hat, "Well, you see Darling...I uh...I..."

"Hey! Hey fighters! We don't got all day!" Shouts Sheldon, cutting Reynauld off.

"Don't think you can back just cause you're scared of a little scared of ending up a pile of nuclear waste! You two didn't come this far to quit cause of that right!?" Ami threatens.

"Well sorry young lady, looks like story time's over." Reynauld gets up in a hurry.

"Hey wait!" She calls.

"Sorry kid, can't wait no more, duty's a calling me. Maybe if I come back to you with all my molecules still attached, we'll finish this." He promises.

"Can't you at least tell me name of the guy she saved!? Are they still around!?" She asks as he rushes the door.

"...." He stops for a moment to consider his words before speaking.

He turns back with a forlorn smile on his face,"Naw girl, sorry to say but that man's dead. Has been fer 20 years now." He answers as he heads outside alongside Brovoski who's still shivering a little.

"....." You're both left silent and saddened by his words.

Sorry for the rather uneventful session, getting swamped with work makes things difficult to keep going.

But don't worry, tomorrow begins the weekend and (What should) be a free day for me.

Tomorrow we move to the 3rd fight of the final exam, beginning same time tomorrow, ready yourselves.

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Late announcement due to me being driven off to work first thing in the morning, luckily I managed to finish in time to get back to work here!

Thread resumes in 10 minutes, I just need a little time to rest, also, session will end about an hour earlier then usually, considering the best quest on the board is returning today!

Anyway, just a moment please...

>Resting.