>>2355222
>>Talk to the older man.
>>Talk to the guy with the shovel.

Heya QM, glad you're back.

Ah, I see why it's fucked up. They put the tags and description in the opposite boxes.

>>2355265
That was on me. I was really tired when I archived it.

File: Gaira_manga.png (107 KB, 462x527)

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>>2355250

The two men appear to be talking about something. The man with the shovel is reporting in on food supplies, it seems, and the man with the moustache nods in affirmation before replying to him.

"I see, yes, well, I'll inform Alan of your needs. Perhaps we might be able to get you some extra hands to help with the crops." The older man casually folds his arms.

"Wonderful! Thank you, Gaira. I appreciate your help!" The man with the shovel laughs loudly, and gives the slightly older man -Gaira, if you were hearing correctly- hearty slap on the shoulder. Despite what looked like a powerful blow, Gaira doesn't move a muscle, but instead smiles at the man and waves off the praise.

You decide to approach them both while they're here. You cough to get they're attention, still wearing your patented street tough scowl and your arms crossed.

>How are you introducing yourself? [Write in a greeting]

>>2355348
I'm Kana (insert our teacher name here)mentor

>>2355348
>Yo. I'm Kana. 'Sup?
Don't really know what else to say. They're here to fight, so stating the obvious in "so you're fighting too?" Is out. Probably.
Maybe asking. How the situation is Going? We did just get here. And they seem to have a garrison and are worried about supplies, meaning they've probably been here longer than us.

>>2355348
As a foreigner from another world

>>2355357
>>2355401
>>2355406
You peer in closer, studying the two men. You could definitely believe that either one of them was a capable fighter. Judging by the silvery nature of the shovel, you guess its also an ARM.

"Yo!" You start your introduction. "I'm Kana and I'm here to fight." Your scowl changes into a much more confident smirk. The two men stare at you for a long minute like you had three heads. It's starting to piss you off. The larger man with the shovel turns back to Gaira with a wide smile on his face and pats him on the shoulder again.

"Well looks like you've got work to do, Mr. Cross Guard's Number Three! Bye-bye!" Before Gaira can even object, the man beats a hasty retreat out around some tents outside, leaving the older man alone to deal with you. You're definitely pissed off now.

"Listen, girl, those Chess people aren't playing games here. This is going to be a series of kill or be killed battles, and no place for kids." He strokes his moustache. "If you want to help, that's find. The man that just left, Jake, needs extra hands to distribute supplies and cultivate the crops he's growing. Alternately-"

"Fuck that! I'm here to fight!" You cut him off with angry protestations. "I've already had a couple tangles with these Chess asshats, and they still gotta pay for what they did. I'm ready and prepared to kick ass and take names. I just came here to introduce myself, not ask for anyone's goddamned permission."

The older man's face hardens and his eyes narrow at you, almost disappearing beneath his large eyebrows.

"Heh. You've got quite the fire in you. You remind me of Alan." You think that was supposed to be compliment.

>Tell the old man to shove it and leave to check out something else (Explore the Castle or Check out the Younger fighters)
>Ask about the Cross Guard's situation.
>Ask how long they've been here.
>Ask if he knows someone who used the Monban Pierro
>Ask about the Cross Guard's command structure. Who's actually in charge?

>>2355542
>Ask how long they've been here.
>Ask if he knows someone who used the Monban Pierro
>Ask about the Cross Guard's command structure. Who's actually in charge?
>so... alan...

>>2355542
>Ask how long they've been here.
>Ask if he knows someone who used the Monban Pierro
>Ask about the Cross Guard's command structure. Who's actually in charge?

>>2355551
>>2355584
This old man really pisses you off, but the Chess are the real enemies. There's no point in fighting with people who might be fighting along side you soon. Instead, you'll just have to grill the geezer for information until you're satisfied.

"How long has the Cross Guard been here?" You start off. There's still a twinge of irritation in your voice, but you don't really care what he think about that.

"Technically, we were here before the Chess were. Gheilerule was aligned with Lestava, our base of operations, so we had a contingent of Cross Guard stationed here. Though it seems the Razing was more than they could handle. The rest of us got here as soon as we could. We needed to make sure the Lestava Royal Family was safe before anything else. The camp itself was set up right after the Chess made their little announcement." God, this old man likes to talk.

"Then who's actually in charge? That other guy said your just the Number Three man." You cross your arms, your tone takes on a taunting lilt as you repeat his title. Gaira's face gets stony and stern again, obviously irritated at your tone of voice.

"Hrmph. If you must know, its a man we call Danna. He and Alan helped organize the Cross Guard under the command of the Queen of Lestava." Gaira smiles as he talks, but that name makes you giggle a little. Some dude is actually running around calling himself Danna. Either Gaira hasn't noticed or is choosing to ignore your snickering.Though his next words grab your full attention. "Danna was actually summoned here from another world by Alan using an extremely powerful ARM. He's our greatest hope to win this war with the Chess Pieces."

>What the fuck?!
>He's from another world, too?!
>Tell you have a way to send people back!
>Oh shit the Chess are fuckin' SCREWED now!

>>2355714
>He's from another world, too?!
OH SHIT! We need to talk right the fuck now!
>Oh shit the Chess are fuckin' SCREWED now!
Well, we know there's a way back, so grilling this guy for that info will Probably? Turn up nothing. Instead we'll ask Danna and hid buddy when we see him.

>>2355714
>He's from another world, too?!
>Tell you have a way to send people back!
You know after Chess gets it's ass kicked.

>>2355738
>>2355757
You eyes go wide as you exclaim, "He's from another world, too?!" Which, of course, leaved Gaira shocked.

"What do you mean 'too?'" His voice is gruff and he takes a step forward. You already let it slip, but it isn't like you were keeping it a secret or anything.

"Listen, I got summoned here, too. That ARM, it was the creepy looking clown thing, right? Monban Pierro?"

"What?!" The old man looks like he's about to have a heart attack as he shouts in surprise. Instantly, he turns away from you and grabs a passing Cross Guard soldier. "You! Get Alan and Danna now! Tell them its urgent!" The surprised man shakes his head, quickly salutes and runs off shouting for the two men he was ordered to find. Gaira turns back to you.

"Danna will definitely want to meet you, but I must know. Danna has incredible physical prowess and amazing Magic Power. What about you? Do you also possess those?"

"Hell yeah, I do!" You puff up your chest and place your hands on your hips proudly."You can bet those fuckin' Chess assholes are well screwed now!" You aren't going to mention that you discovered those abilities by falling off of a cliff.

"Astounding." You hear him mutter to himself. Without missing a beat you hear shouting in the distance. Looking over to it, you see a cloud of dust as a pair of men. One with spiky blonde hair and a short, pointed beard, the other with short hair with a few stray locks of hair dancing in front of his forehead. Both have crazed eyes as the sprint full force towards you and the old man. The start to try to stop, but they wind up getting their feet tangled together and instead become a rolling cannonball of human limbs.

>Brace for impact
>Leap out of the way
> Bring out the Kanabo for a HOMERUN!

>>2355848
> Bring out the Kanabo for a HOMERUN!
Rather than a home run, since that'd be a bad idea, how about a bunt?

>>2355848
>>Leap out of the way
One of these guys is not a superpowered otherworlder, so he might not take a home run in stride

Looking good, but we need a tie breaker

>>2355848

>>2355932
Could do a bit of both. Bunt, but step aside and redirect it so they don't take the sudden force of coming to a complete stop so suddenly.

>>2355857
>>2355865
On instinct, you call out your Earring Kanabo and quickly step off to the side of the oncoming human tumbleweed. At first you think about batting them away with a homerun swing of your ARM, but you still need to talk to at least one of them, and the other isn't nearly as tough as you or this Danna guy. You adjust your stance and brace the club-like weapon with your other hand as the two reach you.

>Roll me 5d10s

Rolled 10, 4, 4, 2, 5 = 25 (5d10)

>>2356060

Rolled 2, 4, 8, 2, 5 = 21 (5d10)

>>2356060

Rolled 2, 8, 1, 3, 6 = 20 (5d10)

>>2356060

Rolled 10, 10, 5, 8, 3 = 36 (5d10)

>>2356060

>>2356085
>>2356091
>>2356112
>>2356164

You swing the Kanabo out to repel the two person avalanche approaching you with a resounding KLONG!

You successfully manage to knock them apart, sending the man with the short brown hair flying out behind you and into Gaira while knocking the blond haired man flat on his back. The force of the collision is still enough to slide you back a couple of inches, but you retain your balance and composure; unlike the Cross Guard leadership at the moment.

"Ugh," You speak up as you dismiss you Kanabo, "So these are the the Number One and Two guys for the Cross Guard?"

"WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING, YOU DUMBASS!" You hear the younger man with brown hair yell out from behind you.

"Haha! Whoops!" The blonde man sits up in front of you, rubbing the back of his head. "It's a good think our new friend here was able to slow our roll!" The man looks to be in about his mid-thirties. Well-built, but is scruffy around the edges. Despite his hair color, the man is definitely Japanese. "Say, you must be the one Gaira sent that messenger about. The one who's also from another world?" A wide smile stretches across his face and he stands up.

You always thought of yourself as a tall girl; definitely head and shoulders taller than the other schoolgirls back at home. The blonde man is taller than you, your eyes even with toothy grin and have to lift your eyes slightly to meet his gaze.

"I'm Danna. I'm from another world, too!" The blonde man extends his hand for you to shake.

>Don't shake, get straight to business
>Don't shake. He's not taking this serious.
>Shake, but assert dominance with a iron grip
>Shake, its kind of a relief to know you're not alone in a strange world

>>2356214
>Shake, its kind of a relief to know you're not alone in a strange world
>test his grip

>>2356214
>Shake, but assert dominance with a iron grip

>>2356214
>Shake, but assert dominance with a iron grip
>Shake, its kind of a relief to know you're not alone in a strange world

>>2356214
>>2356216
This. I don't want to be super aggressive but still want to test his grip.

>>2356391
I agree with this. Not so much asserting dominance as letting him know we have no intention of being subordinate or anything. We're both in the same boat, so we're equals, right?

>>2356216
>>2356222
>>2356242
You take his hand, staring him in the eyes. His handshake is loose but firm, though wrist is limp in the action. At first his face remains cheery, but then you start applying your strength to your grip. Slowly his smile warps into a painful strain. You smirk after getting the satisfaction of seeing flinch with the discomfort of your hand strength and release him. He lets out a pained breath of relief and gingerly rubs his sore hand.

"I'm Kana Onishi. I'ts nice to know I'm not the only stranded in this world." You fold your arms across your chest. He laughs again and attempting to shake the last echoes of pain out of his hand.

"Haha... you've got quite the grip for such a cute girl, Kana." You grimace with irritation at that, but he seems unaware, "And I feel the same way. I'm actually really surprised. I kind of thought the Monban Pierro that Alan used to summoned me here was the only one." He gestures to the brown-haired man who has walked up next to before Alan punches him in the back of the head.

"Don't ignore me when I lecture you! You're too laid back!" He yells at him, though there's less rage in his voice now. He turns his attention to you, his face is serious as opposed to Danna's calm cheeriness. "So you're also from another world, huh? Are you from the same one as Danna? This 'Japan' place?"

"I'm from Japan, yeah." You nod.

"That's so cool!" Danna interjects! "But isn't this place just awesome?! I've been dreaming about it for years, but being able to be here is even cooler! I can't wait to tell my wife and kid about it!" The man continues on, boasting about his family. It's almost endearing, but all it makes you do is wonder how your mom and dad are doing; Yama, too.

"So how did you get here, Kana?" Alan's voice snaps you back to the present.

"Same as Blondie. Someone called me here with that Monban Pierro thing. Dumped me clear on the other side of the map, though with no one else around." You scowl when you think about how unceremoniously you were thrown into the middle of nowhere. You still plan on beating the shit out of that clown if you can.

"That's odd." Alan's brown furrows and he wracks his brain. "It should have placed you at the location where the user of the ARM made the summon."

"Maybe it did, but the summoner had to leave or something?" Danna suggests.

"I guess that could be possible."

"Well, its kind of a moot point now, right? I mean, Kana's here and all of us will save Marchen from the Chess!" Danna laughs again, giving you a thumbs up and a confident smile.

>Smile and laugh. What an easy going guy.
>Smile and laugh. You don't think its gonna be that simple.
>Stay serious. This is gonna get a lot harder before that is accomplished.
>Scowl. It matters to you. The asshole who summoned you has an appointment with your fists.
>Scowl. He's not taking this seriously enough. This is war, goddammit, no matter how the Chess dress it up!

>>2356416
>>Smile and laugh. You don't think its gonna be that simple.

>>2356416
>Smile and laugh. What an easy going guy.
Its war, albeit I the shape of a tournament. People will Probably die, but being able to laugh in an atmosphere like this is something necessary for our sanity.

>>2356416
>>Scowl. It matters to you. The asshole who summoned you has an appointment with your fists.

>>2356416
>>Scowl. He's not taking this seriously enough. This is war, goddammit, no matter how the Chess dress it up!
For real though, they're wiping out entire villages and shit. Treat the situation with some respect.

File: Cross_Guard_emblem.png (26 KB, 148x210)

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>>2356427
>>2356430
>>2356438
>>2356447

Danna is laughing and Alan is keeping a smirk on his face. They're acting like they've already won. You know its going to be a slog. Sure, Danna and you can probably tangle with the best of them, but the rest of these guy - the Cross Guard- they're not nearly as sturdy or strong. It'll be what Gaira said: kill or be killed. There's a high chance many of these men won't be going home. And acting like you don't have a care in the world...

It pisses you off.

You frown and narrow your eyes at the men. Danna seems oblivious to you irritation, but Alan is far quicker on the pick up.

"I know what you're thinking and you're wrong." Alan takes a step closer.

"What was that?!" You ball up a fist. The more serious man doesn't bat an eyelash as you raise your hand.

"Danna is highly aware of what the Chess have done. He was leading the defense of Lestava against the Chess during the Razing and saw what they were capable of firsthand. That's why he's putting on like he is." You slowly let your arm return to your side as Alan continues.

"Do you know why the Chess is organizing these War Games?" He asks you.

"To bring the strongest fighters resisting them in one place and reduce their own casualties in a prolonged war, right?" You respond.

"You're partially right, but there's a purpose beyond simple efficiency. It's to break the spirit of the resistance." Alan lifts and arm and gestures to the tents and idle soldiers milling around the camp. "They're hoping to kill off the idea of opposition to their rule here. Danna's confidence and optimism is the only thing holding some of these men together after their homes and lives were burnt to the ground. The hope that the Chess can be stopped and brought to justice for the atrocities they visited on their villages rests solely on Danna's shoulders." You look on as Danna has stopped to chat with a few Cross Guard soldiers. His arms resting on their shoulders and they share a laugh and a drink. You'd think they'd been friends for their entire lives.

"I understand how you feel." Crosses his arms again. "This is a serious matter. The Chess refer to it as a game, but its still a war. There aren't many who love this world as much as Danna does, and he's not even native to it. He won't let the Chess get away with their crimes. I hope you can feel the same way." Alan walks to where Danna has started to wander off to. The blonde man waves for you to join them.

You laugh to your self and smile. He might be doing his best to win the war of the mind, but does he have to look so god damn laid back about it? This is going to get tougher before it gets resolved.

>Try to ask something of Danna (Write in your questions)
>Ask something of Alan (Write in your questions)
>Ask something of Gaira (Write in your questions)
>Go find Ahab. He's lurking around somewhere...
>Check on Master Flint. You're curious about Cecily and Silver's progress.

>>2356615
>Try to ask something of Danna (Write in your questions)
Let's ask him where from Japan he's from. Talk about home for a bit. And ask him what arms he's got. We can compare fighting styles.
>Go find Ahab. He's lurking around somewhere...
We gotta tell our fellow delinquent about this guy.

Taking a short break while I go to work for five hours or so. Let's get a few more votes in before I come back.

>>2356615
>>2356647
I like this

>>2356615

>Ask something of Alan (Write in your questions)
So, you're number two around here, huh? Or perhaps I should say soon to be number three.

>Ask something of Gaira (Write in your questions)

Do you know anything about the heavy hitters the chess will be pitting against us? I've already had a run in with a few of them...

Home again, home again!

Resuming writing!

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>>2356647
>>2356813
You mull things over for a bit until coming to the conclusion that you still have a few questions to ask these old guys; even Danna. While it would be nice to talk with him for a while, you're still feeling a little heated about his attitude about the Games. So instead, you peel off and go gather some information from the only guy in the Cross Guard who seems to have a grasp on things: Gaira. You chat him up for whatever information on the numbers and strength of the Chess Pieces that he knows of. You're a little disappointed, but unsurprised, that the Cross Guard don't have an accurate number of active Chess. He does relay to you what they have gathered about their command structure.

"As you might have presumed, Pawns are the base recruits that the Chess use as their main force. From those ranks, the strongest become Rooks; their lowest ranking officers. From them come the Bishops and, likewise, from them come Knights. We have been able to gather that there are only 13 Knights at any time. The strongest Knight is the leader of the Chess: Phantom. Other than his name, we don't know much about him. He is both highly respected and feared by just about everyone in their organization." The old man exposits at you. The man is a bit boring, but, hey, now you know a bit more about your enemies.

13 Knights... and leading them is a man named Phantom. You wonder if you'd be able to handle them as you are now. Thinking back, you seemed to be about evenly matched with that Rougarou guy, that one Rook you'd fought right after leaving the Training Gate said you were about even with a mid-ranked Bishop, so you guess that's about where the werewolf is in the rankings. Phantom and the other Knights must be insanely strong, then. The though fills you with anxious excitement.

You excuse yourself from Gaira for now and choose to go meet with Danna now. The other otherworlder is resting on a shattered piece of stone pillar, watching the rest of the Cross Guard go about their business.

"Heeeey! Kana-chan!" He waves cheerfully at you. You grimace at the honorific. The only people who have ever called you that were your parents and Yama, and it wasn't annoying when they did it because they'd been doing since as long as you can remember.

"Its been a while since I've talked to anyone from home." You start off. "So... which part of Japan are you from?"

"Tokyo. Born and raised there!" He smiles warmly. "My wife and little boy are there, still. Once we can rid Marchen of the Chess, I'll introduce you to them! I think you'll get along great with my wife! You've got a lot in common with her!" He laughs again, but you make another face. What is it with you reminding men of their wives? It's weird. "So what about you? Where are you from?"

>Tokyo
>Osaka
>Saitama
>Sapporo
>Fukuoka

>>2358394
>>Osaka

>>2358394
>Saitama

>>2358394
>Osaka

Rolled 3 (1d5)

>>2358394
>No Kyoto option
I'm sad
Guess I'll let the dice decide.

>>2358459
Hey if you want to vote Kyoto, vote Kyoto.

>>2358466
Nah, it's fine...

Now that I think about it, osaka is right nearby, isn't it? Since it's part of the Keihanshin and the Kansai region...

>>2358394
>Saitama

>>2358411
>>2358452
Two for Osaka

>>2358442
>>2358493
Two for Saitama

>>2358473
>>2358459
Are you voting with the roll for Saitama or Osaka for its proximity to Kyoto?

>>2358519
Decided to just go with osaka. Plenty of chances to visit Kyoto.

>>2358533
Cool. Writing!

>>2358411
>>2358452
>>2358533

"Osaka." You reply flatly. You really don't feel like sharing a lot of this kind of information with some guy you just met. Danna leans and appears to be studying your face while stroking his tiny, pointy beard. After a long, confusing pause, he suddenly leans back as if struck with a revelation.

"Yeah I think I can see it." He laughs again. "You got a bit of that Osaka rowdiness in you." You narrow your eyes at him and grit your teeth.

"And just what's that supposed to mean?!" You retort with a huff.

"Ah nothing! Nothing!" He waves it off with a laugh. Your scowl just deepens. Honestly, he acts more Osakan than you do.

"Sorry to change the subject," He resumes talking, "but I noticed a couple of your ARMs. That Kanabo ARM is quite impressive, but what are those rings? I don't think I've seem ones like them before." He gestures to the Inferno Fists on your fingers.

"They're fire Nature ARMs." You explain to him. "They're called Inferno Fists." You see his smile widen, reminding you a lot of Cecily's expression when you told her you were from another world. You're having a harder and harder time believing this guy is a parent.

"That's so cool!" He exclaims at the end of your brief introduction to your arsenal. I've only got a couple of ARMs myself. He lifts up his right hand, displaying a ring on his index finger before motioning to a sword shaped pendant on a chain around his neck. "I mean, they're pretty powerful, but yours have some awesome flair!"

You sure he's just being modest, but before you'd gotten the magic stone for the Earring Kanabo, it wasn't much more than a normal Weapon ARM.

"Hey, you know the ARM is only as good as its user." You try playing it cool, leaning back with a soft smirk across your lips, but Danna is already starting to stand back up.

"You're a pretty good kid, Kana." You are surprised as you don't hear his typical upbeat tone, but it still contains its genuine warmth. "Don't let the Chess get to you. We'll beat them for sure."

You blink for a moment as the blonde man leaves you to converse with more soldiers. Was he trying to console you? Boost your confidence in the Cross Guard?

You shake your head and take your leave. What a weird guy.

Out of the other two option chosen, which would you like to do first?
>Antagonize Alan
>Locate and Harass Ahab.

>>2358621
>Locate and Harass Ahab.

>>2358621
>Antagonize Alan
Ahab's got enough on his plate, and we've done more than our fair share of giving him some flack.

>>2358621
>>Antagonize Alan
Seems fun

>>2358621
>Antagonize Alan

>>2358621
>>Antagonize Alan

>Antagonize Alan

>>2358650
>>2358953
>>2358997
>>2359783

You move on from where you are, the sun still hanging in the sky. You find Alan training on his own outside of the camps. At the moment that training seems to involve doing sit ups. His count seems to be somewhere in the mid-200s. You assume must have been at this since after he lectured you about the importance of Danna's disposition. Remembering that only serves to send a wave of irritation through your body. He might be an ally but you don't appreciate being talked down to like that.

Maybe you should mess with him a little.

"Oi! Number Two guy." You call out to him in a flat, bored voice. "You always wander off to train by yourself?"

You surprise him and cause him to lose count. Alan mutters something under his breath and gets up. You can see a few small beads of sweat forming along his hairline. "Kana." He states in acknowledgment to your presence, "Not all the time, but its nice to get some peace and quiet some times." He kips up to his feet and meets your gaze. "Is there anything you want or did you just come here to make a nuisance of yourself."

He's really asking for a fuckin' beating. Your frown bares your teeth and you clench your fist at his words.

"Wanna say that again, punk?!" You take an aggressive stance.

"You know what? Sure." He smirks arrogantly bring up a fist adorned with a set of matching rings on all five fingers. Actually, a quickly glance down reveals that he also has an identical set on his other hand as well. "I think I could use a good spar. If you're even half the fighter Danna is, you might even make for a worthy partner." He laughs.

>Oh that is fuckin' it! You're on!
>You're even worth the goddamned time. I got better things to do.

>>2360012
>Oh that is fuckin' it! You're on!
Just remember he's on our side too and to take it easy. Don't want to break him or anything.

>>2360012
>>Oh that is fuckin' it! You're on!

>>2360055
>>2360097

"You're fuckin' on!" You shout. You have to remind yourself that he's still on our side. You can't go too wild on him otherwise he might not be in the best of shape for the War Games. "I wonder: If I beat you, does that make you the Number Three guy?" You sneer and take a ready stance.

"Probably. But that's also quite a big 'if.'" He matches your tone and expression. You'll see to it that it doesn't stay there for long. Alan folds his arms and cocks his head to the side. "You're still pretty green, so I'll let you take the first hit."

His cockiness is really starting to piss you off now.

>Charge him head on for a punch to the jaw! You're faster than him!
>Call out the Kanabo and start smacking him around!
>Light up your Inferno Fists! You haven't been using them as much so it might be a good idea to actually use this spar for target practice.
>(Do something else)

>>2360354
>Light up your Inferno Fists! You haven't been using them as much so it might be a good idea to actually use this spar for target practice.

>>2360354
>>Light up your Inferno Fists! You haven't been using them as much so it might be a good idea to actually use this spar for target practice.

>>2360354
>>Call out the Kanabo and start smacking him around!
Batter up bitches

>>2360354
>>Light up your Inferno Fists! You haven't been using them as much so it might be a good idea to actually use this spar for target practice.

>>2360380
>>2360384
>>2360498
Firing it up!

Roll me 6d10s

Rolled 3, 9, 6, 5, 9, 8 = 40 (6d10)

>>2360554

Rolled 4, 1, 5, 6, 3, 4 = 23 (6d10)

>>2360554

Rolled 10, 7, 8, 8, 8, 2 = 43 (6d10)

>>2360554

Rolled 6, 9, 2, 3, 6, 6 = 32 (6d10)

>>2360554

Rolled 1, 5, 3, 6, 2, 10, 1, 6, 7, 5 = 46 (10d10)

Ignore this.

>>2360575
You flick your arms out as you feel the warmth of the flames emitted from the Nature ARM ignite around your hands. Alan does not move. Asshole doesn't even flinch. He's underestimating you. He must be pretty sure of himself if he can do that even after learning you're from another world like Danna. You wind up your first punch, waiting to see the man flinch or react in any way, but the fool is just staring at you dead in the eye. If he's not gonna move, its his funeral.

You launch your first two fireballs in rapid succession. It's... actually moving faster than you remember! You'd spend a majority of your training focused on the Kanabo, but it seems that the basics of training up your Synch and Magic Power translates well over to your other ARM. Your look of surprise is quickly replace with a confident grin as you see Alan's face contort with shock.

He quickly extends a hand and squeezes it into a fist, you guess that how he uses those rings on his hand, however the only thing that happens is that your fireballs get larger in size. The Number Two man's eyes go wide as he barely escapes the attack. The fireballs themselves completely envelope a boulder behind him, actually reducing it to nothing but a scorch mark.

"FRIENDLY SPAR! THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A FRIENDLY SPAR!" He yells at you. "DON'T GO INCINERATING YOUR ALLIES BEFORE BATTLE!"

"Whoops." You shrug, keeping up your aloof delinquent smirk. You're incredibly glad he dodged that, though. He might be a pain in the ass, but he's got to be strong given his title. It wouldn't do to annihilate a prominent member of the Cross Guard leadership when you're trying to work with them.

Alan takes the initiative in the momentary pause while you reignite. He rushes down your position, closing the gap between you by half before extending his hand again and rapidly squeezing it into a fist.

Now you see what this is doing. The air directly in front of you warps. You can feel an incredibly small area of pressure drop like a wave receding into the ocean before the next one comes in. When the pressure pops back in, it'll smash into your gut like a sledgehammer!

>Try to dodge out of the way before it finishes!
>Tank the hit. You're tougher than anything this fool can throw at you!
>(Do something else)

>>2360767
>Try to dodge out of the way before it finishes!
Into the air! use some fire for a boost

>>2360767
>>Tank the hit. You're tougher than anything this fool can throw at you!

>>2360767
>>Try to dodge out of the way before it finishes!

>>2360774
>>2360858
Roll me 5d10 to blast yourself out of the attack with the Inferno Fists.

Rolled 7, 4, 10, 6, 9 = 36 (5d10)

>>2360890

Rolled 5, 6, 2, 8, 3 = 24 (5d10)

>>2360890

>>2360767
>Try to dodge out of the way before it finishes!

Rolled 1, 8, 3, 2, 6 = 20 (5d10)

>>2360890

Rolled 8, 3, 3, 1, 7 = 22 (5d10)

>>2360890

>>2360894
Thankfully your Inferno Fists reignite just in time. Thinking quickly, you leap up and toss a fireball into the air pocket, creating a small, but intense explosion as the flames consume the agitated oxygen what was weaponized against you. You pushed further into the air, and out of the way with the added boost from the force of the explosion. You skid to a stop a few feet back, your hair and clothes are a little singed, but you're otherwise unscathed.

Alan on the other hand seems to be a bit preoccupied putting out a small fire that had spread onto his pant leg.

>These fires are a bit too dangerous for a spar. Switch to the Kanabo and charge him.
>These fires are a bit too dangerous for a spar. Challenge Alan to a fistfight.
>This spar is now a game of Chicken. Stick to the Inferno Fists until he surrenders. Keep firing!

>>2361026
>These fires are a bit too dangerous for a spar. Challenge Alan to a fistfight.
If we used our kanabo, he'd be paste. Doing some fist fighting will help us practice with when we use our inferno fists against the chess anyway.
Also, make a quip about how we're too hot for him to handle. And say something about him apparently not being prepared for a flame arm. How's he going to go against chess if he can't deal with that?

>>2361026
>>These fires are a bit too dangerous for a spar. Challenge Alan to a fistfight.

>>2361026
>These fires are a bit too dangerous for a spar. Challenge Alan to a fistfight.

>>2361026
>These fires are a bit too dangerous for a spar. Challenge Alan to a fistfight.
When he's right, he's right. Friendly spars don't end with someone getting extra crispy.

>>2361026
>>These fires are a bit too dangerous for a spar. Challenge Alan to a fistfight.
Time to go old school. Kinda unfair though since Kana's constitution is inherently stronger. Maybe let him keep using his ARM to really establish our dominance?

>>2361030
>>2361033
>>2361069
>>2361074
>>2361089


He's right. Things are getting a little too heated for a sparring match. With a flick of your wrists you extinguish your Inferno Fists and address your opponent.

"What's the matter, Alan? Am I too hot to handle?" You laugh, "You really should be a bit better prepared for flame ARMs, though. To make up for it, how about this: I just use my fists." You throw your fist forward towards the man as a gesture. "Though I guess it'd still be a little unfair so, you can keep using whatever it is you're doing and I'll fight with the handicap." You can't help but smirk smugly along with your taunt.

A wry smile crosses the man's lips as he wipes away the sweat on his brow. "Heh, I don't think I'll turn down your offer, but you better not underestimate me. HYAAA!" He shouts as he performs that gesture again and like before you can feel the air pressure around you warp.

>Tank it with your enhanced endurance. He might shift tactics and give you a chance to get closer.
>Rush him, regardless. His attack has a small windup so if you rush the blow before its ready, it should do less damage and get you closer to him.
>Step back out of the way and try to think strategically.
>Side-step it and attempt to get at his flank.

>>2361113
>>Rush him, regardless. His attack has a small windup so if you rush the blow before its ready, it should do less damage and get you closer to him.

>>2361113
>>Step back out of the way and try to think strategically.

>>2361113
>Step back out of the way and try to think strategically.
He's going to expect us to rush him, given our cocky taunt. He's probably got something else prepared behind that punch. Maybe a feint into using his arm on us instead, or the ground beneath us. There's no way he's just going to do the same thing either, so best to think rather than act.

>>2361113
>>Step back out of the way and try to think strategically
Plain fisticuffs versus an ARM is not the time to be gung ho.

>>2361203
>>2361220
>>2361252

You leap back out of the attack safely out of the range of the damage. Your smirk safely still etched onto your face as you stare down Alan. He sneers in return and begins another attack with his ARM, but something is off. You barely make it out of the way of the attack and another one begins. He's getting faster with his blows and now you're slowly losing ground. You need to think of a way out of this fast.

"You can't outrun my Air Hammer, girlie! You're just delaying the inevitable." Alan laughs again and you snarl at his overconfidence. But he is right; you can't just keep retreating. You need a way to get into punching distance.

You need to think. What do you know about his ARM? He can manipulate air pressure into concussive blasts at a distance. There's a small small windup to make the pressure burst enough to do damage. And he's limited to one blast at a time, but it seems there isn't much of a cooldown time between them.

You can work around that, you think.

>Try to predict and juke through the bursts.
>Parry the bursts as the come by throwing small rocks and things.
>Screw it, just ram through it all like the juggernaut you probably are.
>(Formulate another strategy to break through Alan's attack pattern)

>>2361348
>Parry the bursts as the come by throwing small rocks and things.
Using the environment to our advantage is street fighting 101, here.

>>2361348
Well, we can probably predict it by using something in the air. We could probably throw up some dust. Getting in close might be good, since doing something like air hammer right in front of him is a bad idea. He probably has something for close range, though... might have trouble using air hammer if something is in the way, too. Throwing up large chunks of rock could make it hard to use air hammer.
His weakness seems to be ranged, but we aren't quite a ranged fighter. And one of the avenues we have for ranged is blocked. So why not rush him, dodging the blasts, and smash the ground ilunderneath and in front of him?

Okay I'm running out of steam, so I'll pick this back up tomorrow evening. See you all then!

>>2361348
>>Try to predict and juke through the bursts.

>>2361348
>>Parry the bursts as the come by throwing small rocks and things.

>>2361348
>Parry the bursts as the come by throwing small rocks and things.

Just got home. Time to get writing!

>>2361787
>>2361548
>>2361398

Your eyes scan the ground quickly as you formulate a plan in your head. Rocks! You reach down as you just manage to escape another concussive burst of air pressure. If you can prematurely rupture the punches, that should give you the space you need to close the distance. On top of that, if the rock continues on, it's a projectile Alan would have to dodge it rather than prepare another attack.

You start charging forward as Alan prepares another attack with his Air Hammer. You feel the pressure drop just in front of you and wind up for a strong throw through the artificial air pocket.

>Roll me 4d10s

Rolled 4, 3, 4, 1 = 12 (4d10)

>>2362951

Rolled 5, 6, 9, 10 = 30 (4d10)

>>2362951

>>2362972
You whip the first rock through the air burst, exploding it sooner than intended. You're met with a blast of wind and a weak force pushing back, but its nothing that you can't resist with your magnified physical abilities. The rock itself is blown to smithereens in the process, but that's not much of a loss. You charge through and are greeted with a look of surprise from Alan.

"That's a new one." He compliments you before starting another attack with his Air Hammer. Kind of a one-trick pony, this guy. You repeat your performance and punch through his attack with another rock and close the distance even more.

"Looks like you're ready for the main event, then!" Your opponent calls to you and switches gears himself. He's running at you now, ready for a hitting match.

>Catch him with a hook to the jaw!
>A punch to the gut should take him down a peg!
>Wait for his punch and nail him with a counter!
>Take him by surprise with a flying kick!
>Go for a shot below the belt! You're a delinquent, not a boxer.

>>2363257
>Wait for his punch and nail him with a counter!
Time for Alan to get OUT-FUCKING-SKILLED.

>>2363257
>>Go for a shot below the belt! You're a delinquent, not a boxer.

>>2363257
>Go for a shot below the belt! You're a delinquent, not a boxer.

Feint a cross counter and take his legs out from under him ato go for an uppercut!

>>2363295
>>2363309


Roll me 5d10s

>>2363475
whoops. My name fell off.

Rolled 2, 9, 9, 9, 4 = 33 (5d10)

>>2363475

Rolled 3, 1, 1, 6, 2 = 13 (5d10)

>>2363489

Rolled 5, 8, 3, 9, 10 = 35 (5d10)

>>2363489

Rolled 5, 1, 2, 10, 4 = 22 (5d10)

>>2363475
>>2363489

Rolled 1, 3, 6, 4, 9 = 23 (5d10)

>>2363475
>>2363489

Rolled 4, 1, 3, 9, 2 = 19 (5d10)

>>2363475

>>2363490

Alan smirks and he clenches his fists and blitzes into striking range. Clearly he's ready to go all out. He must have some kind of trick with an ARM in order to gain the upper hand in a brawl.

Of course you have no intention of simply letting him have a regular fist fight.

You hold back just long enough to allow Alan the first strike. When he launches his initial jab, you go in for a counter, expecting him to react, and, predictably, he does. He attempts to make a step back to avoid a superhuman blow to the noggin, but you were planning on that. While the feint succeeds in its purpose, you twist your leg behind his front foot, hooking his leg with yours. You twist your body and ram your shoulder into his sternum. You feel a mist on your neck as you forcefully knock the wind out of him.

The blow combined with your foot placement, forces your sparring partner to the ground, rubbing the center of his chest.

"Gah, that hurt. You're pretty good." He coughs. "Impressive getting through the Air Hammer. That's some quick thinking. And your hand to hand skills are more developed than I would have thought for someone as young as you are."

>"Well, you're not too bad either."
>"That's what you get for lecturing me earlier."
>"Guess that makes the Cross Guard's Number Two now."
> (Some other fun quip)

>Help him up.
>Don't help.

>>2363614
>>"That's what you get for lecturing me earlier."
>>Help him up

>>2363614
>"Well, you're not too bad either."

"But even so..."

>"That's what you get for lecturing me earlier."

>Help him up.

>>2363614
>>"That's what you get for lecturing me earlier."
>Help him up

>>2363617
>>2363620
>>2363623

"That's what you get for lecturing me earlier." You smile smugly again as you help the Cross Guard leader to his feet. You wonder what would have happened if he had used something other than the Air Hammer. You don't think that could have been his only ARM.

"Ha, maybe." He chuckles and dusts off his pants. "I'll be looking forward to what you can do when you don't have to hold back. And I hope you'll be looking to see the same from the rest of the Cross Guard. We won't disappoint." He grins and pats you on the shoulder before walking past you back towards camp.

>Go find Ahab and annoying about your day.
>Check back with Flint see how Cecily has been progressing.
>Explore the castle some. Maybe you can spy on some unsuspecting Chess.
>[Stop being Kana and start being a familiar force of darkness]

>>2363659
>Check back with Flint see how Cecily has been progressing.

>>2363659
>>Check back with Flint see how Cecily has been progressing.

>>2363659
>>Check back with Flint see how Cecily has been progressing.

Sorry for calling it in, but I've got an early start tomorrow. I'll be back in the afternoon, though!

>>2363659
>Check back with Flint see how Cecily has been progressing.

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>>2363663
>>2363702
>>2363750
>>2363799

You wipe your brow and set off to check back in on Flint. The old geezer has to have been fried in the sun by now. You figure that on top of training Cecily with Silver's help, its quite an exercise in stamina and Magic Power. Though it does make you wonder what all goes into using the Training Gate ARM. On top of that, Flint used Guardian ARMs inside of the Training Gate. Really thinking about it now, Flint must have some monstrous power behind that stately appearance.

Retracing your steps proves to be the quickest way back and, soon, you find yourself back with the ARM Master you came here with. The old man's white hair is slightly mussed and a few beads of sweat are making their way slowly down his swarthy skin. He stares blankly ahead, in some kind of meditation, you suppose. Being pinned to that spot without anything to do sounds supremely boring. You'd probably go insane if you had to do what he was doing for you back in the forest before the Chess attacked.

"Yo, old man." You call out to him, waving as you approach. His eyes are still focused on the horizon and he doesn't move a muscle. For a moment you're worried he's nodded off, but the Training Gate is still there behind him.

"Welcome back, Kana. I hope you had an entertaining and informative meeting with the Cross Guard." He finally talks, startling you slightly. His eyes manage to tear themselves away from the skies and look at you with kind eyes lined with wrinkles.

"I guess you could say that." You give a half-hearted answer, more interested in being informed than informing. You waste no time switching over to being the one asking the questions. "So how's Cecily and Silver doing?"

Flint merely chuckles. What? Is being interested in the progress of your teammates funny somehow? You feel your temper rise, but the venerable gentleman spills the beans.

"They're doing fine. More than fine, actually. I'm surprised at Cecily's growth as an ARM user. She's quite proficient with that gun." He smiles to himself. You do your best to stifle a laugh as you remember Cecily's ARM: Bun Gun. Its still as adorably stereotypical for the bunny girl.

"So how about you?" Flint continues. "Would you care to brighten an old man's day and tell him about some current events?"

>Turns out the Cross Guard's Number One is some guy named Danna. And he's also from another world!
>Kicked the ass of Cross Guard's Second-in-Command. Guess that makes me the second strongest for our side... at least til I take down the Number One!
>Met the Cross Guard leadership. You'd probably get along with their Number Three guy, Gaira.
>Eh, met some people... hit some things... threw some rocks... not very exciting stuff.
>I'd rather ask you some more questions. (Ask some questions to Flint?)

>>2364949
>>Turns out the Cross Guard's Number One is some guy named Danna. And he's also from another world!
>Met the Cross Guard leadership. You'd probably get along with their Number Three guy, Gaira.

>>2364949
>Eh, met some people... hit some things... threw some rocks... not very exciting stuff.
>Most of that was because of some scrub I beat up named alan.
>Turns out the Cross Guard's Number One is some guy named Danna. And he's also from another world!

>>2364949
>Met the Cross Guard leadership. You'd probably get along with their Number Three guy, Gaira.
>Turns out the Cross Guard's Number One is some guy named Danna. And he's also from another world!

>>2365007
>>2365018
>>2365019

"I met with the Cross Guard's leadership. The top three guys. You'd probably get along with their Number Three guy, Gaira. I think the two of you would have a lot in common." You tell him.

"I see."

"Oh, and their Number One is a man called Danna, but get this: He's from another world too. In fact, the same world I'm from. Hell, even the same country! How weird is that?!" There's a little more energy in your voice with this. Even after a while, its still exciting to run into someone else from Japan in this crazy fantasy world.

"Really? Was he also brought here with the Monban Pierro?" Flints eyes go wide with shock and surprise again.

"Yeah, that's what it sounded like." You tap your finger on your chin. You don't say it, but you're a little worried that the other Monban might have been the only other one. While you do like it here, there's too much waiting for you at home to stay forever. You shudder at the thought of never seeing your parents again. You'd never even said goodbye.

>You're kind of tired after that spar. Time to take a nap.
>Go explore the castle grounds now! Maybe you can spy on the Chess.
>Find and pester Ahab. He's probably just loitering around somewhere.
>[Stop being Kana and check in with a familiar Pawn]
>[Other Plans?]

>>2365102
>[Stop being Kana and check in with a familiar Pawn]

>>2365102
>[Stop being Kana and check in with a familiar Pawn]

>>2365102
>>[Stop being Kana and check in with a familiar Pawn]

File: Chess Pawn Masks.jpg (23 KB, 368x198)

23 KB JPG

>>2365104
>>2365116
>>2365138

You are not Kana, but a Pawn, and you have not had a very good night's rest. Between the memories of the Razing and being forcibly dragged through a party with the Knight-class, Halloween. Your senses have returned to you, though the nausea and the headache wish you could simply return to the realm of dreams. If only you could remember the rest of the party so you could justify the hangover.

You are laying on a soft bed next to another figure wrapped in black robes. You notice a very definite and feminine curve to the outline. Blinking you look down upon yourself, you notice something has been pinned to your own robe. It appears to be a note.

>Read the note
>Check on the other person on the bed
>Take a shower

>>2365219
>Read the note

>>2365219
>>Read the note
>Check on the other person on the bed

>>2365223
>>2365237

You tear the paper off the pin affixing it to your vestments. You open it as gently as you can, as the sound of the crumpling paper aggravates your headache as makes you wish you were dead. You manage to get it open and read its content.

-Hey there, Pawn
Its me! Halloween. That party was something else, let me tell you! I never expected someone like you to do all that stuff. Takes some real guts!
Anyway, just wanted to let you know that your impromptu promotion to Rook is still valid, even if 80% of us were pretty shitfaced last night. If you let us down, I'll kill you!
No pressure,
Halloween.
PS: If you're wondering how I wrote this, don't think about it too hard.

Holy shit, you're a Rook.

You instinctively bring a hand up to your left ear and, yeah. Its pierced now. An upside-down Rook piece dances in your fingers. You can barely contain your excitement! If it wasn't for the god-awful feeling in your head and stomach, you might even start jumping for joy. You don't though, because your certain the act would cause you to revisit whatever you ate last night.

The person next to you mumbles and shifts over slightly. Oh yeah, you're in a bed with someone right now. You reach over and lightly pull on their shoulder to get a better look at their face.

You have no idea who she is.

She's definitely a girl, though. She isn't wearing a mask and appears to have a Rook piercing as well. She mumbles in he sleep some more and rolls back over.

"Five more minutes..." She mutters and pulls her robes over her face.

>You can't stay in bed all day, hangover or not. Get up and report in for you first day as a Rook, leaving the girl there.
>Five more minutes sounds nice. Plus you can find out who she is when she gets up.
>You've got a hangover and got a surprise piercing while you were drunk. You're not feeling very patient. Wake her up.

>>2365328
>Five more minutes sounds nice. Plus you can find out who she is when she gets up.
It doesn't seem like we're needed anywhere, so five more minutes should be fine.

>>2365328
>Five more minutes sounds nice. Plus you can find out who she is when she gets up

>>2365328
>>Five more minutes sounds nice. Plus you can find out who she is when she gets up.

>>2365328
>>Five more minutes sounds nice. Plus you can find out who she is when she gets up.
Just chill and wait for the girl to realize someon else is in bed with her.

Just got home. Resuming Quest!

>>2365336
>>2365482
>>2365540
>>2365701

With a soft, muffled, thud you drop back down onto the soft bed, taking a cue from your sleeping compatriot. Why not take another five more minutes and relax. You've got nowhere to be, as far as you know, and movement is just another opportunity to aggravate your hangover. You think a little more rest might even improve your condition just a bit and help make the rest of the day a little more tolerable.

Slowly you close your eyes again, allowing your mind to wander in a more relaxed state. Without the irritation of light and only minimal sounds, you feel the throbbing pain of your headache melt away. Nothing remains but darkness. You reflect on the actions that lead you up to this point.

>You were a farmer before the fighting.
>You were a noble of a conquered kingdom, forced into poverty by the new ruling class.
>You were a thief on his way to the gallows.
>You were a wayward warrior, a soldier without a war to fight.

>>2366974
>You were a farmer before the fighting.

>>2366974
>You were a noble of a conquered kingdom, forced into poverty by the new ruling class.
Hell yeah blood of kings

>>2366974
>You were a farmer before the fighting.

Hey guys, this SixWingZombi through his phone. My computer is exeriencing issues, so it may be a bit til I post. Sorry

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>>2366988
>>2367016
That's right. You were a farmer before all the fighting started. Well, really the son of a farmer. Just you, your father, and your two younger sisters. It was a rough life, but you were actually pretty content, despite your young age. You'd go to town on after harvest and catch up on the latest news. You'd flirt with the girls there and serenade them with a song. You'd laugh and rough house with the other boys as they joined their fathers in the marketplaces. Occasionally you'd exchanged fists with the ones who might have been sweet on the girls you'd romanced.

Then came the Chess. You remember watching the smoke billow over the hills and the distant sound of screams. It still chills you to the core. You remember you and your father watching men in masks and black robes descend upon you. You remember the look of a few of the other Chess there gave you and your kid sisters. You stood between them, ready to brawl if it came down to it. You remember one of their number laughing at you and ordering one of his Pawns to "give you something to do while the grownups talked."

You were very lucky. The Pawn only beat you within an inch of your life. It was then you understood that the Chess were the winning side of their upcoming conflict. When you regained consciousness, you were already a part of their caravan. Looking back, you could see the farm smoldering among the pine trees. With you in the cart were your small siblings, scared and crying, but unharmed. You haven't seen your father since that night, and you suspect you won't be seeing him again, but that doesn't matter anymore.

He was weak. And only the strong have a place in the new world of the Chess. You just need to be strong enough for all three of you.

---

You open your eyes as a soft gasp disrupts your waking dreams. The girl next to you has woken up and looks about as surprised as you were when you rolled her over a few minutes ago.

What name does she call you by?

"Oh my! What in the world happened last night!? Who are you?"

>I've got no idea, but apparently I'm a victim of promoted while intoxicated. I'm [Insert a Name], Rook-class.
>Well apparently, we had such a good time at the Razing party (and probably my promotion party), we decided to celebrate in a more... personal way. Don't worry, I'll take responsibility. My name's [Insert a Name], Rook-class.
>That is a good question. I'd like to know that myself. I somehow got promoted while black-out drunk and wound up here. I don't think anything happened if you're worried. I'm [Insert a Name], Rook-class.

>Go ahead and give me both a first and last name. Unlike most other NPCs, this one doesn't need to be based of fairy tales or legends. Any name you like. If you're drawing a blank just vote [Six's Choice] and I'll put in a name of my own.

>>2367203
>That is a good question. I'd like to know that myself. I somehow got promoted while black-out drunk and wound up here. I don't think anything happened if you're worried. I'm [Insert a Name], Rook-class.

How about... Albern? Albern Aylmer. A bit ostentatious, but it could work. Probably would have fit more for the noble background, but it could work for someone who wants to go big rather than go home.

>>2367203
>Well apparently, we had such a good time at the Razing party (and probably my promotion party), we decided to celebrate in a more... personal way. Don't worry, I'll take responsibility. My name's [Insert a Name], Rook-class.

>>2367290
By the way, I'm up for you deciding, Six.

>>2367254
>>2367290
>>2367297
One vote for Albern Aylmer.
And one vote for my choice.

Any other takers?

>>2367203
>>That is a good question. I'd like to know that myself. I somehow got promoted while black-out drunk and wound up here. I don't think anything happened if you're worried. I'm [Insert a Name], Rook-class.

>>2367297
Same

>>2367203
>Well apparently, we had such a good time at the Razing party (and probably my promotion party), we decided to celebrate in a more... personal way. Don't worry, I'll take responsibility. My name's [Insert a Name], Rook-class.

>>2367203
>Well apparently, we had such a good time at the Razing party (and probably my promotion party), we decided to celebrate in a more... personal way. Don't worry, I'll take responsibility. My name's [Insert a Name], Rook-class.
Albern is a fine name

>>2367290
>>2367426
>>2367490

A smile crosses your face and place your hands around hers.

"Well apparently, we had such a good time at the Razing after-party (and probably my promotion party, too)" you say that last bit under your breath, "that we must've decided to celebrate in a more... personal way. Don't worry, my darling, I'll take full responsibility." You flash your trademarked smile at her, making her blush and avert her eyes, though the small smile signifies that you're still on your game, even with the hangover. "My name's Albern Aylmer, Rook-class."

"A Rook?" She blinks with surprise, the blush fading just as suddenly. "My, my! We're both of the same rank!" She turns her head, flashing an almost identical silver earring as the one dangling from your ear.

"Oh! I almost forgot my manners!" She picks back up before you can react. "I'm Goldilocks. My friends call me Goldie."

"It is a completely pleasure." You smile warmly. The girl giggles and hops off of the bed. It seems you're the only one here with a hangover. "You said you were just promoted, right? We should see if they'll allow you better ARMs now."

That sounds like a great idea, you think. You reach up, touching the clasp around you neck, thinking about what you had done during the Razing and how much blood was on your hands. No, its only right. They were weak and the Chess will not suffer the weak in their, no, your new world. Being a Rook means your strength is finally being recognized.

>So do you know of any Rooks I should become acquainted with. Knowing who to rely on is key to climbing ranks.
>So do you know of any Rooks I should steer clear of. Knowing who would sabotage my chances is pretty important.
>So how long have you been a Rook, Goldie?

>>2367585
>>So do you know of any Rooks I should steer clear of. Knowing who would sabotage my chances is pretty important.

>>2367585
>So do you know of any Rooks I should steer clear of. Knowing who would sabotage my chances is pretty important.

>>2367585
>So how long have you been a Rook, Goldie?
Go for the more social response. Well, if you wanna be one of the few decent folks among the shitshow that is the Chess.

>>2367585
>>So how long have you been a Rook, Goldie?

>>2367585
>So do you know of any Rooks I should steer clear of. Knowing who would sabotage my chances is pretty important.
>So how long have you been a Rook, Goldie?

>>2367586
>>2367591
>>2367597
>>2367609
>>2367617

"So how long have you been a Rook?" You start up the small talk. You are definitely not a fan of long silences. From her position in front of you, the turns her head, making her blonde hair bounce with their slight curls.

"Just over three months. Long enough to make me your senior." She smiles mischievously at you. "Let me know if you have any questions about your new rank."

"Now that you mention it, I would like to have some advice." You scratch your cheek as a few questions pop into your head.

"Go ahead. I'm all ears."

"Well," You lead in, "Are there any other Rooks I should avoid. I don't plan on staying just a Rook for long, and I want to make sure I know who would hold me back." You know it sound harsh, but its a harsh world. Associating with those too pitiful to advance won't help you achieve your goals.

Goldilocks stops in her tracks and turns to you. Her face is adorned with catty smirk and bright, shifting eyes.

"I see, I see. Looking for some dirt? Well, I'm your gal!" Her voice is hushed and she closes in the distance to keep away prying eyes and ears.The two of you are mere centimeters apart. You're able to get a good look into her large, piercing, icy blue eyes. They are sharp, like those of a predatory animal. Her skin is smooth and fair, almost like the painted porcelain of a doll. You can smell her perfume. It's floral, definitely. There very strong, sweet overtones. Is the scent Honeysuckle? It's quite a shame she is wearing the basic black cloak. She's good-looking now, but you're certain she'd be completely stunning in lighter colors.

"Let's see." She starts. "There's Nemo. He may look and sound like a noble, but he's pretty petty. If he wasn't a direct underling to Bluebeard, he'd probably have nothing going for him. I hear some people thing most of his so-called accomplishments were actually Bluebeard's doing, but Nemo just started claiming them as his since he knew Blue doesn't care." She giggles wickedly at her own gossip.

"There this weird guy, Jekyll. Super jumpy and nervous all the time. I don't really know what his deal is, but I don't think he's long for this organization. The stress'll just eat him alive if he doesn't change.

I'd also watch out for Sawyer. He might act nice, but he's a slippery one; manipulative. I don't trust him." She waggles her finger and shifts her eyes out to the sides. You simply nod. You were already aware of how much of a ponce Nemo was, but those other two don't sound like people you can trust to have your back either.

"You'd be better of not trusting most of these Rooks anyway. Unless you know them beforehand, there's no telling what they'll do. Me excluded, of course." She winks, turns and resumes showing you around the castle.

>What do you know about the Bishops?
>What do you think about the Knights?
>So what kind of ARMs do you use?
>What kind of ARMs do you think they'll let me have?

>>2367687
>>What do you know about the Bishops?
>So what kind of ARMs do you use?
>What kind of ARMs do you think they'll let me have?

>>2367687
>>What kind of ARMs do you think they'll let me have?
Bishops are above caring about us, as are Knights

Once again I'll be turning in early since I have an early class tomorrow morning. I'll be resuming posting in the afternoon.

>>2367687
>>What do you think about the Knights?

>>2367694
>>2367695

"So what kind of ARMs do you think they'll let me have?" You play with the silvery claps that holds the top of your robe together.

"I don't really know. That's mostly based on an assessment of your skills and talents. I can't say I've seen you work, so that's not a prediction I can make. I'm sure whoever recommended your promotion would have a suggestion about what you should be looking for. Other than that, go with what feels right." She shrugs and overs you a kind smile. "Actually speaking of recommendations, who was it that promoted you? I'm always curious as to who the up-and-comers are among us Rooks."

"Halloween. He said I impressed him during the Razing." You inform her. What little color was in her skin drains away as she stares back at you with wide eyes.

"H-Halloween?! As in the KNIGHT, Halloween?! He promoted you?" You aren't sure if her shock is in amazement or fear. Maybe a little bit of both. "The third strongest Knight in the entirety of the Chess. That Halloween?!"

"Yyyyeah?" You know he's a big deal, but that's a lot of incredulity for this. "What's up? Is that a big deal?"

"If a Knight is taking notice of a Pawn, then yeah! I can understand if you were promoted from Rook to Bishop, but normally its Bishops who see to promoting Pawns. If he took notice of you, you must have some kind of potential to you that he can see." She scoots in closer to you, weaving her hands around your arm. "Just be sure to remember me when you strike it big. You said you'd take responsibility, right?" She laughs and winks at you before leading you the rest of the way to where the Chess have set up their quartermaster.

It seems to be manned by a couple of Rook-class clerks, a masked man with curved horns jutting out from the sides of his head and a masked girl, and a handful of Pawns to manage the inventory.

>Introduce yourself and ask to see what can be offered.
>Maybe you should find Halloween and get his opinion on ARMs for you.
>Have Goldie introduce you and take whatever it is they give you.

>>2368627
>>Introduce yourself and ask to see what can be offered.

>>2368627
>Introduce yourself and ask to see what can be offered.

>>2368627
>Introduce yourself and ask to see what can be offered.

File: Arm yourself.jpg (14 KB, 320x240)

14 KB JPG

>>2368630
>>2368632
>>2368633

You brandish your most charming smile and approach the counter. As you do so, you can hear the two Rooks commenting.

"Oooh~! Look, Ororo! We got us a customer! Never seen his face around here before~!" She seems to purr as she leans heavily on the broad shoulders of the man with the horns, who you now know is named Ororo. The man grumbles and wrenches in shoulder out of her gloved hands, coaxing a disappointed "Aww..." out from under her mask.

"Hi there." You start your introductions. "I'm Albern. I was recently promoted and am looking to see what ARMs I might be able to requisition now."

"Looking to personalize your loadout, eh?" Ororo responds in a gruff baritone before turning to his partner. "You heard him, Karun, get Rook stock." She whines, but a growl from Ororo gets her to work at a lightning speed.

When she returns, she has several wooden display cases stacked on top of each other. You're quite impressed with the strength this woman possesses, but even more impressed with the selection presented to you.

>In exchange for the Clasp Claw, you will receive two of your choice. You are able to ask information about any of the ARMs you want.

>Soul Harvest Scythe (Darkness Weapon ARM)
>Grassblade Sword (Nature Weapon ARM)
>Strength Enhancing Ring (Nature ARM)
>Body Hardening Ring (Nature ARM)
>Iced Earth (Ring) (Nature ARM)
>Solar Flares (Nature ARM)
>Icarus Bangles (Nature ARM)
>Persephone's Kiss (Holy ARM)

>>2368673
what do these do?
>Soul Harvest Scythe (Darkness Weapon ARM)
>Solar Flares (Nature ARM)
>Icarus Bangles (Nature ARM)
>Persephone's Kiss (Holy ARM)

>>2368673
>Soul Harvest Scythe (Darkness Weapon ARM)
>Iced Earth (Ring) (Nature ARM)
>Icarus Bangles (Nature ARM)
>Persephone's Kiss (Holy ARM)
Curious about what these are, Darkness and Holy at the same time might be cool.

>>2368673
>>Body Hardening Ring (Nature ARM)
>Icarus Bangles (Nature ARM)
>Persephone's Kiss (Holy ARM)

>>2368676
>Soul Harvest Scythe (Darkness Weapon ARM)
A large scythe weapon called forth from a silver arm band. Enemies hit with its blade have their Magic Power absorbed by the blade. The user's Magic Power, inversely is cut in half while the Scythe is in use.

>Solar Flares (Nature ARM)
A brilliant whip made of solar fire. It is contained with a ring with a celestial star stamped into the surface.

>Icarus Bangles (Nature ARM)
A pair of anklets with wings etched into their surfaces. When activated, the ARM allows the user to manipulate the wind under their feet.

>Persephone's Kiss (Holy ARM)
A Holy ARM in the shake of an amulet. This ARM allows the user to exchange the levels of physical and magical fatigue with another individual.

>Iced Earth (Ring) (Nature ARM)
This ring allows the User to conjure shards of super-hardened ice as projectiles as well as form a blade or claw around the user's hand.

>Body Hardening Ring (Nature ARM)
A ring Nature ARM that enhances the users physical toughness.

>>2368697
>Soul Harvest Scythe (Darkness Weapon ARM)
>Persephone's Kiss (Holy ARM)
for the synergy

>>2368700
Support

>>2368700
>>2368702
Well... it looks like we have a winner. Writing.

>>2368773

You hand over your Pawn-issued Clasp Claw ARM and speak with confidence.

"I'll take the Scythe and the Kiss." Your charming smile stretches across your lips again.

"Want a kiss, do you? I can give you that~!" The woman in the mask leans forward, lifting up the alabaster decoration to reveal a pair of ruby red lips reaching for yours. But before either of you can connect or break away, the woman is shoved back down in her seat by Ororo.

"You want to fraternize, do it on your own time. You're on the goddamned clock right now, and I don't have time for your flirtatious antics." The horned man is really losing his patience with her. She folds her hand across her ample chest and pouts with a whine.

"Aw, you never let me have fun, 'roro! It's too boring here and that's how I have fun. Especially if they're as cute as this one~" She laughs wickedly and waves at you. You turn to look at Goldie, and see her scowling at the other woman. Is she jealous or just disapproving of the quartermaster's behavior?

"Come on, Albern," The blonde girl grabs your arm again. "I'm sure you still need to get your new assignments from your sponsor." She turns, pulling you away from the counter where the two clerks start putting away the other ARMs.

>Take your leave of the supply depot with Goldie.
>Leave the supply depot and find Halloween, but find out when the masked girl is off duty.
>You should probably go and see Halloween alone in private.
>You probably aren't expected until just before the Games start. Let's go check out the Cross Guard's talent!
>[Do something else?]

>>2368811
>Take your leave of the supply depot with Goldie.
>Test the new ARMs when able.

>>2368811
>Take your leave of the supply depot with Goldie.

>>2368811
>Take your leave of the supply depot with Goldie.
>Test the new ARMs when able.

>>2368813
>>2368830
>>2368948

You place the ARMs on your body as you leave the quartermasters to their bickering with Goldie still clinging to your arm. There's still so much time until the games and now you have some new toys to play with. You're starting to get excited.

"Hey Goldie, would you like to spar with me? I need to test my new ARMs." She looks up at you as you speak, her eyes widen at the mention of combat.

"M-Me? O-Oh I don't think that'd be a good idea." She tears herself away from you, waving her hands frantically. "I do know of someone who might be a lot more interested in a sparring match though!"

Only a half hour passes before you, Goldie and another Rook are out in the castle's courtyard. He's a young man, maybe around your age. Light brown hair and hazel eyes compliment the pastel colors he wears. You're always so used to seeing your comrades in dark robes, that it catches you off-guard initially.

"So this is the guy?" You gesture to the smiling boy while talking to Goldie. "He's not what I was expecting when you said you were bringing me someone to spar with."

"Ah? Goldie! You just said you were going to introduce me to our newly promoted Rook! I-I wasn't prepared to fight!" The boy protests, waving his arms in a panic. You sigh and roll your eyes.

"Well, you see, Rolan. He's a lot like you." Goldie speaks to the boy, instantly causing him to cease his erratic behavior. "He got picked out by Halloween for advancement. He's also quite the special case."

You furrow your brows. Then this Rolan kid was scouted by one of the Knights? He must be strong if he's garnered the same attention that you have. Though, honestly, you're still not sure what made Halloween so impressed by you.

"Oh neat!" Rolan explodes into a cheer before running over and grabbing your hands. "It's a pleasure to meet someone else whose been chosen by the Knights!" He shakes them vigorously before running back several feet.

"If it'll help you out, then I'll gladly help you spar!" He smiles brightly at you.

You throw your hand out to the side, focusing your magic power and activating the Soul Harvest Scythe. In your outstretched hand, a wicked looking blade decorated with a fleshy eye hangs off of a gnarled shaft.As soon as you bring it to the ready, you feel its effects begin. The weapon in your hand starts making an eerie rasping noise, not too dissimilar to the death rattles of a dying man. Suddenly, the ARM starts to feel heavy in your hands.

Rolan looks shocked, meaning there's even a physical aspect to having half of your Magic Power leeched away from you.

"Uwaaa! What a scary looking weapon!" He cries out. This guy was scouted by one of the Knights?

>Charge him and get ready to slash him and absorb his Magic Power.
>Set up your combo and use Persephone's Kiss to switch out your fatigue.

>>2369304
>>Set up your combo and use Persephone's Kiss to switch out your fatigue.

>>2369304
>Set up your combo and use Persephone's Kiss to switch out your fatigue.
He's on our side, so we shouldn't have to worry about this getting out. Let's show the combo off.

>>2369304
>Set up your combo and use Persephone's Kiss to switch out your fatigue.

>>2369304
>Set up your combo and use Persephone's Kiss to switch out your fatigue.

>>2369308
>>2369309
>>2369599
>>2369796

Well, its time to try out that combination you picked these ARMs for. Better to test it now than to simply hope it works during the games. You let go of the scythe with one hand and reach up to touch the pendant around your neck. Focusing the remains of your Magic Power, you activate the Holy ARM Persephone's Kiss.

Suddenly, you're surrounded by motes of white light. They carry a sort of forlorn air about them as they float around you and... through you. Each one that passes into you comes out having diminished in color and size; they look almost sickly now. Are they changing in reaction to your Magic Power?

More of those particles stray out from you at first floating as if carried by the wind towards Rolan, but as he backs up attempting to get out of their way, they change directions suddenly and pick up speed. The other Rook shrieks and waves his arm in a panic as he frantically dodges the light. If it wasn't for his goofy demeanor, you'd think he was actually good at this.

But regardless of his dodging skill, a few of the pale gray particles that went through you manage to catch him in the leg. A grunt as he sudden falls. Seemingly drained of his Magic Power. The gray motes are much different after passing through them. They have turned a vibrant golden color, speeding back to you in the blink of an eye. The instant they touch you, you can feel your vigor return.

"Wh-What just happened? What was that?" The young man stammers, bewildered and out of breath. "I feel so drained."

>Explain your ARM to him. Its only fair and he his an ally.
>"It's my secret weapon!"
>"My newest strength. I'll be a Knight in no time now!"

>>2370200
>Explain your ARM to him. Its only fair and he his an ally.
It's sparring, not an actual battle.

>>2370200
>"My newest strength. I'll be a Knight in no time now!"
It's a cut throat organization. Secrets are allowed.

>>2370200
>>Explain your ARM to him. Its only fair and he his an ally.
We don't want to become one of those tossers who relies on their one "secret weapon" and constantly talks it up, only to look like a dumb asshole the moment it fails them in a fight.

>>2370200
>Explain your ARM to him. Its only fair and he his an ally.

>>2370203
>>2370213
>>2370236

We're all friends here. Rolan was nice enough to agree to spar against you and you're on the same side of this conflict. You can't see a reason not to explain your ARMs.

"The first thing I brought out is a Darkness Weapon ARM called Soul Harvest Scythe. Anyone I slice with it has their Magic Power sapped..." You pause for dramatic effect, "... at the cost of cutting my own Magic Power in half." Rolan nods his head.

"Then what happened with those lights?"

"That would be my other ARM. They're almost like a matched set. The Holy ARM, Persephone's Kiss." You raise the pendant up with your thumb. "It allows me to switch our levels of Magic Power and fatigue. Quite useful when paired with the Scythe, don't you think?"

"That's amazing! I'm glad you're on our side. It'd be awful to have to try to deal with this in the Games." He laughs and staggers to his feet. His smile shrinks down to a calmer, warm grin, but his eyes change. Instead of the shining doe-eyed innocence that he wore just moment earlier, now they betray the air of a serious contender.

"Shall we continue?" His voice holds a sharper edge even with his cheery tone. You're more shocked that he's still willing to go even with the disadvantage of only having half your Magic Power. You're starting to realize why he is being watched by one of the Knights.

You haven't said anything so far, but the Magic Power you took from Rolan is amazing! You're not sure if the boy is even actually a Rook. His power alone feels more like something a mid-level Bishop would have.

The boy brings his hand up and activates a Ring. In that hand, a long, black sword has appeared. It looks to be some kind of rapier.

"You've been so forthcoming with me, so I think its fair if I tell you what this is, too." He slides his free hand along the hilt of the weapon.

"This is my Nature ARM, Dark Ribbon. It's quite a lot like your Scythe. Anything that I hit with the tip has its energy sucked into the blade and, in return, to me.There are some key differences, though." He lunges in at your thrusting the blade into the 150 odd feet between the two of you.

"Dark Ribbon is a whip rapier with quite the long reach!" The blade rapidly segments; twisting and turning through the air between the two. Rolan swings his arm, and sends the blade writhing towards you.

>Leap out of the way of the attack!
>Rush in beyond the point of the blade!
>Try to sunder the weapon with your Scythe!
>[Try another tactic!]

>>2370323
>>Rush in beyond the point of the blade!
Fitting that a former farmer with a romantic side now has a scythe and a kiss for weapons

>>2370323
Only the tip, right?
>Rush in beyond the point of the blade!
This option... I fell like it's a trap. He'll do some multi directional bullshit and have it hit us in the back. A better option would probably be... Some way to pin it. Maybe block it with our scythe handle and have it wrap around, then pull?Unless that would cut up the handle. In which case, try to deflect it downward with the scythe and then see if we can pin it with something. Not our foot, since he'd just pull it out from under us. Maybe bury in the tip of the blade itself into the floor?

>>2370323
>Rush in beyond the point of the blade!
>>Try to sunder the weapon with your Scythe!

>>2370330
>>2370340
>>2370885

Sorry for the delay.

Roll me 5d10s

Rolled 8, 4, 8, 5, 1 = 26 (5d10)

>>2371456

Rolled 6, 6, 5, 9, 1 = 27 (5d10)

>>2371496

Rolled 5, 1, 4, 2, 4 = 16 (5d10)

>>2371456

>>2371496

You flash a grin. He might still be able to participate in this spar, but you can tell he's feeling the fatigue. His attack is slow. Or maybe its that his own Magic Power and stamina that you stole has made it only seem that way?

Regardless, you dart forward, using the length of your Scythe to vault over the attack and launch into a wide swinging arc aimed at the vulnerable,.flexible areas between the sections of the rapier whip in an attempt to break the weapon. You haven't had these ARMs for long, less than an hour, so you aren't too surprised when your attack fails to achieve your desired outcome. The whip wriggles out of the way, like a struggling snake, as it retracts back into its normal form. Rats!

Of course you're closer to Rolan now. In fact, you estimate you're most likely within your Scythe's sweet spot, and, just as interestingly, an awkward -and very disadvantageous- middle range for Rolan's Dark Ribbon. Your grin widens as your opponent realizes the position he's in. His expression changes again to a sheepish smile.

"Hey now, you're doing pretty good all things considered. You're like a Synchronization prodigy! I can see why you'd be scouted like I was." He tries to flatter you.

>Thank him and ask him to concede gracefully.
>Thank him and slash him. You barely need to cut him to bleed him of his remaining MP.
>Sneer and command him to concede to your superior strength, skill and talent.
>Sneer and slash him good. Time to establish your dominance among your so-called "peers."

>>2371843
>Thank him and slash him. You barely need to cut him to bleed him of his remaining MP.

>>2371843
>>Thank him and slash him. You barely need to cut him to bleed him of his remaining MP.

>>2371843
>Thank him and slash him. You barely need to cut him to bleed him of his remaining MP.
"You're pretty scary too, I'm sure you didn't show off everything in this little spar."

Rolled 3, 6, 6, 7, 2, 1 = 25 (6d10)

>>2371879
>>2371892
>>2371933

I see, I see. Go ahead and roll me another....

10d10s

Rolled 10, 5, 4, 6, 1, 10, 1, 7, 1, 5 = 50 (10d10)

>>2371942

Rolled 2, 2, 7, 4, 10, 4, 9, 10, 2, 7 = 57 (10d10)

>>2371942

Rolled 5, 9, 10, 8, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3, 6 = 55 (10d10)

>>2371942

Rolled 1, 2, 3, 2, 3, 10, 9, 7, 7, 9 = 53 (10d10)

>>2371942

>>2371950
>>2373214

"You're pretty scary, too." You replay with a confident smirk. "I'm sure you haven't even shown a quarter of what you can do." And with that you bring your scythe in and just barely cut the skin of his arm. The wailing groan of the Scythe grows louder again and you see a dull gray mist drain out of the cut and into your weapon. That must have been what it looked like when it first drained you of your Magic Power at the start of the spar.

"Ah... that's a shame." He groans as he simply drops to his knees on the ground. He is breathing heavily as if he'd run a marathon. "I was all set to start getting serious, but I don't think I've got the energy to do anything flashy." He looks back up to you with a tired smile.

"Well, maybe next time." You try to cheer him up, offering your hand to him. He takes it and you pull him back to his feet. You release the Scythe and it disappears into a dull silver light before reforming as the arm band around your body.

"Way to go, Albern! I had complete confidence in you!" From the sidelines, Goldie runs up to you and latches onto your shoulder and upper arm.

>Ask Rolan about his benefactor.
>Call it a day, you might have switched to using Rolan's power and stamina, but you're still wiped. Learning to use new ARMs is exhausting.
>Ask Rolan and Goldie if there are other Chess Pieces being watched by Knights.
>[Ask another question.]
>Try to spy on the Cross Guard camp.
>[Do something else]

>>2373803
>Ask Rolan and Goldie if there are other Chess Pieces being watched by Knights.
"I mean, I'm pretty sure Halloween promoted me on a whim, but that can't be the case for all of them."

>>2373803
>Ask Rolan and Goldie if there are other Chess Pieces being watched by Knights.
>Try to spy on the Cross Guard camp.

>>2373803
>>Ask Rolan and Goldie if there are other Chess Pieces being watched by Knights.

>Ask Rolan about his benefactor.

>>2373816
>>2373868
>>2374263

You can't help but chuckle at the praise being heaped on you.

"I'm pretty sure Halloween only promoted me on a whim." You laugh again peeling yourself out of Goldie's grip. (Though the girl just simply reattaches herself to you.) "But I'm sure that can't be the case for you, Rolan, or for any others. Actually, are there others like us being watched the Knights?" You are looking at Rolan, but address the question to both of your current companions.

"Sure there are. I think just about all the Knights have their own little protege they hold to a higher standard to the rest of use simple Rooks and Bishops. You're one, too, aren't you Goldie? Candice's selection, isn't that right?" Rolan turns to the girl with his innocent question.

"O-oh! Um... yeah." She seems embarrassed and averts her eyes from you, though she still hangs onto your arm tightly.

"Other than us three... I'm not quite familiar with some of the others. The only reason I know of Goldie like I do is because Candice likes to bring her up to impress Phantom." The boy laughs fondly at the though, but you can only stare at him in surprise.

"W-wait. You don't mean-" You stammer in shock.

"Did Goldie not tell you? Yeah I'm Phantom's protege. I don't think I deserve it, but I'll do my best to live up to his expectations!" He smiles, his eyes shining in determination. You can hardly believe it, though. This kid is Phantom's favorite Rook? You shift your stare to Goldie on your arm, but she just shrugs.

"What? I didn't think it was that important. Besides, Peta is the only one who hasn't picked a favorite to help, so it was either Rolan or Faust's protege and I don't think any should have to meet that creepy Bishop." She shudders in disgust again.

"We've still got a day or two til the Games start." Goldie continues, "We should probably be finding out what round we'll be debuting in."

"That sounds like fun, but I think I'll pass." Rolan waves politely.

"I wasn't really talking to you anyway." You hear Goldie mutter under her breath as Rolan continues.

"I'm more curious as to what our competition looks like. I hear they have someone claiming to be from another world! That would so cool if its true!"

>"I'm actually more interested in seeing when I'm gonna fight." [Go with Goldie to the placing announcement.]
>"Another world? No way! I gotta see this." [Go with Rolan to spy on Cross Guard.]
>"I'm actually kind of beat. I think I'll take go take a nap instead. Tell me all about it later, okay?" [Shift perspectives back to Kana.]

>>2382488
>"I'm actually more interested in seeing when I'm gonna fight." [Go with Goldie to the placing announcement.]

>>2382488
>>"I'm actually more interested in seeing when I'm gonna fight." [Go with Goldie to the placing announcement.]
Why push our luck? Also this is more important for gathering intel considering we can learn exactly who we need to fight.

>>2382488
>>"Another world? No way! I gotta see this." [Go with Rolan to spy on Cross Guard.]

>>2382502
>>2382506

"It sounds interesting, Rolan, but I think I should find out when I'll be fighting. I'll let you know you spot as well, so tell me if that whole "Another World" thing is true!" You wave him off as you and Goldie head back into the castle and down the halls to where a majority of the Chess choose the meet.

"So is there a reason why you didn't want to fight me? You have to have some potential if one of the Knights picked you." You make small talk with the girl still clinging to your arm.

"Well, to be honest, I think its a bit more like what you said. I think Candice only chose me on a whim. Don't get me wrong, I know I earned that promotion, but I think she's overselling me to impress Phantom." She turns away again, her cheeks slightly flushed with color. "Please don't think less of me for it."

You remain silent for it, but offer a kind smile to her. You are someone who puts stock in what people say about their own power. Usually they tend to either be bluffing or trying to be modest, so for now you will just wait to see her strength in the Games.

You arrive the mess hall that the Chess are using for the announcements. The place is crowded. It must be full of almost every Rook and Bishop in the entire organization; all gathered around to hear when they'll be participating in the Games.

Standing on a table holding a scroll of parchment is a well-dressed, tall, thin man with pointed ears, moustache, and goatee. He is smiling and belting out names and numbers. He turns and you notice that a horse-shaped earring dangles from his ear.

He's a Knight.

>Get closer and find out when you're fighting.
>Hang back and wait for the crowd to diminish some... and see if Goldie knows anything about this guy.

>>2382799
>Hang back and wait for the crowd to diminish some... and see if Goldie knows anything about this guy.
Better to exercise caution around these people.

>>2382799
>Hang back and wait for the crowd to diminish some... and see if Goldie knows anything about this guy.

>>2382799
>>Hang back and wait for the crowd to diminish some... and see if Goldie knows anything about this guy.

>>2382832
>>2382833
>>2382878

They might be your comrades, but they're not your brothers in arms. You decide to exercise caution and wait for the crowds to dissipate. You aren't sure how much you can trust them knowing how cut-throat advancement in the Chess can be.

"That guy on the table." You motion to the man shouting to Goldie, "He's a Knight, right? I've never seen him before. Who is he?"

"That Maestro. I've never seen him fight, but I hear he's one of our most vicious Knights. Some of his underlings say he prefers long, drawn out fights. Claims that the sounds of battle are like a symphony to him." Goldie whispers in your ear.

"Sounds pleasant." Your voice drips with sarcasm.

"I know, right?" She replies just as flatly. "As far as the power ranking for Knights, I think he was Number 10; just above Candice. His own protege is actually somewhere among the Bishops. I don't know his name, but I'm told he's insanely tough and just as much a monster as Maestro is."

You furrow your brow as you think what kind of person would impress someone as bloodthristy Maestro is.

"But, you know, those are just rumors. Don't let them get to you." She gives a playful tap on your arm.

A decent portion of the mob of Chess personnel has dispersed and exited from the mess to go prepare for their respective challenges, which gives you and Goldie the space you need to get close enough to hear what your positions will be in the Games. Maestro's beady eyes narrow in on the two of you as you approach.

"What's this? A new player in our orchestra of change? Tell me, young man: Do you consider yourself First Chair material?" His voice holds a sing-song quality to it as he questions you. Every motion he makes seems exaggerated in some way, yet disturbingly natural.

>First what?
>Er, yes?
>I was hand-picked by Halloween. I'm ready for anything!
>I still have a ways to go before I think that highly of myself.
>I'm not sure, but I'll do anything it takes to get there.

>>2382964
>I still have a ways to go before I think that highly of myself.

>>2382964
>>First what?
We are of humble beginnings.

>>2382964
>First what?

>>2382964
>Er, yes?

>>2382975
>>2383023

"First what?" You're clueless as to what Maestro is talking about. Does he mean the Knights? Is he referring to the Games?

Maestro rolls his eyes in irritation at your inability to grasp his bizarre way of speaking.

"First Chair. Do you think you have what it takes to be the best!? Really, it's not that hard of a concept." He folds his arms expectantly while staring down on you, his lips curling downwards into a frown. You can feel his power surging out from him, even ranked Tenth among the 13 Zodiac Knights, Maestro's power is almost suffocating.

"Though I do suppose you're here for you marching orders." He eventually continues, leaning down to both of you in his cartoonishly exaggerated way. He brings the list up to his face, his golden-colored eyes burning through line after line. "Congradulations to both of you. You'll be in the first pool of Rooks and Bishops. Do well, and you might be able to rise up to a better position in the pit." There he goes with his weird music talk again.

"Since we let fate decide how long any one round of the Games go, we cannot say for certain if you will be able to fight. That must be decided by those of you that might participate that round, so do what you need to." His frown instantly reverses into a crazed, wicked smile. Goldie backs off from the Knight, tugging you along with her. You're a little surprised at her strength, but follow along out of arm's reach of Maestro.

"Th-thank you for the information, Maestro. We'll just let you go about your duties." Goldie smiles weakly. The Knight simply snaps upright and starts laughing loudly.

"Fine, fine! Be off with you. Give my best to your benefactors! Houhouhou!" He looses a raucous guffaw as the two of your make your retreat.

"What a psychopath. At least he's on our side." Goldie admits to you in a low, hushed voice. "Well, now we know what to expect. We really should prepare ourselves for our 'teammates' as well as our opponents." The girl leans in and gives you a soft peck on the cheek.

"Thanks for letting me hang around with you today! I'll see you at the prelim screening~" She giggles again before running off. You stand there surprised, rubbing the area where the blonde girl's lips made contact. What a first day...

>End of Session