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Greetings, competitors, and welcome back to Magical Girl For Hire Quest! Currently, you're on a mission as a kid's summons to help him pass his final exam so that he can become a full summoner. You're currently known as Kyria, a triple eyed, fairy-like summon constantly expounding magical energy, and the time has come for the final part of the final Exam- the Test of Might, a multi-stage tournament where strategy and ingenuity is just as important as raw strength. You’ve just begun your first fight- against a strange centaur-ish summon that’s already set down a strange totem and is racing towards your right with a strange golden trail coming from beneath him.

Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Magical%20Girl%20For%20Hire%20Quest
General Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/u/MGFHQHandler
Character Details: http://pastebin.com/9J70gqM2
FAQ: http://pastebin.com/8unLWUjF
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MGFHandler
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MGHandler

The good thing, is that Lysan, your ‘summoner’, has at least given you a hint as to what to do. It’s a pretty easy one, all things considered- that totem has to go. He said ‘crush it’, so…

You quickly dart forward, ignoring the stampeding opponent for the time being as he gallops past- it’s in moments you reach the tiny device, and as you bring a foot up, you feel a burning sensation in your foot start up- it’s not enough to deter you, however, and you bring it down on the totem, causing a resounding *crack* at the thing splits in half.

You chance a glance around to your opponent, only for to see that apparently, he was building some sort of circle- and he’s just about to finish it as he races towards you, spinning his back end toward you as you move out of the way of a strong, if slow buck.

There’s a moment’s lull as he sets his sights on you, and you notice that he’s grinning. With a bit of concern you chance a glance backwards; the ring he made is glowing brightly, the both of you within its perimeter...although you don’t feel anything in particular just yet, you’re not sure what he’s just conjured…

Not that you have much time to think about it, as he pulls something else from his bag- some sort of collapsible staff?- and aims it at you, a light similar to the one output by the totem shining at the tip. Lysan’s saying nothing at this point, though- you’re going to have to make a judgement call on how to approach this new threat yourself.

>Current Mana: 12,500/11,000 (I might be incorrect)

> See how he reacts if you try to mess up his handiwork!
> Just sitting there, is he? Wonder if you could make that more permanent.
> Whatever’s going on, you have to block it off!
>Other
>>
>>3055956
>> Just sitting there, is he? Wonder if you could make that more permanent.
No orders means time to try to win with out own initiative, which is most easily done by incapacitating the other summon!
>>
>>3055956
> Just sitting there, is he? Wonder if you could make that more permanent
>>
>>3055956
>> See how he reacts if you try to mess up his handiwork!
previous threads isn't archived yet
>>
>>3055956

>Other: "Staff weapons are cool and all but they have a obvious weakness. Go toward him so he will have a difficult time to hit us and use our sword to cut the weapon in half


I have the strange feelling he just made a teleport circle
>>
>you feel a burning sensation in your foot start up- it’s not enough to deter you, however,

I guess his mana is the type that builds up the more he hits a target with his glowing weapon. Basicaly a build up damaging skill
>>
>>3055956
>See how he reacts if you try to mess up his handiwork!
>>
>>3055956
>>3055991
I guess i will change my vote.

> See how he reacts if you try to mess up his handiwork!
>>
"I might not know art, but I know what I like." -Miranda

"I know art AND what I like!" - Lorelei

"Art can be a lot of things. Who's to say what 'art' is and isn't?'"- Izumi

"Me, if the question is 'which of these pieces am I going to sell?'" -Lorelei again.
>>
>>3055956
>> Just sitting there, is he? Wonder if you could make that more permanent.
>>
>>3055990
done.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3025368/
>>
And we are tied again.
>>
>>3055956
> Just sitting there, is he? Wonder if you could make that more permanent.
>>
>>3056045

was meant to be a 'writing', sorry. So anything after that isn't valid.
>>
>>3056104
Phooey...
>>
>>3055956
> Just sitting there, is he? Wonder if you could make that more permanent
Wonder if damaging the arena is frowned upon
>>
>>3055956
>>3055990
>>3056024
>>3056033
Well, first thing’s first- you need to see about whatever this circle is. You’re not sure what it’s supposed to be doing, but you don’t want to risk anything before you have a chance to take him out. So of course the force multiplier needs to go first and foremost. As you jump for it, you feel something hit just to your side- you’re not sure what it is, but it’s a gamble you don’t want to take. The smell of flowers, despite you not using your scent, is something you make a mental warning to watch for.

As you reach the edge of the painted circle, you hear galloping right behind you, and you know you don’t have a lot of time.

‘Well, if it worked once…’ You bring your foot down again, and there’s a *crack* yet again- this time from the floor sundering as opposed to any device...and hopefully, that’ll take care of whatever that ring is supposed to be doing. So long as it doesn't get you disqualified, but, then again, no one mentioned anything about THAT...

>Roll 1d20, best of 3.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>3056112
rollin
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>3056112
>>3056117
oy vey
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>3056112
>>
>>3056117
>>3056118
hooray for non-overriding crits! Maybe I should stop rolling for a while.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>3056112
Grab him by the horns and toss him!
>>
>>3056117
>>3056118
>>3056119

Interesting set. Pft.

Writing.
>>
>>3056045
Lori best girl.
>>
>>3056125
Interesting to who?!
>>
File: green eye smirk.jpg (156 KB, 1440x810)
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>>3056149
>>
>>3056112
>>3056117
>>3056118
>>3056119
As you turn around, you realize that he’s faster than you thought- he’s got his horns lowered and it looks like he’s trying to just ram you out of bounds!

You don’t have much time to do anything else but brace and...now!

Grabbing onto his prodigious horns, you stop him cold, causing him to grunt in surprise, and seeing a golden advantage, you LIFT.

There’s a sound of shock that runs through the audience as you lift him up without moving from your spot, and for a few moments it looks like you might be able to straight up SUPLEX him out of bounds…

Sadly, he still has his stave- and his hands are still free to aim it at you, firing in close range. There’s a puff of strange pinkness that envelops you both, and you immediately feel dizzy as a strange smoke surrounds you. The act is just enough to get you to slacken your grip as the beastman kicks off of you- not enough to make you do more than flinch, but he’s out of your grasp. On the plus side, his circle, you’re pretty sure, is destroyed, so whatever benefit he had from that is gone…

Your head and body both feel light, and that smoke seems to have spread…so now it’s masking him a bit. But is it masking you?”

“Up...go up!” You hear Lysan say over the roaring din. You can hear the other girl shouting something, too, even: “Whistle!”

>Move forward, he’s probably talking about distance from the edge…
>Hmm...well, you’re pretty good with jumping (and maybe these wings could help…)
>Does he mean move up, towards the girl’s side? Maybe that’s where it’s at…
>Other
>>
>>3056234
>Hmm...well, you’re pretty good with jumping (and maybe these wings could help…)

FiNNALY I WAS EXPECTING TO TRY THIS FOR A WHILE!!
>>
>>3056234
>Hmm...well, you’re pretty good with jumping (and maybe these wings could help
>>
>>3056234
>Hmm...well, you’re pretty good with jumping (and maybe these wings could help…)
Didn't we tell him we can't fly? I'm assuming he forgot if we did.
>>
>>3056234
>>Hmm...well, you’re pretty good with jumping (and maybe these wings could help…)
Lift off!
>>
>>3056234
>>Hmm...well, you’re pretty good with jumping (and maybe these wings could help…)
Not the best time to try the wings, but better late than never. And we're pretty good at jumping anyway if they don't actually do anything.
>>
>>3056258
We can always glide/fall with grace. We just need to be high enough or jump from enough high advantage point.
>>
>>3056234
>>Hmm...well, you’re pretty good with jumping (and maybe these wings could help…)
>>
>Enemy Summon: "You can fly?!"
>Miranda:"No. Jump good!"
>>
>There’s a puff of strange pinkness that envelops you both, and you immediately feel dizzy as a strange smoke surrounds you.

>centaur man
>deer antlers
> pink smoke
>you get dizzy and relaxed inhaling it

Ja man we should light some stuff later and relax with this bro later
>>
Maybe put up a barrier in midair as a platform, if they're unaffected by gravity that is. Can double as a firing platform.
>>
>>3056234
Can we fly, or fall with style at least?

Find out in about an hour or later because I need to head out. Run is paused!
>>
>>3056336
Could be a good way to use it as a plataform yeah. Maybe we can even keep jumping in the air using the barriers. If we can use it like that. Most we have is the huge dome barrier and the barrier that appears in from of us.
>>
>>3056347
Booo cliffhanger!
>>
>>3056336
The only 'barrier' we can put up is the Great Barrier at 3000 MP, and we have to concentrate to keep it up.
>>
>>3056360
No wait, we also have the Light barrier, at 'only' 1000 PM a pop. Not as bad, but still rather stiff for a platform.
>>
>>3056234
>Hmm...well, you’re pretty good with jumping (and maybe these wings could help…)
I think he said we could glide with them?
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>3056234
>>3056251
>>3056254
>>3056258
>>3056259
>>3056260
>>3056265
>>3056553
Up, huh? Well, hopefully he meant that literally!

Tensing your legs, you spring upwards out of the smokescreen, to the shock of the crowd. You have to look fast for him at this stage, though. Fortunately, after only a few moments, you can see him as you reach the apex of your jump-

-just as you hear a piercing whistle, and a number of writhing motions suddenly take shape in what’s rapidly becoming more of a contained cloudbank than anything else, the deetaur’s form almost vanishing within. Great, now you’re going to have to land and...oh! Your wings!

Geez, you’d kind of forgotten them again, but, well...here’s hoping! Concentrating, you spread them and begin flapping, doing your best to do it without thinking about it. To your astonishment, you actually manage to start arresting your fall, turning it from a dead drop to a slow glide down. And here you were just talking the other day about aerial superiority!

...unfortunately, you can feel the toll it’s taking on your body already- something that’s ‘unnatural’ to you and you’re pushing out a lot of flapping, more like a dragonfly with your four wings han anything else. Still, that does mean you have an advantage- and not a moment too soon, considering you’ve got to flush this guy out from whatever’s making movements down there.

“Now!” Lysan calls- that was pretty vague. Wonder if that one was just for show?

>Light it up! Strafing run the whole damn area with low powered magiblasts and flush him out hardways.
>You’re going to need to pick a target- you don’t want him to have a chance at taking you at a bad angle…
>You need to clear this smoke out first- maybe your sword and an Energy Channel can provide some help with that.
>Other
>>
>>3056609
Huh. That's an interesting roll outcome.
>>
>>3056609
>Light it up! Strafing run the whole damn area with low powered magiblasts and flush him out hardways.
>>
>>3056609
>>Light it up! Strafing run the whole damn area with low powered magiblasts and flush him out hardways.
Air support best support
>>
>>3056609
>>You need to clear this smoke out first- maybe your sword and an Energy Channel can provide some help with that.

>Energy Channel: She can focus mana and flare it to create a 'burning' aura of mana that can injure anyone who comes into contact with it. Can be focused on any part of the body for extra impact.

Eliminate the battlefield advantage with Fire to purge the smoke!
>>
>>3056609
>Light it up! Strafing run the whole damn area with low powered magiblasts and flush him out hardways.
>>
>>3056628
Lets play with the abilities he has seen us use and leave the flamebringer and similar when we get ambushed.
>>
>>3056632
Eh sure, if that's how people want it. I simply didn't want the fight to drag on too long with the smoke giving the thing more time to dodge and fight. At least the low-power magi-blasts costs basically nothing to use.
>>
Blankets need carpets. Writing.
>>
>>3056609
>>3056623
>>3056626
>>3056630
Well, you’ve got just the solution for this! As your hands light up, you shift your body around to glide towards Lysan. You need a good start up for this…

And, transition from a gentle curve into a full tilt, you push yourself to buzz faster; it gets easier, it seems, when you’re actively thinking about other actions. Your hands erupt with flashes as small magiblasts pepper the ground in a carpet bombing maneuver that has a few people even shrieking, and the yelling of the crowd was loud enough already! You make sure to keep them well from the sidelines, however, and it seems like it’s only for this reason that the side judges aren’t making a move- although they all seem to be on alert, for certain.

As your first pass doesn’t seem to yield results aside from clearing holes in the smoke to reveal pockmarks, you manage to tilt upwards a bit to catch a bit more air and come around for a second pass. Heck, it almost feels like you’re ACTUALLY flying. Honestly...you could get used to this. You’ll have to remind Owlia to make you a flight crystal when you get back. This crap is addicting.

The second pass is what does it, as a number of what seems to be cotton-candy made snakes lay fallen on the floor as they melt apart- you don’t THINK those were summons, at least. Regardless, as you clear the second half of the area, there’s another pink blast that forces you to dodge it, bringing you closer, but not quite touching the ground. The magiblasts, on the other hand, are something HE can’t dodge, and a number of them hit him flush, throwing him back near Lysan, sprawled on the floor. He scrambles to get up, to Lysan’s surprise, and he’s only just managed to get to his knees when you get near him- offbalance, panicked, and injured, it’s well time to finish this…

“That’s enough!” Huh?

You look past the summon to see Lysan looking at him with an odd look in his eye. “He’s beaten. You don’t need to fight him anymore.”

The line judge nearest him looks on particularly- resembling a giant blue genie lady with parted hair in four looooong pigtails and a mouthless face. “He’s still capable of fighting. That is for him to decide.”

Lysan looks at you, then him, as his face...hardens? Well then. “Look, you’ve been on the defensive for a while now. Kyria’s not even trying yet, she’s having fun. Give it up while you can!”

…wonder what’s gotten into him. Gravity of the situation?

>(Intimidate) “It’s so rare to have a willing playmate…”
>Say nothing, let the summon decide for himself if he wants to go down swinging.
>Other
>>
>>3056690
Hey handler would a megaphone help clearuing the smoke. Or does the magic, increase the voice without giving high vibration?

I take since it's magic it just increase the voice but it's always good to check.
>>
>>3056823
>>(Intimidate) “It’s so rare to have a willing playmate…”
Eh, if Lysan wants the fight to end quicker too, then being scary would help with that.
>>
>>3056823
>>(Intimidate) “It’s so rare to have a willing playmate…”
>>
>>3056823
>>Say nothing, let the summon decide for himself if he wants to go down swinging.
He's not the only one being tested here. Losing isn't the same as failing.
>>
>>3056823
>Say nothing, let the summon decide for himself if he wants to go down swinging.

>>3056847
i think that is just asking for the outgoer lady to show up.
>>
>>3056823
>Say nothing, let the summon decide for himself if he wants to go down swinging.
>>
>Kyria’s not even trying yet, she’s having fun.

Wonder if that is the bound or if he is just trying to bluff. Anyway i find the idea of Lysan noticing we are holding back very entertaining.
>>
>>3056859
Considering he had to purchase a rider to prevent us from breaking stuff without cause, he should be at least somewhat aware of how powerful we are. I hope we get a chance to really show off before we leave though. They've been scared with just a minor showing of power, I want to see their reaction when we really go at it.


As a side note, Sal really overrated and overcharged him for this mission. This job could have been done by anyone at SES, even the newbies. I wonder if there was a 'short notice' surcharge or something.
>>
>>3056870
Or maybe he asked for someone that can definitely make him pass, and well, we are the best that we have.
>>
>>3056870
Most likely Sal found out that the boy was being target and his idiotics behaviour would attract the kind of people that try to abuse the usual MC dumb behaviour.

Just look what happend in the Bookstore and the carnival. The only place were we didn't needed to fight someone was in the dance show.
>>
All i want from this bombing strife is to see Lucia's face and have her realize how lucky she is that we refuse to fight her in a public area.

If we had done that.There would have be a lot of collateral damage
>>
Whoop, forgot to lock. We're just waiting for him...

Writing.
>>
>>3056882
We definitely wouldn't have made a strafing run against her. Maybe a swordfight, but i doubt we would show her what we are capable of.
>>
>>3056823
>>3056852
>>3056853
>>3056855
Either way, you’re willing to let the guy decide for itself. You let yourself land, folding your arms like before after you straighten up, and make sure he’s not making any specific motions. Groaning, he manages to rise to his feet. He looks to you, then past you...likely at his summoner. You can see a slight nod from him to her, and he looks to you…

And then rears back and charges, a noise that’s not cry neigh, not quite yell bellowing from his muzzle.

But even then, his eyes are weak, yet wild. You can tell that whatever this is, it’s a surface hope- a last charge hoping for glory.

Yeah, you’re not about that. You can see Lysan behind you, frowning deeply, and for once, you have an idea of what he wants from you.

Time to end this.

>THIS time you’re going to chuck him out of bounds.
>You’ll beat him down in the center of the ring. He’ll drop one way or another.
>Just pop him with a stronger blast. You’ve been plenty creative, you think.
>Other
>>
>>3056970
>THIS time you’re going to chuck him out of bounds.
>>
>>3056970
>>You’ll beat him down in the center of the ring. He’ll drop one way or another.
Strength, restrained. Well show that even holding back, we can pound him into the ground.
>>
>>3056970
>>THIS time you’re going to chuck him out of bounds.
>>
>>3056970
>THIS time you’re going to chuck him out of bounds.
>>
>>3056970
>You’ll beat him down in the center of the ring. He’ll drop one way or another
>>
>>3056970
>THIS time you’re going to chuck him out of bounds.
>>
>>3056970
>THIS time you’re going to chuck him out of bounds.
Best not to accentuate our violent nature at this moment.
>>
>>3056970
Bon voyage.

Writing.
>>
>>3056970
>THIS time you’re going to chuck him out of bounds.
So long gay bowser
>>
>>3057060
And now we should spin him around before throwing him out of the ring.
>>
>>3056970
>>3056983
>>3056990
>>3056998
>>3057041
>>3057046
>>3057060
It doesn’t take you long to figure out exactly how you want to wrap this up. You tried it before...

-your palms dig into his antlers, and there’s a squeal on the ground as he’s dragged against his will as you shift your weight to start your spin, hurling him around and around and around... There’s an increasingly loud yell coming from him as you pick up speed- ah, but not too hard, right.

You almost can't help yourself, muttering a low 'See ya!' as you let go. The swing and pitch sends him the full length of the gym, causing the girl to shriek as she flinches when her summon skids past her to impact into the wall with a thud. You’re...pretty sure he shouldn’t be dead. In a lot of pain, but not dead, no. He doesn’t seem to dissipate or anything, so at the very least you’re spared that.

“AND THAT’S IT!” the principle yells again. “THE WINNER IS LYSAN FAIRVIEW!”

There’s some applause- from Iris, from his family, and from a number of others, but a lot of people- and a lot of summoners, you notice- are looking at you and him with a bit more fear now.

As you walk back to Lysan, he nods with a small smile. Seems like it might’ve worked out for you. The judges, having all been watching your fight closely, mark your score down- you guess that it’s not something publicly revealed until all the fights have happened. The girl- Delilah, you just remember- is cradling her summon, who is saying something to her, although he stops briefly after you focus on him. He doesn’t seem to be getting up, either, to the murmuring of the crowd. One or two other adults come over to check things out- probably a good idea.

“Okay, I think we got past the first round okay. Delilah might’ve, too. Not sure. I guess it depends on if her own summon can get back up…” You can’t help but notice that several of the kids are giving you both a wide berth now as you sit back down, save for Iris, who scoots closer, and one kid, a short haired, round-faced boy who just scowls at you.

“Wow, that was kinda brutal,” Iris notes. “Delilah’s no slouch, either! Good job on taking her out like that!”

>Ask about offering aid to that summon. Might as well.
>Talk about who else she might think is a threat.
>Ask Lysan about his statements at the end.
>Other
>>
>>3057095
>Ask about offering aid to that summon. Might as well.
Be humble and all of that. It might also give us extra points
>>
>>3057095
>>Talk about who else she might think is a threat.
There's no need to waste power when we've got more fights coming up. Knowing who to watch out for should be far more useful
>>
>>3057095
>>Ask Lysan about his statements at the end.
That was unusual for him.
>>
>>3057095
>Ask Lysan about his statements at the end.
Trying to act all merciful now would just make it obvious that we’re doing it for points, and might result in points being deducted.
>>
>>3057095
>Ask Lysan about his statements at the end

>“Wow, that was kinda brutal,”

Daaaw so cute she things THAT was Miranda being brutal.
>>
>>3057107
>>3057102

Honestly if the summon wanted to keep in shape for the next fight he should have quitted. Sometimes you need to learn when to backdown.
>>
>and one kid, a short haired, round-faced boy who just scowls at you.

Uh? Who is that? Is that Lysan bully the one who has the bug/mantis summon? If it isn't were is he? He kinda got forgotten. OOOH maybe he is the kid the club warned us who people want to make it look good during the tournament.
>>
>>3057095
>Ask Lysan about his statements at the end
Not our problem they refused to back down, in fact this will probably help with future intimidation attempts. Better make sure Lysan doesn't accidentally screw himself by going soft or showing an apparent lack of control
>>
Gonna have to call it here for tonight. Will be back tomorrow!
>>
>>3057095
>Ask about offering aid to that summon. Might as well.
>>
>(Wooow. I didn't know Lysan could be cool like that!~ I think I'm falling for him even more...~ Wait, am I weird for that? Oh no...am I a deviant?)

--------------------

>Yeouch. Rough, but...well, that's what happens, sometimes. At least he gave her a chance to give up. Wonder what got into my little bro, though...I hope that's not this Kyria's game...

---------------------

>I can't believe him...using that summon- like that. Delilah, Barrelius...I promise you, I'll get them back for that!

-------------------
>>
>>3057153
>..am I a deviant?)
That overly-cheery proctor?

>Wonder what got into my little bro, though..
sister

> Delilah, Barrelius...I promise you, I'll get them back for that!
someone we haven't met yet?


Vaguely intimidation-related, can we charge a magiblast without firing it? It would be rather impressive for us to point a hand up and charge it without blowing a hole in the roof.
>>
>>3057168
That is either not!Rin (Iris) or Nerissa.
>>
>>3057168
I believe the pastebin says so
We can charge and hold blasts in the air, and nebula buster should be just a super charged up blasts.
>>
>>3057183
We totally need to pull a Hellzone Grenade at some point. Maybe even in this competition. Show them how flexible our Magi-blasts can be, and all.
>>
>>3057189
I don't think we can will so many magiblasts(or more than two for that matter) to do that yet.
>>
>>3057196
Maybe. In that case, we should definitely work on that in the future. I can see a lot of applications against speedy and evasive targets.
>>
>>3057216
By saturating the area? Eh, i can se the appeal of that.
>>
Don't we already have a AoE skill?
>>
>>3057229
What about energy bolas? Homing energy bolas. "Ha! I dodged yo-GAK" *thump*
>>
>>3057243
That seems useful and we already have the basics of how to do it -more or less-.
>>
>>3057243
>>3057246
Orbital ring is much better and don't require us to throw anything. We just create the ring around the target to hold it.
>>
>>3057247
But the orbital ring costs 2500 MP. Ideally the bola strike should be something way cheaper because its unguided, and its not designed to hold the enemy for long.
>>
>>3057258
If you want something unguided and that doesn't hold the enemy just buy nornal bolas then. Wasting mana to make some fancing looking weapon is how you get killed.

Heck the reason why Randa doesn't use a continuous beam but magic blast is because the magic beam spends more mana and has the same result that a magic blast.
>>
>>3057258
We can guide magic blasts, which is the basis for this through sticky mana, which came from our attempts at sticky bombs. We would be able to guide it, or quickly learn how.
>>3057264
The beam is more mana per damage, but we can cut away wall segments with it, and it doesn't explode. Useful for utility more often than combat, but useful.
>>
>>3057095
>Talk about who else she might think is a threat.
Try to get information on the other summons' abilities
>Ask Lysan about his statements at the end.
I hope he doesn't think we'll go out of control and desummon our opponent if he doesn't order us to stop.

>>3057168
>someone we haven't met yet?
I think it's the short haired boy that was mentioned
>>
>I hope he doesn't think we'll go out of control and desummon our opponent if he doesn't order us to stop.

I kinda hope he does or at least i want to make the others th8nk that we could. Only Lysan and his orders are holding us from smashing the entire place and pour a nebula buster to this folks. If we show he has such control over us in the short time he managed to have us with him i will consider a win.
>>
I don't mind the others thinking that but Lysan is our client so having him doubt us is bad
>>
>>3057404
I mean we can always reinforce/remind him that we are obliged by the contract to follow his orders.

So if he want us to stop beating someone we will surely stop. If he want us to save someone to the cost of his on life he can just order us to save that person.

I think Lysan suffered a lot during in school with people never listening to him because he was the "loser without a summon" and that makes him a little weak in imposing during certain moments. It also explains why he gets so pissed when people don't listen to what he advise, like how he advised the girl and her summon to give up but they decided to continue.

Of course i could be just talking out if my ass.
>>
>>3057412
>If he want us to save someone to the cost of his on life he can just order us to save that person.
Client can't pay us if he dies.
> he was the "loser without a summon"
Dunno where you got that from. He just screwed up a summoning bad enough to break his tools before his final exam, nothing more.
>>
>>3057516
>Dunno where you got that from. He just screwed up a summoning bad enough to break his tools before his final exam, nothing more.

The fact that everyone in his class except him have a summon also the fact that he was constantly said since we meet that he didn't had the skill or capacity to get a summon and the fact he was the only one to break his summoning orb.

He was the outcast/loser of his class there is no denial about that. At least that's how i see by the way that only Iris and Nerissa talk to him or have any kind of interection with him.
>>
Rolled 5 (1d5)

>>3057095
“Thank you,” you offer, before turning to your client. “But I have to ask- what happened back there?”

“Huh?” He seems genuinely confused. “What do you mean?”

“I mean your words,” you explained. “You acted a bit harsher than than what I’m used to from you. It was surprising.”

To your surprise, he blushes. “Oh. I was kinda...sorta just thinking how YOU might act. You’ve always been pretty serious, and I guess I felt like we’d have a better bond if I tried it out your way?” He ends it in a question rather than a sentence, but honestly? It’s not one that you think you care to answer, hearing it like that. If he’s just trying to imitate you… “I mean, I dunno, I sorta get it now? But not quite. I don’t think I hate it, though. I’ve been called a lot, so ‘serious’ wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world…”

“Hey, no shame in wanting to mature a bit!” Iris says quickly, patting him on the back. “I bet a ‘serious’ Lysan can still know how to have fun!” She’s practically snuggling against him…

As you look on, it seems like they manage to cart the summon off, though he's still injured, it seems. Still, that's not a desummoning, so you're probably fine...

"ATTENTION, ALL! THERE WILL BE A BRIEF INTERMISSION TO CLEAN THE BATTLE AREA!" the principal bellows. "TAKE THIS TIME TO REFRESH YOURSELVES! WE WILL RESUME IN FIFTEEN MINUTES!"

"Wow, yeah..." Lysan mutters. "I guess we really kinda tore the place up. Barkum's got his work cut out for him- oh, that's a summon that's REALLY good at fixing and cleaning," he says at your questioning look. "That's him over there." It's a BIG fella, basically a massive minotaur that's VERY top heavy.

"Iiin the meantime, you want a snack?" Iris asks. "I'm going to get something. Bellbelle?"

Bellbelle shakes her head, Iris shrugs. "Ly?"

"Sure! I'll come with you!" He says, turning to you. "Save my spot, okay?" At your nod, he walks off. As they wander off, you feel a vague sense of deja vu, although when you eye Bellbelle this time, she's...shaking.

>Pat pat. No need to be so worried.
>"You're not scared of them, are you?"
>Say nothing- she knew what she signed up for by now.
>Other
>>
>>3058222
>>Pat pat. No need to be so worried.
>>
>>3058222
>>Pat pat. No need to be so worried.
I've a sneaking suspicion she's scared of us now, but Randa wouldn't catch that.

>“Oh. I was kinda...sorta just thinking how YOU might act. You’ve always been pretty serious, and I guess I felt like we’d have a better bond if I tried it out your way?”
Oh, good for him. If he wants us to play up our serious and scary, we can happily oblige.
>>
>>3058222
>>Pat pat. No need to be so worried.
It'll be fine,,,
>>
5 more minutes due to start of thread.
>>
>>3058222
>Pat pat. No need to be so worried.
>>
patpatpatpatpat.

I think I'm doing it right.

Writing.
>>
>To your surprise, he blushes. “Oh. I was kinda...sorta just thinking how YOU might act. You’ve always been pretty serious, and I guess I felt like we’d have a better bond if I tried it out your way?” He ends it in a question rather than a sentence, but honestly? It’s not one that you think you care to answer, hearing it like that. If he’s just trying to imitate you…

Daaaw that is cute. Wonder how long will take for people to think that it's our evil aura making some kind of influence into him.
>>
>Rolled 5 (1d5)

I guess this means we passed the first round?
>>
>>3058346
If all that we did resulted in a 1d5 roll to decide pass/fail, then I'd call this test bullshit.
>>
>>3058346
>>3058360
I'd guess it's reflective of the crowd's reaction, or maybe who's fighting next.
>>
>>3058360
Dunno i'm just taking a guess. But Handler isn't a bad QM to let all the pass or not pass be the result of a dice.

Might be what >>3058366 said and it reflect either their reaction or how much they manage to contain the scare of seeing Randa unleashing some of her power.

Or it could be just us trying to detect someone sneaking around.
>>
>>3058257
I wonder when we should warn him about the potential attempt on his life.
That's what the warning from the sketchy club essentially was right?
>>
>>3058413
nah. not now. that would only make him nervous.
>>
>“Hey, no shame in wanting to mature a bit!” Iris says quickly, patting him on the back. “I bet a ‘serious’ Lysan can still know how to have fun!” She’s practically snuggling against him…

Spotted the deviant!~

>(Wooow. I didn't know Lysan could be cool like that!~ I think I'm falling for him even more...~ Wait, am I weird for that? Oh no...am I a deviant?)
>>
>>3058413
We should warn his sister actually.

>>3058417
And if the boy is stupid enough to try offer himself as a hostage he would gladly abandong the competition and so break our contract and we would lose money.
>>
>>3058413
That won't be a concern until after the test, and they never specified a mortal threat. He's already nervous enough as it is, and we're the nominal bodyguard anyway, it's for us to worry about not him.
>>
>>3058433
Also we are in a stadium full of security in which the principal and all these powerfull summoners are gathered around. If anyone does something during the test they are idiots.
>>
>>3058426
>And if the boy is stupid enough to try offer himself as a hostage he would gladly abandong the competition and so break our contract and we would lose money.

what.
Nigga, is someone even tries to hurt lysan we will blast them several new assholes. Even then, if Lysan for whatever reason willfully abandons the competition and flunks, we still get paid because he broke the contract.
>>
>>3058443
Uh i though breaking the contract equated to no pay and getting teleported back to the intersection with "Mission failed".

Oh well then i was just talking bullshit.
>>
>>3058447
Yea that's why i'm even thinking about telling him, if he gets cold feet, we don't even have to win the competition or fight assassins to get paid, we just ransack his parent's house or sumshit.
>>
>>3058447
If we blow the contract, sure. But if the client breaks it, we get our money, one way or another. Usually by looting the client's stuff, or anything else nearby if that doesn't cover the original amount,
>>
>>3058455
Ah so if HE breaks it we still loot shit and get paid but if WE break us we are sent back to the interception. Okay got it.
>>
>>3058465
yeah, its like a normal contract between two parties, with penalties and all of that.
>>
>>3058222
>>3058230
>>3058257
>>3058274
>>3058292
There’s nothing really you can say for her to calm down, you think, but maybe…

You place a hand on her head, ignoring how she freeze up slightly at the touch, and pat it gently. “You don’t need to be so worried,” you try anyway. Frankly, you thought she was pretty clever in her fight, even if it was rather short. She shouldn’t have any trouble passing, you figure.

“Ah! Er, thank you…?” she ventures. It’s good enough.

In the meantime, it seems that Lysan’s statements about Barkum are no joke; he brings towels, brooms, hammers, nails, and of course, bits of magic. Before 15 minutes are up, the floor is looking good as new. You’re impressed; and so’s the crowd, who give him a polite clap before he takes his leave.

As Lysan and Iris come back, the rest of the field proceed to go ahead. You make sure to keep an eye on all of them, but of the rest, five catch your interest in particular:

The firs is Markus, Lysan’s bully. He’s...not entirely bad when it comes to fighting, you have to admit. He’s got a brutal style, but it’s one that plays to his summon’s strength, being lithe and powerful before dancing out of range. He even shows some cleverness in reflecting his opponents techniques back at him with the flat of his summon’s pincer claws, and baiting him into a charge that results in its weapon- some sort of magic harpoon- into wrapping around himself. A braggart he may be, but he does know how to fight.

The second is an older girl named Violette; she’s heavyset, but seems to not mind carrying it, bearing a jovial, if...intense disposition. Her summon looks exceptionally humanoid, reminding you of more of a pitch-black martial artist with blue eyes and a ponytail, and no mouth, nose, or ears. Nevertheless she seems to predict her opponent’s moves with near perfect precision, having a counter on hand for every movement; at one point summoning a just as shadowy three-section-staff, which could extend impossibly long, and at one point seemed to move like a live snake.

(cont.)
>>
>>3058491
The third is Nerisa, to your lack of surprise. She proved strong, her armadillo tanking a number of shots and using his bulk to outmaneuver his opponent, a living tree-beast that spawned small yet strong pinecone-kin. It ended when she managed to topple the beast using the force from it’s own kin- it’s then that you realized that even aside from sheer strength, her summon had some sort of density or gravity manipulation ability. Dangerous, but it seems to have a limit of a certain amount of weight, although the number of things it could affect was high…

Four and five, actually, are from the same match, and you wouldn’t be surprised if they both went on. Four is...that strange kid that gave you the stinkeye. Turns out his name is Lucas. He’s got a pretty humanoid summon as well; some sort of segmented, almost armor-like individual in a helmet and a blue cape. Five is another kid, well coiffed and with a serious mien. His name is Johan, and his summon is more bestial, some sort of white colored, three-tailed fox. Kitsune, if you recall right.

They both seem to have a read on each other- the knight pushes the fox back with surgical thrusts, while the fox dances to keep out of range. As you might expect, the fox has some sort of foxfire technique which causes various ethereal flames to appear out of nowhere- they try to converge on the knight, but the knight has a glowing blade, it seems- enough to dispel the fire, much to the first boy’s surprise. What impresses you about Lucas’s summon, though, is the moment where he takes a glancing blow on the side to feint an opening, the fire burning down his arm, and when more are sent after him, he manages to dodge and toss a sphere of...something at him, you’re not sure, that the fox dodges by leaping- only for that to be the expected plan. It seems like the knight can control ice, and as soon as the fox lands, he slips and slides out of bounds, although not without forcing the knight back to the edge himself.

After the first round is called, only 16 of the contestants make it through, some of the first losers being Iris’s first opponent and Ren. To your surprise, Delilah squeaks through as well.

So, then. Not counting yourself? Iris, Nerisa, Markus, Delilah, Lucas, Violette, Johan. Those seven will be your concern. You probably won’t fight most of them, but it’s good to notice people that need to be noticed.

(Taking a breather, sorry. Dinner.)
>>
>>3058508
Hm, do any of these summons have anything to counter our energy channel? I suppose we can just walk into them, though that'd be pretty boring I guess, might lose points.
>>
>Turns out his name is Lucas. He’s got a pretty humanoid summon as well; some sort of segmented, almost armor-like individual in a helmet and a blue cape.

Oh boy...we really are the berserker frim this setting. Can't wait to go 1v1 against this guy.
>>
>>3058516
I just want a glorious sword fight with the knight.
>>
>>3058523
Shame we don't have that reactive armor in the prospective skills. Would have made for a great show.
>>
>>3058526
at least we are half way-ish there. We just need to make the sticky bombs more solid and maybe make them into shaped charges.
>>
>>3058550
>maybe make them into shaped charges.
That's a neat idea; it'd give them a ton of punch, and fill a niche we don't have covered yet, though I dunno how often we'd need something like that. Armor and heavy-duty walls wouldn't be an issue, at least.
>>
>>3058575
thats the main problem with everything right now. Most of our problems can be solved with enough magiblasts or a nebula buster and if they don't it means we haven't tried hard enough and the prototype spells are expensive.
>>
>>3058581
I'm in favor of more utility focused, personally. We've got raw combat power-a-plenty, but we're lacking in diversity. Flame thrower would be great for close range area-denial/AoE. Glue would have us something less expensive than orbital ring for capture. Stuff like that.
>>
By the way, did we alert lysan's sis or family about the threat? It could help if we alert his sister.
>>
>>3058592
But Reactive armor is a defensive technique useful for protecting Miranda, which I think she is short of. I mean yes she has plenty of ways to damage, restrain and even block, but no direct armor or something that covers her skin.
>>
>>3058602
What's wrong in using normal armor for that? It also has the benefit of not spending mana. If it's for defense i think the barrier is good enough for now.
>>
>>3058600
We didn't. Mostly because there was no prepared option and most readers rarely do a write in vote. Some if then also forget to even come up with the topic.
>>
>>3058608
because armor doesn't really work like that here and it also shapeshifts, changing our appearance values. Remember that we have a futuristic halo/doom armor and we don't use it because most missions don't require us looking like a ubersoldat.

>>3058600
I think it was an oversight, but it could also put our paycheck at risk.
>>
>>3058600
No, on account of it only serving to needlessly worry them. And again, it wasn't a threat on his life, and isn't a potential problem until after this test. Which, iirc, is the final test anyway. He passes this, our job is done.

>>3058602
Miranda has great natural protection from blunt attacks, but she seems to be plenty vulnerable otherwise. The reactive is step in the right direction, but the "reactive" part suggests it explodes on contact, which is more of a melee defense thing.

>>3058608
It's a tradeoff: Training time and mana, or Motes and time to put on?
>>
>>3058621
We could always buy normal gear in the intersection. They surely have enchanted armor we can use. But that will cost motes. Also i recall once we got teleported in a full knight suit in the first thread. If we want armour maybe we should use that one next time.
>>
>>3058622
Don't forget that Owlia is still researching the sigils we got from the mafia world and they indeed had armor/protectiin sigils that helped defend the user from attacks so building a reactive armour might be a waste since we will have a item that could help with that.
>>
>>3058621
>Remember that we have a futuristic halo/doom armor
iirc, it doesn't provide any mechanical advantage.

>>3058626
yea, treated gear is expensive, especially for armor in the quality we'd need for it to be useful. I'd bet we'd be looking in the range of 1-3 mission's paychecks for the good stuff.
I wish we could game the system a little and grab things like guns and grenades, and use them within a mission or two, but that would require a much more meticulous tracking of inventory.
>>
>>3058626
>Also i recall once we got teleported in a full knight suit in the first thread.
We did, but our original clothes weren't pieces of armor. Like i said before, the clothing in the intersection tends to shapeshift on the universe we get in, so we can't be assured that a piece of armor will be that "on the other side".
>>
>>3058645
>iirc, it doesn't provide any mechanical advantage.
That's my point. Armor doesn't work the way we normally think it does. Or is very expensive (which should encourage us to make our own from our magic pool).
>>
>>3058646
If that's the case investing in the sigil research we brought back might be a better investiment. Since the sigil we make in the interception will work in most worlds and will provide us with some protection even if it will be temporaly.
>>
Man that is one long dinner. I guess he ain't comming back.
>>
>>3058846
>inb4 Handler was the dinner
>>
>>3058846
He had to go out and catch it first, is all.
>>
>>3058657
*Intersection
And maybe we can talk about the possibility of a "Protection" stat for clothing. Unenhanced shirts will have no protection bonus, but a Kevlar Weave Summer Dress with a Shield Crystal Necklace, Arm Band, and Anklet set would be something like +4. Or maybe there's a special way of treating armour to let it retain it's ability to protect, while still changing to suit the setting.
>>
>>3058886
hmm.... i'd say that any "armored" clothing we have gives you...armor points. For example, the full master chief suit we have gives you 10 points. Those points represent how many times you can get hit and disregard the damage regardless if we can naturally tank it. The points don't regenerate in the run, but they reset once you return to the intersection or you you can recover some lost points if you spend some significant amount of time mending your clothes.

ON THE OTHER HAND. This feels like too much hassle for a quest that only needs a d20 to see how well we pass/fail any event. Maybe the armor can help in rolls when we need to defend ourselves, but we don't have that kind of mechanic when we attack, so it seems pointless to have it on defense.
>>
I would say that if we wanted armour we could always acquire it on site. Like in the mafia world we could have got sigils but barely used the ones we got or we barely go out of our way to look for protection gear in the world we are.
>>
>>3058856
>>3058857
I think it was a combination of both. He went to the forest to catch something but ended up being caught instead.
>>
>>3059111
Trips confirm it!
>>
I triple carted IRL.

Run will resume later today, sorry about the vanishing act.
>>
>>3059190
You are forgiven...this time. But seriously is everything fine?
>>
>>3059193
No, yeah, I just get oddly sleepy at times because my sleep schedule's been out of wack for a while thanks to some odd work hours. I've been trying to fix that.
>>
>>3059197
Ah then it's fine. Hopefully you will manage to fix that
>>
Run begins in 30. Maybe sooner.
>>
>>3060071
LET'S DO THIS!
>>
>>3058508
Round 2, at last. Point limit will be increased, so you’ll need to consider a few other things in your battle strategy. and you notice that someone is missing. The girl with the ghost summon with that strange voodoo power is missing- Jacqueline. A quick look around reveals that no, she’s nowhere to be seen. If she doesn’t get back in time for her match, she’ll be disqualified. No big deal to you, but it does make you slightly curious…

The next two fights are relatively close- but neither of them, you think, will be moving on, simply due to the fact that it seems like all parties involved starting getting more desperate for victory over simply winning- or at the very least avoiding each other’s techniques. Although fast and furious, none of the four show anything aside from trading blows- although the second match manages to end with a knockout as well.

“LYSAN FAIRVIEW VERSUS MARKUS VAN DER STRIG!” Wow, that name’s a mouthfull. Nevertheless…

“Yessss!” Iris hisses. “This is gonna be GREAT. No mercy, okay?” She cheers. Bellbelle gives her a look, to which she blushes and shrugs. “Whaaat? He’s a jerk!”

“Don’t worry, Iris. Bellbelle. We’ll take care of it, right?” Lysan looks to you, and you nod. You’re not surprised that he’d be eager for this one...although you’ll still have to be careful, just in case.

As you get up to go the ring again, there’s more murmurings; Markus simply frowns, growling at Lysan. His summon just snaps twice, as though imagining cutting you in two.

Lysan, though...has a small, wry smile on his face. “Okay...payback time!” He mutters to himself. Hm. Wonder what he’s got in mind. As you walk to the ring, you consider things. You’ll have to remember those pincers' reflective qualities.

>Anything to say before the fight starts?
>>
>>3060143
Maybe remind him that this is still a test? If he just orders brute commands for the sake of revenge over points, we might fail our objective. Ensure that he's calm.
>>
>>3060143
You want a scary fight, we can oblige.
>>
>>3060143
So a fighting type that can reflect ... energy attacks? I bit it can't reflect sticky mana!
>>
>>3060143
“Lysan, a word of warning before we go on. Turnabout is fair play only up to a point. I won’t be able to help you keep Marcus at bay after we complete our goal. So don’t antagonize him to the point where he’d decide to seek payback.”
>>
>>3060143
"You know i'm pretty scary, i could work more on that of mine if you want, but i don't want to seem to out of control in the ring. Would there be a way to i dunno...pretend i'm REALLY angry at the other summon or would that cause some damage to our points?"

Handler how far is the fistance between the podium/arena and the seats? Could we have Lysan hop in our back and hold so we could make a dinamyc entry by jumping the distance with him holding on us? Work a little the showmanship.
>>
>>3060156
Or crazy idea we could just use our sword for this one.
>>
>>3060149
>>3060159
Nah let him get mad i want to look like a berserker just for one fight because we are feeling Lysan hate for Markus.
>>
>>3060143
Tell Lysan to make his orders more vague if he wants us to have more freedom in how we're going to crush his enemy. That or make it really clear what you goal want us to accomplish, NOT what action to do. We know how to use our skills the best after all.
>>
>>3060143
"Tell me to release my limiters. Level 1. A bit of showmanship and threat can sometimes be enough to prevent future conflict if the enemy thinks you'll be able to make the fight too painful."
>>
>>3060168
And risk having him penalized in the test, thus increasing our chances of not getting paid.
>>
>>3060186
For showing control over a powerfull summon? Then the proctors are all hacked and this test is a joke.
>>
>>3060143
>>3060159
>>3060149
We need him to be reasonably calm.
>>
>>3060143
"I can be scary if you really want, but I would recommend keeping a level head."

Writing.
>>
>>3060207
>i can be scary if you want

pic related.
>>
>>3060190
That doesnt show control. It only shows that our summoner can be easily angered and is unable to control his emotions.
>>
>>3060143
>>3060149
>>3060150
>>3060159
>>3060161
>>3060169
>>3060171
“A word of warning,” you offer quietly. “I can be scary if you really want, but I would recommend keeping a level head." He pauses, turning to you briefly as you continue. “I understand that turnabout is fair play, but keep in mind our…’situation’. Don’t get so focused on payback that you cause him to retaliate.”

He pauses, rolling the thought around in his head for a moment...then sighs, continuing on. “Yeah, I guess. I just really wanted to get him back for once, you know?”

“It’s fine. Also, if you want to be vague about it, that’d help in giving me more freedom to choose how to fight,” you say, glancing over to the judges. They don’t seem to be impatient, at the least. “Either that, or be clear what you want me to do, and let me handle the rest.”

“Right,” he nods. “Will do.”

“Hey, come on already!” Markus yells from across the arena. “We gonna do this or what?!”

And just like that, a scowl forms on his lips. “You sure we can’t-”

“I DID say ‘if you want’.” you admit.

He nods, a bit rapidly. “I kinda want, yeah. At least for a bit.”

“Right, then.” Alright, deep breath…

You allow yourself a small smile as the smoky aura of yours increases, bolstered by a bit of mana. It’s thicker now, although you can see clear through it, and the mutterings come louder now- a glance to the side again sees the judges still calm, although Lucia and Tandal both have small frowns on their faces.

Markus’s eyes widen just a tad, before gritting his teeth and planting his feet. His summon- Zadal, that’s his name- does similar, dropping lower to the ground in a likely understanding of what a rough time he’s in for.

“SUMMONERS READY!” At least the principal doesn’t seem worried. “SUMMONS READY...BEGIN!”

Almost immediately Zadal rushes you, and you can see a pincer glow briefly before he rears his it back- a projectile?

“Don’t even let him breath!” Lysan yells.

>Mana: 12500/11000

>Dodge it- you should be able to close in quickly!
>Light Barrier in front of him- you’ll fight at your pace, not his.
>Fire at him first; if you can cancel his shot, you’ll be at advantage.
>Other
>>
>>3060245
>>Light Barrier in front of him- you’ll fight at your pace, not his.
>>
>>3060245
>>Light Barrier in front of him- you’ll fight at your pace, not his.
>>
>>3060245
>Dodge it- you should be able to close in quickly!
Yes master!
>>
>>3060245
>Dodge it- you should be able to close in quickly!
>>
>>3060245
>Light Barrier in front of him- you’ll fight at your pace, not his.
>>
Bounce.

Writing!
>>
>>3060245
Oh wait changing my vote from this:>>3060253
To this:
>>Dodge it- you should be able to close in quickly!

I made a mistake on which one was the better option to 'not let him breath'. By dodging and rushing in we can fight much faster and harder to beat the opponent before they can respond or retaliate, all the better to prevent it from even trying anything with an aggressive offense.
>>
>>3060271
Aw crud, nvm then. darn my decision to explain to get more votes.
>>
>>3060273
We can always show the futitily of ranged attacks against us. Beside now that i think of it. We are right in front of Lysan right? If we dodged the grapple would have gone directly towards our summoner. So actually a barrier this time was a good call.

I also like how the principal is just chill about this entire thing.
>>
To bad our barrier just appear as a fancy light screen would be nice to add some fluff to it to look cooler. But that would probably waste mana.
>>
>>3060245
>>3060250
>>3060253
>>3060259

>Current Mana: 11500/11000

Well, whatever he’s planning on- you’re not interested. You thrust your palm forward, and a sea-green barrier lights up a few feet in front of him- he doesn’t have the reaction speed to stop himself, as the strange blast detonates in front of him, throwing up a brief flash of mana.

With a shocked expression, he quickly darts to the side; it’s not an arena-filling barrier, so he has some room- which is exactly what you wanted him to think as you’re quick to meet him on the side, closer to the edge. A quick flurry of small blasts around his feet forces him to adjust his trajectory as he breaks past the edge, and you’re near his left side; he’s forced to take a sloppy swing at you to prevent you from flanking him entirely, and for a brief time you’re both in melee range- two swings are blocked, and you test his own defenses by throwing out a few strikes of your own- he takes one on his claws, blocks two more- a piston kick is deflected as well, but he uses the momentum to push himself away, where you see his claws glow again.

“Keep it up!” Lysan cheers on. Nothing specific, though...but you have an idea or two anyway.

>A brief sun’s flare should be enough to stun him and get some nice blows in.
>Maybe your magibeam can come in handy here, if only to scare him…
>Maybe your sticky mana? It might be dangerous (and explosive), but if you can pull if off…
>Other
>>
>>3060333
>>A brief sun’s flare should be enough to stun him and get some nice blows in.
>>
>>3060333
>>Maybe your sticky mana? It might be dangerous (and explosive), but if you can pull if off…
He focuses on mobility, right? Glue his ass to the ground and make him take a couple of smacks before we light it up.
>>
>>3060333
>>Maybe your sticky mana? It might be dangerous (and explosive), but if you can pull if off…
It's worth trying, but be ready if it gives us grief.
>>
>>3060333
>Danmaku

Simply keep the pressure on. See how he handles it.
>>
>>3060333

Magicbeam will definetly go out of bounds if we use it. Sun flare will blind Lysan and the other summoner but in theory it isn't a damaging attack.

>Maybe your sticky mana? It might be dangerous (and explosive), but if you can pull if off…
>>
>>3060333
>A brief sun’s flare should be enough to stun him and get some nice blows in.
I don't want to accidentally banish it.
>>
>>3060333
So our magic is sea green? I always tought it was yellow. Huh.

>Use the sticky mana
>>
>>3060343
Markus summon is one that is passed in his family for generations. It should be able to take the damage.
>>
>>3060333
>A brief sun’s flare should be enough to stun him and get some nice blows in.
Or Fireworks since that's cheaper and apparently more showy
>>
>>3060333
Sticky mana it is!

Which means...

3d20s, best of 3!

DC=30 for a successful application.
>>
Rolled 16, 13, 3 = 32 (3d20)

>>3060360
aaaaaaa i forgot about this aaaaaaa
>>
Rolled 5, 5, 4 = 14 (3d20)

>>3060360
Here we go!!
>>
Rolled 9, 19, 12 = 40 (3d20)

>>3060360
Should have at least bought him a drink first.
>>
Rolled 6, 19, 6 = 31 (3d20)

>>3060360
Stickier than Sticky the stick insect!
>>
>>3060360
>>3060362
>>3060364
>>3060365

Success! Writing.
>>
>>3060365
>>3060362
I guess Zadal just got caught in a fly trap.
>>
>>3060371
Man Markus is being a real disapointment. The Delilah and the deertaur did more work to us then him.
>>
>>3060333
>>3060360
Hm. Maybe you can keep him pinned. It’s risky, especially in the heat of things, but…

No time for thinking it through; you just call upon what you know to coalesce your mana in your hand- you’re not worried about the explosive properties, you just need it to STICK. It’s all of maybe a half-second, but that’s all the time you have, as you fire a few bolts towards his legs, you can see him hop in an attempt to avoid them- a moment too late, as several stick to his feet.

When he lands, however, the sticky mana plops onto the ground as well. There’s a tense of his left leg before he looks at it in reflex, realizing he’s stuck. To his credit, as you move in, he doesn’t hesitate, clawing at the base with one pincer, while clawing at you with another- and you have to duck as you feel a wave of force erupt from the natural weapon- it’s no projectile this time, but rather a long, red lance of force that juts from the center of his claw. One of his feet is cleared quickly; but he’s still immobile for a moment, and that’s all you need.

“Bring him down!” Lysan yells from the sidelines; now, how to do that, exactly…?

>Get in his personal space- time to try and see if you can crack that shell of his.
>Take to the air and turn this into a shooting gallery!
>Hm...wonder if you can box him in and mess with him that way?
>Other
>>
And gonna cut things here for tonight. I'll resume tomorrow, probably shorter.
>>
>>3060390
>>Hm...wonder if you can box him in and mess with him that way?
Time to make him realize he’s a big fish in a very small pond...
>>
>>3060390
>Get in his personal space- time to try and see if you can crack that shell of his.

Time to break him.
>>
>>3060390
>Get in his personal space- time to try and see if you can crack that shell of his
Bonus points for actually cracking something
>>
>>3060390
>Get in his personal space- time to try and see if you can crack that shell of his.
>>
>>3060390
>Get in his personal space- time to try and see if you can crack that shell of his.
Boop it!
>>
>>3060390
>>Get in his personal space- time to try and see if you can crack that shell of his.
>>
>>3060390
>>Hm...wonder if you can box him in and mess with him that way?
>>
>>3060390
>Get in his personal space- time to try and see if you can crack that shell of his.
Axe Kick!
>>
>>3060390
>Get in his personal space- time to try and see if you can crack that shell of his.
>>
>>3060390
>Get in his personal space- time to try and see if you can crack that shell of his.
Destroy its legs to bring it down closer to the ground
>>
>>3060390
I guess we're going to brutalize poor Markus's summon. Well, maybe after we pop it a good and hard one we can knock it back with some harmonized magi-blasts. Lysan did say to whoop him good.
>>
>>3060390
>Get in his personal space- time to try and see if you can crack that shell of his.
And if we do crack that shell, stick a hand into his insides and grab a fistful of meat.
>>
>>3060550
It's karma for all the summons he himself bruised during his time at school.
>>
>>3060390
>>Get in his personal space- time to try and see if you can crack that shell of his.
>>
I wonder, when we crack his shell if it will make the same sound when you break a lobster.
>>
>>3060586
That might be excessive, we're not re-creating OPM crablante death
>>
>>3060586
Ew. we are not supposed to kill the summons. Just defeat them
>>
>>3060964
Grabbing some flesh doesn't mean we kill him.
We're not ripping out essential organs.
>>
>>3060973
We dont know if breaking his caparace also unsummons him. Also you are bound to rip something important if you grab a handful of someone's insides, regardless if you call it flesh or not and finally, the act of doing so will hurt our chances to pass because "holy shit, lychen's summon ripped the isides of marcus' summon"
>>
>>3060586
And then eat that meat to maximize our intimidation score
>>
He's not a lobster...

Anyway, run begins in an hour.
>>
>>3060964
Eh ripping a arm won't kill him.

>>3061010
Well he IS a mana construct and magical girls are know to absorv mana from the area so maybe we could eat him. But i think it would be to graphic to this crowd.

>>3061020
He is more a mantis right? Can we break one of his arms and use the bladed as a improvised axe? I mean unless once you break/detach some of the summon from the main body that part doesn't become pure mana again.
>>
>>3061046
You are making a lot of assumptions.
>>
>>3061063
Indeed i'm That's why i hope Handler can put some light into it. Also why i won't do it unless we get a confirmation.
>>
>>3061067
Regardless of confirmation its fucking dumb to be way more gory and violent than what we need to(that is u less lychen wants it and specifically orders us to do it).
>>
>>3061046
It was a joke. Pulling out the guy's meat is a bad idea.
>>
>>3061074
I doubt it would be way gory. But yeah for the crowd we are dealling with maybe we should dial up on the brutality.

I mean people already think that chucking the deertaur our of bounds was brutal. What would they think of rippi g a summons arm of.
>>
>>3061085
Yeah i know. But it would be pretty fun (to me) and intimidating. But it's better not do this graphic stuff.
>>
>>3060390
>>3060395
>>3060398
>>3060410
>>3060413
>>3060421
>>3060444
>>3060465
>>3060507
>>3060586
>>3060675
Well, easiest way to would be to close in on him. Maybe you can even crack that exoskeleton shell of his. Might be funny, even, if not painful for him.

Your second strike is parried barely as you get within melee range, and that’s really just too bad. He’s not in position to dodge your third; as you rear back, you see the red-colored claw come up to defend him-

*CRACK*

-but your strike is fast enough to impact before he gets there. There’s a subtle grunt of pain, as he doubles over. Lifting his head a bit, he scowls at you, but you can seem him shuddering slightly.

And then he smirks. Your mental warnings trip fast enough to pull your hand back just as his pincer arm clasps onto you- there’s a distinct burning sensation that tears down your arm as he whips his arm around and throws you away, you tumble through the air for a few moments before you land in a rough three point stance. You have to will your arm to not shake; whatever he did to his claws have SERIOUSLY amped up the feeling of pain whenever they do impact, even if it didn’t draw blood.

He’s free again, and you can see his torso with a fist-sized crater in it...so what, can he just no-sell damage like that? You didn’t notice anything of the sort in his first fight.

“Urrghhhgg…” Hm? He’s doubling over…oh, no. He’s not.

“Alright, NOW you’ve done it!” Markus laughs. “You think you’re all that, huh? Try this out!”

“UGGHHAARGH...” The REST of him cracks open, practically splitting down the middle as he bursts from his shell- and the shell pieces suddenly are blown away as he starts moving! You block your face reflexively, feeling the impact rush through your bones (in particular your aching right arm) and sending you skidding backwards a few feet- a bit too close to the edge of the arena for your liking.

He’s...shinier than he was before, and sleeker, lacking a mantis-like abdomen now, as well as a more racing helmet-esque head. On his back are two long, translucent wings folded on his back. His claws are sleeker as well, and even look sharper, as with everything on his body. Like it’s built to reduce drag...speedster for sure, then. The darker tint of his eyes don’t help disproving that.

You throw yourself to the right as Zadal comes at you again, your hair fortunately the only thing clipped this time. From here it’s a five second flurry that feels like forever as Zadal, clearly sporting some kind of MASSIVE speed boost, attempts to assault you from all directions, three slices scoring shallow, yet notable cuts across your face. An attempted claw around your gut (a bit dangerous, no?) is batted away, though, and for a brief period of time you’re back into neutral positioning.

(cont.)
>>
>>3061138
He’s far too fast to just let approach, clearly, but you’ll have to be careful. One thing you did notice is that he seems like his body might be even SOFTER now. Speed at the expense of defense. The problem is, how to exploit that…without getting smacked around or cut up.

You chance a glance to Lysan out the corner of your eye, he just cups his hands together in some sort of signal. Capture, maybe?

>Current Mana: 11500/11000

> A Great Barrier would keep him inside of it...if you can aim it while he’s moving.
> Maybe a number of Light Barriers might work to keep him in the loop…
> Fireworks might blind him, no matter where he tries to go..
>Other


(Finally remembered my trip.)
>>
>>3061141
> Maybe a number of Light Barriers might work to keep him in the loop…
Well shit, those cuts to the face have probably reduced our apparent threat among the audience; they probably think we’re not as big a threat as they thought.
>>
>>3061141
> Maybe a number of Light Barriers might work to keep him in the loop…

Capture it is.
>>
>>3061141
>>Other
>Orbtial Ring
>>
>>3061141
>Other
Use Light Barriers to guide him to a Light Trap
>>
>>3061161
Whoa whoa whoa, the thing explodes, and that's going into lethal range dude. We aren't allowed to use un-summoning attacks.
>>
>>3061141
>fireworks
Than spam him.
>>
>>3061161
Just because the other summon is trying to unsummon us doesn't mean we should do the same.
>>
>>3061141
>> Maybe a number of Light Barriers might work to keep him in the loop…
>>
>>3061160
>>3061144
>>3061163
Spaming light barrier will spend to much mana dudes. Fireworks is the best option.
>>
>>3061165
I'd be very surprised if he manages to break it. He's probably going to find a way to escape after a moment.
>>
>>3061175
His eyes became darker when he transformed. He probably grew some kind of film over his eyes to protect them from the wind. It might also have a side effect of acting as primitive sunglasses.
>>
>>3061175
Naw, I thought of that first as well. But the way I see it is that something that fights at that high speed cannot rely on only vision and thus they have ways of perception to keep track of their opponent with their other senses. Which is why I don't think merely blinding will work.
>>
>>3061161
Orbital ring takes time too.

>>3061141
>Other: Use solar flare and hit him when he is stunned.
>>
>>3061175
Barriers fit better with Lysan's signal.
I'd vote for greater barrier but it's clearly not winning
>>
>>3061181
The more powerful the summon the darker the eyes
>>
>>3061182
>>3061181
Fair point i didn't considered that. So limiting his movement would be a best bet actually.

>>3061159
>>3061141
Changing my vote to:

>> Maybe a number of Light Barriers might work to keep him in the loop…
>>
>>3061187
This too, because it's what he wanted us to do.
>>
>>3061187
Yeah i think it's the case that we would need to be faster then a speedester (good luck with that) to manage to capture him in a great barrier. Limiting the amount of space he can move and build speed seems to be a better idea
>>
>>3061188
I forgot about that. Maybe the transformation just gave him large enough power boost to darken those eyes instead of actually growing stuff on them.
It's the simpler solution so you're probably right.
>>
>>3061141
>>3061144
>>3061160
>>3061169
>>3061190

Zadal is Hayai. How Hayai, you ask? Time to roll. 1d5, best of three. I know what I'm doing here.
>>
Rolled 4 (1d5)

>>3061207
>>
Rolled 5 (1d5)

>>3061207
>>
Rolled 2 (1d5)

>>3061207
Wtf is a Hayai?
>>
>>3061209
Oh boy...he is fast one level higher then the lizard dude from the store.
>>
>>3061213
TL Note: Hayai means fast in Japanese
>>
>>3061221
Ah...okay.
>>
>>3061209
Possibly not fast enough?
>>
>>3061207
>>3061208
>>3061209
>>3061213

Yeah that ain't hayai enough holmes.

Writing.
>>
>>3061234
Wonder if the Amanda Kane lady, the outgoer in this world, is the same speedester lady we meet in the orphan house
>>
>>3061234
N-NANI?!
>>
>>3061234
Miranda did jumping barrel roll to flashily dodge an expert swordsman's doublestrike, she pretty damn fast.
>>
>>3061237
We should talk with her sometime, she seems nice and never hurts to jave a rank s as a friend.
>>
>>3061254
True. We should hang out with the other outgoers. Maybe we can avoid screwing anyone or we can just take a tour in whatever it's the place she hangs.
>>
>>3061234
Alright, you're going to need to be careful...limiting his range of movement is going to be your best bet- and that means trapping him. A Great Barrier would take too long to cast on him, but if you focus right, you might be able to box this bug...the question is, how many barriers to worry about? You've got the mana to burn, it's just a matter of efficiency- and doing it fast enough to not miss.

>Current Mana: 8,500

For a moment, the two of you stand cautiously, like gunslingers in an Old West duel- although you doubt these folks would have any clue of that.

But then his claw twitches, and your hand does as well- a mana wall flashes up in front of him just as he darts foward- a flash of blue is all you get to realize he jinks to the left, but that’s all you need as a high second wall races up at an angle. He’s forced to adjust his path, but that’s exactly what you wanted.

A third wall, up at an angle connecting the first and second walls, and Zadal brakes for a moment, cutting a deep groove into the floor as he realizes what just happened. A massive, triangular entrapment, nearly ceiling height surrounds him. He’s trapped ground-wise.

For a moment, you wonder if he’s going to try to take to the air as his wings buzz, but nothing comes of it. Jumping doesn’t seem to be an option, either... Rather, his still glowing claws race towards the rearmost wall and immediately start slashing at it at a furious speed- a cacophony of deep reverbs sound at the magic on magic impact, but aside from some fluxuating, the walls hold- although you’ll admit they may not do so forever.

But, he’s only got a few square feet of movement now. He’s...not quite a sitting duck, but you still have to be careful how to figure out how to take him down.


>Look to Lysan, see if he won’t ask him to surrender. Could save you time and energy.
>He’s a bug in a trap for good, now. Get some height, and magiblast him until he drops.
>Get in close and finish the job physically- might as well save some mana.
>Other
>>
>>3061267
>>He’s a bug in a trap for good, now. Get some height, and magiblast him until he drops.
>>
>>3061267
I identify as an attack helicopter and I approve this action
>He’s a bug in a trap for good, now. Get some height, and magiblast him until he drops.
>>
>>3061267
>>He’s a bug in a trap for good, now. Get some height, and magiblast him until he drops.

Ask him to sur-Pftahahahaha! I can't even think about it with a straight face. As for going in close, his speed makes that an obvious ineffective approach. It might work in the end if Miranda tanks some hits, grabs it, and punch real hard a few times to his now squishier body, but I don't want to take damage unless we need to.

Besides, firing at him from above gives that 'looking down on him' feeling that Lysan might appreciate experience for once with who the other summoner is.
>>
>>3061267
>>Get in close and finish the job physically- might as well save some mana.
We've burned 4k man in this fight alone. It was well spent, but that's over a quarter of our total. We need to avoid being frivolous with what's left.
>>
>>3061267
>Look to Lysan, see if he won’t ask him to surrender. Could save you time and energy.

Then when the fat stubborn doesn't give in:

>He’s a bug in a trap for good, now. Get some height, and magiblast him until he drops.
>>
>>3061282
We have mana crystal in our pickets and only have to face two more fights.
>>
>>3061267
>Get in close and finish the job physically- might as well save some mana.
>Other
Grab bug. Crack bug. Laugh.
>>
>>3061267
>Other. Lob some sticky bombs in the prison and when he jumps out, blast him with magiblasts.

Come on guys, if we jump there is a chance he will to and grab us in melee again.
>>
>>3061289
>>3061290
Death from above is the best option since magiblast doesn't cosr us that much mana.
>>
>>3061304
I know, but we have the chance to be creative here and have enough mana crystals to reload our batteries if we need it.
>>
>>3061304
As long as we cackle maniacally afterwards anything is fine by me. Unnerving future opponents is useful.
>>
>>3061307
I think we have being creative enough. Besides i doubt Markus will pass only thing he tried to do the entire fight was trying to supass us in brute strength.

At least the Deertaur was creative and even used a fake with the totem. Honestly this boy only deserves to be looked down and punished.
>>
>>3061308
Well Lysan did say for us to be scary so of course we can crack a evil laugh. Just need to think how Lorelei would do it and try.
>>
Hmmm...i guess Handler fainted.Honestly this can't be good for his health.
>>
>>3061351
MGFHQM@MGFHandler
26 minutes ago
Out of the house for a bit. should be back around 7. Can't post from phone.
>>
>>3061351
Did say short run and it is a work day.
>>
I'm back, just to let you know. Also writing again.
>>
>>3061407
Thanks man, you're making today's commute bearable
>>
>>3061267
>>3061272
>>3061277
>>3061280
>>3061283
No time to let him hammer away! You take a leap and begin fluttering as your palms light up. The first few bolts fly as Zadal turns around; you can see a scowl on his face for a moment...and then his claws lash out as he begins swinging AT the blasts- each one seemingly dissipating on impact with his reddened pincers. Only a slight puff of mana tells the vanishing of each one, and for a moment, you’re actually somewhat annoyed and concerned.

Which is why you pour more energy into the blasts and start saturating the area. The area around your hands brighten for a moment; you’re get him one way or another-

“Graah!” There! One of the blasts hit near his feet, knocked him off balance. You allow a brief volley of followup blasts as soon as you hear the grunt of pain, and by this time there’s a plume of mana-infused smoke that’s flaring up, which is why you decide to stop. Not a good idea to risk desummoning, after all…

Wait, crap, did you ALREADY go too far?

As you wait for the smoke to clear, you’re actually a bit nervous...as are the rest of the spectators, if quiet and locked eyes are any indication. Even Lysan seems curious, and Markus seems almost fearful.

“Grahh…” You let out a breath. That was too close. The smoke clears a bit more, and sure enough, he’s pockmarked with damage here and there, and he’s barely moving, but he’s still there.

“AND THAT’S IT! WINNER IS LYSAN FAIRVIEW!” There’s a lot of clapping and some cheering, although- well, it might just be you, but it feels more muted than before.

At least Iris seems excited, cheering for Lysan audibly. “Woooo! YEAAAAH!”

You’re quick to drop the barriers and the line judges and someone you’re pretty sure is a medic moves in to retrieve him. Lysan blushes, quickly walking away from the field, you catching up with him shortly. “That work for you?” He nods silently.

As you both sit down, Iris flat out glomps Lysan, nearly sending him over with a yelp. “You are officially my favorite person and Kyria is my favorite summon. That was soooo satisfying to watch!” Bellbelle eyes her summoner with confusion (and maybe a bit of worry), but doesn’t say anything, simply looking to you. You just shrug.

(cont.)
>>
Rolled 18, 12 = 30 (2d20)

>>3061482
Lysan, for his part, is blushing again; at least it seems to be mutual between the two of them. “Uhh...thanks! I think things got a bit intense there, though…”

“Nah, you’re fine! Otherwise you wouldn’t have this reaction!” she giggles. “But hey, maybe he’ll think twice about messing with us again!” Looking out at the field where Markus has ran over to his summon, you can see him stomping about in anger. Not sure what that anger’s directed at, but the way he scowls at Zadal makes you think a bit…

Regardless, Zadal is carried off, Markus sits down (as far away from you and Lysan as possible), and the floor is cleaned and fixed once again before the next round is called…

“JACQUELINE BILE VS. DELILAH STONE!” Huh. This one you might be interested in. Delilah was an interesting fight, and Ms. Bile had unique tactics of her own…

Jacqueline, suddenly appearing from the entryway of the gym, shuffles into position, her summon besides her. Where’s she been all this time?

Delilah hops up, clearly more than a bit eager to prove that her making it through was no fluke.

"SUMMONERS READY? SUMMONS READY? BEGIN!" And so it goes...

Although you blink briefly- and then your heart jumps as a bass-like pulse pounds through you.

>Roll 1d20, best of 3.
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3061488
rollin
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>3061488
RIP
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>3061488
18? crud
>>
>>3061493
Oh right, we should consider healing a bit before our next fight if no other emergencies come up. He didn't do any serious damage, but those face cuts could be irritating.
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3061488
Uh oh
>>
There is something odd in the air...

Also Delilah ain't scared of no ghosts. Maybe she should be though.
>>
Oh the Lady outgoer is here!
>>
>>3061488
You can feel the vibrations, moving quickly, but they’re outside of the building. Amanda Kane was her name. Running around the perimeter, it seems...but what could they even WANT? Especially considering they know you’re here, just as you know where they are. You’ll be able to tell as soon as they get in, and if they cause a scene, then...yeah.

Then again, this might be your one chance to ward them off…

>Try to seek them out- once she senses you moving, she’ll likely figure it out.
>Stay put- she may take it as a threatening approach and try to accelerate things.
>Other
>>
>>3061533
>>Try to seek them out- once she senses you moving, she’ll likely figure it out.
It's worth a shot, and if she goes hot the test will likely wind up postponed.
>>
>>3061533
>Other: Grab obe of our mana crystals and recover from the mana we spended.

>Stay put- she may take it as a threatening approach and try to accelerate things.

I don't know why we would want to ward then off and screw up with another outgoer job. Unless she start to do something to threaten our pay. But she doesn't seem to be here for the fight.
>>
>>3061533
>>Stay put- she may take it as a threatening approach and try to accelerate things.
I don't feel like moving away from Lysan.
>>
>>3061539
If the test is postponed that just mea s we get to stay for a little while longer.

Also after our power display i'm pretty sure we are going to be followed either by security or a proctor.
>>
>>3061533
>Stay put
>>
Not budging.

Writing then.
>>
>>3061572
>Writing then.

Oh boy did we picked the wrong option?
>>
>>3061533
>>3061543
>>3061561
>>3061542

No, no. You’re not going to interfere if it doesn’t seem like she’s going to cause any issues- although the way you can sense her circling the gym makes it seem like whatever she’s doing, it’s in here…

The thumping gets more intense as Delilah’s summon attempts to combat Jacqueline’s using that strange staff of his- using it to keep her at bay while it tries to go for that strange ring setup once again. Jacqueline’s actually moving a bit more this time, its own range less effective now and thus forced to fight more evasively. It scratches it’s long, enclothed claws on the ground; there’s no gouge, however- just an odd trail of thick, black ink that it makes a diamond shape with.

Almost seemingly like this is an arts class, seriously…

Before that thought can get too far, however, that thumping increases- and you look near one of the far exits opening casually, and that’s when you finally see her.

Skintight pink catsuit as an undersuit, the form is definitely feminine; her face a strange teardrop shape- or maybe that’s just the green hair that makes you think that. She’s wearing a v-shaped visor, and on her head is a strange, halo-like protuberance out of her forehead, only a slight gap near the back missing. Surrounding her arms and legs are forest green metallic bracers, and her torso has a covering as well, ending right below her breasts. And of course it shows midriff, her blue skin color on full display. She’s got a pouch attached to her waist as well, likely her own bag of holding or other pack. She also has wings, it seems; two, and insectoid styled if you’re correct, currently folded up. You can just barely see two dark eyes behind her visor, glowing like your own, and her own aura flaring a bit, a burnt umber.

She immediately locks eyes with you, and you know she’s probably wondering what you’re doing here, same as you with her. Barely taking her eyes off you, she walks up to one of the staff, pulling something out of her pack and showing it to them. After reading it, he nods, and hands it back, and she nods, walking into a- bathroom? Hm. Well, she didn’t have anyone come in with her, just her by herself...

Suddenly, there’s a bleat, the crowd roars, and your attention is forced from her as Delilah’s summon falls to its knees, clutching its side. You’re unsure what just happened- there are soft pink clouds around the area, and several fading figures that look like copies of Jacqueline's own summon as the real one stands a distance away, its own cloth seemingly burnt at the edges a bit and smoke rising from it.

(cont.)
>>
>>3061632
“Whoa, I don’t think Delilah’s gonna make it…” Iris says contemplatively. Jacqueline’s always been a moody sort, but I didn’t think she was this clever, y’know?”

Lysan nods. “Yeah, it’s honestly kinda scary...unless you’ve figured out anything we haven’t, Kyria?” He looks to you askance. And here you were not quite paying attention.

>I’m afraid not. Just don’t get close to her and be careful.
>You’ll have to excuse me, I was a bit...preoccupied.
>I wouldn’t worry so much. That just causes needless stress.
>Other
>>
>>3061633
>You’ll have to excuse me, I was a bit...preoccupied.
>Other:As far as what i have seen her summon has sone kind of skill or ability to absorv damage and send it back to the oponent. Can't tell if there is a limit or something else. Unless you are talking about something i missed while...distracted.
>>
>>3061633
>>I’m afraid not. Just don’t get close to her and be careful.
>>
>>3061633
>I’m afraid not. Just don’t get close to her and be careful.
So she bucks off behind the bike sheds between matches and ???? Uses some kind of angery booster rune! Uh
>>
>>3061633
>>I’m afraid not. Just don’t get close to her and be careful.
>>
I guess Jacqueline summon could be countered with our barriers since she seems to be dependent of the adversary summon to attack her's.
>>
>>3061633
>I’m afraid not. Just don’t get close to her and be careful.
Shit. I have a bad feeling about this. What if she is an insurance by the you-know-whos to ensure that no 'undesireables' pass the test?
>>
>>3061671
Then we break her unfortunantly. At least it will give us a excuse to go all out. Besides i doubt with Tadal and Lucia as the judges they would allow Lysan to pass if we don't at least win every fight.
>>
>>3061633
>I’m afraid not. Just don’t get close to her and be careful
We have yet to meet summon who can out smart our fists. Or bullets.
>>
>>3061633
>>3061639
>>3061640
>>3061645
>>3061671

How to win fights: Don't get hit.

Writing.
>>
Also i'm pretty sure that the goal from this tournament is so that the students show off their favorite summon if she drops into the fray by replacing someone else summon that should be a obvious break of the rules.

Unless someone uses illusion magic on her to hide her appearance.
>>
>>3061687
Sounds like a pretty solid advice to me.
>>
>>3061694
Would be mildly amusing if the authorities decided to hire her to keep an eye on us, though that might mean trouble for Lysan in the future. Not our problem so meh.
>>
>>3061716
I'm kinda thinking that she is here to be extra security for the tournament, in case some kind of rogue summon or something else shows up.

And the way Tandal and Lucia as well as the rest of the others are reacting to us i kinda feel warm inside that they consider Randa to be that dangerous
>>
>>3061687
You shake your head. “I’m afraid not. All I can say is to just don’t get close to her, and be careful. That damage reflection skill of hers is going to be hard to fight against. But it DOES seem like it has to be activated first…” You’d like to know what technique you just missed, but maybe you can talk to Lysan about it later.

Delilah’s summon, showing its resilience yet again, stands up, although it’s breathing hard and is moving shakily, while Jacqueline’s summon is doing nothing at all. There’s a faint moment where everyone is holding their breath; even the summoners themselves…

And then the deetaur points his staff, as a number of smoky snakes expel out of it yet again- you’re wondering what the purpose is, when the ghost seems to slip between all of them but doesn’t approach...why doesn’t she-

“We’re done...” Huh? Everyone on the bench turns to Jacqueline and her summon, both of which, have turned to one of the line judges, but you think you’re the only one that heard outright. “This is about all we can do for now...”

The judge looks at her summon, which nods...and then makes a sign, which causes an uproar.

“AAAANND...JACQUELINE BILE HAS FORFEITED HER MATCH! THE VICTORY GOES TO DELILAH STONE!” the Principal announces- although you can tell even he’s a bit confused.

“Wait, what? Why’d she quit?!” Iris asks in astonishment; you can’t blame her. Everyone’s abuzz with questions, and even you aren’t quite sure...and then you realize that they’re still in his circle. Maybe that has anything to do with it?

Regardless, even as Delilah looks on in shock, Jacqueline casually starts walking away, her summon following her placidly. As you look at the judges, you’re surprised to see, of all people, Tandal nodding slightly as the others write their scores.

Lysan actually gets up. “Okay, I REALLY wanna know what was up with that. You wanna come with?”

>No, you’ll stay here. You're focused on someone more interesting.
>You’ll follow, sure. There had to be a reason why she surrendered...
>Other

(Done for tonight. Will resume Friday.)
>>
>>3061732
>You’ll follow, sure. There had to be a reason why she surrendered...
>>
>>3061732
>You’ll follow, sure. There had to be a reason why she surrendered...
Well, i think we all know why she did that.
>>
>>3061732
>You’ll follow, sure. There had to be a reason why she surrendered...

See you Friday boss man.
>>
>>3061732
>>No, you’ll stay here. You're focused on someone more interesting.
That was odd, but this makes a good chance to check on our fellow outgoer.

Thanks for running.
>>
>>3061732
>You’ll follow, sure. There had to be a reason why she surrendered...
Guess we aren't allowed to examine the arena
>>
>>3061739
She got threatend just like we did?
>>
Some kind of scheme involving match fixing perhaps? Maybe that's why they consider us dangerous, we're a strong unknown factor. We should have established contact with Amanda a while ago to be honest.
>>
>>3061743
All this time we though that the people from the club were talking about Markus but actually it was Delilah that is getting the support from the elites to pass
>>
>>3061748
It's i believe that's what the people from the club were talking about when they mentioned that Lysan would be in danger if he ranked high in the tournament. A lot of people apparently putted money on it and it's a way for the elite to show off.
>>
>>3061732
>>You’ll follow, sure. There had to be a reason why she surrendered...
>>
>>3061746
Definitely

>>3061749
The question is why. As far as i can remember she wasn't special in any aspect. On an unrelated note, we might want to alert millie about the situation that might unfold
>>
>>3061757
Most likely her summon. Remember the club had a thing about limiting his members based on a summon. Most likely measuring looks, power astetics etc...so good looking summons should look powerfull and only the elite should have this beautofull AND powerfull summons.

At least that is what i'm assuming
>>
>>3061746
Maybe, but that implies that one judge is in on it. My other theory is that the only option she had left was to kill it, but I don't have anything to back that up.
>>3061743
Can't we trust them not to fuck with us by default though?
>>
Maybe she just didn't want her summon to get seriously hurt

No need to shadowrun
>>
>>3061802
It doesn't make sense because she had the clear advantage over delilah and victory was at her grasp.
>>
>>3061732
>You’ll follow, sure. There had to be a reason why she surrendered...
She wants to keep a surprise for us methinks.
>>
>>3061802
>anonymous that play quest and probably visit tg
>not shadowrunning everything

Sometimes a little paranoia is a good thing.

>>3061814
Or maybe she is the type that thinks that victory isn't what is actually important and yes showing off what you can do to the people watching the tournament.
>>
>>3061732
>You’ll follow, sure. There had to be a reason why she surrendered...
Well we have to protect lysan anyway.
>>
So i guess from the two sub-quest we got we completed one.

We got one from Iris to humilate Markus and we got one from Millie, Lysan's sister to keep her brother safe.
>>
>>3061893
Suppose the first one counts, but until we are absolutely sure about the second it's best to be on our toes
Wonder what the others from SES would look like as summons. Lori probably some sort of lenen sidhe while Izumi a zashikiwarashi may be. Can't imagine Owlia and Cylica apart so they might act like a typical good/bad conscience pair. Mono would be a siren obviously.
>>
>>3061814
Everyone thought she had the advantage. Only she and her summon know her limits and how the power works. We know the centaur was close to fucking us up and we negated their trick, and this ghost didn't. We don't know what the actual situation was in the fight or if surrendering was the correct choice
>>
>>3061960
It's the old saying from RPG's sometimes you need to know when to backdown from a fight you know you can't win.

Specialy in this tournament were victory isn't actually important. It does give you a good amount of points but if you out skill the enemy then you will have enough points already.
>>
>>3061916
I think mono would be a combination of a siren and a sucubus.
>>
>>3062033
>sucubus
What.
>>
>>3062158
Mono bancestors were originally succubii. Thats why she can enthrall people, create illusions and in her world needed to be outside of society.
>>
>>3061732
>You’ll follow, sure. There had to be a reason why she surrendered...
Be prepared to use hearing boost.
And use self-heal before the next fight.
>>
>>3062302
Don't forget to restore some of our mana. But maybe it's time we become more melee focused since everyone already saw most of our tricks.
>>
>>3062356
Even if we don't go full-melee, we should at least pull out one of our swords.
>>
>>3062373
did we bring more than one? because dual-wielding could be fun for intimidation, if impractical.
>>
>>3062378
We have the rapier for sure (already used it earlier on) and I believe we have the gravity sword as well.
>>
>>3061893
It's not a subquest unless we get something out of it. Lysan asked us to pummel Markus's summon afaik, and he's our primary. It's not like he's offering us additional pay if we do.
>Other hunt down Lysan's sister and tell her shit might just hit the fan.
>>
>>3063190
We did get something. We became Iris favorite summon. Just like how she said. Not all rewards are material gains anon. Also we should be able to ask her more stuff now that we are her favorite summon.
>>
>>3063198
I don't think her favor converts to motes.
>>
>>3063463
It doesn't. I never saud that the reward would converte to motes. Unless she manages to make a name for herself and always remember that Kyra summon and once she grows up and has her empire she will summon SES for another job.

Besides friendship is much more valuable then motes.
>>
>>3063478
HAHAHAHA, YOU FUCKING WISH.
That only matters in the intersection and only in special cases, but here? Not at all.
>>
>>3063478
>friendship is much more valuable then motes
Pfft, not in this quest. We're after cold hard motes only.
>>
>>3063484
>>3063496
Glad you guys enjoyed my joke.

I mean come on anyone that read MGH knows we only care for motes.
>>
>>3063498
Classic!
>>
>>3061732
>>3061736
>>3061739
>>3061741
>>3061743
>>3061744
>>3061756
>>3061818
>>3061857
>>3062302
You nod, getting up as well. “Alright. I was curious why she surrendered myself, if I’m being honest.”

It doesn’t take long for the two of you to catch up to her just outside, as she seems to be looking at a small index card. You can’t read it entirely, but as you get closer she turns around and tucks it away in a small pocket. “Yes?”

“Uh, hey!” Lysan’s voice thins out a bit when he starts speaking- you get the feeling he might’ve gotten the idea in his head without actually figuring out what to say. “So, uh...well, I guess I was just wondering…”

“Why did I quit?” Jacqueline asks evenly, her voice soft as a cloud. Lysan purses his lips, but nods. “...because I didn’t have a reason to continue. And fighting in the circle was very...exhausting, for Laverne.” She motions to her summon, which just looks at the both of you. “Yours holds...a darker power than my own. And she was able to use that power to...disable it.” Fancy work for breaking that part of the arena, but… “Laverne could not, so she moved very carefully.”

“Yeah, but even then, you were able to use that weird phantom touch thing- you had her on the ropes!” Lysan counters. “If you’d did it again, you would’ve won!”

“Laverne...would have been dispelled had I done that.” she remarks, looking to the side, near. “But I’ve said enough. I might get to the next round, at least...I hope.”

Hm.

>Ask anything else?

>Regardless, roll 1d10, best of 3.
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>3063811
Dawwww
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>3063811
>>
Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>3063811
I don't have anything, so I'm just gonna roll and hope someone more eloquent then me can come up with something to say.

How was your Turkey Day, Handler?
>>
Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>3063811
No more questions. She'll probably get a lot of points for being able to accurately gauge her summons' health and status, and realizing she was in an unwinnable position.
>>
>>3063822
Was pretty okay. Not a whole lot to say about it. Missed some family, though.
>>
>>3063811
"I think i might have a though in what you are saying Miss Jacqueline. Just anwser me this does your quitting has anything to do with the [insert here the name of those elite students group]"
>>
>>3063811
Hm, is this the quiet girl in the shonen anime that gets a disproportionate amount of fanart?
Can we sense Amanda Kane lurkin' around? Gotta make sure she doesn't set up line of effect on Lysan, she might have GUN.
>>
>>3063811
Actually...

"It's good to know your weaknesses, but only if you work on trying to find solutions to them. Best of luck to the both of you."
>>
>>3063832
She is dodging the question. i don't think her summon was damage to that extend.

>>3063811
"Dark power eh? I like you. You are a smart girl other times you would have being a great mage. Unlike the fakers that walk around this school."
>>
>>3063838
Just put a barrier around Lysan. But i suspect she will target us.
>>
After reading what >>3063838 said. And Jacqueline talking about having her summon dispersed i'm starting to think that Kane is a sniper hired to snipe the summons that try win the challenge.

Guess we found the archer from the setting.
>>
>Okay, okay, okay...where are they, wherrrrre are they...? Come oooon, intel said they were here, and I'm kinda pressed for- aha! Jackpot! come to mama, pretty papers! Okay, let's see here...easy, easy, easy, not-so-easy, not-so-easy- oof, this guy might actually be tough...aaaaand shit, yeah, no points for who THAT is. *sigh* It can never be my lucky day, can it? Guuuuh. Okay, okay...hm. How do I get out of THIS one?

Writing.
>>
Also we can't let it slide tgat she said:

>Yours holds...a darker power than my own.
>than my own.

Notice that she didn't said greater power but DARKER power. Someone doesn't like that dark powered summons, or summons that don't have angelic like powers. Possibly because it thinks they are all evil summons or because she/He doesn't like the type of summon.

Which makes me think that Vandal is in on it in a blind though that she is protecting everyone from evil summons.Since she nod in aproval for Jacqueline quitting

Of course it could be nothing and she just nodding for the girl realizing her limits and leaving the fight before she got injured.
>>
>>3063867
Wonder if that is Amanda.
>>
>>3063868
Well, I want to say I don't think she'd be un-professional. But she did hunt us down outside of school hours for a throw-down right before a tournament we are participating in and she is proctoring, so professionalism isn't her main goal.
I suspect she's just holier than thou and approves of dark summoners losing.
>>3063873
Who else would it be?

Also, shit I forgot to do a write-in to the scene girl. Oh well, I got Amanda panic, it's like scuffed Lory!
>>
>>3063892
Dunno who else could it be. I was just weirded that she got afraid/worried about randa since she is from Flashpoint who is one of the top Outgoer groups.

Maybe she heard about Randa fight and people are starting to talk about her in the outgoer groups.
>>
>>3063928
Wasn't Flashpoint the "Drown the problem in mostly competent people" group and not one of the groups that throws walking WMDs at the problem?
>>
>>3063977
I could be wrong but i recall someone mentioning flashpoint as one of the top outgoer groups.

Of course i don't remember which thread that was mentioned so...yeah i could be wrong.
>>
>>3063985
Interdiction are the hotshot puff-pants who cheated in a 2v1 duel against Izumi.

I recall that Flashpoint was the same group that we encountered in the wild west world and we rescued.
And then put to work for us.
Flashpoint do seem to rely on numerous semi-competent outgoers, unlike our "cool story, send in the WMDs and I'll watch while I eat this cake" Dealmaker
>>
>>3064015
>"cool story, send in the WMDs and I'll watch while I eat this cake" Dealmaker

That made me laugh. Also thanks for clarifying it. Wonder if she is the girl we rescued. Would make sense if she keeps complaining about her luck.
>>
>>3063811
>>3063822
>>3063820
>>3063816
You sigh. All in all, it DOES make sense… “I suppose that’s understandable,” you offer as the two look to you. “Just so long as you weren’t coerced or anything was done to you to force that decision.”

She fixes you with a singular look, before turning away, as the hair on the back of your neck stands up. “Even if I was...it’s not your place to-”

Before you can even register it, you’ve turned away towards a wall in the distance; you’re not sure what’s going on, but instinct screams at you to move; your feet lift just as a speck of *something* impacts at your right foot was- it’s not big enough of an impact to be a bullet, but there’s a small speck of some sort of white paste there. You’re not sure what it is, but you don’t want to find out the hard way.

“Whoa!” Lysan says as he jumps- even Jacqueline seems shocked, taking a couple of steps back. “What was that?!” Good question. That thumping...Amanda Kane- if that is her, and you’re pretty sure it is- shouldn’t have even fired from that direction! She’s still in the bathroom...at least, that pounding in your body says so.

“I think it was a bird…” Jacqueline says nervously.

Lysan squints at the splatter, before frowning. “I guess…” He doesn’t seem like he believes it, himself...

>That wasn’t a bird. You need to see where the shot came from.
>That’s it- you need to confront the other Outgoer.
>Get back inside. Whatever’s happening can’t be done in there.
>Other
>>
>>3064015
Or we are seeing only that kind of people because that is the kind of people they send for the misions we go and they send the competent ones to higher paying missions.
>>
>>3064015
>>3063977
I keep mistaking Flashpoint for Dynamic Methods for some reason... DM’s the one with the airships and the planes, right?
>>
>>3064032
>>That’s it- you need to confront the other Outgoer.
>>
>>3064032
>Get back inside with both of them. Whatever’s happening can’t be done in there.
>Alert Millie ASAP
>>
>>3064032
>That’s it- you need to confront the other Outgoer.

“You have a look on your face that says otherwise, Lysan. And I’m inclined to agree.”
>>
>>3064032
>That’s it- you need to confront the other Outgoer.

Also found the top 3's descriptions in https://archived.moe/qst/thread/612754/#623501

"The top dogs are Interdiction, and there are at least 20 MGs working under them, with a lot of other various sorts. They're jacks of all trades.

Flashpoint is another, and as their name implies kinda, they're mostly search and retrieval, focusing on speed. If you want 'mysterious suppliers that tell you about or drop an ancient artifact in your lap', that's Flashpoint.

Dynamic Methods is actually very similar to a traditional mercenary corporation in that they tend to operate in squads, are lower powered peoples that still want to be outgoers, and tend to be the ultimate in deniable assets."
>>
>“I think it was a bird…” Jacqueline says nervously.

Ah it was the rich boy bird summon.
>>
>>3064032
>That wasn’t a bird. You need to see where the shot came from.
Bird watcher Miranda go
>>
>>3064032
>Other
Get Lysan to Millie, then find the outgoer
>>
>>3064064
You got a point there.

DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE LICHEN UNPROTECTED?
>>
>>3064032
>Get back inside. Whatever’s happening can’t be done in there.

changing my vote
>>
>>3064098
I doubt we would see the outgoer without him. Anyway we should keep close to him or take him to Millie.

Pressing the girl for more ibformation will just put her in more danger anyway.
>>
>>3064057
>>3064042
>>3064049
Let's not risk leaving the girl or Lysan alone guys.
>>
Counting >>3064096 as 'get inside', it's tied.
>>
>>3064032
>>3064057
Changing to
>That wasn’t a bird. You need to see where the shot came from
>>
>>3064032
>>Get back inside. Whatever’s happening can’t be done in there.
Gotta find Millie...
>>
Okay, that still means that
>Get back inside
wins, however.

Writing!
>>
I think I just changed how it's tied and not that it is tied. Perhaps a coin flip will be needed
>>
>>3064032
Yeah, no, you’re not risking this. “Get back inside. NOW.” The both of them listen to you without complaint, power-walking back in without complaint. The next battle is still going on- it involves neither Iris, Nerisa, or anyone else you’re interested in, so you elect to ignore it- and instead do your best to look casual as you try to find Millie in the crowd. It’s not long before you do; she’s almost looking at you and Lysan before you are at her, and you do your best to act casual as you make a motion near the concession stand for her to come down.

“Wait, Millie?” Lysan asks as he sees your intent. “Why?”

“Because I’m fairly certain she can help,” you say quickly. "One way or another." Jacqueline says nothing, but she frowns, twiddling her fingers; and Laverne flitters behind her in apparently worry.

Before much longer, Millie comes down, concern on her face. “Hm? What’s going on?” She asks.

>Tell her that you think someone is targeting you and you want to quietly investigate.
>Just ask her to keep an eye on Lysan while you take care of something.
>Ask her if she’s ever had any issues with match-fixing or the sort.
>Other
>>
>>3064204
A bird almost pooped on me, help!
>>
>>3064204
>Tell her that you think someone is targeting you and you want to quietly investigate.
>Ask her if she’s ever had any issues with match-fixing or the sort.
We can do both. Maybe not in this order though.
>>
>>3064204
>>Ask her if she’s ever had any issues with match-fixing or the sort.
>>
>>3064204
>Just ask her to keep an eye on Lysan while you take care of something.

>Tell her that you think someone is targeting you and you want to quietly investigate.
>>
>>3064204
>Ask her if she’s ever had any issues with match-fixing or the sort.
>Tell her that you think someone is targeting you and you want to quietly investigate.

"Suffice to say, there's another summon like me here in the stadium. If I get de-summoned, check in on the Maestro Club, they're probably the one's responsible for it. Also, just for an added complication, your little brother's crush has been gunning to join them, so if I don't make it, see if you can convince her to help you."
>>
>>3064232
I see we are dropping the bomb and not even considering helping the other outgoer...Meh it's fine. Sometimes that happens.
>>
>>3064204
> "Have you ever had problems with match-fixing or anything like that? Here, talk about it with Jacqueline and Lysan while I go do something else completely unrelated."
>>
>>3064232
Dont sound so dramatic. Makes it look we are weaker than what we are in reality.
>>
>>3064204
>>3064222
Adding to my vote
>ask her to keep an eye on Lysan and Jacqueline
>>
>>3064242
For all we know she is against our goals, and she didn't even had the courtesy of trying to contact us.
>>
>>3064204
>Tell her that you think someone is targeting you and you want to quietly investigate.
>>
>>3064259
Maybe she is just a little intimidated? Miranda managed to get on top against the top outgoers and is a know WMD. She can be pretty intimidating we also didn't approach her while we could have done everything.

She is just trying to get pay i'm sure there is a solution to this.
>>
>>3064242
I'd have been more sympathetic if they were from Dynamic Methods or The Knights Resplendent. Our relationship with Flashpoint is... a bit more mercenary, to say the least, although I wouldn't be opposed to do a job for them under contract to smooth things over.
>>
>>3064275
I feel bad for you senpai, drop me an line and I'll help you out with something, but gotta get paid *BLAP BLAP* [insert saved by Flashpoint Dealmaker]
>>
>>3064246
It's not dramatic, it's to up our chances of getting resummoned if we fail so we can get something out of a failed mission. Failing that, at least we'll have some form of revenge.
>>
>>3064204
>>Just ask her to keep an eye on Lysan while you take care of something.
>>
A situation has occurred. Also, a completely unrelated question...
>>
>>3064281
But we wont fail. We like to get paid and we dont like to be on Sal's bad side.
>>
>>3064345
Shit happens. We've failed before, and we'll probably fail again. And Sal getting mad has been either us screwing up on a mission that was personally important to him, or us making a rookie mistake when we were a rookie.
>>
>>3064281
I see someone didn't read the finale from the tine we got Mono. That was our biggest failure yet and Sal got super angry at us for failling like we did.

No one wants that again.
>>
>>3064359
You must be a fun guy at gatherings.
>>
>>3064359
>>3064367
See above.
>>
>>3064359
Either way its not a good idea to give the impression that we are facing something stronger than us. It paints us as weak and incompetent, and makes the other party nervous.
>>
>>3064371
It's only logical that we can't succeed all the time. I'm just saying that there might be a mission we can't win eventually, and that that's okay. I'm wondering why you think we'd have to win every single mission, that attitude'll only lead up to a big OOC meltdown during a quest if and or when we do take a loss.
>>
>>3064387
That already happen. Look up the first crossover. Also dont be a sourpuss and expect us to fail.
>>
>>3064396
I'm not expecting, I'm just being realistic. Why are you so gung-ho on having us win no matter the cost? I'm just saying there's times when you can't win, and that's okay. It sucks, but I can get over it, because it's not the end of the quest.
>>
>>3064387
Sure whatever dude.
>>
>>3064204
“Quick question,” you venture. “Have you ever had any issues with this event? Like match-fixing or the sort?” If something iffy was going on, you wanted to be sure.

“Well…” Millie’s eyes flick behind you, where Jacqueline was standing, and they freeze there for a moment before slowly returning to you. “There’s always someone trying to make a quick buck or someone trying to hire an up and comer for cheap or the like. I think there’s been once before, where a company promised a high position in exchange for staying around a certain placement. I’d have to get the files. Why do you ask? Do you suspect?” Suddenly she’s all business. “If need be I can get the Department involved…”

“I’d rather not,” you say quickly and quietly. “I think someone is targeting me and I want to investigate- quietly, preferably.”

You get a look from all present parties at that. “You’re...joking, right?” Millie asks. You just shake your head, as she drops into a whisper as well, and you all walk carefully over to the entranceway. “You can’t be serious; this could be a public threat!”

“Look, I think it’s a summon like me,” you explain. “And if that’s the case, then they’re probably not going to get violent…” although you’re not ENTIRELY positive. “Just let me find them, confront them, and I promise this will be solved before long.”

Millie frowns, thinking it over.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3.
>>
Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>3064467
>>
Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>3064467
>>
Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>3064467
[spoilet] for mother
>>
>>3064491
Fuck i fucked up!
>>
>>3064467
Shit
>>
>>3064467
Oof, I sure didn't want to give Millie hints like that, we're a special kind of summon, there's another of our kind here, gon' go have a confrontation.
Ew ew ew
Also where did Jacqueline go? or is that "was" supposed to be "is"? Is would make more sense. I will assume it was a typo ;P
>>
Well kinda makes sense that Millie doesn't want a summon as powerfull as us walking around the place full of civilians. Specialy if that summon could possibly target her little brother.
>>
>>3064496
Hey, you still rolled better then me, so it's not completely screwed up.

Unless you're talking about the spoilers, in which case you're a complete failure who needs to head into the woods to write a manifesto against technology and grow a big mountain man beard.[/s]
>>
Handler?

You still with us?
>>
>>3064582
nothing on his twitter he may have fainted.
>>
>>3064582
He's probably returning from work
>>
>>3064640
Or this.
>>
Yeah, I'm back, sorry. It was one of those 'I shouldn't be out that long wait shit' moments.
>>
>>3064647
I know how that id. Have being having to many of those this week.
>>
>>3064467
>>3064472
>>3064475
>>3064491
Sighing, she shakes her head. “No...I don’t like this. If it’s someone even as remotely as powerful as you, I don’t want the risk of things escalating so hard if they believe you’re the only thing standing between them and getting away with...whatever it is.”

“You don’t think bringing in your entire department would be escalating things?” you counter.

Suddenly, a cheer goes up- it seems like the fight just ended; with a knockout, no less. That means you have even LESS time to worry about this before the next fight. Great.

Millie frowns. “It’d be post fact. Look, I like having fun, but I DO have a job to do, and it specifically involves investigating potential issues like this. If you really want to investigate, then you’ve got maybe fifteen minutes to solve the issue before I get in contact with the department and start handling things myself. If you end up causing property damage, though...” she levels you with a stare that leaves no room for misinterpretation about how she’d take that.

“Uhh...wait, really?” Lysan asks. “If they ARE as strong as Kyria, then don’t you think we might aggravate them if we try to do something?”

“That’s why I said I’LL start handling things myself,” Millie mentions. “So if you’re going to do anything, do it now.” She starts walking off, and suddenly, you feel a shadow move across your vision. Turning around…

“...please fix this,” Jacqueline says lowly, very much in both of your personal space. “I would...not want Laverne gone.”

Great. Let’s see...that thumping feeling- she’s still in the bathroom- what the heck is taking her so long-

Suddenly, there’s a rumble from outside, something that immediately causes a number of the audience to look out in that direction, even if they can’t see as concerning voices start going up. Millie pauses, looking in that direction with a grimace, and picks up her pace as she begins to jog out of the rear doors. A few of the adult chaperones look at each other cautiously, and some of the guard there move to the entrance to check it out.

Fifteen minutes, huh? Fine, that means that you’ve got to make your moves carefully. Especially since Millie has said she basically doesn’t want you to confront the would-be culprit alone.

>Go get and warn Iris of the situation, maybe she’ll be willing to help you look around.
>Head outside as well, see what’s going on out there. To make that kind of sound...
>You COULD at least maybe spook her away- she'd STILL know where you are, though.
>>
>>3064723
>Go to the Bathroom and talk with the other outgoer.
>Give millie a murmur stone so she can talk with you.
>>
>>3064723
>>Head outside as well, see what’s going on out there. To make that kind of sound...
>>
>>3064723
>Head outside as well, see what’s going on out there. To make that kind of sound...
>>
>>3064723
>Go get and warn Iris of the situation, maybe she’ll be willing to help you look around.
That rumbling could have just been a distraction.
>>
>>3064723
>>Head outside as well, see what’s going on out there. To make that kind of sound...
>Grab Iris and/or Nerisa as well, if we can find them.

Yeah, might need to have that wait for a little bit, seeing as there's explosions now...
>>
>>3064723
>Head outside as well, see what’s going on out there. To make that kind of sound...
Make sure to keep lysein in our sight.
>>
>>3064760
I think that's what she was doing around the perimeter earlyear. She wasn't checking on it she was planting bombs.
>>
>>3064723
What's going on outside? We're about to find out.

Writing.
>>
>>3064491
Wrong thread
>>
>>3064723
>Whatever you do, do be sure to bring Lysan because apparently Millie just flaked. Also sounds like we're going to be re-enacting our test of mind, do you remember the right answers kiddos?
>Head outside as well, see what’s going on out there. To make that kind of sound...
To my understanding the only things we REALLY need to complete this mission are the proctors and Lysan. So, let's keep an eye out for them.
>>
>re-enacting our test of mind, do you remember the right answers kiddos?

Nebula buster everything?
>>
>>3064798
No, not everything.

Just the things that aren't paying us.
>>
>>3064806
Pretty sure Lysan will be failed if his dodgy summons makes a crater without a very good reason.
>>
>>3064811
It was a obvious joke and anyone that took that seriously is just a idiot
>>
>>3064823
Oh, you are too good at jokes!
>>
>>3064723
>>3064747
>>3064755
>>3064760
>>3064764
Hm. Whatever’s going on outside, you don’t like it. “Lysan, stay close,” you order. No time to worry about if anyone questions it right now- the situation seems like it could get dangerous very fast.

And as you sprint to the doorway and hear the soldiers shouting, you realize that it’s not a matter of ‘could’, it’s a matter of ‘will’.

Looking outside, you’re witness to what seems like at least a several DOZEN summons, just outside of what seems to be the now destroyed gate.

And they’re marching on the school.

Most of them white-eyed, from what you can see, but several blue eyed, and most of them oddly similar...bipedal, bandanas on their foreheads…armor...Is this an army?! What the fuck?

“No way...” Lysan says, white as a sheet. Even Jacqueline is astonished, staring at the sight with naked fear.

Kane...is she really responsible for THIS? What is she up to?!

(Aaaaand stopping it there for tonight! Oh dear.)
>>
>>3064845
Thanks for the run!
>>
>>3064845
Oooh nice. time to apply the lessons learned in the test of mind. or the one where we were asked questions.
>>
>>3064845
Oh well guess this is interesting. Kinda want to join Kane side now.
>>
>>3064845
...I had a feeling that something like this could happen... Both the twist and that cliffhanger.

Good night, boss! When's the next likeliest run going to be?
>>
>>3064867
I say we grab Lysan, his friends and family and leave. Because it's not in our contract to fight a army. And we get to squeaze something more as we change the contract!
>>
>>3064873
Yup. It's not our problem unless they're here specifically for Lysan. Get his family and GTFO
>>
>>3064873
It is in our contract to follow his orders, though... and that doesn't get into the whole "Pass the Exam" thing, which either has gone out the window, or changed to "Help save the School to earn your passing grade". We just have to hope that he doesn't get all noble and bullshit and wants to figure out what's happening.

Who am I kidding, of course he's gonna do that. The harem anime tropes seem to follow him everywhere.
>>
>>3064896
>It is in our contract to follow his orders
Going by the contract:
>Help, Pretty Please!: Uh, soo...I hear you guys are really good at handling hard problems, right? Well, I might’ve accidentally messed up. I REALLY need someone to partner with me and help me finish these tests so that I can finish my final summoner’s exam, and while this might not be ‘legal’, it’s still a valid summon!
>Riders Added: Minimum Collateral Damage/Narrative Rider

no, not really. We're here to help him pass the test, and try to ACT as his summon when we need to in front of others due to the narrative rider. But otherwise It is not in the contract to follow his orders absolutely, So long as there's no need to, our focus should still be trying to get him to pass and keep him alive before he pays us above all else.
>>
>>3064896
We even got a new add to the harem Jacqueline.
>>
>>3064924
I though that the narrative rider stated that we would need to follow his orders.
>>
>Minimum Collateral Damage

i didn't even remembered about that. Glad we didn't figthed the proctor lady or went to far against the lizard dude.
>>
>>3064927
...I've mentioned this before, but what should we do if he decides to confess to us? That's one of the romance options that happens in those types of animoos.

Not that I would know that much about animoo...

>>3064924
I'm pretty sure that following the orders of the summoner is required to completing a mission, at least for our typical job as enforcer. Besides, following orders IS the narrative rider, as that's what prevents us from being labeled as a rogue summon.
>>
>>3064955
>the narrative rider here
Ugh...
>>
Welp, told you guys we should have got a hold of Kane a while ago. She was the ONLY threatening unknown factor in this milk run. That wasn't professional, forgetting to minimize threats and all.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2939571/
>”Aaaaaaaand back!” oh, right! “Got a bit of informaaaaaation on your potential interference. Goes by Amanda Kaaaane, and she’s with Flashpoint! Wouldn’t tell me the jooooob, though. Hooopefully she’s just there to get something and be on her way.”
>>3063867
>Okay, okay, okay...where are they, wherrrrre are they...? Come oooon, intel said they were here, and I'm kinda pressed for- aha! Jackpot! come to mama, pretty papers! Okay, let's see here...easy, easy, easy, not-so-easy, not-so-easy- oof, this guy might actually be tough...aaaaand shit, yeah, no points for who THAT is. *sigh* It can never be my lucky day, can it? Guuuuh. Okay, okay...hm. How do I get out of THIS one?

Looks like she botched a run, and are now under controlled or she negotiated with whatever beat her in to get her thingies, in exchange for some side jobs. Flashpoint employees and us should stop meeting like this, the last time we met they lost like 2 MGs.
>>
>>3065054
Well, if they interfere more, they could be losing another this time as well.
>>
>>3064955
>...I've mentioned this before, but what should we do if he decides to confess to us?

We give him the saber anwser to Shirou. We are a spirit/summon and we can't have a relation with a summoner because a relation between a dead spirit and a living being isn't healthy. Then we have a dramatic good bye between each other as we fade away just to have the boy train harder to try and become a hero
>>
>>3065054
Is it wrong that the only thing i see is a oportunity to use a nebula buster to make a opening in the army so everyone can escape?


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F_WXs1X60wM
>>
>>3065339
yes, because we have the collateral damage rider.

>>3064955
We laugh. Hard. Either way, Iris is already trying her hardest to hook up with Lychen, so everything is fine,
>>
>>3065783
Fuck you are right. Oh well best case is telling the teachers or making the gym the last position against the invading army
>>
>>3065783
Actually we have a narrative rider, no collateral rider, so we COULD casually toss out a nuke... but... eh...
>>
>>3065793
i mean, they arent exactly hard to beat either. Most of them are level 1, and i'm pretty sure they cant be micromanaged. Us fighting seriously should be able to dissipate them(supposing lysa is up to that)

>>3065795
>Riders Added: Minimum Collateral Damage/Narrative Rider
>>
>>3064845
“GET ALL CIVILIANS TO TAKE SHELTER AND HUNKER DOWN! NO ONE LEAVES THE AREA!” One of the guard yells frantically. “GET ALL ABLE BODIED GUILD MEMBERS AND ABLE FACULTY HERE NOW!” Said guard is quick to look back. “Kids, get out of here! Get back in the gym and take cover!”

Jacqueline eyes her, and then you briefly, before nodding, and shuffling back inside, Laverne behind her. Lysan, gritting his teeth, looks between the gym and the encroaching masses. “Darn it...I know you’re supposed to protect me, but…we have to do something! Especially...especially because Millie!”

Ah. That’s right. She IS out there. Still, he has a point- in that your job here IS to help him pass his tests, and protect him.

>And the best way to do that is to stay by him; the guard will do what they can, and when or if they fail...you won’t.
>In terms of protection, in this case, the best defense is a good offense. All he needs to do is give the word.
>Then you’ll leave the fighting to the others. You’ll see about Lysan’s sister- after he’s back safe in the gym.
>Other
>>
>>3066268
>>In terms of protection, in this case, the best defense is a good offense. All he needs to do is give the word.
>>
>>3066268
>Then you’ll leave the fighting to the others. You’ll see about Lysan’s sister- after he’s back safe in the gym.
>>
>>3066268
>And the best way to do that is to stay by him; the guard will do what they can, and when or if they fail...you won’t

>Other: "Your sister is a strong woman she will manage. The guards and proctors will easily take care of these summons. They are all adults with various degrees of experience, even with figthing. Besides someone needs to keep the civilians and your parents safe in case the guards and proctors fail the students and their summons will be the last line between the enemy forces."
>>
>>3066283
>>3066280
Don't forget that the outgoer lady and the rich people from the club are still inside guys. We need to keep Lysan and Jacqueline safe and beat way is grouping with Iris and Nerissa.
>>
>>3066268
>>And the best way to do that is to stay by him; the guard will do what they can, and when or if they fail...you won’t.
Out priority is Lysan. Let the others fight as they're suppose to, while we guard our summoners as we're suppose to. This is both to get better grades from the teachers since this is what summons are suppose to do, as in put the summoner's safety above all else, and to prevent any potential surprise attacks on Lysan since this obviously a distraction for something else.
>>
>>3066344
Also Lysan parents are here too. And they are civilians, so protrcting then should be Lysan priority.
>>
>>3066268
>And the best way to do that is to stay by him; the guard will do what they can, and when or if they fail...you won’t.
The attack at the gate is a distraction. The real enemies are doing their thing elsewhere. Or waiting for us to leave Lysen so they can attack him.
>>
>>3066386
Yes the reactiin from the guards and proctors prove that since they will be busy dealing with the invading army. Anyone can try to do anything during that time.
>>
You'll pass getting involved in that furball.

Writing.
>>
>>3066268
>>3066304
>>3066344
>>3066386
“You’re right.” As you turn to him, you set your face in stone as he looks to you with hope. “I’m supposed to protect YOU. That’s an important part of why I’m here.” And that’s when you grab his arm and start walking. “Which means that you’re going back inside, and we’re going to weather this storm.”

To only your vaguest surprise, he has the gall to look shocked. “But what about-”

“What about the experienced guards and proctors they’ve already asked to help fight? They’ll take care of these summons easy. At this point, someone needs to keep the other civilians- not to mention your parents- safe.” As he looks to you in curiosity as you gather into the huddling group in the center of the crowd, you explain. “Look, just in case the guards and proctors fail, the students and their summons will be the last line of defense." You motion to the seeming ring of students and summons, all of them on the outermost areas of the civilan mobs, practically standing sentinel for the populace. “See that? You- and I- need to be there.”

Admittedly, it’s for more than one reason. All of those low-rank soldiers? You’re actually confident they’ll be beaten back...but that’s the problem. That means that most likely someone else knew it, too. Which means that this might just be a diversion. And if it is, then you need to be on guard, not out there.

His parents are quick to see, and then hug him. “Did you see your sister?” His mother asks desperately. “She went out right before this all happened, and…”

“I’m sure she’ll be fine,” his father tries to comfort. “You know how unique she’s always been…”

“I’m her mother, I have to worry!” she wails. “Oh, I’m just glad you’re here, sweetheart…”

“Ly!” Iris waves him over from where she’s positioned herself. “What’d you see out there!? Are we in trouble?”

“We might be!” He answers honestly. Hopefully, they can keep things steady out there, while you make sure to watch for any problems inside- like Kane, who’s still out there, after all…

>Roll 2d100, best of 3.
>>
Rolled 56, 7 = 63 (2d100)

>>3066518
>>
Rolled 4, 50 = 54 (2d100)

>>3066518
don't die
>>
Rolled 97, 47 = 144 (2d100)

>>3066518
>>
Rolled 3, 11 = 14 (2d100)

>>3066518
I'm expecting trouble! Also were is Jacqueline?
>>
> “You know how unique she’s always been…”

Okay hold it...have we ever seen Millie with a summon? Does she know how to use old magic? Because she is always wrapped in mistery.
>>
>>3066518
Ahoy, glad we chose to ignore the obvious distraction!
Gosh, hopw are we going to carry Lysan around with us? He's obviously too slow... Do Summoners practice any other form of magic? Can he shield himself? fly? cast magic missile? anything?
>>
>>3066556
She doesn't use summons and according to her file neither uses magic. She is just REALLY GOOD at her job.
>>
>>3066562
We can put him in our bag of holding.
>>
>>3066571
...We could, you know. We've done it before. I think.
>>
>>3066567
Mhmm, she always turns in her expense reports on time and writes helpful abstracts. Bad guys hate her!
>>
>>3066571
He's small but probably not small enough to fit in through the mouth of that thing. We should get a backpack and use it to carry him
>>
>Okay, okay, okay, not exactly the BEST outcome so far, but not the worst...might have to take a bit of reduced pay, but...positives! Now I just need to make myself... *zip*...scarce and...!

>...huh? Hey, where'd you come from? Who's your summoner?

>!! It's...really not my lucky day, huh? Sorry, gotta go!

>HEY!

> *zip*

> Wha!? What the...?

Writing.
>>
>>3066571
I doubt he could fit. Prima could fit because she is knee tall, but lysan here is a teenager.
>>
>>3066600
I guess Amanda Kane didn't need to target us after all. Good for her, we'd have slaughtered her.
>>
>>3066600
Oh good on her. She didn't needed to engage us she was there just to make the distraction.
>>
File: UU05vG1.png (1.35 MB, 1400x787)
1.35 MB
1.35 MB PNG
>>3066610
>>3066583
Just carry him or make him piggyback on us
>>
>>3066665
See I don't want him to get any ideas though, and piggyback rides/princess carries are way too prone to romantic comedy tropes
>>
>>3066681
The only one getting funny ideas is you, though.
>>
>>3066681
If we’re stuck working in a harem anime world, we might as well do the tropes. Might even give us some sort of benefit, even if we do it mainly for fun.
>>
>>3066681
Nah man everyone knows that you give piggyback to kids. You are the one that is making thing in your head.

If we want to make him think we like him we grab him and carry/fly him away from danger
>>
>>3066518
>>3066523
>>3066533
>>3066534
There’s a lot of sound of battle for a solid ten minutes; you’re not sure what’s going on out there, but it sounds harsh. You can see people holding onto loved ones for dear life, and the kids are sweating bullets, no doubt wondering what they’ll do if forced into a combat situation. You can’t blame them- warzones are never fun, especially situations like this where you’re responsible for more than just your own life.

Briefly, you feel that thumping bass in your body spike- and then vanish, oddly. Huh. Either she decided to run away somehow...or she’s done whatever she came here to do. Or both. Hopefully, that’s a good thing and not a delayed problem.

However, a bit after that, the shouts and sounds dim, slowly but surely. There’s a pregnant pause as some people look at the entryways carefully...before a guard comes back in, looking little worse for wear. “Ladies, gentlemen, summons, I’m glad to announce that the threat has been pacified.” Cheers roar up, and stay so for a few moments before he can get the crowd’s attention again. “HOWEVER. We cannot be certain that the area is secure, and so we ask you to please remain in the building until we give permission to leave.” No one seems to complain at that, and he nods. “The school’s faculty has been put on alert, and the exam proctors have been released back to their judge duties.”

Hm. So far, so good, then. “Yikes, that was scary,” Lysan admits. You have to agree- although for different reasons. “I hope Millie was okay…”

After a few minutes, during which everyone is calming down, you can see the girl in question slip back in calmly, writing something down in a notepad.

>The issue’s over with, you just need to worry about when the test starts back up.
>No, something doesn’t sit right, here. Ask Millie what she ended up doing during the siege.
>Other
>>
>>3066839
>>No, something doesn’t sit right, here. Ask Millie what she ended up doing during the siege.
>>
>>3066839
>No, something doesn’t sit right, here. Ask Millie what she ended up doing during the siege.
>>
>>3066839
>Other: Check on Jacqueline and Her summon.
>>
>>3066839
>>No, something doesn’t sit right, here. Ask Millie what she ended up doing during the siege.
>>
>>3066839
>No, something doesn’t sit right, here. Ask Millie what she ended up doing during the siege.
>>
>>3066839
>No, something doesn’t sit right, here. Ask Millie what she ended up doing during the siege.
>Other: Mention the other summon we were going to investigate is gone.
>>
...Wha happen?

Writing.
>>
>>3066839
>>3066848
>>3066854
>>3066878
>>3066879
>>3066881
Hm. Something’s still unnerving you. As the crowd loosens up, you decide to approach the Inquisitor, who notices you pretty quickly. “Yeah?”

“Glad to see you’re alright,” you offer. “Where were you? That was quick, but it was kinda hectic.”

“No kidding,” she admits. “I’m glad the guard were so competent. That, and the summons were so weak. But that’s not what I’m worried about right now.”

“Same,” you agree. “In fact, that summon that I wanted to investigate seems to have gotten away.”

“Gotten away?” she asks. “Do you know what it looked like, then?”

You nod. “I saw it briefly; pink looking, helmet on its head-”

“Green accents?” she offers, to your surprise. When you nod, she frowns in thought. “If that’s her, then I’ve seen them- a real unusual one, too. She kinda...stepped out of nowhere.”

Wait, what? “Come again?”

“Like someone put a zipper on the fabric of reality and pulled,” she elaborates. “There was a sort of zipping noise, then a hole opened up in thin air and she stepped through it. Not like a normal summon at all. I tried to ask her some questions, but she didn’t stick around- just put her hand into thin air, and zipped on through!” She shakes her head in disbelief. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a summon that could teleport...that’s insanely bad news. And it’s news I need to tell the department ASAP. They’ll be here regardless once they get wind of this, though- no need for me to go out of my way.

“Still…” you venture.

“Still doesn’t answer your question,” she nods. “I’d gone out to the car to use my emergency contact device. I managed to make it before I saw the horde. A few of them splintered off to attack me, but I drove them back. Hopefully, we can catch whatever group summoned them.”

“You think it was a group?” you ask. Wonder why she thinks so.

She shakes her head. “Had to be. No human has that kind of power that they could summon so many at once, Level 1 or no. I mean, 2 or 3 is common enough. 4 or 5 is strange, but I’ve seen it done, if at severe cost. But all those? No, we’re looking at an organized, concentrated effort by multiple parties. I’m going to be going around and getting statements. So if you’ve got anything to say, now’s the time to say it.”

>Any clues or theories to offer Millie? Or further questions?
>>
>>3066909
Shit was fucked up dog! Also if this mistery keeps for long we might end up being summoned by Millie in the end.
>>
Heh. Sounds like Millie getting involved is a good thing. She can get help to control the situation while we finish the test.
>>
>>3067075
You should be carefull. There are apparently powerfull players in this and they had some intent with this showing. But if i had to point out any directions? You should check The Young Maestros Summoners Club.
>>
>>3067092
Shouldn't we point her toward the Club? it was were we first sensed Amanda and it was also were we got the warning from the kids in the club.
>>
>>3067075
>”I’d look into investigating the Maestro Club. I’d felt her around there before. Normally, I wouldn’t tell you about it, seeing as how I mentioned how she was similar to my power level, but if this was only part of the plan, and we’re only going to see the rest of it later, I figure I should make mention of it.”

>”Also, Lysan’s friend Iris has been trying to join up with them, so if you want a possible mole, I’d try her.”
>>
>>3067075
"She was snooping around the Maestro Club; I don't know if they summoned her, or if they were being scoped out by her and she was looking to grab something of theirs."
>>
>>3067075
This >>3067100
Mighty as well point her at that dodgy lot.
Did we see any of those dodgy dealings at the carnival ourself or was that just an interlude thing?
>>
>>3067125
the green text bits? Those were just interlude stuff.
>>
>>3067075
I suspect the Young Meastro's club had foreknowledge of this at the least, that would make them worth questioning.
>>
>>3067241
oops, forgot >green
>>
Should we ask Millie were she saw Kane? I still remember the shot we barely dodge close to our foot don't know if Kane would be able to shoot through a passage to hit someone. Which might implicate a culprint.
>>
Clubhouse secrets. (Thought I posted this, sorry.)

Writing!
>>
>>3067075
Thinking about it, you sigh in rememberance. “If I were you...I’d look into investigating the Young Maestro’s Summoners Club.”

She lifts an eyebrow, but doesn’t argue the insinuation. “Why them?”

“Lysan’s friend Iris was looking to join them,” you explain. “And she asked me along as a favor. I’d felt her around there at the time, but didn’t think much of it.” You pause for a moment as she writes the statement down. “Normally, I wouldn’t tell you about it, seeing as how I mentioned how she was similar to my power level, but if this was only part of the plan, and we’re only going to see the rest of it later, I figure I should make mention of it.”

“Hm...so you think they have something to do with it?” she asks.

You shrug. “Maybe. Where I sensed her, I don’t think there were others nearby at the time, so I’m not sure. But I DO know that she was snooping around there. Whether they summoned her, or if they were being scoped out by her and she was looking to grab something of theirs isn’t something I could tell you."

“Alright...thanks. Maybe I’ll talk to that Iris girl, then, see what she can say on the matter.” Nodding, she heads off.
-------------

It takes some time, but the area is eventually declared clear after another half-hour of checking, and the DMR shows up in force to provide extra security.

From what you can tell, the proctors seem relatively non-plussed, although Lucia seems more energetic than normal, for sure.

There’s a bit of a cautious air to the proceedings from here on, however- at least amongst the spectators. The kids seem almost galvanized to prove their worth; likely just trying to work off that nervous energy, you think.

Nerisa in particular impresses you with her dirt crafting- how the big armadillo managed to craft a mini-maze so quickly, complete with jump ramp for it to use, was pretty smart, you won’t lie. She was able to utilize her battlefield advantage to confuse her opponent, and then immediately bear down on him without being able to retaliate, despite the power leaping ability and minor wind control he displayed.

Iris is no slouch, either- as she ends up going up against Violette and her martial artist summon- although it made a game attempt to utilize its shadowy, powerful strikes against her, Bellbelle proved rather clever with her softening- touching bits and pieces of her opponent’s ‘wardrobe’ to throw off their timing, and soon being able to reduce their shadowy tendrils to something resembling black taffy. She’d ended up wrapped up in her own techniques briefly enough to allow Bellbelle a few strikes, and ultimately the summon was quite literally brought to their knees, their body too soft to stand properly anymore. And somehow you’d avoided that fate. Thank goodness.

(cont: There's a couple of these this time, bear with me.)
>>
>>3067579
Lucas, the strange boy with the ice knight, had fought gamely as well against his opponent, using a powerful ice beam to coat part of the arena, and use that as ‘slip lanes’ to allow him speedy passes at the opponent. That, plus a similar strategy in using targeted freezing, and even a method of growing ice-based weaponry is what brought him the day.

Johan has a similar fight, this time using his foxfire effectively to cage his opponent in, but in this one, revealing that he can use them to attack remotely- although it seems to be at a cost of a deal of energy. The fight is short, but you have to admit there were a great many things happening at once because of it.

Once the second round ends, however, the proctors stand up. “Thank you all for staying with us through these trying times. I think it proves the bravery and responsible nature of all the testees here that they were willing to stand, fight, and protect us in a dangerous situation. Regardless of the results, I must admit that, on a certain level, I find them all worthwhile Summoners.” A round of applause for the students, before she continues. “However, we cannot allow one rare instance to disavow years of practice. As the halfway mark has been reached, here are the following proceeding to Round Three…

To your surprise, it’s a fairly small list. Lysan, Iris, Lucas, Nerisa, Johan, Delilah and Jacqueline. Wow. Talk about a comedown.

“Yikes,” Iris mutters besides you as the crowd gears up for the next set of fights. “At this rate, the competition might not make it PAST Round 3…”

“Seriously,” Lysan agrees. I don’t know what the point limits are exactly, but I’m getting worried. Wasn’t Johan expected to be pretty good?”

“Last I remember,” Iris agrees. “And HE got knocked out. Makes me nervous.”

Hm. If that’s the case, then…

“ATTENTION! ROUND THREE WILL NOW COMMENCE!” Oh, yeah. Man, where was HE during the crisis? “THE FIRST MATCH WILL BE...LYSAN FAIRVIEW VERSUS LUCAS FULLBRIGHT!”

Huh. Wasn't that the- yup.

(cont. 2)
>>
>>3067589

You look over at the kid in question, who’s just as determined-looking and spikehaired as ever. “Alright! Here I go! Just a couple more steps, and I’ll be a full-fledged summoner, for real! Not to mention...” and here he turns to you. Not Lysan, *you*. “I’ve got a score to settle with you for what you did to Barrelius!”

“Huh? You mean our fight?” Lysan asks curiously. “They were the ones that didn’t give up!”

“Yeah, but you didn’t have to be so cold about it! That, I won’t just let go!” He announces as you both get to opposite ends of the arena.

“I must agree,” his knightly summon says as it points its sword at you- it sounds like a chill wind blowing. “In the name of Lady Delilah, Sir Barrlius, and my summoner Master Lucas! I, Raflain, King of Frost, will strike you down!”

...Oh boy. Looking back at your client, Lysan just shrugs in sheer confusion. Yeah, you don't blame him.

>Might as well indulge the guy in his delusions a bit...
>Yeeeah...no. Just prepare yourself.
>"She's still in the competition, you know..."
>Other
>>
Aaaaand done for tonight. Fight will happen tomorrow!
>>
>>3067595
>Yeeeah...no. Just prepare yourself.
>>
>>3067595
>>"She's still in the competition, you know..."
Yeesh, it's not like they died or something.

...then again, it wouldn't be completely OOC for Miranda to enjoy her inner chunni for a bit, heheh...
>>
>>3067595
>"I think she already likes you, you can drop the act"
>>
>>3067589
Oh boy...time to pull our sword.

>Delilah, Johan and Lucas

i take these three are the ines expected to win this thing and look good to the people in the audience.
>>
>>3067595
>>Might as well indulge the guy in his delusions a bit...
A bit of grandstanding won't hurt anything, and we're supposed to be putting on something of a show.

>>3067596
Thanks for running.
>>
>>3067595
>"She's still in the competition, you know..."

>Other: "Besides, she isn't a maiden in distress, if she expect to be a summoner she will have to deal with dangerous situations.And others won't be as curtious as leave her summon standing like i did. Honestly these noble types are really irritating sometimes."
>>
>>3067595
>Other
"If this is some roundabout way of confessing your love to her, MAYBE you should tell her your feelings directly. Fighting other people on her behalf out of some weird sense of nobility just makes you look bad. Not to mention how some girls would prefer to solve their problems on their own, without having someone try to do it for them."
>>
>>3067595
>"She's still in the competition, you know..."
>>
>>3067595
>"She's still in the competition, you know..."
Plus, that was us trying to make sure she COULD be in the competition. More distance means more momentum bleed-off. Had we thrown him into a nearby wall her summon would have de-summoned.
>>
Also i think we should give a title, after all nobles tipes respect ys and some fluff in title would give bonus on intimidation. Can i sugest Baroness of the Void as a title? Because we have a baron rapier and we come from the intersection that is a place between the no space.
>>
>>3067595
>Other
Sword fight!
And seconding >>3067625
>>
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>>3067974
SWORD FIGHT?!
>>
>>3067595
>>Might as well indulge the guy in his delusions a bit...
>use sword
>>
>>3067595
>"She's still in the competition, you know..."
We should also try break his sword, we're pegged as an antagonist so may as well play the part
>>
>>3068104
We still need a title. Leader/Witch/Baroness/Sorceress of The Silver Eye, would be a good one too.
>>
>>3067595
>If you can't have the grace to treat this as a professional test of skill, then I guess I'll just have to melt you. (and then pull out the flamesword)
>>
>>3068233
I think we only brought the Baron's Rapier with us for this mission.
>>
>>3068117
There's no need for one. People often fear the unknown more than the things they know about. Keeping our identity (even a fake one) a secret is good.
>>
>>3068238
Thought handler said we basically always had the flame/gravity sword with us at one point.
>>
>>3068241
But it's cooler if we did that and appeals to Randa old chuunin. Or maybe i just think that since the king gave a title we should be polite and give ours too. But then again i guess that would be more something that Izumi would do.

>>3068246
Maybe i'm mistaken and we only had the rapier on us, in like exposed in the side of our body and the flamesword in our bag of holding.

Besides the rapier can amplify our magi blast it's perfect for what we have being doing. Which was mostly throw magi blast at anything
>>
>>3068268
>>3068246
We can access our bag of holding at any time, think we might even have that giant axe in there right now
>>
>>3068302
I don't think the axe fits there, because of how big it is. (although i liked the idea to convert it into some weird shield, axe thing from monster hunter)
>>
>>3068325
So you want a trick weapon?

>>3068302
I mean we barely use the rapier why not use it too. And the Knights ice was strong enough to kill fox fire so i think going for energy attacks would be a better option.
>>
>>3068337
I find trick weapons to be more like gimmicks compared to their dedicated counterparts, but somehow the idea of it caught my attention.
>>
>>3068325
SwitchAxe would be funny if only to wreck people's sanity as they witness the transformation
>>3068337
I think I remember reading that Miranda isn't great with swords, or just not as good as Zumi. We should probably get more use out of our swords though, especially the gravblade since we've sunk good motes into it
>>
>>3068421
Yeah, shock factor would be the main reason for having it, because i'm sure it will be unwieldy as fuck.
>>
You don't have the axe.

Seems like the response is chastisement, and we pull our own sword.

Just marking this for now; won't be writing for a bit longer. Maybe in 30.
>>
Writing.
>>
>>3069793
i'm so excited for sword fight!
>>
>>3067595
You’re not sure whether it’s the knight feeding off the kid’s energy, the kid off the knight, or both just causing some sort of idiotic feedback loop…

But there’s alway been a small part of you that likes to shut these kinds of kids down. Sighing, you find yourself pinching the bridge of your nose. “You DO realize she’s still in the competition, you know?” Huffing, you glance over to the girl in question, who’s been, as you expected, staring at the boy for some time now; when she glances over to you at the mention of her, she jumps as she meets your eyes, looking downwards in embarrassment. “And honestly, if acting that way is for romance’s sake, then you can drop the act- I don’t think it’s necessary. She’s not some silly maiden, she’s a Summoner! She can fight her own battles!” You can see her look at you in surprise out of the corner of your eyes at that proclamation. “Trying to do it for her will just make you look bad. Case in point…”

And with that, you pull the rapier that’s largely been sitting unused on your hip, giving it a couple of quick slashes and thrusts to warm up before making ready with it. “I’m going to make you look like the fool you are.” The knight simply lowers himself into a stance, while Lucas...well.

His face a beet red (likely for being called out in public like this amidst a few hoots, jeers, and cheers) he can only look down for a moment, before shaking his head. “WHATEVER! C’mon, let’s do this, already!”

The principal looks between you two, obviously looking just a touch awkward. Checking behind you, Lysan...is actually looking like he’s trying not to laugh, of all things. “Ahem. SUMMONERS READY! SUMMONS READY!” A moment’s pause longer than normal…
“BEGIN!”

The knight rushes forward immediately, practically skating along the ground as he rears back and swings his blade; a wave of cold bursts forth from it as you quickly meet it with your own wave- the two blasts seem to enwrap momentarily before an explosion rips through the gymnasium, sending up a plume of snow-like ice crystals that seems to billow out, enveloping the arena in gently falling flakes, much to the shock and awe of the spectators.

“Just go for it!” Lysan says, palm up, mana going...well, nowhere, technically, but it’s a good showing. “I’ve got your back!”

Vague. Free reign, maybe- ah, can’t think too long, he’s charging!

>Current Mana: 8,500/11,000

>Keep mobile, try to dodge his strikes and wait for a critical mistake to take advantage of.
>Keep him on the defensive- you can break past his defense with enough effort.
>Get tricky-you might be able to disarm him with your own ‘electrifying’ technique.
>Other
>>
>>3069979
>Get tricky-you might be able to disarm him with your own ‘electrifying’ technique.
>>
>>3069979
>>Get tricky-you might be able to disarm him with your own ‘electrifying’ technique.
>>
>>3069979
>Keep mobile, try to dodge his strikes and wait for a critical mistake to take advantage of.
>>
>>3069979
>>Get tricky-you might be able to disarm him with your own ‘electrifying’ technique.
>>
>>3069979
>Keep mobile, try to dodge his strikes and wait for a critical mistake to take advantage of.

Fight sword skill against Sword skill. Although he could cripple our footing with his ice.

>Other:"If he tries to use ice to break our footwork use some stick mana to keep ourselfs stable."
>>
>>3069979
>Keep mobile, try to dodge his strikes and wait for a critical mistake to take advantage of.

>Lysan...is actually looking like he’s trying not to laugh, of all things.
Let's not get into your situation, buddy. Or are you going for some sort of harem situation?
>>
>>3069979
>Keep mobile, try to dodge his strikes and wait for a critical mistake to take advantage of.
>Other: watch for him to create those ice pathways he did before, and put Light Traps on them
>>
>>3069979
>Get tricky-you might be able to disarm him with your own ‘electrifying’ technique.
>>
Bzzzzzt.

Writing!
>>
>>3070119
Pretty sure we got a tie, Handler...
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

Wait, no, we have a tie. Sorry, I wasn't paying attention to one post. Hm.

Alright, I'll flip for it.

1- Shock
2- Move
>>
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>>3070165
Yay! Sword fight!!
>>
>>3069979
>>3070165
You’re not going to give him any opportunities- you need to keep moving and keep him readjusting so he won’t be able to set up any of his stuff. As soon as you see his shoulder shift, you’re dodging to the right- his slice hits nothing but air, and your response stab to keep him honest is parried as well before you back off, and the chase is on!

His offhand thrusts forward and another sphere of ice shoots forth, and you have to juke to the side as it impacts the ground- he’s quick to try to get around your opposite side, however, and your blades meet a few more times before you disengage; you circle around him, both to force him to keep readjusting himself and to get a look to where that blast landed- yeah. Ice patch. Clever, that. Another one flies at you- this one you have to cut straight through, and the sphere splits in two to either side of you, and you can hear it burst in midair. At least you didn’t make two by accident…

Another time he attempts to close in, and this time you slip two strikes before reposting- a horizontal slice is rebuffed, the blade sliding off yours and sent wide! He reaches in with his off-hand with a desperate grab as ice forms around it; you’re already moving away from it, however, and for a moment you have space to his grasping hand- an opening!

>Roll 1d100 regardless of choice.

>Just magiblast him and get some space for the moment; you want to figure out how to handle those ice patches.
>Try to get him to the ground; if you manage that, the fight’s almost as good as won.
>A laceration or two shouldn’t desummon him, but it’ll certainly weaken him.
>Other
>>
Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>3070437
>>A laceration or two shouldn’t desummon him, but it’ll certainly weaken him.

Anyone got any awesome swordfight music that would work here?
>>
Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>3070437
>>Other
>Swap the Rapier for the flamebringer and use its gravity powers to ground him
>>
>>3070437
>>A laceration or two shouldn’t desummon him, but it’ll certainly weaken him.
Beat him at his own game,
>>
Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>3070437
>A laceration or two shouldn’t desummon him, but it’ll certainly weaken him.

Show we can use our skill to weaken the oponent and if he still want to continue we knock him out. Need to keep the fame of sending the oponent to the infirmary.
>>
Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>3070437
>>Try to get him to the ground; if you manage that, the fight’s almost as good as won.
Rolli-
>>3070444
OH. Well then.
>>
>>3070451
Supporting
>>
>>3070444
>>3070456
>>3070457
Oh boy
>>
>>3070444
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NBpu3Fhvkdc

Nice roll.
>>
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>>3070444
>>3070456
>>3070457
Holy shit Miranda is stomping this.
>>
>>3070444
>>3070456
>>3070457
So... Is it still best of first 3, or does every choice have it's own set of rolls from it's voters? kek!
>>
>>3070457
Shit, dude, an extra two points for a ninety-nine isn't nothing to sneer at.
>>
>>3070466
Randa did say she would show how much of a fool he was. Besides it's good to have high roll it means we managed to injury him without de-summoning him.
>>
>>3070471
Seems like our little shittalk distracted Barrus enough.
>>
>>3070471
Shouldn't have made the dark fairy pissed with his idiocy. At least if he gets really damaged the girll will go to him
>>
>>3070437
>Well if his hand is right next to ours, why not give him a joy buzzer? But y'know, maybe a little juicier?
>>
>>3070444
>>3070456
>>3070457

...huh. *snrk*

okay then yeah sure. So much for that.
>>
Still taking choices, though
>>
>>3070493
No need to besides causing damage using only the sword allow us to save mana
>>
>>3070437
>A laceration or two shouldn’t desummon him, but it’ll certainly weaken him.
>>
>>3070495
Shouldn't have pissed the fairy. The king of a cold climate should know better about pissing of a fae
>>
We aren't Zorro, but...

Writing.
>>
>>3070546
Would rather be one of the three musketeers
>>
>>3070437
>>3070444
>>3070451
>>3070456
>>3070512
Immediately, you shift your arm and thrust- “Graaah!” - the blade strikes true, and armor or not, the gash in his side is solid and noticeable. You quickly slip past, just out of range of a backhanded retaliatory strike- and leaving himself open for another one. You burst forward again, this time your strike slipping past his outstretched fist as something cold buffets your hair. Another gasp rips through the crowd as you give him a matching strike on the opposite side of his armor, the twin gashes painting a harrowing picture for him.

Grunting harshly, you can see his glowing eyes close briefly before the air temperature drops momentarily- and suddenly, you can see ice, growing from his body, forming spiked and dangerous armor across the gashes in his torso, and adding on to the armor across his pauldrons, legs, and elsewhere. At the same time, a large tower shield forms in his off hand, which he slams on the ground with authority- it doesn’t crack, or even chip at the edges. Magically enchanted, then… “Hear me, witch of the fae!” Oh god, he’s going to monologue.

“No.” You hate that. Before he can register your response, you tense your legs and leap forward, mana surging through your sword, its own magics amplifying it- and with a single grunt of effort, you bring your blade to bear in a vicious diagonal strike. You can sense movement from the knight, but it doesn’t stop the journey of your body or your blade, power pushed into it both physical and magical. There’s a loud sound, almost like a bell’s chime, and as you pass the knight you have to plant your feet, skidding for a moment, to stop yourself from going out of bounds.

The crowd is soundless- and for a moment you wonder why as you turn around. The knight is still, unnaturally so...but you know you hit hi-

Wait. No way you ACTUALLY did that. 1 second, 2 seconds… 3-

*crack* and suddenly, with a soft sound, the top of his massive tower shield slides off, split cleanly from the bottom, and with a gasp from him and a shout from Lucas, Barrlius drops to one knee.

(cont.)
>>
>>3070806
You have to restrain mightly to keep a smile off your face. You’re not sure if Izumi would be proud, embarrassed...or critical of your form. Well, if nothing else.

“No…” Hm? “Not yet…” Ah. He gets up, and as he turns around, a line of frost now covers his breastplate, as well as a corner of his eye. Yikes, that’s actually a bit worrisome. You might’ve desummoned him if you’d gotten any deeper… “It will take more than this to fell a King!” Great. So now what- “Feel Winter’s WRATH!”

And suddenly the temperature drops TREMENDOUSLY around you as the ground starts to freeze solid, so much that even you have to grit your teeth as your breath clouds. To your surprise, it seems like the audience is unaffected, if their raucous cheering and concern is anything. As it starts snowing- locally, within the confines of the combat area, you notice- Barrlius brings his sword to bear again. “I am...King of Frost, and this is now...my domain!” He’s panting harshly. Kind of doesn’t feel like this fight only just started, to you, but thinking about it, it kind of has, hasn’t it? Either way, this could be trouble. A quick look behind you reveals Lysan is trying to say something, but there’s some sort of muffling magic going on- you quickly activate your hearing…

“Did you hear? He can’t keep it up for long! Just hold out!” Hm. Good to know.

“Now...we resume!” He announces, and he raises his hands quickly as the ground becomes frosty and hard to find purchase on...for you, at least. It’s clear as he summons icicles to pin you against the boundary that he has no such issues; your only saving grace is that his pushes as he skates aren’t nearly as powerful, and his swings will likely be less so as well. As for everything else, though...

>You need to melt this ice if you want to fight back! Otherwise he’s got too much of an advantage!
>You’re going to have to stay planted; you can’t risk slipping and falling now!
>You can still move, you just need to be careful. Anything to avoid being up against the line, though.
>Other
>>
>>3070812
>>You need to melt this ice if you want to fight back! Otherwise he’s got too much of an advantage!
Bring out the Flamebringer!
>>
>>3070806
Sooo cool!
>>
>>3070812
>You need to melt this ice if you want to fight back! Otherwise he’s got too much of an advantage!

Time to bring out the Flamebringer...

Anyone want to make a scene out of it?
>>
>>3070812
>>You need to melt this ice if you want to fight back! Otherwise he’s got too much of an advantage!
>>
>>3070812
>>You need to melt this ice if you want to fight back! Otherwise he’s got too much of an advantage!
Oh yes, bring on the Fire! That Flamebringer + Energy Channel idea from earlier should come into play now!
>>
>>3070812
>You can still move, you just need to be careful. Anything to avoid being up against the line, though.

>Other: "Use our wings so we can move using the wind and help to keep distance from his sword."
>>
>>3070840
Man, I just wish we could have taken the time to learn how to send out waves of fire with the Flamebringer, or blast it out in front of us like a flamethrower... Would have been so cool for this fight...
>>
>>3070812
>>You need to melt this ice if you want to fight back! Otherwise he’s got too much of an advantage!

>Wait. No way you ACTUALLY did that. 1 second, 2 seconds… 3-
Ha! We should definitely tell Izumi about that!

>>3070837
>Anyone want to make a scene out of it?
Yea. I've been kinda wishing we'd took him up on the grandstanding at least a little. If nothing else, it might make for a better show.
>>
>>3070851
So true... Something that looked like Genryusai's release would've been an awesome way to counter this ice field.
>>
>>3070862
eeeh. pretty sure that is a bad idea in a closed place like this one.
>>
Hey, I just realized...

We're a mobile eerie looking swordwoman with a magic sword who is currently about to pull out our second fire based sword...

Anyone getting any Dancer of the Boreal Valley vibes?
>>
>>3070877
Not yet because we didn't used our figthing dance move yet.
>>
Too hot to handle...?

Writing!
>>
So after we beat this kid’s summon, you guys want to tell him to get off his ass and confess to his crush? It might distract him long enough to not bother us for the rest of the tournament.
>>
>>3071014
nah, not worth it, and chances are that is going to happen naturally either way.
>>
>>3071014
That's a little to much interference, especially for randa. besides, we already told him off publically in relation to that, so whatever going to happen should occur on its own.
>>
>>3070812
A few icicles pepper your limbs- not enough to cause major injury, but still enough to sting, and certainly enough to get you to at least decide to get to a safer location before physics did his job for him. You push off- it’s not as powerful as your last leap, but it manages to clear you of his flurry, although as you land, you’re forced to dig your rapier into the ground as an emergency brake before you slide out the other side.

Yeah, no, this won’t work. You’re going to need to get things hotter. Fortunately, you think you have just the idea for that… “Alright, then…” Sheathing your rapier, you quickly thrust inside your bag before he realizes what you might be doing. “If you’re going to be like that...then I suppose I’ve to get a little...heated.”

Yeah, that was a good line.

Pulling out your Flamebringer, you waste no time in channeling mana to it, the blade lighting up like a brilliant torch in the tundra and causing the ‘King’ to recoil- but only for a moment, as he readies himself again. “So...it is you...you show your true nature, faerie!” What? You find yourself cocking an eyebrow at that.

Even Lucas looks on in surprise as the King-Knight speaks. “My memory...the years between realms has yet to steal it away.” Wait, how? “I yet remember many things. Some better than others. And never will I forget that blazing sword…that blade that brought so many to ruin!” Huh? This? What’s he talking about? Maybe his memory is worse than he thinks...

He tightens his grip on his blade- and you can see a coat of ice covering it as well, the blade now glowing a pure white. “Perhaps you yourself are not aware of your past sins...but that is no excuse, nor true punishment." His posture straightens, his form seemingly losing exhaustion. "In justice’s name, I will strike you DOWN, Harbinger!”

...This just gets more and more ridiculous.

(TBC...when I can find time this week. Eye on Twitter!)
>>
>>3071056
Well, he sure loves to roleplay, i'll give him that.
Thanks for running!
>>
>>3071056
What in the... and suddenly he thinks it's the Winter Court vs the Summer Court. Really?!

That or the sword has some actual Fae origins, but that's just ridiculous when it was from another world entirely!

More worrying, or annoying, is how he's seemed to regain energy, thus prolonging the fight. Hopefully Lysan won't be in too much danger if the escalation goes on.
>>
>>3071102
>Hopefully Lysan won't be in too much danger if the escalation goes on.
He's not in any danger during the test. A literal army tried to attack, and failed to make it past the defenses. And this is the final test, right? Once it's done, and it's confirmed he's graduating, we're done. What happens after isn't our problem.
>>
>>3071102
well, the sword might have Fae origins, because after all, it was made in a magical realm and was given to a high ranking member of the military, but he is just misremembering us for somebody else. Although we can have some fun with that.
>"This old thing? Its just a little trophy i got some ages ago. Even upgraded it with some neat tricks."
>>
>>3067595
>Raflain

>>3070806
>>3070812
>Barrlius

What was frost king's name again?
>>
>>3071130
...Shit, no, you're right. That's my mistake. Was not catching that.
>>
>>3071056
If I'm not there, someone remember that I want to say something along the lines of,
>"He was a boring fight, but he had a nice sword. So I took it."
Maybe make reference to taking trophies from opponents.
>>
>>3071056
Goddamn that is hype as fuck. I had to turn on some music and reread that. Almost makes me regret not making a show of it in the beginning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtQX1zQs7jA
>>
Maybe the knight was right and may have appeared In a world we went before.
>>
>>3071325
He’s mainly remembering the flaming sword. We got the Flamebringer during the first couple threads, and we don’t have any fire spells.
>>
>>3071499
and to be fair, a sword that lights itself on fire isn't that unique or hard to make.
>>
>>3071325
That would imply the place where normal Summons come from is connected to the multiverse.
>>
>>3071551
Maybe it's connected to only a bunch of other 'verses.
>>
>>3071569
Like FGO?
>>
>>3071569
That’d be kind of cool. Might be kind of nice to see Bat-Girl again, and hear her bitch about Bird-Girl shooting her in the back.
>>
>>3071056
Huh, so the senile old cot thinks we're the Titannia to his Oberon? Or may be more like Morathi? Either way hope we get to mess with him some more
>>
I agree that a hot sword isn't rare or even uncommon to come across. Tell the guy he's got the wrong person.
>>
I just realized that if a tale is made from Randa and the Ice king it would be called "A song of Ice and Fire"
>>
>>3071594
It would be kind of fun just to stop with the duel for a couple of minutes so we can castigate him for assuming we’re responsible for a massacre just for having a flaming sword.

“...so, to summarize your statement, I am guilty of ruining something or someone you once loved hundreds of years ago, because I am a powerful trickster fey, and I just so happen to have a sword that can light itself on fire?”

“...has anyone told you that you might just be biased towards fey?”
>>
>>3071640
"...it never occurred to you that someone else might find utility in a flaming sword and would have had one commissioned? Really?"
>>
>>3071640
That would be a really good strategy since he cant keep this power for long.
>>
>>3071651
Imagine if we got him monologuing while he was using his limited duration ability.
>>
>>3071649
“Or that a flaming sword might get passed down as a heirloom, or from a wizened warrior past his prime to a younger student of the blade? Or perhaps as a trophy from a battle well fought?”
>>
>>3071677
"Or maybe i made myself to fight with it in a long forgotten battle"
>>
>>3071056
I don't know if the knight got to much into his memories but he forgot he is in a mook battle not in the past were the many wars occoured.

Can't tell if this is a show of the summon losing some of it's sanity and the boy losing control. Anyway doesn't look good to him.
>>
>>3071731
probably is both
>>
>'Fascinating accusation...I wonder if it's true? That would explain a few things about her and the boy...if perhaps open a few other questions.'

------------------

>'What in the world is he talking about? Harbinger? No way. This old summon's gotta be off his rocker. Keeping memories between summons? Wonder if I need to investigate HIM, too...?'
--------------

> '...This guy's totally lost it. At least Kyria doesn't seem worried...we just need to take him out and move on!'

---------------

> '...Lucas...what's happening?'

---------------

> 'Is this what the old man was talking about? This girl? Did she really help nearly destroy the planet back then...?'

----------------

> "...Wow. I shouldn't be liking this, but for some reason my heart's racing...Lysan's totally got this! <3"
>>
>>3072482
It's mildly concerning some people didn't take his silly statement for the falsehood it is.


Is there an implied
>writing
here?
>>
>>3072489
doubt it. This seems like his usual greentext interlude lore bits.
>>
Ah, there're actually a person this guy could be from the sword and sorcery world! That'd be interesting, we should grill the ice king for details. I wonder if this is the same world or something.
Password from the New Moon was "The Moon knows only itself." if that's relevant.
my top guess for who this guy could be if we killed them with the flame sword would be the Bandit king who was driving the golem artifact.
He looks a lot... COOLER now though.
Before he was a fat bumpkin with a terrible accent, maybe that means it's not him, but that's the only soul I can think of.
>>
>>3072864
The king if referring to the war that killed several magical empires and erased magic from the world. The fact that he is confusing us for the Harbringer and that several people in the greentext seem to know about her confirm it.
>>
>>3072482
The first one i don't know who could be. Maybe the Principal? Second is obviously Millie, the third one is Lysan. The fourth must be Delilah the fifth is Lucas and the sixth one is obviously the deviant (Iris).
>>
>>3072864
That world didn't had magic tech in it though.

>>3072867
>inb4 this place is another timeline and soon we will be called for a job and will be teleported for this worlds past.
>>
>>3072864
If that's right, then we have the moral high ground. Which I find ironic since we were doing it for money.
THE WILD WEST WORLD. What if it's the wild west world.
>>
>>3072867
I don't think he's referred to any war at all, just "brought so many to ruin" "past sins" and "Harbinger" I dunno if all the souls in The Stream are from this world or not, or if they're even in lockstep chronologically. If pulling us from the intersection is a valid summon (if illegal) then pulling summons from other planes is possible, he could be a dead spirit from another world in which case maybe we DID kill him with our sword. Our kill count with this thing is pretty limited though, pretty much just New Moon and Wild West.
Harbinger doesn't fit with my theory, it's quite possible he's just blaming us for something else unrelated, but that's not as interesting as him calling us out for that one time we actually did kill like, 10000 people.
>>
File: 1386219248841.jpg (61 KB, 530x290)
61 KB
61 KB JPG
Everyone right now.
>>
>>3072886
I actually did just think that it might be the wild west world. Those native pygmys were calling us mean names weren't they?
>>
>>3072893
Yep. Pretty sure we talked about how the wherever the summons come from isn't hooked into the multiverse, for reasons I'm too tired to remember at the moment.
>>
I think >>3072867 is right and the ice knight is talking about this world's past. Or just going crazy.
>>
>>3072892
On the book we translated it explained that the souls in the stream were from this world and it also explained the wars that caused "so much ruin". You don't need to be a genius to put two and two together and infer that the king is talking about that..
>>
>>3073168
It was also mentioned in the interludes of the carnival that summons lose a bit of their memory when they are de-summoned.

Being de-summoned various times might have damaged the knight memory much more then he thinks.
>>
>>3073173
oh yeah, but my point is that he isn't remembering us from another dimension. He is confusing us for someone that was on the great war of this world.
>>
>>3073194
Or he's just making stuff up for one reason or another.
>>
>>3073194
Sure

>>3073201
Or this. I mean Miranda used to be a chuunin too. She understand what he is doing.
>>
>>3073201
>>3073224
Yeah, that's the other option that i'm more biased to.
>>
>>3073224
used to be
>>
>>3073329
There is but one proper answer.

>I am Harbinger, a being of pure energy and as ancient as the.cosmos! Feeble creature, I shall knock you down!
>>
>>3074913
...dude, no.
>>
>>3074915
Dude yes. That or we say: "The hell you are talking abou..." Then clentch our hand in our head as if hit by some painfull memory and shake it off.
>>
A bit too villain-y for the current situation imo.
I prefer the "Dude really?" of >>3071640
>>
>>3074927
Could go witht he spin off. Dude the war is over everyone lost. You should chill a little and guide the new generation instead of focusing on stuff of the past.
>>
>>3074913
No thanks. I’d rather call him an idiot for assuming we started a world ending event based on a flaming sword, one of the most common ideas of what a magic weapon is.
>>
>>3074913
>>3074919
Not only is that cringe as hell, we should actively avoid making the people of this world think we're a disaster waiting to happen.

>>3071649
I like this one.

It's a flaming sword. A flaming sword! There are bazillions of them just lying about anywhere you look, it doesn't get much more cliché than that
>>
>>3074957
Eh it would have being fun. I mean i guess no one watched fate apocrypha. Could always go with the Mordred route.
>>
>>3074957
>avoid making the people of this world think we're a disaster waiting to happen.
I think most people already do, we could double down for intimidation but calling him an idiot makes more sense
>>
>>3074961
I dont like having fun when it compromises our pay.
>>
>>3074963
Yeah and exacerbating the problem by saying things that are not only stupid but completely false is retarded, especially if there's a risk of getting our pay docked. Call him a moron and be done with it
>>
>>3074966
How would that compromise our pay? Lysan has showed nothing but bei g able to control us. We did nothing that would put him in danger and didn't attacked any civilians we also igbored the proctor that tried to goat us into a fight. So far we are way better then this king summon.
>>
>>3074963
>I think most people already do
Exactly for that we don't need to give them more reasons to fear us.
>>
>>3074967
Don't get why that would reduce our pay since we have showed no intention to harm civillians or whatever.
>>
>>3074972
I imagine if Lysan is incarcerated for falling under the influence of "Evil" he doesn't pass the test and we don't succeed our mission.
>>
>>3074970
Because by implying that we are a huge reason why this world is like this we are aking it clear thet lychen is not controling us (because a world breaker obviously wont be controled by a student) and the authorities will want to bring us into custody to either seal us away, destroy us or force to do their dirty deeds. Any of those options will force us to break the narrative and probably will make lysa flunk the test.

All in all its not a good deal.
>>
>>3074970
You know how Lysan’s sister Millie is some sort of summon investigator, right? It would make sense for her to know how to banish or contain certain dangerous summons, of which we are, not to mention the resources of the local law enforcement. Besides those powers and benefits, she’s also the sister of our client. If we come into conflict with her, it’s very likely that we’ll be losing our pay due to hurting her, as that could be seen as going against Lysan’s interests.
>>
>>3074976
>>3074981

That is some bullshit. But i guess if we were said villain we wouldn't be dumb enough to make those worries know anyway.
>>
>>3074985
Well as a said. Not like a villan that is actually that powerfull would reveal itselg in a stadium full of proctors, guards and their summons.

So dismissing it is very viable.
>>
>>3074991
>>3074986
>Its dismissable.
Have you seen in oficial papers when you don't have to cross the "im a terrorist" box? People have gone to jail for a long time because they did that.

We are doing something really similar here by claiming we are some sort of super evil boogeyman that has returned.
>>
>>3074991
But why take the chance for an investigator to cause us problems and inconveniences before we get our pay and leave? That’s never a good idea, especially regarding our job and our employer.

>>3075001
>crossing the “I’m a terrorist” box
Exactly! It sounds dumb as hell, but there’s been times where people have done that, whether on purpose or by accident, and they’ve brought law enforcement down to question them. So why do it in the first place?
>>
>>3074972
Because if we're an ancient evil that has awoken like this chuuni king makes us out to be, and you want to confirm, we are suddenly a world ending threat and they'd all dogpile miranda to take her down.

You don't see how something like that will make this milk run go all tits up?
>>
>>3075001
Not american so no i haven't. But i do get the idea of being implicated or acused of something and us confirming it.

Not gonna change the fact that the paranoids will still think we are dangerous but whatever.
>>
>>3075007
You should refresh before posting.

>>3075006
Yeah yeah i get it. No fun allowed i got it.
>>
>>3075014
> No fun allowed
Not really. We can have fun, but not in specific situations like this one. For example, we had loads of "fun" in the mafia world.
>>
>>3075014
I'll post how and when I damn so please.

There's having fun, and then there's having zero social awareness. Guess which one you have
>>
>>3075014
>No fun allowed

It’s less “No fun allowed” and more “Assume the police are listening in at all times”. At least for me, anyway.
>>
>>3075019
Yeah and that worked out great last time.

>>3075061
Okay.
>>
I personally think calling him on the carpet about his accusations is cringier than just playing along with it, or ignoring it.
>>
>>3075149
Yeah i wouldn't be against just ignoring him.
>>
>>3075149
Ignoring him is good too. Just don't play along with it.
>>
>>3075149
Calling him out might make him keep talking, making him run down his power boost he just performed. It’s a good way to conserve our mana.
>>
>>3075196
Winning isn't the primary goal here. Beings showy enough is. Stalling the fight to have a verbal argument/monologue isn't going to help with that.
>>
>>3075196
We have enough crystals to recover 1250 mp. It's not much but if we stuck using the sword we won't be likely to consume that much mana.
>>
>>3075205
What we should do is copy him and male our own lightsaber just like the ice king did with his sword and have a duel of fates moment.
>>
>>3075207
So you want to use a tool to recover mana in a test that probably has rules against that.

Why? So we can risk a dice roll to be found out and disqualified?
>>
>>3075224
You know we can use it after the fight too. We have 8,500, more than enough to body this fool and whoever comes next. And like he said if we stick with the sword we're not going to burn much if any for the rest of the fight.

We should top up at some point though so we don't have to do it mid fight and waste valuable time or opportunities.
>>
>>3075224
Making a lot of assumptions. Besides, i didn't said to use it now. We use it once the battle is over and we ask Lysan to move with us to a secluded place were we stick our hand in the bag and use the crystals don't even need to pull then out just grab and absorv the mana.
>>
>>3075248
Making plenty of assumptions yourself about using mana crystals and where the student participating can go. You don’t even know if regaining mana from ways other then natural regeneration even exist in this world.
>>
>>3075288
Lysan and Iris went away for a while to grab snacks. Not to mention Lysan and us leaving our seats to go talk with Jacqueline.

>You don’t even know if regaining mana from ways other then natural regeneration even exist in this world.

You speak as if we will do it in front of everyone. And again i said we can just put our hands in the bag and activate the crystals.
>>
>>3075288
...that has literally never been a problem(except maybe on the westworld) because the only way we can regen mana other than with the equipment we have is by sleeping.
>>
>>3075338
I just don’t think it’s worth the risk with all the newfound attention Mr. Freeze has put on us, thanks to his PTSD flashback. Better to talk and wait his boost out then take him down when he least expects it then to fight him fair and later risk being seen regaining mana unfairly.

>>3075362
It’s not a question of how WE regain mana, it’s a question of how summons in this world regain mana. Because we’re supposed to be a summon in this world and we don’t know how they do it here besides rest and recuperation.

It’ll probably come down to a vote on how to handle this guy when Handler comes back, so let’s disagree for now and wait for the next update to the thread.
>>
>>3075447
Well i don't jnow how much mana we spend activating the sword or how much we will spend turning it into a plasma sword, by pumping more mana into it to increase the flame heat.

So i don't know how to approach that. If you are that scared then we shouldn't have pulled the flaming sword and just keeped using our magi blast, who barely use mana, and the rapier who is able to amplify any magic attack we send through it.
>>
>>3075447
> it’s a question of how summons in this world regain mana.
Its an irrelevant question. The proctors dont care about that and so far nobody has given any indication that its something people care about.
>>
>>3075447
There are times where shadowrunning is appropriate. This isn't one of them. We can ask Licorice if anybody cares / if it's against the rules / even a thing in this world and then we go to the nearest unused area and mana up.
>>
>people want to start larping instead of just trying to do the safest and complete the mission
Why
>>
>>3075711
Because every group is bound to have 1 or 2 idiots in it.
>>
>>3075724
I'm hopeful they're just very tired, or sick, so they're just having a giggle. Probably not, but it happens with me at times.
>>
>>3075797
Sometimes it's fine to pick an option that you think might result in something funner to read.
That said as the one who brought up "What if he IS right, chronolapsed world, cross dimensional shenanigans" I apologize for the rabbit hole we seem to have traversed.
I think refute and start a debate is the correct decision because it's in line with what Lysan has ordered us to do. Which is wait out Mr. Freeze.
That and there's absolutely 0 chance he takes the bait and we will have to fight him anyway, but it will influence the proctors to not believe him I hope.
>>
>>3076330
I think also people are confusing being clever in the fight with putting on a good show. The proctors don’t want showboating, they want to see novel and innovative solutions and strategies.
>>
>>3076330
He seems like the chatty type. We can act all offended to see if he stops to monologue more. If not, well... we return to beating him again, i guess.
>>
Howdy, folks. ...gonna admit, nearly forgot I said I was going to run tonight. Writing shortly!
>>
>>3071056
You’re not sure what he means by ‘Harbinger’, but it’s pretty clear that for all his talk of retaining memories, something up top is seriously scattered. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, but-!”

Your attempt to explain things is quickly cut off, however, by the ice that begins to form around your feet- it takes effort to break free, and by then he’s on you, fighting with a fervor that just plain wasn’t there before. Your blade is doing a decent enough job to protect you from his frenzied, arctic strikes, but even as shards of ice slough off with every clash, he’s moving like this is his last battle. The cold doesn’t help, nor does the fact that you have to keep moving to keep from being frozen to the spot, forcing you to stay on the defensive.

Soon, the two blades clash and lock, fire against ice, and his blade seems to refreeze in some parts almost as fast as it melts in others as he tries to press his weigh against you. Although you hold, your relative size sadly means that it’s hard to gain any leverage on him; but you can at least try something…and you have to, quickly!

>Current Mana: 8500/11000

>Disengage and take to the air, see if you can’t stall it out up there.
>Try to slip the lock and get behind him!
>Maybe if you channel more mana into your blade… (1000-4000)
>Other
>>
>>3079518
>Maybe if you channel more mana into your blade… (1000-4000)
>>
>>3079518
Sorry, I'd never done that before, but it was meant to be 'choose how much mana to put into it- between 1000 and 4000.'
>>
>>3079518
>>Maybe if you channel more mana into your blade… (1000-4000)
>4000
if we can recharge later, Maximize it and burn the ice away!!! Let there be Fire!
>>
>>3079533
Ahh, I had figured it would have been based on how well we rolled.
If we can recharge later, I say burn 4000, but if not Ill lean towards a more conservative 1500.
>>
>>3079518
>>Maybe if you channel more mana into your blade… (1000-4000)
About a thousand.
>>
>>3079518
>>Try to slip the lock and get behind him!
We've got more, tougher fights after this. Use mana sparingingly. Our recharge is only good for ~1250
>>
>>3079518
>Maybe if you channel more mana into your blade… (2500)

i don't want to burn half of our mana pool and there is still the chance of people ambushing us do de-summon us before the final battle.
>>
>>3079543
Guys you gonna pop him. I don't think any of the summoners have 4000 mana, we're THAT cheaty already
>Sun's Flare, into Nothing Personnel, Ring-out Drop-kick!
>>
>>3079560
You forget that the entire place is frozen our footing isn't very good with everything frozen. And increasing the flame in the blade will help to reduce some of the ice.

Also i want my Duel of Fates moment.
>>
>>3079518
>Other
Use a swordfighting trick: while we can't get leverage, our strength is enough to keep our blade locked with his. Do so while subtly moving backwards, not letting up the pressure so that he finds it difficult to realize we're opening up distance. Then, when we've reached a critical distance, push harder against him so that he responds with more force to continue the stalemate. When he pushes forward, disengage to the side while using one hand to strike at his elbow and the other hand with the Flamebringer to push the blade towards his face.
Push through at this juncture and get behind him.
>>
>>3079566
The guy is obviously out of himself if we want o conserve mana and what not we could just fly away and out of his reach until he de-summons himself from burning mana.

And it would fit Lysan request of holding out until the guy can't keep up anymore.
>>
>>3079573
Again you are relying on footing you forgot that the knigth froze the entire arena. Having a sword fight on ice and rely on footwork isn't a great idea. Idealy we should plant ourselfs and do as little footwork as possible
>>
>>3079580
... Have we considered summoning a flat level barrier about head height to stand on?
>>
>>3079518
Hm, I suppose we did say we'd heat it up, and lots of support for charging sward.
I'll toss in at
>Maybe if you channel more mana into your blade... (for 1500 Vanna)
Should be more than sufficient
>>
>>3079585
That would cost 1000 mana, and we don't know if an energy shield would have any better traction than ice.
>>
>>3079585
We could just as easily increase the flame on our sword and melt the ice. Would accomplish the same goal and increase our attack power.
>>
>>3079562
>>3079518
Gonna change the amount of mana we use to 1500.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xlYCxbBZUCY
>>
Heating it to the tune of 1500, then. Writing!
>>
>>3079518
>>3079544
>>3079597
>>3079586

>Current Mana: 7000/11000

Thinking quickly, you pour more of your mana into the sword- the blade flares up even more, just enough to obscure the sight of the blade. It’s enough so that he grunts in discomfort, and you can see he leans back a bit as the flames threaten his person- that’s enough that you can shove him back a bit, and as you try to plant yourself, you notice that your surrounding area is melting as well- the icey environs turning to slush at your feet, sending up a thin film of evaporation and a mild heat haze. “You’ll not burn another soul…” the knight intones in a low voice as he attempts to circle around you.

“Ever consider that that you might have the wrong summon?” you quip quickly, keeping your eyes on him carefully. “Are flaming swords really so rare that this is something shocking? I’d have thought them pretty common…”

“Perhaps in the days of glory, yes…” the knight concedes. “But during those waning days...few were granted such a boon. Either earned through valor...or stolen off the corpses of those that fell! Much like yours!” He points accusingly at you, like it’s a fundamental truth.

...Did he just move the goalposts or something? Ugh. Well, at least you didn’t confirm HOW you picked this one up.

Still, you can tell that it’s not emotionally how he’s trying to trip you up; you keep him in sight as he gently circles you… although you notice that the ‘winds’ in the area seem to have gotten smaller- it’s more a mild snowfall than a blizzard now, although it’s still hard to hear Lysan.

>Try to keep him talking about the past. If grandpa wants to reminisce, we’ll let him.
>You might be able to use his own field against him if you can get him to slip…
>Try to charge and fake him out. He’s clearly expecting something.
>Other
>>
>>3079698
>>Try to keep him talking about the past. If grandpa wants to reminisce, we’ll let him.
>>
>>3079698
>>You might be able to use his own field against him if you can get him to slip…
>>
>>3079698
>Try to keep him talking about the past. If grandpa wants to reminisce, we’ll let him.

I kinda want him to dump the lore. But only if he foes so while we do sword fight!

>Try to charge and fake him out. He’s clearly expecting something.
>>
>>3079698
>>Try to charge and fake him out. He’s clearly expecting something.
>>
>>3079698
>Try to keep him talking about the past. If grandpa wants to reminisce, we’ll let him.
>>
>>3079698
>Try to keep him talking about the past. If grandpa wants to reminisce, we’ll let him.

If we can swordfight him while debating his theory, all the better.

"So clearly that's a problem with your theory right there. Plenty of old heroes and adventurers might have had a sword that could light itself on fire. It could also have been handed down from swordmaster to apprentice, or as a heirloom, correct?"
>>
>>3079698
>Try to keep him talking about the past. If grandpa wants to reminisce, we’ll let him.
Its what lysan last told us to do
>>
Blah blah blah blah blah.

Writing.
>>
>>3079698
>>3079702
>>3079707
>>3079724
>>3079725
>>3079758

“Mine? You don’t think this could’ve been an heirloom or something?” you ask placidly. “If this was so easy to replicate, what makes you so absolutely sure I’m who you’re talking about?”

“Because your blade is...is much like I remember! The handle, the gem…” You caught that stutter. Maybe you’re finally breaking through to him.

You hold out the blade horizontally, choking up on the grip so he can get a good look at the pommel. “I modified this myself.” Well, you PAID someone to modify it, so close enough. “But let’s see if you can keep it up. What do you claim I even did?”

“Laid waste to countless villages, tricked many duchys and kingdoms!” he says without hesitation. “Wheresoever you went, only carnage followed in your wake! Truly, one might say it is a faint blessing for you to forget such atrocities...although it seems to have had little consequence regarding your power…”

“And yet this doesn’t bring back any memories, at all to me,” you comment.

“Tch. Naturally. The Stream, unless one is of immense mental fortitude, will rob you of much at times.” Hm. Sure. “You cared only for destruction- a mind on a singular purpose would not have the wherewithal!”

The area is starting to melt down everywhere, you’ve noticed. Puddles in various places, and the snow is more casual sleet. Your footing even feels a bit more sure.

“So, how’d you manage to remember everything, then?” you ask.

“Through rigorous training...and a never ending desire to see justice done…” he says viciously. “And now I will enact that!”

Just as he says that, suddenly, that chill that you’ve felt for the last few minutes...dies completely.

“Got him!” Lysan yells. “End it!”

“Raflain! Watch out!” Lucas yells immediately after.

>Magiwave him and try to do just as Lysan says. This can end here and now!
>Charge in and try to disarm him! He won’t be able to win after that!
>Get him to submit- he’s out of his best skill, and we’re not who he thinks we are.
>Other
>>
Gonna have to beg off for tonight, too sleepy. Will continue the run tomorrow.
>>
>>3079879
>Charge in and try to disarm him! He won’t be able to win after that!

Attack!

>>3079882
Thanks for the run boss.
>>
>>3079879
>>Get him to submit- he’s out of his best skill, and we’re not who he thinks we are.

"Now that your show is done, I'd recommend you yield. I've have little interest in continuing to listen to your baseless assertions without any corresponding proof of "my" misdeeds."

If he continues, let him come at us and disarm him that way.
>>
>>3079879
>>Charge in and try to disarm him! He won’t be able to win after that!
>>
>>3079879
>Get him to submit- he’s out of his best skill, and we’re not who he thinks we are.
Tempted to go blast him to finish it but we have been criticized for taking the violent option before.
>>
Why can't people just do what Lysan told us to do and end it immediately? Magi-blast or disarm both work for that, and too much trying to do things our way would not reflect well on Lysan regardless of whether or not we win.
>>
>>3079879
>Magiwave him and try to do just as Lysan says. This can end here and now!
Lysan says jump and we ask how high.
>>
>>3079879
Cool story bro, but we just won the flamewar
>Magiwave him and try to do just as Lysan says. This can end here and now!
>>
>>3079921
Eh our summoner said to end it so...
>>
>>3079879
>>3079895

Changing my vote to:

>Magiwave him and try to do just as Lysan says. This can end here and now!
>>
>>3079879
Also changing my vote >>3079915 to:
>Magiwave him and try to do just as Lysan says. This can end here and now!
>>
>>3079969
You should go back and re-read the test where they gave us situations where we tried to act within Lysan's words. They still critised us for taking violence within that interpretation. You can still end it non violently.
>>
>>3079879
>>Charge in and try to disarm him! He won’t be able to win after that!
Maybe even literally.

I don't wanna use magiwave because that shit is strong enough to kill him
>>
>>3079879
>>Get him to submit- he’s out of his best skill, and we’re not who he thinks we are.
>>
>>3079879
>Magiwave him and try to do just as Lysan says. This can end here and now!
We'll talk afterward. This is expending more mana than needed.
>>
>>3079879
>Charge in and try to disarm him! He won’t be able to win after that!
>>
>>3079879
>>Charge in and try to disarm him! He won’t be able to win after that!
>>
>>3080296
Change my vote to
>Charge in and try to disarm him! He won’t be able to win after that!
He looks like he's on his last leg now. A Magiwave might be too much.
>>
>>3079879
>Charge in and try to disarm him! He won’t be able to win after that!
Magiwave puts him at risk of accidental desummoning, guys.
>>
>>3079879
>>3079961
>>3080075
Yea, I guess if he's much weaker magi wave might overdo it, let's equip our kiddie gloves.
>Charge in and try to disarm him! He won't be able to win after that!
Changin' my vote.
>>
>>3079879
>Charge in and try to disarm him! He won’t be able to win after that!
>>
>>3080640
a magiwave is just something that nauseates the enemy and is unable to hurt them. I don't know from where everyone got that it can desummon him.
>>
>>3081391
you're confusing it with flux wave
>>
>>3081391
Magiwave is our quick-boy slicer, it's extra wide to prevent dodging.
flux wave is nausea and way too effective to pop in this world without causing mass hysteria imo
>>
>>3081391
You’re thinking Flux Wave, Magiwave is like that special attack the Crescent Moon Sword has in Dark Souls 3.
>>
>>3081391
That's flux wave, and the chaotic magic disrupting signal that makes it up might actually disconnect the summons in the area from the summoners. In other words, no control, or poof. Summons ARE magic after all.
>>
Aaaand back, and writing shortly!
>>
>>3081894
Maybe new thread?
>>
>>3079879
>>3079940
>>3079961
>>3079974
>>3079980
>>3080296
Fine. You’ve gotten tired of his jabbering, anyway. Time to put a lock on this.

As soon as you move, so does he, and you both meet in one last charge- he swings high, and you swing...and stop. His blade meets yours, but only for a moment as you pivot and let your momentum carry you away from the angle of his swing, sidestepping it, and freeing your blade to get under his. An upward heave from you, and a shout from him at the proximity of the flames forces him to relinquish the hold he has on his blade, sending it spiraling through the air behind you.

He tries to back off, to conjure something else- but you’re quick to catch him. You can’t just impale him, sadly, but a fist to the gut works just as well in this case, his ice armor cracking and shattering under the force.

“Uggaghhh...you...beast…” He nearly collapses on your fist before you pull back, allowing him to crumple, and, finally, fall to the floor.

“AND THAT’S IT! WINNER- LYSAN FAIRVIEW!” the principal announces to a roaring crowd. As you look past them, you see Lysan giving you a thumbs up. A look in the other direction reveals the judgings already writing things down. Wonder what they thought of all of that...you’re not sure if just sitting there and talking your opponent down would be the best option, but it’s proven useful before- you’re hoping they understand that, as well.

As the both of you walk away from the ‘ring’, Iris practically glomps Lysan herself. “Oh WOW, I can’t believe you! You managed to stay so cool during all that! Uh, no pun intended, of course.” Quickly, she looks down, blushing hard as she suddenly lets go…

Not that Lysan isn’t doing similar. “Thanks…” he says quietly, a small smile playing on his face as he looks away. Hm. That reminds you.

Looking over at the losers of the battle, you can see Delilah meeting Lucas halfway, taking his hand in hers as she says something to him, his exhausted summon by his side and still looking winded. Cute, you suppose... if irrelevant.

“Okay! Only one more round to go...maybe!” Iris says cheerfully. “I wonder how many are going to make it past to the last round…if it’s only two, it’s all over.”

>6d100, best of 3!
>>
Rolled 97, 52, 24, 70, 5, 29 = 277 (6d100)

>>3082242
>>
Rolled 15, 65, 61, 3, 1, 51 = 196 (6d100)

>>3082242
We should recharge now while we have the chance. Break line of sight from the Judges and use some mana crystals.
>>
Rolled 57, 20, 55, 35, 31, 15 = 213 (6d100)

>>3082242
>>
Someone maxed out with 31 and rolled a nat 1. rekt.
>>
>>3082261
>>3082293
>>3082326

...

hhhhhhhuh.
>>
>>3082293
Agreed.
>>
>>3082412
I hope that's the good kind of huh
>>
>'So, another round in the books; what do you think?'

>'Honestly...a touch disappointed. I wonder if that momentary crisis might have affected their judgement...'

>'Dunno, they all were goin' at it with a bit more heart than at first, seemed ta me. I was liking it!'

>'It was largely just straightforward applications of power, really. Not that I'm opposed to that sometimes, just...'

>'It's not what we're looking for, dears. That said, there WERE a couple...'

>'Alright, let's combine scores...'

>...

>...

>...

>'...Yikes. Would this even be worth a final, or should we just pass 'em?'

>'The rules DO state that there will be a Round 4 if there's more than two. There ARE more than two that pass the point minimum...even if one of those only did so barely.'

>'And honestly that was just because they weren't doing anything new, not that it isn't clever in and of itself...'

>'Well, then, fellows. Enough deliberation. Time to make the announcement.'

---------------

Writing!
>>
>>3082469
Crud, so we need Lysan to take a more active role for more points it seems. Simply displaying power is apparently not enough, which means tactics? reading the other guy and preparing instead of reacting? Basically less 'I choose you Kyria!' and more talking and planning? I donno, anyone else has any good ideas?
>>
>>3082483
Can't really suggest anything to him without it being meta as fuck. Suppose we could toy with our opponent a bit more, may be charge up a Nebula blaster without actually intending to fire it off and look to Lysan for orders or something to that effect.
>>
>>3082483
No guarantee they're talking about our performance. Besides, our only techniques that avert the *Hit it really hard or really fast* lines are suns flare, fireworks (which we just stole from Lorie tbph), harmonized mana and sticky mana. And we have to save SOMETHING for the last round.
>>
>>3082627
We already used sticky mana, although we haven't utilized the bomb version of it yet...
>>
>>3082242
>>3082261
>>3082293
>>3082326
As they clean up the remainder of the fight between the two of you, you can hear a number of people mention both Lysan and Lucas’s names- as well as yours floating around here and there. Seems like you’re the hot name on everyone’s lips right now. And at the very least it seems to be curiosity as opposed to fear- despite your menacing countenance and aura, it seems like most have finally come to the conclusion that you’re not a caged threat- at least, you don’t think so considering that more people are willing to meet your eyes when you look around in curiosity.

Soon enough, however, the area’s clean, and Iris is called up next; her opponent? Jacqueline. As the pale girl shuffles to her end, you’re surprised at how confident Iris and Bellbelle look; considering Laverne’s powers, you’d think they’d be a bit more concerned…

“SUMMONERS READY! SUMMONS READY...BEGIN!”

“Let’s do this!” Iris crows, and Bellbelle wordlessly shoots forth. Laverne does the same, and for a moment you wonder if they’re actually going to collide with each other- but at the last possible second the both of them seemingly shift on their axises entirely, laterally moving to their rights and beginning to circle each other.

Laverne holds up a single clothed finger threateningly, while Bellbelle claps her bulbous ‘hands’ together. It’s then you realize that both of them are somewhat similar- they don’t fight their best necessarily via direct damage- they both only need to touch their opponent once to start their proper gameplan. And it seems like they both realize that.

Laverne lunges forward with a poke, which Bellbelle flies over quickly, and an attempted jab to the side as response is denied as Laverne practically deforms her torso area to avoid getting touched.

It seems to devolve into a massive game of tag for a few moments afterwards...with Bellbelle getting seemingly more and more frustrated as she turns from simply trying to tage Laverne, to slamming her fists on the ground in frustration for every miss. Not great…

“Not good,” Lysan echoes without realizing. “She’s getting way too fed up. Wonder why- she’s normally a lot calmer...”

That’s a good question. Maybe she’s trying to impress him or something? But no, she’d have to realize that getting riled up like this would just make things worse if that was the case…

Soon, however, Bellbelle goes for an overhead strike- her permanent height forces Laverne to get lower to the ground to dodge...but Bellbelle doesn’t stop her strike there as Laverne just barely moves away. Instead, there’s a there’s a sudden depression in the ground as her attack’s momentum keeps her going, and puts her into the ground like she’s suddenly burrowing.

It’s when she comes OUT of it that’s surprising, stretching the ground ITSELF like taffy between her rearmost claws. Laverne can only try to run, but fails as Bellbelle coils the extra-soft ground itself around her to restrict her movement.

(cont.)
>>
>>3082483
>Simply displaying power is apparently not enough,
We knew this already. We're supposed to be clever, not a brute. Unfortunately, we're at our best when we can just pour raw power at a problem.
>>
>>3082697
We could try some sort of pinball wizard shenanigans by using electric current and spring-jumping off barriers I guess, but that sort of flashy stuff is pretty impractical, and Miranda is all about practicality.
Sometimes being clever is a whole lot of mucking about when a simpler solution is both easier and more effective, just like using talk-no-jutsu to wait out mr. freeze's frozone.
>>
>>3082692
Lysan comes to figure it out only moments after you. “Wait… was she faking?”

That she was, you realize. Her angry actions were really her pounding the same spots over and over to soften them up enough for her to be able to mold them without giving the tactic away to her opponent. That spot in particular had been hit at least 4 or 5 times...and now it’s got enough give to serve as an impromptu rope after she’d thrown herself into it! The speed at which she’d come out was fast, almost like a rebound, and even Jacqueline looks both shocked and impressed as her summon is bound up, the elasticity of the earth allowing a secure job of it, much to the crowd’s applause.

After a scant moment more, she’s trussed up, unable to touch Bellbelle with her hands bound as they are. Jacqueline herself frowns a bit...but nods, as Laverne seemingly wilts. You can just barely make out an “I surrender…” from her side.

As the prinicipal announces the victor in Iris, you get the feeling that Jacqueline won’t be moving on, this time…and as for the others…you’re not sure you’re all that interested in them at the moment.

>Worry about yourself for now- you’re a bit low on mana and could do with a pick-me-up...somewhere else, that is.
>Huh. What’s Millie doing over there? She seems...annoyed? At what, you wonder.
>Not interesting, but it’s still in your best interests to wait it out and stay near Lysan. There’s only one more round after this…
>Other
>>
>>3082753
>Worry about yourself for now- you’re a bit low on mana and could do with a pick-me-up...somewhere else, that is.
>>
>>3082753
>Worry about yourself for now- you’re a bit low on mana and could do with a pick-me-up...somewhere else, that is.
Get ready for one last fight, I hope.

>>3082627
>>3082697
Sorry if I wasn't clear, but I wasn't suggesting using new techniques or changing the way Miranda fights. Instead I'm suggesting that Lysan needs to do more on his part for the fights. As it is the Vague orders idea worked great for letting us do the thinking and thus win more easily, but not so good for the combat evaluation as a summoner and summoner pair, and how well the summoner can properly think in combat. Hence my ideas about more thinking and planning from and with Lysan.

Still, it's not like Lysan has been doing nothing and giving no order all this while, so maybe it's just my paranoia...
>>
>>3082753
>>Huh. What’s Millie doing over there? She seems...annoyed? At what, you wonder.
>Wonder if there's a sidequest in this...
>>
>>3082753
>Not interesting, but it’s still in your best interests to wait it out and stay near Lysan. There’s only one more round after this…
If anyone were to try and muck with Lysan's chances of passing this competition, now is the time, especially if we leave him alone.
>>
>>3082753
>>Huh. What’s Millie doing over there? She seems...annoyed? At what, you wonder.
If this is looking to be the last or 2nd to last, we should be ok on mana, and we should have another chance to top up after the next fight if we need it.
>>
>>3082753
>Huh. What’s Millie doing over there? She seems...annoyed? At what, you wonder.
We’ve got more then half our mana and only one more fight left, save our crystals for when we need them.
>>
Tied, but gonna be honest I'm hella sleepy and we need to start a new thread anyway. Run resumes tomorrow.
>>
>>3082753
>Not interesting, but it’s still in your best interests to wait it out and stay near Lysan. There’s only one more round after this…
What >>3082767 said.
>>
>>3082753
>Huh. What’s Millie doing over there? She seems...annoyed? At what, you wonder.
>>
>>3082753
>Huh. What’s Millie doing over there? She seems...annoyed? At what, you wonder.

Thanks for running.
>>
>>3082753
>Not interesting, but it’s still in your best interests to wait it out and stay near Lysan. There’s only one more round after this…

Not like plus 1000 mana gonna make much of a difference.
>>
>>3083266
It might. Take in consideration that 1000 mana is 1/11 of our pool and its worth several spells.
>>
>>3083287
It might if we didn't still have 2/3 of our pool. Going from 7/11 to 8/11 isn't going to make a difference.
>>
>>3083287
We also have 7000 mana, of 11000. We can re-fuel in an emergency.
>>
>>3083287
I don’t think we’re going to burn through 7,000 mana with just one more fight, though.
>>
>>3082753
>>Worry about yourself for now- you’re a bit low on mana and could do with a pick-me-up...somewhere else, that is.
>>
>>3083287
Or we could i dunno stop wasting mana and use the rapier that amplify our attacks to make spell less expensive. But i know it's to much to expect anons to play smart.
>>
>>3083354
It was mentioned that if to many contestants managed to pass there would be a fifth round.
>>
>>3083465
No more sword fights. That was one painful enough.
>>
>>3083465
Dont be an smartass mr "lets play along and say we are the harbringer" We played smart by changing the rapier for the flamebringer and using your reusable items before being close to be depleted of your reserves is good.
>>
>>3083483
Eh sure. I guess if we use a sword we will end up pucturing someone with a sword.
>>
>>3082883
>Run resumes tomorrow.

I guess there is still some time.



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