>>4003968

In recent years, the Empire underwent a sharp decline from the actions of the Prime Minister and countless others. Undergoing years of peace after the deal with Wakoku has slowly lead the Empire down to the path of corruption, leading up to its current state. Filled with an increase in government corruption, an economic recession, eroding public order, rampant poverty and great dissatisfaction amongst the people, the Empire spends its time quelling countless uprising from both in and outside the empire. Ultimately the current management of the government has lead to the many defections of countless important figures and noteworthy warriors. Thus creating the revolution army with its vanguard strike force Night Raid.

As for your story….

>Who are you?

>Masaru Akamatsu, Grandson of the current village chief deep in the mountains. Born to a clan of elite samurais, you spend your life isolated from the outside world. Throughout your life, you lived in constant duty as one of the seven samurais of your village. Due to recent obligations, you are tasked for the first time to travel into the heart of the empire and earn a high place in the kingdom.

>Shìhóu Wùkōng, a foreigner from Wakoku and one of the crown children of Tenrou. Gifted by birth you rose to the highest honors in your academy in record time. In order to earn the favor of the Western Faction and seeking adventure, you traveled to The Empire using your Martial Arts and Alchemy skills to secure yourself a future for your kingdom and end the war.

>Ryoko Sanosuke, One of the elite seven survivors of the one hundred orphaned children abducted and put in a cruel exam against danger beasts. Surviving the ordeal and being assigned to the Senbatsugumi, you served the empire in the assassin’s shadows for many years.

>Nobusa Oda, the former monarch of the empire. Direct descendant of the first monarch, you were abducted at a young age and left for dead. Only thanks to a certain clan in the Northern Region did you manage to survive and begin your ascend to get back your birthright. The only ties to your noble birth is a strange tattoo etched on your back.

>Phantom - A mysterious individual raised by the Previous General as one of his children. Due to being experimented upon by the Prime Minister, you find yourself without any memories of your original self prior to the abduction. In exchange, you find yourself able blessed with multiple abilities, your signature one being able to become anyone. Allowing you to serve as the perfect doppelganger for many years.

>>4003972

This is a quest set in an AU of the original canon. It'll be taking information from both the spin-off sequel, prequel and some of the anime if I deem it fitting for the story. Things will naturally diverge and become something else entirely for the overall narrative. So don't be surprised if I don't indulge in pointless things like the excessive gore or any other notorious acts of edge from the series.

>>4003972
>>Nobusa Oda, the former monarch of the empire. Direct descendant of the first monarch, you were abducted at a young age and left for dead. Only thanks to a certain clan in the Northern Region did you manage to survive and begin your ascend to get back your birthright. The only ties to your noble birth is a strange tattoo etched on your back.

>>4003972
>Ryoko Sanosuke, One of the elite seven survivors of the one hundred orphaned children abducted and put in a cruel exam against danger beasts. Surviving the ordeal and being assigned to the Senbatsugumi, you served the empire in the assassin’s shadows for many years.

>>4003972

Also to save time, let's also pick your occupation.

>What do you do for a living?

>Bounty Hunter, a fighter for hire as you don't care who employs you so long as you're paid.

>Colonel, a high ranking officer of the Empire. Through blood, sweat, and tears you made a high standing in the army as you strive to reach general status.

>Revolution Army Member, due to personal reasons you deflected from the Empire and joined the Rebellion as a high ranking officer. [Optional but you can choose you, former military class]

>Bishop, You are a proud member of the church, followers of Path of Peace it is your duty to bring peace and justice to the Empire and help those down the path to salvation.

>>4003999

Forgot

>Other [choose your occupation]

>>4003999
>>Revolution Army Member, due to personal reasons you deflected from the Empire and joined the Rebellion as a high ranking officer. [Optional but you can choose you, former military class]

>>4003972
>>4003999
>Nobusa Oda, the former monarch of the empire. Direct descendant of the first monarch, you were abducted at a young age and left for dead. Only thanks to a certain clan in the Northern Region did you manage to survive and begin your ascend to get back your birthright. The only ties to your noble birth is a strange tattoo etched on your back.
>Revolution Army Member, due to personal reasons you deflected from the Empire and joined the Rebellion as a high ranking officer.

>>4003972
>Nobusa Oda, the former monarch of the empire. Direct descendant of the first monarch, you were abducted at a young age and left for dead. Only thanks to a certain clan in the Northern Region did you manage to survive and begin your ascend to get back your birthright. The only ties to your noble birth is a strange tattoo etched on your back.
>>4003999
>Revolution Army Member, due to personal reasons you deflected from the Empire and joined the Rebellion as a high ranking officer.
Formerly a colonel.

>>4004007
Supporting

>>4003972
>Shìhóu Wùkōng, a foreigner from Wakoku and one of the crown children of Tenrou. Gifted by birth you rose to the highest honors in your academy in record time. In order to earn the favor of the Western Faction and seeking adventure, you traveled to The Empire using your Martial Arts and Alchemy skills to secure yourself a future for your kingdom and end the war.

>>4003999
>Bishop, You are a proud member of the church, followers of Path of Peace it is your duty to bring peace and justice to the Empire and help those down the path to salvation.

>>4004007
Support

>>4004013
>>4004014
Support. Church boys sounds a lot more fun than the typical revolutionary army.

>>4004080
Also we can purge any impurities of the church from within :)

Besides I saw rebel part of the story and retelling is kinda meh concept for me

>>4004065
You know what,
Rebels suck
Switch to
>>Nobusa Oda, the former monarch of the empire. Direct descendant of the first monarch, you were abducted at a young age and left for dead. Only thanks to a certain clan in the Northern Region did you manage to survive and begin your ascend to get back your birthright. The only ties to your noble birth is a strange tattoo etched on your back.
>>Colonel, a high ranking officer of the Empire. Through blood, sweat, and tears you made a high standing in the army as you strive to reach general status.
Fuck Night Raid.

>>4004014
+1

>>4003972
>>Nobusa Oda, the former monarch of the empire. Direct descendant of the first monarch, you were abducted at a young age and left for dead. Only thanks to a certain clan in the Northern Region did you manage to survive and begin your ascend to get back your birthright. The only ties to your noble birth is a strange tattoo etched on your back.
>>4003999
>>Colonel, a high ranking officer of the Empire. Through blood, sweat, and tears you made a high standing in the army as you strive to reach general status.
I'd like to write down being a combat medic that know medical kung fu, but this is fine.

>>4004090
I agree with this so switching

>>4004090
>>4004143
>>4004168

>>4004002
>>4004007

Based on the votes it seems that Nobusa is the winner. However, seems for positions it's a tie between Bishop and Colonel, So I need a tiebreaker for the job position. Or I will choose based on interest.

>>4004143

I was going to save the combat profession next. But while we're at it we should decide your preferred method of combat.

>What is your preferred method of fighting

>Swordsman specialist, you live by the sword and you die by the sword.
>Martial Artist specialist, Screw weapons I am the weapon.
>Firearms specialist, the best fights are the one where you don't have to get close to kill the enemy
>Polearm specialist, I don't trust guns to get the job done but I'm not stupid to fight close-range. So I'm willing to compromise.
>Jack of all Trades, who needs to decide on a weapon, my perfection lets me be good at them all.
>Other [write-in]

>>4004177
>>Swordsman specialist, you live by the sword and you die by the sword.
DRIVE ME CLOSER I WANT TO HIT THEM WITH MY SWORD.

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>>4004177
>Swordsman specialist, you live by the sword and you die by the sword.

>>4004177
>>Jack of all Trades, who needs to decide on a weapon, my perfection lets me be good at them all.

>>4004183
Know what supporting this. The future ruler can be the perfect, most efficient killer too

>>4004177
>Jack of all Trades, who needs to decide on a weapon, my perfection lets me be good at them all.

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>>4004177
>>Firearms specialist, the best fights are the one where you don't have to get close to kill the enemy
>Pick Oda
>Not guns
Come on, guys

>>4004193
You're right, we have to use guns if our name is Oda. But I want the swords too...
>>4004177
I'm switching from >>4004180 to
>Jack of all Trades, who needs to decide on a weapon, my perfection lets me be good at them all.

>>4004188
>>4004193
Makes sense, changing to
>>Firearms specialist, the best fights are the one where you don't have to get close to kill the enemy

>>4004183
>>4004188
>>4004193
>>4004197
>>4004201

To speed things up a bit, I'm going to go with Jack of all Trades but your preferred weapon is firearms. You even use martial arts that give the same "explosive" feel, to this day people aren't sure if you mean metaphorically or literally since those that fight you don't get to live that long to tell the tale.

And I'm going with Colonel who has a spot on the church.

Before I write your opening, I have to ask if you prefer to choose your gender or leave that entirely to me.

>>4004208
I'd prefer to choose gender.
Male.

>>4004208

And swords being tied with firearms for preference. Fubar that one. Still counts, be the first person to make a gunblade.

>>4004208
Male. We Fool of Owari now.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4004208
Dont care
1-Male
2-Female

>>4004215
Why even fucking vote if you're going to leave it up to a dice then?

>>4004208
If we're choosing gender, I choose male.

>>4004208
Male.

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>>4004216
Sorry, I just like throwing dice

>>4004211
You mean Squall's weapon or pic related

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>>4004210
>>4004214
>>4004217
>>4004219

Alright, the Male Fool who wants to be the King it is.

Now the true question is how the fuck you avoided not being dominated into marriage with Esdeath.

>>4004230

Squall but considering how advance this setting is, I'm willing to compromise and go with Lightning's thanks to magitech.

>>4004242
>Now the true question is how the fuck you avoided not being dominated into marriage with Esdeath.
>avoided

I kid, I kid.

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>>4004242
>Spoiler
Equally as dom or more wanting our birth right rather than thots.

>Lightning's gunblade
Not bad.

>>4004242
How about we keep a list of our confirmed kills?

How many brigands, bandits, mauraders and rebels have we put down?

>>4004272

Last thing as I'm writing currently, let's pick out your Teigu

>Avatar of the Seasons, Shiten'nō - The Multi-Elemental Wielding Teigu.

>Sacred Trinity, Imperial Regalia - The Shapeshifting Armory Weapon Teigu

>Wisdom King of Calamity, Acala - The Draconic Deva Transformation Teigu

>Blazing Truth of Heaven: Amateratsu - The Heavenly Sovereignty Armor Teigu

>Screw Teigu give me something else, [write in what]

>Other [ write-out your teigu]

>>4004272
>>Sacred Trinity, Imperial Regalia - The Shapeshifting Armory Weapon Teigu
Play to our strengths and all

>>4004275
>Sacred Trinity, Imperial Regalia - The Shapeshifting Armory Weapon Teigu

>>4004275
>Wisdom King of Calamity, Acala - The Draconic Deva Transformation Teigu
we /demonking/ now

>>4004277
>>4004280
Anons.
The Dairokutenmao option

>>4004275
Could you go a little bit into detail on how this examples work if possible? "Multi-Elemental Wielding Teigu" doesn't really tell me anything about it. Is it a sword with elemental attacks? A tome to cast spells?

Or what are the limits of Sacred Trinity's shapeshifting. Can it rapidly swap between different arrays of weapons or does it have a limited number of forms?

For now voting
>Blazing Truth of Heaven: Amateratsu - The Heavenly Sovereignty Armor Teigu

Let's bring the fire

>>4004289

I can go in greater detail on each of the Teigu if asked.

Multi-Elemental Wielding is that the power is integrated into you. Either through an item like Jewelry or the Esdeath method and drinking the substance. What it does is essentially lets you wield the powers of the four classic elements and bend them to your will. A walking Avatar of the planet in a sense.

As for Sacred Trinity's shapeshifting limits, it is capable of rapidly swapping between different arrays of weapons, but the biggest you can get with is a suit of armor, for now, no giant Gundams, vehicles or absurd weapons like a nuke.

>>4004275
>>4004280
Switch to
>>Avatar of the Seasons, Shiten'nō - The Multi-Elemental Wielding Teigu.
Being the god damn Avatar is OP.

>>4004275
Actually, I'm gonna swap>>4004289 for
>Wisdom King of Calamity, Acala - The Draconic Deva Transformation Teigu

It does sound more Dairokutenmao than Amaterasu

>>4004295
Then it's decided, thanks for the answer

>>4004295
Can we go multiple smaller weapons with Sacred Trinity? I want to live out my demon king fantasy by instantly pulling out a battalion's worth of guns aimed at the enemy. If not then I'll live out my demon king fantasy by becoming an actual demon king with Acala.

>>4004295
What about Acala? Is it a partial transformation or a full one, and do we grow in size?

>>4004300

You can go as small as a pencil if you wanted with weapons.

>>4004301

It operates on shapeshifting logic. You can do partial and full transformation, and you have learned over time to control your size. Otherwise you' be a 10-foot tall beast, instead of the usual 6'6 man you grew up to be.

>>4004275
>>Other [ write-out your teigu]
Kagu-tsuchi: I can't think of a fancy way of saying it, but it's just Killer Queen. Touch and boom. Could even go for the jojolion side and go for bubbles.

>not wanting to team up with Esdeath to create elemental hell for enemies of the empire
>not combining Earth and Fire elements to do the good ol fashioned meteor drop.

Don't you guys want fire tornadoes?

>>4004304
Hmm. So what can Acala do aside from being huge and strong? Any breath weapons since it's a dragon?

>>4004309
Well, there is precedent for dual teigu wielding. I'd be willing to go for elemental control or dragon if we can pick up the other later. It'd probably be a high fucking roll though.

>>4004275
>Avatar of the Seasons, Shiten'nō - The Multi-Elemental Wielding Teigu.
Element manipulation has the potential to get real broken when you can stretch ice manipulation all the way to time freeze or soldiers.

With enough finesse I imagine we could create firing squads with earth and fire.

>>4004277
Ah hell, I'll just switch to Acala. If the maximum size is a suit of armor, probably won't be enough for what I'm thinking.

I think getting the title of Demon King is more impressive when it's not done by being able to transform into a literal demon king though.

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>>4004304
>You can go as small as a pencil if you wanted with weapons
I think he is asking about summoning a bunch of guns at once like Mami from Madoka or Fate's Nobunaga. Pic related for reference

>>4004315

Well, it's the greatest attribute it's defense and recovery ability since a great defense can be an even better offense. But it's capable of manipulating attraction and repulsion. forces including gravity. Since it is the immovable Teigu

>>4004318
If it's ingested that means our power can't be lost.
We could become a multi-element dragon with both.

>>4004322

You can summon any number of weapons. I thought he was talking about how big or small something can get over how many of the same weapon/armor/item they can make. You're not really limited on quantity, only Quality as it's based on your strength of will/stamina.

>>4004324
>But it's capable of manipulating attraction and repulsion. forces including gravity.
Holy shit, that's busted.
>>4004275
Changing to
>>Wisdom King of Calamity, Acala - The Draconic Deva Transformation Teigu
Now I really want a dual Teigu skill.

>>4004324
>forces including gravity.
>Can force people to "kneel"
Based, power worthy of a king

It's a shame we're not going for the one that allows us to hard counter Esdeath.

Just melt her ice and use the water against her.

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>>4004324
>capable of manipulating attraction and repulsion
>high defense
>become bigger when activated

>>4004331
>Reverse gravity
>Send the bitch to outer space
She can freeze as much as she wants up there

>>4004338
She can freeze time and space.

>>4004343
And controlling the elements is supposed to counter that? If you're gonna say we can stretch our powers to bullshit levels like Esdeath can, then I don't see why we can't do the same via Acala

>>4004343

That's also not including she learned how to fly with ice. Esdeath is plot hax incarnate.

>>4004315

Also forgot, it can use the attraction & repulsion as a breath attack.

In any case, don't think that if you choose one weapon you won't get the chance to try something like dual tengu wielding or synching up to another. But like >>4004318 it'll require a hell a lot of luck and/or the right combination to pull it off.

Why are you two getting so worked up over Esdeath, anyway? Sure, she is one of the strongest people in the setting but with the Colonel background we are in her side and if this is an AU maybe she doesn't have the same cray cray tendencies as in canon so she isn't gonna shank Oda when they first meet

>>4004356
>not wanting to defeat Esdeath in single combat to make her your wife
But I guess Gravity Demon King powers could be neat.
Gravitational time dilation here we come!

>>4004275

>Avatar of the seasons, Shiten'no - The Multi-Elemental Wielding Teigu

>>4004281
>>4004299
>>4004327

>>4004297
>>4004320
>>4004365

Unless I got my math wrong, it looks like we have a tie. That is depending on if >>4004321
wants to keep his vote since I misunderstood his question earlier.

>>4004356
I ain't getting worked up, only brought it up cause the other anon did. The colonel background doesn't really mean anything other than our starting position. We're of royal blood and the prime minister fucked us over. Way I see it, Oda's going to be full blown demon king and take over eventually. I have doubts about Esdeath not being crazy as well, that's just too much... her.

>>4004369
I'm voting for Acala.

>>4004275
>Wisdom King of Calamity, Acala - The Draconic Deva Transformation Teigu
Demon king a go

>>4004370

Alrighty then, Demon King it is.

With enough resources and gravity powers, you too can still become Oda Nobunaga from Fates

But on the topic of Esdeath. It's not my place to say but if it were me, I'd play to her love for battle and conflict. Nothing screams the ultimate challenge than convincing her the pros to conquer the empire from within, Lelouch vi Britannia Style.

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>>4004372
>Lelouch vi Britannia
So putting on a goofy mask and taking over the rebels?
There's a spinoff where Lelouch gets superpowers
Like physical superpowers.
And is constantly called a Demon King.
It's bizzare.

In that same spinoff Rolo is a literal lelouch clone with ice powers and a true timestop.

>>4004372
We'll have to keep an innocent little boy on hand just in case

>>4004376
He also has a sick ass Spawn cape that moves with absolute disregard for physics

I hope we can get that Multi-Elemental Teigu at a later date.
Element manipulation is potentially really broken.

Wind alone is nightmarish for invisible wind blades.

But gravity is broken too.

>>4004372 (You)
>>4004369 (You)
>>4004242 (You)
>>4004208 (You)

You are Nobusada Oda, high ranking officer of the Empire, currently ranked Colonel. Through perseverance and the fruits of hard labor, you climbed through the rankings and earned your citizenship as an honorary noble known as a viscount. Throughout the years you have proven time after time again just how valuable you are both on and off the field of battle. Compared to others, rarely did anyone else gain the same kind of consistent, hard-hitting results that your merits have brought to the Empire. No matter how much blood, sweat, and tears you had to pour out your convictions never wavered. It’s that steadfast determination and iron resolve that made you known throughout the world as the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven.

In actuality, that title has more implications to your true identity than just the sheer ferocity that you brought to the battlefield as a walking calamity. The truth was you wasn’t just a bandit chief’s adoptive son, but a natural-born royal. Your real name is Saburō, firstborn son of the Empire and direct descendant of the First Emperor. From the moment you were born, you were given the very best education and treatment that your loving parents could provide. The parental balances of the carefree and kind Queen and the Strict but wise King brought forth an earnest balance for parental love. Younger brother to the current emperor, your family was destined to fill the next emperor spot in case if anything happens to the monarchy.

At a young age, you were thoroughly taught everything you needed to learn to be the next ruler due to the current emperor being infertile. Like your father, you were skilled at being an effective strategist with your analytical mind and while inheriting your mother’s silver tongue and innovative skills. Like a walking sponge, it was easy for you to accumulate and absorbed all the knowledge and experience around you through your watchful eyes. Being trained by the very best of the best led to a rather tough and backbreaking childhood. Of course, as hard as life was you were enjoying it to the fullest as the future emperor.

Despite the numerous attempts on your life by the other politicians, you and your family managed to achieve a wondrous life. As you got older you continue to develop and bloom as people started revealing you as some sort of innate genius. A boy born from the heavens that comes around once every several generations. It only seen inevitable that you were to be chosen to be the next emperor with your talents. But that was the problem, you were becoming too self-reliant and efficient. Threatened by your competency, someone in the shadows staged a rather...unfortunate accident for you and your family.

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>>4004485

Attacked by elite soldiers disguised as bandits, your father sacrificed himself to ensure you and your mother’s safety. As luck would have it your younger sibling was still in the nursery with your archduke uncle the previous prime minister….and his assistant Honest. Though considering the timing for you and your family to leave for negotiations up north, it was anything but confidential. Running for dear life you were under the care of your mother as both of you were chased by the rebel bandits. Reaching a dead in on the cliff, you were met with a rather haunting image as your mother die shielding you from the volley of arrows. “If only you weren’t born…” Those were the last words your mother said to you with a bittersweet smile before tossing off the cliff and into certain death. Or so it would seem.

For you, luck was on your side as you managed to survive the fall and was carried by the rapid waters. Washed out towards the middle of nowhere you were left in a delirious state. Bruised and battered you struggled against your surroundings if only through the discovery that someone on the royal food chain wanted you and your family to disappear. The flames of vengeance burn violently inside of you as you frequently drift between the edges of life and death. As you kept yourself alive through sheer resolve, you find yourself coming across a tribe of huntsmen from the north. They were the Partas Clan, a strong and fearsome tribe of barbaric huntsmen and shamans. Specialized in hunting Dangers Beast, it was only through sheer luck that during your struggle against one that the two paths crossed.

Impressed by your strong survival instincts and battle potential, the village chief brought you along with them to be treated and ultimately accepted into the tribe. With no other options left, you took to the opportunity of getting stronger by learning the ways of the Partas Clans. Adopting their strong Social Darwinism to heart, you find yourself slowly developing your creed based on these and other ideas you came across from your family and teachers. Spending most of your time accompanied by the Village Chief’s daughter, the two of you spent many adventures hunting various Danger Beasts and surviving the savage world that you eventually called home.

Let us turn back the clock just a bit, far enough to when you were only fifteen years old.

>What are you currently doing?

>Sleeping peacefully against a large tree
>Finishing your daily scouting trip for food
>Actively taking part in a hunt for a rare danger beast
>Taking a nice meditative shower underneath a waterfall
>Other [write-in]

>>4004506
>Sleeping peacefully against a large tree

>>4004506
>>Finishing your daily scouting trip for food
Big boy needs meat.

>>4004506
>>Sleeping peacefully against a large tree

>>4004506
>Taking a nice meditative shower underneath a waterfall

>>4004506
>Sleeping peacefully against a large tree
Hey, wake up!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ5uRGZgGuE

>>4004506
>Sleeping peacefully against a large tree

>>4004506
>Taking a nice meditative shower underneath a waterfall

>>4004538
>>4004585
>>4004510
>>4004507

It was just another cool, sunny day in the mountains far off from the northern region. Even in a place like the tundra, there were areas where the sun manages to seep out from the thick, white clouds. One of these places was the Rousei Mountains, a place primed with lots of valuable materials and resources. Unfortunately, it was also the hotspot for countless different types of Danger Beasts. The rare valuables on the mountain more than made up the numerous risks that the Danger Beasts provided. But that was only doable when under the company of professional huntsmen. Fortunately, you and your associate were among the highest of hunters in a village specialized in killing Danger Beasts.

What was supposed to be a routine scouting trip ended up becoming a scavenger hunt by the village chief’s daughter Esdeath, much to your minor annoyance. As the only teenage boy who can match the eccentric and cold-blooded huntress’s wavelength, you were once again the unfortunate tagalong to one of Esdeath’s hunting trips. If nothing else you find yourself admiring how such a beautiful young lady became so strong and unwavering in such harsh conditions. Even if you sometimes couldn’t help but question her hobby of hunting and examining Danger Beasts was a healthy obsession or not. Either way, as childhood friends it just couldn’t be helped.

Both you and Esdeath held many things in common. For one, both you and she knew the experience of losing loved ones. From what you experienced from both her and her father, it was foretold that her mother ended up dying to a super rare Danger Beast. Its name was Kuraokami, the Blizzard Dragon of Eternal Slumber. Although she fought valiantly and even wounded the snake-like dragon, it was all for naught as the dragon’s snowstorm put her into eternal slumber, never to be seen again. Perhaps it was because of this that Esdeath became so distant and cold. Keeping her emotions to herself and becoming a ruthlessly efficient huntress at the age of ten.

But was that the right way to deal with the pain of loss? You who experience the same type of pain couldn’t help but wonder about that. In the Partas Clan, they long since adopted a strong philosophy called Social Darwinism. One of their teachings was the survival of the fittest. Those who are strong survive and the weak perish to become food for the strong. It was this viewpoint that fits nicely with your pragmatic outlook on life. But even a fool like yourself can see the pros and cons of such a mindset. No amount of training or preparation can truly severe one’s emotions nor was it better to become an emotionless killing machine. Of course, you were still an inexperienced teenager who was dealing with his problems. So it was hard to say if you have any right to throw morality shade on their way of life.

>>4004681

While it was Esdeath’s turn to do reconnaissance, your job was to round up resources. A task that wasn’t an issue for a talent scavenger like yourself. Although once an outsider, your innate talents allowed you to fully integrate with the Partas Clan’s lifestyle. Ultimately earning you a harder placed in the tribe as one of their own, allowing you to take solace in having a home in spite of losing everything. Anyway, through your hard work you manage to find quite a haul of different botanical resources and substances including herbs and spices. A fine hall if you do say so yourself. Even though the two of you have plenty of food for the stakeout, it was still very practical to be fully stocked up with extra resources just in case.

Taking full advantage of this stakeout you previously took it upon yourself to practice your medical skills, specifical herbalist in this case. Although with your partner often tending to take direct approaches in the heat of battle with frightening results, it didn’t change the fact precisely how reckless the trained huntswoman can be. Watching her fight was like watching the valkyrie dance gracefully through her surroundings, bringing victory to her allies and death to her enemies. As you thought about it you manage to craft and create several different elixirs and additional medicines. Feeling rather good about yourself, you take notice of the bundle of extra herbs you didn’t pack up in your trusty medical bag. They were some sort of mythical equivalent to Papaver somniferum given its purple luminance.

Feeling rather adventurous you took a few bites from the plant and from there...everything was just great. So great you brought yourself to resting against the giant tree you took to fashioning your workshop in and drifting into slumber. Everything around you was peaceful and serene, a real surreal experience of ecstasy. Combined with the good weather, you couldn’t help but continue enjoying your slumber. In all fairness, you would’ve fallen asleep even without the special herb’s assistance. Being around Esdeath has made you adopt some free-spirited attributes now awakened from your mother. After all, peaceful days like this were made for relaxing.

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>>4004712

“Hey! Wake up!” A voice starts to ring inside of your ears, snapping you out of your seemingly endless tranquil slumber. As you slowly open up your eyes you would see a stunning beauty currently standing in front of you. Lavish snow blue hair as pure as ice itself, cold piercing blue eyes, a slender body befitting a huntress of her status, and a pale complexion due to her environment. You didn’t need to be awake to figure out who was currently interrupting your long nap. Given her hands on her hips, you can tell even in your baked state that her body gestures gave the strong impression she was upset with you.

“Hey, Esdeath. How you doing? Did you find any leads to that rare evil bird that we’re supposedly hunting?” You ask, keeping a rather mellow mood with a cheerful smile.

“I did but from the looks of it it seems that I’m the only one taking this seriously.” Esdeath retorts, staring at you with those judging eyes like an overachiever clashing with an underachieving lazy boy. It struck deep into your very soul, of which the special medicinal herb was doing well in keeping you nice and toasty in addition to being tranquil. “

“Excuse you, I been doing more than just sleeping. I got the extra supplies and made us some medicine. If your intel is true then we’re going to need to be prepared for a hard fight.”

“Really? Is that so? My mistake then.” Esdeath remark, closing her eyes as she turns her back towards you. Walking rather slowly she tilts her head high into the sky, arms behind her back. “But just tell me one thing. Did you eat one of your crafts...again?”

>How do you proceed?

>No, I clearly didn’t eat those herbs [Try to Lie]
>Now let’s say hypothetically I did, how mad you’ll be [Tell the truth while persuading her to forgive you]
>Esdeath, look at me. I get that you’re stressed out from this stakeout, but you should really try these herbs [Try to bargain and appeal to Esdeath]
>I can smell the cosmos, it has the same scent as you [Fully embrace being baked and flirt with Esdeath]
>Other [write-in]

>>4004732
>>Now let’s say hypothetically I did, how mad you’ll be [Tell the truth while persuading her to forgive you]
Gotta work hard on those persuasion skills for the inevitable takeover

>>4004732

>Now let’s say hypothetically I did, how mad you’ll be [Tell the truth while persuading her to forgive you]


lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr9ynvCR43I&list=PLjx23TcQnkjxhLG2bujW60CDF_cbYkXHG&index=47

>>4004732
>Now let’s say hypothetically I did, how mad you’ll be [Tell the truth while persuading her to forgive you]
Honestboi time.

>>4004732

>Now let’s say hypothetically I did, how mad you’ll be [Tell the truth while persuading her to forgive you]

>>4004732
>>Now let’s say hypothetically I did, how mad you’ll be [Tell the truth while persuading her to forgive you]

>>4004732
>Esdeath, look at me. I get that you’re stressed out from this stakeout, but you should really try these herbs [Try to bargain and appeal to Esdeath]
Can't wait to kill those Night Raid shits and take over the world.

>>4004732
>Now let’s say hypothetically I did, how mad you’ll be [Tell the truth while persuading her to forgive you]

This feels like the option with more chances of survival. This is happening when Oda and Esdeath are 15, right? That would be like 5 years before canon.
>inb4 we find MC before he joins Night Raid and he joins us

>>4004809

They're 15 in this scenario, yes, but due to narrative placement, it'll be 10 years before the main series canon since I'm planning the next five years around their military adventure/possible involvement in Zero. So in this AU, Both Oda and Esdeath will be 26 at the start of the main story.

>>4004736
>>4004738
>>4004741
>>4004744
>>4004745

There it was, that brooding silence that was cold as any tundra has any right to be. When she was like this you knew that you were in for a world of hurt. On the plus side, it seems like you were the only person that Esdeath retroactively shows any semblance of emotion, aside from her father. Whether or not that was a good thing remains to be seen. Then again, any chance of proving to yourself that the chief’s daughter was still human, and a teenage girl at that couldn’t be all that bad. Thinking about it for only a moment, you quickly came up with over several dozen possible scenarios. Most of which ended up quite badly given how violent this kuudere can really be when pushed. Ultimately, you came to the decision of honesty mixed with persuasion as your best bet to come out of this without any serious injuries.

Closing your eyes, you fold your arms against the back of your head, reminding yourself to try and play it cool. “Now let’s say hypothetically I did, how mad you’ll be?”

“On a scale between one to ten, probably a 7.5 considering just last week you purposely let yourself get bitten by a snake.” Esdeath muses, keeping herself from looking at you.

“First off it was training my poison resistance. Secondly, I already had the antidote on standby so it wasn’t like I was in any real danger. Finally, I had you beside me just in case anything went wrong. Besides, isn’t it’s a huntsmen duty to be always alert and adapt to their situation or ordeal.” You argue back at Esdeath, letting it slip off the tongue that you essentially signed your death warrant.

“So you admit then?” As Esdeath mutters those words you feel a bone-chilling bluish aura emerged from the stoic huntress. Stoned or not that was enough to momentarily send a shiver down your body.

“Well...ahem...ye-” Before you got the chance to finish explaining yourself a swift stomp to the face was your reward as Esdeath grinds her boot deep against your nose. Despite her poker face, you could obviously tell that Esdeath was, in fact, mad at you. Tremendously so.

>>4004910
Ah.
She's certainly Esdeath alright.

>>4004910

“Feel that? That’s what honesty feels like.” With that Esdeath quickly removed her foot, knowing full well that the herb dulled the pain, hence why she had to put a little extra “oomph” in making you feel anything at the moment.

Now stuck with a footprint on your face, you merely start rubbing your nose as Esdeath drops to take a seat right next to you. “Jeez, you’re far more dangerous than any danger I’ll ever come across.”

“The way you nonchalantly bring up dancing with fate really says a lot to what kind of man you are.” Esdeath coldly stares, silently fuming over the abnormality that was you. “Seriously I don’t think I ever met a person who doesn’t have any survivor’s instincts to this degree and still live to this day.”

“Hey, I can only do this stuff cause I know you got my back. So thanks for that Esdeath.” Without warning, you gave Esdeath a genuine, bright, warm smile. As you practically laughed off the physical slapstick, Esdeath soon found herself blushing profoundly, causing the poor girl to turn from you as she holds her chest.

“Are you alright Esdeath? I can hear your heart raci-” Once again you were interrupted by a swift kick to the face, this kind of mental domination was not what the emotionless huntress was desiring. Yet her heart couldn’t stop racing as her face turned as red as a tomato.
“I’m fine!” Esdeath argues, turning back from you and folding her arms. Trying her very best to return to her stoic self as her mind rattles on this strange feeling. “If you want to make me feel better then quit being so reckless and stick to pulling your weight. The fact you haven’t die yet really says a lot about your abnormal levels of tenacity.”

“I’m sorry. What can I say, I’m too stubborn to die. Especially when I got something to come back to.”

“You truly are quite the fool...Saburō.”

>What do you do now?

>Cook dinner as both an apology and cause you don’t trust Esdeath to not mess up
>Discuss the location and game plan for fighting the Rare Evil Bird
>Share a philosophical talk about life and death while still being stoned
>Tease Esdeath further by sleeping on her lap
>Other [write-in]

>>4004917

Any Esdeath, even a heroine variation is still Esdeath.

>>4004952
>Tease Esdeath further by sleeping on her lap
>>4004960
Amen.

>>4004952
>>Tease Esdeath further by sleeping on her lap
This is, of course, a tactical decision made in order to play up the historical "fool" aspect of Oda. I am absolutely not tempted by laps whatsoever.

>>4004952
>>Tease Esdeath further by sleeping on her lap

>>4004952
>>Cook dinner as both an apology and cause you don’t trust Esdeath to not mess up

>>4004952

>Tease Esdeath further by sleeping on her lap

>>4004952

>Tease Esdeath further by sleeping on her lap

>>4004971
>>4004976
>>4005000
>>4005007

“Maybe so? But to me, that’s a good thing.” You retort, grabbing the attention of Esdeath who looks at you with a raised eyebrow. Mild curiosity with numerous shades of skepticism.

“And what pray tell is that?” Esdeath asks, folding her arms and keeping her cold shoulder demeanor. At this point, she was expecting something completely stupid to come from you. And usually, she ends up being completely right.

“Well since I’m a fool I’m someone who lives in the moment. I don’t let my past or future shackle me and bring me down. Life is far too short to worry about such concepts. Like the clouds, I stand high in the heavens, living freely without a care in the world. Therefore, is it any really surprising that I’m your fool?”

“...When you put it like that…” Esdeath blinks, strangely finding herself unable to make for a witty retort or snappy comeback. As much as she hates to admit it there was some truth in just living in the moment. It wasn’t like Esdeath herself was an overthinker type either. She was far in perfect tune with her intuition and creative adaptability. Even so, compared to the whimsical Nobusada she appears like a high-class scholar. Which in hindsight is very ironic.

“Besides, overthinking things will end up making me miss the window of opportunities. Especially ones like this.” Without hesitation or warning, you suddenly plop your head against Esdeath’s lap and thighs, treating her like some soft, plush pillow. Much to your enjoyment, she was exceptionally warm despite her cold-blooded attitude. “Yeah! Just what I thought, despite being cold as ice you can be quite warm when you want to be. A real heavenly beauty, eh Valykire?” You smile, rubbing your hand against those supple thighs.

>>4005977

Esdeath, on the other hand, was caught off guard by the daringly bold actions of her childhood companion. This was one of those rare moments that the seemingly empty and emotionless Esdeath breaking down and showing a proper face for a regular, teenage girl. Riddled with embarrassment her creamy pale complexion brightly lits up from her intense blushing. That was the look that you were waiting for. Although many people told you that Esdeath was a strange girl, some going as far to say as she has no empathy, you couldn’t bring yourself to believe that. To you, she was just really good at suppressing her feelings in order to be an effective huntress. Which was exactly why you typically engaged with these playful bullying. An Esdeath that was true to herself was far more fun than a cold, empty shell.

As you lie in blissful ecstasy, a terrifying shiver quickly brushes across your body. That familiar aura of dread and violence was seeping into your body. Looking close to her hand you saw cross-popping veins forming as her arm muscles start to bulk up. Esdeath’s face was covered by her snow blue hair, hiding her face as she starts to mutters some words. “So you really don’t value your life that much huh?”

“N-Now hold on Esdeath. I was only joking. No need to lose your temperer and get violent now” You stammer, feeling yourself about transition into a world of hurt.

Looking closely up to your face you saw a rather sadistic smile on her face. Crossing veins forming on the side of her face and forehead. There was quite the vicious murderous intent radiating off of Esdeath, completely contrasting the still blushing look on her face. This Ice Queen was quite defrosted right now and that was, unfortunately, a bad thing as it kept her repressed sadistic side in check. A Tsundere with a sadism streak was anything but good news. What you were staring above you was a whole another spectrum as you could swear that you heard popping sounds coming from her veins. Following up with cracking her knuckles, Esdeath quickly transitions into “Exterminate Mode”.

“No, it’s fine. Don’t move. You can enjoy your sleep right here without interruption. Just as soon as I knock you into eternal slumber” Esdeath spoke, emitting a rather eerie soft tone as she begins to start laughing. You knew at this point that she wasn’t kidding as she tightly grabs at your chest to keep you from running away.

>>4006010

“Pleasent Dreams! You Great Foolish King!” Those were the last words you heard from Esdeath before she begins pummeling you repeatedly like a well-oiled machine gun. Each punch was strong enough to break through solid stone with ease, making this experience all the more painful as true to her word she knocks you unconscious. But strangely as you were rendered into a bloody pulp, Esdeath didn’t move you from her lap. Going as far to even wipe the blood from your face as she just kept you close, turning her head with a loud pout. To thnk her father wants to push this man of all people as her future bride. The very thought left her in a constant state of flustering steam. Whether if it was embarrassment, anger or a mix a both, it was hard to say. “Such a great big fool..”

>How do you proceed?

>Keep quiet and follow Esdeath’s lead towards the rare evil bird.
>Compliment Esdeath to try and make her feel better.
>Try to make something in your spare time that you’’ think Esdeath will like
>Ask Esdeath what sort of plan did she have towards taking down the rare Danger Beast.
>Other [write-in]

>>4006012
>Ask Esdeath what sort of plan did she have towards taking down the rare Danger Beast.
>Try to make something in your spare time that you think Esdeath will like

>>4006012
>>Ask Esdeath what sort of plan did she have towards taking down the rare Danger Beast.

>>4006012
>Compliment Esdeath to try and make her feel better.
Oh I see.
A YanTsunKuudere.

Esudesu will be the perfect Empress after we take over.
We can even use the rebels as a tool to eliminate our opponents.

Potential attacks and combo attacks depending on the level of our power.
>Hailstorm (with Esdeath)
Double gravity in an area and have Esdeath rain ice pellets down on them.
Double Gravity makes hail deadly and makes dodging even harder.
Effects improve even more with more gravity.
>Meteor
Just reverse gravity on a mountain or something.
Drop as necessary.
Comet variation possible with Esdeath creating an ice ball.
>Kneel
Use gravity to force opponents to kneel, not so much an attack as it is a flex.

As we're a weapons master, how about something like a glue grenade/mine?
Except we make it's contents superheavy to act as capture tools.

We'll have to wait to see how the gravity powers work, if the added gravity maintains the velocity of an object, imagine a 100x gravity grenade just as it detonates over an enemy.
The shrapnel would shred anything.

How we going to deal with corrupt/evil nobles?
Purge?

>>4006012
>Ask Esdeath what sort of plan did she have towards taking down the rare Danger Beast.

>>4006012
>>Ask Esdeath what sort of plan did she have towards taking down the rare Danger Beast.

>>4006012
>>Ask Esdeath what sort of plan did she have towards taking down the rare Danger Beast
>>Compliment Esdeath to try and make her feel better.

Both sounds good

Esdeath a best.
I'll happily kill all of Night Raid for her.

Will Esdeath support us if we reveal our heritage to her when we're in the Empire?

OP?
Any idea when we should expect an update?

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>>4004377
>He also has a sick ass Spawn cape
That he does.
>that moves with absolute disregard for physics
It's a Code Geass spinoff, pic related is what that series says to physics.

>>4006989
I hope we too can get a sickass physics defying cape.
That's a good use for gravity manipulation.

>>4006024
>>4006026
>>4006142
>>4006229
>>4006237
>>4006039

Alright, I have my answer on what to do.

>>4006722

I was finishing up an update for another quest elsewhere. Sorry for the dlelay. But if you want to keep track of when I go active or what else I work on, here's the discord. https://discord.gg/dyyXMrh

>>4007045

After coming out of your long slumber you spent your time cooking dinner for both you and Esdeath. Out of the two of you, you were strickly the better cook. Not to say that Esdeath was absolutely horrible about it, but she was very by the books and realistic. So her cooking skills were very basic and simple. Just enough to survive but that’s it. Perhaps it was some part of your royal heritage coming out but you strive for flamboyant brilliance. If the food can’t move the soul then you can’t really say it rejuvenates you and raise moral. A task that you were notoriously good at. Hence why you ended up being on chief duty back in the village.

Once you finished whipping up a hearty meal, you followed suit by bringing the stew and rice. Even despite being clearly mad with you, Esdeath still helped out with setting the campsite and provided the fire. After putting the array of various food, especially the cooked meat in their respective containers before handing it to Esdeath. Barely glancing a single eye, Esdeath silently takes your home cooking and begins eating. It was clear she was keeping your distance from you. Although she didn’t show it, it was clear that she was sulking. Eating with Esdeath was typically quiet with some banter here and there. But even the typically stoic Esdeath was being exceptionally distant and cold with you.

Without even saying a word you felt the intimidating gaze piercing through your body, warning you of the imminent danger. Even someone like yourself knows the values of moderation, but it seems your typical antics have caused quite an undesirable effect for yourself. The best course of action was to try and make it up to Esdeath. Thinking real hard about what to say, an idea suddenly appears. Snapping your fingers, you begin to hatch a quick and well-composed response to Esdeath. From what you remember back in the castle you knew that women typically like being complimented. Especially when it came to their physical appearance. But what exactly could you compliment to cheer her up?

Her snow blue hair? Those matching blue eyes? Her porcelain white skin thanks to the cold climate? Her slender athletic body? The more you thought about it, the more Esdeath was actually pretty cute. Sure although she was only fifteen, she was quite developed and fully optimized, all thanks to good genetics thanks to Social Darwinism. But would she take a simple compliment on her beauty? No, from what you understood from Esdeath she was well out of touch of the typical teenage girl outlook. Therefore, you’ll appeal to her warrior spirit.

“Hey, Esdeath” You called, expecting Esdeath to ignore you and keep to herself. If it came down to that you were going to repetitively call her name until she finally cracks and answers you. Sure, chances are she’ll be extremely pissed but it was a gamble worth taking.

>>4007311

Already concluding what your next move, Esdeath lets out a long if not exaggerated sigh. “...What is it Sojiro.” Esdeath turns her head to face you, holding on to her bowl as she waits for an answer.

Taking a composed pose you turn your head to Esdeath before smiling. “You got a nice, strong body.”

Esdeath blankly stares, discombobulated but far more expressionless as she prepared for something stupid. “...I’m sorry...what?”

“Despite your beauty, you are quite exceptionally strong. The fact you can beat fully grown burly adult men and giant beasts while keeping your sleek, form-fitting stature is very impressive. Not only that but you’re also the fastest member of our tribe. Much like the Valkyries, you’re a true harbinger of death to your enemies and an enchanting beauty for your allies. Truly the spitting image of being born from the village chief and living up to the warrior princess status. At the same time, no matter how hard you work towards your hobby of hunting and examining danger beasts, you make sure to take care of your appearance. Not once sacrificing feminine charms for your snow ogress strength. That’s remarkable, and a sign of true strength, both as a warrior and a woman. ” You said, going into great detail of describing everything positive about Esdeath, both appearance-wise and her status as a natural huntress. Going as far as to call her a real prodigy, you left no stone unturned when complimenting Esdeath in this innovative compromise. Esdeath, on the other hand, was left speechless.

“So what I’m trying to say is. You’re pretty amazing. And I’m glad to have you by my side. I don’t even mind your quirks when it comes to fighting and hunting. I think they’re quite endearing.“ You finish things off with a confident yet pure smile and a thumbs up. Esdeath almost came close to dropping her bowl at the metaphorical sucker punch to the gut you gave.

Slowly setting her bowl down and pinching her eyebrows, Esdeath simply lets out another long sigh. “....I’m going to pretend that its still the herbs you ate talking and not sock you for sexual harassment.”

>>4007319

With a powerful flex of her killing intent, Esdeath quickly intimidates you to the point of breaking your spirit. You could just feel the amount of disgust she gave as you imagined her ice-cold stare, glaring intently at you. “...I’m sorry.” You slumped

“You should be….but…” Letting out a deep breath, Esdeath finally drops her cold presence, setting the bowl down as she couldn’t up but start smiling. Cheeks becoming Rosey from her growing giddiness, Esdeath starts to puff her cheeks and start rubbing them. Hiding her flustered look, as she knows you wouldn’t let her live it down. “..Thank you.”

As Esdeath says thanks, you took a moment to look closely at Esdeath, catching her smile and embarrassment. Silently but swiftly you popped offer to her blindspot to lean over to look at her better. “You really are cute when you pull away your ice shroud.”

Almost jumping back from the brief moment of weakness, Esdeath merely clinches her fist. “Don’t ruin the moment. I only now decided to talk to you again” Esdeath turns to face you, gritting her teeth like an angry snow beasts as she covers your eyes with her hands. Her fuming embarrassment was in full view once again.

“Right, I’m sorry.” You mutter, struggling to keep Esdeath from inadvertently clawing your face. She was still a teenage girl after all.

As the sky darkens further, the two of you resume your typical dynamic with one another. Having already finished earing a hefty meal and cleaning the campsite did the two of you begin talking about the mission. From Esdeath’s reconnaissance, she managed to find where the evil bird was stationed. It was separated from the pack, giving for the opportunity for the two of you to hunt it down without issue. But even then she took into account the chance of reinforcement and already took it upon herself to make the necessary traps to keep the rest at bay. Thus, you feel at ease about the current situation. It was a special class danger beast after all.

“So about the evil bird danger beast, got any ideas on how you want to tackle it. Since you are the specialist here.” You ask.

>>4007360

“It’s a flying type known for its incredible speed and agility. If we take it on head to head in an aerial battle or an open field, it’ll clearly have a greater advantage. What we need to do is find a way to lure it to a narrow path and limit its movements and/or weaken its movements. Hence why I prepared the paralyzing toxin. One of us will have to be the distraction and lure the creature towards the narrow canyon and use the rocky footing to strike. Just a single scratch alone will be enough to put down a wooly mammoth.” Esdeath explains, reaching for her bag and showing a dark green liquid in a flask. Given the portion, it seems perfect for multiple usages on your tools and weaponry. As expected, when it came to hunting or fighting Esdeath was a natural-born prodigy.

“ So….I advise you even with your toxin resistance not to test it. I won’t tolerate your buffoonery slowing us down just cause of prideful curiosity.” Esdeath stares, giving you a rather judgmental look.

“Why do you assume that I just put everything inside of me? Even I have a sense of self-preservation and survival instincts.” You argue, to which Esdeath turns her head, pouting lightly as she was full of doubt and skepticism. She was with the Great Fool of the North after all.

>How do you proceed?

>Throw your two cents on how to further improve Esdeath’s Plan [write-in any suggestion]
>Leave it to the master and stick to using your bow, supporting Esdeath
>Take the charge and have Esdeath support you behind with long-range attacks
>Convience Esdeath that it’s more fun to fight them at their nest/at a disadvantage
>Other [write-in]

>>4006989
>>4007000

It's common knowledge at this point you have a psychics, defying cape. Whether if its rule of cool or you subtly using gravity to defy physics remains to be seen.

>>4006458

You have the childhood friend angle and she knows your secret.

>>4006140

It can switch between maintaining stuff like velocity or ignoring it altogether.

>>4007366
>>Leave it to the master and stick to using your bow, supporting Esdeath

>>4007366
>Leave it to the master and stick to using your bow, supporting Esdeath
Yeah, sounds like Esdeath knows what she's doing.

>>4007366
>>Leave it to the master and stick to using your bow, supporting Esdeath


>tfw no access to superior civilized firearms
>tfw you must use primitive tribal weapons

>Leave it to the master and stick to using your bow, supporting Esdeath.

Alas, we're stuck with bows, but give us a gun and we'll show you how we'll dance

P.S: Excellent job so far, OP.

>>4007389
>>4007395

Laugh at the bow all you want but these huntsmen are exceptionally skilled. They just don't bother with firearms due to the weather and mostly out of pride.

And thank you. It isn't simple to characterize an Esdeath that actually get the treatment she needed and having someone teach her empathy. All while keeping what makes Esdeaath...although not to the levels of cartoon villainy in the actual canon.

>>4007366
>Leave it to the master and stick to using your bow, supporting Esdeath

>>4007366
Use all your herb to make a poisoned smoke bomb to lower the difficulty of the hunt

If we can control forces *including* gravity, does that mean we can get all four Fundamental Forces of the universe?

Gravity, Electromagnetism, the Strong Force and the Weak Force.

Because if so, we'd be so broken.

Gravity by itself is broken.
Electromagnetism allows for not just magnetism, but also the manipulation of light. Infrared death beams. Turning invisible. That sort of stuff. Basically just about anything.

Then you got the Strong Force, which is what holds atoms together. Nice if you want to dissolve somebody on atomic level or create the ultimate impenetrable shield.
Then there's the weak force.
Which is some forms of radiation and the thing that initiates nuclear fusion.

>>4007366
>Leave it to the master and stick to using your bow, supporting Esdeath

>>4007559
I think gravity alone will be sufficiently powerful. Adding the other fundamental forces in (especially the strong and weak forces) would practically make us omnipotent and remove any stakes from the story.

>>4007591
Sure, but being able to branch out into other forces should be possible seeing how ice manipulation can freeze time and space.

But that's the sort of stuff we should only get as the undefeatable Demon King of the Empire at stories end.

Execution by snapping your fingers and dissolving somebody into nothingness.
Beams of Light that vaporize opposing towns
That sort of stuff.

Obviously if we do get the four fundamental forces we'd have to work for them.

>>4007366
>Leave it to the master and stick to using your bow, supporting Esdeath

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145 KB JPG

>>4007383
>>4007387
>>4007389
>>4007395
>>4007529
>>4007591
>>4007633

After the little banter with Esdeath, she once again allowed you to throw your opinion on the matter. To which you merely decided to stick with using the bow and arrow. Leaving Esdeath to be the one to take center stage with her short swords while you support her from a distance. It may have been one of the most frequent go-to strategies between the two of you. However, it was one that plays best towards both of your strengths. Also, there was absolutely no reason to doubt or counteract your closest companion’s judgment. When it came to danger beasts, there was nobody more wise and experienced than Esdeath. They were after all her tribe’s bread and butter but more important, it was a treasured hobby for her since she was a mere toddler.

Just like when she doesn’t second guess your profession and natural talents, so too did you choose to put your faith in Esdeath’s skills in her field of operation. Afterward, the two of you prepared for bed with one of you taking turns for watch. A switch for every three to four hours to balance the amount of slumber time for both of you. It was rather foolish otherwise to both go to sleep unguarded, especially within such savage lands. You took the second shift considering you won’t be nearly as active as Esdeath since she was the bait. All in all, it would be a rather uneventful night. The next day the two of you traveled throughout the landscape at great haste. Following the tracks, the two of you eventually came to where the last Evil Bird was stationed. Practically clockward the two of you saw something high in the distance.

Flying in the distance was the mythical super beast dubbed Evil Bird, but this species, in particular, was based around the Yatagarasu. A massive black corvids with purple streaked feathers that strongly resembles a jungle crow or raven, but with its most noticeable feature was its ring-like eyes. These hypnotic eyes are one of the most dangerous aspects of the Evil Bird, as the name suggests it is capable of trickery through the use of hypnosis and vocal mimicking. If one was to get caught in its trap, the victim would be sent into a controlled frenzy by the Danger Beasts. Often leading them to serve as puppets to slaughter their former comrades or reak havoc to the surrounding area for the dangerous beast to scavage in peace.

>>4009125

That is often why one generally advert their eyes when fighting the creature and stick to sign language or some other non-verbal means of communication. But even without these weapons, the Evil Bird is quite known for its exceptional speed and agility. Combined with its strong wing strength, capable of creating small whirlwinds or concentrated gusts of wind, and you got yourself a prime Apex predator of the avian family. But even with its strong control of currents, it wasn’t invincible as there are weak spots in the wind it circulates. A sort of scar-like mark that trained huntsmen can spot and with the right timing take advantage to reach the eye of the storm and strike down the beast. Still, it was best to lure such a creature capable of crowd control into a narrow location, to greatly limit its capabilities.

Just as the two of you planned, you took off to your respective place. Keeping a rather far distance from the bird’s sight, you watched patiently as Esdeath uses one of her tools to grab the bird’s attention. Unsurprisingly the Evil Bird catches whiff of Esdeath’s monster bait and begins it’s impending descent down towards the speeding blue-haired huntress. Impressively, Esdeath manages to outmaneuver the Evil Bird’s fast swipes upon diving down like a speeding blackbird. Not letting yourself get left behind, you took to tailing the two of them while continuing to keep yourself hidden from the bird’s sight.

>How do you proceed?

>Continue to let Esdeath handle it and wait patiently for an opportunity
>Time your arrow shots and aim for the Evil Bird’s weak spots
>Take another path and head to the destinated place to surprise attack the bird
>Other [write-in]

>>4009146
>Time your arrow shots and aim for the Evil Bird’s weak spots
First Esdeath gets its attention, then we harass it from range and give Esdeath an opening.

>>4009146
>Take another path and head to the destinated place to surprise attack the bird
Stick to the plan, let it get to the designated spot first before trying anything. It'll be much easier to attack there and if we fail to attack it now, it could notice us and back off from our bait.

>>4009146
>>Take another path and head to the destinated place to surprise attack the bird

>>4009146
>Take another path and head to the destinated place to surprise attack the bird

>>4009146
>>Take another path and head to the destinated place to surprise attack the bird

>>4009169
>>4009188
>>4009315

Continuing your observation you begin to mentally document the Danger Beast’s patterns and characteristics. As you take notes of any potential blindspots, you also make sure to be aware of your surroundings in case of unforeseen obstacles. Judging from the evil bird’s trajectory it seems that it was within your shooting range. Besides, it appears that the flying Yatagarasu hasn’t noticed your presence. Given your harsh training with these Northen Nomads, it wasn’t unnatural that you were skilled in completely hiding your presence and appearing invisible through such tricks as slight as hand. Those ten years spent in these conditions has certainly made you into a notorious powerhouse. In spite of that, you still wished the Partas Clan could be more...sophisticated and modern.

To them, it was boorish to use modern weaponry like guns or state of the art blades, especially in the art of combat. Any competent warrior can win with such high-tech weaponry. For the barbarous Partas Clan, it wasn’t a real challenge nor a test of their unprecedented might and monstrous prowess. They were honed through a combination of their harsh environment and the constant battles with the most dangerous of Danger Beasts. Therefore, it was only natural to consider them genetically bread to be the pinnacle of humanity’s boundless potential as evidence through their peak physique and their innate adaptability as they highly resistant if not completely indifferent to the insanely cold and/or hot temperatures. But there was another secret to how they survive virtually any environment as Alpha huntsmen.

Even without their abnormal bodies, they were exceptionally talented in their craft as they carry hundreds of years of knowledge and experience, allowing them to survive uninhabited for so long. Their countless knowledge of multiple biological sciences and earth science shows that they were more than mere brainless juggernauts as they often use their surroundings and knew the best way to take down their targets both effectively and efficiently. As their prey changes throughout the eras, so too did the Partas Clan. Aside from relying on more modern weapons as they more than made up for it by honing their crafting skills, including refining the human body. All of which you accumulated through your training as you traveled.

>>4009438

Therefore, you didn’t see yourself taking charge and disrupting the star of the Pratas Clan’s young huntsmen Esdeath carefully crafted plan. Rookie mistakes like taking the shot while the danger beast appears to be distracted is too risky of a gamble. Patience was a virtue that any huntsmen worth their salt learned to incorporate into their creed. Instead, you start to move in another direction rather silently at high speeds. Making sure to keep yourself hidden by the bird’s watchful eye you underwent another path close from your current location. Following down this past was to lead you directly at the place of operation for your ambush.

Upon arrival, you start maneuvering through the rocky terrain to find a good hiding spot. Naturally, you were rather grateful that Esdeath was keeping the beast distracted, giving you more than enough time to get into place. Additionally, your good fortune soon nets you a rather inconspicuous hiding spot in the upper ridges. Climbing up into one of those small pockets, you take notice in the spacious room and dark atmosphere. Perfect for your plan of operation. Quickly you set up your plan of operation and begin doing calculations of the bird’s trajectory, acceleration, velocity, air resistance and a bunch of other factors that require your calculating thinking skills. As you got the rhythm and pattern down, you begin to smirk as you were now ready for the hunt.

>How do you proceed

>Aim for a critical blow to give Esdeath the opening
>Stick to the game plan and hamper its agility and speed with the poisonous arrows
>Throw some feints to trick the bird into your perfect line of fire and take the shot
>Use your surroundings to trigger a rock slide and blindsight the bird
>Other [write-in]

>>4009441
>Stick to the game plan and hamper its agility and speed with the poisonous arrows

>>4009441
>Stick to the game plan and hamper its agility and speed with the poisonous arrows
A critical shot is too risky, feints might scare the bird away and a landslide could hinder Esdeath as much as it will the bird.

>>4009441
>>Stick to the game plan and hamper its agility and speed with the poisonous arrows

>>4009446
>>4009447
>>4009500

Alright, a choice has been made, now here's a question. Do you guys prefer a simple d100 system or a d20 system based on beating Difficulty checks for important action/combat.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>4009522
20

Rolled 110 (1d120)

>>4009522
d100 with difficulty checks?
If that's no good, d20 is OK

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>4009522
D20's are fine.

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>4009522
d100

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4009522
A system based on difficulty checks sounds good

>>4009527
>>4009534
>>4009599
>>4009915
>>4010177

Alright, it looks like I got my answer. By the way,, the check was a 10 considering you took the time to get ready, otherwise it'd be a 13. But I been feeling a little under the weather so sorry for the delay. Contemplating finishing the post now or going to rest early so I can bounce back quicker and start churning out these posts faster.

>>4010708
Take your time QM, well still be here.

>>4010708
>>4009522

In your mind currently ran over a dozen different scenarios for victory based on valuable information you documented on the Evil Bird during its chase. If you had any additional time, you were confident that you can plan out over two hundred different moves that’ll lead to a sure fired victory. Even so, you took it upon yourself not to get overly zealous and show off in front of Esdeath. Hunting danger beasts was her specialty and she already made for a well-crafted plan. Considering your previous antics, you get the feeling if you deviate from the agreed strategy it’ll only infuriate her further regardless of it leading to a quicker, more successful victory.

Speaking of timing, Esdeath was finally coming into view as the Evil Bird was chasing at her at full force. Her graceful movement and well-timed evasions served well to deceive the bird into thinking that the slender teenage girl was just barely scraping by through the skin of her teeth. Naturally, there was no cause for alarm since you knew the deceitful powerhouse could easily avoid any attacks given by the Evil Bird, if not strike it already. But doing that would only serve to greatly put the operation into jeopardy. After spending a week following its trail and leaving home to travel to the mountains, it was only expected that the two of you want to take no chances and ensure your team the kill that they deserve.

Once you saw the signal you quickly aim, pulling the bowstrings silently while locking your sights at the moving bird. Two arrows firmly placed against the bow, almost close to one another as you adjust your line of fire. Waiting for the precise moment, you steady the arrow firmly, grasping the bow tightly. Upon aiming at where the Evil Bird was going to head out, you finally release the bowstring and took fire with the bow. As you intended, the twin arrows travel through the flowing circulation of the air currents, using the breeze to their advantage for the path with the least resistance. Silently yet swiftly the two arrows manage to hit their target with deadly precision and keen accuracy.

Hitting both of its wings with the arrows, you took it upon yourself to follow up with setting up for another volley of arrows. Although with how the arrows were made, there was no real reason to get involved any further. Upon making contact, the spearhead was to dislodge itself from the shaft, wedging itself deep into the beast’s wings. Doing so made it easy for the poison tips to further spread itself through the evil bird’s entire body thanks to its active movements. And as to both party’s expectations, the evil bird’s movements start to stagger and become slower than the usual quick place movement. No longer did it have the impressive agility and maneuverability that allows it to dominate the skies. It was all but a sitting duck right now.

>>4012589

Taking full advantage of this, Esdeath climbs up one of the rocky walls at blinding speeds. Utilizing her momentum and fancy footwork, Esdeath scale through to the very top of the rocky cliff. Jumping from the edge, Esdeath angles herself accordingly with twin swords in hand. Now above the bird did Esdeath come crashing down like the graceful huntress she was. Once again she strikes at the bird’s weak points, jamming her twin short swords deep into its wing joints, dislocating them and essentially clipping the beast of its aerial movement. Letting out a rather distorted screech, the Evil Bird starts to wail in pain as it comes crashing down on to the ground. Following up on the disarmament, Esdeath quickly ties a rope around the beast’s neck.

To the untrained eye, it looks like she was going to strangle it and make it die from asphyxiation. However, you knew Esdeath far better than to do something as merciful as that. In truth, she was using her weight and pressure to effectively snap the bird’s neck in gruesome fashion. For added safety, Esdeath continues to keep her eyes closed in order to avoid the hypnotic gaze of the Evil Bird. Struggling valiantly the evil bird tries its hardest to knock Esdeath off from it’s back. It was a futile effort as Esdeath locks her legs deep against the flying avian and keeps up her chokehold. The bird’s movements start to slow down, its eyes becoming bloodshot red from the lack of oxygen, it holds a frightful experience as it knew this was the end.

With one loud snap Esdeath brutally and swiftly kills the Evil Bird. Letting its corpse drop hard into the ground, Once again seeing the master at work made you appreciate having such a dependable partner to handle the close-range fighting. While you were no slouch when it came to such fighting tactics, you prefer to leave such things to others and take out enemies at a distance. After all, you generally did things including combat smarter not harder. After Esdeath confirms the kill, you start to pull yourself out of the hiding spot and go congratulate Esdeath for her plan working without any hiccups.

>What do you do next?

>Keep aware of your surroundings while Esdeath rounds up the Evil Bird
>Offer to carry the Evil Bird and start your trip back home
>Look around for any other sort of resources in the area
>Other [write-in]

>>4012628
>>Offer to carry the Evil Bird and start your trip back home

>>4012628
>>Keep aware of your surroundings while Esdeath rounds up the Evil Bird
You're making me all paranoid here with this choice QM

>>4012628
>Keep aware of your surroundings while Esdeath rounds up the Evil Bird
>Offer to carry the Evil Bird and start your trip back home

>>4012628
>Keep aware of your surroundings while Esdeath rounds up the Evil Bird

>>4012628
>Keep aware of your surroundings while Esdeath rounds up the Evil Bird

>>4012628
>>Keep aware of your surroundings while Esdeath rounds up the Evil Bird

>>4012639
>>4012700
>>4012714
>>4013232
>>4013431

Unsurprisingly the plan that Esdeath came up with went without a hitch. Mentally you patted yourself on the back for striking the bird on the first try. While at the same time you once again find yourself admiring the innate talent Esdeath shows as a top-class professional huntress. In retrospect, you were strongly certain that Esdeath could’ve handled the beast on her own. But unlike with your added assistance, it would’ve taken a whole lot longer for her to secure the kill. As well as drop her stamina levels into the red given the Evil Bird’s majestic agility and fluidity. Although you doubt that Esdeath would run into any trouble, being low on stamina would greatly hamper her impressive combat ability and limit her options. That and the sooner the both of you return to the village the better.

Slowly putting the bow behind your back, you look around the sky to see if there were any onlookers. To your luck, it seems that the Evil Bird was, in fact, all on its lonesome. The last thing that you desire was another encounter after working hard to lure the special class Danger Beast to this remote spot. As you successfully pull yourself out from the hiding spot, you carefully slid down the rocky terrain until you reached the ground. Afterward, you start to take a watchful eye towards Esdeath. To nobody’s surprise, she was already taking the necessary steps in making sure that the Danger Beast was assassinated. Many times throughout your life you have experienced countless times where one got overconfident and believed that they killed their enemy. Only to then be slain from behind due to that same enemy merely playing possum. It was something that you learned first hand as it was this tactic that saved you from your imminent death. So like Esdeath, you weren’t going to take any chances.

Speaking of chances you turn your attention back to the rocky road. There was something off about the quietness in the area. It was rather eerie and almost too tranquil for a savage area like this. Even if the Evil Bird has no followers, there should have been signs of some rustling by the natural wildlife or creaks coming from the ground. Instead, there was the looming feeling that you were being watched by an apex predator. Taking the initiative, you start to awaken your senses and assess the situation. Spending the past ten years surrounded in the wilderness hunting danger beasts, it ultimately brought forth supernatural levels of the human senses. The hellish training and constant survival has brought forth awakening your immense natural-born combat potential. It was the reason you’re able to stand beside the natural huntress prodigy Esdeath and her superhuman attributes.

>>4014125

Closing your eyes and shifting your senses to your nose, you start to snift out the area. A couple of minutes of this ends up bringing fruit as you pinpoint the precise scent. To your intuition, you were indeed being followed by an apex predator. Judging from this inhuman scent it was, in fact, a Danger Beast that was trailing you than another human being. To add further insult to injury, you could pick up its noteworthy presence as it wasn’t just a mere simple Danger Beast. Only something like a Special Class or higher could produce such killing intent. Almost immediately that mysterious presence began to charge at you at fast speeds. It seems like it could sense that you were able to pick out its scent and pinpoint its location. If nothing else you couldn’t help but praise its keen instincts as you prepare for combat.

Racing towards the two of you was the mighty Apeman. A simian type of Danger Beast among of the special class. This primitive primate is exceptionally known for its abnormal strength and other physical capabilities. In exchange, it was rather dimwitted for a bruiser, relying solely on brute force than having any sort of tactics. But with its physical attributes and characteristics, the Apeman can afford to be a good for nothing musclehead. Even so, in a close-range fight, it would undoubtedly hold a greater advantage between both you and Esdeath. Not to mention, the most troubling factor of the Apeman was its thick hide. Like a natural-born suit of armor, it provides impressive levels of defense as the apeman often cushion blows and effectively tank them thanks to such hard, tough defenses.

>How do you proceed

>Tell Esdeath to grab the evil bird and run away
>Try to hide somewhere safe and lets Esdeath fight it while you look for a weak spot
>Cut your loses and fight the apeman head-on with Esdeath handles close range
>Take charge and focus on delivering explosive strikes through the Partas Clan’s secret fighting style
>Other [write-in]

>>4014133
>Take charge and focus on delivering explosive strikes through the Partas Clan’s secret fighting style

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102 KB JPG

>>4014125

>>4014133
>>Take charge and focus on delivering explosive strikes through the Partas Clan’s secret fighting style
I doubt we can take it on alone and Esdeath just spent quite a bit of energy on the Evil Bird. I'm sure Esdeath has decent bow skills as well, right? We can throw her our bow and quiver and switch roles.

>>4014133
>>Take charge and focus on delivering explosive strikes through the Partas Clan’s secret fighting style

>>4014133

>Take charge and focus on delivering explosive strikes through the Partas Clan’s secret fighting style

Time to give it a test run

>>4014133
>Take charge and focus on delivering explosive strikes through the Partas Clan’s secret fighting style

>>4014136
>>4014151
>>4014155
>>4014159
>>4014175

Alright we're going for rule of cool. So let's roll those dice, DC check is a 14

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>4014185

Here we go boys

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>4014185
Killer Queen has already touched that monkey

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>4014185
Oh fuck

>>4014197
Clutch.

>>4014197

With the close-knit clutch, going to be dealing a serious blow to this primate

>>4014185

Taking account for the giant simian rampaging movements you acknowledge that it wasn’t pretty fast for a creature of its size and stature. Judging from his movement, you estimate that it would take about ten whole minutes for the creature to arrive. On one hand, this would give about just enough time for you and Esdeath to gather your things and high tail it out of there. Switching between the two of you and only focusing on long-range tactics, you assured that either the Aoeman would give up and cut its losses. Or it would eventually bleed out from the pack run tactics and collapse. Still, it would be rather boorish of yourself to commit to running away and let this opportunity slip by. Although you committed to helping Esdeath capture a special class danger beast to prove to her father her strength, you were also interested in earning recognition from the Village Chief and passing your mark of mastery exam.

“You can sense what’s approaching us right?” You ask, keeping your eyes focused on the direction that the Apeman was coming from.

Esdeath was already going through the natural steps to preserving the Danger Beast for harvesting later. Although previously in her youth she would’ve left the creature in a constant half-dead state, personal experiences have taught her the volley of such dangerous actions. “If you’re talking about the Apeman, I already felt its presence just a moment ago. Now I hope you’re not thinking of running away just because we’re fighting on its territory right?” Esdeath coldly remarks, reassuring you another reason why running away was impossible.

“Somehow I knew you would say that. But no, the thought of running away hasn’t crossed my mind. But I am going to have you sit back and play a supportive role here.” You awkwardly chuckle, petting Esdeath on the head before dropping your bow and quiver for the huntswoman to use.

Blinking in mild confusion, Esdeath quickly snaps back as she stands up to meet you head-on. Quickly grabbing you by the collar of your shirt, Esdeath gave a rather sharp glare. “Nonsense, between the two of us I’m the more efficient huntsmen and by no means am I out of shape for a fight. I can handle a mere Apeman no problem!” As she says those words, Esdeath suddenly feels her legs dropping down if ever so slightly from the swift rise and high spirited aggression. It was only through force of will that she kept herself from tumbling to the ground, but it was clear that the cat and mouse game with the evil bird has definitely done a number to her stamina.

“Don’t be silly Esdeath. You already wasted enough of your stamina luring the Evil Bird to this destination and chipping away at its health bit by bit. I can’t be expected to carry both you and our Danger Beast haul back home now can I?” You say, catching Esdeath before she would fall further and persuading her with your natural charm to seeing things from your perspective.

>>4014439

Choosing to be silent for a good minute, Esdeath slowly narrows her eyes as she hates admitting when your right. Especially given your namesake as the Fool of the North. “Fine, I suppose for helping me with my request, I’ll humor you and offer support towards annihilating this Danger Beast. “

Smiling at Esdeath accepting your battle plan, you let go of her to have her then pick up the bow and quiver and get into a safe position hidden from the Apeman. “Thanks, Esdeath. You can count on me to get the job done.”

“Just don’t do what you typically do and play around with your enemies to analyze their rhythm and patterns. Thus formulating and concocting strategies based on deduction of his opponents' fighting abilities and style. You’ll have to be more ruthless and use more cutthroat strategies to swiftly bring an end to your enemy. Nothing annoys me more than seeing a drawn-out fight when a victor is already long since been determined. “Esdeath remarks, shifting a rather judgmental stare as she recalls your bad habit. This was coming from the battle craved blood knight who has a habit seeking strong opponents and desiring the satisfaction can get from a battle with one’s life is on the line.

“Don’t worry, I’ll finish this quick so we can pack up and leave for home while our souvenir.”

After watching Esdeath move into an optimized shooting position, you took it upon yourself to close your eyes and take some deep breaths. If what you’re facing truly was something akin to the apeman, then you couldn’t just rely on mere quick wit and precise pinpoint strikes. Thus, you begin to steadily cause your body temperature to rise exponentially. In the time you spent with the Pratas clan, you learned that their superhuman feats were more than just a byproduct of their harsh conditions and genetic breeding. Similar to hybrids of humans and Danger Beasts, the Pratas clan constant diet of danger beasts has granted them a special trait. Typically this trait developed into the Pratas clan’s innate ability to manipulate’s one bioenergy and chemistry. For you and Esdeath, both of you took the Thermal path with your affinity is that of fire and heat.

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1.91 MB GIF

>>4014496

By controlling your body heat you were able to bring out explosive power in the form of dark orange, almost crimson flames. While these flames provide a wide assortment of different tactics and multi-versatile usage, you usually rely on the explosive factor via rays of heat to best conserve energy for longer usage. With your go-to tactic being Thermovariance, you generally incarnate your targets from the inside out or use the wick effect to essentially trigger spontaneous combustion via overloading the body with excess energy and using the body’s fat as fuel for the combustion. As you continue focusing your chi and raising your body temperature, your eyes start to flicker as flame-like imprint starts to manifest around your face, serving as eye shadow. The changes quickly spread throughout your body as you reach the high enough temperatures to invoke your transformation.

“Daienkai: Entei (Great Flame Commandment - Blazing Emperor)”

Upon completion, you stand your ground a fully changed individual. Starting from the top your hair now holds red streaks in between the blacken volume strands, while seemingly standing on end, giving it a rising, flame-like appearance. Your crimson eyes were given off a radiant glow as the pupils become smaller and more rounded. Around your body emirates a red steam like aura that gives off a rather flame-like presence. This was mainly due to a mixture of the body producing excess energy from the natural floodgates being open, and the sweat glands evaporating instantly thus producing the rising pulsating aura. Your muscle tone was far more defined, and your skin was lightly shaded due to the glowing luminance of your aura. Aside from that, there weren’t any other noteworthy changes. But to those around you, you give off a barbaric presence akin to a savage beast.

With your newfound state, you prepare yourself accordingly by taking a stance. It was going to be roughly less than one whole minute before the beast would arrive and partake in the battle that it seeks. Giving you plenty of time to think of a battle strategy as you regulate your surging flames through body-temperature management.

>Use Jet Propulsion to close the distance between you and the Apeman and aim for a direct strike at the chest
>Charge up your body heat to your right hand as you wait until the last second to evade and counter-attack via boiling the brain
>Stick to the basics and fire waves of flame, distracting him with a well-timed combustion shot at his weak points
>Go head-on with the Apeman, relying on the momentum from your explosive enhanced strikes to overpower him and break through his defenses
>Other [write-in]

>>4014514
>>Charge up your body heat to your right hand as you wait until the last second to evade and counter-attack via boiling the brain

>>4014514
>>Charge up your body heat to your right hand as you wait until the last second to evade and counter-attack via boiling the brain
Shit, I didn't realize we could go all Gear 2. Let's get a bit reckless then and go for the one-hit kill. It'll be fucking devastating and, more importantly, cool as hell. What's even the point if you can't show off in front of your waifu? And if the ape is really so simple-minded, we can probably add a basic feint with our left just to make it a bit easier.

>>4014514
>Charge up your body heat to your right hand as you wait until the last second to evade and counter-attack via boiling the brain

>>4014520
>>4014537
>>4014584

Alright, since it's unlikely we won't see any other votes. Give me those rolls, since you succeeded on the transformation, the DC check is now 10

with a +1 to your dice roll.

Rolled 4 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4014607

Rolled 7 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4014607

Rolled 9 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4014607

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177 KB JPG

>>4014623
Jesus fucking christ

We are cursed to just barely make it

>>4014627

Better to have barely make it than to fail outright when impressing your waifu.

>>4014607

Arching your right arm back you begin to firmly concentrate the glowing residence of excessive energy, concentrating it with all your fine control and finesse. Slowly but steadily the conservation of energy cultivates itself further, achieving a rather bright orange glow. In no time flat, you achieve your burning fist supplementary as it was a trick meant to further enhance the potency of your Ten Flame Commandment techniques, a series of different finishing moves that offer a wide assortment of different tools to counter a wide array of different scenarios. Truly befitting the jack of all trades, master of none mindset that you adapted. That said, it didn’t take away from your brutally efficient combat skills as you start to take a stance. Right on cue in the distance, you saw the Apeman charging forward on all fours like a rampaging beast.

Given how far it was running, the primal beast was building up momentum for a powerful tackle or arm flying lariat. Either way, you prepare yourself to respond to the beast’s straightforward tactic with a cross counter. Firmly plant your feet to the ground, you kept your right hand behind you along with your left to distract the beast. Waiting for the precise moment, you buckle down to get the timing right. On cue, you were rewarded with the Apeman recklessly coming within your strike range. Using your left hand, you attempt to deceive the Apeman with a basic feint. A move that ultimately forces the Apeman to meet it head-on with its flying lariat, to which you counter by aiming your feint at its joint. Only at the last second did you pull your left arm back, making the Apeman miss its timing, you follow up with thrusting your right arm towards the skull. All while bracing yourself at a sudden punch from its right side.

In spite of the Apeman striking a solid blow in between the abdomen, you press forward now having successfully clench your fingers against the primate’s thick skill. The concreated orange coated fingers while very hot to the touch carry a more dangerous aspect, usually resulting in a deadly downfall. Transmitting your excess energy and rising heat source into the Apeman’s skull, it begins to start searing as steam soon starts to form. Unlike the First Flame Commandment Nenshō Saiten (Combustive Calamity), this technique wasn’t a move meant to trigger spontaneous combustion. Instead, it’s main objective was to heat up a target's body, causing all the liquid in their body to evaporate and leave them as a desiccated corpse. Usually resulting in mummification, this technique was effective in boiling someone alive for torture.

>>4014883

Focusing all your excess energy into the brain, you’re able to cause the Apeman to suffer a series of hot flashes and soon a dangerous heat stroke. The vaporization of the eyes brought tremendous pain for the Apeman as it struggles against the heat exhaustion by flailing violently against you. Reduced to enduring the pain of the savage simian’s swings, you continue valiantly to effectively roast the dimwitted animal alive. All while adjusting your body’s natural constitution to cushion the blows and mitigate the damage on the inflicted area. It was a trick you learn briefly during your time at the Imperial Temple as part of your teachings to become emperor. While it was just the basics, your keen intellective and innovation skills more than made up for the lack of training as you used it as the basis to develop your own Garyū no Ken or self-styled martial arts. Although far from perfection, judging from how the Apeman was violently struggling against your burning touch in futility, it was quite an effective tool of destruction.

Turning this into a battle of fruition, the two of you struggle against the other’s action. You who were burning the Apeman alive through attacks on the brain, followed by the Apeman continuously pummeling you with its remaining strength. While effective in normal circumstances, this act only serves to further harm the powerful primate. Expending what little energy it carries made its moves rather sluggish and no longer carrying that destructive force along its powerful punches that made the special Danger Beast so formidable. You, on the other hand, was using this towards your advantage as you continue to bake its brain. What seems like forever ultimately ended the stalemate with the Apeman dropping to the floor. It’s brain completely liquidated as the head tissues are fully vaporized. As you remove your hand from the beast, you would soon hear an explosion, signifying the fiery end you saught to bring it.

Now assured of your victory, you start to cool your body temperature and return yourself to normal. Despite its overwhelming power, it was still rather dangerous for one to reach their boiling point and maintain that state for long periods. Therefore, you generally use Entei as a last-ditch effort when your usual tactics and countermeasures were all for naught. That or only use it for quick, consecutive bursts to subtly dismantle the enemy while keeping yourself at top physical condition. Nevertheless, for a technique, you finally managed to fully develop in the past five years, it seems Entei has truly earned its keep, no matter its upkeep cost. In fact, after several times of practices, you developed more excessive use of the art while conveniently brief periods to save your stamina and strength reserves for longer fights.

>>4014886

>What do you do now?

>Take a moment to brag about your flamboyant finish while hiding your wounds
>Openly admit you still have a long way to go after noticing the arrow shots on the Apeman’s vital area while thanking Esdeath
>Be extra cautious and stab at its heart just in case while talking to Esdeath about heading home after a long rest
>Other [write-in]

>>4014896
>>Be extra cautious and stab at its heart just in case while talking to Esdeath about heading home after a long rest
Can't have our cool moment be ruined by a sneak attack.

>>4014886

Forgot to mention that the name of this technique is Yaketsuku Shoumon (Scorching Palm), it's the third out of the Ten Flame Commandment you currently know.

here's the rest for future reference.

Nenshō Saiten (Combustive Calamity)
Shinka Shiranui (Blazing Sea of the Godly Fire)
Yaketsuku Shoumon (Scorching Palm)
Goraikou Moeruguren (Rising Sun of the Burning Crimson Lotus)
Ōbākurokku Ōbādoraibu (Overclocking Overdrive)
Bakunetsu Bakketsu (Erupting Bursting Blood)
Rengoku Hidaruma (Flaming Doll of Purgatory)
Shayō Fukyuuyami (Setting Sun of Eternal Night)
Aogeyō Tenshin (Black Sun of Divine Providence)
Shiroi Kikotei (White Sun Emperor)

>>4014896
>Be extra cautious and stab at its heart just in case while talking to Esdeath about heading home after a long rest

>>4014896
>Be extra cautious and stab at its heart just in case while talking to Esdeath about heading home after a long rest

>>4014896
>Be extra cautious and stab at its heart just in case while talking to Esdeath about heading home after a long rest

>>4014896
>>Openly admit you still have a long way to go after noticing the arrow shots on the Apeman’s vital area while thanking Esdeath
Honestly is the best policy.

>>4014896
>Be extra cautious and stab at its heart just in case while talking to Esdeath about heading home after a long rest

Taking bit of a break to combat this fever, I'll have a post out by tomorrow at the latest. Sorry for the delay.

>>4014907
>>4014914
>>4014961
>>4019300

Checking yourself after that…..flamboyant display of manly prowess, you seem to have numerous bruises but thankfully no lacerations or broken bones. All your daily training and survival methods have done well to build such a sturdy body. That said, you feel like you got the wind knocked out of you as fatigue was starting to kick in. While it wasn’t too the point that you’ll collapse onto the pavement, it was enough to make your body feel notoriously heavier than normal. Thus, it’ll negatively impact your motion’s fluidity and reaction time. And to think all of this was due to the strong desire of showing off to your childhood companion. Yet even now you didn’t bring yourself to complain. There was just one more thing that you wanted to check out before feeling completely safe.

Not taking any chances you heave yourself towards the seemingly lifeless body that was once the rampaging apeman. Upon reaching striking range, you slant your right hand’s fingers down into a striking stab before swiftly thrusting it into the chest cavity of the apeman. Luckily gravity did most of the work, letting you only use the remnant of your Great Flame Commandment Entei to burn through the resistance and cook the stilled heart like a grade of fine meat. After grabbing the heart, the heat temperature rises further as you yank it out just as quickly as you thrust inside. With the heart in question, you take notice of the corpse. In your line of profession, you saw countless times where one would drop their guard after seemingly killing their enemy only for them to reveal that they were playing possum. An act that generally leads to a successful sneak attack and turning the tides, sometimes even becoming fatal.

“So I got us some extra food to eat and my reward to show to the village chief. So how about we head home while the spoils are still fresh.” You smile, mildly considering eating the heart to regain stamina and imprint that ferocious spirit inside of you.

Esdeath meanwhile kept quiet, not wanting to put you down by revealing that during the commotion she shot a few arrows into the Apeman’s leg joints to slow down its mobility and aimed at the shoulders to take away its upper body strength. She was merely paying her due for your assistance with the Evil Bird. “Yeah, there’s no point in getting greedy. We have a long trip back home and I rather not have to carry the spoils and you all in once.”

“Well then lead the way snow princess.” You chuckle, holding back your side soon after now realizing that it hurts to laugh.

>>4023173

As the two of you rounded up your supplies and neatly packaged the slain Danger Beasts, both Esdeath and yourself made the long trip back to the Partas Clan village up north. At your current speed, it would only take you about two whole days to reach home. One whole day if you were to run at top speed with little rest, and three whole days if you went for a slow and steady approach. Naturally, you went for the most practical of choices and just stick with the two-day travel plan. The last thing either one of you wants is to be ambushed along the way and not have the strength to fight back or waste too much time in Danger Beast territory. Of course, as you eventually come to see the outskirts of the village, something starts to look...off. Far off in the distance, there was smoke coming from the village...followed by a bright firey scene.

>What do you do?

>Try to tell Esdeath to stay with the supply as you go to check it out yourself
>Go with Esdeath to the village and look for any survivors
>Assume the worst has happened and change direction
>Other [write-in]

>>4023174
>Go with Esdeath to the village and look for any survivors

>>4023174
>>Go with Esdeath to the village and look for any survivors
Not autistic enough to believe that hard in social darwinism, still gotta care for your family at least

>>4023174
>>Go with Esdeath to the village and look for any survivor

>>4023174
>Go with Esdeath to the village and look for any survivors

>>4023191
>Saburō
>>4023199
>>4023207
>>4023237

In your mind, you felt the sinking suspicion that something horrible has happened. But your heart deep down wanted it to be just your imagination. Just the tribe folk you called your comrades celebrating after a successful hunt. After all, given your position, it was hard to judge accurately what was happening. But the more excuses you made to rationalize the situation the louder a single voice echos inside your mind. The voice that was telling you a single phrase every waking moment. “Face Reality. Quit running away.” Normally you have been able to drown it out quite easily, hence your notorious skill at putting a facade as the whimsical and easygoing fool with a silver tongue and charismatic charm to match that golden heart. A fitting identity for you currently, but it wasn’t the true Saburō.

The true Saburō was lying dormant alongside with the memories of the past. Such a traumatic experience of that extent would’ve broken any other person. But your mind was far too clever to itself shatter. In between regulating the violent outburst through the Village Chief’s lessons and hunting trip, a mask was forged to keep such dark, haunting experiences from seeping out. As some last-ditch effort to move from the past and establish a new life. However, even that wasn’t infallible considering the voice in your head that you assume was your conscience. These two different ideology of pragmatism and optimism that normally reside in perfect dualism was starting to crack as the paradox begins to reel its ugly head.

Either way, you were left with a tough decision. To go and scout the area by yourself or to go to the village with Esdeath and risk seeing something you shouldn’t see. Sure there was the third option of turning the other cheek and leaving with the intent to never come back. An option that you find yourself currently unable to do as you briefly rub the temples on your forehead. The repressed memories and emotions associated with them were slowly seeping out. Uncertainty was making you cautious, but that wasn’t true. If anything you were hesitant as paranoia forces you to constantly think and weigh all your options. It wasn’t until you feel something tugging against your sleeve that you finally came out of your frantic analyzation.

Showing a similar look of uncertainty and deep concern, you see Esdeath’s complexion was becoming pale as her stoic expression was shattered. While not to the point of dread, there was an aura of delusion to the huntswoman as holds on to your sleeve tightly. “...Nobu…” Esdeath mutters, keeping her other hand on the bird as she stares intently at the smoke.

>>4023588

“..Yeah. I won’t leave your side. We’ll go together.” Forcing yourself to smile you move your other hand towards interlocking with Esdeath’s hand. For you who already experience the worst-case scenario before, you felt the strong desire to confront whatever outcome with Esdeath. Turning away or leaving her behind would be too cruel.

Slowly the two of you waltz right down the path, keeping close eye towards your surroundings. Panic and anxiety aside, it would be exceptionally shameful to let your emotions cloud your rational judgment as huntsmen. At a moment’s notice, the two of you would be ready to transition into proper huntsmen and strike without hesitation. Even so, what was to meet your growing curiosity was anything but a horrible nightmare. The vision becomes more and more apparent the closer both of you got towards the village. Smoke was thicker as it starts to darken the night sky. The raging flame dances vibrantly in an eerie orange glow. But worst of all was the dead silence of voices as the only music was the crackling of the burning fire on the village.

To both of your horror, it seems the entire village has been set up ablaze by an unknown force. The winter domes that provided shelter and security were torn apart by numerous arrows. The arrows upon closer inspection was tailored to set the tents on fire alongside the village camp itself. Most deplorable of them all was the fact on the ground was countless bodies lying in a motionless state. Each one of them showing signs of impalement by giant metal spears. The intense heat from the flame combined with the spears must have concocted a rather gruesome and agonizingly slow death. Silently you set the apeman down, turning your head to Esdeath who already came to the same conclusion.

Esdeath puts her evil bird down and starts to search valiantly for any survivors. All while holding your hand tightly as you felt the deep trembling underneath. Half of it was fear, but the fear was more towards herself on what she might do if every single one of her clansmen have been killed, especially her father. You, on the other hand, kept your emotions shut, refusing to let yourself lose focus at a time like this. Searching throughout the camp left you to see more and more dead bodies as not even women and children were spared from the slaughter-fest. Alongside this fact, you took notice that some weren’t impaled. But there were numerous wounds, of which could only be made by a gun as you smell the scent of gunpowder. Just when it seems lost a loud wheezing cough broke the silence.

File: esdeath-childhood.jpg (69 KB, 1127x635)

69 KB JPG

>>4023618

Running as fast as she can, Esdeath pulls you towards the survivor. It was a middle-aged man named Simeon, he was a fellow huntsman only a few years older than you but was apart of the elite squad in the village. His brown eyes glaze over, seeing the two of you as he breaks a smile on his face. “...Thank the stars...for you two ended up being fortunate to not get involved..” He utter, coughing violently as blood starts to spill out.

“Are you alright?!” Esdeath ask, talking to the half-breathing huntsmen as you documented his wounds. Just as you fear they were bullets, but judging from the scent and the purple skin marks, these bullets were also laced with poison. A fast-acting one at that based around lead as the centerfold. If the bullet wouldn’t kill you, then the poison would surely finish the job.

“A section of the northern tribe alliance crossed the border and attacked us just after we got done from our latest hunt. The Arctic Werewolfs. Although we were already weakened from battle, we continued to fight valiantly to our last breath. But they contaminated our supplies, attacked us from a distance and used advance technology that can only have come from the main faction of the north. Despite these setbacks, the village chief Signum managed to eliminate over a hundred of the northern tribe invaders. But in the end, the poison got to him just long enough for reinforcements to show up and overpower him.” Simeon explains, fighting back his violent cough to past his last words. There was no saving him.

“..I’m sorry Esdeath, Saburo...please forgive us for being weak.” Before you had the chance to speak, Esdeath quickly lets go of your hand and runs off to the direction where the village chief was located. Leaving you to watch as the worst-case scenario becoming a reality.

“..No, I’m sorry.” You muttered, unable to give any encouraging words as you watch Simeon dies in front of your watch. Doing the sensible thing you merely move two of your fingers to close his eyelids and set him down gently to the ground. After that, you went forward to catch up with Esdeath and keep your promise.

After running for what seems like an eternity, you soon came across where the village chief was located. Punctured by multiple gun wounds and spears, Signum remains standing despite his condition as blood spills constantly from his body. His eyes vacant and lifeless, showing signs of suffering fatal wounds as the smell of death reaks upon him. Still, you were close enough to hear the conversation between Esdeath and Signum.

>>4023629

“As you can see...we were weaker...so we lost the war. But it can’t be helped, our clan is a cursed one after all. Gained too much notoriety and power and others start to fear you. Fear that we may become….exactly like the Danger Beasts that dominate the world. “ Signum coughs, smiling through the blood as his vision was beginning to blur out.

“Father, don’t….talk anymore. Just...stay with me.” Esdeath whispered, having already dropped to her knees, a broken expression as her face fights back the twisting urge to breakdown and cry.

“Live strong, Esdeath….You are the pinnacle of centuries of genetics and teachings that our clan has to offer. But...I get the feeling I don’t need to tell you something so obvious.”

>What do you do?

[Given the importance of the scene, I'm letting you guys come up with the course of action to tackle this. If I come back later and see no offers, I'll put up some choices for you to pick.]

>>4023633
>Stay near Esdeath, let her cry it out, comfort her
>All the while, keep an eye and ear out in case there are any survivors, hostile or otherwise
>If there are any nearby, cut things short and move with Esdeath to observe them from a distance. Deal with them appropriately. Regardless, make sure the village is clear before talking to Esdeath and checking her mental state. Reiterate the importance of her father's last words to live.
>Consolidate info on the northern tribes and plan vengeance
I don't know whatever funeral rites the Partas Clan has (if any, considering their beliefs) but we can also suggest performing them. Pragmatism is all fine and dandy but I appreciate the sentimental part that actually cares, at least for our family. Pragmatism will come into play when we're figuring out how to burn the northern tribes to ashes. As the one who has experience with losing family, I expect us to be the one to remain calm to prevent Esdeath from either breaking down or consumed by blind rage. Or survivor's guilt.

>>4023633
+1 to >>4023658. He covered everything

>>4023658

Right stuff right here

>>4023658
>>4023678
>>4024005

Looks like I got my answer for how to proceed. Prepare for the feels train.

>>4023588

For the record, this was supposed to be Sabu, not Nobu since you haven't adopted the name Nobusada Oda yet.

>>4024054

Last note - If you got any dialogue suggestion fill free to send it soon.

>>4023658

Supporting and with the dialogue note

>"We'll have to rely on one another far more now, but don't worry. In the end: All responsible for this will be struck out of history, there had only been your clan in the North."

>>4024054

Wise words coming from the spitting image of Social Darwinism and strength. If you were going to leave a last will testament then those words should be impactful to the ones who received the message. At least, that’s what it should have been. But you notice that there was something off as the village chief spoke to Esdeath, whispering into her ear about the Danger Beast that took the life of Esdeath’s mother alongside countless others. There was not an ounce of warmth in his words. Once again, the village chief was keeping a rather tranquil if not detached vibe to his one and only daughter. Going off my personal experience, you know first hand just how crucial one’s final message was. After all, it only took you until just this moment to figure out your mother was weeping for you, feeling sorry for the unfortunate fate that lies before you. In order to not let Esdeath go through the same uncertainty, you make your next move.

“In that case. Isn’t there something more important that you need to tell her with your final words?” You ask, already walking towards the two of them as Esdeath turns to see the calm ook on your face. Signum stares deeply into your eyes, seeing an unwavering resolve mixed with a sentimental if not sympathetic look in your eyes. Upon seeing such strong, caring eyes the village Chief briefly flashes back to the woman of his dreams, the love of his life, and the bringer of his child Esdeath, Sigrdrifa.

As you prepare yourself to speak again, the image between you and Sigrdifa starts to overlap, and soon Signum started to hear only his wife’s voice afterward. “..If you don’t say everything you want to say in these last moments….not only will you regret it, but it’ll leave an unrepairable scar in the heart. So, please tell your daughter what you’ve been too stubborn to do so.”

Reduce to laughing at his foolishness, Signum cracks a smile“...Ahh...you’re right. Just what I expect from the missing prince that was to be the next emperor. You have a rather bad habit of peeking into people’s hearts. But...that may be necessary if you ever want to truly rule over others.”

>>4024232

Slowly pulling out the rods from his body with tremendous strength, Signum finally drops to his knees as he finally makes contact with his distraught daughter. Finally seeing just what kind of effect his way of life was having to his poor girl. “Esdeath. Truth be told, I been hiding something from you. Ever since your mother died, I’ve been keeping my distance from you. As the village chief, I poured everything into teaching you to be the finest huntress in our clan. However, I made the grievous error in neglecting you an important aspect of your humanity. I thought if you turned a blind eye towards your lack of empathy, it’ll only make you stronger and keep you safe. Just like what your mother wished for in her dying moments. The ability to act and deliver the finishing blow regardless of the enemy’s condition or state of mind is a powerful weapon trained by the most talented of assassins. But it was my mistake to ignore your inner turmoil.”

“...It’s alright. I’m the village chief’s daughter, a proud member of the Partas clan. I’m not so helpless that I’d need someone’s hand and console me. I have gotten rather good at suppressing my emotions and becoming as cold as ice…” Esdeath mutters, trying to force herself to make a smile, reassuring her father that she was strong. However, that facade quickly starts to break at the moment her father suddenly hugs her tightly. His muscles keeping the blood from spilling as the only thing keeping him together was his unyielding willpower.

“...I just...wanted you to live fully, just like how your mother Sigrdrifa would’ve wanted. So forgive your father for not consoling you when you needed it most.” Saying those words true from the heart, Signum starts to console Esdeath properly, giving her genuine love for the first time in a very long time.

“...Father.” Esdeath mutters, her voice breaking as she scrunches her face in a sniffle. Signum only responds by placing his hand on the back of her head, making up for almost six years of complete emotional neglect and bottled up feelings with his dying actions.

“..No matter what happens, always live your heart to the fullest. See the world….and try to find people who can walk beside you...true comrades. Just like your family. And...never lose your heart like your old man, be stronger than those who came before you, including myself.”

“...Mhm.” Esdeath nodded, clinging tightly to her father as tears start to seep out from her eyes. She truly has done well to have endured so much and not once shedding a tear since the day her mother died.

“I’ll always love you Esdeath, my little personification of victory.” Those were Signum’s last words to his daughter as his vision completely fades. But even so, he turns his eyes towards you, smiling deeply on his face. “Take care of my daughter. This is my final request, she’s all that we have left. Cover for what she cannot do by herself…”

>>4024235

“I promised you, Master. I’ll protect her till the very end. “ You nod, practically giving the royal bow as you kneel to Signum, seeing him as just as important as your parents and uncle. Seeing you answer a dying old man’s final request sincerely, Signum relaxes as death finally claims him. Leaving Esdeath to silently cry, already feeling his pulse disappearing and his body becoming cold.

Placing your hand on Esdeath shoulder, you consoled her of her grief. Waiting just long enough for her to quickly get it out of her system. Once that has been taken care of, you and Esdeath start to maneuver throughout the entirety of the Partas Clan’s village. Checking every nook and cranny, you gathered the deceased bodies of the fallen Partas Clan. No matter how hard both of you searched, there were no other survivors but the two of you. It was expected, the Northern Tribe was quite thorough in wiping out the Partas Clan. The only thing that was still intact was a record book of their entire culture and the Danger Beast supplies. Taking everything of value and packing it into their respective bags, you and Esdeath eventually finish picking up every last member of the Partas Clan.

The Partas Clan didn’t exactly have any sort of fancy eulogies or rites. As a clan that believes in survival of the fittest, they generally allowed their corpses to be fed to the wildlife, continuing the cycle of life as they have a sharp understanding of their overall place in the grand scheme of things. They didn’t care that they were no different than the ants on the ground or the soil that gives life to the plants and wildlife. That’s essential nature in a nutshell. Still, you manage to round up some fire and starts burning the corpses upon Esdeath’s request. She told you that reducing them to ashes and spreading their remains into the winds, they’ll become one with nature. Essentially becoming the white snow that blankets the lands while being free. Just like what her father wishes for her in addition to living strongly.

It would only take about roughly a couple of hours before the cremation of the entirety of the Partas Clan was finished. The fire from the attack gave more than enough fuel to burn through all the excess fat and tissues the giant pile of corpses carried. Of course, you made sure to double-check if anyone was just out due to shock. Thankfully they weren’t in a comatose or vegetated state, just...dead. The last thing you wanted was to cause further pain to your family or scar Esdeath anymore than what she already was. She was keeping rather silent about the entire thing as the two of you kept your distance from the fire. Eventually, after performing the last rite and saying some touching words, you hand the urn for Esdeath to scatter the ashes to the wind as the sky was blowing quite fiercely. Almost as a response to the heavens crying over the fate of the Partas Clan.

>>4024250

Looking at Esdeath current state of mind, you saw her staring at the ground with an empty, lifeless expression on her face. Unlike the usually cool and collective Ice Queen, she was a shadow of her typical self. Oddly enough it made you think back to yourself when you were only six years old and have just lost your family. They say that the pain gets easier to deal with time, but that was something only those who are ignorant of the true horrors of the world can say. No amount of time made it easier for you, nor could you bring yourself forgive and forget the one who did this to you. Still, you needed to say something impressionable to say to Esdeath. The only thing that comes to mind was speaking the truth.

“Only the strong and new will survive. Beliving in power and stomping on the weak are what we tell ourselves to survive. To follow the laws of nature and embrace our survival instincts and primitive intuition. Our history is proof of that. As humans gain strength, they lose their compassion, but at the same time, their compassion kept them from achieving true strength. The duality of man that everyone must struggle towards as to gain something one must sacrifice something and vice versa. “ You remark, standing right beside Esdeath as you look at the remains of the camp. There was nothing left but the burnt mark of the once-proud clan. To which the snow was already starting to pile up and cover the ground.

“But in the end, even that iron-clad rule will be destroyed...once something stronger appears. The irrefutable truth that it’s not only the strongest will survive...but the fact those who are strong that ultimately hunted and persecuted by the weak.”

“....” Esdeath pauses, unable to find the words to say as she has her arms wrapped around her knees staring blankly at the ground. But your words weren’t on deaf ears as she shows signs of listening.

“When you’re strong, it only furthers a painted target on your back. Especially by those who want your strength….and those who will do everything in their power to see you fall. Envied, feared, isolated, persecuted, manipulated, abused and even preyed upon. That’s why…. people are often mistaken by saying the weak are usually food for the strong. If anything…the strong are the ones who are cannibalized. As you see here.” You point to the remains of the village, drawing Esdeath’s attention as she looks at the village before you point far off into the distance.

>>4024284

“The Northern Tribe is weak. They feared the growing power of the Partas clan, feared their potential after seeing their growth for hundreds of years. So before they become too strong to stop, they instead attack them at their weakest point. Using immoral and cheap tactics in order to claim the best results for the least amount of effort. They’re too afraid to fight their enemy on their turf by their rules, but that’s ultimately a prime example of our endless potential...for malice.” “...But if you ask me, the real fault of this matter is not the Partas for not being strong enough or the Northern Tribe for being weak. It’s the Empire.” As you say those words, there was a hint of anger festering inside as you think back to how that weakness that plague the Empire has taken everything from you. This would be the second time in a row.

“The Empire has been in war with the Northern Tribe for ages, but not once did they make the push to break through this never-ending stalemate and conquer. They much rather continue their descent into madness, entering a state of eternal bliss to hide the looming threat of the truth. ….If things continue the way they are….The entire empire...will fall.”

“Evolution through natural selection, destruction, and rebirth, the endless cycle that imposes the futile struggle that we as humans continue to walk down the path to ruin. The hatred of the strong, the despair of the weak, both are neither any less important, but neither side can see the pain that the other suffers. Too busy drowning in their own sorrow while acknowledging this cruel reality. It can’t be helped. To me, that’s only the rationalization of a loser. The Winner must always speak of the way the world should be, not the way it is.”

“But the Empire doesn’t believe in that. No, if anything they’re furthest from the truth. The reason why the Empire currently plays ignorant of these lands is that they want to keep their delusional peace. But the truth of the matter is, they’re weak. “

“...Weak?” Esdeath mutters, turning to meet your gaze with a puzzled look on her empty expression.

Briefly closing your eyes, you then fold your arms and reflect deeply on your own philosophy. You needed to tell Esdeath the strength and weaknesses of her clan’s creed, all while providing different analogies to have her start questioning everything she was ever taught and perhaps forming her own creed. “Yes, they’re weak because they can only fight within the rules or not fight at all. They submit to the cold cruelty that is reality. And it’s because of that they continue to distract themselves from the humiliating acts of shame. Just like the Northern Tribe. Just like everyone else. “

>>4024293

“...Compared to them who live their life in comfort without struggling a day of their life, you and I are much stronger people than they ever can be. “ You open your eyes, turning to glance at Esdeath before placing your hand on her shoulder.

“Concepts such as weakness aren’t worth entertaining. Having lost everything once, I adjusted and focused on the present. Not letting myself be distracted by anything but the will to survive. Truthfully, I was trying my hardest to avoid breaking apart. As a result, I ran from reality. But now I came to understand that running is meaningless. It’s better to stand forward and fight to protect what is ours. It is in our nature. That is why we gain power. But fighting to protect is an oxymoron from the start. The only good power is… it’s for destruction.“ A burning glow starts to illuminate your eyes, your true feelings coming out to the surface as the real Saburo.

“I want to destroy it. The Northern Tribe that took our home and loved ones, The hollowed shell of the once-great empire that my ancestors built in the great war, but most of all...the ironclad rules that govern this world. The rule where one has to sacrifice something to gain anything like hope, or the rule that serves as the backbone of survival of the fittest. I won’t let such clutches cloud one’s mind from the truth, nor use them as an excuse to justify my actions. I don’t need such convenient reasoning. Instead, I’ll remake the world, unify it and reclaim my birthright.” Gripping your fist tightly to the point of blood, you manage to snap Esdeath out of her empty shell as she looks at your vengeful expression, remaining eerily calm while being simultaneously passionate towards your ideals.

“But that’s my view on the matter and the path I’ve decided to take. Even if I say that I want you to think real hard about what is your truth? What is your voice? What do you believe in most of all? If you still come to share either of your clan’s virtues or my own then that’s fine. I’ll fully support you. However, that’s only if you yourself came to that conclusion. Only you can find the answer for your creed, turning your vocations into strength. After living through a multitude of different experiences, not once shutting yourself off from reality can you truly come to truly know yourself and understand what drives you forward.”

Kneeling down to meet with Esdeath’s eyes, you place your hands on her shoulders, reassuring her to the best of your ability. “No one can decide it for you. Live Strong Esdeath, cherish your father’s confession but more importantly live freely and true to your heart. Do that and no matter what happens, you’ll never live a life filled with regrets or second guesses.”

>>4024307

"We'll have to rely on one another far more now, but don't worry. In the end, all those responsible for this will be struck out of history, I swear it on my pride as the former prince of the empire.”
>How do you proceed?

>Head to Putra, Home to the Gravekeepers to learn their secret arts
>Travel to Gappi Marsh in hopes of finding the Oarburgh Clan, a group of notorious assassins who specialize in danger beasts
>Set out towards the Temple of the Imperial Fist to learn the ways of the fist
>Take a trip to Rousei Mountains in order to learn everything you can relating to Waboku
>Let Esdeath Decide your course of action
>Other [write-in]

>>4024336
>The Imperial Fists, for it's a jumping off point to get stake in the Imperial military.

>>4024336
>>Head to Putra, Home to the Gravekeepers to learn their secret arts

>>4024336

>Head to Putra, Home to the Gravekeepers to learn their secret arts

Secret arts you say? Why that ought to be great!

>>4024336
>Head to Putra, Home to the Gravekeepers to learn their secret arts

>>4024336
>>Head to Putra, Home to the Gravekeepers to learn their secret arts

Gotta ask, what is the Grave Keeper's Secret Art?

>>4025237
Well, if I told you, it wouldn't be a secret!

>>4025237
Apparently, transforming parts of their body into plants, animals and danger beasts with all that entails such as wings for flight, regeneration, fire breathing and ect depending on the animal/beast. So think of it like a prelude to us getting our Teigu.

>>4025287
Doesn't sound very grave keeper to me.

>>4024376
>>4024436
>>4024453
>>4025104

Alright, this is going to be a time skip, so roll me a 1d100 based on your charisma skills and innate talent to impress the Chief to sharing his knowledge.

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>4025501
weeeee

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>4025501

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>4025501

>>4025287
It also connects to the unique Pratas clan traits that come from eating Danger Beasts. In fact, it might even be straight up better, depending on the requirements and mechanics.

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>4025501

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>4025501

>>4025520
>>4025628

Barely passed, I have an animal in mind for you to unlock, but I am open to any suggestions you have for either yourself and Esdeath while I'm writing the next reply.

>>4025664
Maybe a Phenix? We just need tons of fire to give off the Nobu vibe.

>>4025664

Perhaps a tiger-dragon hybrid of some kind?

>>4025501

Esdeath, on the other hand, continues to keep herself quiet throughout your long speech. That empty look in her eyes was no longer a presence. Although it was subtle to the point of being unnoticeable, there was a burning fire rising up inside. Eliminating the defeated look on her face as it burns brightly in her eyes as she thinks about her choices. The choice to either moving forward to seize the day or stay stagnate, never moving from this frozen hell. Even if the path was to take her through a river of blood and down the path of carnage, so long as the possibility of finding what she truly desires is there, then it was worth diving into. There will always be a part of her that will cherish what her father and fellow clansmen have taught her, but it seems like she has decided to start thinking for herself.

“..My very own creed huh...” Esdeath mutters, slowly looking at her hand. Judging from her appearance, she was in deep thought over the different ideologies that made herself listen closely to. As she thinks about it closely, a smile starts to form on her face as her hand starts to freeze. From the palm materializes a white rose, a symbol of new beginnings as she finishes mourning over the loss of her clan.

“...I think I have a gist of what my heart desires. It’s faint, but I know what path I want to take. I want to get stronger. Much stronger than I am right now. I want to become the very embodiment of victory. The strongest person in the world, someone so strong that they can defeat anyone who challenged them with a single strike. That’s the path that best suits someone like me who survived every waking moment in a life and death battle to live another day.” With a forceful clutch, Esdeath shatters the white rose, making snow-white pedals in her palm before scattering them to the wind. Now rising up to her feet, Esdeath keeps her back turned from you, averting her gaze to the night sky as morning starts to arrive.

“Saburo, in order to be that kind of person...I have to change how I do things from now on. What precisely do I need to obtain to better make that ambition a reality?” Esdeath asks, shifting her gaze directly towards you as you were previously taken off guard by Esdeath’s sudden interest. This wasn’t the same girl that only cared about Danger Beasts and fighting to survive. Somehow your speech managed to awaken some part of her that was lying dormant inside. An intellectual outlook and a keen perception that was essential for a strategist and natural-born leader to care.

Closing your eyes with a smile, you commit to helping Esdeath by giving her some good advice. “Very good. If you already come to understand what you’re lacking then you’re already making the first real step towards your goal. But to answer your question, you’re going to need to learn all kinds of things. Not just about how to overpower your opponents or crush a person’s will.

>>4025967

“..Then I can’t be going at it by just relying on instinct and fighting mindlessly now can’t I. “ After a brief pause, Esdeath starts to return to her usual self as she makes a rather calm yet eccentric smile. A smile that was different from the typical stoic and aloof coldness that she was known for as she was fully letting her emotions out in the open. The thought of doing battle again but with the very concept that rules over the world were giving her goosebumps. It seems there was no need to worry about her mental state anymore. “Heh...I’ll learn. I’ll obtain all the knowledge the world is holding and use it to better shape my very own creed, my way of life. … Now things are starting to get much more interesting.”

“..On that note, where should we head? So long as there are Danger Beasts on the way to test our strength and gather supplies, then I don’t care where were we go.” Esdeath asks, brushing off her clothing having now finally come out of the hazy fog, feeling completely refresh and born anew.

Mildly chuckling to yourself, you stare back at the rising sun as it illuminates the day, destroying the infinite darkness and bringing forth a new, golden dawn. “Small steps I suppose. Well, let’s look at where we are right now. We have enough supplies to survive on our own for many months without issue. Heck if we ration our finances we can survive throughout the year without any concern. But we’re still nowhere near where we need to be for our objectives to come true.“

Esdeath slowly narrows her eyes, folding her arm as she carefully observes your action. “What do you mean by that? I thought with how you talk about wanting to destroy the weakness that claims the empire, you’d be charging forward to the capital and rising as quickly as possible through the ranks.” Unless you have some other plan that’s worth delaying the conquest.?”


“Yes, you’re right. While my conviction is true and unwavering, as I am now, there’s no way that I can destroy the frail image of the empire. To be in a good enough position to make my ambition come true, I need power. Power to vanquish my enemies no matter how fierce or numerous. Power to influence the very political world and run it under my fingertips. Power to command countless armies to follow me like the one, true ruler. No matter how you look at it, you need absolute power to achieve anything. And the power I have is insignificant if I want to change the world “ You remark, pulling your hand back to reach for a map of the geography of the continent.

>>4026018

“So, for now, I’m postponing returning to the capital. Instead, I want to explore the land and hopefully travel into one of the several hot spots I have planned.”

“Those spots being?” Esdeath raises an eyebrow, showing mild curiosity towards your plan as you start to lay the map down and start making the respective places one by one with a marker.

Marking the first location, you tap your finger at the center of the valley, pointing at a pyramid temple at the center. “The first location is the Natural Fortress Putra, a neutral spot northwest of the continent not ruled by neither the empire or the tribes in the north and west. The deep canyon region serves as a relay point for traveling caravans. Although it’s rocky and barren, it has a unique culture and history that lasts throughout the ages, and ones who protect that sacred spot are the gravekeepers. Mysterious tribal folks who hold special powers through their mysterious magical arts to protect their tomb.“

“The second area is Gappi Marsh, the super dangerous region where the most dangerous of Danger Beasts congregate. It’s about North East from where we are currently standing. Because of its wild ecosystem and barbaric inhabitant, it makes for a perfect hiding spot. Now, this is only a hunch but I think the famous Oarburgh Assassination Association is located in this area. It’s the only place that comes to mind for the secret organization that has taken part in countless assassinations in the empire’s history would station themselves with. No sane person would dive into such dangerous waters to look for a fortress.”

“The third place straight west from here is Rousei Mountains. A natural land with its villages and cities, far off in the right, past the waves of the ocean, is the continent of Wakoku. The only other superpower in the world that can rival the Empire for supremacy. It was thanks to them that the empire managed to recreate its lost treasures and have a semblance of returning to form. The alchemy and scientific magitech they have must be on a whole another level. So heading to Rousei would be good if we can find some refugees from Waboku living there.”

“And the final place is the Imperial Temple East from here. It’s the natural training grounds where the empire’s very strongest go to train and further improve their skills. It holds special secrets relating to the Kraken Broth that all participates have to eat to pass the exams. I remember tasting it during my youth but due to unfortunate accidents….I have never been able to finish my training. So if we want a quite shot at the empire, that would be our best place to go.”

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>>4026028

“But if you ask me, I want to head to the closest place which is Putra and start amassing strength and connections. “

“All for your ambition am I right? You really have quite the shrewd way of making allies while gaining power. You may end up bringing heaven’s wrath upon yourself.” Esdeath retorts, lightly laughing at your suggestion.

Shrugging off the threat of being struck down, you merely smile and tease Esdeath. “I’m only like this because I have you to fall back on. You are a few months older than me after all. Besides, you can’t deny traveling to such a location isn’t a good first step to learning everything you can to be all the more efficient and effective. Both as a huntress and an influential figure.”

“I have no qualms against heading towards that location. But I will admit that I do want to go to Gappi Marsh. I may even find what I’m looking for if that’s the location where the highest class of Danger Beasts head out to converse and congregate. “

“I can agree with that. All the more reason to gather further strength through the gravekeepers. Now let’s head out.”

With that, both you and Esdeath packed your things and began your march to Putra. Using the map and compass for direction, the trip was to take only three months on foot. However, neither of you were willing to put up patiently waiting that long to reach your destination. Time was on your side, but that was no excuse to not look for faster means. Luckily on the way did the two of you run into a pack of Springer. Through fancy footwork and clever acts of finesse, the two of you manage to wrestle up a pair of Springer and thoroughly tame them to serve as mounts. The remaining ones were used as additional resources. With the Springer assistance, a three-month trip was merely reduced to needing only a single month. Still, that didn’t stop you from making further preparations through hunting Danger Beasts.


Having as many valuables as you can to offer to the Gravekeepers in exchange for their assistance was always ideal. Hence why it would merely take about a month and a half before you were ready for the gravekeepers. Eventually, after traveling throughout the wasteland and into the rocky caverns, both you and Esdeath made your way to a massive tomb. Upon making the first contact with the path to the tomb your team was ambushed by the Gravekeepers. Unsurprisingly they showed some hostility out of having to protect their home from intruders. To which you merely counteract to the scouts that you merely came to learn the ways of the Gravekeeper. A conversation that resulted in having to prove your skills to the Gravekeeper. Although it was only a brief skirmish, you got to see first hand what they’re special secret art was.

>>4026147

From what you can tell it was a special art to turn one part of a person’s body into that of a danger beast’s. A skill that the gravekeepers refined throughout the generations after the first ancestor learning the trick learning from the exiles residing from the west. In hindsight, it made perfect sense why such a secret art ended up in Putra, as it was always a preferred location for fugitives seeking refuge in its natural fortress. Through this art, their physical attributes were more closely akin to that of nature and the beasts that live under it. Over time they learned to spread their transformation capabilities to other parts of their body, becoming more akin to a hybrid between man and beasts, as well as learning how to change and morph their form into any animal. Of course, the gravekeepers normally limit themselves to a single animal that has the most compatible matchup to their core characteristics.

In comparison, the Partas Clan’s innate ability to manipulates one bioenergy and chemistry holds some similarity to the Gravekeeper’s secret art. Especially considering their trump card born through centuries of continuously eating the flesh and other nourishment of Danger Beasts. Providing the Patas Clan their abnormally monstrous physical prowess, and boundless vitality. Consuming strickly danger beasts for so long has allowed them to fully integrate themselves with the power and characteristics of the Danger Beast(s) they consume. Although it was only temporally and require a sample of the Danger Beast to consume to manifest, unlike the Gravekeepers they were able to become closer to the Danger Beasts than what their secret art allows them, handling the power at a greater volume, and having the innate talent to manifest the capability of developing their own special abilities rather than solely relying on the characteristics of the Danger Beasts. Both held their own strengths and weaknesses.

>>4026168

For the two of you, neither was necessary as your innate skills alone were able to keep on equal footing with the transformed members of the Gravekeepers. It wasn’t until the Gravekeeper chief Weneg that the fighting came to a complete halt. Seeing both your talents at first hand was enough to consider listening to your request after taking account of the potential loss of his fellow tribesman. Appealing to the tribe through your gather riches and resources as well as sharing some of the crafting techniques of the Partas Clan, Weneg ultimately decides to take both you and Esdeath is based on your potential and worth. It was at this stage where you adopted the name Nobusada Oda in order to keep your identity a secret after confirming with Weneg that the empire has dubbed you dead despite knowing that was false due to the noble crest on your back. Regardless, you kept yourself focused on being an understudy and spending the next few years in rigorous if not hellish training.

In just one year you and Esdeath managed to past the Secret Arts trial. Normally, the method was only said to bring death to the unprepared as only the Gravekeepers could handle the method due to their lifestyle and breeding. However, due to having a compatible body thanks to your danger beast diet and physique honed to peak condition from a harsh lifestyle, it was enough to endure the ordeal and unlock the body transformation art. But being able to transform and mastering it was two vastly different things. Therefore, you spent the next year and a half afterward learning how to best incorporate the new art alongside your temperature based fighting style.

>What do you do next?

>Thank Master Weneg for taking you in as you prepare to head out to your next destination
>Ask the Gravekeepers if they have any clues to where the Oarburgh Clan was last seen
>Request Master Weneg to have one of his best men accompanying you and Esdeath on your journey as good faith to the relationship built through these years
>Choose to spar with Weneg to see how far you come since the beginning
>Other [write-in]