‘’Not to interrupt…’’

You don’t even try to turn your head to look at Leica who doesn’t seem to have recovered at all thank to her shaking voice, right now you feel good hugging your two companions who, even if they do feel very happy thank to your link, still have the very unpleasant sting of lingering guilt. Time would probably be the best medicine, however Sylphis does worry you a bit, even if she seems at peace now you doubt she’d ever be able to forgive herself even if the fact that she got charmed was your own fault.

‘’Just recover for now, it’s pretty obvious what you want to say anyway’’

The Minotaurus heave a brief sigh as she get up, supporting her axe on her shoulder with one hand, look like she’s taking charge.

‘’Now might be a good time to hop back to the mansion, people dispersed here but the news of two monsters lurking the street will make a lot of people nervous very soon, especially if most of them saw a man in a pool of blood’’
You stretch your neck to look at the street, the succubus turned into a skeleton when you were… finished, but even that seem to have vanished into thin air.

Still following Tian plan doesn’t seem that bad an idea, your near death experience also tired you out something fierce.
Your legs won’t be able to carry you all the way there. You look at your two companions in silence, chasing away your shame to not give them any doubt.

If you want to move you’ll have to ask someone for help, the sudden protestation coming from Leica as she get lifted by the Minotaurus rule that option out.

have sylphis help you walk, show her you still rely on her for support

ask our companions to help carry us to the mansion, get some much needed rest, explain what happened in the morning if they (leica/tian) have any questions about what happened

‘’Why do you treat me like a kid!?’’

‘’Because you’re a big, soft girl, beside you can’t walk, were you expecting for the near dead man to lift you, princess?’’
‘’That was NOT what I was saying you…’’

Those two seem to be on good term, the sudden movement and, most likely your lack of retort, cause your two companions to slowly get up as well, Athena taking the first step out of the small alley, inspecting left and right, hand on her sword, her others arms still having her shield equipped. Sylphis doesn’t leave your side and, as you get up with the wall for support, you throw her a rather awkward glance, your legs being rather wobbly.

‘’I would like to ask for your help, these legs aren’t entirely obeying me’’

The mantis blink, smile and put your arm around her shoulder. She’s one head smaller than you but, the way she support you, she is clearly not struggling as you start to walk on the road, Athena looking at the two of you in solemn silence before crossing your eyes, then nodding.

There a rather strong emotion coming from Sylphis, still the night is of an oppressive black and now, some people are coming and stopping at both side of the road, looking at your group and murmuring to themselves, the fact that a Purifier is present is probably why this didn’t erupt in stones being thrown.

>Might be best to skip to the mansion since there not a whole bunch going on. Unless of course you guys think of something I didn't anticipate.

>>17293833
to the mansion!

Just to clear things up: I seem to remember that during the fight Sig felt a strong burst of magic from the manor where he regained consciousness after the witch incident.

If so, ask Leica if there are any other magic users in the manor, though preferably only after we're in a less public place.

>>17294012

Ah yes that wasn't really clear but it was answering by the fact that Leica was coming, she felt our magic fight and activated her Focus, thus creating a burst of magic.

>Leica

Oh god the fact that I've read Demonbane is showing, her name is Leila, not leica.

>>17293833
we need rest, as do our companions.

to the mansion's fluffy pillows!

>>17294056
meh, it was close enough that i didn't notice the difference

>>17294045
There goes the our only hope for a lead about who ordered the attack.
Oh well, off to the mansion and let's see how events develop further.

>>17294073
We need rest but can we afford to rest?
Even if Leila doesn't want to harm us or our two companions, news will spread and some less tolerant colleagues of her might show up.

While the start of the trip was rather jovial, the fact that that people hounding you killed the pleasant mood rather fast and it took some loud proclamation of the Minotaurus to make them disperse halfway to your destination. Those people didn’t really seem to mind an ``approved`` monster walking the street but it does look like that Sylphis and Athena were not welcomed at all, the lizardwoman was also closing the group, she seemed rather twitchy with her hand on her pommel but the link gave you her trained, calm self that was ready to jump at anything, anytime.

Thus you ended up back to the mansion, its large double metal door open with… a group of soldiers, female, clad in brigandine armor, armor with spear and shield, who suddenly disperse when they see the Purifier, her bright white attire being easy to catch, soon enough a man step out of the hall, hand outstretched, almost yelling

‘’Weeeelcooome back! To see you storm out like that with the large lady left me nervous and confused, but mustering the guards of the mansion was all I needed I see, as efficient as always…hmm?’’

His hand is stroking his mustache, his rather large eyebrows raised as he look at you, his eyes a dark brown, his hair the exact color, mostly hidden in his top hat, he seem to be wearing a rather… conservative outfit, beside the hat.
‘’Hmm, two others monsters, a young man, following behind Leila… Yohoho!’’

His eyes light up and he practically cover the distance to you in two jumps.

‘’Yoooou! You are the one that saved my little lady, right!? Leila said a healer came in the dead of night, oooh, it’s you, right!? I mean there can’t be any kind of man with that kind of talent accompanied by two magnificent monsters ladies NOT being someone as elusive aaaand… special as the one to cure my Camilla, right!’’

>field too long

>>17294134
true enough, we would have to leave in the morning as soon as we are able

You didn’t even say a single word and the man reached his own conclusion. His hand never left his moustache, hell even Sylphis was too… surprised to feel anything, the Knight behind you has also put her weapons backs, but isn’t moving.
You shake you head a bit, looking at Sylphis.

A bed, yes that might be the best, thought the Lord seems to be up.

the guy clearly likes us for helping out his daughter, see if he's willing to let us stay for the night and keep quite about us being here

>>17294162

"...yes, i am the one who healed your lady... please sire, may my companions and i rest within your household tonight? we are exhausted from... all that has happened of late."

"Lord Xenon, I hope your daughter is well after recovering from that unholy ailment."
then with some humility (as much as someone who seems to be a natural at ordering others around) continue:
"I humbly ask that you grant me and my two companions sanctuary for the night."

If/when he agrees wait for a suitable time when no guards are in earshot and pull him and Leila aside, adding in a serious tone and matching expression: "It would be prudent to keep the guards on alert, the creature that assailed us wielded the same type of corruption that afflicted the young lady of the mansion and it might have companions."

Well being honest here would be best, besides having the gratitude of the Lord of Crosswalk is most likely going to be very helpful to you in either the near, far or both future, thus you nod, with the Mantis beside you not looking at the man, however her arm at your waist tighten a bit.

‘’Lord Xenon, I hope that the Lady of Crosswalk is recovering well from her unholy ailment’’

You see his eyes light up while he take a step back, so you quickly interrupt him
‘’I was not motivated by reward, however tonight me and my companions need rest after our… confrontation, I ask, please, to grant us sanctuary.’’

The way you said companions made him smile a bit more.
You heave a brief sigh, Leila seem to finally be up on her feet.

‘’I would also like to keep the… nature of them hidden’’

At that, the Lord stroke his chin, frowning with a ``hmm``, then he shake his head.

‘’I am afraid that request will be impossible, while I will not breath a word, I can’t say the same for the travelers.’’
Then his serious expression melts away in a big smile, his hand returning to his mustache

‘’Friend! Yes that what you are, a young, vigorous friend! Stay as long as you need, my authority cannot supplant the church, but I’ll be more than ready to smuggle you and your friends out of the city and play dumb, beside I’m sure Leila could help in the case of some of the Purifier or Hunter showing up’’

He whirl around, looking at the blond

‘’After all I’m certain Camilla would hate for the friends of her savior to meet an untimely demise, yes?’’

To that the girl shrug, faint blush coming to her cheek.

>Field too long

However as your little group depart, the Lord himself ready to show your chamber, you gesture for Leila to come at your side while the Lord shoo his guards away, obviously knowing you wanted to talk.

‘’I would suggest to keep the guards on alert, tonight me and my companions confronted the creature responsible for the corruption of the Lady of Crosswalk, however, companions of hers are not to be ignored, if she had any’’

Silence fall as your words sink in, but the two of them nod, however Leila seem to be seriously out of it, her eyes open and closing, walking with a certain uneasiness, she seem utterly exhausted. Were you wounds that bad?

Thus the three of your little group are lead into the mansion, the guards being obviously pretty tense, but the Lord himself lead you back to a chamber close to the entrance, something large and frivolous, full of pricy decorations, ready to satisfy the most exasperate of princess, also, there a single door lead to a smaller chamber with two others beds.

Do you turn in for the night?

If so, make a choice.

[] You

[] Athena

[] Sylphis

>That doesn’t mean you can’t do something else as well

its not fair having two sleep while one stays awake.

push the beds together to make enough room for three to sleep.

>>17294432

That might be pretty hard due to the beds being large, really damn large. hell one of them could fit all of you, the choice is for something else.

I'd be all for keeping watch, but Siggy is apparently dead tired form his near death experience, so that leaves Athena or Sylphis to stand guard. Also, try to gauge their state of mind through the link. Both of them were pretty out of it in the alley, so we might need to improvise another counseling session or at least some inspiring words.

>>17294445
oh, ok.

missread the post as "two smaller beds"

all in one bed then, leave as quickly as possible in the morning...

Hmm it look like I wasn't clear enough in my text, my bad.

The choice is not for taking guard shift, the three of you are in probably the most secure place you've ever been since you have the lord blessing

>>17294475

Sylphis lead you to the bed where you sit, unable to let a satisfied sigh escape your lips as your rear sink a little in the soft mattress, you quickly inspect your link, the two girls are rather weary, the mantis never really leave your side while Athena seem to keep a certain distance.

Seem like they are probably tired, the guilt is still there but maybe if you act just a bit warm for tonight it’s going to clear, but it seems like the Mantis is… dotting you? She’s seriously not leaving your side.

Still, you messed up and they feel guilty? Its rather frustrating

>>17294493
Mind you, the place is so secure that not long ago the lord's own daughter got a hefty corruption enema.

>>17294538

Indeed, but you didn't ask for when and where such a thing happened, is the Lady of Crosswalk the type to always stay indoor? Who knows.

>>17294538
maybe she wasn't home when she was corrupted, plus anyway, anything that corrupts people is bound to stay the fuck away from us for the time being...

>>17294532
Still they feel guilty? gah! only time will help that issue i guess...

>>17294596
why would corrupters stay away from us? we ate the succubus before she could get any kind of message out
and you have to remember in world it's only been like an hour since sylphide got charmed

So then do you trust the Lord hospitality or let one of you guard?

Its impossible to know if the succubus had any companion now, but to sneak in here or even assault the place would be really difficult

>>17294633
anything that could sense magic would sensed that battle we had, no? we are a powerful mage, regardless. not too mention we are staying under the same roof as a purifier...

>>17294649
trust the lord's hospitality. we need our rest, the girls need theirs.

>>17294649
Eh, trust the lord.
whatcouldgowrong.jpg

>>17294532
Also, might want to shoulder some of the guilt they're feeling before either breaks down again.

"Right. As much as I'd like to forget the consequences that my poor decision brought on us, neither this link nor my conscience lets me.
Slyphis, you only did as I asked and almost lost your sanity and your life because I made a hasty and foolish decision. And Athena, without your quick reaction and outstanding skill at arms we would not have survived that encounter.
The truth is, that it's my fault we almost died tonight. This heavy guilt lies entirely with me, and while we've know each other for only a brief time, I consider you both staunch and precious companions so it would mean a lot if you could find it in yourselves to forgive me for this failure."

>>17294721
we tried this before, it didn't do much good

‘’Well then’’

Your eyes close as a yawn escape your lips, but you slowly undress, feeling rather weary, well you almost died tonight.
‘’Lets redo our first night; this bed would be quite a waste if I am by myself.’’

You make yourself comfortable while the two girls seem to fidget, not as eager as you that make certain, embarrassment invade the link, but you gesture at them to come, your mind set as you don’t look at them, opting to close your eyes, inspecting and feeling the link more and more.

‘’Our link is precious, but my own conscience is also stirred.’’
You heave a sigh then look at the ceiling of the manor, allowing your shame to slip through, making the girls gasp a bit while one of them take place at your side, Sylphis according to the weight, stripped in more comfortable clothes, her green scales showings as well as her scythes, retracted to not hurt or cut anything.

‘’I made a very poor decision tonight, one that almost cost the sanity of my stoic companion, Sylphis, you only did as I asked, you put your life on the line and suffered the heavy consequence for my hastiness, making you fight your precious friend and wounding me as well, but know that the fault of this is entirely mine’’

The mantis is looking at her open hand, her weary yellow eyes closing for a second, staying silent ,stoic, solid, but it seem she reached a conclusion, one she will voice when you will be finished.
Athena is coming to your side, one knee on the bed, looking at you, proud, loyal, and strong. A true knight.


>field too long

‘’Both your quick reaction and skills at arms saved us from a very dramatic conclusion, Athena, don’t think you weren’t strong enough, you held back for Sylphis sake and I thank you dearly for it. The guilt the both of you feel is mine alone to bear, now that our heads are cleared, both of you understands this as well. We almost died tonight because of me and me alone, and I hope that the both of you can find in your hearts to forgive me’’

As you end, you hear the two girls announcing, at the same time ‘’Siggy’’ ‘’Milord’’.

And then silence, however the hand of the Mantis come to your forehead, then to your hair, stroking in an almost motherly nature, if not lovely.

‘’I cannot really speak for Athena, but… I just wanted to succeed on the first try, accomplish what you ask, be useful when I can, but I guess that tonight was a harsh lesson, but maybe it’s just normal to feel guilt when you wound someone precious, however I don’t fault you for my actions, Siggy, nor the result of your order.’’

A… strange emotion washes over you, coming from the mantis, it almost make tears come to your eyes.

Athena stay silent, sitting on the bed, not facing you.

‘’I only wish to keep the loyalty I lacked in the past; my order now is to protect you, but also hearing your request. I can’t find it in me to fault you, milord.’’

Your eyes close as weariness almost totally invades your mind.

‘’Let tonight be a lesson for bettering oneself, then’’
Before your sleep, you remember that you always had strange dream… would tonight be any different?

Roll 1d6

rolled 1 = 1

>>17294880

>>17294922

>>17294922
godammit

let the nightmare commence

>>17294922
And Sig never woke up again...

>>17294960

And they were never heard from again

>>17294982
end of quest?

The numerous clashes of metals accompanied by the corpse slain in cold blood by those I tried to reason with amount to nothing else but an unending, unsalvageable battle that, in the end, would always be an unreachable dream.
The sun is up, today, I have slain my mother, my sister, my clan by fraternising with the humans, and I always thought our chief lacked leadership that she was idealistic, but I always followed in her ideals of chivalry.

My blade is coated in the bloods of my sisters, scales, tails, corpse slashed away as the humans’ fights with unending zeal, cleansing our race, killing the captured males, executing those fighting for us.

>Your vision is on the ground, numerous leaves, roots and grass mark it as something of a jungle nature.

Did you know? These battles, confrontations of might, slashing, knocking, moving, screaming… it activate something primal, the need to continue slashing even as my sisters plead, magic enveloped me, yet I never wanted to stop, being a monster is my nature, and even if none of us were feral, it’s impossible to escape the influence of the Demon Lord, as I killed my family, I felt aroused, the bloodlust mounting to my head, liberating me from ideals and useless dogma, just accepting the pleasure my body felt.

>At your feet lies the dead, numerous women in scales of various colors, equipment rendered useless, meat and blood mixing.

Maybe being a traitor is in my blood? I don’t feel anything when I look back at this, no shame, no joy, no pleasure.

--

Your eyes open, your breath is almost heavy; a small amount of sweat covers your body while your arm is being held by a sleepy Mantis, sleeping without a sound. Your other side is empty, no Knight to latch to your warmth.

Hmm

This dream was not about you, that is certain.

>>17295115

That might be a bit too cruel.

And way too anticlamatic

>>17295128
>Maybe being a traitor is in my blood?
At least now we know why Athena is so hung up on honor an loyalty.

>>17295128
i believe we need to have a talk with our knight.
if she wants to open up, that is...

Calming your mind, the memory still vivid, you put your hand on the Mantis and pat her cheek, then very slowly liberate your arm that she held, her voice come out as a moan of protestation. For her to sleep this heavily means that she was probably just as exhausted as you were, however her rather adorable self in the morning isn’t really putting you at ease.

Looking at the big chamber, Athena isn’t anywhere, however the door leading to the other, smaller room is open, thus you get out of bed, still shirtless, walking to the area and see the lone knight sitting on one of the bed, looking at one of her clawed hands, most likely lost in nostalgia.

‘’Athena’’

You say in a rather solid voice, the sleep did you a lot of good.

‘’Milord’’

She nod her head at you, not looking you in the eye

‘’Are you in need of aid?’’

Random poster with random idea. So we soul ate that magic bitch after she charmed our mantis yes?

What was left of her? nothing but bones

you know who else was nothing but bones?

The fire mage, the Schafer clan on top of that we were full of corruption when the girls found us. Maybe before we were the opposet of what we are now, or maybe they were douchebags, maybe we were just testing out our ability and it went wrong.

Just something I thought of.

Also we should work on being in corruption kill mode and water mode at the same time..i'd just be fucking handy

>>17295406

Identity of that red mage is gonna come pretty soon, also training to do both is certainly possible.

Won't be easy, but nothing of value is easy right?

I'll give this a slight bump. Might be better to continue tomorrow

>>17295473
Of course. Focus seems hard to do, double focus? Yeah.

That said it's not the main issue, right now we have a lizard to attend to....wait in her dream she killed her mother and sister, but aren't we being brought to her sister?

Are there more sisters? If so how'd she take the slaughter? Is this not a blood sister?

Well whatever, let her know that we trust who she is now, who she was isn't important

Same as we told Tian and Leila about ourselves

>>17295587

Given that she said her ``sister`` was a Inari when you met her, its very likely that they are not blood related.

>>17295587
seconding this

‘’No’’

Your voice is strong, as it should be, however you walk slowly toward her and sit at her side, her lack of reaction is troubling to say the least, but she’s not ignoring you, simply concentrating on something else, the link only give you calm born of training, you do try to search deeper but find nothing.
‘’As for now, I still don’t know who I am, but knowing who my companions were does please me, even if it’s something dreadful’’

You clearly see her clenching her jaw, her breath also stop, but she does not look at you, but her voice finally escape, a soft murmur ‘’You saw…’’

Indeed you did, it was quite… the experience, yet all the corpse and carnage you saw never shook you.

‘’Who you we-‘’

And then she interrupt you, her eyes of the same yellows as Sylphis leave you stunned a bit, or maybe it was simply the link, where wrath leaked through.

‘’Was important, one past will always be important, who I was then forged who I am now, and what I did then deserve no excuse, but everyone concerned save one, is dead. I guess you deserve to be added to the list as well, milord.’’
It’s rather difficult to decipher her, she’s looking rather emotional now, but the link only give you the briefest hint of her mental state.

‘’Yet you stayed true to your belief, held your ground, and yet to betray me, know that this glimpse of your past does not reduce my trust in you, Athena’’

Her eyes close, her face look down as her shoulders slumps, this solid knight is now vulnerable.

‘’If such is your wish, My Lord. Back then was… inexcusable’’

This seem to be a really touchy subject, perhaps pressing it is a bad idea.

Still, what do you do?

>>17295788
sit down next to her without saying a word

>>17295788
don't press it, at least for now. she'll open up when the time comes. just tell if she ever feels the need to talk, we are here for her.

>>17295788
She findes it inexcusible

Good.

it was sorta fucked up and all. If anything her opinion on her past is why we trust her, why we can.

Like we said, it's who she is NOW that's important, and who she is now didn't like the things she did so we don't have to worry about them ever happening again.

The past is important, it shapes who we are in the present and while that event was horrible it made her what she is now. I'm not saying she should forgive herself or let it go, but know even in something so horrific there is good. There is what she is, now.

Her words mark a silence, you simply stay at her side, saying nothing as, maybe, and her guilt is eating her inside. You can feel a strong, lingering regret as well as hatred, but not enough to be overwhelming; it’s constant, ever present, slaughtering her whole family like that...

Part of you wonder if she was of right mind, but the woman before you is true to herself, but maybe a bit too… desperate in her quest for loyalty, perhaps she is latching on you just as much as Sylphis, in a more subtle way.

‘’If the need to talk is present, know that I am waiting, my Knight.’’

At that she closes her eyes, and then moves her head in negation.

‘’There is nothing to talk about, at least, not until we reach our destination, only then will I be free of duty, even if we are linked’’

Then she look back at you, the link tell you that Sylphis woke up, the link tell you that the mantis is pretty disappointed to not wake up next to you.

‘’Is your destination still the mage college, milord? I would advise talking with… your friends here, maybe we could secure a faster way than foot.’’

Hmm…

You can’t help but see the lizardwoman as vulnerable, part of you want to hold her.

But you do have to think of the future.

>>17295985
"That's a very good idea. The faster we can move, the better."

Pause.

"Athena, please do not forget that I am here for you. For both of you. If you have need or want of anything, just ask."

>>17295985
Well we've already traveled semi out of the way to meet her sister

perhaps to reward her faith we put our past on the back burner and head towards their lands. It's already closer and to bounce back and forth on foot seems silly

>>17296056
seconding

your reasoning is sound

‘’That’s a very good idea. The faster we move, the better’’

You put your hand on her shoulder, giving her a brief smile, it seem she’s starting to perk up again, she nod at you and, just before you exist the chamber, you turn to her, adding one last thing.

‘’Athena, never forget, I am here for you as well as Sylphis, anything you need, ask, I shall provide to the best of my ability’’

Then she gives you a smile, followed by a slight chuckle.

‘’Yes Milord, I understand, you are doting me. I can’t say I don’t like it’’

As you walk in the room, the mantis is sitting on her knees, rubbing one of her eyes, her antenna twitching slightly. She’s also wearing an oversized shirt, where did she get that?

‘’Well now, I guess it’s time to meet the Lord and ask for a small service’’

You stretch a bit, putting your own clothes on, Athena soon show up in the room, fully dressed and armed

‘’Maybe you should meet him alone’’

Say the Mantis.

Should you?

>>17296160
What is her reasoning?

>>17296179

‘’Why?’’
You ask back, looking at her, confused

‘’Is it not better for two humans to talk, without the presence of monsters?’’

>>17296194
after all we said about not splitting up we have them come with us

>>17296194
"You're my companions. If the Lord does not want you present, that is one thing, but I would rather be close to you whenever possible."

>>17296194

"i never considered that... you really think this is so?"

‘’Nay’’

Your voice is firm, your hands on your hips; Sylphis is seriously amused at your display

‘’I said a whole lot of stuff about not splitting up; let’s not start now shall we? Beside, you are my companions; I’d rather the both of you be near me whenever possible, if the Lord doesn’t want to meet with you present then…’’

You trail off, the Mantis shrug at you while the knight stay stoic. However as you open the door, you are greeted by a female guard you give you a quick nod

‘’His Lordship is on his way to see you, it won’t be long’’

What?

--

The tall man with his top hat and moustache enter the room, hiding a yawn with his fist

‘’Phew, I’m getting tired’’

He stretches a bit, obviously making himself comfortable, and walk to one of the many chairs while you and your companions simply… watch him.

‘’Noooow! My friends!’’

He holds his arms sideway, brilliant smile on his face.

‘’How can the Lord of Crosswalk help you?’’

well we're definitely going to need transportation, but do we head to zipangu or go after the yukionna?

>>17296322
zipangu, its closer

>>17296322

You can pretty much ask him for any advice of transportation or how to reach what area in the North

>>17296290
you could help me in several ways, sire:

ask him about event and happenings to the north
and if could provide us with transport, like horses or some such

You stand up, tall, proud and strong as you look the man in the eyes, trying not to muster too much of your authority so that you don’t anger him, this finally the time to get some solid answer in what is happening here, but above all, he could give you some precious help for transportation, even if you didn’t see any centaur around.

‘’I have heard that there is a civil war going on…’’

At that the man frown, clearly not expecting this question at all, he nod however, then readjust his top hat, his thick eyebrows appearing serious as he seem to recall the past.

‘’Aye, lord Fertinand rallied most of the families behind his cause for creating a… change in government, something ``for the people`` similar in the Center, but it was nothing but a grab for power, still I stayed true to our king Rosario, tough the price was rather... heavy. Thankfully, the worse has passed, well that what I believed anyway, the Shieffer family being annihilated out of nowhere…’’

He sigh heavily, twiddling his moustache.

‘’Truly a horrible lost, Gismore was an excellent man and his successor truly was a good lad, if a bit eccentric with his mask’’

At that he chuckle. And fall silent, ready for your next question.

‘’I plan to journey in the Center, could you, perhaps, offer some transportation?’’

Dampiere cross his arm, eyes closed, making a grimace, obviously he doesn’t like what he hears.

‘’It really pain me to say this, lad, but I’m afraid I can’t. All the centaurs were mustered in the Capital; the few caravans are used to transport material and foods, guarded like the king himself. It pains me greatly to be so damn useless, seriously, if you need to go ANYWHERE else in this country, I can offer the fastest transportation, but as for something to help you in the Center, I have nothing at all. I could give you, of course, money, gods know that is helpful.’’

>>17296563
Unfortunately, transport is the only thing we're really interested in, besides information.

Perhaps we should find out what he knows about the mage college and Zipangu?

This is a rather big setback on your hopes; it truly does look like you will need to walk all the way to the Center then try to find a boat for Zipangu, given how much problem you got yourself into already, it truly does look like you’ll find yourself in more scraps in the future.

Still, this man truly does look like he wants to help you for saving his daughter, at least gathering information’s would be for the best.

‘’Do you know anything about the island of Zipangu?’’

You feel the stare of your two companions, but you can’t help but feel slightly amused, you could have asked them that as well, but getting another opinion would be helpful.

‘’Can’t say I have anything better than books and some odd tale, apparently it’s a land that even the church can’t touch, with both monsters and humans living in harmony, the only sure thing is that there truly is a creature of mythical power residing there, acting as a guardian, apparently men and women of clear heart, be they motivated by despair or hope, find solace in the peaceful area of this elusive land.’’

The Lord stop talking, looking deep in thoughts.

‘’Church say it’s a place of deceit, personally I’d like to think such a place exist, if only for the sheer romance of it.’’

You can’t help but cast a glance at your two companions, Athena sitting in a chair, looking at the lord, and Sylphis on the bed, looking at you.
>field too long

Then you look back at Dampiere, ready for another question, this one a bit… personal.

‘’Could you give me some information’s on the Mage College?’’

His eyes light up, then he uncross his leg and look at you, surprised, but also interested.

‘’Hoho, so you are a self-taught mage? They have a rather long, if tranquil, history here in the North but everyone with an education know them for one thing: They invented teleportation and created place of power in each major’s cities, allowing the ruling family to teleport agents, mostly as they see fits. It’s why I said I can offer the fastest
transportation, if you need to go anywhere in this land, I can have you there in a flash’’

>>17296906
So we could potentially get to the College and back instantly, but we'd have to walk to the Center? If that is the case, I recommend we take the offer of teleportation and check out the College.

>>17296906
I take that includes a trip to the Mage College. If so lets get the hell out of here before we run into anymore issues.

Oh also, make sure we do take care anything left over here. Leila, minotaurus, etc...

>>17296967
>Oh also, make sure we do take care anything left over here. Leila, minotaurus, etc...

That too. We should at least check up on the Lady.

You can feel yourself smile, this is some rather excellent news, being able to go to the college so fast, a place heavily tied to your past…

‘’Then I would like to take that offer, Lord Xenon, visiting the College was a wish of mine, but if the opportunity of fast traveling is possible…’’
The man smile and nod at you, however he looks at your two companions, followed softly by rubbing his chin.

‘’Yes, but teleporting more than two people at the same time is rather difficult, once done, the Place of Power need a whole day to recuperate, we can however, send another person each 2 hours. But above all, I am not certain if mages would trust monsters, even if I give you the badge of Honor of my family’’

Again he crosses his legs, massing his head with two fingers

‘’The mages… well I don’t know much about them, frankly to be really safe I could send a golem to them with a message of your arrival before teleporting, but to be on the truly safe side, you’d have to go there and finish your business alone. You’d have a badge of the highest honor from my family tough, and I could give the same to your friends, but I have no idea how they would react, thus the safest would be you going alone.’’

You can feel a very faint, but real, dread coming from your two precious companions

>>17297052
'Where they go I go.

Where I go they go.'

Or something along those lines.

Personally I say we send the golem ahead to give them a heads up and take care of lose ends. Along with that we should more than likely all go at once. I'm sure we'll be there for whole day by our choice or not...

>>17297052
"This is troubling. I would much prefer to take my companions with me, of course, but I do not wish to offend the mages. If my companions were to remain outside the College, how would that be?"

>>17297123


He gives you a sorry look. Then shake his head.

‘’I’m sorry lad, I truly have no idea, my business with them is… skeleton at best.’’

>>17297155
Well, we're certainly not leaving them behind. If the mages have a problem with that, so be it.

‘’Then let them be offended, I’m going there for personal matter and those two are part of it’’

The Lord gives you a hearty laugh as he strokes his moustache.

Then he get up, stretching, prompting Athena to do the same while Sylphis get out of bed, both of them feel relieved and… proud? It’s a bit hard to identify but there warmth in them that make you feel pretty damn good.

The man hides another yawn with his fist but turn to you again.

‘’Do you want to go there right now? I can lead you to the Place of Power right away’’

>>17297206
First, let's inquire as to the condition of the lady, and say goodbye to the Purifier and the Minotaurus.

>>17297206
did we ever get the payment from the minotaurus girls? if not we should pick that up first, we only have like 30 gold left

You shake your head as you walk toward the bed, for whatever reason you felt like helping Sylphis get up as she give you a confused look.

‘’I would like to confirm if your daughter truly is free from her burden, as well as wishing goodbye to Tian and Leila’’
The nobleman nod at you, his smile covering his face again, the heavy mood he was in completely melted away as he put a hand on the door.

‘’I’ll have Nola here guide you to wherever you need to, but I suspect Leila and Camilla to be in the same room. These girls are true sister’’

He chuckle to himself as he walk out.

Which finally allow Athena to speak the Knight walk to you then put a hand on your shoulders as the Mantis take your hand.

‘’Milord, I would advise you to go alone, we have no idea at all how the mages would react to people of our nature and I doubt the best of disguise could hide it’’

She is serious, her yellow eyes almost swallow you, however your hand is squeezed, Sylphis doesn’t look at you, and instead her antenna poke you on the lips.

‘’Yes, Athena is right, it’s the most sensible choice’’

Yet her hand truly does squeeze with a bit more force.

>>17297280
"But if I foolishly get myself into trouble again, who can I rely on?"

It won’t take much to convince them, both of them are looking at you without being entirely certain themselves, thus, you let go of the Mantis and simply walk toward the door with a rather smug smile.

‘’Now now, if I foolishly get myself into trouble, AGAIN, who could I possibly rely on?’’

The two of them stare at you, tough the lizardwoman look away a bit, grumbling to herself, while the Mantis hide a laugh behind her hand.

‘’Just come with me’’

Thus you open the door… and come face to face with a stoic lady in an armor of brigandine

‘’Hi’’

You say, surprised, she only nod at you.

‘’Where would you like to go? My duty is to guide thee’’

Who to visit first…

>>17297366
Leila and Camilla.

>>17297385
Seconding.

>>17297385
Liela and Camilla

‘’Her ladyship, she is most likely accompanied by the Purifier according to Lord Xenon’’

The woman nod at you and almost depart right then and there, you stop her by hollering as your companions make their way to you, only then do the three of you follow this stoic person who navigate this fine mess of corridor, decorations, statues, servants and patrolling guards exchanging greetings, to finally, after probably 5 minutes, stopping to some large double door of wood.
Where you enter without knocking.

There, on the bed with the window open, illuminated by the sun, lie a girl with hairs of heavy black, reading what look like a small book while another woman stand in the chamber, in garment of deep blue, strands of blond hair coming out of her decorative hats.

The both of them look at you, the one in darker hairs suddenly blush and try to hand her face with her books, while the Purifier put a hand on her hips, tough she’s smiling despite herself.

‘’Well now, good morning, Siggy.’’

Says the member of the church who stops looking at you to glare a bit at your two companions.

>>17297439
thanks to you saving my life it is. i came to check up on the lady and ensure she has recovered well

>>17297485
This.

‘’Before all, Leila, I thank you dearly for saving my life yesterday night, if it wasn’t for your timely arrival, I wouldn’t be enjoying the sight before me right this moment’’

The blond roll her eye but turn her head, looking at the wall, while the young Lady still hide her face in the book, tough she is looking at you with a rather heavy intensity, her face also seem to be getting redder…

Hmm, a brief sting in the link, but the two monsters remains stoic.

Still you approach the girl who seem to tense up as you do, making the Purifier look at you with one eye closed, looking half bored, half annoyed.

‘’I came to make certain that the young Lady present is truly free of any lingering taint’’
At that the girl in question lowers her book, her face red with blush

‘’I-I… *ahem* I… thank you dearly…Siggy?’’

She’s looking in your eyes, the way she act, eh, it seems like she got a crush on you. A rather big one, too.
Still you approach the girl, but stop before being in reach distance.

‘’There is nothing, really, nothing… well I truly am cured, I n-never thought this p-possible but… thank you, I don’t know how to reward you…’’

She look toward her bed, you decide to take a look at your companions and give them a sheepish smile, they’re pretty much glaring at you but keeping their emotions in perfect check.

>field too long

‘’Well since you are here, Siggy, catch.’’

Leila throws you a small bag, judging by the weight and volume of the stuff in it…

‘’4 precious stones, I think its two emeralds and two amethysts; Tian had to go rejoin her sister back in the capital.’’

You have to admit, you will miss the Minotaurus, it’s sad you couldn’t say goodbye to her.

‘’So, where are you headed now? Will you stay here a while? I’d love to… study WITH you and not UNDER you, you truly have a great gift’’

Camilla is staying silent, but she’s looking at you pretty intensely.

>>17297601
"Your offer is surely enticing, but I have business to attend to at the Mage College, before I resume my greater travels. Of course, I would be happy to return later, if that is possible. Since I do not quite understand this 'gift' myself, I'm sure it would help to be able to study with you."

To Camilla:

"No reward is necessary, my Lady, but Lord Xenon has graciously offered to expedite my travel to the College. You need not consider yourself to be under any sort of obligation to me; I simply did what I thought was right."

Once we're out of here, we should explain to our companions that there's no need to be jealous, we're only being diplomatic.

>>17297689
Diplomatic he says.

Setting up a harem I say.

>>17297798
The difference lies in what we do with/to the allies we make.

You shake your head toward the Purifier. Not really counting her nod and the brief look of disappointment in her face.

‘’An enticing offer to be sure, Leila, but I have business to attend to at the Mage college before returning to the primary aim of my travel’’

The blond interject, her arm crossed as her eyes of bright green seem to glitter with interest

‘’Is it the recovery of your memory?’’

To that, you aren’t entirely certain yourself.

‘’I can only say maybe, but do know that your offer was heard and I would indeed like to return later if such an action would be possible, this gift of mine is still unknown to me after all’’

As you turn toward the Lady of Crosswalk, the remark from the Purifier comes

‘’Yet you cured Camilla, I seriously don’t know how to thank you for that, however now that my business is… done I don’t know if we would be able to cross paths again, I do hope so, Siggy’’.

Having a Purifier ally is quite a good thing, especially if she’s this pretty.

However, you still look at the fragile Lady who doesn’t seem to be able to sustain your eyes, with your memory gone you can only guess how… important what you did was.

>field too long

‘’Above all, I obeyed myself, what I believed right, without the hope of reward. Lady Camilla, your father is ready to expedite me and my companions to the Mage College free of charge, as well as giving me the highest honor of his family, friends are much more valuable than gold’’

And then her breath stop as surprise washes on her face.

‘’T-the honor of Xenon? Oh…I-I see...’’

And then from your side, near the window, come a grunt from the Purifier, but you already walk back toward your companions, waving your hand to the two ladies… and once out of the room, with the two monsters staying silent and the guard looking at you, you utter.

‘’It’s all diplomacy’’

‘’Of-course’’

They say at the same time.

Where to?

>>17297842
It's teleport time, I guess. The golem is being sent ahead, correct?

>>17297857
Yes lets make sure the golem did get sent ahead.

Nothing like showing up at college full of mages ready to blow something up.

Thus you voice your desire to the lady guard who lead your little troupe back to the chambers where the three of you slept, after a good 10 minutes of nothing happening, the Lord himself appear near the door, looking quite a bit more tired, but still as jovial as ever.

‘’Aye, the golem was sent, she didn’t return broken or-‘’
Or so he said, suddenly a girl of brown skin and dark, gold hair make her way into the room and glare at you, before tilting her head with a very audible ``crack`` that did not sound natural at all.

‘’Sooo, that why I was sent there, for a man and two sluts?
Good, goooood.’’

She walks toward you but Lord himself grabs her arm, which is good, because Athena would most likely have slapped her.

‘’Sissel! Mind your manner!’’

But she doesn’t hear it, she looking straight at you
‘’Looord, I need to rechaaaarge’’

To which the lord sigh, than make a gesture with his head, the golem is then promptly taken away by two guards.
‘’My apologies, are you ready to go? The mages are expecting you’’

Then he hand you a medal, it’s a plain, gold one with…nothing in it but you do sense some faint magic coming from it.

‘’Usually these are handed after a ceremony, but you wanted to be fast, in there is the everlasting wish of friendship between the Xenon family and the subject, one need to activate the words with magic, it’s an old tradition, the medal itself tend to be more trouble than it’s worth, they were made in a time where magic was a much more common thing’’

Your two companions are staying silent, but they don’t seem too happy.

‘’Are you ready?’’

>>17297942
as we'll ever be

>>17297942
>‘’Looord, I need to rechaaaarge’’

Well, anyway - no time like the present. Off we go.

>>17297942
no, but that doesn't matter. time to go to the mages college

With two precious companions at your sides, your look at the Lord of Crosswalk and give him a nod, to which he smile and start to walk, immediately followed by your group, guards and servants absent from the hall as you make your way to a door hidden by a large statue, the 4 of you descent some rather awkward stairs only to arrive a underground small hall with two heavy looking doors of stones decorated by many gothic symbols, with the very real looking letters of XENON in stones right near the handle where you spy a small hole.

The Lord is twiddling his mustache while he take a ring from his pocket, the instant he put in on, you feel a very real and intense surge of magic making you wince.

‘’This hall act as some sort of buffer, magic used here is impossible to be felt’’

The Nobleman explain as he put the ring in the socket, to which a small blade extract from an opening to his right and, without hesitation, he cut his fingers, then put a drop of blood in a small, fountain like hole above him that looked like one of the decorations. He then sucks his index, and then pushes the heavy door of stones effortlessly.

Inside is a small platform where a rather large and enormously complex pentagram is carved in the very stones, elevated from the ground with a small pillar to the side where, as the three of you walk in solemn silence, you see another hole for a ring.

>field too long

‘’Please, take places in the center, I would also advice you all to hugs since it would make the process much easier’’
Athena cast you a rather awkward glance, but Sylphis already put herself on your back, her arms resting on your stomach.

‘’Now now Knight, don’t get shy’’

Then she shrugs and embrace you, wrapping her arms around your back, she’s almost… protective.

‘’Most people tend to experience a brief feeling of nausea if they keep their eyes open, anyway, commencing’’

The lord, with his index wounds still dripping, drop some of his blood on his ring and… an immense surge of magic seem to explode, almost making you fall, yet nothing else happen, but you feel the very real presence of magic all around your body, touching you absolutely everywhere, even the inside of your body. It’s a very, very uncomfortable feeling, as you look at the Lord, the very instant you blink.

You find yourself in another environment.

>Thus, this might be the best of time to stop for today. I think I might have enough writer juices for tomorrow, but I'm not making promises

>>17298075
I'm okay with this. Great thread as usual, INH.

>>17298113

Happy to help you have a good time

>>17298075
Are these archived?

>>17298122
I hope you're enjoying yourself too.

>>17298075
great thread, had an awesome time of it. good writing as always

>>17298127
all 5 are so far

>>17298127
Yes.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Monster%20Girls%20Quest

>>17298128

Of course, doing this help to keep my motivation to write fresh

>>17298143
Thanks once more. Have good night/morning all.