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>>46586825

Still, you can linger here, in the Nameless Temple, for a while longer. Tomorrow, Koa – your apprentice, even though you can't pinpoint the moment you began to think of him in that way – is set to fight his first formal duel. Calling it formal might be a stretch, though – he'll be fighting against a rival, one nursing an unhealthy grudge against him. You want to be there when they cross swords, to make sure the process goes smoothly if nothing else.

You feel Howa's warmth against your body, her bare breast pressing against your side as she rolls over and trails a lazy finger across your chest. It would be easy for her to trace maps of scar tissue, but she is careful to avoid one particular knot of flesh – the patch over your heart, a memento from a fight you'd rather not recall. As you lie together, you slowly explain how the soldiers that had surrounded the Nameless Temple came to leave. Orders from above, from the Emperor's advisor himself.

“You'll need to thank him in person,” Howa remarks, her voice soft in the dimly lit room, “You can't just write him a letter, not for something like this.”

You're aware of that, you sigh, and you've been meaning to visit the capital for a while. It's just...

“A long ride,” Howa finishes for you, “I know, I know. Ah, poor Ira – having to go to all these far away places and meet all these exciting people.”

A privilege she rarely gets the chance to experience, thanks to a crippling injury. Even now, you know that her false leg is laid out across the floor, half hidden by discarded clothing. It's slightly off-putting, actually. Like having something staring at you – but then, with your blind and ghoulish eye, do you really have any room to complain?

>Most of these “exciting” people end up trying to kill me, you know
>We'll go to the capital together one day, I promise
>Why did you have to bring that up now?
>Other

>>46586835
>Exciting is one way to put it. One of them took a poison we asked to be identified and tasted it right in front of us.

>>46586835
So I don't suppose anybody here remembers that former apprentice who is now serving the Seer? Soma, was it?

>>46586835
>>We'll go to the capital together one day, I promise
Just gotta end this country's craziness first. Somehow. There's this history Goddess shrine you might like. Abandoned, but still interesting.

Interesting people? Well, you tell her, that's certainly one way of putting it. Back when you were in Garuna with Tawn, you asked a member of the alchemist's college to identify a poison for you. He took the thing, you continue, and then tasted it right in front of you.

“That's...” Howa laughs, her voice clear and light, “That's what I'd expect, given the stories I've heard. What happened to him?”

He didn't die, you answer with a shrug as you rise up from the bed, reaching for your clothes. The mention of the alchemist's college has reminded you of something, a souvenir from your travels. Fumbling through your coat pockets, you produce the little glass vial – still filled with grey Makai dust – and hold it up to the candlelight. When you catch Howa's curious eyes, you explain what it is, and why you took it with you. You'll need to drop it off at the college, next time you're in the temple city...

“Can I have a look?” Howa asks as she sits up, pulling her sheet up with her and wrapping it around her body, “I might not have the same, ah, experience that those scholars have, but I have a few tricks that might help.”

Shrugging lightly, you pass the vial over. As you watch, Howa opens it and sprinkles a little of the dust into her palm. “Hard to believe,” she says, half to herself, as she rubs the dust between her fingers, “That this really came from Makai. It's like holding a little bit of a legend. Now, give me a moment...” Closing her eyes, she continues rubbing her dusty fingers together as a soft glow begins to surround her hand. Some subtle magic, you assume. As you watch, Howa's lips part in a soft “oh” of surprise, and she opens her eyes once more.

“Ugh,” she mutters, “Nasty.”

[1/2]

>>46587057

Nasty, you ask, in what way?

“Hmm, how to put it?” wiping her fingers on the bed, Howa sighs softly, “Everything, even just rocks and dust, has a very slight trace of life in it. Or, maybe not “life” exactly, but... some kind of power, I suppose. This doesn't – it doesn't have a single trace of life. That isn't even slightly natural.”

That can't happen normally, you confirm, is that right?

“Right. If I had to guess, I'd say that something... drained the life from this dust. From the entire land, if it's all like this,” Howa shudders, although she doesn't seem to notice the shiver running through her, “Does that sound accurate?”

The whole land was the same, you tell her, nothing but grey dust and crumbling ruins. The only living things – natural things, at least – in that place were you and Soma. She was an apprentice here, you add, does Howa remember her at all?

“Soma? The name is familiar...” Howa thinks for a moment, “Her brother was the one people tended to notice. She was the quiet one, very devoted to her studies and tinkering with things.” Howa laughs at that, but the sound is tinged with sadness, “She always like guns, now I remember it. Taking them apart and putting them back together, I mean. Strange hobby for a girl of her age, I always thought.”

And now, you mutter darkly, she's making guns for the Seer and his cultists. What a waste of her talent. Although your voice didn't reach her, something in your expression must have been visible, for Howa calls your name quietly.

“Ira?” she asks, “Is something wrong?”

These days, you reply with forced levity, there's always something wrong. When things have settled down, though, you'll take her to see the capital – that's a promise. You found an old shrine she might like to study, you mention as you recall that forgotten goddess. Abandoned, but very interesting.

[2/3]

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>>46587131

“I'd like that,” Howa decides as she throws off the sheet and reaches for her prosthetic. You look away as she straps it on again – the act still retaining a strange intimacy that you're unwilling to intrude upon. “Ah, but who knows when things will settle down?” she sighs softly as she rises, limping across the room to stand by your side, “You've got your work cut out for you, Ira.”

A bitter laugh escapes you at that. She's not wrong there, you agree. Changing the subject quickly, you ask about the time. Just how long had you been sleeping?

“Good question,” Howa frowns, lurching over to the window and opening the wooden cover. Outside, the light is failing – but is it evening or morning?

“Evening,” she guesses, “Looks like we're going to be taking the night shift today, Ira. Ugh...” her voice turns to distaste as she looks her room over, “Look at this place – filthy! Go on, I need to clean up, and it'll be twice as hard if I need to work around you.”

Sensing a chance to avoid doing some domestic work, you quickly agree to take a stroll. In either case, you're getting hungry – hungry enough that you find yourself walking straight to the dining hall. When you arrive there, though, the sight of it just depresses you - now there is only a single slumped figure occupying it. Koa, you realise, sitting forlornly at one table. You approach the boy, sitting opposite him.

“Ah,” with a guilty smile, Koa looks up from his meagre meal. It looks like a thin soup, and it smells faintly of fish. “Just about the only thing I can stomach right now,” he explains, “I guess I'm pretty nervous – I can't sleep.”

The duel, of course, is tomorrow. Time enough for a little extra training, but you're not sure that it would help at this point. He needs rest more than anything.

>Come on, let's spar a little. It'll tire you out
>Let's take a walk. You need to unwind
>Well, you won't sleep here. Go to bed, Koa
>Other

>>46587232
>Let's take a walk. You need to unwind
After that he gets some rest.

>>46587232
>>Let's take a walk. You need to unwind

>>46587232
>Let's take a walk. You need to unwind

>>46587232
>Let's take a walk. You need to unwind
storytelling, I guess. Not necessarily current events, but some proper mentor-apprentice storytelling.

>>46587245
imposter!

>>46587232
>>Let's take a walk. You need to unwind
So what does he normally do to relax?

Come on, you tell him, he needs to unwind a little. Sitting here and dwelling on his problems won't help any – a walk might do him some good. Is there anything, you ask, that he does to relax?

“Um, there is actually,” Koa sounds a little embarrassed to admit it, “Yeah, there is. Promise you won't laugh?”

You have no idea what he's talking about, you say slowly, but okay. You won't laugh at this secretive hobby of his. As you promise him this, Koa slides out of his seat and leads you away, out into the deserted corridors. His pace is erratic, speeding up and slowing down at random. He really is nervous, you think to yourself, either that or the sleep deprivation is addling his mind.

“Did you ever get in a duel when you were younger?” Koa asks suddenly, “Maybe defending a lady's honour? A certain lady, maybe?”

This is his revenge, you realise, for you bringing up Miura. As it happens, though, there was one time. Not anything that you'd call a duel, though.

“Come on, tell me!” Koa insists, turning to give you an eager look. His eyes have a touch of desperation that you don't like – a desperate desire to lose himself in someone else's stories. “Go on, it can't be anything that bad, can it?”

Fine, you sigh. Not long after you first came to the Nameless Temple, one of the other apprentice started to harass Howa. Now, you explain, back in those days, you were pretty... wild. You definitely don't recommend that Koa follows in your footsteps.

“Oh, I see...” Koa grins, “You punched him, right? Smacked him right in the mouth, I bet.”

Not quite, you admit. You kicked him somewhere much lower down, and when he was sprawled out on the ground, you sort of... bit his ear off. Exactly as you expected, Koa reacts to this confession with a startled silence. Really, what could he say to that?

“Uh,” the boy mumbles after a moment, “We're almost there. I'll... uh... yeah.”

Yeah.

[1/2]

>>46587467
Dayum young Ira.

>>46587467
FINE EXAMPLE THERE, IRA.

>>46587467

In silence, Koa leads you into a dusty room – one that looks like it's been forgotten and abandoned to time. Not so dusty as to be totally unused, however. You'd wager that this isn't the first time Koa has come here. You don't guess the purpose of the room straight away, but the sight of a row of stray targets gives the game away. It's an archery range, you say aloud, your voice coloured by surprise.

“I know, I know,” Koa laughs awkwardly, “Not something you see much, these days. I read that archery was used as a form of meditation once, long ago. A way to relax the mind and focus the senses.”

These days, you think, archery has taken on a rather feminine air. A graceful sport for teaching elegance to capital ladies, and not a martial discipline. Once the rifle entered mainstream use, the days of the longbow were more or less over. That must be why Koa is so embarrassed by it – it's hardly a fitting hobby for a young man. Certainly, he has enough problems with the other apprentices without giving them extra ammunition.

With a practised hand, Koa selects a slender longbow and a small quiver of arrows. As he takes aim at one of the targets, his breathing naturally slows and grows more focussed. His nervousness melts away, and a smile begins to touch the corners of his mouth. He hasn't even let his first arrow fly, and he's already looking better.

[2/3]

>>46587571
He must be coming here regularly if the bow is strung and in good shape.

>>46587571

“So,” the boy begins, his voice low but clear, “You really bit someone's ear off?”

You were young, you insist, young and angry!

“Man...” Koa's smile widens slightly, “I'm glad I've got the old, calm Ira. I like my ears the way they are.”

He hasn't seen you on your bad days, you admit, you've still got some fire in your belly – you just keep it for the people that deserve it.

“I guess,” Koa finally lets his arrow fly, wincing as it misses the centre of the target. A fine shot by your guess – better than you could do, certainly – but he seems to hold himself to a higher standard. As he frowns at the sight of his arrow wobbling in the straw target, Koa speaks up once more. “Hey, are we going to work together again soon?” he asks, “I'm kinda... I'd like to get out of here for a while. Get away from this place.”

Get away from the other apprentices, he means?

“Maybe,” Koa crosses over to the target and tugs his arrow free, “Yeah.”

>I'm headed to the capital soon. You can come with me
>I need someone I can trust here. That means you, Koa
>Next Writ I get, I'll take you along – I promise
>No. I'm working alone from now on
>Other

>>46587571
>it's hardly a fitting hobby for a young man
clearly we must get him 50 pound bows and arrows that could fell dragons(if they exist)

>>46587600
>If it's a Writ, sure. I don't think you'll enjoy the OTHER business I've been handling any better......

>>46587600
>Next Writ I get, I'll take you along – I promise
Capital might have some bullshit that we don't want to get him involved in. Politics and such.

>>46587600
>>Next Writ I get, I'll take you along – I promise
Unless you want to come along to the capitol on more politics, ugh.

>>46587639
they're Gods, look at Lapis. Still Bows are good for stealth assaults.

You've got to admit, Koa has a good reason for wanting to get out and about. He's not chasing glory or trying to get ahead of the other apprentices – he just wants some breathing room, some time away from peers that he is increasingly alienated from. You can understand that. But, and this is a serious issue for you, getting him involved in murky politics might not be any better.

Next time you head out on a Writ, you tell him, you'll take him along – and that's a promise. Unless, you offer, he wants to come with you to the capital and get a taste of what things are like over there?

“No thanks,” he shakes his head quickly, “If the others learned that I was getting involved in that kind of thing, well... Jain already thinks I'm on the Emperor's side, I don't need to prove him right.”

Jain, you think to yourself, is a despicable shit. All this, just because Koa didn't murder an Imperial soldier? There's anger, and then there's this.

“But a Writ? I'd definitely be up for that,” Koa speaks up quickly, bringing the subject back into safer waters, “We've not been getting many of those lately. Not any interesting ones, I mean – there's been plenty of the usual stuff. Requests for blessings, for priests to make offerings, you know, routine stuff.”

No mysteries or blood-drunk gods demanding sacrifice, in other words. Considering that humans are giving you a tough enough time as it is, you appreciate the fact that the gods are playing nice. As you consider this, Koa draws back another arrow and sends it flying – this time, it strikes the target dead centre, and the apprentice grins to himself.

Nice shot, you tell him.

“Ah, it's nothing to be proud of,” Koa, still smiling, forces a shrug, “A rifle would be more practical, and a pistol is something you can take anywhere. This thing...” he holds up the bow, a particular fondness in the gesture, “This is history, that's all. Appropriate, I guess.”

[1/2]

>>46587830

Still, you tell him, it's a good shot – he's good at this, and that's something to be proud of.

“I guess it is,” Koa remarks softly, slipping another arrow out of the quiver and examining it, rubbing the pads of his fingers along the feathers at the base, “You don't see many archers these days. I mean, honestly, I think even swords might be outdated these days. With those awful weapons the cult guys use...” he falters there, shuddering as he remembers. You remember it too, the hail of bullets that howled down upon you. It's not something that either of you will forget in a hurry.

“What I mean is, maybe that's the future,” the apprentice slides the arrow back, “Not bows, not swords, but bullets and powder. That's the kind of stuff that makes me afraid of the future.”

It's like hearing the Seer's words coming from Koa's lips, and that chills you. What was it that the cultists called themselves? They were the ones who feared the future – and there is a lot to fear. The fact that they are the ones inventing more and more deadly weapons, though, seems to be lost on them.

“I think I'm okay now,” Koa says, breaking up your gloomy thoughts, “I'm calm. I can sleep now, I think. Thanks Ira, for being here.”

No, you assure him, it's what you're here for. It's your job to offer guidance to any apprentice that needs it.

“Right, right,” he nods, “And, uh, can we keep this between us? The archery stuff, I mean.”

>It's nothing to be ashamed of, Koa
>If you insist
>You should keep practising. You've got real talent
>Can I ask you something? (Write in)
>Other

>>46587947
"Sure, but.."
>It's nothing to be ashamed of, Koa
"But I understand why'd you want to keep it on the downlow right now."
>You should keep practising. You've got real talent

>>46587947
>It's nothing to be ashamed of, Koa
>But if you insist

>>46587947
>>If you insist
>But maybe it just needs a makeover. I'm sure if you play your cards right, the ladies would swoon over your talent.

>>46587947
>>It's nothing to be ashamed of, Koa
But
>>If you insist
Remember, guns are loud and even the best marksman can only fire once before he's heard. Bows are quiet. Shame I never had a talent for them.

You'll keep it a secret, you agree, but it's really nothing to be ashamed of. Still, you can understand why he might want to keep it quiet for now. He should keep practising though, you tell him as you cross the room to examine his accurate shot, he's got real talent. That's the kind of talent that might win him some hearts one day, if he plays his cards right.

“Well,” Koa colours slightly, “I wouldn't know anything about that. About, uh, winning hearts I mean.”

It's not like you're much of an expert either, you confess. An awkward silence descends upon you both as you say that, lasting until you clear your throat. Guns are loud, you add as you say the first thing that crosses your mind, and even the best marksman is bound by that limitation. Bows are quiet, and that can make up for a lot. You never quite picked up the habit – you're a little too clumsy for that, you tell Koa with a self-deprecating smirk – but sometimes you wish you had. A silent weapon might be useful in your line of work, now more than ever.

“You might have a point,” Koa nods, lingering traces of colour still darkening his cheeks, “I think I'll hang around here a while longer. Like you said, I should try and make something of this – for, uh, practical reasons, I mean, not...”

Not winning hearts, you finish for him. He nods gratefully, an awkward smile flitting across his face. In either case, you wish him luck with the duel tomorrow and turn to leave.

“Thanks Ira,” he says again as you're at the doorway, “I mean it. You've really... really been here for me. I appreciate everything you've done for me.”

Accepting his thanks with a bow, you walk out. What you said wasn't a lie – part of your job IS offering guidance to apprentices – but you know that it's more than that. Koa is... a friend, you suppose. A friend first, and an apprentice second.

A man needs every friend he can get, these days.

[1/2]

>>46588315

As you're walking back to the main section of the Nameless Temple – the archery range is tucked into a dark and forgotten corner of the building, wedged between two forgotten storage rooms – you realise that, for what seems like the first time in recent memory, you've got an empty day ahead of you. No danger, no looming tension, and no missions to occupy your time. Such empty days would normally be filled with a hobby, like Koa and his secretive archery habit.

A thought occurs, then, and it's a depressing one – just what do YOU do for fun? It feels like a very long time since you had to come up with your own way of filling the time, and you're not sure where to start. Sanae reads – she doesn't even wait until her free time before indulging that habit – and Howa isn't much different. Some Wanderers spar, but you don't really have any desire to fight right now. Meditation is possible, a way to not think for a while, but it's not a very productive way of filling the hours.

How should you fill the day ahead of you?

>Meditate until the evening (Skip ahead)
>Speak with the Mentor for a while
>See if any work needs done around the temple
>Other

>>46588422
>See if any work needs done around the temple
We don't actually do this a lot. Or at all since we started playing.

>>46588422
>Speak with the Mentor for a while
alternatively, sip coffee/tea while reading the paper

>>46588422
I wouldn't mind reading the paper, seeing what the public currently is aware of.

Alternatively
>See if any work needs done around the temple.

>>46588422
>See if any work needs done around the temple
I don't think Ira is in the mood to see the Mentor right now.

You might as well see if there's any tasks that need taking care of, any work that might have sprung up around the Nameless Temple itself. You've solved problems everywhere else, after all, so why not clear things up at home as well? Such things often end up posted on a communal message board near the entrance, as a way of sharing news and information. With that as your next target, you amble over and take a leisurely look.

Pinned to the board, next to a number of sketches – missing apprentices, you notice uncomfortably, one of which is Soma – is a sheaf of poor quality paper, ink dark against the yellow pulp. A copy of Aya's newspaper, you realise, and a surprisingly recent one. Taking it down, you begin to skim it over. She's still alive, at least, and still causing trouble. The main story seems to be announcing the start of Kurasu's trial – and Aya hasn't been subtle about letting her own biases show. The story practically snarls out accusations against the officer, accusations that you can confirm as being entirely true. After nearly a full page of vitriol, the article ends on a weak note – the trial is ongoing, and that is unlikely to change in a hurry. It's going to be a long, slow process.

Long, slow and – if what Ra told you is true – totally pointless. You wonder if Aya knows that, or suspects something similar.

[1/2]

>>46588712

The rest of the paper seems to cover safer matters, mostly gossip about nobles that you've never heard of. It's written with considerably less enthusiasm than the “real” news, but there is the air of an obligation about the gossip. This is what sells, you think sadly as you return the newspaper to the board.

Then, as you're pinning the paper up, you see a note from another one of the Wanderers – Saku, their name seems to be. Not one you recognise. New, perhaps? You find it difficult to keep track of these things, especially since you spend so long on the open road. In either case, the note is an apology to a group of apprentices. Saku, so the note reads, was supposed to be taking them to visit a nearby shrine. Due to a training injury, the Wanderer has had to cancel it – unless, of course, someone could take over their duties?

Babysitting a few apprentices for a few hours – that doesn't sound so difficult.

>Take Saku's duties for the day
>Leave it. You don't want to get involved

>>46588744
>Take Saku's duties for the day

>>46588744
>>Take Saku's duties for the day

>that doesn't sound so difficult.
Knowing our luck...

>>46588744
>>Take Saku's duties for the day
Although our last attempt at being a teacher didn't end very well.

That sounds like something you can handle, you decide. Rereading the note, you consult your map and learn that the shrine in questions is perhaps an hour away by foot – not a difficult hike by any means. All you'd need to do is show a few apprentices around and demonstrate the sort of thing a Wanderer might normally do – say a few words, maybe make a small offering. Easy, no problem at all.

Taking ink and a quill from nearby, you scrawl out an amendment to Saku's note declaring that you'll be taking over their duties. Come first light, you'll pick up your new students and lead them to the shrine.

What could go wrong?

-

Something goes wrong almost immediately.

After resting for the night, you turn up at the entrance to the temple early and wait for the students to arrive. Only one of them does so, and it's a face you recognise. Sanae, Howa's “diligent” apprentice. She fidgets awkwardly as you sigh heavily, both of you realising that nobody else is coming.

“I think, um, they changed their minds,” Sanae offers lamely, “I don't think it's anything personal, I mean, but you've got something of a... reputation. Maybe the others didn't want to, um, risk their lives.”

What kind of person do these apprentices think you are? You're offended, but you will admit to feeling a perverse kind of pride at fear that your name seems to inspire. So, you ask Sanae wearily, does she still want to bother with this?

“Yes please!” Sanae nods eagerly, “I mean, if you don't mind...”

It's not like you've got anything better to do, you sigh.

[1/2]

>>46589054

As you lead Sanae along the dusty paths, you soon learn a few things about her. First, the girl is remarkably unfit, with even this easy walk leaving her gasping for breath after a while. Second of all, not even breathless exhaustion seems to be enough to stop her from talking. Despite having to draw in deep gasps of air between every few words, she talks on at a relentless pace.

Her dedication would be admirable, you think, if it wasn't so irritating.

“Are you going to be a teacher full time?” she asks as you take mercy on her and take a rest stop, “I mean, rather than being on the road all the time? I think you'd be good at it, you know, even if nobody else does. Ah, not that, um, not that anyone has said that! Not in... so many words, at least...”

If she was trying to cheer you up, you think, she's doing a pretty poor job of it.

“Don't let it discourage you!” the girl smiles brightly, even going so far as to lean across and pat you on the knee, “I think you're a great teacher! So far, I mean. Um, even though all we've done is... walk. Anyway, you should consider it – you really should!”

Consider giving up the nomadic life and settle down, you ask, is that what she means? You've got to wonder if she has some ulterior motive for bringing this up, or for wanting you to stick around a while longer. Be honest, you order her, did Howa put her up to this?

“Ah!” Sanae's eyes fly open wide, your question hitting the mark, “She wouldn't... I mean, why... um...”

Howa put her up to this. Of course she did.

>I can't retire yet – and Howa knows that
>The idea is tempting, I will admit
>Drop it, Sanae. I'm not interested
>Other

>>46589215
>The idea is tempting, I will admit
But
>I can't retire yet – and Howa knows that
Too much at stake right now.

>>46589215
>The idea is tempting, I will admit
>I can't retire yet – and Howa knows that
Gotta make sure there is something to retire to.

>>46589215
>The idea is tempting, I will admit
>But I can't retire yet – and Howa knows that

Retirement is one of those subjects that you've never been able to make up your mind on. The idea of settling down – let alone settling down with Howa – was something you'd never seriously considered before this cult affair started. You had assumed that you would live the Wanderer life until you died, and that would be the end of it. It took this unfolding crisis for you to realise what you had, and what you stood to lose. These days, the thought of a comfortable life together with Howa... it's not one you'd turn away from.

Still, you'd need a hobby. If current events are any indication, you'd never make it as a teacher. Maybe a priest, devoted to a single god?

The idea is tempting, you admit to Sanae, but you can't retire yet. There's too much at stake, and Howa knows that. Right now, you've got no way of being sure that you'd have something to retire to – a battlefield would not be the place to settle down in. So, you tell the wide-eyed girl with a slight smile, she can take that answer back when you're finished here.

“I will,” Sanae nods deeply, “But, um, I'll be rooting for you two!”

She'll be rooting for you. How... wonderful. Rest time is over, you tell her as you stand, time to hit the road again. Ignoring the groans and complaints escaping the girl – too much time in the damn archives and not enough exercise – you lead her away down the dusty trail. By your reckoning, you're about halfway there. A while longer, and you start to notice that something is... off. The plants lining the trail are overgrown, with thorns bristling on normally harmless flowers. It's a corruption that only gets worse as you approach the shrine, until the greenery is spilling out to claw at your clothes.

“This isn't normal,” Sanae gasps, “Um... is it?”

No, you reply grimly, it isn't normal at all. Something has got the god in these parts riled up – and you're going to be the ones to figure it out.

[1/2]

>>46589527

When you finally reach the shrine – in the end, you have to cut your way through a particularly stubborn bush – you are immediately greeted by the sound of someone cursing to themselves. The ground here is paved, with stone slabs forming a failing barrier against nature. Even so, weeds reach up through every crack and boundary to reclaim the ground. A nature god, you deduce, not unlike Mandragora. It seems like so long ago that you broke her famine, you think, and here you are with the opposite problem – too much growth.

Perhaps it's the fact that Mandragora is on your mind, but something about that cursing voice is distinctly familiar. Not just the voice, but everything about the girlish figure seems to resemble the fertility spirit.

“Um, sir?” Sanae asks, “What should we do?”

Sanae's question goes unanswered, your attention focussed on studying the area. Other than the single cursing figure sweeping the stone tiles, there is only one other thing in the area – a collapsed shrine, reduced to little more than a pile of stones. Well, you think, there's no great mystery here.

“Sir?” Sanae repeats, “Um, Ira?”

>We'll talk with her. Ready for some field experience?
>This could turn dangerous, and you're too much of a novice. You need to go back
>Not our problem. This lesson is cancelled
>Other

>>46589663
>We'll talk with her. Ready for some field experience?

>>46589663
>We'll talk with her. Ready for some field experience?
Ouch, what happened to the shrine? This doesn't seem like disrepair.

>>46589663
>We'll talk with her. Ready for some field experience?
Here we go!

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You'll just speak with her, you tell Sanae simply, and see what the problem is. Does she feel ready to get some field experience?

“I... suppose?” shrugging, Sanae's voice turns vaguely worried, “This isn't going to be hard work, is it? I'm not very good at hard work...”

You had noticed that, but you decide against mentioning that to her. No reason to shatter what little confidence she has. Settling for giving her an encouraging smile, you head over to the sweeping girl and call out a greeting. Hello there, you begin, what seems to be the-

“Piss off!” she snaps, glaring at you with hostile eyes, “Bloody humans, as if I didn't have enough problems already!”

You're not sure what surprises you more – her outburst, or the fact that she looks exactly the same as Mandragora. They could be sisters, identical twins even.

“Yeah?” the minor goddess sneers, “And you look just like all the human shits I've ever met, so I guess we're equal.” She spits at your feet, then, before wincing and brushing away the spittle. Then, glaring at you for a moment longer, she heaves a heavy sigh. “I'm Hyacinth, and this sorry sight is my shrine. I shouldn't take it out on you, I guess, but I've always had a temper. Kind of a thorny personality, I've been told.”

You... had noticed that. Fully aware that Sanae watching the scene unfold – this is hardly going to make a good impression on the poor girl – you offer Hyacinth your hand. Perhaps, you suggest, you should start over from the top.

“Why not?” Hyacinth grudgingly shakes your hand, “You've stuck around this long, at least. Like I said, welcome to my piece of shit shrine. Enjoy your stay, I guess.”

>So, do you get many worshippers?
>That's not just natural disrepair, is it? That looks like deliberate damage
>I'm not helping someone with an attitude problem. I'm leaving
>Tell me something... (Write in)
>Other

>>46589663
>>We'll talk with her. Ready for some field experience?
Guess these aprentices lucked out, aye?

>>46589952
>That's not just natural disrepair, is it? That looks like deliberate damage
>So, do you get many worshippers?

>>46589952
>>That's not just natural disrepair, is it? That looks like deliberate damage

>>46589952
>That's not just natural disrepair, is it? That looks like deliberate damage

Don't talk about worshippers, that's liable to trigger her temper.

>>46589952
Make Sanae join in the conversation, sometimes gods just need someone to talk to, or to vent to in some cases.

That's not just natural disrepair, you ask as you nod towards her collapsed shrine, is it? That looks like deliberate damage, like someone tore it down.

“Doesn't it just?” Hyacinth agrees, scowling hard at the ruins. Her hands, you notice, are white knuckle tight around the wooden handle of her broom, “It was never what you'd call “impressive”, mind you. In fact, the damn thing was pretty much falling down already.”

“Um, so it IS just disrepair?” Sanae asks, stepping forwards. You wince, preparing yourself for another outburst.

“Just because it was old and crumbling,” Hyacinth says slowly, shooting a poisonous glare at Sanae, “Doesn't give a bunch of drunk soldiers an excuse to sneak over at night and push it all down. That's just... rude!”

So, you say calmly, is that what happened?

“Damn right that's what happened!” Hyacinth wheels around and brandishes her broom as if she's about to crack you over the head with it, “It happened a couple of days ago, now. I was sweeping, making sure everything was neat and tidy when they came over – in the middle of the night and everything! - with their pig bellies full of wine. They were “bored”, they said, tired of sitting around some big old temple. Well, boredom is NO excuse for wrecking the place. Honestly!”

[1/2]

>>46590323

Those must have been soldiers from the encampment around the Nameless Temple. So, a couple of them got drunk and went looking for trouble. They came here, destroyed the shrine and offended the local god. Is that an accurate assessment of the situation?

“Get a load of this guy, with his fancy words!” Hyacinth looks over to Sanae and rolls her eyes, “You're right, if that's what you're asking. Bloody soldiers, no damn respect for anyone but themselves. So yeah, I'm not bloody happy about it – so what?”

“So, uh, what should we do?” Sanae asks, “I mean, the soldiers are long gone...”

>Here's what we'll do... (Write in)
>I want to ask a few questions about the shrine... (Write in)
>I don't think there's anything we can do about it, unfortunately
>Other

>>46590343
>Here's what we'll do... (Write in)
Could rebuild the shrine. It's not an especially big one so it shouldn't take too long. Rope the apprentices to help. Gives them something to spend some pent up energy on and gives them a chance to talk to a god. Field experience.

>>46590343
>I want to ask a few questions about the shrine... (Write in)
Just talk the shit honestly, I think she's just starved for company, rebuild what can be rebuilt and offer to send some apprentices to make her happy/make her mad at them for a giggle.
Give her news of what happened abroad since I doubt she gets that many visitors. While giving Sanae wise words the like gods can sometimes be right cunts and it is our jobs to suffer their rantings but it makes them somehow, human, would you say?

>>46590343
>>46590390
This should work. If a couple of drunk soldiers were able to knock it down we should be able to put it back together easily enough.

>>46590390
It could heat up their anti-Emperor sentiment, since the people to blame are soldiers.

I wonder if we should let Sanae gets the card of this god?

>>46590343
Do we know any god that is able to curse people for shit like this? If we do, we might offer to make him share this skill with Hyacinth, so she couldtake her anger out on the guilty party.

>>46590462
Yeah but this is the job they are training for. Soldiers, disrespectful villagers, accidents, etc. It's not a glamorous job and a lot of time its picking up after people's messes, but it's an important one none the less.

>>46590490
>turning down a free as in free beer spell card
Are you out of your mind?

>>46590462
We don't need to tell them though

>>46590515
Stop being vindictive. You keep doing eye for an eye and everyone will be blind eventually. It'll just make anti god sentiment stronger.

>>46590515

>Generally, a god only has power over the area of land considered their "territory". So, without bringing the soldiers back here, Hyacinth can't touch them. Gods, in addition, can't share their powers between each other, unfortunately.

>>46590515
Titanos and Zulathoon.
Yeah this is overboard.

>>46590554
That's not vindictivenes, that's self-defence.

>>46590592
Cursing someone after the fact is self defense? Sounds like revenge to me.

Unless you mean for future incursions. And even then that's a delicate situation.

>>46590343
>Here's what we'll do... (Write in)

Tell her we'll rebuild the shrine. Go round up some apprentices (make sure Jain and Koa aren't among them), then return and get to work. Leave Sanae at the shrine though. We'll get back faster without her, she will get valuable experience and Hyacinth will have a person to vent to. It's win-win.

Taking Sanae aside for a moment, you speak to her in a low voice. So, you ask, what does she make of things so far? Not quite what she expected, is it?

“Well, um, no,” the young apprentice admits, “I thought gods would be... reserved and dignified, you know? Majestic and divine, not...”

Angry and spiteful? Sometimes, you tell her, the gods can be just as volatile and nasty as humans. As a Wanderer, dealing with those rages and tantrums is an unavoidable part of the god. In a way, though, it makes them more like humans – more relatable, almost.

“I suppose,” Sanae shoots Hyacinth – the god has returned to her obsessive sweeping – a thoughtful look, “I don't think she's a bad person. Not really. I read that gods can get moody if something isn't right in their territory. I mean, if those soldiers did knock down her shrine...”

It would put her in a bad mood, you finish, and the land would reflect that. In this case, things seem to have taken effect in the most literal way possible – just as Hyacinth is the harsh, spiky type, so too has the land grown teeth. The best thing to do, you decide as you raise your voice so the goddess can overhear, is to rebuild the shrine. It shouldn't be too difficult, especially if you draft in some of the other apprentices. You could turn it into a lesson, in fact, a demonstration of what form a Wanderer's duties can take. How about that, you tell the pair, how does that sound?

“A new shrine?” Hyacinth can't keep a trace of excitement from her normally harsh voice, “For me?”

“More walking,” Sanae sighs, “And this sounds like hard work...”

Fine, you add, she can stay here while you round up some helping hands. The pair of them can talk – consider it a learning experience. Is THAT better?

“Deal!” Sanae nods enthusiastically.

[1/2]

>>46590848

Without the unfit girl slowing you down, you make the trip back to the Nameless Temple in much less time. From there, it doesn't take too long to gather some volunteers from among the apprentices – many of them, in fact, jumped at the chance to get out and do something productive for a change. It's no different from your time as an apprentice – study and meditation was a large part of your life, so you grabbed any chance to take a break from routine that came along. It might do them some good, as well, to work off some of their energy. Tire them out now, and they might not be quite so rebellious later.

With half a dozen eager bodies following you, many bearing a burden of tools, you return to Hyacinth's shrine. The path is still overgrown, but nature already seems to be releasing its grip on the land. At the very least, you can walk without fear of a low and thorny branch scratching your face.

“Sir!” one of the apprentices calls, hurrying to walk beside you. It's Milo, you realise, looking stronger and healthier than you've ever seen him. “I'm glad I was able to catch up,” Milo adds, “I wanted to pay you back, you know, for getting me out of those mines. Compared with working down the pits, this kind of work will be a breeze.”

His enthusiasm is welcome – and infectious. The sight of his willingness to work seems to spur on the other apprentices, driving them to chat and joke amongst themselves. As they fill the forest with the sounds of their good mood, Milo's smile drops a little.

“You never really said who did this,” he begins, “Do you know? Knocking down a shrine is pretty low...”

>I don't know who did it. It doesn't matter though, does it?
>It was some soldiers, drunk idiots, that did it
>The Emperor's men toppled this shrine. That's why we've got to fix it back up
>Other

>>46591033
>It was some drunk idiots that did it.

No need to mention they were soldiers

>>46591033
>>Other
Drunken idiots that you can find anywhere.

(Point of the lesson is that anyone can do this, whatever their profession)

>>46591089
Fuck, I meant to to say something like >>46591064

>>46591033
>It was some drunk idiots, that did it

>>46591033
>It was some soldiers, drunk idiots, that did it

>>46591033
>It was some drunk idiots, that did it

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>>46591033
>It was some drunk idiots that did it

Nice try Moloch

Just some drunken idiots, you tell Milo, the kind of moron that you can find anywhere.

You can't help but think back to Ishida as you say this – it's not a lie, after all, but it's certainly being selective with the truth. It's the kind of vaguely worded answer that she'd be proud of.

“Low,” Milo repeats, shaking his head in resigned disgust, “I can't believe people like that don't have anything better to do with their time. Folks like that, they need discipline – maybe joining the army would straighten them out?”

Poor Milo. Poor, naïve Milo.

When you and your party of apprentices arrive back at Hyacinth's shrine, you see the goddess sitting on the grass – the thorny weeds having parted before her – with Sanae cautiously perched on the stone tiles. They seem to be getting along, talking about whatever crosses their minds. You're a little surprised, honestly – you half expected to return to a raging argument. When she notices that you've returned, Hyacinth hops to her feet and rushes over. Perhaps it's the haste of her arrival, but a few of the apprentices back off slightly as she approaches.

“You really came back!” the happy surprise in Hyacinth's voice is strangely depressing to hear, “So, you lot are the ones who'll be cleaning up around here, are you? Good, good... well, it shouldn't take too long with this many of you. I'm not asking you to build a bloody palace or anything – anything more than a pile of horse shit would be an improvement over this sorry mess.”

She has such a way with words. As Hyacinth follows, shooing the slower apprentices along with her broom, you approach the toppled shrine and give it a good looking over. All it really needs, you realise, is for someone to pick up the stones and put them back in place. Hard work, true, but not complicated. With the workers you've got, it shouldn't take very long at all.

You'll be finished in no time.

[1/2]

>>46591424

In truth, it's a little more involved than that. As you and your gang of apprentices work, Hyacinth constantly buzzes around you, making “suggestions” and offering grudging encouragement. Under the warm sun, the work soon leaves you all sweaty and tired, but the labour itself feels somehow uplifting. Some have said that working your body in pursuit of a higher purpose is a truer form of meditation than any silent introspection could ever be, and you're starting to see their point. Sweat might run down your body, but the exertion leaves you feeling purified rather than besmirched.

It's a sentiment shared by the apprentices, who laugh and joke amongst themselves as they lift and carry stones back and forth. As time passes, the shrine takes shape – a kind of crude dome, with a clever design leaving the stones supporting their own weight. No matter how simple it might look, the practicality of the shrine is quite beautiful. The thought that some drunken fools could just come along and rip it down out of boredom is almost offensive.

As the shrine takes shape, Hyacinth's temperament seems to change. At first, her comments were barbed – accusations of slacking off, usually, with a few veiled compliments. Now, though, she laughs and claps, genuine happiness lighting up her green eyes. It's a nice thing to see, and no mistaking it.

Then, finally, the shrine is rebuilt. Gasping, panting and grinning, your faithful workers sprawl out on the warm stones and allow themselves a well-earned rest.

“You should say something,” Sanae suggests in a whisper, “You know, to make this a proper lesson.”

She's got a point. What would be the appropriate thing to say, at a time like this?

>Cooperation is vital. Men must live hand in hand with the gods
>The gods need men to defend them
>The gods are needy, and their tempers uncontrollable
>Other

>>46591701
>Cooperation is vital. Men must live hand in hand with the gods
When working together we can make things of beauty and inspiration.

Test

>>46591701
>Cooperation is vital. Men must live hand in hand with the gods
Seems like what we've been striving for. It would help if the common people were more educated. Less superstitious so they actually talk to the gods instead of being scared or more respectful to them so things like this don't happen. A lot of our Writ's come from both those issues.

>>46591701
The gods deserve respect, but in a way they're very similar to us humans. The gods are what we humans make them.

>>46591701
>Other
You take a lot of fighting lessons, but this here is what a Wanderer's work really is. Bringing in harmony. Between men and gods, between men and men - it's actually the same.

Listen up, you tell the mob of tired students, you've got something to say to them. It's not going to be a lecture, you add as a few of them groan playfully, but you want them to hear it. It's a lesson, one you think they should keep in mind in future. Cooperation, you tell them, is vital – men and the gods must live hand in hand. When they do, when they strive towards the same goals, they can make beautiful and inspired things. When they struggle against each other, all they can do is spread destruction and disharmony.

Next, you add, gods and men aren't so far apart – they deserve respect, but they are not beyond reproach. They are not be shunned out of superstitious fear, or avoided due to an excess of reverence. If more people knew that, the land would be less of a troubled place. Spread that lesson wherever they go, you suggest, so the people have the knowledge they need to solve their own problems.

You're getting into this now, pacing slightly as you let the words flow out of you. They have learned much about fighting, you tell the apprentices, but this is what a Wanderer's real work is – bringing in harmony between men and the gods. Harmony, you stress, between all men. That's the real challenge, and what you want them to hold in their hearts in the days ahead. That's what will save the land, not how well they can hold a sword.

They actually clap, then. It's not a rousing surge of applause, but the weak and sporadic clapping nevertheless brings a smile to your face. This teaching thing, you think, isn't so difficult after all. Okay, you tell them after a moment, they're finished here. They can head back home if they like, and get some rest – they look like they need it.

[1/2]

>>46592163

As the apprentices, Sanae and Milo among them, file away into the forest, you turn your attention to Hyacinth. She's finally stopped sweeping, instead leaning on her broom and regarding her newly repaired shrine with a kind of pride. Not bad, you remark, for the work of a bunch humans.

“Yeah,” Hyacinth agreed, “So you're not all bad. You got me there, Wanderer. Damn good job, even if you needed me keeping you on track.”

Of course, you nod sarcastically, where would you have been without her guidance? Nothing would have gotten done if she hadn't been there, “helpfully” telling you which rock to put where. How can you ever thank her?

“No need to thank me,” Hyacinth grins, her eyes flashing green, “Hey, I should be the one thanking you, right? Take it – a token of my appreciation.” Switching her broom to one hand, Hyacinth holds the other out with the palm raised. Coiling into the shape of a curled vine, white light blossoms there. A new spell – it feels like it's been a while since you got one.

>New spell card gained:
>[Hyacinth] Grasping Vines
>”You thought you could run? You can't outrun nature, you damn fools!”
>Thorny vines ensnare surrounding enemies, preventing them from escape or giving chase. Attacks and defence are unaffected.

“So,” Hyacinth leans on her broom again as you feel the magic searing its way into you, “What now, human? Gonna get drunk and shit on someone else's lawn, or what?”

She's still got a few thorns in her, you remark, hasn't she? Glancing up at the sky, you see that time has passed quicker than you thought. Still a while before evening, but...

>Return home and rest until Koa's duel
>You've got some other business to take care of... (Write in)
>Other

>>46592296
>Return home and rest until Koa's duel
Say a quick prayer before we go.

>>46592296
>Return home and rest until Koa's duel

>>46592296
>>Return home and rest until Koa's duel
>That spell card description
Kek.

>>46592296
>>You've got some other business to take care of... (Write in)
Talk with the other Teachers or Mentor about having students come up and visiting her shrine as a class. Do upkeep, holy ceremonies, and the like.

>>46592296
Maybe we can send some apprentices to make small talk and give offerings from time to time?

>>46592296
>my power is maximum: the card.
Guess we found her

Giving Hyacinth a faintly mocking smile – daring her to make some kind of snide remark – you bow down at her shrine and offer a brief prayer to her and her lands. It's nothing much, just wishing for them to be safe and fertile. The same courtesy that you would offer any god, really.

“I guess you must really like me, huh?” Hyacinth offers, as you pass her by, her voice sly, “Fertile, huh? Don't get any funny ideas, human – I'm not that kind of lady.” Smirking at you, sincere gratitude shining through in her eyes, she lingers for a moment before swatting at your feet with her broom. “Now go on, get out of here,” she snaps, “You lot left me with a lot of work, cleaning up after you. Next time you feel like visiting, wipe your damn feet!”

The gods, you think as you're leaving, are truly majestic.

-

Back at the Nameless Temple, you're passing the notice board when someone calls out to you. Saku, you realise as you spot the crutch he leans on, here to thank you for taking care of business. He's a plain looking sort, his hair already thinning even though he must be younger than you. The Wandering life, you think, does that to people. Wanderers might not get old often, but they certainly end up looking old.

“I've really got to thank you for this,” he rambles, his voice vague and aimless, “I never thought you'd be the one to cover for me, but I'm certainly not complaining. I heard about what happened, so I suppose I should doubly thank you. Quite a mess, wasn't it?”

[1/2]

>>46592821
Can we discuss the gods of the surrounding and what they'd need to keep happy? Maybe we can use that to keep the apprentice busy and not stewing? The area should be safe and this would give them a taste of field work?

>>46592821

Not so bad, you tell him, but he should sent some of his students over to keep an eye on things. The goddess there isn't easy to deal with, but she seems to like company. A few words now and then might prevent trouble further down the line.

“You've got a point,” Saku nods, “Yes, I'll pass that on. It'll make a good lesson for them, dealing with a moody goddess.”

And not just Hyacinth, you add after a moment's thought, but the other gods in the region. Sending the apprentices out to do some work might help with the tense air here – the party you took out certainly seemed to appreciate the chance to do some hard work.

“Are you sure?” Saku looks confused, uncertain, “That's our job, isn't it? Is it safe to send out apprentices to do the job of a Wanderer?”

That's not what you were suggesting, you tell the neurotic man, you meant sending apprentices out to speak with the gods. Just to talk, to keep the bonds between men and gods close. There's no harm in that, is there?

“Well... I'll take it to the Mentor,” the idea of palming the responsibility off onto someone else seems to please Saku, “You're a hard worker, aren't you Ira?”

Just as you're agreeing, you spy a furtive group of apprentices sneaking down a corridor – towards the training rooms. Duty calls, you tell Saku as you move to follow them. The injured man looks bewildered by your hasty exit but his crutch prevents him from following, while good sense prevents him from calling after you.

[2/3]

>>46593058

The apprentices lead you down towards one of the sparring rooms, the entrance flanked by a pair of nervy looking lookouts. Those novice watchmen freeze when you approach, but you just shake your head grimly at them. Don't even bother, you tell them, you're not here to break up their fun. You're here to watch, no different from any of them. Confusion warring with nervousness, the guards make no move to bar your passage, leaving you free to enter the gloomy room.

Inside, it's easy to spot the two sides in the conflict. Koa leans against one wall, alone and serene, while Jain and his retinue take up the other half of the room. The air stinks of anticipation, and the contagious energy is enough to quicken your pulse. You almost feel young again, young and ready to tear into some poor fool. The thought seems to conjure the taste of blood in your mouth, and your enthusiasm quickly sours to disgust. You're not that man any more.

It seems, you judge, that the duel will start soon. You've not got long to wait.

>Mingle, and get a feel for the mood
>Speak with Koa before the fight
>Confront Jain before the fight
>Other

>>46593101
>Mingle, and get a feel for the mood
Give Koa a nod though.

>>46593101
>Mingle, and get a feel for the mood

>>46593101
>>Mingle, and get a feel for the mood
Before it begins take the role of referee and lay the law at what they should and shouldn't do?

>>46593203
I don't think so. There are already rules in place I believe. I think our presence enforces them enough.

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>>46593101
awww we didn't have time to bring stuff

>>46593101
>Mingle, and get a feel for the mood
When will we get to see more of what Ira was like when he was younger?

You know better than to march up to Jain and start an argument, just as you know to keep your distance from Koa. You need to keep as impartial as possible, or you risk drawing the simmering anger in the crowd down upon you. Instead, you linger amongst the apprentices and take in the mood, getting a feel for it. There is definitely anger here, a kind of aimless force that grows because of its aimless nature. The apprentices here feel helpless, and this duel presents them with the illusion of control. For that, they are eager for it to get started.

That, and some of them just want to see two young men beating the shit out of each other.

As you're prowling through the room, you give Koa a slight nod. He opens one eye as you pass, and a tiny smile ghosts across his face. Compared with the nervous mess you saw earlier, he barely seems like the same person. Even more amazing is the fact that he seems to have risen above the cloud of bloodlust that hangs over the room, remaining cool and distant from it all. When you advised him to keep a cool head, you hadn't expected him to actually do it – not to this degree, at least.

When you've completed a lazy circuit of the room, you realise something – the people here don't want Jain to win, not as much as you were expecting. They just want someone – anyone – to win, to present themselves as the unofficial “leader” of their group. It doesn't matter who, or what ideology they preach, so long as it offers the illusion of strength.

Interesting.

Listen up, you shout as you step forwards into the sandy area, you're not here to break up this fight – but you ARE here to make sure they conduct themselves accordingly. This is to be a safe fight, you add, nobody has to die here. Glaring at the mass of bodies, you fall silent and prowl back to the sidelines. With that, Koa and Jain silently approach.

[1/2]

>>46593561

Koa retains that perfect calm, even as he is handed a wooden sword. Jain, on the other hand, looks like a madman. His head is shaven down to the scalp, and sweat shines on his skin. His eyes are wide, and his lips are drawn back in a desperate grimace. He looks... insane. There's simply no other way of putting it. He's out of his depth, you realise sadly, but he can't back down before losing face.

Silence falls upon the room – the atmosphere somehow growing more intense because of it – as the two young men circle each other. Jain swipes at the air as he does so, slashing wildly at phantom enemies, while Koa offers no such posturing. Koa's eyes never leave his rival, the dancing sword offering no distraction. He's got his form right, if nothing else, but will that be enough to carry the fight?

The silence shatters as Jain launches the first attack, an erratic series of sweeping blows that is like no formal fighting style you've ever learned. The basics are there, but Jain twists the familiar style and distorts it into something wild and eager. That's the kind of attack that could overwhelm someone, ending a fight within moments. Koa survives, favouring quick steps back and away over blocking of parrying. Wise – that comes later, once Jain has tired himself out. With each blow Jain throws out, the crowd matches with a roar.

That first attack sets the rhythm of the fight, with Jain's wild attack keeping Koa on the the defensive at all times. Neither of them can keep this pace, you realise, but who will make the first mistake?

It's Koa, some treasonous sand giving way beneath his heel as he is stepping around one of Jain's sweeping blows. He cries out – the sound almost drowned out by the roar of the crowd – and stumbles.

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>>46593839
Let 'er rip Koa

>>46593839

That stumble, amazingly, saves him. Even as he falls, Jain throws himself into a savage attack. The raging attack would have overwhelmed Koa, had it taken him full force but with the sudden change in direction, much of the energy is wasted. Seizing his chance – the first chance he's had in the entire duel – Koa slashes out with his dulled sword. It's a clumsy blow, but it slaps against Jain's thigh. You wince, knowing full well how badly such a blow can sting.

As Jain falters, the blow knocking some of his fury away, Koa scrabbles to his feet and twists, landing another blow on Jain's arm. A solid blow, this time, but nothing that could be considered a winning strike. A humiliating one, though, and it rekindles Jain's desperate anger. When the berserker lashes out, it is with his empty fist – and it's the kind of clumsy attack that Koa had been waiting for. Stepping past that punch, Koa drives the point of his sword – dull and rounded, but still heavy – into Jain's gut. A few voices in the crowd moan at the sight of the blow, groaning in sympathetic pain.

Jain coughs once, stumbling and falling down. He lands on his backside, a dull confusion finally entering his eyes. The fight is over – it must be.

Koa thrusts his hands up into the air, finally allowing his exhilaration – and exhaustion – to show. He faces the crowd, savouring the sudden wave of cheers that rises to meet him. The cheers stir new life into Jain's defeated form, the winded apprentice rising slowly. With his hand extended in friendship, he approaches Koa.

Then you see it – a glint of metal in his other hand.

>Please roll 1D100, aiming to beat 60 or 80. I'll take the highest of the first three!

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>46594085
REEEEEEEEEE

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>46594085
Spell card or is it just a reaction roll ?

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>46594085

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>46594085
Use that new vines spell?

>>46594143
That speed spell might be better

>>46594136

>No spell cards, but it doesn't matter now. Not with an 87 in >>46594142 anyway!

You don't think, you just react.

As Jain takes a step forwards – all eyes in the crowd remain locked upon Koa, allowing the would-be assassin to approach unnoticed – you push through the crowd and swing out your hand. As Jain throws his hands up in the air, both of his fists white knuckle tight around the grip of a tiny, almost toy-like, dagger, you lash out and grab him. With one hand locking around both of his wrists, your other hand finds his throat and bowls him to the ground. A shocked – horrified, even – silence descends upon the crowd at your sudden explosion of movement.

A dagger, you roar, he had a dagger! Your cry pierces the silence, causing the gathered apprentices to burst into overlapping waves of fearful whispering. Wrestling the weapon from his grip, you hold Jain's dagger up in the air for all to see.

“Shiki!” Jain screams, his eyes white and burning, “Shiki!” His skin beneath your fingers is fever hot, his voice cracking as he screams the name of his slain lover over and over again. Even when his voice breaks and he collapses into sobs, that name still tumbles from his lips. When the strength finally leaves his body and he lies still – weeping perhaps, but no longer fighting – you rise to stand.

This doesn't feel like a victory, you realise. This doesn't feel like anything of the sort. This is just raw desperation, the gathered hopes – as feral and misplaced as they were - souring and turning to despair.

Get out of here, you rasp, everyone get out. Out, you shout, get out!

Silence, then, broken only by Jain's miserable sobs.

>I think I'll end things here for tonight. Next thread on Tuesday, and I'll stick around to answer any questions there might be!

>>46594444
Welp

Thanks for running Moloch.

Koa alright?

Nice Quad 4s.

>>46594496

Koa is frightened, but alive. Unharmed, even!

>>46594444
I have a feeling that knife may have been Shikis, she gave it to Jain or there was other foul play at hand. We should use our 'detect magic' card next thread.

>>46594605
yeah probably

>>46594444
how close was Ira to killing Jain?

>>46594605
Pretty sure this was mundane.

>>46594620
>how close was Ira to killing Jain?
Not at all? He just disarmed him.

>>46594660
Yeah it could as well be mundane but better safe than never, right?

>>46594605

We might end up handling the investigation next thread. This matter should probably be looked into!

>>46594620
>>46594660

Ira wouldn't have deliberately tried to kill Jain. That said, when you see someone with a knife, your instincts can take over - and Ira did have his hand on Jain's throat!

>>46594733
Ira's rep around the Temple improved due to his little field trip?

>>46594733
>and Ira did have his hand on Jain's throat!
again with throtling, Ira might want to speak with Mentor on this

>>46594819
That's what you do when you disarm someone. And he didn't throttle or squeeze, he just knocked him prone.

Tad over exaggeration don't you think?

>>46594757

It changed, that's for sure! He's more of an unknown element now, but it might encourage other Wanderers to be a little more open with him - which will probably up in having them dump their problems on Ira's plate, of course!

>>46594819

Just another day in the life of Ira "Perfectly Calm" Furyo!

>>46594757
I think the apprentice will slowly start looking up at him in a new light. He will still be the "scary man" but they'll have a newfound respect for the title.

I wonder if the Mentor could talk about some of his most loved aprentices he had

>>46594886
>which will probably up in having them dump their problems on Ira's plate, of course!
What else is new?

>>46594886
Hey Moloch, back when we first started learning about sorcery from the Temple's archives we were led their by and found some kind of creature

What the hell ever happened to that thing?

>>46594963
might have been just a figment?

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142 KB PNG

>>46595026
Banshees that knock us on our ass were just a figment?

>>46594963

That was a spirit, a kind of shade stirred up by Titanos returning to his days of human sacrifice. Very rare, but not completely unheard of. Now that Titanos has returned to his "civilized" form, the shade has ceased to exist.

>>46594914

Side quests are fun, right?

>>46594910

I think the apprentices will see Ira in a better light, especially after the duel. The simple fact that he didn't break it up won him some respect.

>>46595052
>The simple fact that he didn't break it up
this is Ira "Bit of an Ear" Furyo after all

>>46595133
off* anon

>>46595052
Did you roll up the fight between Jain and Koa?


Also is it weird I can see a Wanderer(or even Mentor) coming to Ira for help only for Howa to chase him off with her cane because it's interrupting their time together?

>>46595052
Sanae enjoy herself in spite of all the hiking?

Is she chatting up Howa about it right now when she should be working?

>>46595195

I used the roll last thread for teaching Koa, modified by the advice we gave him. Since we told Koa to keep a cool head, it made up for our mediocre roll for teaching. So, I didn't roll for it directly, but the result was because of our actions.
And, I can see Howa being pretty territorial as well. You've got to make the most of the time you have together!

>>46595213

She did enjoy herself, but Sanae got off pretty lightly, considering she did very little actual work! I imagine she'll have a lot of very excited words to share with Howa later, probably whenever Howa wants a peaceful moment.

>>46595293
Read any more quests recently Moloch? What are you following?

>>46595667

I've been pretty bad at working on my backlog, actually. I started reading A Tale of Witches, but I didn't get very far. I fear I won't have a lot of spare time in the foreseeable future, either, so that might not change.

I feel a little guilty about that, actually - I know there are a lot of really great quests out there, but I struggle to catch up with these things.

>>46595799
I heard that Hex stopped doing AToW so fair warning and all. Might just end abruptly

>>46595830

Yeah, I heard about that. It's looking pretty unlikely that I'd ever get that far anyway, so maybe it balances out?

>>46595867
So far do you think we are in the story? Guesstimate.

Devil Summoner were around 40ish each, but in those we had clear cut objectives (cornerstones and fragments). We're still trying to figure out how to handle the situation in Sleeping Gods.

>>46594444
>>46594142
Damn, I almost wanted that roll to fail, so we can use the fast step spell card and just take the blow.

Then in mounting horror, Jain sees Ira glaring at him with his one eye.