>>40284620

“I must go…I want to serve again, Sophia. Just allow me the chance.”

His voice as well as the others leave your mind, and once again you’re alone in your room.

Ugh, to think all that valuable information is going to be lost by…however they plan on killing that creature.

Just a few hours…More than enough time for a visit from a curious representative. But to what end?

His usefulness is entirely unknown. So, assuming that he speaks the truth, whatever it is that you choose to do will be an uncertain gamble. You consider your options very carefully.


>Head to Impel with intention of rescue.

>Head to Impel with intention of getting whatever information you can from one last visit.

>Stay here and see what you can do about the investigation into Sayuline’s activities.

>Delve and practice the interplanar section of your tome.

>Write in.

>>40284648
>Head to Impel with intention of rescue.

>>40284648
>>Head to Impel with intention of rescue.

>>40284648
>>Head to Impel with intention of rescue.
He at the very least has magic he could teach us.

>>40284648
>Head to Impel with intention of rescue.

Hello again everyone!

>>40284676
>>40284840
>>40284847
Mission time. Hope you're ready

>Writing~

>>40284884
The prospect of letting valuable knowledge be lost far exceeds any of your reservations about safety.

You walk to your window and glance to the horizon. The sun is already well into its descent, but it’s earlier than when you usually begin your delves.
You shake off your doubts, it’s not terribly early and time is precious right now. So after gathering everything you normally bring on a delve, you order your apprentices to begin the set-up.

~

“Why are you guys leaving so early today?” Ellie asks as she helps prep the two delving tanks.

Marissa finishes off with the candles. “Beats me. Anyway, stop messing around. Just because you’re not delving today doesn’t mean you can slack off with the set-up.”

Ellie rolls her eyes and gets back to work. “I know, I know, your highness.”

Izu drops the last of the needed blood tablets into your tank. “Done! Is there anything else you need?”

You inspect the tank and find it to be exactly to your liking. “Don’t you already know the answer to that?”

The young boy smiles. “Yeah, but I like to ask.” He stares at you quietly with his big green eyes. “Good luck!” He finally announces.

You don’t think he’s ever wished you luck on a delve before, or ever wished you luck in anything at all.

Marissa attempts to sneak up on the boy and grab him, but he nimbly dodges. “Aren’t you going to wish me luck too, Izu?” She rests her hands on her hips and pouts.

Izu thinks for a moment. “Only if you’re going to go with.” He finally responds.

“I would, but I don’t think Sophia will want that…” Marissa trails off, sadly.

Normally that would be exactly the case, but Marissa might prove to be quite useful given her skill set. Not to mention, that any help you can get would be beneficial. But if for whatever reason Marissa proves unready for this type of mission, she would be an incredible liability.

Your long silence has caused both izu and Marissa to stare at you expectantly.

>Have her come with.

>Delve alone.

>Write in.

>>40285473
Marissa have you heard of Impel city? Use that as a question to gauge whether or not we should bring her along.

>>40285473
>Have her come with.
I don't think she'll be a liability.

>>40285544
As far as you know, she's only heard about from what you've shared from your experiences.

>>40285473
>Have her come with.
>"I'll explain on the way."

>>40285572
That was me.

>>40285473
>Have her come with.

>>40285553
>>40285607
>>40285638
It appears you might have more help.

>Writing~

>>40285720
You look toward Izu. “You can wish her double luck, she might need it.”

Marissa stares at you with her mouth agape while Izu simply smiles knowingly.

He wraps around Marissa’s waist. “Good luck!” He scurries off, leaving Marissa completely dumbstruck by both your completely unexpected behavior.

Once Ellie finishes the last of the set-up she leaves without a word.

You stand in front of your tub. “Do you remember what I told you about the inner realms? About Impel more specifically.”

“Yeah…” Marissa answers hesitantly.

“Good. You’re going to help me with something potentially very important.” After filling her in on the basics of what needs to be done and what’s potentially at risk, you turn to her. “You got your hugs. Do you still want to come with?”

She lets out a small laugh and turns to you. “Isn’t this what apprentices are for?” Her pointed teeth accent her smile.

You step into your tub. “Don’t go saying that I didn’t warn you.”

With those words, the two of you submerge yourselves into the cool blood, and slip into the darkness that will carry you to your mission.

~

[1/?]

>>40286889

The two of you awaken in the outskirts of the city to the sound of heavy bell tolling. A dull roar can be heard from all the way where you are, as the palatial city practically vibrates with the activity of its inhabitants.

You had little reason to doubt that Grievermillion was being executed, but all this just seems to confirm it.

Marissa rests on her knees next to you, silent. Her whole world view shaken as she finally gets to stare upon the inner realm with her own eyes. The dense shadows rising out from her body flicker and reshape constantly.

Looks like her delves weren’t so inconsequential after all, she’s gotten much stronger.

You unfurl your crimson wings and prepare to take off. “Think you can keep up?”

She shakes off her surprise the best she can and reforms her shadows into wing-like shapes. “I’ve been practicing.” She still looks to the city with a measure of doubt in her eyes.

“Show me.” You shoot off high into the sky and observe where most of the activity seems to be converging toward.

Marissa catches up to you a few seconds later. She makes for quite the eerie sight to watch her fly.

You spot a mass of creatures converging outside one side of the palace. “There.” You point and then speed off.

The two of you land at the outside of the teeming crowd of various creatures. All of them are trying to approach the palace in an attempt to get a better view, but are soundly stopped at the gates by a row of guards.

You cut through the crowd with Marissa in tow, largely ignoring the various comments about the two young ladies walking by.

Once you reach the gate, you’re stopped like all the rest.

“Only officials are allowed inside.” A heavily armored guard states firmly. “Back it up.”

[2/3]

>>40286911

A feeling of heaviness comes over you as Marissa begins to speak.

“Are you sure you can’t let us in.” She grabs the guard’s unarmored hand and rubs his palm lightly with her thumb. “We belong over there, can’t you see?” She leans into him, placing one of her long legs between his.

Her aura is terrifyingly strong, this guard, and those adjacent to him stood little chance. Before you know it, you’re being waved through.

The sight is very similar to the procession at the beginning of his trial. Huge hulking creatures stand at the ready to escort numerous important looking official, who mostly scoff and complain at having to be involved in such a boring affair.

A guard with long hair sticking out of his helmet nearby the group spots you and approaches you.

The two of you tense up as he approaches.

He holds out a small piece of paper in his hands. “A message, from an old friend.”

You hesitantly take the paper and begin reading the contents.

>”LE, my associate here is going to help you on this mission. One of you will cause a distraction shortly after the procession begins, and the other will break through the seals holding me. He’s equally capable at both affairs, so please choose what you think you’ll be better suited for. –Your faithful servant.”

The guard with the long hair stares at you expectantly. You suddenly recognize him as the guard that escorted you out of the courtroom after your faked fainting.

Now that you think about it, you're about equally capable of both as well. Perhaps there's something more to consider when making this decision. Then there's the matter of Marissa here, and where she would be best suited.

>Cause the distraction.

>Break the seals.

&

>Have Marissa come with you.

>Have Marissa go with the guard.

>Write in.

>>40286963
>Break the seals.
>Have Marissa prepare a way out
Use her powers to make a gap in the patrols, etc.

>>40286963
>Break the seals.
&
>Have Marissa come with you.
Less chance of becoming a public enemy, and keeps the apprentcie safe.

>>40286963
>Cause the distraction.
>Have Marissa Prepare another distraction or such for an escape route.

>>40286963
>Break the seals
We're some kind of seal prodigy.
>Have Marissa come with
She can keep anyone not distracted by the other guy off us.

>>40287021
>>40287028
>>40287039
>>40287131
Breaking the seals and having Marissa come with to keep the path clear for us.

>Writing~

>>40287190

You nod your head toward the back of the procession. “Seals.” You whisper under your breath.

The guard nods and then proceeds to point you toward where the bulk of the officials are waiting. For anyone watching, it just seemed like a regular encounter, not too short, not too long.

“Come on.” You gather Marissa and head to where you were ushered.

After filling her in on what the plan is, she nods firmly. “I’m your backup, got it.”

“You’re our way out, Marissa.” You remind her and keep mainly to yourselves until it’s time for the procession to begin.

A few dignitaries and other nobles wander your way, eager to talk to the stunning beauties who somehow managed to get into such an important event.

You relegate the conversation largely to small talk, and keep your backstories as a Kyraen’Asils representative, and an assistant.

“There he is!” A woman’s voice announces from the crowd and all eyes are turned to the palace.

[1/2]

File: dg1.jpg (145 KB, 1024x1504)

145 KB JPG

>>40288321

Escorted by a small unit of extremely muscular blue demons, a cloaked Grievermillion shuffles down toward his transport. Heavy looking shackles bind his feet and arms, and more importantly a grandiose seal rests above the back of his head, as if keeping him from running off anywhere.

The commonfolk surge to get closer, but the guard remains firm. Grievermillion is quickly escorted into his sealed transport, and the familiar red cloaked official begins the procession.

You wave to the crowds and march alongside the transports, tensely waiting for the distraction that will set off the whole thing. As far as anyone else is concerned, you’re just some young noble, looking for a bit of excitement in her life.

Then it begins, commotion at first, then several screams from the teeming crowds ahead of the procession. For whatever reason the crowd begins to push into the front of long line of transports. The guards push back, but it’s not enough.

A rallying cry, more guards from the back hurry to the front, leaving the sides exposed. Those blue demons crowding around Grievermillion’s transport fan out to fill the gaps and immediately are met with creatures to hold back, leaving only the largest guarding where Grievermillion is being held.

More screams, now is the time to act.

You and Marissa rush to the prisoner transport.

Marissa invokes her most powerful aura yet. “Move aside, big boy. You don’t want to be here.”

The hulking blue demon only grips his weapon tighter, seems that Marissa’s aura isn’t having any effect on him.

She sighs dramatically. “Looks like the two of us are going to have some fun.” She turns to you. “I don’t know how long I can hold him off. So get those seals off as quickly as you can.”

Marissa rushes off toward the creature without another word, and immediately engulfs him and herself in an enormous cloud of shadows.

The shadows do well to obscure sight of the prisoner transport, leaving you unseen as you rush toward it.

[2/3]

File: tet1.png (154 KB, 1400x720)

154 KB PNG

>>40288350

Once you reach it, you’re immediately met with a type of seal you’ve never seen before. Four colored seals, all interconnected somehow.

“Sophia!” Grievermillion’s voice whispers urgently from inside the metal transport. “As far as I can tell you ask it to open and then you have to make it so that all the seals cancel out. But too many actions will cause the seal to close off completely.”

You can’t just brute force it, so you quickly observe how the four colored seals are interconnected. It appears that deactivating one of the colored seals will cause two others to appear. So…in order for this to be possible, some of colors must cancel each other out.

“Do you know which colors cancel each other out?” You quickly whisper back to Grievermillion.

“If it’s anything like I suspect, green cancels out with red, and yellow cancels out with blue.” He hurriedly informs you.

Whatever the case, there appears to be two layers to this lock, so you hurry to begin.

Remembering very carefully which colors cancel which, and what colors appear when you unseal something. You touch the face of the seal.

Two green seals, a yellow seal, and empty seal appear.

How do you make them all cancel out?

>Write in.

>>40288412
If anything needs clarifying, PLEASE ask.

>>40288412
>“If it’s anything like I suspect, green cancels out with red, and yellow cancels out with blue.” He hurriedly informs you.
so canceling out a green will affect a red and something else, while cancelling out a yellow will affect a blue and something else.

is that right?

>>40288480
Green and red can't exist together, same with blue and yellow. Them canceling each other out don't activate anything else.

>>40288412
>Two green seals, a yellow seal, and empty seal appear.
does empty mean it's cancelled out, or its color is blocked?

>>40288508
It's only empty, another color can fit in there if need be.

Okay, not officially answering yet, but don't we just have to deactivate one green to create RGBY so then they all cancel?

>>40288541
it'll either do that, or make RGYY, if I understand this correctly.

>>40288564
Mine goes in one move, so I'm going for it.
>Deactivate green.

>>40288412
Deactivate a green first

>>40288598
>>40288630
Deactivating green, let's see...

>Writing.
Expect a fairly quick update.

>>40288444
ugh, bit late, just reread the update
you say this
>Remembering very carefully which colors cancel which, and what colors appear when you unseal something
but you never mentioned which colors appear when we deactivate something. Just to confirm, we're supposed to be finding that out now through trial and error, right? I didn't just read wrong?

>>40288822
Look at the pic bro.

>>40288822
I'm sorry if I wasn't clear but the picture provides that information.

>>40288869
>>40288861
aw shit I assumed it was just flavor art thanks

>>40288869
>>40288942
yeah, I didn't catch that either.

>>40288656

Based off all the information you gathered about this seal, this particular layer should be quite easy to get through.

You break through one of the green seals, it’s quite the grueling task, but it eventually gives in to your will. You certainly won’t be breaking more than one seal at a time. Immediately upon breaking, a red and blue seal appear, then suddenly all four different colors shatter, and the incredibly heavy outer layer of the transport swings open.

Frantic and panicked grunts can be heard from the ball of shadows behind you, as well as a playful giggling. Whatever is going on in there, the blue demon is trying very desperately to break free.

“Good, Sophia!” Grievermillion’s voice comes out more audibly now that the outer seal has been broken. “But there’s one more you have to get through. Be careful on this next one, I don’t know what will happen if you overfill the slots, but I fear that it won’t be anything good.”

Heavy fighting can be heard from the front of the procession. But given the amount of guards, it’s sure to be suppressed quickly.

You touch the inner seal.

This time two green seals, a blue seal, and an empty seal appear.

What are your actions this time?

>Write in.

>>40289024
Long process, if anyone can shorten it that would be great, I'll try and find a faster method with less steps too.

Undo order:
Green
Blue
Green
Blue
Yellow

>>40289188
>>40289188
>>40289188
It's done after the first three steps isn't it?

>>40289024
>>40289188 (You)
After further review I'm pretty sure this is actually the shortest possible one that keeps under 5 seals, so I'm voting this.

>>40289267
no, Therell be 1 red left after the first 3 steps.

>>40289024
can we make seals, and would that break or make 2 more seals?

>>40289267
Not by my calculations, here's how I figured it went:
GGB
cancel green
RBGB - R and G cancel, left with BB
cancel B
GYB - Y and B cancel, left with G
cancel G, R and B appear, current state RB
Cancel B
RGY - R and G cancel, left with Y
cancel Y, R and G appear, and cancel each other out, seal clear

>>40289311
I thought about it, and it'd probably be better to say that you can't.

>>40289362
K backing this.

>>40289362
>>40289423
Going with this. My original plan had included more colors than just four...

>Writing~

>>40289471
That sounds fucking sadistic.

>>40289362
yeah, i dont see a faster way

>>40289471
maybe if there's a more intuitive way to present information.

>>40289471
Bring it oooooonnnn
I have plenty of pens and notecards here to work through these with

>>40289471
Hello Aur-
Puzzles. My weakness!
Thankfully other anons are being helpful, I'll just go sit in a corner and cry.
also I didn't know Grievermillion had allies, if I knew we would have frendlies on site my vote would have changed to positive.

>>40289869
don't worry bro I got the puzzles covered, I love em

>>40289558
I really enjoy your enthusiasm, but if I made them to hard, the updates might few and far in between.
>>40289869
Hello there, anon! We all have our strengths, don't you worry about that.

Update incoming.

>>40290020

You think on it for a moment. Ugh, they made this one just about as complicated as this seal can get. After working it out in your head, and double checking your work, you’re confident that you found the correct solution.

You start with breaking the green, then breaking the one of the two blue seals, the only green, blue, and then you have essentially what you wanted. A single yellow seal stands before you, after breaking it, a practically concerted reaction of the following red and green seals canceling out occurs.

The inner door slowly swings open, and there he is. Grievermillion sits, his large red body stooped over, his eyes blinking and adjusting to the sudden rush of light.

He finally manages to focus them on you, and calm smile appears on his face. “I knew you would come, Little Empress.”

What, has been secretly talking to Izu or something?

You turn back to the orb of shadows to see the massive blue demon finally beginning to wrest himself free of it. “There’s little time.”

You quickly heat the links of his shackles. Finally when you instruct him to move, the heavy metal simply melts to the floor, freeing his arms and legs.

“If only all binding were so easy to surpass.” Grievermillion jokes knowingly and nods toward the huge visible seal on his back. “This one took five of them to set.”

“Can it be forced?” You ask.

“I can’t see why not, but-“He starts.

“Then turn around already, so I can break it off.” You forcefully spin him around so you’re face to face with the huge seal.

He laughs mirthfully. “Your father once told me that you had a bossy streak to you.”

You grunt disapprovingly and inspect the seal. The will of five people all holding this thing in place. What’s their loss when it breaks?

“Who put this on you?” You immediately ask.

“A few of the more talented members of the guard. I still remember the hesitation on their faces.” He responds thoughtfully.

Replaceable pawns…What do they have to lose?

>Write in.

>>40290056
This one is a lot easier to puzzle out.
>they'd lose their lives, potentially their families.
Someone really wanted grievermillion dead, so I wouldn't put it past them.

>>40290056
They could also be scapegoats, the people who would take the blame if the evidence was ever questioned.

They could lose prestige, credibility, standing...

>>40290168
>>40290119
Sounds like acceptable losses to me.

>>40290056
Break the seal.

>>40290119
>>40290168
>>40290219
Breaking it.

>Writing~

>>40290246

That’s just it, they’re replaceable, easy scapegoats to blame if this notorious traitor ever managed to break free. Thinking upon it at their level lets you see what they have to lose: their standing, their lives, and even potentially the lives of all those close to them.

Even will all that behind this seal, it still breaks easily once you discover its root and force your will upon it. Will you never again find a seal with the strength as those placed upon you?

“Extraordinary.” Grievermillion comments as he’s finally able to step out into the open.

Marissa falls back to you, leaving the creature to clutch at the little shadows that remain wrapped around his eyes. “We have to go!”

Doesn’t look like Grievermillion can fly, so you wrap one of his arms around your shoulders and Marissa rushes to do the same.

“Wait!” Grievermillion looks back to the front of chaotic procession where the unruly distraction has finally been subdued, and is now being severely punished for his actions.

The screams of agony and heavy blows let you know that it’s far too late to help him, which is fine because you didn’t particularly feel like it.

You nod to Marissa. “Obscure us.” You order and then immediately take off.

The huge red demon is exactly as heavy as he looks, and your wings have to beat harder to reach the altitude you want. Hidden among a haze of darkness, the three of you fly far off to the outskirts of the city.

Only the screams of one particularly enraged creature follow after you, causing Marissa to laugh to herself.

“He’s not going to be able to sit down anytime soon.” She giggles deviously.

A few minutes later and you’ve safely arrived to where the portal back home resides. You land, more than eager to be free of this cumbersome passenger.

[1/2]

>>40290984

Grievermillion shakes his head sadly. “Posvis, you were too young.” He mourns the young guard for a few minutes, then sighs heavily and looks back to you. “You’ve saved my life, and that more than makes it yours. I’m prepared to serve you to whatever end you wish, Little Empress.”

You stare right back at him. “I’m not Empress, not anymore.”

“That can be changed, if you so wish.” Grievermillion turns his attention to the vast empty badlands that lie in front of him. “I won’t risk you harm by following you quite yet. I will hide for a short time, then I will be yours, as it should be.”

“You’ll be alright on your own?” Marissa asks hesitantly.

He laughs slightly. “I’ve been through worse than whatever’s waiting for me out there, trust me on that young one.” He sighs one last time. “There’s little time to waste. Take care of yourselves, we will meet again soon.”

With those words he teleports far off into the distance, where only his red outline can be seen, and a few moments later, he’s completely gone into the wilderness.

“Wish he did that earlier so we didn’t have to carry him.” Marissa comments, breaking the silence. “But…We did good.”

Indeed things went well. At any point, a failure would have caused the mission to be failure, jeopardizing likely more than just Grievermillion’s life. But you’re here, through your own wit and skill.

“Do you think…Do you think that it’s okay for me to delve into the inner realms now?” Marissa asks quietly.

Interesting question. Your apprentice handled herself quite well, and didn’t prove to be a liability at all like you had feared she might. But who knows what might arise from her activities in the inner realms. You think heavily upon what your answer should be.

>Allow it.

>Deny her.

>Write in.

>>40291027
>Deny her.
We need to keep a low profile right now in the inner realms. They may recognize Marissa. She should ask us again at a later date.

>>40291027
>Not here, not for a long while
>You can go to the other one, but it's not exactly pleasant.
>If you find the last one, though, let us know.

>>40291027
>>Allow it.
But do it subtly, If I hear word in my travels about you in the slightest, the punishment will be most severe. Most severe indeed. Seals are such fun after all.

>>40291027
>Write in.
Allow it, but tell her to be careful when doing so.

>>40291086
>>40291089
>>40291108
Permission with restrictions.

>Writing~

>>40291208

“You’re free to delve to the inner realms if you wish. Perhaps not this one for some time.” You brush a strand of hair out of your face. “Just remember that Paradise isn’t quite so, and Kyraen’Asils still remains elusive.”

“If I ever manage to find a way in, you’ll be the first person that I let know.” Marissa responds dutifully.

You smirk. “Good.” You turn to meet her eyes. “Be subtle, and be careful. If unpleasant word reaches my ears about your travels here, the punishment will be severe, and it most certainly won’t be the kind you like.”

She laughs at your last words. “I'll make sure that I don’t disappoint you.”

You turn back to the portal. “Then, all there is left for us is to go home.”

Marissa slips into the portal home before you, allowing one last look at the formidable palatial city in privacy.

Empress…

You tear your glance away, slip back into the comforting and all enveloping darkness, and return home.

>>40291452
Okay, that's where I'm going to end it for tonight. A bit more puzzle thinking required for this thread, but you all did very well! As always, I want to thank everyone that played today. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them in the thread, and I will do my best to respond to them.

If not, then I wish you a good day/night, and hope to see you again next time!

>(Twitter)
https://twitter.com/QM_Auri

>>40291503
So How badly is everyone shitting bricks over Greivermelion getting away?

>>40291503
Did we take any of the puzzle implements with us to study?

>>40291531
Some people are producing a lot more bricks than others, if you catch my meaning.
>>40291535
The puzzle implements were embedded into huge metal slabs, so you didn't have the chance to take them with you.

>>40291503
thx 4 runin budi gud thred

How hard will it be to reclaim our interdimensional empire?

How wanted are we in Impel City now?

Did Marissa get strong enough to start brute forcing her influence ability through our protection, or do we just not have it while delving?

>>40291658
You're very welcome! The exact difficulty really depends on a lot of things, but it's safe to say that it won't be easy. Funnily enough, you managed to choose the path where you go largely unseen.

Only one blue demon caught glimpse of Marissa, and he might be a little too traumatized to share any details any time soon.

I'm not quite sure exactly what you're asking, but Marissa managed to improve her influence ability mainly through extensive practice.

>>40291745
Has Aya's flame gotten stronger since she was unsealed?

will Griever be willing to teach us magic?

>>40291807
I wouldn't say that it's gotten stronger, but she'll certainly be a lot more willing to use now if she has to.
Grievermillion is your adviser which means he's willing to impart to you any knowledge that he has.

>>40291503
Thanks for running Auri!

>>40292057
You're very welcome!

With that, I'll be stepping out. Until next time!