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>>3376612
You pass by that cathedral, and step into a dimly-lit pub. You say dim because the windows on the ground floor are all very small in Scathness, and the doors are small enough that to get through you have to turn your shoulders... all a defensive measure, of course.

Two of them you recognize: Sabrina, the short-haired and flat-chested warrior who was with Helen in Voi, and the terse and short-haired warrior who was in the port town of Tain. Her name was Justina, you recall.

“You're number seven, right?” Sabrina greets you calmly. “Good to see we have some heavy-hitters coming along.”

Justina merely nods quietly, though she does so with the faintest trace of a smile.

But from the bar, a third familiar face approaches.

Serana sets down a small glass of ale, and quickly embraces you.

“Hey, Serana,” you greet her warmly. “Good to see you're one of the single-digits on this mission. I'm happy to see you.”

She quickly makes a series of hand gestures, which your brain translates into a full sentence.

I'M HAPPY TO SEE YOU TOO.

You flash back a series of gestures in response.

YOU'VE IMPROVED.

She smiles more broadly.

NATURALLY.

“What's this?” Justina asks.

“What do you mean?”

Sabrina watches you thoughtfully. “I thought this single-digit warrior was simply standoffish.”

“She can only communicate through hand gestures,” you explain. “I'm the only one who can understand her, so she's actually surprisingly chatty when it's the two of us.”

Serana gestures at you again.

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS MISSION?

>MY HANDLER SUGGESTS OUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS ARE EVEN.
>THIS IS A PROBLEM. THEY DON'T EXPECT US TO SURVIVE.
>WE CAN NO LONGER TRUST THE ORGANIZATION. JUST EACH OTHER.
>Other?

>>3376739
>>THIS IS A PROBLEM. THEY DON'T EXPECT US TO SURVIVE.

>THIS IS A PROBLEM. THEY DON'T EXPECT US TO SURVIVE.

>>3376739
>THIS IS A PROBLEM. THEY DON'T EXPECT US TO SURVIVE.
I can't imagine that the Organization actually expects us to survive, especially with what happened to the last expedition to take out an abyssal one

>>3376739
>>THIS IS A PROBLEM. THEY DON'T EXPECT US TO SURVIVE.
THOUGH MY HANDLER SUGGESTS OUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS ARE EVEN.

>>3376739
>>MY HANDLER SUGGESTS OUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS ARE EVEN.

>>3376739
>>THIS IS A PROBLEM. THEY DON'T EXPECT US TO SURVIVE.

>>3376739
>>THIS IS A PROBLEM. THEY DON'T EXPECT US TO SURVIVE.

>>3376739
>THIS IS A PROBLEM. THEY DON'T EXPECT US TO SURVIVE.
>WE CAN NO LONGER TRUST THE ORGANIZATION. JUST EACH OTHER.

>>3376739
>THIS IS A PROBLEM. THEY DON'T EXPECT US TO SURVIVE.

>>3376739

>WE CAN NO LONGER TRUST THE ORGANIZATION. JUST EACH OTHER.

>>3376739
>>THIS IS A PROBLEM. THEY DON'T EXPECT US TO SURVIVE.
>>Not without a fair few casualties at least.

>>3376739
>>THIS IS A PROBLEM. THEY DON'T EXPECT US TO SURVIVE.

>>3376739
>MY HANDLER SUGGESTS OUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS ARE EVEN.
>Other?
Do you know who the new number two is?

>>3377883
Supposedly someone specializing in anti-awakened being/yoki suppression. My guess is that they think Zoe is compromised and promoted her to that spot and have a more “loyal” number 10.

>>3379248
The new #2 is directly replacing Laura, who has been declared a rogue warrior. This has no implied impact on Zoe's ranking.

>>3376739
>THIS IS A PROBLEM. THEY DON'T EXPECT US TO SURVIVE.

Point of order: the Organization has never succeeded in taking out a former number one and all their attempts ended so horribly that gave up trying and instead maintained a policy of avoiding provoking or even acknowledging the existence of the abyssal ones. Now suddenly they are not only confirming they exist, they are sending us to go poke one with a stick? If that doesn't raise suspicion and unsettle you, check your pulse: you might be dead.
I'm guessing we are already being studied to see how we respond.

New number two could have a bullshit ability but there is zero chance she's tried it on an abyssal one before. They have a bad habit of having one or more bullshit abilities of their own and redefining possible and impossible on the fly as it suits them.

Oh, and someone last thread asked about why they are called Abyssal Ones: it's because the exponential increase in power associated with awakening pushes an already exceptional power so far that their new nature and capabilities are hard to comprehend; as unfathomable as the deepest depths of the sea.

The difference in the awakening between mid-level claymores and stronger ones is stark. And when the top one, sometimes two, awaken? Every claymore on the damn island can feel it. Their "birth" cry alone can be devastating.

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>>3379461
Thanks bro

>>3376739
You carefully consider your response before settling on the brutal truth.

THEY DON'T CARE IF WE LIVE OR DIE.

Serana frowns, signing back to you swiftly.

ARE YOU SURE?

You nod, not even bothering with the signs.

“What is it?” Sabrina asks.

“Just catching up,” you lie. “Any of you know who else we should expect?”

“No,” Justina replies stoically. Sabrina also shakes her head.

“Well, guess we just have to wait,” you sigh, pulling up a chair of your own.

It takes an hour or so, but eventually another warrior arrives: long ears and a simple ponytail, with a strong chin.

“Liliana,” she greets your little group. “Currently number twenty.”

“Pull up a chair,” you gesture for her to join her. “Number seven. At least until a higher ranked warrior arrives I'll be in charge.”

It's not long before a faint yōki aura you sensed shortly after Liliana's arrival joins you as well: a younger looking girl with a bright, optimistic expression and messy hair that falls to around her jaw.

“So, who do we have here?” Sabrina asks.

“Emma,” she greets you with a polite bow. “Currently the number thirty-three warrior. I may be low ranked, but I look forward to the opportunity to serve with all of you.”

Lower ranked, she said? Last you checked the ranks don't actually go that low.

>Confer with Serana. Does she know anything about this?
>Ask Emma when she was given her rank and emblem.
>Point out that there aren't thirty-three warriors.
>Other?

>>3379707
>Ask Emma when she was given her rank and emblem.

>>3379707
>Ask Emma when she was given her rank and emblem.

>>3379707
>Confer with Serana. Does she know anything about this?
>>3379709
Changed my mind

Ask Serana what's up because she might be the target or some crazy shit.

>>3379707
>>Ask Emma when she was given her rank and emblem.

>>3379707
>Confer with Serana. Does she know anything about this?
>Ask Emma when she was given her rank and emblem.

>>3379707
>Confer with Serana. Does she know anything about this?

>>3379707
I think they promoted some hopeless trainee knowing that we won't be willing to let her die. They hope we'd be distracted by protecting her.

>>3379707
>Ask Emma when she was given her rank and emblem.
Suspicious character is suspicious

>>3379707
>>Ask Emma when she was given her rank and emblem.

>>3379707
>other: "Emma's dead. She died several years ago."

>>3379707
>>Confer with Serana. Does she know anything about this?
>>Ask Emma when she was given her rank and emblem.
>>Point out that there aren't thirty-three warriors.

>>3380687
The obviously picked a girl named Emma deliberately to emotionally compromise us.
We force her to stay behind.

>>3379707
>Confer with Serana. Does she know anything about this?

Oooh fuck all kinds of duck.

>>3379707
“When did you get that rank?” you demand, slowly reaching for the hilt of your sword. “Speak quickly.”

“I mean, I know I'm low-ranked!” Emma apologizes quickly. “I'm part of the same class as Galeria, there were eleven of us so it was kind of a weird situation. I'm actually ranked above two of the warriors who were active before... but I'm only in the middle of our class.”

You glance at Serana. “Galeria? Am I supposed to know who that is?”

Serana quickly gestures at you.

TWO. I THINK.

“Our new number Two?”

Emma nods emphatically. “Yeah, she's really a cut above the rest of us. Not even close... scary, actually.”

“And so they had the entire class graduate at once?” you ask, lowering your hand. “What's the lowest rank among you?”

“Forty,” Emma informs you. So there are forty active ranked warriors now?

“Did you know about this?” you ask Serana.

She shakes her head.

“I'd heard rumors,” Justina shrugs.

Sabrina nods. “Same here. I thought we'd all be informed at the same time.”

“That's never been how the Organization does things,” a new voice sighs. “Hey there Noel, Justina.”

“Valentina!?” you ask, gesturing for her to sit. “Get over here, how are you? Have you met Serana?”

“No,” she shakes her head. “Single-digit friend of yours?”

>Yeah, we've been on missions together.
>So it seems we all know each other here... mostly.
>I think you'll find you two have a lot in common.
>Other?

>>3382284
>I think you'll find you two have a lot in common.

>>3382284
>>I think you'll find you two have a lot in common.

>>3382284
>>I think you'll find you two have a lot in common.

>>3382284
>I think you'll find you two have a lot in common.

>>3382284
>>Yeah, we've been on missions together.

>>3382284
>I think you'll find you two have a lot in common.

>>3382284
>I think you'll find you two have a lot in common.

>>3382284
>>I think you'll find you two have a lot in common.

>>3382284
>Yeah, we've been on missions together.
Is Serana half-Awakened too? I don't remember

>>3383312
She is.

Rolled 7, 3, 1, 9 = 20 (4d10)

>QM Rolling

>>3383576
“I think you'll find that the two of you have a lot in common,” you tell Valentina. “Like you and me.”

“Like us, hm?” Valentina nods, taking your meaning immediately. “I know I can say the same about Justina, so apparently I'm in good company.”

So Justina is the last of the half-awakened warriors? You, Valentina, Justina, Serana... only Helen is absent of your number. Had it just been one or the other then you could have written it off as chance, but out of five so far four are present with only one other warrior that's not half-awakened. It's totally implausible that it's not through the Organization's intent.

Tomas was right.

“Oh, don't mind if Serana comes off as pretty quiet,” you declare even as the two of them shake hands. “She can't actually talk.”

“Wait, really?” Valentina asks.

Serana unclips her collar and shows the spot where her throat was torn open. Her eyes widen slightly as Valentina's fingertips lightly brush the scar.

“I'm sorry,” she sighs. “You must have had it rough. But you've found yourself a good friend in Noel, and if Noel counts you as a friend I do too. You have no option to reject, got it?”

Still slightly stunned, Serana nods silently and makes a quick hand gesture.

THANK YOU?

“She says she's grateful,” you interpret.

“You know what she's saying?” Valentina asks.

You shrug. “Someone has to be able to.”

SHE HELPED ME.

“What'd she say?”

“She says I helped her,” you tell Valentina. “Really I just pointed her in the right direction.”
>3d10, best of three

Rolled 8, 8, 6 = 22 (3d10)

>>3383581
A roll of the diceeey.

Rolled 4, 4, 6 = 14 (3d10)

>>3383581
We really should teach some of the others the sign language. At least the other half awakened

Rolled 10, 6, 1 = 17 (3d10)

>>3383581

>>3383581
The next group to arrive is one that makes the bottom drop out of your stomach... to the point where you actually excuse yourself and step outside to meet her before she gets inside.

It's Helen, along with two other warriors. One of them has a shaved head, and the other has long white curls and elfin ears to suit her slight build.

“Helen,” you nod. “And you two would be?”

“Lucia,” the curly-haired girl greets you with a saccharine tone and a curtsy. “Ranked number thirty-two.”

“Greta,” the woman with the shaved head bows. “Number twenty-nine.”

“Head on in,” you jerk your head towards the pub. “Everyone who's hear is inside, I wanna catch up with my friend Helen.”

“Sure,” Lucia nods. “Ooh, do you think they have tea in here?”

Greta shakes her head as she opens the door for the younger-looking girl. “You've never been in a pub, have you?”

Once they're gone, Helen leans up against the wall of the next storefront over: a butcher, you think.

“So what is it?”

You can't hide your frown. “We're all here. Every single one of us.”

Helen is silent for a moment. “Who else knows?”

“Serana,” you inform her.

“Serana?” she repeats, glancing at you with wide eyes. “As in our number nine?”

You nod quietly. “The very same.”

“Then we should quietly tell Valentina and Justina,” Helen suggests. “I'll speak with Justina. Can you tell Valentina without it being too obvious? No need to panic the others with our paranoid suspicions... it would just lower their combat effectiveness, and reduce their chances of surviving.”

>Yes, I have an idea for how to do that.
>I think we should at least let the others know what odds we're facing.
>We have to discuss the number Two first.
>Other?

>>3384149
>We have to discuss the number Two first.

>>3384149
>We have to discuss the number Two first.

>>3384149
>We have to discuss the number Two first.

>>3384149
>>We have to discuss the number Two first.

>>3384149
>We have to discuss the number Two first.

>>3384149
>>We have to discuss the number Two first.

Queen. Boob size scale rating for all the cast of claymores and awakened beings on the scale of Flat to Sabela's mom tits.

>>3384318
>8/10 - Just this side of uncomfortable
Olivia, Sabela
>7/10 - Noticeably big
Serana, Valentina, Emma 1.0
>6/10 - About average
Noel, Justina, Sabrina
>5/10 - Slightly Below Average
Helen, Greta
>4/10 - Noticeably small
Emma 2.0, Saria
>Sir, why don't you have a seat right over here
Lucia

>>3384377
This is relevant to my interests, appreciate it king.

>>3384377
>>Sir, why don't you have a seat right over here
>Lucia
snrk

>>3384377
>tfw Sabela's a size bigger than her regular size was because her boobs are filled with breast milk.
UNF

>>3384149
>We have to discuss the number Two first.

>>3384149
>We have to discuss the number Two first.
>Other: what do you think about the sudden rank expansion?

The organization is all but telegraphing it's desire to clean house. It's being even less subtle about it than that pieta debacle.

>>3384569
Surely they aren't so obvious.
What did all their handlers say?

What if we get a surprise visit from the number 1?

Might be they just want to test out the sorta awakened claymores.

>>3385840
The number 2 apparently specializes in dealing with awakened beings. My guess is that this group is her test run. Possibly she gets stronger from them like how the number one steals fighting styles.

So, the new rank 2 is from a batch of fresh claymores that all got graduated and pushed out at once, which is pretty unusual.

Follow me on a trip to the shadowrun zone. The latest batch of warriors is odd and very likely some sort of test run. They all got deployed at once because they are some kind of package deal. And Galeria is able to somehow use her fellows to power up or otherwise exploit them. Possibly by consuming them permanently, Alex Mercer style.

Not even all that good, I know. Move along folks.

>>3386501
The first consumed will be the most adorable one.

>>3386527
The effect is stronger the more adorable the consumed warrior is and the one you like the best will be the first to get nommed

>>3386549
I can guarantee that Noel will go full woke from that.

>>3386549
Obviously the trauma will be Emma./spoiler

>>3386549
Hey! You're not allowed to shadowrun, you're the QM! but keep going if you're having fun

>>3384149
“We still need to talk about the number two,” you sigh. “You know anything about her?”

Helen shakes her head. “No more than you do, probably. She's part of that new class that got promoted en masse, probably either has absurd yōki reserves or a special talent, or some combination of the two.”

“And why do you think we have forty warriors now?” you press. “That part bothers me as well, both the replacement of Laura as well as the addition of ten new ranks.”

“It's difficult to say,” Helen admits quietly. “It really depends on how much you read into their potential motivations. So it ranges from the very innocuous to the outright murderous.”

“Walk me through it,” you nod, gesturing for her to continue.

“It's possible that they simply have a large class,” Helen suggests. “Eleven survivors from a class is unusual to begin with. But there's also a chance that they really don't expect us to survive, and are preemptively increasing their ranks to absorb the loss.”

“Do you think they know about us?” you ask.

Helen pauses, considering the question carefully. “I can't say for sure. What is your impression?”

“You want to know?”

She nods. “We're going to be working together, counting on each other. And since you're not the type to take orders I figure I ought to get used to treating you as an equal.”

“So yes, I want to know what you think.”

>They know about us. They have to.
>I think they suspect, but they don't know.
>Mostly they know about ME, which is disturbing enough to consider.
>Other?

>>3387567
>Mostly they know about ME, which is disturbing enough to consider.

>>3387567
>>I think they suspect, but they don't know.

>>3387567
>>They know about us. They have to.

>>3387567
>I think this situation is far too coincidental. I think they're trying to get rid of us.

>>3387567
this >>3387609

>>3387609
>>3387567

>>3387609
>>3387567
Agreed

>>3387567
>I think they suspect, but they don't know.

>>3387567
>>3387609
I'll support this. Even if it's not the case it's just smart to be on our guard.

>>3387567
>They know about us. They have to.
>other: they wouldn't have bunched all of us together along with a fresh #2 as well as several other claymores on a mission against an abyssal one when all other attempts clearly have failed.

>>3387746
But don't the org just like to experiment?
Also I think it might be queen messing with us a little.

>>3387567
>They know about us. They have to.

>>3387567
>>I think they suspect, but they don't know.

>>3387567
>They know about us, they have to. I think Zoe sensed it when I was called back to HQ. Have you run into her after your own partial awakening?

>>3387968
We should definitely ask about them and Zoe.

Do we recognize any of the new recruits from when we went to visit the island?

>>3387567
>Other?

I'm sure they think they know something. They could have a number of reasons to want to do this to us. I just wish I knew which one.

But disposing of us for our shared nature is pretty much top of the list for most likely explanation for the mission, until I see compelling evidence that this mission has any reasonable chance to succeed anyway.

>>3387567
“I have no idea how much they know,” you admit, “but I can't believe this is just a coincidence.”

“I agree,” Helen nods. “We'll have to be careful from here... our plans should factor in the new number Two and her plans for the coming battle.”

“I'd prefer to keep as many of the warriors with us alive as we can as well,” you add quietly. “The Organization has thrown them into this fire along with us. That's reason enough for me to want to save them.”

“Agreed again,” Helen replies. “I'm glad to hear that our sentiments continue to match well.”

“Same,” you nod. “Well, shall we head inside before people start to wonder?”

“Let's.”

Once inside Helen finds her way over to Justina, and you greet Serana and Valentina, who have been joined by Sabrina and Gerta.

“I still can't believe you two can talk with your hands,” Valentina smiles. “That's really cool, and kind of sweet really. It's how warriors should treat each other.”

“Agreed wholeheartedly,” Gerta nods her clean-shaven head. “That was how the old monks used to teach me.”

“You were raised in a monastery?” you ask her.

“Until it was destroyed of course. I keep my head shaved to honor their traditions... one of them covered me with his body. I owe them my life.”

“I suppose we all have stories like that,” you nod. “Your service should honor their memories.”

Then you turn to Valentina. “I can show you a simple way to communicate with Serana if you want.”

“Sure!” Valentina immediately agrees. “That sounds cool!”

“Give me your hand,” you order. “I'll trace some words out. See if you can follow what I'm saying.”

You trace your message:

“HELEN AND I THINK THIS IS A TRAP. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.”

“You understand that?” you ask.

Valentina gives you a brief look of concern, before nodding and forcing a smile. “Yeah, I think I did! It was a Hazari poem, right?”

You nod emphatically. “That's a great start, you're really picking it up quick!”
>1/2

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>>3389583
Several of you spend the next little while tracing messages across various parts of your backs and arms to pass the time, learning to interpret those quick letters despite the unconventional manner in which they're written. But eventually you sense a strong yōki arriving.

“I am Galeria,” the long-haired newcomer with a white braid ending in a brass ring greets you, “and the Organization has recently seen fit to issue my emblem and assign me the ranking of number Two. I will be in charge of this hunt. If you have any objections please keep them to yourselves.”

“I'm number twenty, Liliana,” a young woman with plain straight hair in a pale blonde announces, inclining her head slightly.

The third new arrival, a girl with a short bob of golden-colored hair, declares herself last. “Hera, twenty-four.”

“Now that we've all been introduced,” Galeria eventually calls your attention over several other voices in the tavern, “it's time to issue some assignments. We have four single-digit warriors and eight double-digits, meaning four teams of three. Two will support their single-digit captain, with captains deploying in a flexible manner to cover each other and press any openings.”

Each single-digit is a captain, huh? You and Serana both spot the problem with that instantly.

>Speak up. Serana is unable to serve the role of captain as she cannot communicate verbally.
>Serana actually has to be on your team. You're the only one who can understand her.
>Let Serana call out Galeria's mistake.
>Other?

>>3389614
>>Serana actually has to be on your team. You're the only one who can understand her.

>>3389614
>>Serana actually has to be on your team. You're the only one who can understand her.
understand her without a longer learning session or contact of course

>>3389614
>Let Serana call out Galeria's mistake.
>Other?
Signal Serana to try and tell her, then when that fails we jump in and explain.

>>3389614
>>Serana actually has to be on your team. You're the only one who can understand her.

>>3389614
>Speak up. Serana is unable to serve the role of captain as she cannot communicate verbally.
>Serana actually has to be on your team. You're the only one who can understand her.

>>3389614
>>3389635
addendum: be polite while doing it, she seems like a person to value the chain of command

>>3389614
>Let Serana call out Galeria's mistake. Have her raise her hand and show her torn throat.
>Serana actually has to be on your team. You're the only one who can understand her.

>>3389614
>Let Serana call out Galeria's mistake.

>>3389614
>>Let Serana call out Galeria's mistake.

>>3389614
>>Serana actually has to be on your team. You're the only one who can understand her.

>>3389614
>>Let Serana call out Galeria's mistake.

>>3389614
>>Let Serana call out Galeria's mistake.

>>3389614
>Serana actually has to be on your team. You're the only one who can understand her.
Not sure how Serana would even get her attention. Bang the table?

I am having real trouble making sense of The Organization's motive here.

Sure, there is the whole pissing off a (for the moment) dormant, walking natural disaster thing and potentially losing a lot of claymore and human lives unnecessarily, but that's not all.

Arguably, the worst thing that could happen is we succeed. We would simultaneously destroy the tenuous equilibrium between the factions and light a fire under all the remaining Abyssals to take action. It's like saying "hey look, we can kill you guys now, whachoo gonna do 'bout it fagget?" How the hell do they think that's going to go over?

They were chilling before, this would kick off a nuclear clusterfuck of a battle royale AND put all Claymores on the table as viable threats and therefore targets. Lots and lots of people are going to die, especially if the Abyssals feel threatened and get serious about killing humans in retaliation to show the Organization why they shouldn't have been fucked with.

This is like if one nuclear power somehow took out another in a surprise attack overnight. They can't let that slide.

>>3390877
Should warn mom and Laura.

>>3390877
Unless the Organization already has some kind of understanding with one or more of the Abyssals . . . oh balls.

>>3389614
>Serana actually has to be on your team. You're the only one who can understand her.

>>3389614
>Let Serana call out Galeria's mistake.
>Other?
"Besides, we need a ranker to kill the officers."
https://youtu.be/VxHdF5bQN2U?t=197

>>3391337
"Because I don't care what army an officer fights for, what color coat he wears, or what king he serves. A bad officer is better off dead, and a good soldier ought to know how to kill him."

>>3389614
>Serana actually has to be on your team. You're the only one who can understand her.

What accent do you imagine Noel speaking with if she speaks English if she does have an accent that's different from the default American English?

>>3389614
You glance quickly at Serana, who merely shakes her head.

“There's a problem with that,” you sigh.

Galeria stares at you, as if chastising you for daring to speak up to her. “You would be the number seven? What problem would that be?”

You gesture to Serana. “Serana, why don't you tell her.”

Serana quickly begins gesturing.

THAT CUNT ELLA TORE MY THROAT OUT.

“What is this?” Galeria demands.

“She says the awakened being Ella tore her throat out,” you repeat, before glancing back at Serana. “You never told me it was Ella.”

Serana shrugs. AND YOU DID'T TRANSLATE DIRECTLY.

“I know we have no word for awakened being,” you admit, “but that language was just unbecoming of a lady.”

I HEALED MY TRACHEA BUT MISAILIGNED MY VOCAL CORDS.

“She can't talk because while she managed to heal her trachea she misaligned her vocal cords,” you translate. “I considered helping her heal that once, but tearing open her throat a second time would leave so much scarring it might interfere with her breathing... and it might not even restore her voice.”

SINCE NOEL IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN UNDERSTAND ME I'M NOT FIT TO COMMAND.

“Since I'm the only one here who can understand her she can't actually give commands,” you declare. “So really, the only team composition that makes sense has me and her on the same team.”

“Let me get this straight,” Galeria huffs, resting her hands on her hips. “The number nine refuses to follow my orders, is that it?”

OUR FELLOW WARRIORS DESERVE A LEADER WHO CAN GIVE CLEAR, INTELLIGIBLE ORDERS.

“She says our fellow warriors deserve to be lead by someone whose orders they can understand,” you recount.

>Offer a new idea: break up the teams by who has previous experience working together.
>Offer a new idea: suggest that Galeria build three balanced teams of four instead.
>Suggest that teams should be based around fighters whose skills are good against awakened beings.
>Other?

>>3392709
>>Offer a new idea: suggest that Galeria build three balanced teams of four instead.

>>3392709
>Offer a new idea: suggest that Galeria build three balanced teams of four instead.

>>3392679
A very slight Scottish accent. As a noblewoman she would have been raised to speak with as neutral an accent as possible.

>>3392709
>>Offer a new idea: suggest that Galeria build three balanced teams of four instead.

>>3392709
>Offer a new idea: suggest that Galeria build three balanced teams of four instead.
I dislike Galeria already.

>>3392709
Wow. Galeria really has the fatal "Big Rank ego."
>Offer a new idea: suggest that Galeria build three balanced teams of four instead.
>other:
>Group 1 will be lead by Galeria
>Group 2 will be lead by Noel
>Group 3 will be lead by Helen.
Having two within our trust circle leading the group will help group survival rate.
>>3392740
Has Noel ever went FULL SCOTTISH away from prying eyes?

>>3392740
So it's mongolia scotland rome, aight

>>3392709
>>Offer a new idea: suggest that Galeria build three balanced teams of four instead.

>>3392740
rephrasing my previous question, what are the common words that Noel frequently slips on due to her scottish accent?

>>3392783
None, because the Scots dialect doesn't exist in this setting. The accent I imagine her having has a slight twinge of the Scottish accent to it though, partly because the scenery of the highlands and the Hebrides was so important in shaping my mental imagery of the setting.

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>>3392804

>>3392804
So, just from the first conversation with Galeria, what's everyone else's (Helen, Valentina, Justina, etc.) thoughts and impression of the Newly Minted #2?

>>3392952
She's a noob who's ego has gone to her head

>>3392952
I wonder what her interactions with single digits were before she got promoted. She's very, keen on that ranking structure meaning she's better than those of lower numbers. Makes me wonder how she feels about the Org bc she sure as hell doesn't seem to care much for her fellow warriors.

As of right now, she's the one I'm least likely to care about were she to die, besides the potential that would go with her. Meh.

>>3393005
I think she's a bit like Ella, she's got nothing to prove except her rank in the org.

>>3392804
>inb4 fellow claymore warriors develop the actual Scottish dialect as a way to flanderize and make a carcitecture impression of Noel.
>somehow scottish dialect and words become secret code talk because of how unintelligable it is to discern

>>3392952
>Helen
"It's worse than I thought."
>Valentina
"Wow, Noel's not cutting her any slack. Not that I think she's earned it though."
>Justina
"Stupid rookie."
>Serana
"I've seen her before in every warrior who thought so highly of herself, but only lasted one mission."

>yfw she's actually extremely competent, she's just a bitch

>>3392709
>>3392763
This, but offer to serve as Serana's NCO. She has more experience.

So what's our exit strategy if things go south? This still might be a ploy to kill us and the other troublemakers by the Organization.

Maybe we should have a word with the others we trust so we can coordinate a sudden withdrawal. Take everyone we can to go hide with Laura in Sabela's territory.

Or just crib canon and prepare for everyone to try to feign death and go into hiding. Not thrilled about trying this one because this only worked for some because they were literally hiding under a pile of dead claymores.

>>3392709
>>Offer a new idea: suggest that Galeria build three balanced teams of four instead.

>>3393632
Grab as many as we can and run for it.
If/when Galeria loses an arm or a team member (which under her leadership seems inevitable), that's when we run and get to safety, then chew the ever living soul out of Galeria. Make her carry the weight of her failure as an incompetent rookie.

>>3393699
I mean if shit goes south to get people out Noel might have to be the 'lonely queen' who stays behind while the others escape.

>>3392709
>4d10, best of four

Rolled 6, 2, 7, 4 = 19 (4d10)

>>3394744

Rolled 3, 2, 9, 1 = 15 (4d10)

>>3394744

Rolled 5, 9, 9, 4 = 27 (4d10)

>>3394744

Rolled 9, 7, 9, 9 = 34 (4d10)

>>3394744

>>3394778
What on earth just happened?

>>3394525
I could get behind that, thematically at least. Practically speaking, seems a tad hubristic, but it is entirely in character for Noel to want to save a lot of lives at the potential cost of her own.

>>3394781
I used up all my luck for the next few weeks, it seems.

>>3394744
“The norm for fighting awakened beings is a team of four,” you point out. “We can still do that and balance the teams, given that Serana and I are the lowest-ranked single-digits present.”

That completely ignores the fact that you're both half-awakened, but nobody who doesn't already know that needs to know it. In the end this actually benefits you as well, in the sense that if Galeria responds the way you think she will, she'll balance the teams by putting the weakest two warriors on your team. So that means most likely your team will consist of yourself, Serana, Lucia, and Emma giving the latter two their only realistic chance of surviving the mission.

From there it's likely that Helen's team will get Justina or Valentina, more likely Justina, with the other likely going to Galeria's team. The rest would of course be split between those two teams, with Helen's team favoring the higher-ranked Sabrina and Liliana with team Galeria adding Hera and Greta.

That's the configuration that makes the most sense from the perspective of equalizing the teams. But there's no guarantee that's how she'll do it. In fact, if she's nervous about her appointment or else lacks confidence for any reason...

“Listen up then,” Galeria declares, “we'll be forming three teams. Team Galeria will include myself, Valentina, Hera, and Lucia. Team Helen will include her as captain, along with Justina, Liliana, and Greta. Team Noel will be led by her, with Serana, Sabrina, and Emma.”

So she defaulted to adding two of the members of her own class to her team rather than placing lower-ranked fighters onto teams that would best ensure the survival of the greatest number of warriors possible. So she is self-conscious of being a rookie after all.

You can't say you disagree though.

If Galeria's combat potential would be lessened by being put in charge of unfamiliar warriors with much more experience than her that's a problem regardless of whatever powers she can bring to the fight. Your objective remains the same in any event: keep Emma alive, though it's likely that you can rely a little more on Sabrina to assist. So that actually benefits you.

“We move out at dawn,” Galeria concludes. “Until then I leave it to the captains to prepare their respective units.”

Upstairs you have a shared room, where Serana, Sabrina, and Emma all spread out through towards the walls and begin unfastening their uniforms and armor.

>”Just get some rest. Morning will come soon enough, and we'll need to be ready.
>”My goal is to keep as many of us alive as possible. Killing the target is a secondary concern.”
>”Follow my orders and don't get killed doing anything stupid. That's all.”
>Other?

>>3394794
>”My goal is to keep as many of us alive as possible. Killing the target is a secondary concern.”

>>3394794
>>”My goal is to keep as many of us alive as possible. Killing the target is a secondary concern.”

>>3394794
>”My goal is to keep as many of us alive as possible. Killing the target is a secondary concern.”

>>3394794
>”My goal is to keep as many of us alive as possible. Killing the target is a secondary concern.”

>>3394794
>”My goal is to keep as many of us alive as possible. Killing the target is a secondary concern.”
>other: "if we're going to survive, we all need to know a few things, namely communication. Serena can only communicate through gestures, and given that both of you don't know how to read sign language, we're going to have to give you a crash course on the basics. communicating in a way that the enemy can't interpret/intercept can give us an edge."

>>3394794
I'm starting to mix people up at this point. Would it be possible to have some sort of character roster with brief info on our fellow warriors?

>”My goal is to keep as many of us alive as possible. Killing the target is a secondary concern.”
Also supporting >>3394857

>>3394913
Currently Present Warriors:
2 – Galeria (Rookie, Captain)
5 – “Echo Sword” Helen (Half-Awakened, Captain)
7 – “Lonely Queen” Noel (You play as her, Captain)
9 – “Two-Hands” Serana (Half-Awakened, mute, Team Noel)
13 – “Long Claw” Valentina (Half-Awakened, endearing as fuck, Team Galeria)
14 – “Unbreakable” Justina (Half-Awakened, terse, Team Helen)
17 – Sabrina (Team Noel)
20 – Liliana (Team Helen)
24 – Hera (Rookie, Team Galeria)
29 – Greta (Team Helen)
32 – Lucia (Rookie, Team Galeria)
33 – Emma (2.0, Rookie, Team Noel)

>>3394794
>”My goal is to keep as many of us alive as possible. Killing the target is a secondary concern.”

Seems about right. This still has every indication of being a complete shit-show.

Why split up against a lone opponent, wave tactics? Why put a complete rookie in charge of tactics? If she's that new, has she even fought awakened before? Does anyone have even the slightest clue about intel on the target? Why do we have so many weaker warriors who have no hope of surviving, let alone contributing in the battle? Does the target know we are coming for it? If no, why have we not benched all the lowbies and gotten the heavy hitters together for an alpha strike? If she does know we are coming (all but guaranteed given how good powerful awakened are at sensing claymores) what's the plan for not getting insta-gibbed, or preventing the target from just escaping? Why are none of the lower ranks or rookies concerned or even curious about what an Abyssal One is? Do they know that's what our target is? Have they any understanding the gravity of that fact and what Abyssal Ones are capable of?

This Op just has BOHICA written all over it.

>>3395053
I think Galeria's power may be somehow related to her classmates, that's why there's a ton of rookies on the mission.

>>3395089
I am reminded of this one manga where the MC purposefully team-kills his team in order to get a temp power-up.
If Clarice's abilities is setting up something of a trend, then Galeria's abilities won't fall far from that tree of kill-teammate-to-gain-power.

>>3395109
Well that would be a fantastic way of turning this into even more of a clusterfuck.

>>3394794
“My goal here is to have as many warriors still alive at the end of this as possible,” you declare to the room, setting your sword up against one of the two beds. “If the target is eliminated in the process that'd be an unexpected bonus, but that's hardly something I expect.”

Serana merely nods in silent agreement even as Sabrina and Emma protest in unison.

“How can you say that before we've even tried?” Sabrina demands, finally managing to speak over Emma entirely.

“How many hunts have you been on?” you press. “Aside from the one where we met?”

Sabrina stares at you in surprise. “Two. One was a success, the other turned out to be a female voracious eater. Complete waste of time.”

“And Emma?” you press. “Have any of your class been on a hunt, aside perhaps from Galeria?”

She shakes her head slowly. “If she's been on one I've never heard about it.”

“Have you ever seen her fight?” you ask. “Galeria I mean?”

Emma nods.

“Was she using her yōki?” you press.

“Ten percent, I think,” Emma informs you. “It was a sparring match with Zoe.”

“Now imagine a yōma ten times as powerful as that,” you explain, “and that's what Galeria would be like awakened.”

“Our target is an awakened number one. An Abyssal One, even stronger before she awakened than Galeria is now.”

“So you're trying to say it's hopeless?” Sabrina scoffs. “Man, you really know how to lift a girl's spirits!”

“I never said that,” you shake your head. “If we can just take her head before she kills us all we win. All we need to do is stay alive until we get the opportunity to land a decisive blow. She may be powerful, but she's not a god.”

Serana quickly flashes you a series of gestures.

THE OTHER VICTORY CONDITION IS RETREAT.

>True. Withdrawing to fight another day is far from the worst outcome.
>If it comes to that. But I don't want to fight expecting to have to retreat.
>I don't think that Galeria or the Organization will let us without bloodshed.
>Other?

>>3395361
>True. Withdrawing to fight another day is far from the worst outcome.

>>3395361
>True. Withdrawing to fight another day is far from the worst outcome.
but
>I don't think that Galeria or the Organization will let us without bloodshed.

>>3395361
>True. Withdrawing to fight another day is far from the worst outcome.
Yet
>I don't think that Galeria or the Organization will let us without bloodshed.

>>3395361
>>3395374
In with this

>>3395361
>>I don't think that Galeria or the Organization will let us without bloodshed.
Galeria seems like a hardass that wants to run a tight ship.

>>3395361
>>I don't think that Galeria or the Organization will let us without bloodshed.

>>3395361
>Other?
Go over some tactical hand signals in case Serana needs to take command.

>>3395053
>Why do we have so many weaker warriors who have no hope of surviving, let alone contributing in the battle?
>Wingmen are to absorb firepower -- Gabby Gabreski

>>3395361
>I don't think that Galeria or the Organization will let us without bloodshed.
Voting this.

Also, the person leading this hunt has never actually faced an awakened being? This bodes well. We really are being set up to fail here, or the organisation knows something we don't
>“Have any of your class been on a hunt, aside perhaps from Galeria?”
>She shakes her head slowly. “If she's been on one I've never heard about it.”

>>3395745
she might be like that psychotic thot Clarice where specialty is power cannibalism.

>>3395763
She'd have to consume the other single-digits in order to become a threat to the abyssal, though, and even then I wouldn't bet on her winning.
Not that we'd let her do that anyway.

>>3395361
>>3395374
>>3395375
these

>>3395361
>True. Withdrawing to fight another day is far from the worst outcome.

Might need to retreat from The Organization too.

Dear God, so many adorable little/rookie claymores are about to die for this crap.

>>3395361
“True,” you sigh. “Withdrawing to fight another day isn't the worst outcome I can think of. Trouble is I don't think the Organization would appreciate such a maneuver without there having been some bloodshed. And from what I gather Galeria wouldn't allow it.”

“You're talking about Galeria and the Organization like they're our enemies!” Emma protests.

You shoot her a quick glare. “Is anyone who would march you into a battle like this one your friend?”

“Zoe would never have taught us...”

“Zoe would agree with me,” you interrupt her. “Because to her, the lives of the warriors she mentors are precious, certainly not to be wasted on foolish orders.”

Emma seems almost aghast. “Come on, Sabrina! Back me up here?”

Sabrina however shakes her head. “We have three single-digit warriors here who are less than enthused about our prospects... Helen seemed unusually grave, even for her. Now Noel's putting that sentiment into words, and even Serana is voicing her displeasure in her own way.”

“But Galeria seems determined!” Emma insists.

“Galeria lacks one thing that Laura had in excess,” you counter. “Over the years Laura learned to value of due caution. She learned to pay attention when her gut told her something was wrong. That's how she escaped the Organization's grasp so effortlessly, evaded the party sent after her, and has remained out of their reach to this day.”

“Galeria doesn't seem to recognize the danger we're all in, so it falls to the more experienced single-digits to act accordingly.”

“What makes you so sure this new girl can deal with a mission like this?' Sabrina presses. “What can she do that's got you so hot for her?”

“When she really gets going, she's incredibly powerful,” Emma insists excitedly. “Even Zoe had to pay her some respects!”

“Same with me,” you retort. “But more than that, I've had single-digit warriors commending my intuition and judgment for years including Zoe. And I'm telling you... don't count on Galeria to swoop in and save you when it comes to that. Because we're all going to be hard-pressed just to survive.”

“The target is an Abyssal One, a former number One who has gone beyond her own limits and become a monster among monsters. Do not let your guards down for a single moment... that goes the same for all of us, myself included.”
>1/2

>>3398079
The next morning comes early, after a night where rest comes only fleetingly.

This whole mission is wrong... no, the Organization is acting no differently than it ever does, throwing little girls in over their heads and promoting the ones who survive. The path behind you is wet with the blood of all those who never made it this far, and there will be more blood in the future for certain. The best you can do is halt the flow wherever you can, and protect the warriors around you as best you can.

This must be how Olivia felt every day, for decades on end.

Galeria leads you up into the mountains along what seems to be a rarely-used track, branching off the main road through the region from Scaithness. That road goes round the mountains, staying below their icy shoulders, while the one you're on seems to head for the treeline and hugs it... the closest thing to a straight line you can get through a mountain range, but it pays for it by having much greater gains and losses in elevation.

Before you is a tiny village, which you can see across a wide glacial valley by sundown. All around are low bushes, some sparse stands of evergreens like firs and spruces, the odd terrace that's been long since grown over, and massive boulders deposited here by ice long ago.

“This is the village of Rila,” you inform your team. “We're very close to one of the passes to the nation of Cuilan.”

Galeria stops. “We rest here for the night. We'll move at sunrise.”

>Question Galeria. Does she have a plan? What does her intelligence say to expect?
>Call a meeting, get Helen and Serana in on this as well.
>Refuse to let her off even THAT easy. She needs to tell all the warriors present what to expect.
>Other?

>>3398097
>Refuse to let her off even THAT easy. She needs to tell all the warriors present what to expect.
>other: POP QUIZ her.

>>3398097
>>Question Galeria. Does she have a plan? What does her intelligence say to expect?
Don't unnecessarily haze the newbie, open up some to input.
If you are to work as a team, playing off of unnecessary conflict won't always pan as you think

>>3398097
>Question Galeria. Does she have a plan? What does her intelligence say to expect?

>>3398097
>Call a meeting, get Helen and Serana in on this as well.

>>3398097
>>Question Galeria. Does she have a plan? What does her intelligence say to expect?

>>3398097
>>Call a meeting, get Helen and Serana in on this as well.

>Question Galeria. Does she have a plan? What does her intelligence say to expect?

>>3398097
>Question Galeria. Does she have a plan? What does her intelligence say to expect?

>>3398097
>Question Galeria. Does she have a plan? What does her intelligence say to expect?

>>3398097
>>Question Galeria. Does she have a plan? What does her intelligence say to expect?

>>3398429
Uhhh... wrong quest?

>>3398434
>this guy got to the post fast enough
nice catch

>>3398097
“We do have a plan, right?” you ask Galeria as your team settles in to wait.

She nods quietly. “We do indeed, number seven. Tell me, you seem rather proud of your own experience.”

You remain silent at the slight provocation, instead merely gesturing for her to continue.

“We're here to ambush the Abyssal One Constanzia, who is on track to make the passage through the pass to the east overnight,” Galeria informs you. “I want your team on the far slope of the valley, Helen's team will position itself across the village by that stand of trees.”

She points to two locations: yours is an outcropping of granite boulders upslope from Rila, while the stand is a miserable-looking spot where about twenty or thirty mature spruce trees are all clustered together. They're roughly equidistant from the center of the village.

“My team will wait down the road,” she continues, gesturing towards what looks like an abandoned house. “Just there. Your team and Helen's will converge at the eastern end of town while I bring my team up the middle. No easy escape... if she tries the closest team ties her down while the others close in.”

You have to admit, in terms of plans? That one's surprisingly solid. It's an actual series of small-unit maneuvers, simple and effective assuming each of the single-digits can keep Constanzia occupied even for a few seconds on their own. Which you certainly think you can, and Helen should be able as well.

There's just one problem.

“And how do we keep hidden?” you ask.

Galeria nods. “At nightfall a handler will arrive with yōki suppressing pills. Good for a few hours. We'll take them immediately and by sunrise they're formulated to already be wearing off.”

“And if the target obviously moves, we move in ahead of schedule,” you nod.

“But the plan is to synchronize our assault with the rising sun,” Galeria concludes.

“Giving our teams the advantage of having the sun to our backs,” you realize.

“That suggestion was Zoe's,” Galeria admits.

>I like it. This might just work.
>And if something changes? We'll be separated.
>It's a sound plan, but a flawed premise. We still need to beat an Abyssal One.
>Other?

>>3398586
Do... Yoki suppressing pills weaken us?

>>3398586
>And if something changes? We'll be separated.
Though the plan seems pretty good if it works

>>3398586
>>It's a sound plan, but a flawed premise. We still need to beat an Abyssal One.

>>3398606
Yes


>>3398586
>And if something changes? We'll be separated.

>>3398646
Well my paranoia thinks the pills are a trap.

>>3398586
>>I like it. This might just work.
that plan does surprisingly seem sensible

>>3398606
They do, but Noel would be able to tell if she was still under their effect.

>>3398586
>Just might work

>>3398586
>I like it. This might just work.
Well, I'm glad she isn't completely incompetent.

>>3398586
>so then what's the plan when things go south? I love the general idea, but what's our exit strategy if our initial decapitation strike fails?

>>3398586
>The plan is solid, but it's predicated on the target arriving at a precise time. What will we do if it arrives earlier? Or much later?

>>3398586
>Other
If anyone is downwind of her, she'll be able to smell that we are claymores, pills or no pills, since awakened are closer to bestial yoma. Have you accounted for this?

What will the response be if [when] we discover our intel is wrong about anything important? Will we abort the mission?

Will there be any signal for us to warn the other groups to call off the attack after we have separated if we need to in the event of some exceptionally unfavorable development?

General probing questions on reasonable possibilities and contingencies.

>>3398586
>>Other?
>“Giving our teams the advantage of having the sun to our backs,” you realize.
Egad, no! Having the sun to our backs silhouettes us against the dawn, thereby making us easy to spot in the minutes before sunrise. Very dangerous if Constanzia is capable of ranged attacks.

>>3400742
Wouldn't having the sun be in Constanzia's eyes counteract that?

>>3400742
>>3400757
Attacking "out of the sun" at dawn is a classic strategy. Having the sun directly in your eyes makes it very difficult to see your attackers, placing you at a disadvantage, which is compounded by the fact that a defending force will be least ready right at sunrise. Sentries won't have had a chance to rest and the bulk of the defending force may not even be fully awake and armed.

>>3400778
>>3400757
Yes, at the exact sunrise that works. The early light before sunrise, when the horizon is not yet bright, is the dangerous part.

> If Cradock could force an action before the sun set the advantage would be his as the German gunners would have the sun in their eyes. As soon as the sun set the situation would reverse. The German ships would be in darkness and the British ships in silhouette against the sunset glow.

https://www.britishbattles.com/first-world-war/battle-of-coronel/

>>3400785
You also have to factor in the terrain. We're not talking "dawn" here, or even properly "sunrise" when the upper limb becomes visible over the horizon. This is due to the presence of mountain peaks to the east: when the upper limb of the sun is visible over those peaks the valley will start to be illuminated, and the optimum time to initiate the maneuvers will be when the direct sunlight first hits the village of Rila.

That's what's meant by "coordinating" it with "the rising sun" as opposed to "sunrise" or "dawn".

>>3398586
What do we do if it isnt Constanz?

Hey, wait a minute: did the yoki suppression drug interfere with a claymore's ability to sense other sources of yoki? I seem to recall it did.

If so, that means we'd be infiltrating blind into the AO, merely praying things go to plan, and the target could just leg it in the night and we'd be none the wiser. Or worse still: the target might have spies/moles of her own or unusually long range/sensitive yoki sensing ability or something, and we get our yoki sense back just in time to detect how fucked we are (also a possibility if the Organization's real goal is to be rid of us and wants us to not notice until it's too late) and we find ourselves surrounded by the target, her sister, and some of their awakened cronies.

This is all assuming we don't get sniffed out in the night and attacked while our yoki is suppressed rendering us more fucked than words can describe. (Without yoki, claymores are still ridiculously strong, but only within the realm of what is nearly plausible while still obeying most of the known laws of physics; yoki is magic bullshit that breaks everything from conservation of mass to momentum and inertia.)

Let's not forget, our target is not only powerful but aged and experienced; she also is inherently somewhat of an expert in spotting claymores the old fashioned way.

if this build up lasts much longer, I am going to start a claymore deadpoolYou will win pennies on the dollar betting Emma dies, so don't bother.

>>3398586
“It might work,” you nod thoughtfully. “But the problem is that we'll be separated. If something changes we won't be able to coordinate.”

“The Organization expects us to engage in any eventuality,” Galeria insists. “However, that is also the reason I am giving you and Helen broad authority to make strategic decisions concerning your teams. Surrender is the same as defeat, compromise is half defeat, but retreat is not a defeat.”

“Zoe's words?” you ask.

Galeria nods. “Zoe is a wise warrior.”

“She is indeed.”

“One final warning,” Galeria adds in a low voice. “My technique... it's very much an all-or-nothing trick. If it fails, if you should be forced to retreat? You will have to leave me behind. Do not hesitate to do so.”

You're about to ask her to explain further, when you're interrupted by a man in black. “That's quite enough doom and gloom, Galeria. I've brought the required tools.”

“Good,” Galeria nods. “You're here early though.”

“We handlers have little else to do,” the man shrugs nonchalantly. “I suppose I could have waited in the nearest bush until nightfall, but then again I want to be as far away from here as possible by the time your target arrives.”

“And why's that?” Valentina presses, having overheard the comment. “You should stick around, watch us work. Maybe shout some encouragement from the sidelines.”

“And ruin the element of surprise?” he muses. “That would just be a bother to the rest of you.”

Of course, you only notice her when your suspicion obliges you to check. It's a warrior, one whose tremendous yōki has been skillfully hidden. In fact, you're not entirely sure that you haven't noticed her specifically because she wanted you to.

“Why don't you come out, Camila,” you call out.

After a few seconds, a tall warrior with a slender figure and short hair steps out from behind a boulder, slowly approaching you.

“Do we know each other?” she asks.

You shake your head. “Only by reputation.”

“So this is 'Serene' Camila,” Helen muses playfully. “Few warriors can match her ability to sense yōki over a great distance, and none are as skilled at suppressing their yōki aura.”
>1/2

>>3401425
“Your senses are rather keen, number seven,” Camila says, watching you carefully with an intense stare. “To have sensed me so readily.”

“Not particularly,” you counter, meeting her stare. “They're rather ordinary.”

“The pills?” Galeria insists, holding out her hand.

“Ah, of course,” the handler laughs, dropping a small satchel into her outstretched palm. “Sorry, I was just so intrigued by this little interaction. Camila hardly ever talks to me, but for some reason she's gotten quite chatty all of a sudden.”

“It's no matter,” Camila sighs, turning and walking away.

>''Nice to meet you, Camila.''
>Ask the handler if they intend to watch your battle.
>Screw them both. Get your team deployed already.
>Other?

>>3401447
>''Nice to meet you, Camila.''
>Ask the handler if they intend to watch your battle.

>>3401447
>''Nice to meet you, Camila.''
>Ask the handler if they intend to watch your battle.

My opinion of Galeria is changing bit by bit. She's headstrong at first, but it seems she's eager to listen to advice. Zoe must've had a great impact on her.

>>3401447
>''Nice to meet you, Camila.''
>Ask the handler if they intend to watch your battle.

>>3401447
>''Nice to meet you, Camila.''

>>3401447
>>Screw them both. Get your team deployed already.

>>3401447
>''Nice to meet you, Camila.''
>Ask the handler if they intend to watch your battle.

See this makes me worry they're posting her up with some others to murder anyone who flees that's half-awakened.

It could just be keeping track of survivors or overall outcome/new warriors awakened etc.

>>3402163
** Or some are waiting for cleanup if we finish the awakened being, they swoop in and assassinate the survivors.

>>3400848
. . . Is any of this true?

I mean, even if it is there's not a whole lot we can do at this point.

>>3400848
Basically yes, this reeks of a trap. Those pills render us impotent.


>>3402165
That's what I was thinking too. Seems the Org did learn from Pieta.

>>3401447
“Nice to meet you, Camila,” you add, aiming your comment at the warrior's back.

She pauses for a moment, before glancing over her shoulder. “Same to you, Noel.”

Then she keeps walking.

The handler glances at you. “How very peculiar.”

“Not exactly talkative,” Helen sighs. “That's what I'd heard about her.”

“Camila has what we consider social impairment,” the handler explains, “manifesting in a very peculiar way: she seems to respond better to those warriors whose yōki she likes.”

“How do you mean?” you ask.

“The only warriors I've seen her exchange pleasantries with,” he continues, “are Olivia, Laura, and Zoe. Warriors noted for their advanced yōki control... she has communicated through them that their yōki feels calmer and more tempered than that of other warriors.”

“I see,” Helen nods. “It seems we should start a fan club for you, Noel. You've attracted another odd one.”

“You should know,” you snort.

“Fair.”

“We will be monitoring you from a distance,” the handler nods to Galeria. “From well outside what we presume is your target's detection radius. But also, too far for us to offer any assistance.”

“Of course,” Galeria nods. “I understand.”

“Best of luck, number two.”

Galeria then calls the warriors together, and distributes the pills.

“This are formulated to only last the night,” she informs the others. “I would suggest taking half a dose to start. The team leaders will make decisions of how much more each warrior needs to take and when that dose needs to be taken.”

“Helen, Noel, is the order of battle clear to you?”

>Yes
>No
>Other?

>>3404455
>Yes
>thisissomebullshit

>>3404455
>Yes
No other choice.

>>3404455
>>Yes

I didn't think taking the black pill was this literal

>>3404455
>>Yes

>>3404455
>>Yes
Those who are about to die salute you

>>3404455
>>Yes
>>3404585
We few, we happy few, we band of sisters;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my sister...

>>3404455
>>Yes
We may not like it, but the orders are indeed clear.

Hey, stupid question: why does Constanzia deserve to die?

And don't say it's because she eats people because there is no shortage of other culprits who are much less likely to fuck up everything for even trying to stop them. And last I checked, awakened don't really eat any more than regular yoma, so it seems hard to justify as long as there is anything else at all to deal with.

Seems foolhardy to spend the lives of claymores on one awakened when they could potentially live and save hundreds if not thousands of lives in service elsewhere over a long career.

Best justification I can come up with is it's what she would have wanted.

I guess we don't get to question orders though, regardless.

>>3405842
If she doesn't deserve to die because she eats people, why does any yoma deserve to die? We should just let them multiply until they're the dominant race and raise humans on farms like chickens for liver harvesting.

>>3406259

I think you may have missed the point.

Trying to use the fact that she eats people to justify it doesn't hold water when even more people are going to die to all the regular yoma the dead claymores would have handled if they were still working.

It's a matter of limitations, not morality.

In a world where each and every warrior is hard to replace, choosing a target that is going to guaranteed kill some of them is squandering resources that could be saving lives elsewhere.

>>3406368
Targets of opportunity my man. Awakened beings are a conclusion to the life of a warrior. If you don't kill them or at least give it a damn fine effort at every chance you get eventually they'll grow to the point where they could actually become the overlords.

It's like how removing weeds from a garden isn't time taken away from growing your tomatoes and is thus wasted, it's ensuring that the tomatoes can actually survive. Humanity is the tomatoes.

It's a war of attrition that cannot be won by actually trying to outlast the opposition. Losing warriors in this case is guaranteed to deny potential awakened beings. It's a win-win scenario whether we die or the awakened being dies.

At least, how the org sees it.

>>3404455
You have your team take half of their yōki suppressing pills, and once you can tell that they're working you lead them across the valley like shadows flitting from shrub to shrub. Eventually you take up your assigned position, and you can barely feel Helen and Galeria do the same. Then, you can't sense them anymore.

“Suppress your yōki,” you order quietly. “Don't stop doing so until I give the order.”

The night air is still, for many hours. You barely feel the chill, but despite your resilience you can't help but wish for a fire to huddle around.

“Reminds me of spring in my childhood,” Sabrina whispers. “We used to start running low on firewood not long after the first frost, so we'd let the embers die low and the croft would get really cold.”

“Yeah,” Emma agrees quietly. “We had cold snaps during the summer sometimes, so our apartment would be chilly. Not as cold as your home probably was though.”

“Noel? How about you?”

You shake your head. “My upbringing was... different. Maybe I'll tell you about it another time.”

“Now keep the chatter at a minimum. We have no idea how good Constanzia's hearing might be, and the voice carries much further on a cold clear night like this than you might think.”

“Yes ma'am.”
“Yes, ma'am.”

Their answers come in perfect unison, and you settle back in to wait.

Constanzia's arrival is impossible to miss, even with your yōki suppressed. Her presence is simply monstrous, even at rest. Completely worthy of being placed in the same league as your mother. She appears to simply take up temporary residence in the town of Rila some time after midnight, when the moon is starting to set.

WHAT IS SHE DOING?

You shake your head and sign back to Serana.

NO IDEA. TOILET BREAK?

Serana shrugs.

DO THEY EVEN NEED THAT?

Then, just as the sun is starting to rise over the mountains to the east, you sense something that practically makes your heart stop. You're so stunned by it that you even ignore your own order to maintain silence.

“... why is Sabela here?”

>>3407414
Oh fuck

>>3407414
no.

>>3407414
Ah. So there's the other shoe. I was wondering when it would drop.

>>3400470
>Will there be any signal for us to warn the other groups to call off the attack after we have separated if we need to in the event of some exceptionally unfavorable development?

Welp, I tried.

>>3407521
F

File: 1440125218952s.gif (1.99 MB, 448x252)

1.99 MB GIF

>>3407414

>>3407547
Looks like we got played like a damn fiddle

>>3407521
>>3407542

Respects paid. RIP us.

>>3407444
>>3407542
>>3407547
>>3407576
>>3408326


Ten Bucks Sabela is setting up Constanzia and asked for Noel and the other half awakened by Name picking Zoe's brain for the info.

>>3408484
that'd be great.

>>3408484
I mean, that would be one way to survive the organisation knowing that we're Sabela's daughter.
An Abyssal that's willing to converse with you, and occasionally willing to work with you, would be extremely valuable.

>>3408484
Sabela did not sound like she would ever even consider working with or helping the Organization.

My money is on this is a setup and a test by the Organization to see if they can use Noel to manipulate Sabela in some way.

Anyhow, my vote is to scream "ABORT! It's a two for one! RUN FOR IT!"

>>3408873
The Organization was pretty clear that only one Abyssal One was here. This is a pretty good reason to bug out. Hopefully we can get the other groups out too.

>>3409534