File: Alchemist Soldier 1.jpg (97 KB, 590x710)

97 KB JPG

>>35268247

BT approaches you and examines Eden who is resting in your arms, the prince’s wounds are not that terrible anymore, but the Orion Saint is in no position to move… and while BT talks about how she expected this and how she promises to recover the grimoire for you… you just think.

A part of you wants to hate her, you want to find her and make her pay, and while you know that she probably had her reasons to do this, you just can’t forgive her, and you can’t forgive yourself. Medea used to warn you about this, about trusting others. She used to say that a witch can only love and trust herself… that others would only use and betray witches, and now you can’t help but think that maybe she had a point.

>In the end, you were too naive, too weak, and your friends payed for that. Why can't you learn... a witch shouldn't go around and trust in others.

You want to think some more, but you feel a hand in your shoulders and then a voice brings you out of your thoughts, “- hear me… let me repeat myself. Kouga, as far as I understand, that alchemist couldn’t have gotten too far, unlike you, she isn’t a Saint and thus her speeds should still be in a subsonic range. Kouga if you act immediately, it might still be possible to recover the objective.”

BT’s words give you hope, yeah you can still fix this mess, it shouldn’t be easy, but you can try. But you are not sure if you should. Eden, while not critical, he is still heavily injured and BT is probably not in a good condition to fight, so if you are not sure you can leave your team behind.

The remaining forces of the church should be coming soon, and you don’t doubt they won’t hesitate to start another fight.

>Why should you care? You know what you should do, Young Man. Go find the harlot that betrayed you, and settle the score.

File: 1405058649303.png (79 KB, 1482x792)

79 KB PNG

So what do you do?
>You all should retreat, you have to leave the city now.
>Check on the Paladin, he looks like he is still alive.
>Take a moment and Heal Eden some more, at least until he can walk…
>Give chase to Vivi, do not forgive her!
>Use your familiars to search for VIvi?
>Other?

>Will run a shorter thread today, just to finish this. No WISE UP today. Still owe you guys the Silberkreuz interlude.

>>35268281
Waiting...

>>35268281
>Take a moment and Heal Eden some more, at least until he can walk…
>Use your familiars to search for VIvi?

Take a moment to help Eden up(we shouldn't leave him helpless with enemies around), get some familiars scouting so the time isn't wasted, and then go after Vivi

>>35269111
Understood! Writing!

File: Orion Eden.jpg (48 KB, 854x480)

48 KB JPG

>>35269135
No, while running after Vivi is tempting, you have to think clearly. If you leave Eden and BT alone right now, they will be easy picking for any enemies that might be lurking about, so no, you first have to heal Eden some more, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have your familiar chase Vivi.

While you continue to work on Eden, you quickly call upon the three familiars you made earlier. You are bound to them by magic and power but even then, you only manage to contact two of your birds.
It looks like Vivi and her friends took no chances.

But no problems, you quickly order your birds to fly, and acting as your eyes in the sky, they start searching.

But it’s hard, unlike the Sanctuary and the small city on its hill, Paris is a busy metropolis and countless people fill the streets, the buildings, the boats and the tunnels.

It’s hard to find a single person like this.

Just when you were going to give up, your birds hear something, the powerful roar of a cannon! Suddenly you familiars are struck, blown out of the sky by artillery fire! The die a instant death, but you think you can find from where they were shot.

And on time, because you have finishing curing Eden (although you are not curing him, you are just helping his divine power fix what should be perfect by design). His Orion Cloth is still a wreck, but the severe damage the holy axe and the dark poison did on Eden’s body has been healed for the most part, so Eden can move with some effort.

>Eden HP: 1->12/25

Looking healthier, the prince looks up to you, “You found them, right?’ You quickly shake your head, but Eden just smirks at you, “No, I can tell, you are about to jump and chase after them, right? Then let me go with you, I have a score to settle with that alchemist, Kouga.”

It’s not an order, but more of a request, and one you feel like you should ignore. Eden is still hurt, and BT probably can’t fight, so you probably should ask them to evacuate the city and wait for you outside before it’s too late.

They probably won’t be too useful in a fight right now and you are sure that the church will try to blockade the city soon, meaning you should try to get them to leave as soon as possible.
It’s for their own safety, and if you are realistic, you are not that well yourself, maybe you should cut your losses and just retreat while you can.

Honestly that is tempting too.

But looking at BT and Eden’s eyes, you understand. They feel the same as you, they want to get even with Vivi.

What do you do?
>Take them with you, chase Vivi.
>Ask them to leave the city, chase by yourself.
>Retreat as a Team, you can’t do anything here.
>There is someone who can help you… a certain woman who knows the most about this city.
>Other?

>>35269632
>Take them with you, chase Vivi.
good that I didn't lose the thread!

>>35269632
>Take them with you, chase Vivi.

>>35269940
>>35269777
Understood!

File: Beatrice Determined.jpg (6.62 MB, 6675x6667)

6.62 MB JPG

>>35269951
You stop and think for a moment, about how your friends feel and about what you should do. Honestly you probably could do this better without them, you are not hurt and your stronger Evil Right is making you feel refreshed, but that’s not what important here.

What’s important is how your friends feel. That idiot god of darkness accused you of using your friends as sacrifices... and the only way to prove him wrong is by your actions.
>You won’t leave your friends behind because it’s more convenient.

“Then, let’s go!” Your friends, BT and Eden, silently nod, and the three of you start running at top speed towards the area you think your familiars were shot from. It’s not that far away.
As you move through narrow streets and rooftops you approach your target and then you feel something.

A strong magic circle, pulsing with magic bearing the element opposite to yours; light.

“Kouga, student of my friend, Medea, please stop right there!” Standing in your way is the witch of Light, Beatrice, who swore to protect this city, and she looks like she is mad. “We have to talk, Saint of Black Pegasus!”

The light that surrounds her makes her small figure look imposing even in this small alley, this older woman looks terrifying even, but what’s worse is her magic. Countless curses and spells have been prepared, all bearing the light that is a poison to someone like you.

It should be expected, she is the only one who managed to escape the curse of all witches and turn the darkness into the light of her salvation.

What do you do?
>Rush past her, you do not have the time!
>Attack and make way. You are angry with Beatrice too!
>Stop and Talk, you can’t fight someone like her right now.
>Send your friends ahead, you can stay and talk.
>Other?

>>35270423
>Send your friends ahead, you can stay and talk.

>>35270423
>Stop and Talk, you can’t fight someone like her right now.

If the conversation is gonna take too much time, then send your friends ahead.

>>35270579
>>35270437
Ties make me sad
I will give 10 mins for a tie breaker vote to come.

>>35270423
>Stop and Talk, you can’t fight someone like her right now.
if we just run past her without talking it most probably will cause us probems later
but make it clear that we are in a hurry!

>>35270711
>>35270579
Understood, writting. I guess I feel sad that I don't get to show Beato getting serious with you guys.

>>35270818
Also watched G-Reco Ep 1, the ending was so happy... I guess this means everyone will die.

>>35270862
is G-Reco any good? also what is the worst that could happen?

>>35271129
It's Tomino... which means it's interesting, but has an old animation style and the scenes jumps all over the place. Still reminds me of Gainer or Eureka Seven, so it was good.

The worse that could happen. Well you would learn how a witch with prep-time fights.
>Way of Silence. No spells allowed!
>Way of Peace. No attacks allowed!
>Way of Truth. No armor allowed!
>Way of Penance. No movement allowed!
>Bloody Star Dagger! All the star in the sky, gouge and devour!

That sort of thing. Unlike Leo, she tends to go for the kill!

File: Beatrice 2.jpg (77 KB, 500x404)

77 KB JPG

>>35270818
With this much mana permeating the area, you would be stupid to try to antagonize this elder witch, it would be almost suicidal, and this comes from someone that likes asking Harbinger to do a punch out with him. “Okay, fine, I can spare a few minutes, but then we have to leave.”

Hearing that, Beatrice just smiles, bringing a single finger to her lips, “Ah good, that saves me some work, at least you are better than good ol’ Leo and know when to stop and listen. Good, that’s good, boy I see Medea taught you well.” Beatrice flicks her fingers, and instantly her magic output lowers, the curses she accumulated in the area fade away. “I know that you want to chase after that alchemist, but I will save you the time, don’t bother.”

“What?” Behind you BT and Eden take defensive positions, ready to start a fight at a moment’s notice.

“Are you stupid or something, just when I was starting to have a good opinion of you, you start being this stupid, boy.” You feel she is getting annoyed at you, and really rough. How sad, the Beatrice you remember from your meeting was way more formal! She crushed your dreams! Your idol witch of light shouldn’t be this mean!

“Okay let me lay it down for you, the alchemists here used a remote-controlled Busou Renkin to shoot down your familiars, I think they call it a bit or something, but who cares.” Medea motions behind her and continues to talk, “That girl is clever, she used her remote drone to lure to a trap. If you continue, all you will find is the main HQ where the remaining church forces in the city are gathering. Sure that devil and the knight had a field day with them, but I doubt you and your friends will be able to handle a hundred paladins gunning for you three, so just do yourselves a favor and leave, will ya’?”

File: Eden.jpg (27 KB, 498x392)

27 KB JPG

Without hesitating Eden jumps to attack, “Why should we trust you? For all I know you could be working with the church or with those alchemists...” Thinking about it, Eden jumps on that line of thought. “That might be correct, you might be covering for them, and giving them enough time so they can escape.” Behind you, you can feel BT trying to activate her alchemy... and failing.

>She is still too hurt to use her alchemical engine again.

“No, you are mistaken, if I have aided someone besides you here, it was the church, but that’s enough. I have given you my advice, so it’s up to your leader, Kouga to take it or leave it. Honestly, do I have to spell out the situation to you, you three should think for a moment about what just happened, and what will happen. Well, if you want to go, then leave and chase your death, but if you trust me, then we can take a moment and talk, I have some questions to your leader about what he did to my city.”

You are hesitating right now, but you can’t stop here. What do you do? [One or two at the time.]
>You don’t trust Medea, still give chase!
>Ask her a question: About that seal with the Grimoire… [Did you plan this?]
>Ask her to explain the situation, you could use the help. What will happen?
>She helped the church? Then why did she give you access to the Grimoire?
>Ask her to tell you where Vivi is then? Or at least give you some info.
>About Leonard…
>Talk about what you did with Evil Right.
>Other?

>>35271552
>Ask her to tell you where Vivi is then? Or at least give you some info.

Give us the girl so we may punch it

>>35271552
>Ask her to tell you where Vivi is then? Or at least give you some info.
>About Leonard…
let's chase our objective and here some backstory

>>35271552
>Ask her to explain the situation, you could use the help. What will happen?
>Ask her to tell you where Vivi is then? Or at least give you some info.

>>35271611
>>35271653
>>35271755
Going with all three, just give me some time.

File: Leo 1.jpg (66 KB, 424x600)

66 KB JPG

>>35271788
You won’t push your luck, if you fought someone else at Leonard’s level, then you doubt you will be able to walk out of that fight, even with your improved Evil Right.

>About Leonard…

Beatrice stops for a moment, and thinks, “He is an old friend, a part of my old cabal under the old man… he really is a really talented mage, one of the few that perfected the rituals to become a dragon… that’s why I must praise you for taking him down! Way to go boy!” Beatrice gives you a half-cheer at your victory, sure it was impressive, but you feel you won because of luck.

“He knew Medea and her brother before she became a true witch… before she met our Master, that’s why he probably was the one who was the most hurt when everything went to hell.” Beatrice stops a moment and thinks, “I guess that was why that idiot was ruined, and he gave in to his hate. You know that guy is really a genius, honestly he could have been even more famous than me if he had kept working in the field, but sadly…all he stopped working to chase after Medea… after his revenge. He went so far as to join the church to find her and became a witch hunter.

These days all he cares about is his revenge… he is so focused, he forgot all about m- everyone.” Medea smiles a bit sadly and with finality she adds, “That’s all you need to know, if you care for Medea you shouldn’t let Leonard find her, he isn’t the guy to hesitate and go for the kill on his true prey, you understand.”

>[1/?]

>>35272011
You nod, and ask your next question.

>Explain the situation, what will happen to the city?

“Oh that’s a good question, good you should start to pay attention to how your actions change the world, that’s the mark of a good witch. Maybe there is some hope for an idiot like you yet, kid.” Beatrice flashes you another bright smile as she starts talking, “Well to summarize it, you screwed up the church, way to go kid. I bet you feel proud of yourself, I hope you enjoy having the church send assassins after you until you die (or the world ends), you earned it, boy!”

Yay… still you ask her to keep explained, what was so bad about what you did?

“Oh gee, do I have to spell it to you. The church was using this city as a base to build up power. They were silently gathering magic tools here while preparing that Angelic Layer ritual. I believe they were planning to use it to prepare a stronghold to fight Babel, while using the Grimoire as a lure for their enemies (they probably could have used the grimoire if everything when to hell, but I personally doubt it). See it was a smart move, by taking over Paris they could set the stage where they could fight, and the Angelic Layer would allow them to summon numberless angels to help them stop Babel and take over the world (or something.)”

That sounds horrible, so that explains why they were here, so how did you screw them?

“Ah that’s easy, when you stole the book (and certain other parties attacked) you forced them to use the spell before it was ready, ruined the foundation and so now the whole gig is up. Right now everyone who noticed is probably sending some group to check (like the Alchemists, the Mages, and the rest of the Sanctuary), so they will be forced to give up their stronghold here. They no longer have the Angelic Layer ready nor the Grimoire, so at the moment Paris is useless for them."

>[2/?]

File: Al Sol 2.jpg (69 KB, 600x801)

69 KB JPG

"In the end you ruined all the plans they had for this city and for Babel, so now I feel they will get desperate. But I am fine with that, I got what I wanted from them, and as long as they leave my city, then it is fine.” Beatrice gave you a bright smile and a thumbs up! "So let me take the opportunity to thank you for getting those idiots out of here, they were getting annoying by now."

“So do you get it? You mercilessly crushed their dreams and in their eyes you doomed the world to help Mars, I hope you understand why they are going to hate you, Kouga.”

Yay, you just made more enemies… again.

>Vivi…

“About the alchemist… sorry I can’t say much, she escaped underground and by now she has already left my detection range and is probably outside of the city proper. By the end of the day I won’t hesitate to say that she could be halfway across the world, so finding her will be hard.”

So Beatrice can’t help you there, then does she know where Vivi might be.

“Oh, well if I had to say, I think she will go to Japan, where the Eastern Alchemist Army is located at the moment. I heard they recently managed to contain some monster or something, so they might have the manpower to spare to help her seal the Grimoire, unlike the Western Army. That’s my best guess, sorry can’t help you.” Beatrice sees your downcast face and feels the need to add one last bit of advice, “Kouga, don’t feel sad about being betrayed because you were a witch, I am sure Beatrice should have already told you this, but witches lives by curses and betrayals. Friendships between witches only last until they get in each other’s way and then you toss them to the side… that’s how things work in our world, get used to it.”

Beatrice’s smile is sad, and for a moment you feel that those words hurt the witch of light more than you… so you don’t say anything and think on what you should do.

>[3/4]

>>35272374
>[4/4]

>Leave, you have to go... end the conversation here.
>Ask Beatrice what she plans to do…
>Ask her a question: About that seal with the Grimoire… [Did you plan this?]
>Ask about Medea, she had a brother? And Leonard was her childhood friend?
>She helped the church? Then why did she give you access to the Grimoire?
>Ask why Vivi might want the Grimoire.
>Talk about what you did with Evil Right.
>Ask about what Medea did... [DANGER! WARNING!]
>Other?

File: VictorIII.jpg (92 KB, 490x324)

92 KB JPG

>>35272431
>Ask why Vivi might want the Grimoire.
so it looks like our next quest is on Japan to get back the grimore and free Kazuki

>>35272525
I feel bad for the Western Army... Victor I is killing them. Also remember you have to find Saori Kido, you can't let a heretic to go about and around, right?

>>35272525
Well no point in waiting anymore, writing.

>>35272556
I'm sure Mars forgot about that whole thing by now

>>35272886
Haha, no...

>>35272812
>Why might Vivi want the Grimoire?

Beatrice brings a finger to her lips and tries to think for a moment, “I do not know the alchemist, but there might a number of reasons. She might be interested in the information recorded there, to me it’s useless, but I heard that back then a demon managed to create a flame that kills god with that thing, so they might want to try doing it, or they might want to create a weapon that can steal authorities from gods, just like Prometheus stole the fire from them… but from what I saw the reason might be more simple… that girl is probably also naïve idiot, kinda like you.”

What? And shouldn’t Beatrice stop with the harassment, this is getting out of hand!

“She took it to protect the city, idiot, just like you. She knew the thing was dangerous and so she wanted to seal it.” At this point you wanted to get angry at Beatrice, but you know better than to fight when you can’t win… at least you think you do. “An idiot like that girl is probably someone so simple she would do that just because it would protect the city… honestly I expected you to understand that. If you ask why she betrayed you, that’s simple. From her point of view she considered you to be a dangerous witch that could miss use the book to hurt others. Not that different form the cultists that attacked the church earlier this day, someone that will bring destruction to this world.””

Beatrice stopped for a moment and added something gently, “Honestly, I have to wonder why she joined you in the first place… let me say this, knowing her type, she probably though you were a good person, even though you work for someone like Mars and you are a witch, but in the end you probably acted too suspicious for her to take a chance with you and she betrayed you before you could betray her.”

>[1/?]

File: Beatrice 1.jpg (112 KB, 450x319)

112 KB JPG

>>35273245
With a flick of her fingers, magic gathers, and soon a wave of mana washes over the area, “Well with this we are done with our Q&A session. I have finished analyzing your hand and what you did to the city… honestly, between you and that devil I don’t know who damaged more the leylines of the city, still nothing I can’t fix, I will just make my students do it, howwowowow!” You suddenly feel sorry for those guys, you understand the pain they will experience under their cruel teacher.

“Well, I have to go,” Beatrice starts walking out of the alleyway she concealed, but then stops for a moment, “but one last thing… from our old cabal, besides Medea, her brother, Leo and me, there are still three other members remaining, and I am sure that they will try to get to Medea through you… so be careful Kogua. We all still feel the need to settle our score with your teacher, and if you are not careful they might try to use you to get to her. Just like Leo and Funebris probably tried to do today...”

With that warning Beatrice disappears in a flash of golden light… leaving a starting question in your tongue “We…?” Did Beatrice also want to...?

Well it's not your problem right now... and with that last talk, your short adventure in Paris ended, now it’s time to return back home, and face Sonia about how you got her brother almost killed. That will certainly be fun!

Maybe you should consider asking Mars to give you a vacation or something... to get away from the Sanctuary?

>345 days remaining until the Babel rises!

>Kouga Saint of Mars Part 33.5 END!

Please stay to do check some things… we have to pass the score!

Stat Sheet Updates!
>Name: Kouga
>Rank: Saint of Black Pegasus.
>Cosmos: Dark/Elec/Light (Artificial)
>EXP:10-> 135! (Bad End Penalties!)
>DS: 100->250 (His influence is quite think at the moment!)

Your high DS has unlocked a new skill for your Evil Right, you have gained the right to transform Evil Right into an arm that protects others!

Do you want to purchase the skill [Armored Form] for Evil Right at 50 EXP? It reduces damage by 10% and adds a piercing skill to your Glory Hand! Also teaches you the defensive skills Burst and Shield!

Permanent END+5 effect!
>Y
>N [If you reject it, you can’t unlock it for a while.]

Wait a moment for Faction Point updates!

>>35273535
Faction Point Chagnes!
>Your standing with Mars has risen greatly, the world he dreams of has become even clearer! You are now one of his beloved soldiers!

>Your standing with ???? of Chaos is lowering, why haven’t you kept your promise? But even so, she still loves you.

>Your standing with Athena is the same, while you protected the world, you are clinging to that evil god. Where is your true kind darkness? Still, she accepts you in her world, but you are still not her true soldier!

>Your standing with Dark God is increasing a bit, maybe you can really become the Messiah that heralds the world of darkness he dreams of.

>Your standing with the Alchemists of Atlas has soured a bit, they now consider you a dangerous element. How sad, they truly hoped you could become a man that could help them save the world!

>Your standing with the Holy Church has plummeted, they consider you one of their most terrible enemies, and they won’t hesitate to kill you on sight! Your actions have all but destroyed their ambitions and dreams.

>Your standing with Beatrice and her cabal is medium, while she respects your skill and power, she still thinks that you are too green. A witch shouldn’t be so trusting, Kouga!

>Your standing with the Burning Abyss is ??????????? ERROR! [The Light Interferes]

>From the sea someone is watching you… he still has to judge your actions.

>From beyond the timeline, someone is watching you, his light may shine upon you one day.

>From beyond time and space, someone is watching you, he is ready to pass judgment to a thief like you.

To make this less gamey, I decided to take out the numbers, but I think they are clear enough. Also if anyone has a questions/comment or a critique, please leave it now, before I go to sleep!

File: Spoiler Image (699 KB, 449x653)

699 KB PNG

>>35273535
>Y
Definitely want that armored arm

>Your standing with ???? of Chaos is lowering, why haven’t you kept your promise? But even so, she still loves you.

Poor Palas, lets get to work actually finding Saori next.

>Your standing with the Burning Abyss is ??????????? ERROR! [The Light Interferes]

I hate those guys also.

>>35273896

>Poor Palas, lets get to work actually finding Saori next.why haven’t you kept your promise

Yeah, you probably should get working on that!

>I hate those guys also.
Poor Silber, but I guess asking you guys to like demons is too much.

>>35273535
wha is the "Permanent END+5 effect!"?
also I don't think that we should invest in Evil Right, I only voted for more Darkness related choises because we were going to run after Vivi after a dificult battle and we need all the help we could get

>>35273612
>Your standing with the Burning Abyss is ??????????? ERROR! [The Light Interferes]
I wanted to know how we where with Silber

>Your standing with Mars has risen greatly, the world he dreams of has become even clearer! You are now one of his beloved soldiers!
this confuses me a bit after all we failed on our mission

>Your standing with the Alchemists of Atlas has soured a bit, they now consider you a dangerous element. How sad, they truly hoped you could become a man that could help them save the world!
I have mixed feellings about those guys

>>35274276


>wha is the "Permanent END+5 effect!"?
END is the stat that has to deal with stamina, taking damage and your HP, plus refreshing status effects and some other stuff. Pretty useful.

>this confuses me a bit after all we failed on our mission
You screwed up the church, making Mar's plan easier in the long run, the one who gave you the mission is Medea, and while she will get mad at you, she is not Mars and thus does not affect the faction rating (yet)

>I have mixed feellings about those guys
Well if it helps, think of them as people who while weak they want to help the world, but being weak they have to resort to means that are not the nicest. The Professor Illumina is a good example of an alchemist, a woman who is willing to give up everything to chase her dream, even if it means becoming a monster! While not evil, they are an the ends justify the means kind of group.

Regarding Kouga and the alchemists, try to think how Kouga appears to them from their POV. Beatrice was trying to tell Kouga that, in a way the boy is kinda inconsiderate of what his friends and foes think and feel.

If you feel uneasy, it means I am doing my job correctly. One of my objectives was to go for that kind of characterization for them.


>Your standing with the Burning Abyss is ??????????? ERROR! [The Light Interferes]
Well, Silber can't be allowed to form his own faction. Sorry.

>>35274276
Actually, yea, I'm changing my vote to No for the Armored Form thing. The shininess of a new toy momentarily distracted me from my preference for a build that would balance darkness stuff with other elements.

>>35274957
Understood, no Armored Form, then that means that the upgrade available for the next thread will be Breaker Form instead of Armor! Time to crush all that stands in your way!