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>>46920510

Peering over the rim of your glass, you watch as Ra practically drags the herald away, Hirohito – that giant of a man – following with a grace that seems out of place in his vast frame. You watch the three of them argue quietly for a while, listening very carefully, but most of their words pass you by. You definitely hear the word “confirmation”, though – a single example plucked from the conversation that doesn't fill you with much comfort. Something is going on, you deduce, but there is still a great degree of uncertainty.

Then Ra returns to the table, playing the role of the gregarious host perfectly – save for the deathly pallor that no smile could hope to cover up. Assuring anyone who so much as looks his way that the situation is under control, that there is nothing to worry about, he nods in your direction. Taking the hint, you rise to follow Ra as he ventures some small distance away, far enough that your conversation can go unheard. Hirohito joins you, and that alone is a sign of trouble to come.

“I need a favour,” Ra begins plainly, “I fear we may have a problem. Until we can learn more, however, I need someone here to watch over things.”

And what, you ask, does he mean by “watch over things”?

“Project an aura of confidence and certainty,” Hirohito tells you, “Deflect any questions. The people will put their faith in anyone who looks like he knows what he is doing – you must be that man.”

“And keep Miura safe,” Ra adds.

“Priority should go to keeping the Emperor safe, surely?” Hirohito counters, a thoughtful tone in his voice. Ra's eyes widen slightly as he realises his mistake, but that is the only reaction he gives.

>I'll take care of them. Both of them
>I should be out there, whatever the problem is
>This isn't my problem. I'm just another guest, after all
>Other

>>46920515
>>I'll take care of them. Both of them
Would have done it anyways.

>>46920515
>>I'll take care of them. Both of them

>>46920515
>I'll take care of them. Both of them

>>46920515
>I've been wondering for a while, but surely the Emperor is trained at self-defense?
let's give Ra SOME space here
>I'll take care of them. Both of them
Ira can go kill more gods later.

You'll take care of them, you promise Ra, both of them. You add that with a cautious glance across at Hirohito, who meets your eye with a cool, level gaze. Somehow, you get the impression that he'd have no trouble staring straight into your blind and ghoulish eye, something that even you struggle with at times. He seems to accept your response well, offering nothing more than a slight nod.

“Thank you,” Ra slaps you on the shoulder, as if desperately seeking to reassure you – or himself – that everything is under control. You've never seen him like this, rattled and uneasy, and it's starting to worry you.

How bad, you ask yourself, must the situation be?

“I'll be back as soon as I can, once I... once we've worked out what exactly is going on,” Ra nods to himself, “It doesn't seem to be an attack, at least.”

“Not on the capital,” Hirohito corrects the advisor, a faint humour – vulgar, at a time like his – forming an undercurrent to his words. Without expanding on what he might mean by that, although you could probably take a guess, the general turns and strolls off in the direction of a faint sound. Shouting, perhaps, although the voices are broken and distorted by the distance. Ra grimaces at you before following after the giant man. Alone once more, you slowly return to the main body of the party.

It doesn't feel right, using that word. There is very little in the way of good cheer to be found here. The faces you scan are all white, pale with fear and uncertainty. At least the fear is yet to spill over into overt panic, but you know that a single act could change that. A single gunshot, even, would be enough.

[1/2]

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>>46920772

You spot a brief island of calm amidst the turbulent crowd in Ishida's cool face. Her eyes are alive, flashing and flickering across the crowd, never quite remaining still for a moment, but that is the only sign that she is anything other than calm. In open – and yet understandable, considering the circumstances – breach of protocol, she has a short blade resting across her thighs, one hand resting lightly on the grip.

You wish you had a weapon like that, a real one. If things do go wrong, the little folding knife in your suit jacket will be virtually useless. Your suit itself won't be much help in combat, either – and the stains, should you need that knife, would never wash out.

At least Miura is in good hands, watched over by her own guardian. That means you can focus your attentions on the Emperor.

...Where, you ask yourself suddenly as you scan the crowd, has that little brat wandered off to?

“This is all very exciting,” Sho Tatsuhiro, Emperor of Tenngaru, says from behind you, “Don't you think?”

Jerking around to look at the boy – and that absurd, pretend uniform of his – you stifle a curse. Forcing a neutral smile, you murmur a kind of agreement. Very exciting, you tell him, but it comes at something of a bad time.

“Nonsense, it's the perfect time!” Sho gives you a sly smile, “I saw what was going on. A little war between you and the guest of honour, perhaps?”

You don't much care for his flippant use of the word “war”, but you can't really deny that he has a point. The situation between you and Kurasu might have escalated, if not for the sudden emergency.

[2/3]

>>46920880
>"Would you believe me if what happened was not directly due to him?"

>>46920906
Nah we should say it was the speech that did it as a joke.

>>46920880

“Walk with me,” Sho says suddenly, turning and walking away from the party without waiting for your answer. Stifling another curse, you follow after him. Once you're some distance away, he turns to look you in the eye. “A man like you,” he begins, “You get to know things, I imagine.”

Certain things, you answer, but not always the right ones. You've never learned to cook, and all this protocol business is a mystery to you. In terms of capital life, you've still got a lot to learn.

“Oh, never mind that nonsense,” Sho waves away your attempt at a diversion, “I mean, you know people, don't you? How to deal with them, how to sway them to your ways.”

You don't like where this is going.

“You know her, don't you?” Sho blurts out at last, “I saw it. She waved at you, right before dinner. She waved, so you must know her, right?”

That shy little wave Miura threw your way. Of course Sho's clever little eyes would have picked up on that. You remain silent for a while, dearly hoping that the boy might change the subject on his own – a slender, futile hope that is soon crushed.

“So you can ask her what she thinks of me, can't you?” Sho pauses, “In fact, you will. I'm ordering you too – I can do that, you know.”

You knew it.

>Why not just talk to her some more?
>We're hardly close. I doubt she'd give me an honest answer
>Orders are orders. I'll see what she has to say
>Give it up, that's a losing battle
>Other

>>46920944
>Why not just talk to her some more?
"Miura's a smart girl Sho. If I randomly walked up to her and asked her how she thinks of you, she'll pick up on that it was because you asked me to do it. Specifically if it comes after you taking me aside like this. Do you want that?"

>>46920944
>I am afraid that such action is not befitting of an emperor. Or a potential suitor, hint hint.
>You'll be fine, really. Just remember that followers of Selene are rather particular about honesty.
>Speaking of Selene, I suppose I could tell you what I know of her faith. What do you already know?

>>46920931
No, we clear it up with the truth. It just so happens that the truth is we AREN'T sorry it happened.

>>46920990
>Dat segque.

>>46920978
Brat'll probably say something like "then be subtle about it!"

>>46920944
> Look. She knows you're the Emperor, and people always say things about royalty. But don't you think it would be better for her to get to know you as Sho?

> Just talk to her. Let her decide how she feels about you as a person instead of as a symbol.

> I mean, you're picking a fight with the gods. Surely a woman can't be . . . Okay, well look there's just some things a man has to do no matter how intimidating it might be.

>>46921068
"Do I look subtle?"

>>46920944
I didn't know Sho was short for Shounen.

Fucking teens.

>Why not just talk to her some more?

Miura, you tell Sho cautiously, is a clever girl. If you simply walked up to her and asked for her opinion of him, she would know straight away that there was some ulterior motive behind the question – especially now you've been taken aside for this private conversation. Why not just talk to her some more, you suggest, why not try that first?

“This might come as a surprise,” Sho mutters in response, a faint colour rising in his cheeks, “But my duties as Emperor haven't offered me much practice in...”

Not even the most hideous of tortures could drag this from you, but you're getting a definite sense of satisfaction from watching Sho squirm like this. Practice, you ask innocently, in what?

“In... talking,” Sho clears his throat, covering up his mouth with an ornate sleeve, “To, ah, girls.”

This is a better reward than any island.

“This is a serious matter!” the boy snaps, although there is no venom in his voice, “How will I ever find a bride, if...”

The first thing to keep in mind, you tell him with a sigh, is that people will always treat him differently because of his position. Miura knows exactly who he is, and the authority granted by his status. The best thing he can try is to approach her and speak with her as an equal, leaving the next move up to her. She needs to get to know him as a person before they can make any real progress.

“Wise counsel,” Sho nods sagely, “I can tell that you've had a lot of experience in these matters.”

You just made all that up, plucking the first things that came to mind. Holding your tongue, you accept Sho's dubious praise with a nod. In either case, you add, lingering in the shadows like this is hardly a fitting way for an Emperor to carry himself. Talk to her, you repeat, and take it from there.

[1/2]

>>46921235

“Yes, that's right. Actually...” Sho glances across at you, “We've spoken before, you know. Briefly, but it was... it wasn't a disaster, at least.”

Then he's already made a start. How did she react to him, then?

“Well, I think we got on well enough,” Sho frowns, “Maybe. I'm not sure if she was being honest, or if she was just humouring me. Like you said, I have authority over her – over any citizen of this land. She would pretend to like me, wouldn't she?”

Followers of Selene are very particular with their honesty, you remind him, so that's one thing he doesn't need to worry about. In fact, you might even be able to help him find some common ground to use as a conversation starter. After all, you know a thing or two about Selene's faith. If he wanted to know anything...

“I don't,” Sho says flatly, “I don't need to know that stuff. Nobody will, come the next generation.”

The blunt certainty in that comment – delivered without arrogance or bluster – chills you.

“I'll speak with her again,” the Emperor decides, the hard edge vanishing from his voice in an instant, “Ah, but never mind that. You didn't think much of Kurasu's speech, did you? I don't think you were alone in that regard.”

Changing the subject, you notice, without even trying to disguise the fact. You begin to murmur an excuse about needing some fresh air when Sho simply laughs.

“I don't blame you,” he shakes his head, “That's the sort of thing I need to listen to every day. Don't you feel sorry for me? Well, no matter – soon enough, Kurasu will be enjoying his new job, and you'll be... doing whatever it is that you do. Wandering, I suppose. Speaking of that, we should probably wander back soon, before the thugs start to worry. Though... did you have anything you wanted to tell me?”

>I just wanted to pay my respects
>I DID have a question for you... (Write in)
>Other

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>>46921235
This fucking scene.

>>46921352
Of all the times to forget my laptop charger....
>hirohito
>invitation to meet Mentor
>get a feel for what he knows about the actual consequences of his actions, and his opinion on ends and means
>fuck it, straight up ask about the prophesy

>>46921352
>I DID have a question for you...

Ask him why he dislikes the gods so much, and name drop that we're going to talk to Selene directly if he wanted us to ask her anything for him. Or if he wants to talk to a god himself, but I dunno about that risk.

Also remind him that religion and politics makes for poor conversation when you're starting to woo a woman. Let's stop him from going full fedora on Miura here.

>>46921352
>Other

Tell him about the blasted lands we saw where sorcerers got rid of the gods, and that it's something he might want to see so that he knows a possible outcome to be wary of if he's intent on doing away with them.

>>46921474
Wait. We just suggested faith as a starter conversation. WTF Ira.

>>>46921352
> Take that part out then. Whoops.

>>46921452
>>46921474
>>46921352
I feel like we are straying into dangerous territory here, but fuck it. No one else in this damn palace is going to talk to him about this shit. Even if he dismisses all of it, at least its in his head.

Two things he needs to hear
>Anything you don't here directly from Selene's lips should be taken with a huge grain of salt
>Prophesy is bullshit, even directly from Selene, because it's on of many futures.

>>46921352
If he asks us how we know all this shit.

>For weeks I've been wandering the land trying to figure out what's happening to this country. Why so many people are losing their lives. That means trying to figure out the motives for a lot of the major players and I'm a good investigator. You have to be as a Wanderer.

>>46921566
Dude. Fuck dude. You just want to hang Ra out there? You just want to betray our friends trust? Not to mention sketch the Emperor?

Casually mentioning we have a direct line to the patron goddess of his love interest is one thing, talking shit to the dude is another.

Mary casually warning him about speaking to her if we do bring her up, about how it's risky talking to God's of prophecy because prophecies and truth are bullshit for reasons is one thing, saying I directly to his face is another.

Yeah, he's an awkward teenage boy. But he's also a precocious Emperor that can cut off your fucking balls. Or worse, cut Ra who has been like his dad out of his life and be left with Jackals and a lion. Who while a brave beast is still a beast.

>>46921656
How was that talking shit? Or implicating Ra? I was just telling him about the loopholes in Selene's religion.

You have no idea how sincere that request might be. He might simply be fishing for a compliment - praise for his disgusting costume, say – or he might be genuinely opening himself up to questions. All you can do, you decide, is take the plunge and see what he's willing to offer in response. You'll just... start small and work your way up.

You noticed, you begin carefully, that he seemed to have a great deal of respect for Hirohito. Do they have a close relationship, or is it a matter of professional respect?

“We don't speak often, man to man,” a faint trace of regret enters Sho's voice, as if he wishes things could be different, “But I trust him – and I think he trusts me. I'm glad to have him here, watching over the capital. Whenever we speak, he always has words of wisdom to share with me.” A pause, then, as Sho gives you a sly smile. “But,” the boy adds, “He's never tried to tell me what to do. Not like... other people.”

Like Ra, you think to yourself. If he's interested in wise words, you offer, he might find some benefit in speaking with the Mentor. You don't know if anyone has ever made this offer before, but you'd like to formally invite him to visit the Nameless Temple. If nothing else, you add with a shrug, it's a stunning building to look at.

“A visit to the Nameless Temple?” Sho wonders aloud, “You know, I might just take you up on that at some point. You'll need to clean up, however – and I don't just mean dusting the corners. An Emperor being put in danger would not reflect well upon you, or your temple.”

As if he needed to remind you.

“Well, it might be amusing,” a smile, not a particularly nice one, flashes across his face, “I always liked museums, and ancient history – I don't often get the chance to visit it in person.”

Ishida's disgruntled words come back to you – he's a worm.

[1/?]

>>46921695
> Ishida's disgruntled words come back to you – he's a worm.

We should remind her that Miura can hopefully help him grow past that.

>>46921791
Well her reasons for calling him a worm is a bit different than ours.

>>46921695

Then, you tell him with a forced smile, he's got even more reason to visit. You're certain that the Mentor would be happy to speak about history with him, and it might make a nice change to see the world outside the capital city. Seeing the world at large, you add, might be an education in of itself – a chance to see the consequences of his actions, of the actions of his generals and the growing tension.

“Consequences?” Sho puzzles out the word, “Oh, I suppose there will be. I can't please everyone, no matter how much they should appreciate what I'm doing for them. I have lofty aims, Ira, and that always gets a bad reaction from certain... types.” He frowns, “Some people can't look up from the dirt around their feet, can they? And they choose to tear down anyone who dares to look higher. Well, no matter – this grubby little rebellion won't be a problem for long, I imagine.”

And that end, you ask quietly, what is that worth?

“Anything,” Sho smiles then, a bright smile free from menace or bitterness, “I wonder, Ira, if you could understand. Let me tell you – how much power does a god have?”

They have limited power, you admit, usually bound to the area they inhabit.

“There you are,” the Emperor sits in the grass, drawing a wide circle in the dirt with his finger, “But a man has power anywhere. When my railroad is complete, I'll be able to show everyone in the land what men can do – I can circle this land faster than anyone ever could. I can go anywhere, while the gods dare not stray far from their homes. Then, the world will see – men hold the future in their hands, not the gods.”

You stare at him in silence, thinking his words over carefully.

“So,” Sho looks up at you, “What do you think?”

>You're right about one thing, it's a high aim
>Men don't deserve to hold the future in their hands
>You hate the gods, is that it?
>Other

>>46921852
> Why does he think that men and gods can't create the future together?

> After all, in a sense God's are the reflection of men. Different types of worship can . . . Change them.

>>46921852
Jesus. Kid never forgave his Dad for accepting the prophecy, hey?

> Neither men nor gods are infallible, hey? The future either makes isn't always the one they wanted when it comes to pass.

>>46921852
> Sounds like you dislike the people who hold their faith in the gods higher than their fellow men, more than you actually dislike the gods themselves. Have you talked to any gods before?

>>46921961
Seconding this, although internally ponder

>what kind of god os born from belief in man?

>>46921852
"I like the idea Sho, I really do. I don't think Mankind should stagnate on account of the gods. But that doesn't mean we should completely destroy them to prove some kind of superiority. Not if there is a way to work together and compromise. They are part of this land just as much as we are and our actions effect them just as much as it effects each other."

"This railroad idea. Why don't you try talking to Lapis about it? Not his followers and certainly not that arrogant idiot of a head priest. I mean the god himself, one on one, and just talk. Gods might surprise you with how agreeable they are and how much they are like us."

>Tell him about our simple encounter with Hyacinth. How she was just some cranky woman, one that you can find anywhere, that wanted some help and conversation.

>>46922049
>I don't think Mankind should stagnate on account of the gods.

I don't think Mankind should stagnate on account of the gods. Or more specifically, the god's followers.*

>>46922049
> Just as not all men are Emperors, not all gods are equal either.

> Most are just taking care of their local area, trying to get by. So long as people don't start being violent to the gods or each other they're like a beneficial insect that aids the fields.

>>46921852
>>You're right about one thing, it's a high aim
But remember the gods that have the longest reach are usually the ones most powerfull

>>46922160
I wouldn't really call them an insect.

Don't want to inflate Sho's superiority complex over them any further.

Is he suggesting, you ask, that men and the gods can't make a future together? After all, the fates of men and gods can hardly be separated – the gods are reflections of men, shaped in their image and by their actions. Different acts of worship can change a god, pushing them closer or further away from a shared future. But, you add, he needs to remember one thing...

“Oh?” Sho raises an eyebrow, “You would be the expert in these matters, I suppose. Go on, Ira, tell the Emperor of this land what he should know.”

Neither men nor gods are infallible, you tell him sternly, and the future rarely takes the form that either imagine for it. His idea of mankind's future could be far darker than he ever imagined, and a god can be just as far off the mark.

Perhaps it's your talk of the future – your hint towards Selene's prophetic words – that does it, but Sho's eyes grow hard and bright, lit from within with a dangerous kind of intensity, of obsession almost. Yet, for all the mania in his eyes, he says nothing – not yet.

In either case, you suggest, it almost sounds like his grudge isn't against the gods themselves, but those who hold them above human authority. That's something you can sympathise with – you hate the idea of mankind growing stagnant and debased because of a dark, primitive version of faith. However, holding the gods themselves to account for that is a mistake, and a dangerous one to make.

“Because the gods are reflected in their followers,” Sho deduces, “You're saying that my real enemy is the cult, and all those who follow in their footsteps.”

That certainly gets to the heart of the matter, you agree cautiously. Then you decide to change track – has he ever, you ask, spoken with a god?

[1/2]

>>46922219

“Never,” Sho's answer is very definite, “And I don't think I'd care to.”

He shouldn't be so certain, you counter, because not all gods are the same – no more than all men are Emperors. Most of them – gods, you mean – are quite modest, in their own ways. One of them, Hyacinth, wasn't that much different from the kind of cranky old woman that can be found anywhere. All she really wanted was to keep her shrine clean and have a conversation now and again.

“That's all?” Sho almost sounds... confused.

That's all, you confirm, no acts of sacrifice or subjugation – just a few words exchanged now and then. Sho digests this in silence, looking back down at the circle he carved in the dirt. He's right about one thing though, you tell him, his railroad is a high aim. High, but one that risks offending a fairly important god.

“The dragon, isn't it?” Sho reaches out and scratches a long vertical line, imitating the Dragon River, “I've been told – warned, if you like – about disturbing that land. Any bridge I seek to build over that river, I'm told, would be blown up within the week.”

Blown up, you point out, by men and women – not Lapis, or any other god. So why not take this idea of his to the god himself, and see what kind of compromise they can work out? You've met Lapis before, and he seemed quite agreeable. It might just end up saving a fair few lives.

“I wonder...” Sho muses over his crude drawing, smoothing out the section that imitates the Dragon's Head, “You know, it might work. If we could work out some kind of agreement... well, I'd be the first Emperor to claim some kind of divine mandate. I like the sound of that.”

You're not sure you do, though. Before you can reply, a horn is blown, the sound echoing through the gardens.

“I think they're missing us,” Sho remarks, “My, we certainly spoke for a while, didn't we? I've worked up a fair thirst!”

[2/3]

>>46922344
>sho tries to drink
Uhoh

>>46922344
Aw shit, could we remind him to not get too smashed since he wants to keep his wits to impress Miura? Eye on the prize and all that.

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>>46922344

Lured more by the prospect of a drink than the thought of returning to his party, Sho rises and wanders off in the direction of that mournful horn. You follow, the conversation leaving you uncertain – but not without hope. He might be motivated by his own ego as much as anything else, but Sho isn't quite as unreasonable as you first feared.

Assuming he was being honest, of course.

When you arrive back, Ra immediately appears to steer you back away from the masses. If his face was grave before, now he looks close to fainting.

“The situation is grim,” he explains, launching into an explanation immediately, “The Stone of the South-West has been taken, overthrown by a group claiming to represent... “Tenngaru's oppressed and voiceless masses”, or so I'm told. Already, refugees from the south-west have arrived at the city gates, wounded and carrying what little they were able to escape with. They speak of mass executions, of the entire fort being put to the torch. Matsuhiro... I fear the worst.”

The oppressed and voiceless masses, you repeat, no word of faith or gods?

“Suspicious, wouldn't you say?” Ra grimaces, “Hirohito is gathering troops to retake the city, with aim to leave immediately.”

“That's right,” the giant booms, “Are you ready to serve the military once again, Ira?”

The suggestion takes you by surprise. You're hardly dressed for that, you manage, are you?

“No matter,” Hirohito dismisses your concern with a flat shake of his head, “We have plenty of uniforms, and the Emperor's armouries will open for you. I want you in on this, Ira – are you prepared to do your duty?”

>Ready and eager
>You can't conscript me. You don't have the authority
>What about the situation here, don't you need me standing guard?
>I need to know more about the situation here... (Write in)
>Other

>>46922446
>Other
"I'm going, but I'm going as a Wanderer. I'll help you as best I can, but I'll be following my own prerogative out there."

>>46922446
>Ready and eager
Assuming the emperor is well protected from assassins, as we're fairly sure there are agents here.

>>46922446
this
>>46922485

>>46922485
>>46922446
Also go grab our Wanderer clothes and gear. If we need to talk to the cultists I don't want the wrong impression with a military uniform. Let them know that they are pissing off both the Military and the Nameless Temple with their actions.

>>46922446
> Why? You know my specialty, do you think there is a need for me there?

> Or do you think that the Emperor isn't a prize worth using an entire rebellion as a decoy.

> After all, if it's the Cult then they view all authority as lying with the head, yes? And if it isn't then I'm not sure what use I'll be as just another soldier. I'm not a tactician, more of a diplomat who occasionally uses his sword to negotiate.

>>46922554
You'd be surprised how much impact a right man at the right place can be. The Emperor has other guards.

>>46922446
this
>>46922485

>>46922576
Yeah, but I want to know what Hirohito's plan is.

Dude might think we're dangerous getting so close to the Emps. Or that we're suspicious being from the temple. Or that there's a God involved. He might make us try to take a side, or use us as a scape goat.

You're ready to do your part, you tell Hirohito, but you'll be doing it as a Wanderer – you don't want to be wearing the Emperor's colours if you have to deal with cultists. Besides, you want them to know that they've made an enemy of the Nameless Temple as well – let them worry about that.

“I don't care whose colours you're wearing,” Hirohito tells you with a snarl of a smile, “Just as long as you're willing to take to the field.”

But why, you ask, is that? He knows what kind of work you do, what your speciality is – does he think you'll be needed as a Wanderer? After all, you add, you're no solder – if anything, you're closer to a diplomat. Dumas should have taught him that.

“I want to see you in action with my own eyes,” Hirohito explains, “That's the only real way to learn what a man's true face looks like, the only way to know a man for real. Maybe you could call this a test – a way for me be sure of your worth.”

At least he's honest. The cult sees the Emperor as the head of their great enemy, you point out, and they'd do anything to take that head – even staging a rebellion, just for the sake of a distraction. Is this test worth taking you away from here?

“I think it is,” Hirohito nods, “I think you might just be worth the investment, Ira. Fear not, the Emperor will be well guarded – I'm putting the defence of the city in Takino's hands.”

Didn't he just say the Emperor was going to be well guarded?

“If something happened to the boy, Takino would be finished,” Hirohito growls, “I'd see to it myself.”

“If you'd rather remain here...” Ra adds, making his voice heard once more.

No, you shake your head, you'll go. You'll help as best you can, but you're going to be following your own orders out there.

“Then make your preparations,” Hirohito announces boldly, “We leave as soon as we can!”

[1/2]

>>46922719

Life, you think as the wagon shudders over a dip in the road, has some strange twists and turns. Not long ago, you were at a party, savouring fine whisky and talking philosophy with the Emperor. Now, you're back in your rough leather travelling clothes, sharing a wagon with a group of hardened soldiers. In the approaching south, the sky is lit up with smoke and the reflected light of raging fires.

The wagons were all that could be mustered on short notice, with barely enough horses to pull them. You ride in grim convoy, few words and many suspicious glances exchanged between you and the other soldiers. The Stone of the South-West isn't far from the capital, but it isn't a journey you'd like to make on foot, not like the parade of refugees that you pass. They form a winding chain, weeping and coughing, the wounded left where they fall. How long, you wonder, since the first shot was fired? What were you doing, while the Emperor's men traded shots with the rebels – folding newspapers with Aya, perhaps, or getting fitted for a suit?

No point in dwelling on that. Standing ahead of you, his massive bulk threatening to tilt the wagon, Hirohito gazes at the inferno ahead. You were a little surprised to see him taking a place among the common soldiers, but he offered no comment. All part of his test, you assume.

“Listen up!” Hirohito shouts, turning to face his men, “We've been wounded this day, but now is the time to pay back that wound. We'll hit them hard, and show no mercy. Crush them without delay or hesitation, take no prisoners if it would slow you down, and above all else... keep the man by your side safe. We've lost enough good men already.”

A cheer, ragged and angry, answers him. As Hirohito sits opposite you, he gives you a defiant look.

>We should aim to take them alive. We need their information
>Isn't it a risk, leading from the front like this?
>You got it right. We should crush them
>Remain silent
>Other

>>46922860
>Remain silent.

>>46922860
>Other
"You do your job, I'll do mine."

"Though trading bloodbaths doesn't feel like it's going to solve anything."

>>46922925
Id just stay silent, this man listens to politics all day he doesn't want to hear a speach, he wants to see action!

>>46922941
>>46922860
Go with this then. Also still agree that the quicker we end this the better.

>>46922860
"I'll try and find their leader. I can move faster since I am solo and they might hesitate attacking someone not in a uniform."

If this is another part of his test – challenging you to disagree with his orders, perhaps – you don't want to play his games. Meeting his gaze, you lean forwards to answer him. If he does his job, you tell the general, you'll do yours.

“That's all I wanted to hear,” Hirohito gives you a wolfish smile.

But trading one massacre for another, you point out, might just lead to a revenge attack. Even if it doesn't, it might not solve anything – other than satisfying some hunger for revenge. Solving this as quickly as possible is still worth the effort, though – there might still be survivors.

“I doubt it,” Hirohito mutters as he gazes towards the distant fires, “If there were, they're already marching to the capital seeking rest and shelter. Listen, Ira, our plan is simple. When we arrive, my men will split up and search the area, eliminating any resistance. You're a free agent here, so you're free to choose your own approach – but don't get in the way.”

You were planning on looking for their leader, you explain, you might be able to move faster on your own. Not wearing a uniform might also give you the drop on them.

“Suit yourself,” Hirohito rumbles, accepting your plan without complaint. You don't say anything else to the brutish man, letting the rest of the journey pass in a professional silence. That's probably what he wants to hear, in either case.

After a while more, the trail of refugees tapers off to nothing. Either the last of the displaced farmers have passed you by, or no more were able to escape with their lives. You don't much like either option.

[1/2]

>>46923212

The Stone of the South-West is a fortress, an ancient stone building that bristles with fortifications – later additions – and surrounds itself with a high wall. It's a bastion of military power, one that should never fall into the hands of a mere rebel group. Yet, the gate sits open, and great pillars of smoke reach up from various fires that burn within. Those fires aren't the only source of smoke, the entire area blanketed with thick and choking fumes as the surrounding fields – grain, mainly – blaze away.

This isn't right, you realise, they shouldn't still be burning. These fires were started recently, as you began your approach.

Some of the soldiers around you begin to pull scarves or rags around their mouths, seeking to block out the smoke. You take the iron mask Soma gave you, designed to filter out exactly this kind of poison, and strap it around your face, feeling your lungs loosen up in relief.

All you can hear is the roar of countless fires. Nothing else – no gunfire, no sounds of warfare. Any enemies that wait within the castle lie silent, prepared to strike out from the cover provided by the smoke.

The wagon grinds to a halt, but the horses continue to stamp and whine in persistent fear. Ahead of you, soldiers are already fanning out with their rifles shouldered, hungrily searching for some target to engage. You dismount as well, your hand seeking out your sword and pistol.

“Matsuhiro would take the highest tower for his own,” Hirohito tells you, pointing up at the fort with his pistol, “That's where he'll be.”

>Head for the highest tower
>Stick with Hirohito
>Follow a group of soldiers
>Other

>>46923324
>>Head for the highest tower

>>46923324
>Head for the highest tower

>>46923324
>Other

Mention the fires and poison. This could be a trap. Urge caution.

If Matsuhiro preferred to keep the highest tower for himself, you decide, then the leader of this rebellion might have done the same. You want his head, so that's where you'll start. Nodding your thanks to Hirohito – fully aware that he must have his own motives for sending you up there – you set off towards the fort. Casting quick and cautious glances around you as you move, you hurry through the open gate.

The air inside is just as thick with smoke as the outside murk, stained with inky smog and lit from within by still-burning scraps of parchment. A few pages, torn from some book, crinkle beneath your boot and you stoop to examine them. Numbers, columns of them, recording meaningless transactions of grain and coin. Around you, piled high within towering shelves, countless other volumes slowly feed the spreading fires.

Again, these fires are new, one more obstacle for the soldiers come to avenge their fallen comrades. Every soldier you pass, you warn about the risks of fire and poison smoke. The cult have used such weapons before, and the aching, weeping eyes you see suggest that they have used them again.

But still, something bothers you as you ascend, rushing over smouldering carpets and up ashen stairs. There are no bodies, no bloodstains or signs of conflict. Not even any shell casings that might suggest any actual fighting ever took place. The refugees spoke of mass executions, didn't they? There would be evidence of such things, but none reveals itself.

With a sinking feeling forming in your stomach, you reach the barred door to the highest tower. Drawing your weapons, you prepare to break the door down. With a prayer to any god that might care to listen on your lips, you throw yourself into whatever waits beyond.

[1/2]

>>46923395
>>46923324
This. Things are wonky.

>>46923565
Oh no. The refugees were the cultists weren't they? And they have inifiltrated the Capital.

If that's the case we need to get/steal a horse and get back there ASAP

>>46923565

Squinting, your vision blurry behind the smeared lenses set in your iron mask, you scan the room. There is only one other person here, but you don't think they will pose any threat. A fat man, whatever strength he might have once enjoyed lost to a loathsome softness, sits motionless upon a wooden throne, the light of the fire reflected from his bald scalp. His face is dark, a dry and swollen tongue spilling out of his mouth.

Dead, obviously – garrotted, if you had to guess.

Although you've never seen the man before, you can only assume that this is Matsuhiro. This little rebellion has claimed one scalp, at least. But where is everyone else, where are the cult soldiers violently resisting the Imperial retaliation? Where are the assassins, waiting behind the door to plunge their knives into your back?

Where is everybody?

>Find Hirohito. He needs to know about Matsuhiro's fate
>Search the fort once more, top to bottom
>You need to get back to the capital. Now
>Other

>>46923565
Aaaaaand end thread! Sorry guys it's just late and I don't think this next piece will have the quality it deserves. Thanks for playing!

>>46923680
> [Air] Measure the Breath

Check for magic fuckery. Remember, we have an elemental resistance spell as well as a fast travel spell.

>>46923680
>Find Hirohito. He needs to know about Matsuhiro's fate
>You need to get back to the capital. Now


>>46923684
Low quality bait

>>46923680
> [Air] Towards the Great Land

This works outside of combat, yes?

>>46923680
>You need to get back to the capital. Now

>>46923722
I like how you voted with it on too.

>>46923725
That would have been a great cliffhanger though, no?

>>46923739
I am bad at phone posting. Also, like 4 hours after a 12 hour graveyard shift.

>>46923680
>Find Hirohito. He needs to know about Matsuhiro's fate

>>46923732

>It does, yes. It'll allow us to cover a relatively short degree of distance very quickly, but it's effects are a little limited. We can't run right back to the capital, I'm afraid!

>>46923680
>Find Hirohito
>Get back to the capital. NOW.

I fear we've been had.

>>46923816
Save the spell. That small burst of speed might be useful back at the Capital.

>>46923680
Garrotted and no dead soldiers huh.

This was just an assassination not an attack. And like Murasi the soldiers are in on it.

Of course, you expected that something would go wrong, that things weren't going to be simple or easy – are they ever? - but this is still a stunningly bad revelation. All you can think of is that winding train of refugees, filing into the capital. How many of them had been keeping weapons concealed under their rags and cloaks? How many were cultists, just waiting for this day?

How many were soldiers, traitors who had turned against the Emperor and joined forces with the cult?

It's only a supreme act of will that allows you to pause and think. You need to be sure. Ignoring the smell of death – it penetrates even your iron breathing mask – you allow your senses to expand as you search for magic. At first, nothing catches your attention but then something stirs in your mind, some deep revulsion that quickly grows to howl in your mind. Magic was used here, but not just any kind of magic. This was sorcery – the kind of vile control that might incite an entire fortress of soldiers to turn against their masters.

Even as the magic is fading, your stomach still lurches with every step you take. Searching for Hirohito – he needs to know about this, about everything – you pass several groups of retreating soldiers. Many of them are carrying comatose friends, dragging soldiers that have passed out from the unclean smoke, and all of them cough violently with every breath they must endure. If the cultists struck now, you ask yourself, could these men even defend themselves?

Cursing the Seer with every breath you take – and each one is a luxury, one you thank Soma for – you emerge into the outside air. Hirohito is not far off, bellowing orders through a cracked and painful voice. Stumbling towards him, you blurt out the bad news – Matsuhiro is dead, and the capital stands at risk.

[1/2]

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>>46923958
>They played Hirohito like a damn fiddle

>>46924015
>This was sorcery
Oh fuck. Either Seer is desperate enough to start doing this kind of shit again or someone else in the cult knows sorcery.

>>46924015

Hirohito doesn't ask any foolish questions, or stammer out a demand for any explanations. He falls silent for a very brief moment as he considers the situation and then starts to roar out new orders. Every man with the good health to fight, he orders, is to return to the capital at once. Those who can't fight should dig in and wait for reinforcements – just in case the cultists return to the scene of the crime. Then, at last, he turns his red and aching eyes back to you.

“We'll take horses. We don't need all the wagons,” he declares, “Not any more, with so many of my men out of action. The city is not undefended, but they'll be stretched.” A pause, as anger flares in Hirohito's eyes. “Many will die tonight,” he growls, “The capital will ache.”

That's all that needs to be said. Fully aware that you once considered this man to be a great and unseen enemy – and he may yet prove to be so - you nod your agreement. Mounting up one of the horses, you kick it into a gallop and race north, towards the capital.

On their own, the horses can move far faster than any wagon ever could. You leave the reinforcements to lag behind and race onwards into the dawn, dust rising up around your horse in a swirling storm. Soon, you spy another cloud ahead – a haze of smoke, just like the one that hung over the Stone of the South-West. Only this one is not nearly so silent – the closer you get, the more obvious the rattle and rumble of gunfire becomes.

“That's the Palace!” Hirohito roars, pointing at the largest column of smoke, “We've got to hurry!”

Then you see it – a second, thinner pillar of smoke rising high above what can only be the Low Residential quarter. Why would the cult attack there as well?

Aya.

>Head to defend the palace
>Investigate the Low Residential quarter

>>46924216
>>Investigate the Low Residential quarter
Sho has guards. Aya only has us and we made a promise.

>>46924216
>Investigate the Low Residential quarter
Double time it to Aya's.

>>46924216
>Investigate the Low Residential quarter

>>46924216
>Investigate the Low Residential quarter
"I've got a duty to protect someone too. I'll back you up as soon as I am able."

>>46924216
>>Investigate the Low Residential quarter

Hirohito one more man at the palace makes no difference, but I might be able to flummox thier plans in the low quarter. Good luck

The Emperor has guards. He's got more damn guards than he knows what to do with. Aya doesn't have that luxury.

Heedless of the black look Hirohito cast in your direction – no doubt this is a grave offence of some kind, dereliction of duty or some other military bullshit – you veer away from him and steer your horse through the city gates. You made a promise, you yell out, and one more man wouldn't do a damn thing at the palace. You don't wait for an answer or a debate. Even as he shouts after you, roaring some fearful curse, you plunge into the dark and twisted streets leading to the Low Residential quarter. When your horse becomes more of a burden than a help, you dismount and abandon it, leaving it to pace and shriek in blind, animal terror.

The gunfire echoing out across the city is so loud and so frequent that it has become a single note, a wavering ripple of clattering industrial noise. At least the majority of that murderous sound seems to be coming from elsewhere in the city, drifting across from the luxurious parts of the capital. You picture a few ruthless assassins splitting off from the rest of the marauding army, creeping into the slums with gleaming knives and flaming torches, eager to cut the tongue that wronged them.

That paper was only out yesterday, and details had only began to leak out the day before – how could they react so quickly?

Maybe you're wrong, you try to convince yourself, maybe this isn't what it looks like. Then you round one last corner and see her office, blazing like a candle. In the darkened sky above, the black smoke reaches up like a flag of death – a flag that had been raised a long time ago, when you first told her about the cult.

A scream, then, from within. A scream of mindless, helpless panic.

>Please name a course of action

>>46924216
>Why would the cult attack there as well?
Money on Takino using this to make himself better in the eyes of Sho.

>>46924508
>[Earth] Saint's Perseverance
Get in there with the spell so the fires don't hurt us. Grab Aya, put the gas mask on her, and
>[Air] Towards the Great Land
the fuck out of there.

>>46924508
>[Earth] Saint's Perseverance
Break through a window and Rescue Aya if she's still in there

>>46924508
Either pop the doll card, or do a dynamic entry through a window

>>46924544
>>46924508
This. Move fast.

Don't forget to look for her father as well

>>46924721
I think she has her own office, but if I am wrong I agree find her father as well.

Once, the Mentor told you a tale about a monk that could walk across burning coals. In the end, this saint could resist even the harshest elements with the patient persistence of the mountains themselves. You've used this lesson to bring air to your lungs in order to rescue Miura from a watery grave, and now the times comes for it to shield you against fire, to save another maiden in distress.

It's probably not what they stoic monk imagined his legacy being used to achieve.

The magic takes effect quickly, but it still feels too damn slow. Before it has the chance to fully envelop you in its protective embrace, you hurl yourself into the splintered door and smash it down. Tongues of fire lap and lash at your thick coat, seeking out whatever grip they can get, but you pay them no mind. Your flesh won't burn – that old monk, gods preserve him, has seen fit to that.

Just another protection that Aya doesn't have.

She screams again, her shrill voice coming from upstairs. The narrow staircase itself is almost a deathtrap, burning beams looming above with the threat of imminent collapse, but you pay no heed to the danger. Charging up the stairs, you try to filter out the roar of the fires surrounding you and listen out, silently pleading with Aya for her to cry out again. She obliges, and the voice guides you to a nondescript door. Immediately, you spot the reason for her desperate cry – just one more wooden beam from the room has collapsed, delivering the threat that the beams below promised, and pinned the door shut.

Without a single thought of subtlety, you draw your blade and smash it into the wooden beam. Two good strokes is all it takes to shatter the brittle, scorched wood, and then you're clawing your way inside the room. Smoke belches from the open door to meet you, hitting like a slap in the face.

[1/2]

Ira the big damn hero

So, what are the chances that Miura is dead?

>>46924803

Inside, you almost miss Aya. Before you can leave to check another room, your gaze falls low on a slumped figure. Aya lies on the floor, hacking and coughing as she tries to draw breath. You waste no time in barging into the room, pulling the mask from your face and pressing it to hers. It's a little big, but she seems to breath a little easier with it on.

You just wish you could say the same. Without the mask, your lungs begin to prickle and burn. Even if the smoke doesn't pose a risk – you thank the Mentor, and the nameless monk once more – it's vile to take in. Her father, you shout, is he here?

It takes a moment for sense to enter Aya's eyes, but she quickly shakes her head. Not here, her eyes seem to tell you. With that final issue out of the way, you scoop her up into your arms – she feels as light as a feather, and almost as delicate – and make your exit. Magic lends fresh speed to your feet as you race from the burning building, the roof starting to creak with the sounds of imminent disaster.

You're out in the empty slum streets when you hear the crash of timber giving way, sparks showering the air as the building collapses in on itself. Even then, you don't stop moving. You can feel Aya moving in your arms, reaching out a pleading hand to the remains of her beloved office, but you don't let that stop you. In the end, you only stop when you feel the vague whisper of safety coming from your instincts.

The shrine, you realise as you blearily look up at the crumbling stonework, you've come to the shrine.

[2/3]

>>46924910
Ishida is really good at her job and Ra is probably making her a priority too.

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>>46924926

It might be a kind of laugh that escapes you, then, as you allow the strength to leave your weary body. Then, falling to the ground, you finally let go of Aya. Immediately, she starts to claw the mask from her face in an attempt to talk. She does it with the strength of a woman in the grips of a fever, her desperation causing you to grab her shoulders in an attempt to calm her down.

Don't, you warn her, her throat could be damaged. Rest, you order, for once in her damn life!

“No!” she rasps as the metal mask falls away to reveal her blackened, tear stained face, “They burned it all, damn it!”

It was a trick, you tell her, the cultists-

“Not them,” Aya croaks, “They had uniforms, Ira! They were soldiers!”

The word strikes you like a cold fist.

Soldiers.

>I think I'll leave things there for tonight. Next thread on Friday, and I'll stick around in case anyone has any questions.
>Thanks for taking part today!

>>46924965
OH SON OF A BITCH. EVERYONE IS BEING PLAYED.

>>46924965
Well, that was certainly a hell of a ride.

Thanks for running, Moloch.

>>46924965
Told you so, Takino is using the attack to make a move against Hirohito. He gonna deface the big guy and try to have Sho give him the post.

>>46924965
Were they sorcery affected soldiers or Takino trying to assassinate her in the confusion?

Fuck man, how do we deal with all this shieet.

Thanks for running.

>>46924981
That was clear since the beginning of the episode.

>>46924965
I think Takino is in need of a non traceable Zulathoon, see if he was behind this.

>>46925013
Can the seer change his appearance? Because I'm going to guess that it's both.

>>46925004

Well, I shouldn't confirm or deny anything this early, but that's definitely a pretty ambitious plan!

>>46925013

That's the problem with pissing off both sides, I suppose - it's hard to tell which one is trying to kill you!

>>46925072

The Seer could, potentially, change his appearance, yes. However, he could also teach sorcery to a member of his cult, if he was so inclined. The only thing stopping him from doing that in large numbers is the fact that the Seer dislikes sorcery just as much as the Mentor does.

>>46925115
Wait I thought sorcery was gained from killing gods and stealing their power. And you said that since Sorcery is selfish Seer can't give his powers to other people.

So are they killing gods? Which is a direct contradiction to their original cause.

>>46925173

Sorcery - the practice of stealing power from the gods - can be taught. The actual magic can't be handed down to people, in the same way that the Mentor teaches magic.

It's not something that the Seer would do lightly though, but as Solitude demonstrated he's not above sacrificing even gods if he feels it benefits his cause. It IS a contradiction, but men pushed to desperate means will often compromise their own morality.

Of course, that's assuming that the Seer HAS taken a student. The possibility is there, but it's not confirmed.

>>46925270
Teaching sorcery would contradict his cause as well. Does he think all humans would be complacent in his Evil Gods Rule plan? No, some would rebel against tyranny like mankind does and what's the best weapon against gods?

Sorcery. And then we are looking at Makai 2: Electric Boogaloo if the humans win.

Why is everyone so damn shortsighted?

>>46925322

I certainly wouldn't deny that teaching sorcery would be a direct slight against the Seer's own cause. I could, perhaps, imagine the Seer being able to convince himself that it was okay, but that would ultimately be self-delusion.

In my eyes, the moment the Seer starts teaching sorcery to bolster his cause, he loses any chance of being a "good" path to take. That plunges straight into villain territory - which doesn't mean that he won't stoop that low, if pushed that far.

That said, it might also turn some of his followers away. Those like Soma, ones who genuinely want to defend the gods, would likely be repulsed and desert in groups.

>>46925383
Lets hope they desert fast cause Seer probably needs to die soon. I'd rather not have him be martyr for many people.

Who's ready for the sorcererbowl?

Mentor
vs
Seer

Get hype

>>46925479
>Mentor
>Doing things

>>46925444

I'd worry about what the Seer might unleash if he was ever pushed that far. He might seek to create life, or enslave people. Desperate times, and all that.

>>46925479
>>46925479

I like to imagine them fighting without sorcery. Just two old men punching the crap out of each other for hours until one of them dies of exhaustion.

>>46925622
Fucking confirmed, the hype is real.

>>46925622
So you're telling me that for a confrontation with Seer we'd to learn some serious anti magic techniques? Or bring Mentor along?

>>46925767
>we'd
we'd need*

>>46925622
>I like to imagine them fighting without sorcery. Just two old men punching the crap out of each other for hours until one of them dies of exhaustion.

LIVE ON PAY PER VIEW!

>>46925767

I think bringing along something to counter his sorcery would be a very good idea. The Mentor could help as well, but that would require him getting out and doing something for once!

I can say, though, I have a few anti-magic abilities prepared in case we choose to follow that path. Keep an eye out for a writ, in future!

>>46925830

That's exceedingly cruel!
But it would probably earn a lot of money.

>>46925872
We also need a fat heal. Mandy's has been good, but having another one would be great.

That's Air magic right?

>>46926032

Healing goes under Air, yes.

>>46926032
Earth I think

>>46925872
You know who we need to talk to sometime? The real Nodens. I'd bet he'd have a lot of knowledge on sorcery and how to stop it.

>>46926086

Nodens could definitely offer some insight into sorcery, that's for sure.
His last idea about how to stop it involved sinking an entire city, so don't put too much faith in his advice.

>>46926168
So how does Sho think of us now? Crazy Wanderer man?

>>46926279

I think Ira's dignified - one small indiscretion aside - performance at the party probably offered Sho a new side to him. The girl advice helped as well, offering Ira an air of worldly experience.

Still, there's no way of knowing exactly how he feels, especially if Hirohito says that we left Sho to rescue someone else. That might be kind of an issue!

>>46926363
Well the fight is still going on right? We still have time to assist the defense once we get Aya squared away.

>>46926450

Depending on how long we take, and what we do straight away, the majority of the fighting might be over before we can show our faces. Still, unless we abandon the city entirely, I imagine there will be a chance to contribute something to the defense.

>>46926494
Is it hard to reproduce the infrastructure that Aya lost to make newspapers?

>>46926667

It definitely won't be easy. Getting a machine to print large amounts of copies isn't something that can really be done on short notice, and it might be hard finding people willing to deal with her when word spreads. If people come to suspect that Aya has people out to get her, they might shy away from getting too close.

In short, her journalistic career is looking pretty bleak. In the short term, at least.

>>46926736
Could she print from the Temple?

>>46926791

Potentially, yes. It might take some time to locate a suitable printing press I think that's what they're called and ship it over, but she could pick up from there.

>I like to imagine them fighting without sorcery. Just two old men punching the crap out of each other for hours until one of them dies of exhaustion.
https://youtu.be/Ub-6sKfGSmw

>>46926885
If she is willing it might be a good idea. Temple is neutral just like the paper and she'll be under it's protection. Gives the apprentices something do as well if they want to help, something that in a way contributes to the fight against the cult and the Empire.

>>46926918

That's exactly what I had in mind as well. Hopefully it won't be followed by an hour of vaguely dissatisfying exposition, though!

>>46926943

I agree that it might be a good idea. Even after everything that has happened, the Nameless Temple is probably one of the safest places in the land. If she can't take shelter there, there's no hope at all for her.

>>46927029
Did the cultists really do a mass mind control in the Southwest on the soldiers?

Das OP as fuk.

>>46927127

Sorcery was definitely involved.
It wasn't a complete mind control so much as tipping people over the edge. If there hadn't already been a growing urge to rebel, the magic wouldn't have been nearly so successful

>>46927182
Was Matsuhiro a really bad commander?

>>46927192

Not so much a bad commander as a pointless one. He never did much "ruling" at all. Most of his time was spent drinking wine, eating food and overseeing people doing the real work. Compared with his lifestyle, the soldiers were underpaid and overworked, while the farm workers were little better than slaves.

Under those conditions, it's not very surprising that resentment grew and spread so easily.

>>46927267
Yeah still EVERYONE? That's reeks of mind control.

>>46927267
Killing Matsu I get. But to march on the Capital to kill the Emperor and possibly a bunch of civilians seems a bit much for a disgruntled farmer or soldier. That's some dank magic.

>>46927321
>>46927360

There were some that didn't join the uprising, but they were taken and forced into the refugee migration to help shield the soldiers and cultists from suspicion.
However, sorcery is pretty powerful - something like this isn't actually beyond what a powerful sorcerer is capable of.
It's a good thing we didn't get the Mentor to chase the occupying soldiers away from the Nameless Temple with it.

>>46927410
Is Miura getting really annoyed that she can't go ANYWHERE NICE without it getting blown the fuck up?

>>46927526

But she went to the capital, that isn't anywhere nice!
In all seriousness, given how sheltered Miura is, she's probably starting to think that the outside world is like this all the time. At least it isn't boring, right?

>>46927573
Gardens were kinda nice.

Did Soma get out of the city before the attack or is she in this clusterfuck too?

>>46927739

Both Soma and Tawn made it out, and not a moment too soon I'd say!

>>46927794
Let me guess, they're traveling together to the Nameless temple, completely ignorant of each other's destination, allegiances past or present, and are hitting it off?

>>46927852

Correct.
It's disgustingly cliched, isn't it? That sort of thing, I'll freely admit, is something of a guilty pleasure of mine.

>>46927934
Hey clichés are clichés for a reason right?

How old are the two? Tawn always struck me as older dude, but that's because of how serious he was all the time.

>>46927934
are Ira and Howa going to have competition in the loud bedroom noises department?

>>46927981

Soma was just in her early twenties, while Tawn is at the other side of twenty, perhaps a year or two shy of thirty. He's quite a serious type, though, so he can come across as older.

>>46927999

It's not that long of a trip from the capital to the Nameless Temple, they won't have time to get to know each other that well!

>>46927999
Trips confirmed, Soma and Tawn are freaks.

>>46928073
The next Writ is going to have us take Koa, Soma, and Tawn all out for experience isn't it?

>>46928073
I didn't mean immediately, but down the line after a few weeks.

>>46928119

Oh, that's right. We told Koa that we'd bring him along on our next Writ. That seems like a long time ago, now!
I think Tawn and Soma are going to be getting their own experiences soon, so it might just be Koa coming along for the ride!

>>46928185

Well, it's a distinct possibility. Early days yet, and anything could happen to one of them in that time!

>>46928249
Now we just need a guy for Aya. Crack pairing time, Hirohito. He admires she's as loyal to the truth as he is to the Emperor.

>>46928249
Has the situation at the Temple calmed down at all?

Did Howa's personal talks help?

Koa and Jain ever talk about what happened?

>>46928365
And a girl for Koa since Miura will probably be with the Emperor. Shame really, they'd be a cute couple.

>>46928397
That mousy librarian girl?

>>46928397

The situation is slowly calming down, as much as anything can calm down in the current climate. Howa's personal talks are certainly doing their part - she knows when to listen and when to offer advice and that makes her popular. She makes for an effective go-between for the Mentor and the apprentices, as well.
Koa and Jain don't really talk much - it's about as awkward as you can imagine between them - but there isn't a grudge there either.

>>46928365

Despite the fact that they've never met, I kinda like the idea of Aya and Koa as a pair. Couldn't say why, though.

>>46928485
>Despite the fact that they've never met, I kinda like the idea of Aya and Koa as a pair. Couldn't say why, though.

Huh. Well he might be seeing a lot of her if she stays at the Temple now that she has people gunning for her.

How old are the two again?

>>46928522

I can't remember if I gave Aya a definite age, but I saw her as pretty young. Only just in her twenties, like Soma. Koa is sixteen, the same age as both Sho and Miura.

And, well, Aya might need a hard working and enthusiastic assistant to work on getting her new paper set up, so...

>>46928579
>Koa hooks up with a hot, older, firecracker of a woman as a teenager.

Boys at the Temple would be so damn jelly.

>>46928579
>>46928664
It'd either be her or HOwa's assistant.

>>46928579
Speaking of Sho, is the boy actually considering talking to Mentor or Lapis now?

>>46928664

With that, and the field experience, I think some of Ira's protagonist nature is rubbing off on the boy!

>>46928870

Sanae, of course. She completely slipped my mind - it comes easily to her!

>>46928892

He is considering visiting the Nameless Temple, but I wouldn't say he would be doing it in perfectly good faith. He might see it as a "laugh at the outdated traditions" kind of affair.
The idea of visiting Lapis is also being seriously considered, in a little more of a sincere way. After all, if he can talk the dragon into allowing his railroad to pass through, he'd save himself a lot of trouble.

>>46928941
>With that, and the field experience, I think some of Ira's protagonist nature is rubbing off on the boy!

I think Howa will agree with me when I say as long as he doesn't pick up Ira's denseness. Though I'm not worried too much about that.

>>46928941
So Sanae have her eye on anyone? Or too much into the books?

>>46928941
>He might see it as a "laugh at the outdated traditions" kind of affair.

I dunno, it's hard to laugh when these 'outdated traditions' can have vines pin you to the ground or can have a man survive long exposure to open fire and other dangerous areas.

>>46929126

She's got more of an interest in other people's relationships than her own, actually. A little too bookish to go looking for a partner of her own!

>>46929045

I think Koa might need a few firm blows to the head before he risks that!

>>46929159

It all depends on what value you place on magic. Through long years of studying, and service to various gods, a student of the temple could do such things. But then, a soldier with barely any training at all could pick up a rifle and shoot him dead. In the eyes of someone like Sho, that doesn't suggest that magic has much of a future