>>2850048
Let's fucking go

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https://youtu.be/H8ag7DLWIlI

The raging beats charge forward in a pack of 6, each one more gnarly and wild than the last.

They dash forward like excited jack rabbits, hopping and bouncing their ways through the cluttered pile of debris with ease, wasting no time on closing in on your position.

As you prepare to strike, Rea interrupts by dashing in-front of you and unloading her clip into the pack. The bullets scatter at random and almost all of them miss, barring her two last shots which graze the two beasts at the back of the pack.

They all jump apart and retreat to your flanks, four on your side, two on Rea’s side.

Rea quickly reloads and turns her back to yours as you speak, “Okay, what the hell was that? I didn’t know you had such a happy trigger finger.” You ask.

“And I didn’t know you could be so blind. Don’t you remember Damon’s stories?” She asks.

“I’m gonna be honest, I remember the dreams I had during Damon’s stories better than the actual stories.” You answer.

Rea sighs, “Well, that’s why you have me around, to remember things of actual importance. These are Delbies, pack hunters with speed to match their ferocity, they use their teeth and horns to attack anything that invades their territory.” She explains.

“Ah, I do remember that part. I don’t remember hearing they were aggressive enough to attack anything that makes noise, so what attracted them?” You ask.

“Well, If I had to guess, I would imagine this general area was actually their territory.” Rea deducts

“Ah, you mean this area you basically blended into a wooden milkshake? No wonder they’re so pissed.” You figure.

“Be quiet, there was no avoiding it. It’s unfortunate but we’ll have to send them fleeing or just kill them now that their home’s gone.” Rea states.

“They’ll die either way and I’m pretty sure we could’ve avoided this…” You state.

“Just focus on combat. I divided them for a reason, in a pack, Delbies tend to attack using numbers to separate your attention and slowly bleed you to death by attacking your blindspots, or rushing you coordinated group attacks.” She explains.

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“So, wasted a clip to turn a whole pack into a scattered mess? Seems more harmful than not.” you state.

“In tactics, there’s no such thing as waste.” She counters.

You look around and see that the Delbies are considerably less excited now.

With their natural formation disrupted, they've resorted to slowly circling around you both, trying to sneakily merge back to together while you both talk.

“Huh, these things are bigger cowards than I thought.” You say with a sadistic grin as an idea pops into your head.

“Just because something looks horrifying doesn’t mean it knows no fear, they’re magical beasts, but in the end, they’re just animals of a more dangerous flavor.” Rea states.

“If this is the taste of danger, then I’m complaining to the chef, cause this is bland as hell.” You taunt.

BATTLE COMMENCES

>Round 1

>Derrick's Status

>Status Effects: N/A

>LIFE: 100/100

>ARMOR: N/A

>Delbies Status

>Status effects: N/A

>LIFE: ???/???

>ARMOR: N/A

What will you do?

>Pull out your bow and fire

>Equip your Thunderstruck and attack one of the groups.

>Leave your gloves off and attack one of the groups

>Team up with Rea to attack both Groups(Team-attack)

>Use Rea’s Nen ability


Bonus Options

>Strategic Fighter

>Lure the beast in and use the debris to skewer them

>Cause them to attack each other

>>2850066
>Team up with Rea to attack both Groups(Team-attack)
Now that their team formation is messed up let's hit them with our own

>Lure the beast in and use the debris to skewer them
Use the environment to our advantage

>>2850089

Looks like this choice passes without contention.

>Roll 2d100+30(+20 from team attack, +10 from both Rea and Derrick being in peak condition)

DC: 60

Rolled 11, 17 + 30 = 58 (2d100 + 30)

>>2850146

Rolled 67, 43 + 30 = 140 (2d100 + 30)

>>2850146

Rolled 54, 98 + 30 = 182 (2d100 + 30)

>>2850146
Welcome back man. This'll be my only post tonight, hope you get more anons joining because your way too good to not to get attention

>>2850154
>>2850205
>>2850261

Yeesh, I see the curse of the dice gods has yet to let up, only 2 rolls out of the 6 actually passed the DC.

Better hope this doesn't last all thread.

>Rolled 97, 128

>Double crit! Excellent!

>Writing.

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You quickly glance around the area and find a long, thick branch with a pointy end just below your feet. With just that, your brain moves into working a plan to end this fight before it even begins.

You turn to Rea, "Rea! I've got an idea!" you exclaim.

"Oh? Is it good one?" she asks.

"Damn right it is! If this works out, we'll take out 3, maybe 4 of them in a single attack!" You declare.

"Now that does sound like a good idea. What do you need me to do?" she asks.

"Lead the beasts on your side to my side, make sure to excite them as much as possible, I want them blind with rage and fear." You state.

"And what good will angering them and gathering them up do? That will just lead to them attacking you blindly." She states.

"That's exactly what I'm hoping for. Just trust me, if this works out right, we can even make spit-roasts out of these jumpy freaks!" you exclaim.

"That doesn't really explain anything, but if you're that confident, you must have some plan. Let's do this." She agrees as she crouches down and readies her pistol.

You then kneel down and ready yourself for action.

You both nod to each other as you put your plan to action. Rea rolls from her crouched position right in front where her group of beasts is circling and fires at them.

The sudden movement catches the beasts off-guard, before they even have a chance to jump, the Delby leading the group is filled with holes and drops to the dirt.

The other two Delbies panic at the death of their ally and turn back and dash away, hurrying to meet the remainder of their pack.

You do nothing to stop them, instead you simply lower yourself and grab on tightly to the large branch.

Once the groups combine, they go into a frenzy of fear and panic, with no real strategy, all 5 of them charge forward, mouths foaming with wild need for survival, the desperation to win.

A horrifying sight to many, but when you see it, you can't help but smirk, "One Delby Shish-Kebab coming right up!!" you bark.

You then raise your make-shift stake into the air and watch as 3 different beasts ram face-first into the wooden spear.

You nearly topple over from the force and weight of the impact, but you stand firm as the three beasts die almost instantly upon skewering themselves.

The amount of blood and viscera is almost stomach-turning, the streams of blood run down the log, dyeing it a dark shade of crimson.

You hoist the bloody piece of wood into the air and speak, "I wonder if Ivorai would cook me a masterpiece if I brought this back with me." You taunt.

The look of fear in the beasts eyes as you flail around a stick with 3 of their brothers dead bodies makes you almost feel bad.

"I wonder who the real horrifying monster is here..." Rea questions.

"Don't act like they didn't start this! Let's just finish this and get moving!" you complain.

"Fine, what should we do now, seems our enemies are too scared to act first." Rea points out.

>How do you end this

>Send them running

>Kill the remainder

>>2850395
>>Send them running

>>2850410

>Send'em packing.

>Writing.

>>2850395

>Send them running

You decide that killing them here would be meaningless and cruel, so you use a more merciful but equally devious tactic to drive the fear of death into these remaining two beasts.

You can see the fear in their eyes as they stare at your bloody weapon, you use their attention to show them just how outmatched they really are.

The log weighs well over 100+ pounds with all the extra weight on it, but even so, you raise the stake into the air and slam it down hard enough to break it to pieces.

The explosion of wood and gore makes quite the bloody spectacle as the skewered bodies of their allies go flying, large holes punctured deep within their bodies present the living beasts a horrifying possible future for them if they continue fighting.

That possibility is all it takes to break down what's left of their will to fight, they go dashing off into the distance without even looking back, ending the battle.

"Well that was pretty easy. Those guys were way weaker than they looked." you state.

"Would you have preferred the alternative? Besides, no matter how aggressive or powerful the beast, it's instinct for survival is always stronger." Rea explains.

"I get that." you state.

"You seem disappointed. Would you have preferred they stand their ground and fight till the end?" She asks.

"Of course not, I'm not some bloodthirsty wild animal. We only do what needs to be done right? Killing those last two didn't need to be done so I didn't do it." you counter.

She nods in turn, "That's exactly right Derrick. I'm glad to see this Exam has yet to break your sense of humanity."she says with a smile.

>Rea enjoys your sense of mercy! +30 points to your relationship (320 points till advancement)

"Well, I wouldn't exactly call what I did humane. Sparing those two beasts didn't really save them, they need their pack to survive and you can see what I did to them." You counter.

"Even so, you choose to give them the chance to live. The chance to find a new pack and rebuild, that's something they could only do if they survive. You always have a chance to do better as long as you're alive." Rea states.

"I hope things turn out that rosy for them. But either way-" you find a nearby intact log and sit yourself down.

"I need a second. Swinging huge sticks around is a real drain on the tanks." you state.

"Yes, I must say that was rather impressive. You have a surprising amount of strength, along with a surprising lack of energy. But even still, it's amazing. Hmmm..." She seems to lose herself in thought halfway through complimenting you.

"Haaaah, I don't lack energy, those bastards just had way too much. Dealing with hyper-active beasts is tiring.” You state.

Rea ignores your causal complaints as she stands up, lost in thought, “Hello? You still with me? You haven’t lost your mind again right?” you ask.

“I just might have, for I have an interesting idea.” Rea answers.

She then walks over to you and pushes her palm into your face, “Uh, what is this? Am I supposed understand what this means?” you ask.

“You’re a powerful fighter Derrick, you’ve clearly been training for many years to gain the strength, reflexes and martial skill you use. You’re also very mentally strong, you work well under pressure, it takes considerable effort to make you panic or flinch.” She states.


“Well thank you for the compliment, but that doesn’t answer my question, why are you pushing your hand into my face? Is this your way of asking to hold hands or something?” you question.

You notice a small twitch run through Rea, “B-Be quiet and let me explain.” She counters.

She calms herself and speaks, “What I’m trying to say is, by normal human standards, you have the physical fitness of an Olympic athlete and mental fortitude of a well-trained solider. Both necessary traits for unlocking what I’m about to offer you.” She states.

“Offer me? You’re going to give me something?” you ask.

“I’m going to unlock your Nen abilities.” She answers.

“Huh?” is all you can say.

“I’m putting my palm in front of you because I’m readying myself push a wave of Aura inside you that will forcefully open all the closed nodes in your body, thereby unlocking your Nen.” She explains.

“Wait,wait, you’re going to blast aura into me? The same stuff that turned this area into a wasteland? Are you sure that’s safe?” you ask.

“You seem to be under the impression that Nen is somekind of destructive energy, I know I didn’t give the best first example, but aura isn’t simply a wave of deadly force. Nen can be used to do anything the user so desires, it’s extremely complex and it’s merits extend far beyond its combat capabilities.” She explains.

“Then you’re saying that you blasting me full of this aura stuff won’t cause me to randomly explode or something?” you ask.

“…Probably.” She says after another spell of thought.

“Probably? I don’t like that word. That word means there’s a chance that you’re going to blow me up with magic.” You state.

“The method I’m about to use is called Baptism, if everything goes right, your nodes will unlock with a single blast of non-hostile aura that will force your aura nodes awake allow to skip the months of worth of training that would get your aura out naturally.” She begins.

“However, this method is considered dangerous for two reasons: 1. If the person doing it were to harbor some ill-will towards the person they’re baptizing, that hostility could flow into their aura and deal significant damage to the person receiving it.” She states.

“And the second reason?” you ask.

“If the person being baptizing were to be unprepared for the new ability, their body would leak out all of it’s lifeforce and slowly kill them of exhaustion.” She answers.

You find yourself utterly dumbfounded, “So you’re telling me if you have some grudge against me or I have no damn idea how to control this weird magical bullshit, I’m going to die?”

“But in exchange, you will gain an extremely powerful ability that will aid you throughout the rest of this Exam and the battles afterwards.” Rea comforts.

“But there’s still a good chance I’ll die?” you ask once again.

“Yes, that is an undeniable possibility.” She answers.

“Why the hell should I agree to this again?” you ask.

“Don’t worry yourself, I told you that you have the physical strength and mental fortitude of a Nen-user, so you should have no trouble quickly adapting to the change.” She answers.

“I don’t know about that…” You say, uncertainty littered in your voice.

“I told you it was an offer for a reason. If you think this might be too dangerous and you’d prefer to learn it the natural way, all you need to do is say ‘No’” She states.

Rea then goes silent as she waits for your response, her palm still at the ready to hit you with a blast of Aura at any time.

(This is all happening way too fast. I barely understand this Nen insanity and now I have to decide whether or not I’m going to risk my life for a chance to be able to use it.) You think

(It’s power is undeniable, the pile of destruction you currently sit on is proof that the risk may be worth the reward.) You contemplate.

(But even so, there’s still a chance that you won’t be able to control it and nothing will be able to save you from a slow death via exhaustion. Rea may be certain, but sure as hell, I’m not! What to do…) you doubt.

What will you do?

>Take her offer

>Turn down the offer

>>2850579
>Take her offer
I think we're close enough with Rea to trust her with our life

>>2850608

>Take her offer

And so the final gloves come off

>Writing.

After a few quick minutes of fear-filled thoughts and anxiety, you decide to speak.

“…You’re sure I’m ready for this thing?” you ask.

“I trust you and your strength. You told me yourself right, you refuse to die before you’ve ensured the fall of Moon Medicines. Were your words nothing but bravado after all?” she asks.

“Of course not. But weren’t you the one that called me an idiot for saying that?” you retort.

“Well here’s your chance to prove me wrong. The fact that you’ve haven’t told me ‘No’ yet means you’re ready to accept?” She asks.

You choke on your tongue for a few seconds, but eventually answer, “…Yeah, I’m ready for this.” You answer.

Rea shows a small smile, “I’m glad you’re willing to make good on your promises. Get on your knees and Mentally prepare yourself.” She says as walks around to your back.

You comply with her demands, the ground at your knees is rough and a little spiky, but not too uncomfortable to rest your knees on.

Rea puts a hand to your back and speaks, “Are you ready?” she asks.

“How many time do I have to say ‘yes’ before you get the message I’m not backing out of this?” you ask.

“I Imagine since your life is in the balance, you would want to be as ready as possible for any eventualities.” She states.

“Well, just to be safe I should ask, do you have any grudges against me? Any unpleasant feelings you haven’t revealed?” you question.

“….” You get worrying silence in return.

“Give me a break! What could I have done to piss you off!?” You ask.

“Oh nothing, I just have this worry in the back of my mind that when we head back to the house, you’re going to tell everyone about how you forced me into that strangle-hold you call a hug.” She states.

“Is that what you’re thinking about? Don’t worry about it, if I told anyone about that, Landon and Flourette would hound me about romantic triangles till the exam was over, I don’t want that anymore than you do.” You assure.

“Even so, I hope you don’t misunderstand my feelings. You were the one that forced me into that hug, I simply allowed you to hold me as repayment for showing you something so unpleasant. Nothing more, nothing less.” She states.

“Really? If memory serves me right, you were the one begging me to keep squeezing you until you felt normal again. As disturbing as it all was, I gotta say, you were super cute like that-“

Suddenly, the hand on your back pushes into your spine and nearly crushes it under the intense force, “I think I can feel a strong grudge forming, do you wish for me to blast that inside you?” She asks in a calm yet belligerent voice.

“Nevermind, forget I said anything, I forced myself on you and I’m very sorry, it won’t happen again!” You apologize in a strained voice.

She lets up on the assault on your back, “As long as you repent, then you are forgiven.” She states.

“Okay, enough fooling around. Are you ready?” She asks.

You nod your head, significantly more relaxed than before, “I’m as ready as I’m gonna get. Do it.” You say in a determined voice.

Without another word, Rea presses her palm deeply into the upper section of your back and in the next instant, you feel something strange flow in from behind.

>Roll1d100, the higher the number, the better the results, and if you get a critical (95-100) You'll obtain something special, however if you get a critical failure (5-1), not only will you fail to unlock your Nen, something absolutely terrible will occur.

>Good luck, best of three.

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>2850758
No pressure right...

Also it's crazy that we're getting Nen this early

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>2850758
dread intenisfies

Seems no one else is rolling tonight, I expect this will settled come the morning, but I have to turn in early tonight If I want to make it on time tomorrow.

So far, it seems you guys will succeed, but you never know until that third and final roll. if that turns up bad, the rest of the quest will be absolute hell for you guys, so once again-

Good luck.

>>2851053
Thanks for running

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>2850758

>>2851149
Bless you.

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>>2851149
Well, it isn't a crit, but considering our luck we should be satisfied.

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>2850758
check my 100

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Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>2852109
Pathetic, Watch this!

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>>2850765
>>2850948
>>2851149

>Rolled 93

Well done, this isn't the best, but this pretty much as close as you can get without just straight crit rolling.

You've unlocked Nen, but now you need to roll again to determine just how proficient a Nen-user Derrick is. Thanks to your high roll, you've given Derrick quite the pool for potential.

But just to give you an idea how much was at stake in this roll, if you had rolled a crit success, 2 things would happen:

1.Derrick would become so proficient at Nen, that he could instantly learn 3 advanced Nen techniques of your choosing.

2.Derrick would've started out with more Aura than the average Nen-user, making him into some-kind of Nen genius.

Meanwhile, if you crit failed, 4 things would've happened:

1.Derrick would have failed to control the sudden burst of Aura pouring out of him and he would quickly fainted from the insane loss of stamina and it would've taken 2 days for him to wake up.

2.The loss of stamina would've permanently taken away 50 points from your LIFE

3.Everyone, Examiners and other Hunters would know you were trying to awaken your Nen, making you a huge target.

4.And top it all off, Derrick's aura nodes would've closed themselves tighter than ever before to combat the loss of lifeforce, making it even harder to awaken a second time.

So while you may have lost a massive boon, you managed to dodge an equally massive nuke, so feel proud of yourselves.

>Roll 1d930+400 to determine your starting M.A.P

>>2852109
>>2852396

Great work clearing out 2 terrible rolls you two, just make sure you don't roll like that when it matters, this is far from the last stressful roll this thread.

Rolled 334 + 400 (1d930 + 400)

>>2852551

Rolled 624 + 400 (1d930 + 400)

>>2852551
Now I'm super sad we didn't get a crit, we were so close too

>this is far from the last stressful roll this thread.
Just our luck...

Rolled 203 + 400 (1d930 + 400)

>>2852551
Watch me crit boyos

>>2852579
>>2852596
>>2852694

>Rolled 1024

>Ahead of the curve, writing.

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>>2852551
Thinking back on it, I'm kinda glad we didn't crit success.
We would have been kinda gary stu ish if we started off as you've described (Note that not even gon, who had a ton of potential didn't start off as well as what you've stated.)
The crit fail would have gone in the opposite direction into making us work our metaphorical and literal balls off to catch up. Which I would have kinda enjoyed

The force of the wave is immense, like a small hurricane concentrated purely on your back, it's thick with a kind of unstoppable power.

However, at the same time, the blast feels welcoming, gentle, less a blast of force threatening to topple you over and more like a strong wind that covers you from head to toe.

Soon the feeling passes from your spine and spreads to the rest of your body, from the soles of your feet to the highest parts of your cranium, a strange energy flows within you.

Soon, the energy reaches your eyes and for a few seconds, you go blind as the entire world goes white, but that quickly passes.

The wild energy bounces around your body for a good while, but soon it settles and wells up inside you, becoming something like a pool of water gathering within your body.

But the pool is far from calm, the energy within is too excited, too wild, it's causing the pool to boil over and steam out of your body, at this rate, all of this power will burst out your body, leaving you empty.

But before that can happen, somehow, without even knowing what’s even happening to your body, your mind finds a way to relax this new energy. You shut out the entire world around you, you loosen your shoulders, release all the tension pent up in your body and take the most natural stance you can.

Within a few seconds, the boiling energy calms itself, soon, the steam stops and all the energy is kept perfectly within your body and after a few more seconds of waiting, the wild energy becomes tame under your calm and tranquil mind. Allowing you to make it flow around your body in soft and soothing waves.

>You've unlocked your aura nodes gained control of your Nen! As unrefined and green as you are, you still have a hefty amount of Aura to train up, a total M.A.P of 1024!

>This puts you near the total Aura pool of a well-trained Nen-user.

>For futher information on M.A.P and how the Nen system in this quest works, read the new entry in the Combat rules.

You then open your eyes, realizing that you don’t really have to focus to keep the energy under control anymore. When you open them, you see a strange, gel-like white energy flowing around your body.

“What the hell is this? It feels like I’m covered in thick sheet of slime or super-thick jelly.” You state.

“Incredible, you mastered Ten within seconds of gaining your aura. I knew you had powerful mental fortitude but this is something to behold.” Rea says in awe.

“Ten? We then we move from learning about mystic bullshit to a grade school math course?” You joke.

“Ten, is one of the 4 most basic Nen techniques usable by all Nen users. By shrouding yourself in your own Aura, you’ve mastered control over your own life-force, this is one of the most fundamental steps in becoming a Nen-user and most don’t master seconds after experiencing it the first time, it usually take a few minutes or for some even an hour.” She states.

>>2852749
I was also thinking that too. I think being a nen genius and having a lot of natural aura would've been cool, the "3 instant techniques" seems like a bit much. Still kinda upset that we were like 2 away from a crit though

>Which I would have kinda enjoyed
It sounds kinda cool on paper but it would've fucked up the pacing completely and possibly effect our relationship with Rea negatively

“Oh? Is it that crazy? Does that mean I can block bullets and punch through steel now?” You ask excitedly.

“Oh no. You’re still completely vulnerable to conventional attacks like gunfire and explosives and your aura isn’t focused enough for you to punch through steel yet." She states.

"Wait what?" you blurt out.

"At your level, most normal attacks like punching or kicking will do marginally less damage, but not much else.” She explains.

“What? I thought you said this stuff makes me super-human? All this does is give me some light protection?” You question, slightly disappointed.

“The things you just listed off are possible for most average Nen-users, but right now you’re at the level of a beginner. Your Ten is unfocused and unrefined, nothing that can provide the unbreakable defense you're hoping for.” She corrects.

“I’m not even at average level yet? When you freaked out at the beginning, I thought I was some-kind of genius or something.” You state.

“Not even slightly. A real Nen genius wouldn’t even need to be Baptized. However, you are something special to be so quickly adapting to your new state of being, not to mention, the amount of Aura you contain is impressive, it's much higher than most other beginners."

"Doesn't really mean much when I can't do anything but have it float around me. This Ten is kind of useless from how you're describing it." you complain.

"It may not be strong now, but it will act as a well-built base for you to grow much stronger from there.” She states.

“Well, it does make me feel a little good that got to this stage with little to no trouble. Well, what’s next?” you ask.

“Now that you can control the flow of your Nen, you need to learn how to control and release it at will. You’re ability to control your Ten is good enough that learning Zetsu should be no trouble.” She states.

“Not the first you’ve mentioned that thing, so Zetsu is ability to close my pores or something? But wouldn’t that eliminate the point of opening them?” you ask.

“That’s exactly the point. Now that you’re awakened, your Aura has become distinct from that of an Average person. Another of the fundamentals of Nen is the ability to detect Aura in all it's forms. Something you should be able to do naturally now.” She explains.

“Detect? Like, I can sense another Nen-users from a distance? How?” you ask.

“Just focus. Your body has already adapted to the feeling of your own Aura, just try finding an Aura different from your own.” She explains.

Not really understand what she means, you guess that you should try and feel with your Aura, like it’s some-kind of sixth sense.

You try for a few minutes, but come empty, you can’t feel or sense anything, “Well?” Rea asks.

“The only thing I feel is the morning breeze at my back. How the hell do you detect something spiritual anyway? Do I strain my eyes? Focus my ears?” you ask.

“You’re thinking in normal human terms. You can’t sense aura with your normal human senses. You must detect Aura with your own Aura. If you must, use your Aura like another sense organ.” She states.

“How do I do that?” you ask.

Rea sighs, “Nen is far too complex to be explained verbally. Here’s a tip, close your eyes and treat your Aura like it’s a form of skin on your body, or a new set of clothes. Anything that helps you visualize it better.” She states.


Even with that description you don’t really get it, but you doubt she’ll answer your questions anymore than this. So you just try it and surprisingly enough, it works.

After a few minutes of not really feeling or noticing anything different, suddenly you feel an intense sensation.

Somewhere inside your mind, you can feel something like a tracker appear, telling you everything from how powerful the person is to how far away they are from you, simply based on the strength on the aura resonating with yours.

“I feel something…” You state.

“Oh? What does it feel like?” Rea asks.

“… It feels very...smooth, if that's the right word. Smooth and controlled. And yet, it also feels very rough and wild.” You answer.

“That’s an oxymoron.” She counters

“I know, but It’s an intense feeling, it’s nothing like I’ve ever felt before, so putting into words is hard.” You state.

“I can understand that, just say the first thing that comes to mind.” She states.

You take a moment to contemplate, “…I know this is going to sound weird, but it feels…Professional.” You answer.

“Excuse me?” Rea asks.

“That’s the first thing that pops into my mind. It feels like I’m looking at a determined, successful businessman. Someone very focused, very well informed, always ready.” You ascribe.

“But at the same time, it feels like something wild and uncontrolled lurks beneath the surface, something that feels weak now, but could grow to become unstoppable if left unchecked.” You finish.

“Ah, that’s my aura you’re sensing.” Rea states.

"This is your Aura? I didn't expect to feel so...out of control." you break it easy.

"My entire existence happens to be out of control, so my Nen reflects that. Another Notable thing about Nen, while it may be your lifeforce, you can say it's something like the reflection of your soul." Rea states.

"My soul?" you ask.

"Yes. Your very essence, everything that makes you, you. Your personality, desires and emotions are all reflected in your Nen, making it act something like a mirror into your soul." She explains.

"Ah...I get it." is all you can say.

(Weird, it feels like someone said something very similar to you once. But you can't remember where and you can't recall who...) you think.

You finally open your eyes, “Man this weird, it feels like I’ve got a second set eyes, ears and nose. All my senses feel new, different than before.” You evaluate.

“You’ll get used to the feeling in time. Now, since you can sense and control Aura, you should be able to mask your own rather easily.” Rea states.

“Is this another technique you can’t explain with words?” You ask.

“Nen has many techniques that cannot be explained with words, you’ll learn them with experience.” She explains.

“Yeah, yeah.” You brush off as you attempt to close your pores.

But strangely, the second you attempt it, it works, “Hoh. This one didn’t even take you a second to master. How are you so good with your Aura control this early?” Rea questions.

You look at your body again to see that the jelly-like aura has faded, instead, it’s replaced by the feeling that your very existence has lost some weight.

Your entire body feels naked yet hidden, like you lost you’ve lost all your clothes but in exchange you’ve become an invisible man.

But the strangest thing about it, this isn’t the first time you’ve felt this way before, “I’ve already…done this once.” You state without thinking.

“What does that mean?” Rea questions.

“Back during the Barry town battle, when I was cornered by Blackwood, I got desperate and wished from the bottom of my heart to become invisible. Then this feeling came over me and I was able to hide and ambush him.” You state.

“Ah, I know of this, this happens to wild animals often. When you got cornered by Blackwood, your fighter’s instinct forced you to master Zetsu subconsciously so he wouldn’t be able to detect you. That explains why your Aura control is so good.” She states.

“Wait, but Blackwood wasn’t a Nen-user, why would Zetsu work against him?” you ask.

“You don’t have to be a Nen-user to detect Aura, it’s just that Nen-users are only ones capable of consciously detecting it." Rea clarifies,

"Once you reach a certain threshold of skill, detecting the Aura of another person becomes sub-conscious, as everyone leaks tiny amounts aura even when their nodes haven’t been awakened yet.” She explains.

“So, you’re saying Blackwood hit that threshold and was capable of detecting me via just feeling my presence? That bastard really was one hell of a beast.” You state.

“If Blackwood’s a beast for being able to detect others after years of hard training and combat experience, then you must be a monster, as you mastered Aura control in mere minutes.” Rea states.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” You state.

“Well, now that you’ve mastered Aura control. Let’s head back.” Rea announces as she turns away and starts walking.

“Wait, isn’t there more to learn? You said all of this was the basics, right? What else do I have to learn?” you ask as you move to catch.

“I can see your eager and that’s all well and good. But we’ve been out here for over 2 hours now, a little long for a short walk, wouldn’t you agree?” Rea counters.

“Well, you got a point there.” You concur.

“Try to keep your aura looking natural, having Nen during the Hunter Exam isn’t banned, but the examiners and other Nen-users taking the test will have their eyes on you if you reveal your ability, got it?” She states.

“I’ll save this for emergencies.” You promise.

You get ready to begin the quick walk home, when a question pops into your head, “Hey, what does my Aura feel like?” you ask.

“Hm? Why do you want to know?” Rea asks.

“Well I’ve only just awakened it and from what you told me, everyone's aura feels different based on the person, right? So what does mine feel like to you?” You ask.

Rea takes a few moments to analyze you, but it takes a strangely long time for her to answer.

After a while of just looking at you, she cocks her head to the side in confusion.

“What is it? Is mine that hard to describe?” You ask.

“Not at all. I can sum it up in one word actually.” She states.

“What? Cool? Powerful? Enlightened? Striking? Hell, at this point, even a sunny wouldn’t piss me off too much.” You guess.

“Nothing.” She answers.

“Um…what?” you ask.

“Your Aura feels like nothing. It’s like I’m looking at an empty cup or meatless bone. I can tell something is physically there, but there is absolutely nothing beneath it. Like an empty vessel.” She answers.

“…Do all auras feel like that starting out?” you ask.

“No, your Aura should be oriented to feel like your true nature even before you unlock it. I was so confused by the lack of any feeling that was trying to see if you put yourself in zetsu to mess with me. That's why I was so confused.” She states.

“Empty vessel? Nothing…” A weird feeling strikes you, one that creeps at the very bottom of your stomach, like a hand is crawling through insides and you have no way of stopping it.

You don’t know why but those words drive a heavy sense of anxiety and fear into you.

“Derrick? Are you alright?” Rea asks, noticing the clear fear in your eyes.

“Oh, ah…it’s nothing.” At least, you hope that’s what it is.

Rea stares into you a bit longer before giving up on trying to read you.

>Time: 4:32 PM, Afternoon

You arrive at the house in under 20 minutes and speak just before you push through the door, “If you find the time, we can venture out and I can teach you the fundamentals and train you a little in Nen.” Rea offers.

“Really? That’d be great, when will you be free?” You ask.

“Anytime that isn’t night. I use the nights to…release rowdy hormones.” She answers.

“Got it, what are you going to do now?” You ask.

“I’ll going to the study to read some of the books and talk to Damon. What of you?” She asks in return.

“Well…” You trail off.

How do you spend your afternoon?

>Go check on Noell and Flourette

>Talk to Ronnie

>Head to the study with Rea

>Check on Bradford

>Head to workshop

>Train in the gym (Bring someone along? Y/N)

>Hang out with someone (Who?)

>Go get some rest in bed (Move onto the next day)

>>2852979
>Train in the gym alone

>>2852979
>Train in the gym alone
Time to make /fit/ proud

>>2852993
>>2853031

>Go to the gym alone

Oh this is going to be fun to write.

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"I think I'm gonna hit the gym. I haven't had proper workout in ages." you answer.

"This entire exam is basically one long training course, are you sure that's necessary?" Rea asks.

"The Exam is a training course from hell, this isn't a workout, it's just torture." you counter.

"The entire point of training is torturing yourself so you can adjust your body to the pressure. In that sense, Exercising and the Exam are basically the same." Rea counters.

"Sorry, but you've got that wrong." you retort.

"How so?" she asks.

"Working out's fun, this exam sure as hell isn't." you answer as you walk towards the door.

"Then wouldn't working during the Exam just be even more torture?" Rea asks as you head inside.

"What are you talking about? Working out is always fun!" You declare.

>10 minutes later

(This isn't fun at all...) you regret.

In all your excitement to get back on your regiment, you forgot that this place's gym is an absolute bitch to enter.

This black door which feels like it's weighs even more than that 100+ pound Delby Shish Kebab.

You Push, push and push your way through the black door, with all your might, but nothing comes, you barely manage to make budge an inch.

You decide to push a little harder, the door moves forward for a second, before quickly pushing back and knocking you flat on your ass. You feel a growing sense of rage as you push yourself back to your feet.

(I knew this garbage would be hard after what happened to Etheline, but I didn’t think it would be this damn hard just to open a door!) You groan internally.

So, this time, you don’t calm yourself and use your growing anger to fuel your next hard push. You get as close as possible and put all your hate and strength into pushing the door forward.

This time, you make some progress, inch by inch, the door edges forward until you can finally see the contents of the room behind it.

Just as you saw last time, the gym is vast and filled with every kind of equipment you’d ever need to exercise any part of your body, the place is truly a fitness freak’s wonderland.

Too bad the rabbit hole to this place is sealed under 200 pounds of cement, because even though you’ve managed to open the door, you’ve only managed to open it about a quarter of the full range.

It’s taking everything you have not to have the door fly back in your face and send you flying into the wall behind you.

(Seriously, what sick synapse snapped in that crazy chicks head, that told her that building a 200kg would be a good idea? Does she just hate anyone coming in and enjoying casually enjoying exercise? How the hell does she even open this thing anyway?) You think.

As you finish that thought, the door suddenly swings open in-front of you and you go tumbling down unto the hard-panel floor below. You’re fortunate it’s not only clean, but very smooth, so you only suffer a minor scrape upon landing.

File: Cynthia Untolo 18.jpg (45 KB, 600x903)

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"I hope you don't expect me to pick you up after I had to open the door for you, you dainty blonde." A voice taunts from behind you.

Your arms find new, rage-filled strength as you push up, straight off the ground to turn to whoever’s bad-mouthing you.

“Who the hell do you think you’re making fun of!? I have a goddamn name, it’s Derrick Holums and if you talk that kinda shit at me again, I’m gonna-“ your angry tirade ends when you see who the person you’re speaking to is.

It’s Cynthia, her admittedly pretty face adorned by a disgusted grimace as seems to be her most common expression, her body is covered in a light film of sweat and she has an impatient movement to her step, seems you caught her in the middle of a workout.

“You’re gonna what? Land flat on your ass again? Don’t worry, I’ll help you down if you think you can talk back to me when you can’t even open a fucking door.” She insults.

“We’ve been through this song and dance before and let me tell you, you’re a terrible dancer, so I’d rather not do it again. I wouldn’t be landing flat on my ass if you didn’t install that bullshit trap of a door, so don’t get on my case for not being able to open it.” You explain.

“Trap door? Oh boy, you really are a whiny little sissy. That door is as much of a trap as you are a man. That’s not at all, in case you're too stupid to catch my meaning.” She states in an entertained tone.

“Can you go one sentence without trying to insult me? And how the hell is that not a trap? You put no warnings behind a door with enough weight holding it back that could break a man’s neck if you pushed it back far enough.” you counter.

“Hmph! If that door is enough to bust your neck, then you mustn’t have been much of a man.” She states.

“The hell was that?” you ask.

Instead of responding, she moves over to the door and pushes it, one-handed, in the same spot you did, with a rather weak-looking push, she manages to make the door swing forward outside and swing back in swift, flapping motions.

You look up to see that the weight limit on the door is about 150kg,“What the hell? How the hell can you push around 150kg casually? What kind of gorilla arms do you have?” You question.

“I don’t have gorilla arms, I have the hands of a delicate maiden. It’s just that you’ve got little bitch arms, which are being controlled by your little bitch brain.” She answers.

“Okay, Ms.Roids, how about you tell me why the hell you would install this insane thing before I just walk out on your ass?” You state.

“Hmph, you couldn’t leave unless you had me escort your little bitch ass out. How about you stop spewing hot air for a second and think?” She taps her finger against her head.

“Try and work the tiny muscle that is your brain, for what reason would I, in all my glory, put time and effort into building this door?” She hints.

It doesn’t take you long to figure it out, “A testing door?” you guess.

Cynthia claps loudly“Yes! So you do have a shred of intelligence after all!” She says as her face twists into a shit-eating grin.

“This is a door that tests whether or not the person entering this place is worthy of setting foot in my gym. If you aren’t ready, this baby will automatically send your ass out before I even have to deal with you." She explains.

"It even has the added benefit of launching persistent pricks to the floor when they just don’t know how to give up.” She tacks on with a vulgar smile.

That’s exactly what happened to you just a bit earlier, knowing that she intended for you to suffer like that only adds gas to the growing pyre that is your anger.

But even so, you try and keep your blood pressure levels low and speak, “Why the hell would you trap the front door? Don’t you want people working out in your gym?” you ask.

“Nah, not just anyone can make it in this gym. This ain’t a place for the scrawny, weak or weak-willed. Only real strength passes here, only real men are allowed to sweat in this place.” She states.

“You’re not gonna get any real men if they struggle to get through the door.” You counter.

“Ah, theirs your little bitch brain acting up again. You’re dead wrong, with this door, I know the only people getting in are real men, this door acts as a qualifier, to see if you reach my standards. And you, dainty blonde, do not.” She states.

You were pissed before, but now you’re steaming out of your ears, “If you call me that shit one more fucking time, I swear I’ll bury your ass before the day’s out.” You threaten before you even think about it.

“Big words from a little bitch. If you can’t even open a door, you certainly can’t hope to kick my fine ass.” She counters.

“Keep talking, you never know the truth until the fist is caving your face in.” You get up and take a fighting stance.

“Boy, you sure do got spunk. That’s good, the first step to becoming a real man is learning not to take shit. Wanna know the second step? It’s knowing when you’re out of your league.” She declares as opens the door for you once again.

“You’ve got two choices. Walk outta here with your dignity intact or fight me and get your ass ripped to shreds, either way you’ll be a little bitch, but one way at least makes you a respectable little bitch.” She states with a laugh.

You’re filled with rage and unreleased adrenaline, you still haven’t had a chance to rest up from the previous fight, but all the tiredness faded away in favor of giving this one-eyed bitch the smackdown.

What will you do?

>Fight her.

>Walk away.

>Calm down and try to talk to her.

>>2853334
>Fight her.

>>2853334
>>Fight her.

>>2853334
>Fight her.
This'll be my only post until tomorrow, night guys.

>>2853334
>Fight her.

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>>2853366
>>2853388
>>2853408
>>2853417

I really hope you don't come to regret this.

>Fight her.

>>2853454
Oh we will I just voted for it because everybody else did

File: Cynthia Untolo 06.png (434 KB, 1280x720)

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https://youtu.be/x0bGK9YlKRk

And with that last provocation, your mind finally snaps in two. The violence comes pouring out like a floodgate, you don't even bother exchanging anymore words, the only thing that matters to you is charging forward taking the first strike.

"What an eager beaver, now that's how a man should be, nice and aggressive, ready to take what he wants!" She compliments.

Her casual arrogance does your unearthly rage no favors, it only quickens your burning feet as you close the distance between the both of you and come in swinging.

But the second your fist flies out, something strange happens. She disappears.

The second your fist came in contact with her, her face disappeared into thin air, it was as if she vanished from existence the moment you touched her.

For a moment, your blind-rage is cut off by intense confusion, your brain barely has time to process pulling your fist back and trying to figure out what just happened.

That single instance of confusion was enough.

As sudden and powerful as clap of rolling thunder, a strike rocks your core and sends you flying backwards.

Now pain overwhelms your confusion as you nearly cough up your lunch. You go crashing down all at once, hitting the floor with sound so loud it rocks it way through the entire massive gym.

You can't even recover from the landing right away, you have to spend a few seconds squirming from the intense pain in your stomach. You can't see straight, just moving feels like a task.

"That was a good strike, you've got great technique." Cynthia compliments.

You manage to only open a single eye to find where her voice is coming from, turns out, she hasn't even moved from her starting position, she even has the same stance as before.

(What? How? I'm sure she disappeared? So what's she doing there?) You think through the pain.

"It's too bad even the greatest technique doesn't mean jack shit if you can't even touch your target." She states.

"W...hat..." you barely manage to squeeze out.

"You seem confused. It seems I'm too fast for your eyes to catch up with. So it must have look like I just up and disappeared from your view." She states.

(What the fuck!? Is she saying, that disappearing trick she pulled was just her natural speed!? What kind of bullshit is that!) You shout internally.

"This should show you that you are completely and utterly out-matched. Saying you're out of your depth, would be like saying a gold fish thrown into the ocean is out of place." She explains.

"..." you can't muster the strength to retort.

"This is your last chance. Stand up and walk out, or fight me and learn what it means to be out-classed." She threatens.

What do you do?

>Stand up and fight

>Stand up and walk away

>>2853599
>Stand up and fight

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>>2853599
>>Stand up and fight
Bring it.

>>2853599
>Stand up and fight
Now you're really pissin' me off

>>2853599
>Stand up and fight
As easy and tempting as walking away is we can't back down after what we said, my pride won't let me. I want to get just one hit in

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>>2853618
>>2853624

At least you all have tenacity, for all that will be worth, always remember that.

>Stand up and fight!

>Writing.

>>2853651
Well here's the thing

We started the fight, we KNOW we're outclassed, but if we started it damn well fight until it's done.

https://youtu.be/U6MaTFUn4fU

You don't even bother to give her insults time to stew in your mind and break down your courage. As soon as you find the strength, you move to get up on your feet.

"Oh? Ohhhhhhhhh!" Her voice is giddy with laughter as you drag yourself up.

You don't it get to you. It's a struggle, but you fight your way back to your feet, one foot at a time.

"Here I was thinking I'd have to bridal carry your ass out of the room, turns out you do know how to use your legs, I'm so impressed!" She taunts.

Every word out of her mouth makes it a little easy to pull yourself up, the amount of anger and rage inside you is overflowing, making the pain from before a bit easier to bare through.

Before long you manage to get back on your feet and keep yourself steady.

"Good work kid, now then, the door is that a way-"

"No..." You cut her off.

"...Excuse me?" she asks.

Without another word, you put your fists back up and muster the best glare you can through your pained expression.

"No fucking way...There's no fucking way you're that retarded." She says, disbelief thick in her voice.

"I started this fight...I refuse to walk away...and let it end without giving it all I can..." You groan.

You refuse to give even the slightest moment of thought to running away. You know this will be a losing battle, but it's one you're going to fight anyway.

"I'm gonna punch you...I just need one...One solid punch...I'm gonna sock your ass..." you threaten weakly.

For a moment, Cynthia can't believe her eyes, the next, a massive grin takes her face, "I gotta say, I can't believe it, but I think I was wrong about you." She states.

"..." you don't respond.

"At first I thought you were a little bitch. Then I thought you were a dumbass little bitch. Now I can see you're a retarded-ass bitch!" She exclaims.

"..." you give her nothing but a glare.

"But, retarded as you may be, you've got a huge pair between your legs if you still have the strength left to stand up to me! Now that's the true meaning of being a man! Standing up to even the most impossible challenge! Getting up no matter how many times he's knocked down!" She praises.

"..."

She then takes her fighting stance in turn with yours, "It just sucks that you don't have the physical strength to hold up those boulders you're carrying down there. Maybe in a few more years, you'll be as strong as Damon and then you'll be worth it. I might even fall for you if make it far enough." She states.

"Until then, the only thing you're good for is looking cool while you get stomped. But out of respect for your effort, I'll take you on, I'll even be fair and fight at your level. Give you a small chance to win." She promises.

You finally gain enough strength to take a step forward and slowly close the distance.

She licks her lips in sight of your tenacity, "Guess talk's pointless now. Fine then. The first attack yours, now-"

"Show me what you've got." She demands.

BATTLE COMMENCES

>The initial strike Derrick got robbed him of 30 life!

>Round 1

>Derrick's Status

>Status Effects: Blind Rage

>LIFE: 70/100

>ARMOR: N/A

>Cynthia's Status

>Status effects: N/A

>LIFE: ???/???

>ARMOR: N/A

What will you do?

>Rush in and attack

>Calm yourself down

>>2853805
>Attack but not blindly, start by testing her, she's faster, tougher and stronger than us, see how she fight so we can REALLY smack her down.

>>2853805
>Calm yourself down
She's very clealry stronger than us so we have to use our head. She'll probably underestimate us (kinda justified to be fair) so we can use that to our advantage

>>2853824

Read the combat rules Anon, Blind rage prevents you from doing anything other than trying to calm yourself down or attack.

>Something has caused the fighter to be upset beyond the point of reasoning, giving them a deadly boost in strength but a stark loss of a sense of reality(+15 to all attack rolls, -15 to all defense, evasion, team-based rolls, -additional choices, the fighter can only attack. Character's with the [Provocateur] trait can inflict this in another character. Generally lasts 3 ROUNDS)

>>2853805
Calm down internally but make her think that we're fighting in a blind rage and then attack when we find an opening

>>2853805
>>Calm yourself down

>>2853824
>>2853829
>>2853839
>>2853855

>Calm yourself down wins

>Roll1d100 to cool your nerves.

>DC:50

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>2853866
100 incoming

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>2853866
Time to find that inner peace.

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>2853866

>>2853883
>>2853891
>>2853896

What a place for a nat 100, this level of calm should be reversed for the Buddha.

>Critical Success

>Writing.

>>2853883
you called it anon

>Inb4 we can use our rage and weaponize it with our nen.

>>2853896
Well would you look at that

>>2853896
We're so calm, we've entered Nirvana

File: Derrick Holums14.jpg (81 KB, 448x500)

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Your mind is racing, your heart is beating a thousand times a second, your head is so hot you could break a thermometer and your blood pressure is so high you're surprised you haven't died of a heart attack.

Right now, the world is a sea awash in red and you're just waiting to make it that much redder with Cynthia's blood. But even in this torrent of hate and destruction that is your mind, there is but one moment of peace.

A single eye in the storm, one where you can find your the remnants of your sane mind, within that singular moment of peace, you take back what little of your sanity you have left and bring back your rationality.

The heat hasn't faded, but you can think straight again, this is it, your body is overflowing with rage-filled power, but your mind is as calm and serene as a nice breeze on a Sunday morning.

This will give you the strength and speed you need and, most importantly, it gives you the chance to lay a hand on that massive bitch.

She believes you're so lost in rage that you can't even see straight, she's probably fully prepared for a head-on assault with no thought behind it. That idea will give you once chance, a single opening by which you can catch her off-guard.

>You've broken through your rage yet retained the effects! You get +15 boost to attack with no repercussions! However, this boost will only last 2 more rounds.

(I can keep this heat going, but I've got a single shot. once her guard is up, I probably won't be able to surprise her or even touch her ever again.) You reason.

(I want to land just one strike, even if it means getting pummeled and broken, just being able to punch that smug-ass grin off her face just once will be enough! Now how do I do it...)

>What will you do?

>Fake her out, rush in for an assault but dodge at the last second and counter her.

>Bait her into attacking you and attempt to trip her up

>Play dirty, stay on her blindside and attempt to strike her where she can't see.

>(Write-in)

>>2853973
>>Fake her out, rush in for an assault but dodge at the last second and counter her.

>>2853973
>Fake her out, rush in for an assault but dodge at the last second and counter her.

>>2853973
>Fake her out, rush in for an assault but dodge at the last second and counter her.

>>2853976
>>2853994
>>2854005

>Fake-out

>Roll1d100+15

>DC: 70

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>>2854023

Rolled 63 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2854027
Oops, messed up the dice.

Rolled 75 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2854023
Gotcha bitch

Rolled 78 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2854023

>>2854030
>>2854037
>>2854039

>Rolled 93

>Just one punch. Just one is enough.

>Writing.

File: Derrick Holums16.jpg (15 KB, 236x374)

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https://youtu.be/rQPLrMJtEGI

You formulate your plan of action and without a second more of thought, you move. You move forward, dash, rush with all strength directly in front of you.

The setting for this plan couldn't be more perfect. You have enough distance to fake rushing forward angrily while staying focused, She's lowered herself to your level allowing you to hit her and her guard is just open enough for this kind of attack to work.

But the sealing factor of this plan has to be her own arrogance, or maybe superiority would be more accurate.

She underestimates you because you're weaker than her, she leaves her guard open because she thinks you're dumber than her, you can only pull this plan off because she was strong to send you flying to the other end of the gym.


You rush forward and gear yourself up for a huge left hay-maker swing. A blatant telegraph, even an amateur fighter could the feint coming. But she doesn't, the rage in your eyes is just bright enough for her to believe you are honestly that angry.

Well, you are honestly that angry, but a left swing could never sate your anger. No, You need something far more damaging to release your rage, mend your pride.

It all happens in an instant. She moves to counter, her hands are not unlike snakes, swerving and twisting, moving to close around your hand and trap you in a Boa-like constriction hold.

They're fast too, even weakened, her hands are so fast you can just barely see them. But not so fast you can't react. You wait until the moment her hands have extended just far enough to almost grab your swing.

That's when you retract and duck under.

Right underneath her guard, while her left hand is as far as can be and she's too unprepared to move her right hand to defend her face.

You twist your right hand up, lower your hip, tighten your bicep and put all your strength, pride and hate into this one fist. You form an unstoppable uppercut that pushes up so fast that she can barely even see as it connects with her chin and sends her head careening backwards.

In the final moments between the punch connecting and her face flying back, you get to see as the smug grin on her face twists, turns and finally fades into a look of complete astonishment.

The ensuing impact is enough to make the wind crack. A powerful, bone-shattering sound rings out in the gym as Cynthia goes sliding backwards.

She still stands on her feet, but her entire upper body bends backwards to the force of your strike.

>>2854158
Are we just Shizuo Hiwojima'ing our way through Hunter X Hunter?

File: Cynthia Untolo 13.jpg (92 KB, 1920x1080)

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You couldn't feel more satisfied, you blew away all your rage and pent-up frustration into that one punch, that was all you needed, just that one punch was enough to calm you down properly.

It takes a few seconds before she re-orients herself and brings her head back to normal. Once she does, the look in her eyes is certainly not one you expected.

She looks happy, overjoyed even. As a small stream of blood flows from her nose, she speaks.

"That was...Fucking amazing..." She compliments.

"..." you raise a confused eye-brow.

"You really do have what it takes to become a real man. I misjudged you Blondie! You've really got what it takes!" She exclaims excitedly.

"..." you can't come up with a response for this reaction, you expected much more anger.

"Nothing gets me going harder than seeing men rise up to the occasion, to think you'd be able to lay a hand on me. You actually caught me off guard, that was fucking awesome! Beyond awesome!" She compliments.

"You've earned your right to workout in this gym! I welcome you with open arms! I'm gonna make sure to train your weak-ass into my ideal man!" She promises.

(If you call the man who just uppercutted your ass to Saturn weak, I'd hate to know what you call strong.) Is what you want to say, but when you try and speak, for some reason, nothing comes out.

"That punch barely even put a dent in me. but the fact that you managed to actually pull it off is just so damn good! Even though you still got your ass-kicked, just as I thought, you still managed to look cool." She compliments.

(Got my ass-kicked? Huh?) You wonder.

That's when you fall to the ground and lose control of your body.

"In that instant you ducked under me, I reflexively moved back to top speed and strength and kicked you right in the side of your chin. The impact was so quick and powerful that your brain didn't even register the pain." She explains as you fade out of consciousnesses.

"I'll send you over to the infirmary and after they're done patching you up, oh boy, have I got plans for you..." She whispers excitedly as the darkness takes over.

Gonna have to stop posting for the night, I got appointments to attend to tomorrow. Goodnight for now anons.

>>2854273
Thanks for running!

How will the other hunters take what we did?

How long will we be down for?

How will Rhea react?

Did we hit her with Nen too or just normal stronk?

>>2854288

>How will the other hunters take what we did?

By 'what we did' I assume you mean awakening your Nen. In which case, you'll have to wait and find out.

If you mean fighting Cynthia, it's a mix of reactions. Some people will call you brave and thank you for socking her one while others will think you're some-kind pain-loving dumbass who doesn't know how to quit.

You'll know which people fall into which camp when you wake up.

>How long will we be down for?

She only your rattled your brain a little, aside from some possible brain damage, Derrick will be up the next morning to face the consequences of your admittedly very unexpected, but also very interesting choice.

>How will Rhea react?

[Head-shaking disappointment intensifies]

>Did we hit her with Nen too or just normal stronk?

Derrick isn't nearly skilled enough at focusing his Aura to concentrate it in his fist, gonna need some training before he does that.

Though that punch was much harder than any punch Derrick has ever thrown, all the rage added a lot of impact, if Cynthia was a normal woman, he probably would've broken her neck with that punch.

>>2854437
Could this calm rage thing we used in the fight become a skill that we can use again?

>>2854482

That was a special instance since you guys managed to roll a 100 on a Low DC roll, making it a random unlock a ability feels a bit silly.

However, there is a trait that someone close to you has that allows them to do basically the same thing at a small cost, if you manage to level your relationship up with them more, perhaps you can have them pass on that trait to you, so you can use that instead.

Just finished reading the archives, this quest is great. I can't believe how much you've improved your writing since the first thread.

Any ideas for nen ability? I tried coming up with one but it's surprisingly hard.

>>2855250
There's the one some anon suggested when we chose our nen category
>My idea for a hatsu was this, form a shape out of our aura (basic shapes initially, like a square or a circle) and fire it off. This shape doesn't *directly* harm whatever it strikes because It's power-

Is *Displacement*

Fire off a shape, and anything in It's path gets displaced at high speed. Trapped? Displace part of a wall or a door. Enemies? Use the force of the displacement to smash them into something else, or set them off balance. Alternatively, fire off a tiny shape through someone's chest and leave a hole in their heart. Whatever is displaced is not harmed at all by the displacement, though the disruption of a structure can cause catastrophic damage. For instance, you could displace a huge block of stone out of a wall and it would be perfectly intact, and the wall's structural integrity would be as ideal as possible, a perfect seperation with no stress on the surroundings. Need to topple a tower/? Just displace half of the bottom. Projectiles? Displace. Another important aspect would be that the displacement does not have to match the direction of any projectiles. You could displace someone towards yourself rapidly to throw them off balance for a huge throw. In evolving this we could incorporate displacement into our aura and use it as both a 'force field' of sorts or for melee.

In fact, my idea of an ultimate killing technique would be a bow and arrow combo, since Derrick is a marksman. Once we learn to incorporate manipulation and enhancement, we enhance the arrow, and use a form of our displacement hatsu on the feathers of the arrow, which we can control at a distance. Use it as a homing arrow that can punch through anything or anyone. My only concern is that Rock might consider this too powerful an ability as is, and if that's the case, that's fine. My idea for a restriction, is simply that the displacement effect doesn't completely work on aura. This isn't too much of an issue, since there are ways to work around that and that even someone cloaked in Aura doesn't outright null the ability, and thus they can still be tossed around, or have the force of the displacement effect on their matter beneath the Aura harm their internal organs.

I thought it would fit Derrick, he seems to always stubbornly push through, in adversity and in personality he's very forward and uncomprimising with his thoughts and actions, hell bradford had to genuinely threaten to kill us just to get us to leave him despite how we were.

>>2855362
>homing arrow
I'm already sold.

Have to run a bit of an errand, Thread back in an hour.

>>2855781
Waiting warmly.

File: Rea Springfield.jpg (64 KB, 1016x787)

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Your eyes open slowly as the light breaks through your eyelids. Your surroundings are odd, unfamiliar.

The roof above you is stark white and you can feel a soft bed and pillow underneath you, the feeling is quite comfortable, but all the white and bright sunlight almost makes you feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven.

“I see you’re awake.” A woman’s voice, a familiar voice speaks beside you.

As you awaken things are quite blurry at first, but as retina re-orient themselves to the light, so it takes moment to make out the shade of raven black hair and the dark disappointed stare of the familiar woman.

When things come back into focus, you see that Rea is sitting down beside you, “Now that you’re awake, I’m going to make sure you regret ever waking up.” And you quickly realize this isn’t heaven, this is hell.

“My Life filled with enough regret already, can’t you let me off this one time?” you ask.

“No, because if I don’t show you how mindbogglingly stupid you are, your Life will be nothing but a series of tragic regrets. I’m here to save you from that, be thankful.” She counters.

“Before you lay into to me, can you tell me how long I’ve been out for and where this is?” you ask.

“This is the infirmary. After the ruckus you caused in the afternoon, you were knocked out for the remainder of the day, right now it’s 6:30 in the morning.” She explains.

“Shit, it’s Thursday? My live show against Yaznov is tomorrow!” you remember.

“That’s the least of your concerns. Your first concern should be figuring out a way of replacing that rotten brain of yours, for it will surely be the death of you one day, if that day isn’t today.” Rea berates.

“Now that’s just harsh.” You state.

“The truth is always harsh. I can’t believe it. I let you out of my sight for 10 minutes. 10 simple minutes. And in that time, you manage to pick a fight with one of the employed staff here and get sent to the infirmary. What were you thinking?” Rea scolds.

“Don’t give me that. Cynthia’s the one that started the fight, I didn’t want to go out and knocked around by that butch gorilla!” You counter.

“I heard you were the one that threw the first punch, I thought your mental fortitude was better than to falling for petty provocations.” She states.

“You met her, you should know how toxic that crazy gorilla woman is. The last time we went to that gym, you were the first one to suggest we should shut her up personally. You should be happy I went and took your advice.” You explain.

File: Timmy Divana02.jpg (20 KB, 300x400)

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“I had yet to release my pent-up hormones that day, so I was a little more combative. And my opinion on the staff member in question doesn’t matter, your actions are what matter. And your actions are that of a reckless fool who knows no self-control.” Rea scolds.

“You wouldn’t understand, it was for my pride! My fighting spirit! I couldn’t back down until I got in one punch, that’s what it means to fight-“

“A man who was beaten into am infirmary bed has no right to speak of pride and your fighting spirit can only carry as far as one punch, I think it’s best you toss it away.” Rea cuts you off.

“Come on now, you’re breaking my heart!” You groan.


Rea’s brutal verbal lashing continues for another 30 minutes before another person enters the fray.

From the thick wooden door on the other side of the room, an bored and annoyed looking young man in a doctor’s coat emerges, sporting a half-eaten chocolate bar in his hand,

“Good morning my collection of soon-to-be corpses. There’s no need to fear, the doctor is here.” He introduces himself in a sardonic tone.

“How fortunate, now I have a medical professional with me, so now I can have you officially diagnose with a chronic case of ‘Stupid disorder’.” Rea insults.

“As much as I would love to help you double team my blonde friend here. I have to ask that you leave my office, visiting hours are over.” He informs Rea.

“Over? It’s 7:00AM.” Rea points.

“Visiting hours in my office last until I leave and come back. I just hate hearing extra noise while I work, it disrupts my flow. So, I have to ask that you leave for now.” He counters.

Rea seems confounded by the Doctor’s logic, but gets up anyway, “Well I can finish correcting his behavior later, I have books on Kukyan philosophy to read. I only ask that you give it to him straight in my absence Doctor Timmy.” Rea requests.

“Just Tim is fine. And rest assured, I may be a doctor to the injured, but I’m a mortician for the foolish.” Timmy accepts.

Rea then exits out of the room and Timmy walks over to your beside instead, you decide to speak first.

“So Tim, how bad have I got it? How many days do I have to live?” you jokingly question.

“Only 1 if you think we’re friendly enough for you to call me Tim. That’s Doctor Timmy Divana to you.” He corrects.

“What? But you just told Regina to call you Tim. Why can’t I do the same?” you ask.

“Ms.Regina has my respect. You, my very stupid friend, do not have even a shred of it yet.” Timmy explains.

“Oh boy, you’re gonna be another massive prick aren’t you? Why is everyone on Damon’s team a bunch of eccentric assholes?” you ask.

“I wouldn’t insult the man who’s about to treat your condition, medical accidents that lead to death aren’t uncommon you know. Also, I prefer it if you didn’t say I’m just like Cynthia, insults like that will make me suicidal.” Timmy counters.

“Wait, my condition? Are you saying I really have something? I thought I just got a concussion.” You ask.

“Oh no, you’ve got something wayyyyy worse than that.” Timmy answers.

You begin to get worried, “W-What is it? Did Cynthia break some of my ribs and puncture a lung or something?” you ask.

“No, No,No. I’m referring to the brain damage.” Timmy explains.

“No way! She kicked me hard enough to give me brain damage!?” You panic.

“No. I’m talking about all the head trauma you suffered when you were dropped repeatedly as a child. My diagnosis shows that you’ve been suffering from extreme brain damage for a very long time, this needs to be treated immediately.” He insults.

“Oh go fuck yourself! Tell me the actual damage instead of making fun of me!” you complain.

“I did just tell you the actual damage though. But if you want to know of your most recent injuries, your early assumption was correct, you’re only suffering from a minor concussion.” He explains.

You sigh in relief, “Don’t play with my heart like that doc. It can’t take the pressure.” You state.

“Oh! Speaking of your heart, my diagnosis also shows that your blood pressure has gone up so much, that you’ve reached hypertension. We need to treat you quickly before your heart fails or you have a stroke.” Timmy explains.

“Wait! What!?” you panic.

“Oh, wait sorry. That was a diagnosis for another patient who happens to visit here regularly. Has a sodium consumption problem that one. He needs to cut down on all the fast food.” He corrects.

“You’re fucking with me on purpose aren’t you! You’re totally doing this just to get a rise outta me!” You complain.

“Now that’s slander, I would never bully your tiny brain. Don’t you know it’s illegal to make fun of mentally disabled people? Do I look like a criminal to you?” he asks.

“You look like a dead man to me if you keep talking all that shit.” You threaten.

“Okay, okay, that’s enough playing around. Time for me to do a check-up on you so I can send you out of my office.” He says as he moves over to a large metal table and pulls out a reflex hammer.

“What? Is already okay for me to just leave after a check-up?” you ask.

“We’ll know after I’m done testing your Neurological and Cognitive abilities. Okay, first, how many fingers am I holding up?” he asks as he puts up his fingers.

“3” you answer.

“Now tell me if the world around sounds blurry or cloudy. Does anything sound weird you?” he asks.

“No, I’m hearing just fine.” You answer.

“Okay give me your arm.” He requests.

You comply, he grabs you by the forearm and brings down the hammer in his hand unto the crease of your elbow, causing your hand to jump up reflexively.

“Motor Nerves are responding quick and easy. Okay, you’re free to go.” He says as he walks back to his desk.

File: Telfour Bradford11.jpg (143 KB, 1000x1171)

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“Wait, I can just leave? No other tests?” you ask.

“There are a few other tests. But you sound and look rather healthy to me. There should be no problems.” He answers.

“No,no, wait. I’m pretty sure a doctor shouldn’t let someone go just because they look healthy. Stuff like that is what leads to malpractice.” You complain.

“Oh please. If you were really hurt, you wouldn’t even have the coordination left in you to tell me about to commit a malpractice. The most you’ll suffer with are a few headaches throughout the day. If they become to too bad, come to me and I’ll prescribe you something, otherwise, out of my office.” He explains.

“Man, you are one asocial guy. You don’t even bother trying to hide the fact that you’re trying to get me out of your sight. What if I want to spend a minute or two relaxing on this nice bed?” you ask.

“Oh god no. I don’t need two loud idiots clogging up my office.” He answers.

“Huh? Wait, two?” you ask.

“Yeah doc! Why don’t you let the blonde bastard stay a bit! I’m aching for some company that ain’t your smartass!” A loud, irritatingly familiar voice resonates from the next bed over.

“Oh great, the Anesthesia’s worn off on him.” Timmy complains.

You look and find that Bradford, adorned in a patient’s greens is shouting loudly and moving wildly beside you, “How are ya, blonde buddy ol’ pal. I’m up and adam and ready to brawl. But as I hear, you’ve already got the one up on me in that category!” Bradford exclaims excitedly.

“Excuse me Doctor Timmy, I’d like to leave now.” You state.

File: Timmy Divana.png (725 KB, 1180x941)

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“Wait, wait, wait there man! Why don’t stay a little while? If you can’t tell, I’m bored outta my fucking mind staying in this place and this sarcastic prick refuses to let me leave!” Bradford complains.

“I won’t let you leave because your wounds have barely healed. Too much movement will re-open that gash in your abdomen and you’ll bleed to death.” Timmy counters.

“I’m not dumb enough to go rushing out just to kill myself from walking too hard! I’ll rein it in Doc, so let me go out to go have some fun!” He demands.

“Why don’t I believe you? Am I going to have to administer Anesthesia for the 3rd time this week?” Timmy threatens.

“Wait? 3rd time? Isn’t that terrible for his body?” you ask.

“This man’s very existence is terrible for his body. He woke up just a day after you dropped his half-dead body into my office with no notice and I’ve been forced to drug him every morning and night just to get him to sleep.” Timmy explains.

“This place is a prison I tell ya! This doctor is conspiring to keep me down! I want to break free!” Bradford shouts.

“I swear, my entire Anesthesia cabinet is going to be empty by the end of the week.” Timmy declares.

“If you don’t want your Anes-whatever cabinet emptying on you, why don’t you just let me leave!?” Bradford questions.

“Like I told you a million times my death-seeking patient. If I let you roam free, you will surely end up re-opening your wounds and killing yourself." He repeats.

"And while you’d be doing me a favor by not returning to my office, as a doctor, I’m obliged to keep alive as long as possible. Even if it’s to the determinant of everyone around you,” Timmy berates.

“See Derrick!? This man is forcing me to stay here! You gotta get me out! Or at least spend an hour or two talking to me, I’m gonna die of boredom before the injuries get to me!” Bradford begs.

(Oh, hell no, I ain’t wasting anymore time in here if I can just leave. As bad as I might feel for Bradford, I’m not gonna put up with his bullshit for another hour! I had enough of that on the mountain!) You think.

(Though, I might be able to strike up a conversation with the doctor. As sardonic as he is, I don’t anything about him besides his name, and if I can talk him up a bit, maybe he won’t be so much of a prick to me if I get sent here again. Cuz I have a feeling I’m gonna end up here again…)

What do you do?

>Ask a question
(If yes, which one?)

>What do you do around here?

>Can you give me a more information on Bradford’s injuries?

>What’s up with his strange-sounding name?

>What’s with your obsession with Chocolate?

>Write-in

>Walk out of here.

>>2856289
>What’s with your obsession with Chocolate?

>>2856289
>Can you give me a more information on Bradford’s injuries?

>>2856289
So how did you end up working with Damon?

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>2856318
>>2856322
>>2856329

First time I've ever had to roll between three different options, but here we go:

1-Chocolate

2-Bradford's injuries

3-Working with Damon.

"Hey doc, can you give me a run-down on Bradford's injuries? Just how bad he got it?" you ask.

"Hm? You want to the know the extent of your suicidal friend's injuries?" Timmy confirms.

"Well, not mentioning the high chance your friend might be legitimately mentally disabled and suffering from an extreme case of ADHD and mild autism. His main examination came back to show he suffers from massive internal bleeding, severe lacerations on his arms and legs, and a mortal laceration on across his mid-section." He explains.

"Mortal Laceration?" you ask.

"That's just a smart way to say a fatal cut. And boy, oh boy, that wound was fatal. That cut was long enough and wide enough that intestines could come spilling out if he rocked around too hard. Stitching him up felt like I was trying to bring a dissected rat back to life." He explains.

"Yeah, thanks for that doc, You really fixed my ass up, Having your lunch literally spilling outta your guts would suck!" Bradford thanks.

"I'm glad you're at least grateful." Timmy states.

"But still, you stitched me up yourself, so you should know I'm fine! Good and ready to go back out there! Why are you keeping me!?" Bradford questions.

"See what I have to deal with on a daily basis? I just explained that his wounds were bad enough that his guts could go spilling out and he still wants to get out as if nothing's wrong." Timmy retorts.

"Aren't you confident in your own work!? You saying these stitches ain't full-proof!? What the hell was the point of using'em then!?" Bradford asks.

"They are full-proof, they just aren't fool-proof. And because I'm confident in my work, I know that if I let an idiot like you out, there will be a stream of blood leading into my office when they drag you back to me by the intestines!" Timmy scolds.

You're getting tired of this bad comedy-duo, "Any other injuries?" you ask.

"Well, other than major leg injury I observed last time. That should be the full extent of his damages, unless I should examine his brain as well for hemorrhaging." He states.

"What? You were the doctor that examined Bradford last time?" you ask.

"Yes. I happen to be one of the Hunter Exam's designated physicians. Really a fancy title for Emergency surgeon. But it's something I take pride in." He explains.

(Huh. So he was the doctor you would've seen on the train if you lost that battle. Interesting) you think to yourself.

"Well, are you going to leave now or do you have more questions?" Timmy asks.

What do you do?

>What do you do around here?

>What’s up with his strange-sounding name?

>What’s with your obsession with Chocolate?

>So how did you end up working with Damon?

>Write-in

>Walk out of here.

>>2856560
>Walk out of here.

>>2856560
>>What’s with your obsession with Chocolate?

>>2856560
>So how did you end up working with Damon?

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>2856567
>>2856572
>>2856593

A three way roll again:

1-Walk

2-Chocolate

3-Work with Damon

The dice gods seem to have some fixation to the number 2.

>Writing.

"So, what's up with all the Chocolate? Got some reason you're eating so much?" You ask.

"What kind of small-talk is this? What about my chocolate?" He asks.

"Well, it's just that it seems a little odd that a eats nothing but sweets all day when you're supposed to be the shining example of health and all, but when I walked in here the other day, I saw that you had a trashbag filled with chocolate wrappers and nothing else." You clarify.

"So I'm curious, why all the chocolate?" you explain.

"What kind of image do you have of doctors? Although yes, I do have a reason for eating all this chocolate." He states.

"Which is?" you ask.

"Chocolate is scientifically proven to boost brain power and prevent memory loss. I have to eat the stuff constantly in order to keep my brain in top form." He answers.

"What? Really!?" Bradford asks.

"Yeah, it's especially prescribed to people like you who have a acute case of 'Gullible idiot' syndrome." He insults.

"Oh come on! You were fucking with us again!?" Bradford complains.

"Well no. The part of about about boosting brain power and preventing memory loss is true. But it's not great enough to be a reason to eat as much Chocolate as I do. I'm just calling you a Gullible idiot because you were so quick to believe me when I named a fact just because I said it was scientifically researched." Timmy explains.

"Why wouldn't I believe a Doctor!? You're an expert when it comes to this kind of stuff right!?" Bradford questions.

"Just because I'm an expert doesn't mean I can't make mistakes or spread false information. Let this be a lesson, you should try and eat up as much information as you can get, but never forget to add a pinch of salt before tasting anything." Timmy scolds.

"Besides, if it chocolate really did improve intelligence, don't you think I would've fed you a truckload of the stuff so I could have an intelligent talking for 5 minutes." Timmy berates Bradford.

"Go jump up your own ass! Oh wait! You're already balls-deep!" Bradford counters.

"So the what's the real reason you eat so much Chocolate then?" you cut-in.

"Are you daft? Because it tastes good and keeps me calm." He answers simply.

"Isn't that much sugar bad for you." you counter.

"Every doctor has their own vice they practice despite knowing how terrible it is for them. You better just be grateful I'm not the kind of Doctor that goes into an operating room, reeking of nicotine and alcohol." He states.

"Oh, thank you very much Doctor" you say sardonically.

"Glad to be of service." He states

What do you do?

>What do you do around here?

>What’s up with his strange-sounding name?

>So how did you end up working with Damon?

>Write-in

>Walk out of here.

>>2856830
>So how did you end up working with Damon?

>>2856830
>>So how did you end up working with Damon?

>>2856830
>So how did you end up working with Damon?

>>2856850
>>2856860
>>2856884

>What's your story with Damon.

>Writing

"So then, what's your story between you and Damon, how'd you come to work under him here?" you ask.

"A bit of a long story so I'll keep it short." He preempts.

"I think it should be obvious, but I'm a 1-star Health Hunter. That's a sort of catch-all term for a Hunter who specializes in every form of medical procedures: disease control, brain surgery, pharmaceutical production to something as simple as being a nutritionist. I'm the kind of doctor to end all doctors. I was shoe-in to be promoted to 2-star Hunter by virtue of skill and mentor my own team of Health Hunters in just a month." He explains.

"You must feel real nice tooting your horn about how huge of a nerd you are! I bet you can't even count all the times you were wedgied in school!" Bradford taunts.

"I'll sedate you later, now let me continue." Timmy ignores Bradford.

"So what happened?" you ask.

"Moon Medicines did. Despite my overwhelming contributions and diverse skill-set. I was still kicked out of the position in favor of one of their own doctors. When I asked the reason, all they could tell me was, Your skills don't meet the necessary requirements and that was that." He explains.

"You have a hand in almost every field of medicine and they didn't need your skills? That sounds like a fat load." You point out.

"The keyword their is almost. There is one field I don't have any strength in, which also happens to be the field they were focusing on." he tacks on.

"Which is?" you ask.

"Genetics research." He answers.

"Genetics?" you ask.

"Yeah. They suddenly devoted many of Hunter Organisations medical staff into researching Genetics. Healing the sick has basically become an afterthought. A darn shame really." Timmy explains.

(Genetics Research? Could this have something to do with the CAPGRAS project? Or perhaps the Peace ad infinitum project they have coming up?) You wonder to yourself.

While you think Timmy continues, "As for how I met Damon. After I was shut down, I had to go about getting 2-stars the old-fashioned way. Getting mentored by a current 2-star Hunter, me and Damon happened to work with each in the past, so getting him to mentor me was an easy task." He explains.

"So he picked your bitch-ass off the crub and gave you a place to stay? Great work mooching off others Doc!" Bradford insults.

"The sedation needle is right over there! It won't even take me a second to knock you out!" Timmy threatens.

"Just try me Doc! Even if I can only barely move my legs, I only need my right arm to give you a Nuclear Noogie!" Bradford threatens back.

(God I need to get outta here...) You think to yourself.

What do you do?

>What do you do around here?

>What’s up with his strange-sounding name?

>Write-in

>Walk out of here.

>>2857041
>>Genetics sounds interesting, any chance he can tutor us? That and first aid, would be nice to patch ourselves up.

>>2857041
>Walk out of here.

>>2857041
>Walk out of here.

>>2857057
Genetics isn't something we can learn in a few days and we've already got a medic in the team

>>2857058
>>2857067
>>2857057

>Walk out of here

>Writing

“Well, I’ll be seeing you doc, I got business to handle…literally anywhere but here.” You don’t even bother coming up with an excuse as you rush out.

“Wait! Derrick! Don’t abandon me! You don’t know crazy this fucking nerd is! The torture I’m going through is unimaginable!” Bradford pleads.

“You’ve survived your whole life until now, I think you can handle a little visit to the doctor. Good luck!” You state as you open the door and dodge out in the hallway.

As you enter the corridor, you hear some faint sounds come through the door, “Okay my dear patient, it’s time for your injection!” Timmy exclaims happily.

“Get that fucking needle away from me you madman! I have rights!” Bradford cries.

“No, you don’t. Not in this doctor’s office anyway.” He counters.

You walk away as Bradford shrieks fade into the background.

File: Dainary Helda.jpg (281 KB, 1334x1864)

281 KB JPG

>A short walk later

>Time: Thursday, 8:03 AM, Early morning


You make your way back into the living room. And that’s where catch an odd-sight, you see a crowd of people gathered around the center of the room, whispering and talking amongst each other about something happening in the middle of the circle they’ve formed and Damon looking very confused about what to do to control the crowd.

(Oh great, is it another new arrival? What grade of asshole am I dealing with this time?) You ask yourself as you approach.

The crowd is comprised of the usual suspects, all the people you know barring Rea, Noell and Flourette. Even Ronnie’s in the crowd, though he’s the only one not talking to anyone else.

Once you reach close enough to see the center of attention, you’re blown back a step by two things: 1. Noell and Flourette have returned and 2. There’s a woman, full clad in armor, on her knees, bowing her head to Noell.

“Okay, what the hell is this?” You ask without thinking.

“Oh Derrick!” Etheline notices you, “You have to hear this! This woman says Noell is a prince! An actual prince!” Etheline exclaims.

“Wait what?” you question.

That’s when the woman in the center speaks, “Master Noell, 72nd prince of the Brenho Empire, I have an envoy from your sister to deliver.” She states in a voice that exemplifies discipline and strength, she talks in a tone and accent you would expect from a knight coming out of the 16th century.

However, even in this situation, Noell’s apathic face and annoyed expression has yet to fade away, if anything, he only seems to get angrier as the woman makes mention of his sister.

“Raise your head warrior. I never asked for you to bow to me. Speak to me face to face. Speak to me as an equal.” He commands.

“I cannot, it’s customary for a solider to bow to her masters when in their presence.” She counters.

“I am not yet your master, I’m warrior, same as you, the only difference between us is status. Stand and look into my eyes.” Noell demands.

“….”The woman goes slient, responding not with words, but with her inaction to stand.

Noell grinds his teeth for a moment before speaking again, “What is this envoy from my sister? What could she want from me?” Noell asks.

That’s when Landon cuts-in, “A sister? I never knew you had a sister Noell! Is she as hot as you? You should introduce me some-time.” He asks.

“What the hell was that you perverted knave! I could have your tongue for those words!” The armored woman shouts.

“Oh! Scary! it was only a joke. I’m earnestly curious about this sister.” Landon explains.

“That doesn’t excuse your rudeness, Noell, with your permission, may I put this scum to quarter?” She asks.

Okay, sorry about this guys, I know extremely early for this, but I have to stop here until tomorrow.

I need to go out and get dinner now and I also have a project to finish by tonight, which I'm pretty sure will take me the rest of the night, so I'll have come back the usual time tomorrow, so goodbye for now.

>>2857218
It's cool thanks for running

I have returned and will begin running once more in 15 minutes. Ready yourselves.

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Noell holds his hand up, “Control yourself. The laws of this land dictate that killing someone over there speech is a violation of one’s rights. You’re allowed to insult him, but not kill him.” Noell explains.

“Yes master!” She concedes.

“As for your question, freak. Yes, I have a sister and her name is Nylora.” Noell states.

“…What else? How does she look? Perhaps a phone number?” Landon asks.

“As if I’m going to willingly hand you information so you can stalk my sister. Back off and remember to always stay within 15 meters of me.” Noell states.

“How unreasonable! I’m just curious about your family situation.” Landon states.

“The more curious you become, the faster that restraining order gets filed.” Noell threatens.

“I’ll see to that legal document being sorted right away Master Noell!” The woman promises.

“All this rejection is breaking my poor little heart…” Landon whimpers.

“You really need to stop trying man.” Vanilla shakes her head.

“Ignore that perverse buffoon. Give the envoy.” Noell dismisses Landon’s sadness.

“I was told to inform you that the festival of Razorroses is coming in a month’s time and that you should return home as quickly as possible and begin preparations to battle on Brenho’s behalf.” She informs him.

Noell’s apathic face shows a rare glare, “Is that all you came here to tell me? Will you be on your way now?” He asks.

“No master, I am here on personal business, I wish to become a Hunter of my free will. But I was also ordered by the princess to inform you to finish up your own business quickly. This is a matter of national importance you see.” She states.

“You mean international Importance. That festival is a matter of importance for the whole world.” Ronnie suddenly speaks up.

Only now does the armored woman raise her head, “Excuse me?” She questions.

“That festival won’t just affect Brenho and the Federation of Ochima. It will affect Azia which is right above Ochima and it will most definitely affect Yorbia and Kukan’yu. To call it a national matter seems a bit dishonest don’t you think?” Ronnie corrects.

“I don’t believe anyone asked for your opinion, but if you know of the Razorroses Festival, you must be a native to Ochima. Name yourself, your nation and your rank.” The woman demands.

“I believe it’s customary to introduce yourself before you ask someone to give introductions.” He counters.

“Fine then. If it's a name you want, then Dainary Helda is mine knave, woman of Dalam and 1st-grade knight in the Brenho military, Dalam spear division.” She lists off her title and rank as she pulls out a patch from her pocket and presents it.

“Oh great, a fucking a snake-skin. My name’s Ronnie Burnsby , man of Cremox and Captain in the Cremox military, 163rd C.D.F Garrison company.” He does the same and takes out his patch.

File: C.D.F Patch.png (40 KB, 486x506)

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“You dare talk down to me Cave-Crawler, when was the last time you’re people climbed from their ivory towers to associate with the rest of us?” Dainary questions.

“It’s real funny to hear about Ivory towers from a bitch who’s ancestors used to dance all-over the corpses of the peasantry. Bet you wouldn’t say that if we went and visited the mass-grave sites.” Ronnie counters.

“Do you believe I wouldn't? Unlike you arrogant cowards, we in Dalam are proud of out heritage, I own what my ancestors did. In fact, allow me to add your body to the pile and do a dance on it in your honor.” Dainary threatens.

“Do I have to remind you all again of the policy on combat?” Damon cuts-in and shuts down the growing tension.

“You don’t need to say anything boss-man. I remember the rules.” Ronnie answers.

“I suppose you must be the master of this household, I apologize for the trouble.” Dainary bows her head.

“As long as you understand, there is no issue. Dainary Helda I believe you said? I’ve heard about a woman who matches your description from two of my close friends.” Damon states.

That statement brings back a memory of the various men and women Damon was told to look out for.

(Oh right. Didn’t Damon say something about a Red-headed Armored woman? This must be her) you recognize.

“I’ve heard your skills in combat were exemplary and from the lack of dents in your armor, I can see you got through the mountain with little to no injury. I presume you’ll be staying here?” He asks.

“I had to lose my armor to survive in that harsh place. It was a good challenge, but I do admit I found it a little lacking, what’s next?” She asks.

(She thought that frozen hell-hole was easy to get through? What the hell kind of monsters are they training up on the other-side of the planet?) You wonder to yourself.

“Well, the next exam doesn’t begin officially till another 5 days pass. However, if you so wish, I can allow you to take the next test now if you feel you are ready.” Damon explains.

“Then I ask you do exactly that. I mustn’t leave my post unattended back home. I must head back as soon as possible, so I’d like to move onto the next test.” Dainary agrees.

“Fine then. Follow me to my study where we can be alone and I shall send you on your way.” Damon turns and walks towards the stairs while Dainary follows.

“Do the same for me bossman, I can’t be out-done by a lizard-skin, plus I’m getting tired of all the glares in my back at this place. Time for me to move on.” Ronnie quickly tags along.

And just like that, the both of them disappear into the second floor and leave you all as a gaggle of confusion and annoyance.

File: Noell Cromwell04.jpg (1019 KB, 900x900)

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“Wait a minute, just to confirm this is actually real. Noell is actually a prince of some Empire right? Brendo or something right?” Etheline questions, still not perfectly sure.

“Brenho Etheline. And yes, I believe I already informed you that Noell was prince of the Cromwell family before.” Flourette clarifies.

“If I’m being honest, I just thought that Noell was a delusional megalomaniac and you were humoring him since you felt bad…” Etheline admits.

“Oh…So that’s the kind of man you thought Noell was…” Flourette realizes.

“But I certainly don’t think that now! Man, to think Noell was actually royalty, would kinda explain all the high and mighty behavior until now.” Etheline explains.

Vanilla laughs derisively, “Oh man, a prince! Here I was thinking the only thing royal about him is how much of a pain in the ass he is. Turns that stick in your ass was the king’s scepter.”

Landon smiles, “Being royalty just adds this untouchable appeal to you that makes you that much more adorable. The more I learn about you Noell, the more delicious you become.”

“…” You say nothing, as you already knew all of this, but you are curious about all this stuff about Razorrose Festival.

The talking among your allies becomes wild quickly, while they aren’t as surprised as you expected, they are just about as excited learn why a prince is crawling his way through the mud and snow of the Hunter Exam.

“So what’s up Mr.Prince? Did you run out of money building your golden castle or something? Why do you need a Hunter license?” Vanilla questions.

“…”Noell goes into a thoughtful, yet mildly angry silence.

“You need to ask less insensitively Vanilla! Plus, he doesn’t have to become a Hunter just for the money! He could have another reason.” Etheline cuts-in.

“Like what? What could the prince to an empire possibly want for?” Vanilla asks.

“Well…He’ll tell us that himself! Right Noell!?” Etheline questions as she moves in closer to Noell to catch his attention.

“he better, I wouldn’t waste my time talking to him if he dropped this bomb and just walked off. Come prince, give us an answer.” Next moves in Vanilla.

“I have to admit, I’m quite curious myself. What no one would take on trails this arduous without some legitimate reason to suffer this much. What is it Noell? What are you searching for? What are you fighting for?” Landon asks as he also crowds around Noell.

“…” With this much attention and talking in his ears, Noell would’ve usually insulted all three of them and moved away. He must be thinking about something very important, more important than insulting people, clearly it must be something major significance.

“Hello, Hello? Earth to Prince Prick? No matter how hard you glare at the air, it ain’t gonna go away, just telling you that now.” Vanilla taunts.

“Quiet yourself and get out of my sight.” He finally responds.

“Um, what the hell was that?” Vanilla questions.

“I have no time to deal with all of you right now. I was planning on relaxing but clearly that was a mistake. I have to get moving now.” Noell says as he turns around and begins to walk towards the stairs.

“Wait! Where are you going!?” Etheline asks.

“To the next test.” Noell answers.

“Already? But we have 5 more days.” Landon points out.

“I never cared to stay in this place from the beginning, I only stayed to humor you all since you were all getting on my nerves about heading out early. But now I have to, I cannot delay any longer. Flourette-“ he turns back to Flourette.

“Yes Master?” Flourette asks.

“Prepare our gear. We’re heading out as soon as those two exit from Damon’s study.” He orders.

“Hey wait a second!” You finally cut-in, your voice seems to be the only one that gives Noell pauses as he turns to look at you, “Derrick. What is it?” he asks.

“Mind giving an explanation as to what the rush is? Why do you need get going now of all times?” You ask.

“…Before I answer that. I heard you got in trouble with one of the staff here, a woman by the name of Cynthia I believe.” He dodges the question.

“Yeah, what about it?” You ask.

“You’re an even bigger fool than I realized…Is what I want to say, and it’s true as well. But first and foremost, I have to say I’m impressed with you.” Noell compliments.

“Impressed?” you ask.

“Yes. Impressed. As foolish as challenging a member of this place is, it’s a tradition of Brenho to give exultance to a warrior who’s willing to fight a beast bigger than himself. The tenacity and courage required to take on someone that much stronger than you is foolish, but also proves you have the spirit of a true warrior.” He compliments.

>Noell is impressed by your fighter’s spirit! +50 points to your relationship (150 points remaining)

“Uh…thanks.” Being compliment by Noell is a strange and very foreign experience, you don’t really know if you like it.

“As for your previous question, I’m not against answering it, but not here and not now. I’m a bit of a rush you see. I need to finish this next test and finish this Exam as quickly as possible.” Noell states as he moves quickly upstairs.

Flourette quickly follows suit before you even have a chance to speak with her and with that, the living room is left silent.

“Well that was…something.” Etheline cuts through the quiet.

“Perhaps he just doesn’t want us pestering him about him about his status. I will admit, I was so eager to learn that I didn’t take what he was feeling into account at all. What a heart-breaking failure on my part.” Landon deducts.

“Nah, feels more like, since he’s a prince, he probably thinks he’s better than all of us. Damn bastard couldn’t stand our peasant smell or something, so he went running back to his room. He’s always looked down on us and now we know why.” Vanilla guesses.

“But he didn’t seem like he looking down on us, he looked like he realized something and had to get ready for it as quickly as possible. Sure, Noell may be a bit…mean. But he hasn’t lorded his position over us this whole time, none of us even realized who he really was until someone else told us! He treated us like human beings without placing himself above us…whenever he wasn’t avoiding us anyway.” Etheline theorizes.

“Don’t give him too much credit Etheline. This is Noell we’re talking about here, Give him the benefit of the doubt and he’ll take it, smack you in the face with it and question why you were stupid enough to think good of him in the first place.” Vanilla counters.

“Now I don’t know about that…”Landon cuts-in.

Unsurprisingly, their theories begin to run wild, they already knew far too little about Noell and to have this bomb dropped on them has only driven their imaginations wild.

However, at the same time, this sudden new information seems to be widening the unapproachable gap that was already formed between everyone else and Noell.

No one really understands him, so all they can do is come up with increasingly outrageous ideas about what he’s really thinking and feeling. It’s only now you understand that this is what Flourette meant, why she tried so hard for to get Noell and everyone else to talk, to avoid this from happening.

Well it seems her efforts were in vain, well, almost in vain, there is one person who has become friendly enough with him that he can talk face-to-face with, someone who has gained at least, some level of mutual respect out of him.

And that’s you.

After a while, everyone’s interest begins to fade, and they separate and head back to their usual places, leaving you alone once again.

You should probably head up and try and get some answers out of Noell, but you hesitate to move right away. While you managed to get a lot done in with your time yesterday, you have a big event coming up tomorrow, that live showdown with Yaznov.

(I talked all that smack, but so far I’ve only managed to practice once since I took the challenge. While that might be enough, I'll have to go back and spend an hour or two more practicing to really be ready.) You reason.

(Or I could head to the workshop and get some work done on my equipment, or just hang out with someone I haven't talked to since I’ve gotten here, or maybe now I can head inside the gym and train properly, or maybe go train my Nen with Rea.) You list off.

(Seriously, despite all that’s happened, the list of things to do hasn’t diminished at all, if anything, it’s only gotten bigger.) You groan.

So, how will you spend your morning?

>Try and Talk to Noell and Flourette

>Go and practice the Piano

>Find Rea and practice Nen

>Head to the workshop

>Train in the gym (Bring someone along? Y/N)

>Hang out with someone (Who?)

>Go get some rest in bed (Move onto the next day)

>Find Rea and practice Nen

>>2859282
>Try and Talk to Noell and Flourette
We'll have time to do the others after. He's leaving soon.

>>2859282
>>Try and Talk to Noell and Flourette

>>2859282
>Try and Talk to Noell and Flourette
I don't want him to leave yet, it's unlikely but maybe we can convince him to stay to watch our showdown with Yaznov

>>2859285
>>2859292
>>2859298
>>2859313

>Time for a talk Noell.

>Writing.

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(I have a shit-ton of things to do and too little time to do them all, so I have to do what’s most pressing and most important to me right now, and that's figuring out why Noell is in such a hurry. And that means you can’t delay either, you have to get going now!) You reason out.

Without a second to waste, you dash up the stairs and head over to Noell and Flourette’s room.

As soon as you arrive in front of their room, you can already hear the sounds of people running around the place, gathering things as quickly as possible.

“Gather the clothes and my blade, don’t forget the tools in the drawer either!” Noell commands from the other side of the door.

“Yes Master!” Flourette responds as she dashes to the other end of the room.

While they talk, you test the lock and just as you expected, Noell’s in such a rush that he forget to lock the door, or maybe he left it open so he could dash out as fast as possible when he was ready?

The reason doesn’t matter, what matters is that you know Noell isn’t the kind of person who make such a simple misstep casually.

In a situation like this, knocking would just be a waste of time, so you just let yourself in.

As you enter and take a few steps into the familiar bedroom, a sword goes flying past your head.

“What the fuck!?” you cry out as the shining strip of steel is flung from the one side of the room, right in front of your face and into Noell’s hands.

He grabs it deftly, as if it was a natural maneuver, he moves with the force of the blade and sheathes it in a scabbard he has hanging from his belt in one swift movement, afterwards, Noell notices you and speaks.

“Derrick? I thought I just told you we have no time to speak.” He states.

“Yeah, I can see you’re in a real hurry if you’re playing catch: Sword edition!” you exclaim.

“You say that as I a joke, but the children of Brenho do in fact play catch with swords. It’s how they practice for throwing and receiving blades in adulthood.” Noell explains.

“What sort of fucked up country let’s their children play with knives!? Your kids must be more chopped up than a sashimi platter!” you counter.

“Quiet yourself. We only allow the young ones to use blunt knives, the worst they can get is a bad scratch.” He explains.

“That isn’t much better, but at least it ain’t too dangerous.” You state.

“They move unto real knives when they reach teenage. That’s when the accidents start occurring.” Noell clarifies.

“I was wrong to have faith in your country to be anything other than the epitome of edge.” You state.

“As much as I would love to culturally enrich you in the games of Brenho. I have to get going as soon as those two leave. So please, another time.” He says he picks up a small bag and begins to stuff some clothes inside.

“Sorry to say, but asking about that is exactly what I’m here for. Why are you in such a hurry? What’s happening?” you ask.

“We were outplayed. That’s what happened.” He answers.

“Outplayed? In what? By who?” you ask.

As that question leaves your mouth Flourette rushes past, a long rifle in her hands and several long clips cradled under her shoulder.

“Derrick, we want to explain, but if we take the time to talk about in detail, Dainary and Ronnie will get to the next test before us and we’ll be even more behind than we already are” Flourette states as she gets her own bag and starts packing up ammo.

“Behind? Behind in what? The Exam? Damon already told you both that this isn’t a race, you don’t need to hurry ahead of other contestants.” You explain.

“This isn’t about the Exam, We wouldn’t be in such a hurry if this was about the Exam.” Flourette states.

“Then what the hell is it about!?” You shout at the top of your lungs.

The power of your shout was enough to give the rushing duo pause as they look back to your angered face, “Stop giving me roundabout responses and half-answers! Give me something clear! Explain what the hell is happening!” you demand.

“Why are you so desperate to know? I thought you didn’t care about me enough to bother asking.” Noell questions.

“Well…that’s because…” You trail off.

What do you say?

>Because it might be important information about the Exam

>Because I’m just curious

>Because I’m worried as a friend

>>2859460
>Because I’m worried as a friend

>>2859460
>>Because I’m worried as a friend

>>2859460
>Because I am worried as a fried for one. For another bothof you are damn good fighters, so if this has you both worried it’s probably going to be big and affect everyone, me included.

>>2859460
>Because I’m worried as a friend

>>2859463
>>2859464
>>2859495
>>2859496

>https://youtu.be/eWNNjIIq4TA

>Writing

>>2859519

>>2859519
The fact that this fits so well hurts me

>>2859524
>Uganadan Knuckles meme
Please delete this

“This can’t be because of simple curiosity right? You wouldn’t be this much of a pest just because you’re nosy right?” Noell asks.

“Of course not Dumbass!” You exclaim.

“Then what is it? If you can’t say it, please get out and stop bothering-“

“It’s cuz I’m worried you fucking asshole!” you shout.

Your words give both Noell and Flourette immediate pause, “….What did you just say?” Noell asks.

“I said…I said I’m worried for you, you prick. Because…I’m your friend.” It’s embarrassing as hell to be speaking your true feelings so suddenly, but if you don’t, you doubt they’ll listen.

Noell looks confounded beyond words, while Flourette has a happy dazzle in her eyes as she watches from the corner of the room, “Is that your real reason? Because you’re…worrying for me?” Noell questions.

“Don’t make me repeat myself! I said what I said, I ain’t taking it back but you aren’t hearing it again!” You state.

“…” Noell looks like he doesn’t know what to say or do.

“So please…just explain what the hell is happening. You’re in way too much of a hurry for it not to be something bad.” You ask.

“….Fine. I’m obliged to explain my situation to a friend…I believe.” Noell seems as awkward as you when it comes to this kind of thing.

>Sharing this awkward moment with each other brings you closer! 80+ points to your relationship (70 points to go!)

“Weeeeeeeee!!” Flourette’s fangirlish squees only burn the embarrassment of this situation even deeper.

“Okay! Enough sappy shit! We’re never doing that ever again!” you state.

“Agreed, let’s never treat each other in such a…saccharine manner ever again, hearing you call me a…you know the word, cut deeper than a thousand knives. Insults are better for a moron like you anyway.” Noell agrees.

“And you need to lay off the mascara and razors. Now explain your situation already!” you demand.

“Indeed. I must fulfill this obligation. But even so, I don’t know how much time we have before those two exit Damon’s room and as soon as they do, we have to move. So I can only answer a few of your questions.” He explains.

“Well that’s better than none, I guess.” You concede, you doubt you’ll get anything more than this out of him.

“Ask fast and ask now Derrick. The clock is ticking.” Noell rushes you as he slows down his packing to answer your questions.

>What do you ask?

>What’s this Razorrose Festival? Why is it so important?

>Who is Dainary Exactly, why are you in such a rush to get to the next test before her?

>Why do Dainary and Ronnie hate each so much?

>Can you explain how your country works?

>What’s up with your sword, it looks weird.

>(Write-in)

>>2859573
>>What’s this Razorrose Festival? Why is it so important?
>Who is Dainary Exactly, why are you in such a rush to get to the next test before her?

>>2859573
>What’s this Razorrose Festival? Why is it so important?
>Who is Dainary Exactly, why are you in such a rush to get to the next test before her?

>2859573
>What’s this Razorrose Festival? Why is it so important?
>Who is Dainary Exactly, why are you in such a rush to get to the next test before her?

>>2859588
>>2859597
>>2859620

>Razorrose and Dainary's Identity.

>Writing

"Okay, first of all, how about you tell me who this Dainary chick is? What's her deal?" You ask.

"She's a member of the Brenho Regional Forces, or B.R.F for short. A very prominent fighter and the acting lieutenant of the Dalam division." Flourette states.

"Excuse me, but I can't drink all that buzzword soup. What does all that mean? What's Dalam?" you ask.

"As I told you before, Ochima is a massive country with many different nations that make up the Federation. One such nation is Dalam, or as it's known locally, the nation of Dance and Dragons." Noell clarifies.

"Dance and Dragons? What kind of fantasy title is that?" you ask.

"They gained that name due to there being a legend that the people of Dalam are born of a union of man and dragon, which is why most of their people are born with red-hair. They also have a deep, cultural love of dancing." Flourette explains.

"Man and dragon? Somebody had sex with a dragon and made a country over it? What the actual hell?" You can't believe your ears.

"It's just a legend. Don't think too much of it, more importantly, Ochima as a region is comprised of 5 nations, those being: Dalam, Siqaa, Kuggend, Gletjeet and Cremox." Flourette lists off.

"So that means our military is also regional, comprised of each individual nation. Dainary is of the Dalam Division of the B.R.F and a woman of high political and military status in her division." Noell explains.

"Okay, I think I get that now, one more thing though. Why is it Brenho Regional Forces when the region is called Ochima? Kinda weird naming sense." You ask.

"That because Brenho is the country that made Ochima into a region, so we got the right to call the military as we wished." Noell answers.

"What? What do you mean by Brenho made Ochima into a region?" you ask.

"This is going becoming too much of a tangent, let's get back to the topic at hand, who Dainary is to us." Noell dismisses your question.

"Didn't you just explain that? She's an officer or something in your military. What else is she?" you ask.

"She's not an officer, she's a lieutenant, lieutenant to the general of the Dalam Division. My sister." Noell explains.

"Your sister is a general in the army? Crazy, but why is that important?" you ask.

"It's important because it means she's here as my sister's agent, working on her behalf to gain a Hunter license." Noell explains.

"What are you saying? Didn't she say she was here on personal business?" you ask.

Noell shakes his head at your comment, "Let me tell you this Derrrick, soldiers in our armies are well-paid for their service. Any man or woman that lives to see the end of any war is guaranteed luxury for the rest of their days, and Dainary is already an accomplished warrior and quite rich. She wishes for nothing and has no reason to leave Ochima just to participate in this exam. She could never be here for personal reasons." Noell breaks down for you.

"Are you saying she's lying then? To what end? And why is she here then?" you ask.

"Her appearance here in the exam means that she came here on my sisters orders. Which means my sister has finally made a move on the throne since the Razorrose festival is soon." Noell explains.

"That's what I wanted to ask about next. What is that festival you keep mentioning? Why is it so important?" you ask.

"The Razorrose Festival is a fighting tournament held in order to determine who will be the next ruler of Brenho, the reason we decided to join the Hunter Exam was to gain funds in order to fight in that tournament."Flourette explains.

"Fighting for the throne? Why are you doing that? Isn't Noell here the prince? Shouldn't he be next in line after the king dies?" you question.

"That's just the problem, that's not how politics in Ochima goes. We don't operate under a hereditary monarchy, we operate under what we call a Meritocratic Monarchy, a system where only the best rules the kingdom. The Razorrose Festival is a special means by which to determine who is strong enough to rule." Flourette explains.

"By having everyone duke it out until only the most violent bastard's left to standing and given the crown and specter? Sorry, maybe it's cuz I don't get the culture, by that sounds a little stupid to me." You counter.

"If it was just a normal fighting tournament, you'd be right." Noell agrees.

"But the festival is special because it's only held during times of emergency with the crown and their needs to be a ruler appointed right away." Noell explains.

"Emergency with the crown? What emergency? What's happened to your king?" you ask.

"He's gone missing. He's been missing for over 3 years now." Noell states.

"You're jerking my leg right? Your ruler has been gone for over 3 years? What the hell is happening over on your side of the planet?" You question.

"It would take too long to go into the specifics, just know that the king has been missing for a long time and the queen has been the one running the kingdom for all that time." Flourette clarifies.

"And while my mother has been doing a good enough job keeping the country stable, the people refuse to continue on without their king any longer and they've long given up on searching for him." Noell states.

"So that's why they called for this festival right? That still doesn't mean they can just appoint the most violent guy as king. That's extremely dangerous." You counter.

"Exactly right, but that's why only specific people are allowed to battle in this festival. Only representatives of the 5 nations are able to participate in the tournament." Flourette explains.

"A representative system, interesting solution to the problem." you admit.

"Noell here represents Brenho and we came both came here to gather funds in preparation for the event." Flourette explains.

"Okay, so that's what the festival is about, but why is it so important the to the rest of the world. That sounds like a National problem to me, something that only affects Brenho." You state.

"It's a international problem because whoever comes to rule Brenho in my Father's stead will drastically change the nature of the region as we control it." Noell states.

"Because Brenho controls the actions of region, it's entirely possible to change the nature of every country within the region to suit the new rulers desires. Even that means having every single nation in Brenho attack the Azia above Ochima, or Yorbia, or Kukan'yu." Flourette explains.

"Are you saying there are people in your country, who if they got that much power, would try and take-over the world?" you ask.

"Not just take it over, there are people who'd rather cleanse the earth of any non-Ochiman person, meaning there's a chance you'd have 5 powerful countries untied in wiping out a good section of humanity off the planet. And trust me when I say, they'd be able to do it." Noell explains.

"...Your country is fucked beyond belief, is everyone there a born sociopath or something? Is that kind of shit normal there?" you question.

"Going off topic again. That's why it's important not just for the region, but also for the rest of the world and why I have to win, so something like global genocide doesn't happen." Noell explains.

"You just dodged my question, but okay." You accuse.

"But there are those who would ensure that Noell is either deemed incapable of ruling and thereby disqualified from the festival, or removed from the picture entirely. One of them being Nylora Cromwell, Master Noell's older sister." Flourette explains.

"So that's why you're so up in arms over her being here getting a Hunter license, it's because your crazy-ass sister is trying to off you." you reason out.

"In vulgar words, yes. She even went out of her way to have her agent practically spit a challenge in my face. That envoy was her petty way of telling me to hurry up or I'll be taking the throne before you." Noell states.

"What a fucked up family situation you've got. No dad, a crazy older sister and a mom who's too busy to even deal with you. That explains a few things actually." You state.

"Are you making fun of me?" Noell questions.

"I don't know, you tell me." You state.

"Can you just ask your final questions be on your way, I'm only going to allow you to waste my time for another 20 minutes or so. So be sure your next questions matter, for they'll be your last." Noell states.

What do you ask?

>Why do Dainary and Ronnie hate each so much?

>Can you explain how your country works?

>What’s up with your sword? it looks weird.

>Why does your sister want you to fail?

>What happened to your father?

[Choose one]

>>2859972
>Why does your sister want you to fail?

>>2859972
>Why does your sister want you to fail?

>>2859991
>>2860025

>Why does your sister want you to fail?

>Writing

"So what's your sister's beef with you? Why can't she just let you fight in this Rosy festival or whatever." you ask.

"...Telling you that would be a bit difficult." Noell preempts.

"Oh come on, not this again, don't make me pull the friend card again." you threaten.

"It's not that Derrick. This is a topic that isn't easy to talk about for Master Noell, it...brings back old trauma." Flourette explains.

"Okay, now you have me worried. What are you talking about?" you ask.

"Am I allowed to tell him?" Flourette asks of Noell.

He simply nods his head and begins to ignore you both.

Once Noell has lost himself in packing up again, Flourette speaks up.

"To simplify things, I should first make something clear. Earlier, I believe you wondered why they couldn't just hand Noell the kingdom despite him being the prince?" She asks.

"Yeah, what is that about anyway, I get the whole situation with the king being missing, but why does the prince have to fight for his right to the throne?" you ask.

"That is because Noell is the 72nd prince to the 71st family." Flourette explains.

"Um..what does that mean?" you ask.

"Typically, in Brenho, the prince would be titled the same lineage as his father before him, until he took the throne himself. Which means the direct son of the king would be labelled the 71st prince until he took the throne." She explains.

"and yet Noell is labelled the 72nd prince despite that, can you guess why?" Flourette questions.

"Wait, if I get what you're saying, then that means Noell isn't...the king's son?" you guess.

"To be more accurate, he's the king's second son, and he was previously not prince. He only became prince 5 years ago when the 71st prince, Noell's older brother, Nilies Cromwell, died in combat and the right was passed along to him, making him the 72nd." Flourette explains.

"Wait, so Noell isn't the true prince? He's just a replacement for his brother?" you ask.

"As painful as it is to admit, yes, he is only prince because his brother died due to tragic circumstances 5 years ago." Flourette clarifies.

"It was one of Brenho's saddest losses, Noell's brother was a masterful warrior and the perfect man to take the throne. The people eagerly awaited his rule. So when his death was announced to the public, two major things happened." Flourette puts up two fingers.

"1.The populace lost faith in the royal family, they thought the king and his warriors were highly incompetent for allowing someone as great as Nilies pass away." Flourette starts.

"Most naturally people would also never accept Noell, who isn't nearly as loved or respected as Nilies to take his place, he was vilified and hated among by people who thought of him as a shoddy replacement." Flourette states.

"Hated by the people you're destined to rule, that's brutal alright. What else?" you ask.

"2. The king changed." Flourtte states.

File: Noell Cromwell08.jpg (79 KB, 654x875)

79 KB JPG

"Changed? Changed how?" you ask.

"The King was a strict but very loving man. He sought to ensure that Brenho stayed the most powerful and respected nation in all of Ochima and the people respected his love for his nation." Flourette begins.

"But during the two years prior to his disappearance. There was a stark change in his demeanor, he was cold, dark and very angry. he secluded himself most of the day and refused to come out unless there was an emergency. That left the queen to tend to most of his duties and no one to console or help Noell while in the time of his extreme suffering." Flourette states.

"And shortly after that, the king disappeared. We couldn't find a single trace of him, no note, no final message to his people, no indicator who should take the throne in his absence. He could be dead for all we know, but we can't find the body either, so we can only call him missing." Flourette explains.

"With no king and no idea who should be appointed in his place. We have no choice but to hold the Razorrose festival to appoint someone at least some part of the population would be satisfied with." Flourette finishes.

"So that's why there's all this hub-bub about who should be ruling and who has the right to the kingdom. But why does Noell's sister have to pile on the abuse? Why prevent him from proving he's got what it takes?" you ask.

"Simple. Nylora believes Noell won't be able to handle the position, but she since she is the princess and has no place in the battle for the king's throne, she's taken to more...underhanded methods of taking control." Flourette explains.

"Such as sending agents over to grind up money using the Hunter Exam to shut down her Brother?" you guess.

"And then have a warrior she has complete and utter control of take the throne in his place, making her the king in the shadows of Brenho." Flourette finishes your theory.

"So what you're telling me is, Noell has to become king to stop worldwide genocide and in order to do that, he has to fight his way through:1.A tournament of highly skilled warriors, 2. His own bat-shit crazy family trying to shut him down and 3. the extreme hatred of the people he's trying to protect, all of which he has to deal with only after he's survived this insane exam?" You summarize.

"That's exactly right. I'm glad to see you understand." Flourette congratulates.

"Yes, okay, now I can see why you're in such a rush." You concede.

"If you can recognize that. I ask that you leave right away." Noell finally re-enters the conversation.

"But I have more questions-"

"But we don't have anymore time, Those two have to have left by this point and we can't afford to let Dainary or Ronnie gain anything from this Exam if I want a legitimate chance at the throne." he finally finishes packing and begins to head out the room.

Flourette quickly follows suit and it's seconds before they head out of the house for good.

What will you do?

>Let them go

>Stop them (State reason)

>>2860254
>>Stop them (State reason)
"Y'know you could ask for help" - Offer to help.

>>2860254
We'll catch up. And you can count my support when I do.
I wanna support him but we have stuff to do

>>2860260
>>2860265
My vote is be pretty much a combo of these

>>2860260
>>2860265

To me, both of these look like offer to help but let him go, but just to be sure, I'll add it as option and wait a few more minutes.

What will you do?

>Let them go

>Stop them

>Let them go but offer him help later.

>>2860299
>>Let them go but offer him help later.

>>2860299
>Let them go but offer him help later.

>>2860301
>>2860328

>Let them go but join up later.

>Writing.

Sucks we can't join em now but we have to get stronger and we have others relying on us too.

"Hold it!" You shout just before they head out of the door.

Noell turns back, "What is it? I just told you that I have no time for any more questions." Noell states.

"Yeah I get that, but if you've got no time for questions, how about an offer instead?" you ask.

He pauses and gives you a curious look, "...You have my attention, don't lose it now." Noell states.

"It sounds to me like your horse in that race for the throne is missing a leg or three. Aside from poor Flourette over there, you don't seem to have anyone you can count on to help you." You point out.

"You aren't incorrect. So what? Do you have anyone who can aid me?" He asks.

"You bet I do! You're looking at him!" You exclaim proudly.

"What?" Both Noell and Flourette blurt out.

"This political intrigue stuff isn't my specialty, but when it comes to problem-solving, there isn't a man you can count on more than yours truly." You boast.

"Why do I doubt that?" Noell states.

"Well, if you don't want as an extra-brain, I can be extra pair of fists, I'm a bouncer for a bar in one of the most violent and crazy cities in all of Yorbia. If there's anything I'm confident in, it's my ability to protect something." You state.

"Okay, that much I'll give to you, when it comes to punching problems away, I doubt there's anyone more qualified than you." Noell compliments.

"That strangely sounds like an insult but thanks for realizing." You accept.

"But even so, this certainly isn't your problem. We have a saying in Brenho, Only a dull blade fights battles they have no scabbard in., it means to involve yourself in problems you have no real stake in will only make you dull and useless." Noell states.

"Like hell this doesn't involve me! If one of those genocidal psychopaths takes the throne, I'll have to deal with the armies of knights trying to break my door down! This is totally my problem!" You counter.

"You have a point, but I mean personally, You shouldn't put yourself in danger fighting for me-"

"Are we really going to have to go through this song and dance again? I thought we just agreed to never have to say the f-word to each other ever again." You cut him off.

"What? What do you mean?" He asks.

"Of course I have a personal reason. You're my fri-frie... close companion." You state.

"Is that your only reason?" Noell asks.

"Do I need another reason? The thing you should be asking is if you think you're strong enough to take this all on with just a maid at your side. No disrespect Flourette." You state.

"None taken! And don't mind me, just keep becoming better friends, it's so adorable!" Flourette exclaims.

"Quiet yourself you dumb wench, no asked for your opinion." Noell shuts Flourette down, sending a shiver up her spine.

"So what's the verdict?" you ask.

"...." Noell thinks for a few seconds before speak again.

"Where were you born Derrick?" he asks suddenly.

"Huh? Yorbia born and raised. Why do you ask?" you question.

File: Florette Rutland01.jpg (243 KB, 600x750)

243 KB JPG

"That is literally the worst possible origin you could have, but it's fine, we can work around it." Noell states.

"Hey, you can shit talk me, but you better not be bad-mouthing the land of the brave, free and relatively sane." You counter.

"It's not me that has issue with that, it's Ochima. But that's a bridge we'll cross when we get to it. For now-" He sighs mid-sentence.

"Fine, when the time comes, I'll ask for your aid." Noell agrees.

>Noell has become fine relying on you for help! 100+ points to your relationship.

>Congratulations, you've taken your relationship to the next level! You are now good friends (Level 2) with Noell!

>When teaming attack with him, you gain an additional +5 points to the roll! In addition to that, when you have some free time, Noell can teach you how to fight using sharp weapons!

"Now that's what I like to hear. Good luck with the next stage of the Exam!" You wish him farewell.

"Don't die while I'm not looking Derrick. I can't laugh at your corpse otherwise." He states as he exits out of the door.

"I bid you farewell, Derrick." Her face is calm and composed, but the eyes under her specs say she's the happiest woman in the world to see Noell has made a real friend.

She exits the room after Noell, trying her best to conceal a big, goofy smile.

And then you're left alone in an empty with only your thoughts.

(I actually became with a massive emo and his gun-toting maid. Man, only the weirdest shit happens to me nowadays...) You reason out as you exit the room.

As you walk down the hallway, you look up to a clock on the wall and see quite a bit of time has passed, it's now 2:00 PM, which means you spent your entire morning sorting that mess out.

Great, now what to do with your afternoon?

>Go and practice the Piano

>Find Rea and practice Nen

>Head to the workshop

>Train in the gym (Bring someone along? Y/N)

>Hang out with someone (Who?)

>Go get some rest in bed (Move onto the next day)

>>2860490
>Go and practice the Piano
Let's do this and then work out. We have a limited window of time to get trained by Cynthia and we need gainz

>>2860490
>>Go and practice the Piano

>>2860490
>Go and practice the Piano
We can't go slacking now

What should we try to train with Cynthia? Focus on strength or speed? Or a balance of the two?

>>2860497
>>2860505
>>2860512

>Time to practice the piano

>Writing.

>>2860519
I'd say speed cause it's just all around more applicable than strength. It allows us to run away from stronger threats, get to our goals quicker, make our punches stronger, dodge attacks easier, ect. Strengths obviously important but it's a lot less useful to focus on than speed

File: Yaznov Barrini04.png (1.43 MB, 2400x2900)

1.43 MB PNG

You decide that if there's anytime to start refine your musical skills, it's now.

You make your way over to the recreational center and head towards the music room.

https://youtu.be/2NRbycO0O_k

You're about to walk through the glass door, until you hear the faint sound of a familiar song playing from the room.

You walk in to see the room has changed a bit since you last came in.

Namely, there's a stage now. A medium sized wooden podium with enough space to house a grand piano alongside a drum-set and microphone.

Atop that stage, Yaznov is playing an old heavy metal tune on his guitar and he plays it just as amazingly as he plays straight rock.

When the song ends, he becomes focused enough to address you, "Well if ain't Derrick the challenger? Come to see the king in action? What do you think?" he asks.

"I think you really need to stop stealing other people's song, you could at least remix them if you're going to try and impress me." You counter.

"As aggressive as ever I see, it's nice that your shade hasn't faded away, would hate to see you pissing yourself a day before the big show." He compliments.

"The only person pissing themselves show night will be you when I blast your ass away with a piano solo. Speaking of which, mind if I get some practice, now that you're done?" you ask.

"I wasn't practicing, I was testing the sound systems for the stage, can't have you saying the reason your songs suck a fat's man ass is because I didn't set-up the sound on your machine right." He taunts.

"Will you shut up and just let me play my piano?" you ask.

He steps down for the stage and ushers you up, "Go right ahead, long as you don't mind I take a listen to what I'm competing with." he asks.

"Go right ahead. Don't let me intimidate you too much." You taunt back as you sit down and prepare your fingers.

He takes a seat in a plush seat nearby and goes silent.

>Roll1d100+5 to get back into your groove.

>DC: 60

Rolled 17 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2860653

Rolled 76 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2860653
Piano

Rolled 24 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2860653

>>2860669
>>2860674
>>2860678

>Rolled 81

>Give him a good tune.

>Writing.

>>2860729
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzmZOU5hVr8

File: Derrick Holums36.jpg (82 KB, 512x512)

82 KB JPG

(I got the feel of the keys last time playing slow. So this time, i should see if my finger muscles still have what it takes for a faster tune!) you think as you remember the perfect song to test your playing speed.

https://youtu.be/55gcCD9E-cQ

(Quite a bit older than what I'm used to playing, but nobody ever said music only started being good in the 20th century. Gotta keep the horizons expanded and all that.) you reason out as you play a fast, upbeat, classical piano tune.

You don't miss a single beat and play every note on tune, the song comes just amazingly as if you were the composer yourself.

Even Yaznov raises his eyebrow once or twice as he watches you blast through the more complicated parts of the performance.

Once you end the song, you give him a smug look and speak, "Well, what's the score judge?" you ask.

"Not complete dogshite. Got to admit, takes skill to play Chopin's Sunshine. This is good, looks like you weren't just talking out of your ass after all." He compliments.

"Good to see you can at least admit when you're beaten." you taunt.

"Oh please, Once my fingers pluck the strings Friday night, I'll be wetting every pair of panties in the room. Including yours Derrick." He counters.

"Speaking of the show. How many songs we doing? And how are we gonna judge who won?" you ask.

"One song and all the staff here will be acting as judges." He answers.

"Just one song? And why can't anybody other then your friends act as judges?" you question.

"You only need one song to show you're the king of the strings, or the keys in your case. And don't act like I'm rigging the show or anything here. Some of them maybe my buddies, but staff here are as unbiased as it gets. If they tell you your music's a steaming pile of horseshit, then they're telling you the truth." He explains.

"Whatever man, you can't say I don't have a chance of beating you after hearing that?" you ask.

"Yeah. A chance." He taunts.

"Well that's why I'm practicing, to turn a chance into a miracle." You say as you continue playing.

"Better keep praying kid." He says as he continues to listen.

>You play away the afternoon, gaining you another +5 bonus to your musical skills!

>4 hours later

>Time: 6:34 PM, Sunset

You play the afternoon away, exchanging good banter and even better songs between each other, took you a while, but you can feel you're about at your original skill level.

(This is probably as good as I'm going to get for now, this should be enough to give me a fighting chance against Yaznov) You assure yourself.

As you wander back into the living and peer at the soft light fading into the background, you realize that it's probably too late to go hang out with anyone at this point, so it's best to deal with the more technical stuff like training or equipment adjustments.

How will you spend the evening?

>Head to the workshop

>Train in the gym (Bring someone along?)

>Go get some rest in bed (Move onto the next day)

>>2860803
>Train in the gym (Bring someone along?)
Would Cynthia allow anyone else to come? Let's just go alone

>>2860803
>Train in the gym (Bring someone along?)

>>2860803
>>Train in the gym (Bring someone along?)

>>2860803
>Train in the gym
Maybe we can bring someone next time but let's just head by ourselves this time

>>2860819
>>2860826
>>2860852

Looks like train at the gym wins. But at the same time, it's getting late I need sleep.

Also, just warning you guys now, while I'll be starting at the same time tomorrow, I'll be heading out for some important business late in the afternoon, so be prepared for me to exit a bit early.

Goodnight.

File: [Dying inside].png (589 KB, 767x516)

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Terrible news anons, I'm going to have to delay the thread by two days because a slew of new work just hit me that will keep me busy for the following days.

While I won't be busy 24/7, but my schedule will be clogged for the next 2 days, allowing me at best, 3 or 4 hours to run. Since I think it be annoying to run for few hours and then immediately dip out in the middle of a crucial moment in the story, I think it be better to just continue when I'm free in two days.

I'll return on Thursday, right around the usual time and be free for the rest of the week (Probably) so I ask you all wait for me.

>>2861584
Tough luck mate. Thanks for the heads up and hopefully the increase workload doesn't suck too much for you.

File: I'm fine.jpg (188 KB, 1047x588)

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>>2861584
It's fine man, IRL stuff takes priority