>>3025368
>>Get the boy up- early to bed, early to rise.

Welcome back, boss. Life treating you alright?

>>3025368
>Get the boy up- early to bed, early to rise.
Let’s have him work on his aim. Gonna make him into the finest gunslinging summoner this reality’s ever seen.

>>3025368
>Take some time for yourself and read one of your books.

Let him rest a little bit. Besides if we are going to be doing a test of mind maybe we can get something from the summoning book we got as well as the one that talks about the summons world.

>>3025368
>>Take some time for yourself and read one of your books.

>>3025379
>>3025380

We are going to have a test of mind! Not a test of waking up early besides. We need to get some knowledge in our head if the mind test includes asking questions to summons.

>>3025380
Doing decent enough, all things considered. Wish I did have more time to run during the week. Part of why I'm trying to plug my Patreon a bit more. Not sure what else I could offer, though.

>>3025368
>>Take some time for yourself and read one of your books.

>>3025392
He needs to get in the habit of doing things under his own power, seeing as he isn’t able to afford our services on a permanent basis. Besides, even if you just decide to study, it would probably be more beneficial if he was awake to teach us anyway so we wouldn’t fail the brains test.

>>3025368
>>Take some time for yourself and read one of your books.

previous thread isn't archived yet

>>3025393
the things you're offering are things I actively don't want

>>3025368
>>Take some time for yourself and read one of your books.

>>3025403
I don't think he will start to get a habit from the two days we still have with him.

10 more minutes due to run/thread start.

>>3025406
What would you want?

>>3025452
He certainly won’t start one by not doing it in the first place.

>>3025483
Could always start that schedule of waking up early tomorrow then.

>>3025385
>>3025391
>>3025395
>>3025406
>>3025433

All things considered, you’ll keep close to him- but that doesn’t mean you can’t do a bit of preparation for later in the day. There’s a number of books around to peruse, no reason to not take advantage of the situation.

>Read more in the Grey Codex.
>Read more in To Rend the Beyond
>Read more in the nameless summoning manual.

>>3025453
More of the quest. Problem is, I don't want to pay you to put your other hobbies and free time on hold to please me and a couple of others. I would never let anyone aside from my boss use money to tell me what to do, in my spare time no less.
Like, how much patreon bux do you need to decide it's worth shuffling around your schedule or saying no to your friends because strangers pay you to entertain them? I don't know you or how motivated you are by money but once it enters the equation, so does stress. It's real easy to burn out our give up because you feel like you're not receiving enough for what you do.
Oh and for everyone's sake, please don't answer these questions.

I guess that makes it some kind of ethical issue for me? I could spot you a few dollars in a tip jar but setting up a monthly payment? Nah. That gives me the right to expect certain things from you, in time, quantity and quality and suddenly we're having a business exchange and not simply playing a game together. That's a disaster waiting to happen.

I think it's similar to the paid GM debates you see on the virtual tabletop forums, and that's one hot potato

>>3025492
Fair enough. We should probably get Iris or Nerisa to start getting him up early for training before we leave.

>>3025528
>>Read more in the Grey Codex.

>>3025528
>Read more in the nameless summoning manual.
That’s the only one we haven’t touched yet...

>>3025528
>>Read more in To Rend the Beyond
I forgot what the books were, is this the history book?

>>3025542
Fair enough. Tip jar, though? didn't think about that. Anyway, thanks for the explanation.

>>3025528
>Read more in To Rend the Beyond

i take this one is the one talking about the summon world and how to get the mana from it.

>>3025528
>>Read more in To Rend the Beyond

>>3025528
>>Read more in the nameless summoning manual.

>>3025528
>>Read more in To Rend the Beyond

>>3025555
Rend the Beyond is about the summon world and how to gather the energy from it directly. The summoning manual is about different summon types (like a pokedex) and how to summon smaller and low tier summons.

>>3025575
Hm. Then I think that rend the beyond is more beneficial to us. The Pokédex is for Lysan

Alright, one more choice shortly. Writing.

>>3025644
Here from thread 58:

>Sifting through the pile even more, you come across another book, this one old as well, but with a half-inch thick leatherbound cover who’s title catches your interest, although you can tell it’s in a different language: ‘To Rend the Beyond.’ This one is...you’re not sure, but the preface seems to indicate that it’s about using the raw energies of the dimensional plane that summons come from, explaining how summons come to be, and how both they and that energy can be controlled.

There was also this:
>Something’s bugging you about it, though...as you turn the book end over end, you can’t help but squint...it feels like something might be inside of it- if only because it feels like the back cover might be heavier than the front. You’re not certain, but…

>>3025528
>>3025555
>>3025561
>>3025563
>>3025572
You decide that going back to To Rend the Beyond would probably be the most beneficial for you in the long run. The information on just what it takes to summon a creature and how to manipulate it...you don’t think it’ll be incredibly useful, but you never know where insight might come from. If nothing else, it might prove to be just what’s needed for the test.

There’s a lot to go over here, however. The basics state that the plane is that the dimensional plane where summons come from is a nexus of raw mana call The Stream, so named because it is theorized to be a continually moving source- you’re reminded of the leyline style of magic sources that you often come across, only instead of smaller streams, it seems like this might just be one big river that constantly changes shape and direction.

Summons themselves are essentially souls that have found their way to the Stream, and tend to retain facets of their past personality, but only the strongest retain their memories of who they were before they became summons. The idea disturbs you a bit, you won’t lie, but...you guess you can deal with it.

Summons are basically done by the summoner casting a minute portion of themselves into the Stream, and waiting for a summon to be interested by it. Kind of like using bait to attract a fish, you think. It’s why some summons can be belligerent- there’s nothing technically forcing their obedience; rather it’s simply that most relish the chance to be in the real world again. It’s also why it’s uncommon for people to summon the same summon twice in a row. For that, you’d need both something that the specific summon is interested in, and a way to attempt to notify that soul directly- which is relatively unique for every single summon. Summons made in this way are called ‘Binding Summons’; since they are attracted by something they desire innately, the summon is ‘bound’ to the summoner, the remaining core of their being willing to do anything until they can have the thing- which is often never.

Hmm…wonder what else you can find out.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3.

Regardless:
>Continue learning about binding summons. Might be useful in a way for the kid.
>There’s a section on how the summons manage to utilize powers that normal humans can’t.
>Look into the details on ‘Bonds’ between summons and summoners, which are different than Bindings, of course.
>Other

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>3025792
>Look into the details on ‘Bonds’ between summons and summoners, which are different than Bindings, of course.

>Rolls
Aw, shit...

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>3025792
>Look into the details on ‘Bonds’ between summons and summoners, which are different than Bindings, of course.

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>3025792
>>Look into the details on ‘Bonds’ between summons and summoners, which are different than Bindings, of course.

>>3025792
>>There’s a section on how the summons manage to utilize powers that normal humans can’t.

>>3025792
>>There’s a section on how the summons manage to utilize powers that normal humans can’t.

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>3025792

>Look into the details on ‘Bonds’ between summons and summoners, which are different than Bindings, of course.

Something tells me this or the power we can reach that humans can't will be in the quizz for the test.

>>3025792
>>There’s a section on how the summons manage to utilize powers that normal humans can’t.

>>3025814
Good roll. Guess Miranda isn't just the normal bruiser.

>The Stream

Those final fantasy flashbacks.

>only the strongest retain their memories of who they were before they became summons.

Good thing we readed the Grey Codex so we can pretend to be the one who wrote it.

>Summons made in this way are called ‘Binding Summons’; since they are attracted by something they desire innately, the summon is ‘bound’ to the summoner, the remaining core of their being willing to do anything until they can have the thing- which is often never.

Well...i guess technically Miranda is a summon then.

>>3025792
>Other Search the book for a hidden scroll or compartment thank you this anon.
>>3025722

>>3025792
>Look into the details on ‘Bonds’ between summons and summoners, which are different than Bindings, of course.

Hope that roll was a Spot hidden check...

>>3025792
I guess Lysan's sister assumed we just offered to become a binding summon if she can guess our innate desire.

Locked, writing!

90, huh? Clever lass.

>>3025950
Books are just like fist. The bigger the book the bigger the damage! Just like a bigger fist the bigger the bruise!

>>3025950
I just got an image of Lorelei peeking out of a bush beside a hunter with a big smile on her face saying “Hellooooo!”, while Miranda just hides in shrubbery and watches her tear into him.

>>3025988
L-lewd

>>3025792
>>3025805
>>3025814
>>3025822
>>3025834
>>3025904

Might as well take a look into just what these Bonds were. You had a vague idea, but they seemed to be important, nonetheless, and different from Binding. As you flip across the pages, you get an inkling of an idea. If you look at it a certain way, this all kind of makes you wonder if you could do something vaguely similar to Lorelei’s clone thing or Izumi’s weapon shaping...only maybe with calling other people. Something like a temporary summon, perhaps? What’s the term...puppets? Not sure. Well, it’s an idea, nothing major. Maybe you’ll talk about it more later.

Aha, there, Bonds. Seems like Bonds are essentially the link between Summons and Summoners, and the strength of the bond is essentially how much mana that the Summoner can feed the Summon consistently. They need this flow to perform most of their skills, it seems, and is usually invisible to the naked eye. However, it can be measured, and seen if the bond is strong enough. Bonds require the summoner and summon to be mentally and emotionally synchronized to a degree; they say the reasons are ‘currently unknown’ in the book, but the more they understand each other, the stronger the Summon is. So friendly summons and summoners will have a stronger bond and can thus access more of their power than summons that are frosty to each other. Bonds also serve a more tactile purpose as they can allow a summoner to know just how damaged their summon is, and other functions mentally.

Huh. Wonder what that would make you.

As you continue reading about the various levels of Bonds and how they work (and how the higher level bonds- which are stated to be ‘only that which a relationship like a dedicated lover can reach’) you hear a groaning from the bed. Seems like Lysan is up. You flip the book closed, hearing a subtle rattle. Oh yeah! There WAS something in the back, wasn’t there? You check the back cover at Lysan swings his feet over, and poke a small hole where you’re sure the sound comes from. Inside...is a strange ring. A gold band, with an inlaid gem. Red, with a stripe of yellow running down the center of it- a variant of cat’s eye, if you recall the term right. You touch it, and interestingly enough you can see the thing glow subtly as soon as you do...you think something might’ve fluctuated, but you’re genuinely unsure. Other than that, however, nothing happens.

“Huh? Whatcha lookin’ at?” Lysan asks sleepily, still rubbing out his eyes.

>”Just catching up on some reading.” Pocket the ring. It’s technically your book, so the ring is yours, too.
>”Well, a couple of things, but at the moment, this.” Show him the ring. It couldn’t hurt...hopefully.
>”Apparently this book came with a gift.” Put the ring on. It’s yours by right. No reason you can see to not wear it.
>Other

>>3026247
>>”Just catching up on some reading.” Pocket the ring. It’s technically your book, so the ring is yours, too.

>>3026247
>”Well, a couple of things, but at the moment, this.” Show him the ring. It couldn’t hurt...hopefully.
“Give me a moment to study this, in case it’s another random “gift” like the plate our bandaged friend gave you yesterday.”

>>3026247
>>>”Just catching up on some reading.” Pocket the ring. It’s technically your book, so the ring is yours, too.
>Give it a pass trough the futuresight too.

>>3026247
>”Just catching up on some reading.” Pocket the ring. It’s technically your book, so the ring is yours, too.

>>3026247
Supporting: >>3026305

>You touch it, and interestingly enough you can see the thing glow subtly as soon as you do...you think something might’ve fluctuated, but you’re genuinely unsure. Other than that, however, nothing happens.

I take this is a focus to attract a certain type of summon?

>>3026247
Hey look, using the futuresight! I like doing that.
>>3026305
support

Writing!

>>3026247
>>3026288
>>3026305
>>3026308
>>3026316
>>3026413
You shake your head. “Just catching up on some reading.” As you subtly pocket the ring and close the book, you move to casually get up. No reason to make him suspect anything’s off. It’s yours, he doesn’t need to worry about it. You’ll give it a scan in a bit. “Had a good night?”

He nods. “Yeah, sleep helped a lot. I just hope the test won’t be too bad, but...I think I can handle it. Whatever it is.” He grumbles out the last part, and you can frankly understand why. Not knowing what exactly the tests will be on gets rather old rather fast. “You ready for the day?”

“As ever,” you announce, and he nods, headed to freshen up. As you do, you’re quick to scan the little ring.

>Created: Estimated 250 Years (Local) Ago
>Apparent Function: Mana Construct Container. Readings indicate current object holds mana construct entity. Release method unknown.

...what. Your heartbeat quickens as you read the simple and clear wording. There’s something IN there? What...who?

Before you can gawk too much, the door opens, and steam billows out as Lysan dries off his hair. You’re quick to put both the ring and the FutureSight away before he turns to you properly. “Alright...let’s do this!”

Yeah, here’s hoping.

It doesn’t take you very long to get to the usual place- by now everyone seems to at least be somewhat used to your presence, even if many are still giving you cautious stares. Ms. Tandal is there as usual, and this time you can see a very small, nearly translucent crow on her shoulder. “Greetings, and I hope you all had a restful day off. Now we resume testing, and today’s will be the Test of Mind. Unlike the Test of Sync, which judged the bonds between Summon and Summoner, the Test of Mind judges the Summoner’s general knowledge of the pact between Summon and Summoner, as well as their logical thinking capabilities, along with the Summon’s capacity to respond to those judgements in a timely and concise manner. Any questions?”

Several hands go up. Hell, you’re tempted to ask yourself.

Miss Tandal blinks once, then sighs. “It is a ‘call and response’ manner of test. A hypothetical will be given, then the summoner and summon shall both answer what they believe is the best option. Occasionally, minor demonstrations may be requested. NOW are there any questions?”

>Any questions?

>>3026753
"So we just need to agree with a plan and show it can work? Is that actually a test? Ig uess it isn't a question about the right or wrong anwser but about a more strategic view of the situation and how to accomplish it?"

>>3026753
So we basically have to be a "Yes-man" to whatever bullshit Lichen says? Pfft. easy.

>>3026783
Supporting

>>3026789
I guess so and point out when he miss something.

>>3026753
>?
Seems straightforward enough.

Fair enough. Writing!

Here goes.

>>3026753

Thinking about it, you’ve got nothing to lose, and to the surprise of many, your hand goes up. “What’s to stop us from just agreeing with a plan and showing how it works?” You ask. “That doesn’t seem like much of a test.”

Miss Tandal looks at you in slight surprise before a small smile of all things shows on her face. “That would be true, were this a simple test for a grade, where there is a collection of correct and incorrect answers. However! This will not be graded, but judged by a collective of experienced individuals, as I would have stated at this point regardless.” She nods in understand of your question as she claps twice. “Take a seat, and as soon as the other judges get here, we’ll begin.”

“HEY! MADE IT!” A familiarly loud voice yells. Aside from Proctor Lucia, you notice that another lady, with long, platinum blond hair down to her knees and a thin, supermodel-esque figure stands next to her, at least a head and a half taller. Two men are right behind her- one tanned, buzzcut, and with a face long scarred by what you think are burns on the right side. His eyes are calm, but flinty, and you can tell he’s seen battle before, interestingly enough- his eyes scan the room, locking onto you for a couple moments, and his neutral expression dips into a frown briefly before restoring itself. His stocky build is sure of itself, and you can see muscular arms that belie the strength that his slight belly seems to mask. The last fellow is a slightly older man, the wrinkles of age just starting to show, but his salt and pepper hair is still full, and he seems jovial at the whole situation, as though he wants to break out into a laugh at any moment. None of them have summons with them at the moment.

“Well, speak of. Class, you should recognize proctor Lucia, but along with them are Instructor Vanita, Namui, and Cordin,” she mentions all the individuals in turn. “They, along with myself, will be the five judges for this Test. We will all ask a single question, so do your best to answer as ably as possible. Now, as I said. The test begins.”

(cont.)

>>3027225
There’s a real undercurrent of nervousness at this point as kids and summons go up- it’s simply 5 adults sitting at a table, while the summoner and the summon sit facing each other. One by one they’re grilled on ‘What would you do if...’ and ‘considering this law, how would you approach this situation?’ type questions. At times, the students are told to get up out the chair, and then ‘If you would, demonstrate for us an example of your actions under the following circumstances…’ That was unique, because then the crow on Tandal’s shoulder would caw, and there would be some sort of minor, glowing illusion that they’d have to interact with.

It seemed like the crow was smarter than it looked, its wings moving in unnatural ways for a normal bird- and you swear it outright CHUCKLED at some of the responses or demonstrations.

It’s as you’re musing over the judges that you finally hear it. “Summoner Lysan and Summon Kyria. Step forth, please.” Lysan takes a deep breath, looking towards you briefly before you both step up, and take your seats.

So far, you’ve noticed a vague pattern with at least some of them. Lucia, the Clarity test proctor, seems to appreciate answers that lean more towards protectionism and heroics. Vanita, the modelesque woman, seems to value simple practicality, but you’ve seen her grimace at some of the more brutal solutions. Namui, the large fellow, seems to appreciate no-nonsense behavior as well, but also planning and by the book tactics. Cordin, the older man, seems to value unorthodox tactics, however, and occasionally laughs at some of the bolder thoughts put forth.
Tandal is a stone face the entire time- you THINK you’ve caught her mouth twitching a few times in regards to any plan that seems timid, but you’re honestly unsure. Regardless, they always seem to take only a few seconds to deliberate quietly after all the answers have been given, Tandal giving a final ‘Acceptable’ or ‘Unacceptable’ along with a quick review why before sending them on their way. There were eleven before you went up.

Six of them (Iris included, it seems) were found Acceptable. You think you’ve found the test most people are going to fail at…

(cont. again.)

>>3027231
“I’ll take the first question,” Vanitas says, to approving nods. “Let us presume there was a situation in which an individual is requesting a nearby summoner’s aid- you- due to an altercation which involves a government official. This government official has not admitted to any guilt or wrongdoing, however, he has brought forth his state-granted summon to defend himself. The individual has not physically harmed the official, but he HAS threatened him. However, the summon has physically begun to approach the individual beyond reasonable distance and has stated his intention to incapacitate the individual so as to remove the potential threat. There are no nearby guards. How would you resolve the issue, if you choose to interfere at all?”

Lysan hmms at the question- you have to admit it’s a dicey one. “I suppose what I would do is try to keep them both from hurting each other, really. Try to get Kyria in between the both of them and see if there’s anyone else I can call for help to resolve it? It’s a government official, so it’s illegal to try and restrain them since I’m not authorized, but you said beyond reasonable distance, which means that the aggressor is the summon...so yeah, I’d just try to keep things in a holding pattern.”

Blinking once, Vantia turns to you. “And you, Kyria? How would you interpret those orders, or would you suggest an alternative course of action?”

>Given the scenario above, how would you choose to resolve the issue?

Aaand I'm done for tonight. I might be able to do singular updates this week since it's going to be a suite of five questions.

Later, folks!

So.... we need to sound heroic, and practical, with a little bit of chaos....ok.
>I'd get in the middle of the summon's path, use my sun flare to confuse both parties and then use my Light traps to hold them until we could know what is going on.

>>3027266
Thanks for running boss!

>>3027235
Seems reasonable so far. Wonder if the restraining or damaging restriction extends to the gov't summon?

Could potentially try and bait the gov't summon to focusing on us, then playing keep away while Lysan watches the threatener.

>>3027235
I would prevent the aggressive summon from attacking the individual via one of my talents, preferably a non-lethal, non-physical option. I would then proceed to either move said individual from the situation if Lysan was to suggest or make a motion to leave, or protect them should it be necessary to remain for authorities. I would also make a note to tell said authorities that the official seemed to have issues with controlling his summon, should it be prudent to do so.

>>3027235
I do not know the laws of the summoners so i would abide by Mister Lysan advice. I would however keep a eye on the summon because if the summon is behaving against the will of the summoner it/she must be a regulated summon so the likelyhood of agression would more likely come from it. So since i can't attack the official i would disperse the summon violently a d so stopping any attemp of agression until the guard came since a summon attacking a civilian as far as i know is enough to have that summon dispersed. But i would only do it if any agression would occour

>>3027305
>>3027312
Supporting

>>3027235
>"I would use a protective container for the threatening party (Light wall as a box with maybe some air holes up top), then wait for assistance in resolving the issue as ordered."
Rewrite for better words if you like.

>>3027235
I would interpose myself between the summon and the individual, and use my talents at the creation of barriers to impede the summon's progress towards the individual. At the same time, I would place a spherical barrier around the individual to prevent harm to them as well as to prevent them from being able to harm the official, making any threats that the individual had uttered to be moot, eliminating the threat that the individual poses to the official, and stating as such to the summon in order to attempt to have the summon stand down from it's aggressive defense posture.

>>3027419
>>3027235
This.

>>3027235
>I have several non-lethal methods of restraining individuals, I would simply put all belligerents in hold until law enforcement arrives.

Traps, barriers, orbital ring, shock touch... There's a lot we can do.

>>3027648
We could also call the police. Let the courts settle it out.

>>3027235
>restrain the individual while protecting them from the summon and wait for law enforcement to arrive
I suppose barrier would be a good way to go at it

>>3027235
>I'd restrain the official's summon and try to find out what the altercation is about

>>3027685
But that is boring and it's what Lysan said he would do.

>>3028190
Because obeying our summoner is somehow bad?

We have enough power to non-lethally intervene, but it's a legal issue to resolve it so calling the cops is best.

>>3028248
Problem is if the person will way for the cops to arrive. I take that showing we are ready to stop any trouble if the summon start to cause trouble. We can't do nothing about the official, but we sure can drop his summon and have everyone stay down and wait for the police.

But of course only if the summon attacks the person.

>>3028262
>but we sure can drop his summon
We don't know the laws well enough to say that. We might be able to distract him, but I dunno if direct violence is on the table.

>>3027235
>>3027425
Reasonably and professionally stated.
>>3027685
Lysan can handle calling the police, we can play babysitter better without distracting phone-calls. Sorry Sal.

I wonder how they'd react if we said "Kill them all and let The Stream sort it out"

>>3027235
>>3027425
This, I suppose.
Or let it play and and hope it serves as useful blackmail material.

>>3028576
I guess Lysan would fail the test

>>3028576
They're probably expecting something like that.

>>3028645
I disagree. Handler's post hints that we shouldn't choose that kind of approach for this question.
>Vanita, the modelesque woman, seems to value simple practicality, but you’ve seen her grimace at some of the more brutal solutions.

>>3027235
Intimidate both parties into backing down.
>>3027266
Cheers boss, see you round

>>3028868
what happens when one or both refuse to back down?

>>3029040
Lots of pain and broken bones.

>>3029101
Or we put them in the time-out box.

>>3029146
Is that what we call the crater left over from a Nebula Buster?

>>3029166
Miranda dressed up as a school teacher, "You're being very naughty, I think you need a time out mister!"
The swords would be rulers, and our barriers would look like pages from textbooks.

Okay, writing an update.

>>3029345
Welcome back, boss.

>>3029345
Uhull!! update!

>>3027235
You have to think about the situation. Lysan mentioned that you couldn't simply restrain the official fellow- but the summon might be fair game. So in that case...

You find yourself falling back into your usual mercenary habits before you know it. “I would...likely place myself between the summon and the individual, and use my talents at the creation of barriers to impede the summon's progress.”

There’s a couple of surprised looks at you for that one, Lysan included- ah, right. You’d been hiding precisely what you could do for some time. Although, you get the feeling they were expecting something else...regardless, you continue. “At the same time, I would place a spherical barrier around the individual to prevent harm to them, as well as to prevent them from being able to harm the official. This would have the result of making any threats that the individual had uttered to be moot, eliminating the threat that the individual poses to the official; I would be sure to state as such to the summon in order to attempt to have the summon stand down from it's aggressively defensive posture.” There. That sounds like a pretty safe way of handling the situation.

Vantia blinks once, her eyes wide, before nodding. “Very well. Thank you for your answer. Next?”

Cordin snorts, a wry grin on his face. “I’ll go,” he says unceremoniously. “Alright, say you’ve gotten on at a major...hmmm...let’s say you made it into a major guild. Officially recognized and everything. You’re in...let’s say you’re headed for a day out, perhaps catch a game. You’re in the arena, everything’s looking good...and then!” He slaps his hand. “Suddenly, yells, shouting- something’s exploded, caught fire! The guard are there trying to get everyone evacuated, but you spy someone suspicious at the top of the stairs, in the VIP booth. You’re positive they had something to do with it, because they turn and run the second you make eye contact. Whaddya do?”

Lysan grimaces at this one. “Ah...I mean...well, part of me would want to go after him, of course...but I think I’d want to focus more on getting everyone out safely. I think the best option would be to go to the nearest guard, offer our services to them, then tell the guard about what I saw later once everyone was evacuated.”

“Hm. And your take on things, Kyria? Any wisdom to offer, or suggestions?” Cordin asks.

>Response?

>>3029383
Since we are not versed in the guard's evacuation plan, we'd be more of a hindrance than a help in trying to direct traffic flow. Instead, go after the suspect and apprehend them.

>>3029383
“A suspicion is only a suspicion. Following the man in the VIP section on what we assumed isn’t an efficient use of time when there are others who need to be evacuated, exits that need to be cleared and possible victims that need medical attention. After what needs to be done is done, we can then discuss what we saw with authorities.”

>>3029383
Evaluation of the fire followed by containment or extinguishing. As a summon our priority is to keep our summoner safe. Our current skill set is not that good for tracking and the perp already split.

>>3029383
...Fuck, we don't have anything to fight fires or crowd control to move the people away.

>"I'd use my barriers to help shield the people from the fire and to strengthen whatever piece of structure that might harm people. Once everyone is safe, i could help round up all the VIPs for further interrogations at the hands of the appropriated law enforcers."

>>3029383
The noise and chaos are a distraction. The man is obviously using it in attemp to make chaos and reach a high valuable target possuble for assassination. Specialy if he was in a VIP room.

The chaos is a distraction while the guards are busy and moving the civilians the one that caused the chaos will be targeting the VIP.

So i would go after him to stop his true target. After all if he had time to plan everything as you said and he wanted people to get hurt he would have prepared better for the guards response or holded the people hostage.

>>3029400
We have healing. Maybe we could offer it?

>Cordin, the older man, seems to value unorthodox tactics, however, and occasionally laughs at some of the bolder thoughts put forth.

I guess we need to put out a bolder though? So i guess the boldest would be going after the person.

>>3029408
..Yeah! We could perform some basic triage on the injured.

>>3029383
this
>>3029394
because this
>>3029403


>>3029408
Let's not tell all our secrets. And there was no indication anyone was actually injured.

>>3029414
I still think this is all a distraction remember Cordin like crazy stuff so going to heal people will get him bored and possibly not pass Lysan.

>>3029383
>>3029403
Agreed with this,
>>3029415
and this. No need to tell them everything we can do, and catching the perp is more important to prevent further damage from letting the guy go.

>>3029415
I was so temped to add the last part with Miranda saying: "At least that's what i would do."

But i figured it could have the reverse effect.

>>3029420
But its a majority pass here. We don't need to please all the mentors, and i still believe that is better to follow Lysan's orders because that can fake a better bond between us.

>>3029425
Yeah but summons aren't completely bounded. They have some free will i think.

Well i don't know how to pass this test really.

>>3029428
It really depends on who asks the question. For example, here we can go with the "its an assassin!" plan, but we might risk making a fool out of lychen. Meanwhile going with his plan is the safe answer that might please everyone but Cordin, unless we can get creative with the "saving the people" part.

>>3029433
Create a giant slide and just have everyone slide out of the area. this is a joke

>>3029383
This >>>3029394

What's more, going after the suspicious guy has the added benefit of getting Lysan away from the possible explosions and stampede. More controlled environment so we can keep him safe better even if we go after a bad guy.

>>3029383
>>3029415
This man has my vote.

>>3029403
>>3029383
This makes sense.

>>3029383
This >>3029397
Why would we go against what Lysol said? What interest do we have in whatever this suspicious chap is up to.
Lastly I doubt anyone in a position of responsibility would appreciate a rogue summons playing half cocked vigilante, including our fine examiners.

>>3029579
Nah he likes crazy and bold ideas so he would aprove it.

>>3029588
It’s not just him that’s judging this question, you know.

>>3029601
He was the one that passed the question so he obviously is.

>>3029621
I think you’re assuming that each of the judges are only evaluating people on their own question, rather than each of them evaluating all of them.

>>3029383
I'm unfamiliar with your crisis procedures and I can easily leap to the top before the person can leave the room. I would inform the guards of my intentions and apprehend the suspect. Guilty or innocent I can then help evacuation on that floor. My powers will let me... Create efficient evacuation routes. If it's a fire you want a fire escape to the outside.

>>3029383
supporting >>3029394

>>3029383
Supporting >>3029415 but phrase it in a way of "I would suggest this plan to my summoner"
Also mention the possibility of creating additional escape routes.

>>3029383
We over-shot on the solution.
I think these are those trick first aid questions intended to provoke action and the correct answer is to not act unsafely.
Lysan got H.I.S., Heroic Impulse Syndrome heroic idiot stupidity and sent us away. Remember the two laws of escort quests.
1. The escortee is an idiot and wrong because they trusted a PC.
2. Never leave the escortee alone they will die to an angry squirrel.
We should have dragged him with us for the lulz.
Uh, here...
Well, I think we should bodyguard our summoner, because he's basically a civilian. Lysan is a hostage in waiting.
In this situation the mysterious arsonist/assassin is literally not our problem. So let's just babysit Lysan.
>>3029415
If you want we can shoot out the suspect's foot, that way police can track the bleeding limping guy down. If something happens to Lysan while we're fucking around with a goosechase we don't get paid stick around.

>>3029383
>>3029469
This guy >>3030320 makes a valid point, our purpose is to protect Lysan. If we can hop up and put him in a box, then we do so, if not, we report it and continue to protect our charge as normal.

>>3030380
No, our job is to pretend to be his summon. We won't get paid if he dies, but they don't know that. This is a summoner's test, not an Outgoer test.

>>3030411
What happens to a summon when a summoner dies.

>>3030423
The summon dies too?

>>3030428
Presumably they automatically unsummon since there's nothing tethering them to the world anymore

>>3030423
It eats the summoner's soul and becomes 1 level stronger. The reason there are no level 6 or stronger summons is because those were strong enough for the Dealmakers to become interested and pull them into The Intersection.

>>3030411
We're still supposed to do as he asks, and protect him as a part of the act.

>>3029383
>>3029394
>>3029403
>>3029415
>>3029457
>>3029469
>>3029530
Hm. Thinking about it, you can understand his reluctance to interfere, but as you begin to speak, something occurs to you that makes you hold your words. “Hmmm…”

Cordin leans forward a bit, slight grin and eyes curious. “Yeah?”

“I think…” you start slowly, “...that I would disagree with that course of action.”

Lysan looks surprised, and Cordin and the rest show varying amount of curiosity. It’s Cordin who speaks, however. “Oho? And why’s that?”

“Well, we aren’t versed in the guard's evacuation plan, are we?” you ask retorically. “I think we'd be more of a hindrance than a help in trying to direct traffic flow. My suggestion would be to go after him. Especially since, well…it sounds like a distraction. The attack seems too well-planned.” Your eyes are closed as you imagine the situation. “I’d say that the noise and chaos are a distraction. The man is obviously using it in attempt to cause instability. Why? I’m not sure; I’d say because he wanted to reach a high valuable target- possibly for assassination. Especially if he was in the VIP room.” You nod, feeling a bit more sure of your summations after you audibly sound them out. “I would suggest Lysan and myself pursue the suspect. It also has the benefit of potentially getting my summoner out of the areas with fire, explosives, and crowd panic. I would be able to better keep an eye on him and defend his person if the individuals I had to pay attention to were reduced. Perhaps encase him in a protective sphere if needed.”

Cordin guffaws at that, and even Lucia gives a snicker, although Vanitas seems entirely unimpressed, and Namui visibly frowns. Tandal, of course, reminds entirely impassive.
“Well, then! Alright, sure. That’s it from me.”

“Then allow me,” Namui speaks up. His voice is rough. “Hmmm now...what- ah. Alright.” His voice raises a bit as you both pay attention.

“There’s been a situation. Let’s say you have been sent out to investigate a valuable trading caravan that should’ve made it to the city by now. You find much of the caravan sinking in a nearby swamp, and no individuals remain. You can tell they were beset by thieves, as you can clearly see that a number of the villains even now are making away with many of the valuable goods that would’ve gone to the people."

He leans forward, as though trying to menace you both. “Tell me, what would be your decision on how to handle the situation?”

Deja vu...with some slight differences.

Lysan grimaces, but his face is resolute. "I...I'm not sure. I think I'd want to pursue the thieves, 'cause Kyria's strong...but then again, there might be some stuff left in the caravan that'd sink if we didn't get it...I think we'd go after the thieves, though. We've got the right to arrest if they're criminals, after all, and I trust Kyria to keep me safe. We arrest the thieves and recover what we can."

He nods. "Mm. And Kyria, then?"

>How would you elect to solve the issue?

>>3031425
Agreed with Lysan on capturing the thieves, since there are more than one way to recover the caravan even if it sinks a bit.

>>3031425
>Namui, the large fellow, seems to appreciate no-nonsense behavior as well, but also planning and by the book tactics.

So... By the book tactics.....
>I'd also go for the thieves. The goods in the swamp can be recovered later on if they are metals and the like, and compared to what the thieves got, its worthless. The thieves are also going slower due to having to haul their ill gotten cargo and thus are easy prey.

>>3031425
B-but the loot

>Agree with Lysan. (Because the thieves probably got everything that was really valuable from the wreckage.)

>>3031425
> as you can clearly see that a number of the villains even now are making away with many of the valuable goods that would’ve gone to the people."

Wait. We can SEE the thieves?

Haha. Capture the thieves and force them to rescue the sinking goods. Strike at their leaders and take them captive if they try to scatter.

At the very least, if we can capture the leader and drive off the rest then we can still rescue the goods while also disrupting the thieves and we can torture the information about their organization, how they transport store and fence the goods etc

Ultimately itself the choice between saving this Caravan, or saving future Caravans AND lives by destroying the thieves, so I would prioritize capturing the leader above all else.

If we have to make a choice and have to write one or the other off, then it would be better to merely trail the thieves until we find their base or have the opportunity to get reinforcements.

It's not our job to fight them. Information should be enough. But we would if there was sufficient benefit.

>>3031425
Check the Caravan for survivors.

Track and kill the thieves.

Claim the Caravan as salvage if there aren't any survivors.

>Check the Caravan for survivors.

>You find much of the caravan sinking in a nearby swamp, and no individuals remain.

>no individuals remain.

They are either captured or are sinking in the swamp.

>>3031425
This >>3031489
Its all insured anyway.

>>3031425
>My suggestions are leaving a marker at the sinking caravan, and that I could carry you during the chase. I am rather faster than an average human.

>now i'm picturing Randa princess carrying Lysan.

>>3031568
>Potato sack carrying.
Because we really don't care about him.

>>3031571
She's already been caught up in his harem protag aura once, not saying it'll for sure happen again but you never know.

>>3031571
Nah.

One hand holding on to his shirt collar, running fast enough his feet stream out behind us like a pansy soft summoner cape.

>>3031461
Seconding this

>>3031461
>>3031489
Supporting

>>3031425
>Do a quick check for survivors while Lysan keeps an eye on the robbers. With hearing boost we don't need to enter the train cars or whatever the caravan is made up of.
>Regardless of what option wins, suggest carrying him when chasing down the robbers

>>3031425
>Easy. We don't have to choose. I stop the caravan from sinking with my magic and pursue the bandits. It will take a few seconds at most and if they are close enough to be seen, there is no chance at all that they will escape me.

Power boost, hearing aid, magiblast machine gun... Our other magic. If they are this close, they are not getting away.

A quick barrier below the wagons will stop them from sinking and will let us focus solely on catching them.

>>3031795
This. With enough power, all dichotomies turn out to be false.

We can still cut their legs and arms and if they are still alive everything will be fine. Right?

>>3031425
Go with >>3031520
Though by the phrasing we are under no obligation to do anything really. Preventing future banditry seems like the answer our current persona projects, and this answer also injects some of the malice people are expecting of us

>>3031425
>?
No indication of the fragility of the cargo, so we should be able to raise the wagons afterwords. Do mark where they are in your mind though; it would be embarrassing to lose track of them.

>>3031461
This, in short. Also, if they did capture anyone instead of killing them, it'd allows us to rescue them.

If we can put trackers on these stuff so the thieves can't escape and a barrier beneath the caravan so it doesn't get more damaged, wouldn't calling the authorities be the next conservative step? It would reduce the risk to the potential hostages if we coordinate with the police and rescue them with overwhelming firce after they think they've made a clean getaway and relaxed their guard.

Either stay next to the caravan to avoid other thieves of opportunity or follow from afar to make sure you can help the hostages uf something go wrong

Also, is making obvious that Lysan has not the first understanding of just what he summoned a bad thing for the test? Because we're making it obvious he's in over his head here.

Lets try to avoid unnecessary violence. Remember that the guy who asked us this questions prefers serious and by the book answers.

>Use trackers
Can we do that? Of course i know we can lie, but i don't remember we have a tracking spell other than the smell-o-meter and that one only works on living beings.

>>3032046
You know we never took a sniff on the teachers and the ones judging us. You guys think we should do that?

>>3032058
There is no need to.

>>3032058
Unless something changes and we think we're going to fight them, no.

If I were Miranda I would sniff everyone I meet but writing Miranda's sniffing adventures would probably be really tedious so I understand why Handler has her neglect it. Even just reading about her sniffing everyone she sees would probably get old pretty fast.

>>3032389
But why would you smell everyone? It would be the same as looking in detail evryone you see. There is not really a purpose behind it.

>>3031461
>>3031489
Going with this, with us focusing on capturing whoever looked to be in charge or their second in command. Cutting off snake heads, that sort of thing...

>>3032058
Probably not.

Maybe we could try the ring, though?

>>3031425
We've been sticking our neck out a little too much with these questions, They're supposed to be judging Lysan's problem solving really in the end, despite him being an dumb escortee. Besides, WE know we could lift the caravan out of the mud and subdue the thieves as long as we could see them, but do we really need to rub everyone else's nose in it?
>>3031795
I sure DON'T want to give them a synopsis of our powers. Sure dropping a red flag or two for the lulz is fine, but once we start telling everyone in the world our certified battlemage skillset we're only making our job harder.
>>3032421
I mean obviously we don't want to sniff everyone; just, you know, the people we interact with for more than 2 seconds. But yes it would be rather bothering on an archive binge, "oh my god they keep sniffing bit characters, they died two posts later anyway".
>>3032429
Rather than keep saying "yes and also..." maybe we should lean back, stiffle an exaggerated yawn and just say "What he said" only chumps play 21 questions when they don't have to.

>>3032469
I'm not real sure why they have the summons as a part of this test, but they do, so they must want some sort of input from us.

>>3032421
It's better to err on the safe side and be too cautious and know how strong everybody around the escort target is than risk them being harmed because some harmless-looking strong person decided to hurt them. The part about sniffing everyone that comes in view was an exaggeration but I would at least sniff everyone attending to or working at the school Lysan is going to and anybody who approaches him or is approached by Lysan.
But that's how I would do it if I were Miranda. I don't want to play the quest like that.

>>3032469
What are you talking about, we've got one single day of fighting and then we're done. We already said that we have non-lethal options and people have seen the machine gun. And what on earth made you think that we're going to tell them exactly what we can do? None of that shit was greentexted

>>3032487
Assumption might be that a summoner won't ever get a familiar that is sensibly worse than his first.

>>3032487
Not really. This test seems to more inclined to check if the summoner and the summon like each other and are capable of working together on a single plan of action regardless if its the best one or not.

>>3031564
>I could carry you during the chase
Haha, yes!

Dunno why we can't just kill the thieves on the spot. We caugth them hand handed and killing then would save time rather then arresting then. Please don't take this seriously. Although it would be funny to see the proctors reaction.

>>3031425
>>3031461
>>3031489
>>3031519
>>3031520
>>3031557
>>3031673
>>3031699
It’s not long to answer this one. “Truthfully, I’d agree with Lysan on this one. I'd also go for the thieves.” You can see a grin come from Lysan as you explain it. “After all, the goods in the swamp can be recovered later on, especially if they’re metals and the like. Compared to what the thieves theoretically got, its worthless, isn’t it? I mean, you mentioned that the goods that we can glimpse on the thieves are noticeably valuable, correct? Either way, they’ll be going slower due to having to haul their ill gotten cargo- easy prey. I don’t doubt we could eliminate the thieves, recover the goods, and perhaps even dredge up the caravan if time permits.”

There’s a bit of silence, but nothing more than a ‘harumph’ from him as he leans back. “Alright, then. Next-”

“That’ll be me!” Lucia pipes up. She’s actually slightly less loud at the moment. “Okay, so, can I say something about your answers?”

“No, Lucia,” Tandal interrupts before you can say anything. “That’s the rule. No inference before the final grading.”

“Yeah, just-!” Another noise from Tandal has her sighing (yet still smiling) and shrugging. “Okay, sure! Anyway, my turn! So, here’s my situation! Might be slightly different!”

“Remember to keep it down, dear,” Tandal says with little heat in her voice.

“Right! So!” She takes a deep breath. “Let’s say there was this really manipulative man who conned a young woman out of her money thanks to their summon, who remained hidden. You know they were conned since you witnessed him unknowingly reveal the summon and the con to you, but no one else noticed. What would you do?”

Huh. That one’s a bit more open ended.

Lysan has to think on this one a bit longer than others. “I would...I mean, I think the best option would be to report it, though I might be biased...but I dunno if there would be any proof. Maybe I’d just try to catch up to the woman and tell her, or maybe treat her to something as a consolation prize?” Interesting. You’d have thought he’d have gone after the conman after what he’s said so far.

Lucia tilts her head a bit. “Yeah? And the other half says…?”

Hmm…

>What DO you say?

>>3033439
Nothing. Not our business.

Fuck it.

>>3033439
>>3033453
pretty much this. I mean of course we'll do what Lysan tells us to do, but other than that it's not really our problem. Our job is to protect Lysan and follow his orders, not get him into more danger without a need for it. Realistically we'll probably tell the police about it and move on.

>>3033439
*Yaw* I agree with MY summoner. The girl was obviously missleaded.
But without hard evidence there is nothing we can do about it. He is after all just a a poor student, a little sprawling.

Unlike the other mentioned scenarios, we don't have the authority or are know enough to have a impact in said action.

So i would keep close to him so the girl won't snap and try something. Protecting him from whatever danger it might happen.

>>3033461
Basicaly yeah. Besides she failed to put us in any position in power like the other two did. In this scenario we would be just a Summon and a summoner student. We will pritect him but doing more then that seems counterintuitive.

>>3033439
>Lucia, the Clarity test proctor, seems to appreciate answers that lean more towards protectionism and heroics.

"I agree with Lysan. Reporting the con and alerting the woman is the right thing to do AND it takes away the chance of the con artist from doing it again to some other person."

>>3033453
>>3033461
>>3033464
Technically it is our business because the answer we give directly correlates to him passing the test and therefore us getting paid.

>>3033472
This is a test to see how strong it the mental connection between the summon and summoner.

>>3033477
And how is saying "Its none of our business" helps us? Specially when we know that the one asking the question prefers heroic answers.

>>3033439
> Nothing.

We didn't get any orders about it, nobody is paying us to take care of it, and we don't know the person.

>>3033484
Because the goal of the test is not to impress the judges but to check if the summon and summoner have a good mental link to work together.

Doesn't matter if she dislike. So long we show a strong mental link she will need to suck it up.

>>3033472
>>3033484
Our 'business' is to be Lysan's summon, and go through this test. The women in the hypothetical situation is NOT our problem, but answering this question is. That's all we need to do.

As for how would this help us, it shows how well we work together with out Summoner due to similar mindsets and reliability of us as a summon for the said summoner.

In fact, I'd believe that if we were to act against the Summoner's wishes too much just for our own moral stance, then that would result in a failing test, no matter what the person asking the question prefers. What they want is secondary to what our summoner wants, always.

>>3033495
We even read about that.

>"...Bonds require the summoner and summon to be mentally and emotionally synchronized to a degree; they say the reasons are ‘currently unknown’ in the book, but the more they understand each other, the stronger the Summon is."

So we need to show to be at some level mentally and emmotionaly synchronized

>>3033472
The test is our business, the hypothetical situation isn't.

>>3033489
>Because the goal of the test is not to impress the judges but to check if the summon and summoner have a good mental link to work together.
Nope. >>3027225
>“They, along with myself, will be the five judges for this Test. We will all ask a single question, so do your best to answer as ably as possible.”
>Regardless, they always seem to take only a few seconds to deliberate quietly after all the answers have been given, Tandal giving a final ‘Acceptable’ or ‘Unacceptable’ along with a quick review why before sending them on their way.
We have to impress the judges in order to pass. Also the mental link test was the last test with the cards.

>>3033495
>>3033498
>What they want is secondary to what our summoner wants, always.
And Lysan wants to call the authorities and alert the woman that she has been scammed, yet we are going with a completely oposite answer of doing nothing because it "doesn't concern us".

Now, the hypothetical question is our business because its part of the test that Lysan hired us to pass. By saying we don't care, we make it more probable for Lucia (and maybe for the others too) to give us an "unacceptable" . We already failed one test, we don't have the luxury of failing another one just because its not our "business".

>>3033439
>go along with Lysan's plan and stay close to him to be able to protect him if the woman or her summon gets violent

>>3033509
>We have to impress the judges in order to pass.

Read that part again and tell me just exactly where did it say what we need to 'impress' them. It says 'do your best to answer as ably as possible.' .Just how the hell did you interpret that as 'answer them in the way we think they would want as per their personalities'? Ably to me simply means that we answer them in the clearest way possible on what we would do, NOT what we presume they want personally as if they were there instead.

>>3033509
Dude, we're his summons not his secretary, he can call the cops himself.

What, you want us to take the chick out on a date for him too? Chew his food for him?

None of the things he suggested here are beyond his abilities that would imply we would need to help him.

>>3033516
Also that is assuming the criteria for Lysans answers and ours are the same.

Maybe they're looking for his answers according to their personalities, but have different criteria for us answering based on Lyons response.

>>3033509
She also said that there was no correct or wrong question. Impressing the judges, or giving a anwser that pleases then, imply there is a correct and wrong anwser.

>>3033517
>Chew his food for him?
If we were to take him to the shady gentlemen's club we visited earlier it would actually be a good idea to test his food and drinks for poison and drugs.

>>3033517
To be frank she could turn violent because people do dumb shit all the time. So being near Lysan would be a good call. As far as we know the girl could be in the scam and just playing the victim.

>>3033439
This is good >>3033464
Unless messing with peoples minds (it was something like that right?) is illegal

>>3033523
Ooh, good point.
>>3033439

Hey! Work this in somehow.

Still kind of irked my point about stopping the robbers would prevent future robberies as well got missed, I thought it was a good one. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe everyone else thought it was a bad point.

>>3033464
I'll support this.
>>3033522
Now that you bring that up, I really wanna go back there and figure out the nature of the Outgoer in the basement there, are they being used as a battery or what?

>>3033542
Rather than it being a bad point I think it's just obvious enough that it doesn't need to be mentioned

>>3033543
Yeah, we should go back there. I wouldn't bring Lycan there with us though.

>>3033439
>>What DO you say?
Report it. Even without proof, it'll let the cops be aware he's operating in the area, at least. And it shouldn't take more than a few minutes, so why not?

>>3033542
There are people employed specifically to get rid of baddies. There always seems to be more.

>>3033439
“I would let Lysan tell the woman and report it while I tailed the conman back to where he’s currently residing so that the location can be reported to the authorities.”

>>3033439
>It's not my business, so I would follow Lysan's orders. Perhaps tell the woman that she was had and let her report it herself. A shame she got conned but that's how it goes sometimes.

>>3033439
>>3033637
This. No need to be dramatic about it.

>>3033566
>wanting to split from Lysan after last time we split from each other he ended up with a itwm that contained a mind control spell on it.

>>3033439
>I would follow Lysan's lead. We don't have the legal authority for my word to make arresting the scammer stick. We can however give the relevant information for a plainclothes police officer to catch them in the act.

>>3033439
Hm. It’s hard to honestly answer this one, actually. It’s too simple, too basic. You know you wouldn’t really do anything, but that might not be the best option...then again, perhaps lying would be worse? Eventually, you decide to give a little of both choices, shrugging slightly. “I suppose I’d agree with him. We wouldn’t be able to do anything without hard proof. Either way, I’d prefer to just stay near Lysan.” You adjust yourself in your seat- not much longer now, at least. “I mean, to be frank, she could turn violent for whatever reason- people have gotten enraged for less. Not to mention that, as far as we know the girl could be in the scam and just playing the victim.”

“Really?” Lysan interrupts. “You think so?”

You can just offer a shrug. “I think it’d be smart to stay near you regardless of what you suggested. About the worst I’d suggest would be reporting it to the guards. Aside from that...” You make a wavering motion with your head, indicating your neutrality on the issue. Lucia’s eyebrows are raised a bit, and she opens her mouth to speak, before Tandal once again beats her to it.

“Very well. As you can surmise, I’ll have the last word. And this is not a question, but rather I would like a physical example of your actions, given a particular circumstance…” Ah. Here we go. “If you both would get up from your seats? Thantos, if you would prepare situation R?”

You get up, and the crow’s eyes glow quickly. Although she says nothing, the crow creates an interesting scene. There’s a scene in which there’s a clear hostage, although the hostage’s face is covered by some sort of shawl. They’re held by an equally faceless individual at swordpoint. The man seems jittery, and the hostage nervous. “Now, they’re all gonna die, starting with this one! Unless you give me your summoner in exchange...then I won’t kill them!” Says the individual, muffled, yet understandable.

“Wha- miss Tandal?” Lysan looks at the teacher aghast, who holds his incredulous stare with one of her own.

“I felt it apt for the...type of summon you’ve brought forth, Mister Lysan. Now, then. What will you do in this situation?”

“I ain’t got all day!” The phantom yells.

“Why...uh...dangit!” He turns to you. “Kyria, I know what you’re like, but...we can’t!”

> “You can’t. I can.” Shoot through the ‘hostage’ to secure his death and protect Lysan.
> Ignore him. Try for a quick shot to ‘kill’ the man and maybe get the best of both worlds.
> Let Lysan walk forth...it IS his choice, and you’re playing at being his summon.
> Other

Shoot the hostage then shoot ouselves?

>>3034841
>> Ignore him. Try for a quick shot to ‘kill’ the man and maybe get the best of both worlds.
If it fails, he'll kill the hostage or we shoot trough them. Might as well try for the trick shot first, seeing as the guy only has a sword.

>>3034841
>> “You can’t. I can.” Shoot through the ‘hostage’ to secure his death and protect Lysan.

>>3034841
>Other: Creative use of light barriers. Create a small one flush against the hostage-taker’s arm so that it cannot move. Then leap forward and punch his head off.
“You can’t. I can.”

>>3034870
Our shields are about power, not precision. I don't think that'll be any easier that taking the shot.

>>3034841
>Other
Suns flare + boomerang magi blast
>Magi-blasts can be 'paused' in mid-air and redirected, but this takes concentration.
>>3034869
If we are willing to accept the hostages death why not first goad the baddie into killing them and then shoot him, that's a netter outcome for Lyso, legally speaking.

>>3034841
>you cant, i can.
>use our superior speed to disarm the attacker and free the hostage.
Come on guys, we already faced a simikar situation before.

Lets also try to not kill the hostage, i have the feeling that it will hurt our chances of passing (or at least heal him immediately after shooting it)

>>3034841
Guys, it's simple. Turn on Sun Flare, then jump forward and follow through with Shock Touch on the criminal.

>>3034841
>Lucia’s eyebrows are raised a bit, and she opens her mouth to speak, before Tandal once again beats her to it.

That’s twice now. Are we missing something?

>>3034841
Changing >>3034904 to >>3034937
>Sun's Flare + rapid approach and Shock Touch
Non lethal is probably better for his nerves.

>>3034939
Maybe we are missing some obvious behaviour that normal summons do.

>>3034937
Dude is holding a sword to their throat. electrocuting is going to make him seize, pulling the blade into their neck.

>>3034841
>Flash, Barrier Lysan, Grab the sword, taser the hostage taker.
They want our summoner? They'll try taking him while we're busy. Protect the summoner.

>>3034994
Irrelevant when we can heal people, but i get why you'd hide that. Either way, its more probable for the attacker to drop the sword.

>>3034994
We've got Healing Hands. Not ideal, but better then trying to roll to hit his sword hand with a Mana Blast while he's holding it to a hostage. Plus he'll reflexively move one of his arms to shade his eyes, and the only one he's got somewhat free is the sword arm.

>>3035004
Depends on how bad the wound is. We can heal pretty well, but it takes time, and leaves us and our charge vulnerable. Plus, yes, that's another skill we don't need to mention.

Electricity will cause muscles to contract. He's as likely to white-knuckle it as drop it.

>>3034841
>> Ignore him. Try for a quick shot to ‘kill’ the man and maybe get the best of both worlds.
Might as well make the attempt. He's only got a sword, so no skin off our back if we flub the shot.

>>3035008
Im still thinking we would speed blitz him. We can move faster that his reaction speed and in a matter of a second we can punch right trough his face(if we want to go lethal) or literally grab the sword from the broad side and yank it away.

>>3035013
Maybe we could. It'd depend on the angles. It only says "a swordpoint".

Don't forget though, we take a sword through the torso we die like anyone else. We're not that resistant to bullet or blade, and up close like that it could happen pretty easily.

>>3035023
I dont think they can react in the same way we can

>>3034841
...Could we use our Harmonized Mana Blasts to shoot through the hostage safely and hit the man, or is that impossible?

>>3035115
Harmonization doesn't let us shoot through, it just let's you not damage if you hit friendlies, iirc.
It also take a minute to calibrate.

>>3035115
>>3035136
Also the constructs are made with the same mana, so the trick wont work

>>3035136
>>3035147
Gotcha, thanks. We should work on that in the future, if at all possible.

In that case...

>>3034841
>Ignore him. Try for a quick shot to ‘kill’ the man and maybe get the best of both worlds.

Someone will die if we fail, but it's better than doing nothing and letting someone die anyway.

>>3035177
I dont think it will be possible since its the same mana signature we try to avoid hitting AND hit at the same time

>>3035203
I figured Harmonization wouldn't work, so I went with the prompt to try and kill the man with a quick shot rather than trying anything fancy.

>>3034841
> Other

Offer ourselves as hostage.

Otherwise it's just trading one life for another and if he's willing to kill one hostage he's willing to kill Lysan and dispel us.

Honestly giving Lysan as a hostage is the stupidest thing possible because that guarantees someone will die.

Whereas right now if the criminal DOES kill his hostage, we'll catch and cripple him and leave him to live other the rest of his life trapped in a broken and slowly decaying prison of his own body.

Even if they had more hostages, the second they kill one we would have to attack and then they would be too busy trying to kill (or more accurately not get killed by) us to hurt the other hostages.

It's tragic, but we aren't the ones choosing to end a life here.

Time is on our side, so they should figure out quick if they want to die or let the hostage go.

>>3034863
>>3034869
>>3034870
>>3034904

And so on.

Disobeying our summoner?

>>3034841
>Ignore him. Try for a quick shot to ‘kill’ the man and maybe get the best of both worlds.

>Other: "Make the illusion death really brutal" Maybe if we kill the illusion very flashly one of the proctors will get intimidated.

>>3035251
He didn't say please.

>>3035251
Even if our paycheck wasn't nomimally at stake, if he dies, we as a summon de-summon, right? Protecting him is protecting ourselves.

If you all are still hellbent into killing, why not target the general area where the swordhand is? We are accurate enough to do the shot and the hostage should be capable of surviving.

>>3035282
The head is a difficult enough shot as it is. A hand is smaller and more mobile, and could be in front of the hostage.

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70 KB JPG

>>3035282
To risky. But i wouldn't be against "disarming" the individual.

>>3035251
>“Why...uh...dangit!” He turns to you. “Kyria, I know what you’re like, but...we can’t!”

He was asking not ordering. If he wanted us to not kill the guy he should have been faster. But obviiusly now he is going to put a set of rules that will cripple us during the tournament.

>>3035292
Please. If you shoot to kill you dont go to the head. You hit the mass center, and with our abilities it isnt that hard to obliterate the entire torso.

>>3035300
Me neither. thats why im advocationg to get close and personal with the attacker. Its safer for everyone involved but him

>>3035305
Yes, body shot is best. But unless he's standing next to the hostage instead of behind it, the head is the next best.
And again, he's only got a sword. If we miss the first shot, it'll be trivial to put one center mass.

>>3035313
We need to consider if we can be faster then the crow's illusion.

>>3035305
>Its safer for everyone
No, it's a considerable risk to us as well. We are not stab or bullet proof. We've not even resistant. We could easily take that sword somewhere vital. That would need an emergency evac, and a failed mission. Don't take stupid risks.

>>3035303
We can't is a statement not a question.

I think we should just refuse and try to negotiate with the criminal.

If they just wanted a Sophie's choice then they could have just asked instead of dicking about with illusions.

>>3035316
We need to consider that the test isn't whether or not we can pull it off, but what our decision will be.

The illusion and stuff are misdirection. They didn't even give them faces.

>>3035324
The sword is basically a hologram, it cant hurt us, because that is not the purpose of this specific test. Also our reaction times are way faster than a normal human and while we arent completely bulletproof, we are way tougher than the normal person. Im pretty sure we have been tossed across walls or something similar and tanked it like a champ.

>>3035339
>we are way tougher than the normal person.
We take blunt damage much better than normals. Not bullets or blades though. Remember back on the mobster job, we took one burst and it tore our legs up?

>>3035357
Bullets are different from swords, and the bullets it didnt fuck us up that bad.

>Point a finger at the hostage and offer to switch places with them. If the enemy accepts, just grab the sword or the hand holding it when we're close enough for the hostage to stay unharmed.
>If the enemy refuses, use Magi-beam from the pointed finger to attack the wrist of the hand that is holding the sword.
I don't think the guy will be fast enough to react to a beam attack with us having taken aim while talking to him.

>>3034841
>>3035676
Forgot to link the vote

>>3034841
I mean I guess the "right" answer here is to be diplomatic and stall? Calm down Jitters and get him to lower his guard before we pop him off.
But since they made this simulation just for us and Lysan is frozen up, may as well go for the quickest solution.
We could always try to emphasis the futility of hostage taking by shooting the hostage first, and making direct eye contact with the proctors. That might be funny.
...
If the hostage taker has accomplices offscreen as it were, and it seems likely given that he said
>"Now, they’re all gonna die, starting with this one!-
Then shooting in past the hostage will result in the other hostages being executed.
Thankfully those people aren't rendered and are safely ignored!
I am a fan of this "lop his arm off" strategy that developed.
>>3035676
Magi-beam was made for precision work like this!... I think?

>We could always try to emphasis the futility of hostage taking by shooting the hostage first, and making direct eye contact with the proctors. That might be funny.

It would.

Damn, I forgot about there possibly being other hostages. Maybe we should go for flux wave instead. Make it as wide as possible to stun the other criminals too.

He says “they are all Gona die” so there is more than 1 hostage have him walk forwards but only as a distraction to get us a clear shot on the guy

>>3035837
Basicallya either pick the innocent or the summoner scenario? Yeah i'm sticking with my choice. And now i'm regreting not killing the hostage.

>>3034841
>>3035259

Changing my vote:

> “You can’t. I can.” Shoot through the ‘hostage’ to secure his death and protect Lysan.

If we kill one hostage and the one guy doing the demand the others will realize that using hostages against us is a useless option, so they will stop trying to hide behind the other hostages and try to kill Kyria and Lysan.

>>3034939
>Lucia, the Clarity test proctor, seems to appreciate answers that lean more towards protectionism and heroics

In the arena we ignored saving the innocent and now on the thieves we simply killed (or at least let it in the air) that we would hunt the thieves instead of arresting then.

Those aren't very heroic things. If i recall Lucia has three knight summons so makes sense she likes paragon solutions and our renegate options are bothering her.

>>3034841
>> Let Lysan walk forth...it IS his choice, and you’re playing at being his summon.
It was, and always was, his choice. My summoner, right or wrong.

Obvious cliches aside, I honestly don't care about any of those people in the hypothetical situation. The only opinion that matters is his anyway. That and since he wouldn't be personally in danger, what he wants to do with his life is all his own choice.

Of course, if this were a real situation and we still needed the guy to live to pay us, then those hostages could go ahead and die with the criminals for all that I cared. They aren't the ones paying us.

>>3034841
>Sun flare, magiblast to pulp his arm at the elbow or wherever and bumrush him with shock touch

Sudden violence is the best problem solver. No need to intentionally kill the hostage, do it properly and there only a risk he'll die instead of guaranteeing it. And he can be healed if necessary.

>>3034841
>> “You can’t. I can.” Shoot through the ‘hostage’ to secure his death and protect Lysan.

>>3034841
>Let Lysan walk forth...it IS his choice, and you’re playing at being his summon.
If we fail this test, we fail this contract.

>>3034841
>> Ignore him. Try for a quick shot to ‘kill’ the man and maybe get the best of both worlds.
I get the feeling we've already failed this, but this is by far the safest option. Maybe he was supposed to show some sort of control over us? I don't know why else we're here.

>>3035719
I reflected and regret my vote immensely, this panel is going to vote NO because of "Violence". I forgot this was a school.
We are still infront of an audience of his peers right? We are infront of a group of teenage summoners, maybe we should have an impromptu PSA instead of tryharding with edgy violence, we'd just prove their assumptions of us being a violent demon summon.
It'd probably go over better with the teachers anyway.
Changing my vote to...
>Other Logic the illusion down
"No. What are you going to do now? Soon as you kill the hostages you have no bargaining chip. You have cornered yourself by taking a hostage. Listen everybody, taking a hostage is a bad situation for everyone, and every time you bargain with a hostage taker you make them think it WORKS."

>>3034841
supporting: >>3036392

>>3034841
changing my vote (>>3034998) to >>3036392
With flash, grab, and taser as the go to if he can't be reasoned with.

>>3036392
Might as well start with talking him down first, then following it with the flare and grab.

>>3036392
True, true. Changing to this too, with the addendum that we fuck him up with a flare and 500 000 volts to his balls if he's being a fuckwit

>>3036392
Look, I don't agree with this, but if it wins, can we at least not do the cringy "lesson"?

>>3034841
changing from >>3034906 to >>3036392, because it seems like the best option that won't make us fail the test.

>>3034841
>> Ignore him. Try for a quick shot to ‘kill’ the man and maybe get the best of both worlds.
This simulation isn't going to bargain.

>>3036451
If you write up a better longer and more entertaining because I can't writefag good logic argument I'll vote for yours.

>>3036392
I don't think this is a normal school as we know it. All the stuff they've said seems to show they're fine with violence so long as it's for a good reason.

>>3034841
> “You can’t. I can.” Shoot through the ‘hostage’ to secure his death and protect Lysan.

No negotiations with terrorists

>>3036480
It's a magical school. If anyone ever reads Harry Potter people know that magical schools aren't like normal schools

>>3036485
I don't think Harry Potter ever blew people's heads off, or chopped off hands. I think that might've been looked down upon, even in Hogwarts.

>>3036545
The cauldron scene were the bad guy cutted his hand. Also all the death games from the cup and the teachers not keeping the children safe.

>>3036550
I think he meant the character didn’t do that stuff, but yeah, a lot of people in that universe probably would have done that with a smile.

>>3036561
Oh, in that case yeah. But still this is just a illusion they aren't even using homunculous or anything.

Besides i want anyone that is following or targerting Lysan to know that hostages won't work with us around.