>>4113541
“Whoa…” Owlia breathes as she looks around. Her outfit hasn’t changed at all, and neither has Cylica’s, a similar astonished look on her face. Nura is simply baffled in general, her outfit roughly the same as well. You think you’re the only one with any major differences; your glasses are more rounded, more coke-bottle, and your gloves are a touch thicker, but still fairly thin compared to your compatriots. Your torso and leggings have shifted to something more steampunk, with a number of small, pivoting pipes to allow for articulation, and don’t look nearly so high tech. A quick check of your back shows that the wings are something closer to a rocket pack, though the actual ‘wings’ seem to still be there, and more for steering than flapping. The scarf flows well around you, and you think it’s a bit thicker and longer as well- enough to cover up the lower half of your face easily. Kind of a hazard, but you’ll worry about that later. Your shoes are thicker, too. More sneakers than anything else. “This is a pretty big airship…” she mumbles.

“Aha, well, that may be because technically, it’s multiple!” he says cheerily. “The Dragon Express is, in truth, a caravan of numerous airships, all strung together for ease of access between our students.” He steps forwards to extend his hand- any fear in him is completely unnoticeable. “Now, I take it you’re here to assist us in our little transportation issue. Who might I have the honor of speaking to?”

“Oh!” Owlia blinks. “Serval, hi!” Serval? Really? “Pleasure ta meetcha!”

Cylica simply cocks an eyebrow. “Mm.” You’re not sure what that means. “Cyrene. Greetings.”

“Ah. Aria, if you don’t mind…” Seems like Nura gets the picture, at least.

“And you, young lady?” he prompts with a smile and a nod.

“Zinna,” you decide on after a moment. First thing that pops up to you. “And…”

> “I’m just here to supervise them.” You’ll be taking a backseat, after all. You meant it, from end to end.
> “I’d like to know just what we’re transporting.” You’re going to at least give them a bit of guidance here and there…
> "Can you give a full rundown of the situation?" Might be best to take the reigns until you actually get all the information...
> Other

>>4113575
> “I’m just here to supervise them.” You’ll be taking a backseat, after all. You meant it, from end to end.
> Signal the others to lead the talk.

>>4113575
> “I’d like to know just what we’re transporting.” You’re going to at least give them a bit of guidance here and there…

>>4113541
Might want to put the loot list with the pastebin stuff, along with the new item graph thing someone came up with. Anyone got that, by the way?

Loot List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z3xqyWOe5upXuYIUsBSV4pWkC1sG0mnYzn_lJyRJZiI/edit

>>4113575
> “I’d like to know just what we’re transporting.” You’re going to at least give them a bit of guidance here and there…

>>4113575
> “I’d like to know just what we’re transporting.” You’re going to at least give them a bit of guidance here and there…
>Signal Cylica to lead the talk next

>>4113602
They are still unofficial though
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H43OFoxE9QyMgIqBg_YdPO7IPn7_ES6iST7Xnv9Ou7Q/edit?usp=drivesdk

>>4113611
>>4113602
Not anymore! Made copies.

Please still keep up to date on these, though. I'll probably miss more than one thing.

>>4113575
> “I’d like to know just what we’re transporting.” You’re going to at least give them a bit of guidance here and there…
> Signal the others to lead the talk.

>>4113615
Of course

>>4113575
>> “I’d like to know just what we’re transporting.” You’re going to at least give them a bit of guidance here and there…

We'll nudge them here and there...

Writing!

>>4113575
>>4113597
>>4113602
>>4113607
>>4113616
>>4113629
“...I’d like to know just what we’re transporting,” you finish. You’ll nudge them here and there, but this is largely their show- you give a pointed glance back towards them, Cylica in particular, to indicate that. “Just to be sure. You said it was fuel?”

“Oh, of course, of course! If you don’t mind following me- this wind is getting a touch stiff.” He proceeds to hobble towards the nearest door- seems to mostly be a service entrance. As you get in and proceed down a few stairs, he starts talking. “Right, right. So, to put it simply, we here are quite in need of fuel to keep ourselves moving about the world. Best way for our young mages, artificers, and whatnot to gain experience, after all! It’s called ‘Ivonium’; it’s commonly used for great feats of magic as well as fuel, incidentally. Named for its glossy, white color, it’s something of a prize amongst magical sorts. And what’s more, it only forms in certain areas; extremely hot and magically abundant areas, where it tends to show up in liquid form, or deep, deeep in the earth, where it can be found in a crystallized form.” Owlia’s eyes light up at that, before he keeps talking. “However, one of our more...rambunctious students and her friends went on a bit of an...unauthorized excursion recently. They’re all safe and sound- but she reported back sightings of what I can only presume to be large volumes of liquid Ivonium among the landmasses they ventured across. Big as one of our pools, she claimed. Now, Ivonium in its raw states is...a touch volatile. It can warp processed magic if you’re not careful, and it can be toxic to ingest or touch for too long if one if not of the right constitution. So it is not an easy task to gather the fuel.” Hm. So that’s another reason why they couldn’t find anyone, most likely…

“Do you have a method to do so, then?” Cylica asks. “Or will we have to develop one ourselves?”

He sighs as he comes to what’s labed the 3rd floor. Opening the door, you can see a large walkway, very securely walled off by glass walls towards the outside, giving a nice view, but keeping people secure. There’s a few younger children milling around, many in traditional wizardish robes, although they’re at least at a reasonable length and don’t drape. Several turn to look at your procession in surprise, though others seem to not notice. “Yes, although it’s a touch...limited. Normally, Ivonium is not found in such quantities. If she’s at all accurate, then we’ll need to make certain it can be gathered in a reasonable time frame. We're remodeling some gathering tools in order to assist with that. But they'll take a minute or two...”

(cont.)

>>4113702
“So...you DON’T want us to leave immediately?” Owlia asks.

He has the good grace to blush. “I’m afraid your punctuality, while certainly admirable, inadvertently reflects a touch poorly on us. We should have the necessary adjustments made to our tools in a day or two. Honestly, it’s partially why we requested you to have your own transport. We have a very particular flight plan- and it’s not easily diverted or delayed, I’m afraid.” He sighs. “The joys of international politics…” he mumbles, clearly sarcastic.

“So what do we even do right now?” Owlia follows up. “Just...hang out for a bit?”

He strokes his beard as he considers. “Well, you could familiarize yourselves with our general protocols for fuel gathering; those shouldn’t change. But they also shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours. I could also send someone to show you around a bit, perhaps to your temporary housing, or you could feel free to enjoy our Express’s wonderful open features at your leisure.”

> Anything else to ask right now?
> “In that case, you three try not to break anything. I’m up for the grand tour.”
> “Figuring out the do’s and don'ts sounds like a good idea.”

>>4113704
> “In that case, you three try not to break anything. I’m up for the grand tour.”
> "So it sounds like this whole operation is independent from any government. How exactly are you able to keep anyone from getting any ideas to bring you into their fold?"

We should probably keep an eye out for the armory, maybe get a new toy for the job.

>>4113704
> Anything else to ask right now?
>who else might come looking for Ivonium? Any competitors or other people of ill intent?
>what else can you tell us about that area? Any other dangers?
> “In that case, you three try not to break anything. I’m up for the grand tour.”

>>4113720
Supporting.

A few more questions, it seems. Writing!

>>4113704
Supporting >>4113720

>magical petroleum
Oh man who's the USA in this world...

>>4113704
>What is the nature of Ivorium's toxicity?
Is this like the Seither mana overflow? I would hope not in a world with 4000 mana per day regen. Gotta be some sorcerers around in this universe. Though if it is, we can just handle the stuff with limited risk. I'd expect it's toxicity is in it's mana "warp"ing properties.

just though about this, but if this is a test run to test those three, should we change our control from miranda to one of the three others? Maybe Cylica(since she's the most 'leader' type person amongst the three?)?

>>4113786
bugger, I went backlog diving for terminology for too long and missed the call.

>>4113851
All in due time. Barely just got here.

>>4113575

> “I’m just here to supervise them.” You’ll be taking a backseat, after all. You meant it, from end to end.

>>4113704
> Anything else to ask right now?

Since we're here, let him know we're willing to help out maybe with some other things in exchange for tech and info.

It's a good deal, normally we're MUCH more expensive than the trainees.

We can agree to not disseminate proprietary tech in their world, so no worries there.

> What do you specialize in?

> Blowing shit up.

> . . . . uhhhhh . . . . .


> Got any mountains that are in the way? I could pop one off quick for you.

>>4113889
Pretty sure popping one off at... pretty much any target would get our client in international hot water.

>>4113704
>>4113720
>>4113725
>>4113796
“Couple more questions, if only to sate my own curiosity,” you find yourself asking. Might as well give Nura an understanding of the standard plays. “Who else might come looking for Ivonium? Any competitors or other people of ill intent?”

“Oh! Well, I’m not entirely certain, to be honest,” he admits. “They noticed only some locals nearby. If this was known or not before...well, they DID state they informed some of the locals due to their adventure, but otherwise, well...it’s technically within the Republic of Vinse, in Polaca. They’d try to gather this up were they to hear about it, I’ve no doubt, despite our rights to do so as agreed upon…” He shakes his head. “Nevertheless, I’d hope that the only real concerns you have are the local wildlife.”

Hm. That doesn’t sound great. “Oh yeah? What kind of dangers are there?” The lot of you walk past a large area where it seems several would-be mages are playing some sort of game involving one side launching earthen discs at the other, who’s shooting water at them. Seems interesting.

Lambert notices as well, and smiles briefly before answering. “The island chain they were in is known for both its astounding beaches, AND its particularly dangerous wildlife in certain parts of the islands,” he admits. “Many of them have natural magical ability, such as the Red Bambalos and its enfeebling ability, or the Dakra and its water manipulation. Several of the islands in particular, such as Lonta, is feared for its scalding hot mud traps. Natural sinkholes of boiling dirt- simply nasty if you’ve not the Earth magic skill to deal with it,” he insists. “One of the most feared beasts in all the world makes its home on those islands- the Tyrant Lorazard.” Well, that sounds ominous. “The few locals that live on the chain don’t even get near the island that it’s on- the ‘Broken Island’ Jarma. However...” he looks at you knowingly.

“Lemme guess, that’s where the most Ivorium is?” she asks.

He nods. “Just so. All the more reason we’d rather you not be there for longer than possible. In fact, we’d rather you not be there at all, but we ARE facing something of an issue in that regard…”

“Gotcha.” You think you’ve heard about enough, and with that, you turn to the trio. “In that case, you three, gather more information as best as possible- and try not to break anything. I think I’m going to take him up on that offer for the grand tour.”

Lambert beams. “Oh? Lovely! Come, we’ll go to my office, and I can call one of my fellows- Jennifer, I think you’ll like her. She’s a rather good-natured lass; you might get along well. She teaches the Basics of Mystic Defense. Should be off-duty right now, though, likely tinkering about in her room...”

Well, at least there's some down time before things kick off.

>Pick someone to follow:

>Owlia
>Cylica
>Nura

Resuming tomorrow afternoon.

>>4113943
>Nura
Just like last time when we follow Mono's perspective.

>>4113943
>Cylica
I'm curious how it is to live in Cylica's shoes, and how she sees Miranda! She might even be the weakest of the group at the moment and that sounds interesting.

>>4113943
>Cylica

She seems the most likely to take a leadership role.

>>4113943
>Cylica

>>4113943
>Owlia

>>4113943
>Nura

>>4113943
>Cylica
Hopefully we can switch perspectives when Nura to is doing some recon.

Handler, don't forget to add Nura to the agent info pastebin, as well as her abilities.

>>4113796
As I imagined them, Usalia/Teravina are basically 'NA+Western Europe/ Eastern Europe+South America- but with Tesla electric inventions and magic.'

The Republic of Vinse is more or less an independent Hawaii mixed with New Zealand with less modern day issues, and Polaca is based off of the Philippines/SE Asia. Ju-Na is Japan if it had a continent more or less the size of Australia. And not islands.

>>4113978
heh, nice to know we're gonna be having a trip to the magical equivalent of my country or Indonesia.

>>4113943
>Cylica
Probs her forst, maybe later for Nura

So we're playing as the Imperious One. Interdasting.

Writing, will begin shortly.

>>4113943
>>4113955
>>4113957
>>4113958
>>4113976
>>4114056
>You are now Cylica.

Well, that’s rather rude of her. Just sashays off to do as she pleases, hm? Doesn’t even have the good grace to stay around- just going to wander off in the midst of duty, then? It’s unbecoming of her.

Then again, since taking that rather...questionable deal, you’d admitted that she was largely professional up until now, so you have to admit that just makes this all the more annoying. The one good thing, at least, is that it means you don’t have to watch your words quite so much, perhaps. However…

...that oversized orange tart is still with you. Well, FINE, perhaps ‘tart’ is a bit much...barely. That ‘meditation room’ gave you a bit of time to cool off. Perhaps it’s simply within her nature instead of a conscious response to flirt. That’d be more understandable, if just as unallowed. Regardless, you’ll have to keep an eye on her. Sweetheart your Owlia is, she’s unlikely to recognize her amorous attempts without crystals being involved.

Nonetheless, it’s clear you’re supposed to act as the leader of your troupe for this outing, and so you shall. Really, though. Fly there, acquire this liquid resource, fly back, done. As simplistic as your life’s become, this’ll hardly be an issue, craven beasts be damned. First thing’s first…

> “Show us where the tools to collect this Ivonium are; we’ll have to familiarize ourselves with them rapidly, so may as well do so now.”
> “I trust that we shall be paid in accordance to the contract promptly, correct? Would you mind providing veracity of such, correct?”
> “Exactly where are we to bring the substance upon collection? Is there a permanent storage area groundside, or are we to fly it up here somehow?”
> Other

>>4115127
> “Exactly where are we to bring the substance upon collection? Is there a permanent storage area groundside, or are we to fly it up here somehow?”
> “Show us where the tools to collect this Ivonium are; we’ll have to familiarize ourselves with them rapidly, so may as well do so now.”

>>4115127
> “Show us where the tools to collect this Ivonium are; we’ll have to familiarize ourselves with them rapidly, so may as well do so now.”

>>4115127
This>>4115133

>>4115127
>“Show us where the tools to collect this Ivonium are; we’ll have to familiarize ourselves with them rapidly, so may as well do so now.”

> “Show us where the tools to collect this Ivonium are; we’ll have to familiarize ourselves with them rapidly, so may as well do so now.”

>>4115133
Supporting.

Writing!

Hmmm, we will need to rectify these unmatched gears. I'm surprised Cylica haven't talked to Nura about what's right and what's out of the line. I guess she's not that confrontational?

Well looks like Handler passed out again.

>>4115375
More or less.

>>4115133
>>4115139
>>4115145
>>4115151
>>4115155
>>4115161
Might as well ask the important questions, as he places a call through some sort of horn device. “Exactly where are we to bring the substance upon collection?” you inquire. “Is there a permanent storage area groundside, or are we to fly it up here somehow?”

“Ah, of course! Well, we have an area for that, fortunately. Come, let me show you.” With that, he leads you off, and shows you away. The clouds are moving slowly, and you realize that there’s a great number of ‘cabins’ in front of you as well. An impressive setup, really. You can’t think of anything as big even back home…

“Rather astonishing, isn’t it?” Ah. Seems he noticed. “The Dragon Express has been around for centuries. Many say it’s a modern wonder. We’re truly fortunate to have inherited it, and to continue to spread its mission throughout the world.

“What mission is that?” Nura asks curiously.

He smiles and nods, the question expected. “The Dragon Express is dedicated to the furthering of mystical knowledge and ability, unbound by borders or legislature. We are devoted wholly to bringing up mages capable of changing and protecting the world, and all who live on it.”

Hmph. Cute. If obviously rather naive. Sooner or later, SOMEONE is going to get the idea to use their power for more...personal reasons. But, it’s not any of your concern at the moment. You’ll let him believe his silly ideals for now.

You’re eventually brought lower, and you find yourself in the front of what seems to be six massive steel vats, each as big as a maybe a house itself, of what you can just notice is viscous fluid, judging from the small window. The first two are visibly filled- but the rest don’t seem to be so, from what you can see from this angle. “This here is the Ivonium basin for this section,” Lambert announces. “You’ll be bringing the fuel from there, to the landing pad, and we’ll bring it here- we have a service elevator that’ll help you out there.”

(cont.)

>>4115393

That’s at least a bit of help. “I see. Well. It seems like we’ll have our work cut out for us, if it should be enough to fill these.”

“I have to wonder how we’re expected to bring enough back, though. We’re gonna be making a LOT of trips…” Nura notes with a bit of concern.

“It seems so,” Lambert admits. “We normally gain it in crystallized form; it generally results in us having to ‘melt’ it down, and we lose a deal of it in the process, it seems. Finding it in a naturally liquid form is rare, but welcome. This’ll be a great boon for us if it’s as much as they claim.”

“Then show us where the tools to collect this Ivonium are,” you continue. “We’ll have to familiarize ourselves with them rapidly, so may as well do so now.”

“Certainly. Although...if you don’t mind, I AM a bit on the elderly side.” He smiles. “I hope you don’t mind if I get someone a bit more...qualified to show you just what these things are and how to use them.”

“I suppose that’ll be acceptable,” you decide. “So, then. Who’ll be showing us?”

He smiles. “A friend of mine, his name is Alexandre. Quite the intelligent fellow. You’ll like him.”

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

“Well well! Aren’t you quite the lookers! And we have these lovely ladies helping with our little fuel problem? I’m honored!” Alexandre is...something, to be sure. Something -annoying-. His long blond hair is just preventing you from seeing his eyes consistently, and his purple and black shirt and jeans just bring to mind someone ready to go out to party, not work. And that grin of his. An idiotic phlianderer, no doubt. “I’m sure you’re all interested in our Ivonium Retrievers, so I’ll give you the rundown of how to operate them on a general level; and afterwards...perhaps I can tell you more about their features over lunch?” He flashes a megawatt grin, and you’re both angered and impressed at his sheer brazenness.

> “We’d prefer to keep things direct and professional, thank you. Just show us how to use the devices.”
> “I should warn you to cease your foolish attempts at flirting. Not only are they weak, they are completely wasted on us in particular.”
> “Owlia, I would suggest perhaps we not. We’re quite intelligent enough to figure it out on our own.” Nura can be a floozy if she wants, but you? No.
> Other

>>4115398
> “I’d prefer to keep things direct and professional, thank you. Just show us how to use the devices.”
Hopefully he'll get the hint, plus it gives Nura some leeway to flirt with him for information gathering.

>>4115398
> “We’d prefer to keep things direct and professional, thank you. Just show us how to use the devices.”

>>4115398
>“We’d prefer to keep things direct and professional, thank you. Just show us how to use the devices.”

>>4115398
> “We’d prefer to keep things direct and professional, thank you. Just show us how to use the devices.”
Real name slippage on the third option.

>>4115424
Right, sorry.

Unrelated, but what was Jago's reaction to the nerd's new assistant bot?

>>4115437
It's been a while, but I remember he rated both Prima and the tap dancing oujo's bot on a one to ten scale. I wonder how he'd rate the new bot?

>>4115398
> “Owlia, I would suggest perhaps we not. We’re quite intelligent enough to figure it out on our own.” Nura can be a floozy if she wants, but you? No.

Now I'm curious about who or what they inherited the Dragon Express from.

>>4115398
Well, regardless, you’re not interested in giving him any reason to keep up the idiocy. “We’d prefer to keep things direct and professional, thank you.” You fix him with the hardest stare. “Just show us how to use the devices.”

He smiles lightly, and shrugs, shaking his head, but clearly not wholly deterred. “Alright, alright. As you say. Follow me, and I’ll tell you all about it.” You do so, and you’re lead to an area further in the bowels of the ship with a number of large, vacuum-like devices in various states of disrepair. There are several smaller, backpack sized ones- the bigger ones seem to be more the size of a crate themselves. There’s a myriad of people working on building them, and in one corner of the room, the whirring of tests sounds out as they’re put through their paces. “This is where the magic happens,” he says with a smile. “Now, these devices might LOOK simple, but when you’re dealing with Ivonium, you have to be quite methodical and careful. Can’t just go slurping it up.” He chuckles at the imagery for whatever reason. “No, you’ve got to be careful to collect it at a specific rate or lower, else you risk a reaction, and you can’t collect too MUCH at one time without letting it stabilize first.”

Well, that sounded annoying, but nothing too worrisome. “And these will be what are doing the collecting?”

“Yup!” he confirms. “Now, since most of our big Retrievers aren’t quiiiite ready yet, we’ll get you started on the smaller ones. There’s certain ways to set the things up, depending on where you are and how much you plan on loading in. So lemme give you the rundown…”

In general, it’s, while not the hardest thing you’ve ever learned, surprisingly specific. The intake rate can only be so high, you can’t just dip the nozzle in, it should be only partially submerged, you have to take a twenty minute break per gallon you take in, etc etc...running the numbers...you realize that this is going to be more of a hassle than you thought. After about an hour or so of explanation and practice, however, it seems like you’re done here. “...and that’s the basics of it! Any questions?”

Well, not of how to operate the device, at least...looking at Owlia and Nura, neither of them seem to have issue, either. “If not, then...well, I’d say you’re likely free for the rest of the day. Now, lunch is upon us, and I’d love to get to know you better- so if you’re hungry, I can lead you towards this car’s lunchroom. I’m sure you’ll love what we have available.”

> Mm. You ARE feeling a bit peckish, but having to deal with this man…gah. “Very well.”
> “Actually, I’d like to know about our lodging situation. Were you informed?”
> “I think we’ll take a look around before we do that. I’d like to see more of this place.”
> Other

(Done for tonight.)

>>4115510
> “I think we’ll take a look around before we do that. I’d like to see more of this place.”
LOSE THIS CREEPO

>>4115510
>> “I think we’ll take a look around before we do that. I’d like to see more of this place.”

>>4115510
> “I think we’ll take a look around before we do that. I’d like to see more of this place.”
Make him walk us around the place for a while, then ditch him when we finish the tour and he tries to ask us out to lunch again.

>>4115510
welp, there goes my idea of simply throwing a bag of holding into the pool and let it suck all the ivonium straight away.

> “I think we’ll take a look around before we do that. I’d like to see more of this place.”

>>4115510
>> “I think we’ll take a look around before we do that. I’d like to see more of this place.”
Wonder if we can do it faster with the Mana Condenser - Miranda's model was advertised to stabilize mana faster or something like that. Need to do something with the Seither gas stored in it though.

>>4115510
> “I think we’ll take a look around before we do that. I’d like to see more of this place.”

>>4115527
Hey, if the cargo plane we brought with us uses magic as fuel, maybe we could use the seither to make the engine burn more fuel to go faster, like how nitrous oxide is used to make cars go faster?

Or how video games interpret how it's used, anyway...

File: air shift.png (50 KB, 1594x293)

50 KB PNG

>>4115534
I was thinking of using it to boost our training efforts - namely for the flying technique. Together with the jet pack we'd get as many training wheels as possible.

>>4115510
>“I think we’ll take a look around before we do that. I’d like to see more of this place.”

>>4115510
>>“I think we’ll take a look around before we do that. I’d like to see more of this place.”
>> Other
dudemans is like big irritating. Could we like, look both ways, then fuck with his memory out of spite? Feels like a Cylica thing to do, also he'd probably leave us alone after that

>>4116252
This is a terrible idea and I support it.

I'm sorry, but jesus christ they're pulling me in all directions all of a sudden. I'm mentally burnt. I'll update folks on Twitter when runs will happen if it's before the weekend.

>>4118941
Oof, that sucks, man. Hope work calms down for you soon.

>>4118941
take care of yourself boss.

>>4118941
It's all good. Best of luck!

Sooo... Any ideas for side activities for this mission? Like trading stuff now that we have a team of couriers. Finding some crystalized Ivonium or aircraft components. Have Miranda try the local cuisines. Training?

>>4122458
I personally think going on a memoey-changing rampage withe Cylica would be pretty dope, but I don't imagine mindwiping random people into giving us riches would even work for transmission into motes.

"Miranda, rocketeer gourmet" quest would also be pretty fun, having her living it up in the background was one of my favorite elements of Mono's trial run mission.

>>4122458
I want to spar with Nura to get some rust off her first.

>>4122573
I would back this.

Also brushing up Miranda's piloting skills.

>>4122458
Train our flight skills -either our personal ones or the piloting ones-
Scan EVERYTHING. Who knows what we can find.

>>4122458
>Souvenir hunting for the whole team.
A nice Mauser-style pistol and a Tommy Gun for Miranda to complete her Rocketman getup, leather aviation helmet and goggles plus a big club-like wrench for Owlia, and a pair of machine guns to be placed on a chin mount of the transport. Not sure what Cylica and Nura should get, I’ll probably get an idea later in the quest...

>Side expedition to a nearby temple ruin.
I’m getting an Indiana Jones vibe to the job, so why not? Maybe the local ancient tribes used to go there to offer sacrifice to their gods, either with gold and produce, or even possibly with mortal lives. There might be artifacts submerged deep in the lake of Ivonium, or some sort of creature living in it that we’d have to fight. And that’s not even getting to the possibility of fighting the local Nazi variant for control of the site.

File: REVENANT.png (141 KB, 360x360)

141 KB PNG

>>4122622
> Not getting an actual mini rocket launcher added to it

>>4122694
No, see, the rocket pods will be attached under the wings, which'll be firing crystal enhanced explosives derived from that grenade launcher ammo we got from the Artificer Crossover...

>>4122458
How about trying to see if we can save fuel for our transportation by using Cy's portal or teleportation plate. We go to the fuel source, we have Cy and Nura transfer the resources via portal while Miranda guards the carrier and Owlia goes to check/research on the area.

Also:
>there might be a chance that other countries also has researchers poking around the area (we can steal their stuff or whatever)
>Maybe there's environmental activists trying to protest
>A shady org that's using the fuel for something

Gah. Sorry, had to deal with some family get together organization stuff.

Writing now!

You’d...really rather not spend more time around this fellow than is necessary. Time for an expeditious retreat. “I think we’ll take a look around before we do that. I’d like to see more of this place.”

“Ah, of course.” He smiles beatifically, and you immediately get an inkling of concern. “Our campus is like none other! I’m sure you’ll be rather surprised at the breadth and depth of our facilities!” And his smile grows a bit wider. “Perhaps we can have a bit of a tour of them, and afterwards-”

“Oy! Quit hittin’ on them girls and help me out, willya?” A wiry, green...human-thing (you forget what they’re called) working on the underside of one of the devices yells at him from across the room, and you privately thank the mechanic for his interference. “I need some help stringing these wires in ‘fore you go on lunch and go mackin’!”

His face falls a bit, but there’s still a grin on it. “Ahh. Alas, maybe you can get started and I’ll catch up, hmm?”

Yeah, no. “We’ll be off, then.”

“Of course. Be right there!” he calls to his comrade, and he thankfully, blessedly, finally leaves you alone. You and Owlia quickly take your leave, and you’re just as quick to turn to your beloved. “Right, then. Now that we’ve escaped THAT, the question now is where to being our OWN little ‘tour’.” You’ve no doubt that you can glean some interesting information if you play your cards right. “It may be best to see what other information we can gather around the surrounding environs for our mission…” you muse.

“Right, but how we gonna do that?” Owlia asks.

“Why not just ask the kids that went there?” Nura asks, causing you to jump- you’d honestly forgotten she was present. “No better source than...well, the source. Unless they’re having lessons right now...” She seems unsure, now that she mentions it.

“Maaaybe we could go ask a faculty member?” Owlia suggests. “There’s gotta be SOMEONE around that knows the score.”

Also an option. Then there’s simply going to the library- a setup like this is bound to have one. It’d likely take a deal of time just to find the relevant information, however...not that that’s entirely a bad thing in this situation.

> “We’ll simply go to the source- the young students that encountered it in the first place. If they’re in class...so be it.”
> “I suppose asking someone a bit more mature would be the quickest way to garner information…”
> “There’s undoubtedly a library somewhere hereabouts. That’ll have all the information we need and then some.”
> Other

>>4128023
> “There’s undoubtedly a library somewhere hereabouts. That’ll have all the information we need and then some.”

Human interaction is not this teams first response.

>>4128023
> “We’ll simply go to the source- the young students that encountered it in the first place. If they’re in class...so be it.”

>>4128031
And that’s exactly why we should do it, for potential shenanigans.

>>4128023
>We’ll simply go to the source- the young students that encountered it in the first place. If they’re in class...so be it

>>4128023
> “I suppose asking someone a bit more mature would be the quickest way to garner information…”

>>4128023
>We’ll simply go to the source- the young students that encountered it in the first place. If they’re in class...so be it
Cy, try to be nice to Nura.

>>4128036
I support awkward and funny shenanigans featuring the haughty ex-ruler

>>4128023
We shall interrogate these mage trainees at once. Writing!

This will be fun with nura at hand.

>>4128023
>>4128036
>>4128041
>>4128063
“No, no.” You’ve decided. You’re going to need accurate information- not intelligence that could be well outdated. Even IF Nura was the one that suggested it, you can’t deny that it’s the most reliable source of information you have access to at the moment. “I SUPPOSE we’ll simply go to the source- the young students that encountered it in the first place. If they’re in class...so be it.” This is far more important, and with that resolve in your heart you set out. “Now, we simply need to ascertain the identities of the wayward youths, and then find them. Considering it sounded like they’d become somewhat infamous, I doubt it’ll take very long to find them...”

Indeed, it took the better part of an hour to identify and locate them; although the group was well known (they apparently had a reputation that caused them to be nicknamed the ‘Wild Cards’), they were two cars over, apparently. The teacher that you’d talked to mentioned something about having them ‘cool off for a while in mandatory extracurricular study’. You’d managed to find the car, and it seems as though it’s something of a punishment; the area is notably less bright and colorful on the inside, and the hallways have simple iron doors with windows inside; there you see smatterings of children silently reading or otherwise doing little of importance, but otherwise carefully watched over by adults. Not a full room in sight. Now, you just need to- aha!

Room 308, and inside it, you can see a quintet of young kids dressed in the requisite mage robes sitting in a circle and talking to each other- the large rabbit fellow that was supposed to be watching them is well asleep, the incompetent. Two young human girls, one with short pink hair and the other long and silver, with the pink one the most animated of them. A short, but demonic-horned looking young boy picking his teeth and looking annoyed, alongside a fat, yet oddly young and large looking goblin boy himself, busy stuffing his rotund face on a packet of small cakes. There’s also a yellow-feathered harpy girl giggling at something you can’t hear.

Well, no time like the present. You have things to do.

By the time Nura starts asking something you’re not paying attention to, you’ve already thrown the door open, the bang rattling the frame. “Attention!” At once the five of them jump, looking at you in shock. The rabbitfellow stirs briefly, but returns to sleep, whiskers wiggling. Well, good. Less hassle. “Are you five the ones known as the ‘Wild Cards?’”

(cont.)

>>4128193
The silver-haired girl immediately droops. “Oh dear, what are we being punished for now? I was under the impression that we’d been disciplined already…” Odd. She has an air of propriety around her...bah, nonsense. She wouldn’t be here if that was the case.

“Aw, yer not being punished!” Owlia quickly asserts. “Just wanna ask you some questions…”

“Tch. Sounds ominous to me…” the demon boy grunts out.

“We promise,” Nura says with an easy smile, with the demon-boy blinking in surprise as she slinks to the forefront and that bodysuit making itself quite known. How utterly shameless. “It’s to do with your little outing, but...not in a bad way. In fact, you can help out the school real well if you’re willing to tell us a few things…”

You can already see the demon boy’s mouth open and close in surprise as the rest of them eye you carefully. Ugh.

>Roll 5d20, best of three.

Rolled 4, 7, 11, 4, 12 = 38 (5d20)

>>4128194
Roll!

Rolled 12, 7, 16, 6, 1 = 42 (5d20)

>>4128194

Rolled 10, 20, 1, 20, 13 = 64 (5d20)

>>4128194

>>4128206
wew

>>4128206
Thank me later lads, and Nura is helpful as predicted.

There are two individuals smitten with Nura right now.

And one who's in denial.

Writing.

and that's how someone discovered that she is bi.

>>4128252
/U/boats, in a magical girl setting?

Honestly I'd be surprised if we encountered a straight character romance outside of a crossover.

>>4128194
As much as you hate to admit it, Nura’s...Nura-ness was enough to at least garner their interest, which ultimately lead to her tempting them out of the classroom (the demon boy called it ‘detention’, which you suppose makes sense), and towards a more private area- and by that you mean really just an empty room.

There’s a round of introductions- the pinkette cautiously introduces herself as Maya. The silverette is Vira Lamont; she even does a little curtesy, and you can appreciate the respect...if it were aimed towards you and not that horned harlot ally of yours! At any rate, the demon boy curtly introduces himself as Kirona, and to your utter unsurprise he has a difficult time meeting Nura’s gaze- THAT, at least, is understandable considering the similarities. Young boys will be such.

What isn’t is how the fat goblin child Pokka, tries to sidle right up to her, wagging his eyebrows. She even has the nerve to LAUGH at it, like he made a joke! You’re about to admonish the both of them when the harpy girl gently places a wing in front of Pokka and drags him back, introducing herself as Flit at the same time. She, at least, also seems a bit confused about all of this.

Well...at least you can talk with them now. “Now then,” you start after you all introduce yourselves as well, “Do you mind telling us just how you found that massive quantity of fuel? We’re hoping to acquire it for the Dragon Express itself.”

“Really?” Kirona asks in surprise. “Huh...I heard that the Head Magister was going to do something about it, but I didn’t think...well, I guess it makes sense.”

“Yup!” Nura cheerfully confirms. “We’re going to to be venturing down there on his behalf. So anything about any dangers, like the environment or other things like that? It’d be REALLY helpful, wouldn’t you agree?” She leans on the desk a bit, and your can’t help but give a slight glare; you’re better trained than to let it last longer than a second, though- business comes first.

The quintet look at each other. Maya is the first to speak. “Right...so, it was underground...at the Republic of Vinse, in Polaca. There’s this chain of ancient caverns called the Trials of the Faithless. Mostly just old ruins… or at least we thought.” Maya grimaces. “We just wanted to get a cool artifact for a school assignment while we were around there…”

(cont.)

>>4128356
“I TOLD her it’d be foolish,” Vira states imperiously. “Of course, it’s only natural that it’d be better to have professionals only down there, regardless of our skill.” She gives a petulant glare at Maya. “YOU’RE the one that taught me that talent can only go so far, after all.”

“I know…” she murmurs. “Sorry…”

Vira just sighs. “So long as you know.”

“Cawww, it wasn’t THAT bad...I think…” Flit says uncertainly. “I mean, there were a lot of monsters...and those weird guys in masks...and the poison. But we did alright!”

“It was rough,” Kirona agrees. “But keeping on to explain that, we found ourselves going into the first cavern in high spirits; it’s on the biggest and most populated island- Tatun. It’s practically a tourist spot, so we figured it wouldn’t be a big deal.

“But it was super cool!” Pokka interrupts. “Turns out there was a section deep inside that no one had explored yet, and…”

And so, the story began. A lot of it was fluff and puff, but what you wound up paying the most attention to was:

One: the weird ‘men in masks’ they encountered- they sounded like by FAR the most eminent threat, despite their few numbers. Apparently, no one had any idea who or what they were, just that they were down all but the last ruin (out of three) they went into. They were sighted carrying wands, and none of the kids wanted to risk an encounter, so they managed to sneak past them.

Two: the supposed ‘weird looking monsters’ coated with Ivonium that they’d never seen or heard of before. They were called ‘scary’ by all present, and ‘something not quite normal’. They witnessed one of the beasts (that Maya and Vira described as being (giant, blue, slimy, and with too many eyes) getting destroyed by a single spell from one of the masked men.

Three: the fact that they’d managed to do this over three islands (apparently very close together, though, admittedly), with no one being the wiser until they’d nearly been left behind and had to be rescued by faculty from a large, bipedal, Ivonium-coated Black Raxous, a giant, carnivorous lizard like creature bigger than a house and extremely vicious and territorial.

It’s good information, but the question is- how can you utilize it? Aside from general defense, that is. It sounds like you’ll need to prepare for this in ways you haven’t already…

>Well, you’ll worry about that more tomorrow. This is YOUR job now, so YOU’LL handle it. Time to find your sleeping quarters.
>Hm. This may not bode well. As much as you hate to concede the point, Miranda may need to intervene.
>Other

>>4128363
>Hm. This may not bode well. As much as you hate to concede the point, Miranda may need to intervene.
Hey esteemed leader, do you want to punch some goo-covered dinosaurs?

>>4128363
>Well, you’ll worry about that more tomorrow. This is YOUR job now, so YOU’LL handle it. Time to find your sleeping quarters.

>>4128363
>>Hm. This may not bode well. As much as you hate to concede the point, Miranda may need to intervene.
She IS the punchiest one out of the team.

Random insight into my creative process (hah) for making prompts:

Sometimes I basically come up with an RPG story and mentally chart it out until I hit a point where I go 'okay, and while the heroes are doing that, Miranda and company can step in and handle this issue off to the side...'

and that's how I come up with a few of these settings/prompts. For this, Miranda and co. are basically coming in after the main party finished their second dungeon sequence. Y'know, the part where you're getting used to the game and now you're introduced to the main villains but still don't know a ton about them.

>>4128363
>Hm. This may not bode well. As much as you hate to concede the point, Miranda may need to intervene.
Miranda is the strongest in our party( despite Cy's ego, she knows it) so she kills while the other three get the magic fuel.
Maybe it's a good idea to use portal plates and Cy's portal skill while extracting the resources.

>>4128363
>Well, you’ll worry about that more tomorrow. This is YOUR job now, so YOU’LL handle it. Time to find your sleeping quarters.
I want to see our nerd brigade in action

>>4128363
>Hm. This may not bode well. As much as you hate to concede the point, Miranda may need to intervene.

>>4128392
So we're the competent side characters?
Are we competent enough to down the final boss and steal their loot before the main party does?

>>4128398
Yes, but you're not getting paid for that.

>>4128344
>Izumi's date
>Mafia bosses - the client and the target
>Summon job kids
>Cook Boy

Alright, seems like we're playing it safe and notifying the Big Guns. Gun. Fist.

Miranda.

Writing.

>>4128363
>Other

Invade everyones minds for more info!

>>4128427
Nah we save that for the men in masks.

>>4128480
How do we know who they are without mind raping everyone they could be?

>>4128363
>>4128372
>>4128384
>>4128395
>>4128397
You let out an annoyed sigh. Really, this initially SOUNDED like a rather simple retrieval job. Alas, it seems as though that’s not to be- in which case, you’ll need more firepower than what you have, sadly. Especially if any of those beasts, or masked men come calling. “Well, this is frustrating,” you murmur.

“W-why?” Maya asks. “What’s wrong? You won’t be able to get it?”

“No, we’ll be able to get it,” Owlia says with a wry grin. Seems like she’s figured on the same course of action- of course she did, she’s lovely like that, quick to catch on when she cares to. “Just we’re gonna have to do something we didn’t want to in order to. Gotta call our boss.”

“Wait, they aren’t with you?” Kirona asks in surprise.

“No, they’re here,” Nura confirms. “But this was kind of supposed to help me out with learning a few things, and she didn’t want to get directly involved unless she absolutely had to. And, well…”

“It appears as though it’ll be smarter for her to indeed be involved,” you finish. “Considering she’s by far the most experienced and powerful of us. She’ll be a bit annoyed, but likely understand.” She always struck you as a bit reluctant, but more growing into leadership. Likely never had many others to worry about, unlike yourself.

“Might as well get it over with sooner than later, then…” Owlia says, getting up. The rest of you do so as well, and after bidding the kids goodbye (and Nura promising a certain duo to visit them tomorrow, much to your annoyance), you all set off to find just where the heck your ‘leader’ went. Although...hm. Ah, of course. The communication stone. “Hello? Are you there, dear leader? Hello?”

“...hm?” she sounds distracted. “What is it? Kinda busy.”

“Is it important?” You find yourself asking with a touch of annoyance. “Because it’s about the job.”

“...oh. Alright, alright. Fire away. What’s the issue?” Well, at least she understands that.

“Things might be a bit more concerning than we anticipated. We’ve gotten word that there may be...undesirables in the area of operations. We’ll have to talk more about it in private.” You’d rather not spout likely classified information to anyone that’s nearby. “We were mayhaps considering asking you to lend more direct support.”

There’s a short groan that comes from the crystal, before she clicks her tongue. “Figures. Alright, inform me before we turn in for the night. There’s a curfew up here, I’ve learned. You’ve got leave to do whatever until then. Out.”

The light on the murmur stone shuts off, and you let out a sigh. “Well, then...lunch, perhaps?”

(Will resume tomorrow- off work.)

>>4128562
Night, boss. Enjoy your day off!

>>4128562
What was Miranda doing when Cyl called her?

>>4128601
Probably deciding which color of umbrella to stick in her martini based off what she did when she was mentoring Mono.

>>4129354
Doesn't seem she can do the same this time.

Not gonna lie, I lost track of time. I thought it was earlier in the day than it is.

Writing!

>>4130032
>I thought it was earlier in the day than it is.
Daylight Savings?

>>4128562
Everyone agrees, and fortunately it doesn’t take much to locate the lunchroom- it’s a car over from where you appeared.

The lunch hall itself is massive, essentially taking up the entire car’s space; it’s three separate floors, each with their own eateries, and an utterly massive variety of foods to choose from- you idly inquired about it, and it seems that the students often do ‘combat training’ on the ground, and the beasts they kill are made sure to be put to use. At the very least, they’re not wasteful.

It doesn’t take very long, however, before you notice that as you sit down to eat, you have the eyes of a great number of students, many of them clearly surprised by your regal countenance, no doubt. Tongues are wagging and whispers abound near you.

“Seems like we’re popular,” Nura mutters with a grin. “Wonder why that is.”

“...I thought it was ‘cause we don’t look familiar,” Owlia says simply. “Am I wrong?”

Before you can say anything to correct her, you notice someone- several someones, in fact- coming up out the corner of your eye; two young boys and a girl, both in those purple robes, and both looking rather shy. One of the boys looks demonic in nature, but the other two seem human.

There’s a moment where both you and them lock eyes- and neither seem to care to be the first to speak, the human boy’s eyes darting away, much to the annoyance of the girl. “Uhhh...hi.”

“...Hi?” Owlia says confusedly. “Is thereeeee...something you wanted to say, or ask, or…?”

“I uh…” whatever it is, he can’t seem to spit it out- and with a groan, the girl speaks up for him.

“They wants to know if all three of you are friends and for how long!” she says bluntly, to his clear horror.

Ah.

> “...I don’t see how it’s any business of yours.” You despise people that are just nosy like that- when they aren’t Owlia, at least.
> Bah. You have no time to entertain these children. “We AREN’T friends. Serval is very dear to me, but the other is a business associate at most.”
> “If I said ‘yes’, and ‘long enough’, would you leave us alone?” It’s a lie, naturally, but hopefully you can just nip it in the bud.
> Other

>>4130049
I'm going to say yes.

>>4130175
> Other

"The THREE of us? No."

> Posessively put an arm around Owlia. Stare downs for everyone else. Two for Nura.

>>4130179
>>4130175
Like.

Start and end the staredown with Nura.

>>4130175
> “If I said ‘yes’, and ‘long enough’, would you leave us alone?” It’s a lie, naturally, but hopefully you can just nip it in the bud.

>>4130179
>>4130180
Yeah no, fuck off. We're not irresponsible enough to cause a scene and make an enemy out of a teammate in the progress. Miranda would be mad.

>>4130175
>“If I said ‘yes’, and ‘long enough’, would you leave us alone?” It’s a lie, naturally, but hopefully you can just nip it in the bud.

yeah bud. Cylica is arrogant and maybe an asshat, but knows how to handle herself around jealousy. maybe

>>4130175
>> “...I don’t see how it’s any business of yours.” You despise people that are just nosy like that- when they aren’t Owlia, at least.

I imagine this line was used when the two of them first met (Cyl and Owl), gotta get a good antagonism going before approaching Cylica about relationships.

>>4130175
>Why would you like to know that? Does it have to do with your other friend?
Maybe it's rare for demons to hang out with humans?

>>4130175
>“If I said ‘yes’, and ‘long enough’, would you leave us alone?” It’s a lie, naturally, but hopefully you can just nip it in the bud

>>4130183
Well... Maybe... Emperor Cylica was a bit on the manic and mind controlly end of the spectrum before we forget.

>>4130192
>cylica
>manic
What

>>4130175
> “If I said ‘yes’, and ‘long enough’, would you leave us alone?” It’s a lie, naturally, but hopefully you can just nip it in the bud.

>>4130192
not really. the only reason she went crazy on us is because we called her biggest spell mediocre

>>4130183
Lol. Cecilia is already touchy about Nura and doesn't like the kids much.

It's a very normal jealous reaction, and what with everyone acting thirsty AF I see Cylica not staying passive for long.

But that's fine, I know not everyone can roleplay characters acting less than perfect.

Writing!

>>4130192
>>4130188
>>4130183

See these guys get it, even if they voted differently. Also, getting Miranda mad has never intimidated Cylica. She might be concerned about causing problems mission wise, but arguably making her position with Owlia clearly and dominantly could be considered preventing future problems with people crossing her lines.

Especially Nura, who has been thoroughly established as irritating Cylica.

>>4130203
Yeah but the other thing that flips Cylica's reverse scale is her relationship with Owlia. The Yandere is strong within this one.

>>4130175
>>4130183
>>4130188
>>4130191
>>4130197
You just sigh and give him an annoyed look. You don’t know why he’s bothered to ask you something so inane, although you suspect it has something to do with the demon-boy that’s been given eyes between Nura and yourself. What, is he dazzled by your beauty? Sorry, but you’re taken. “If I said ‘yes’, and ‘long enough’, would you leave us alone?”

It’s a lie. Owlia is your beloved girlfriend, and Nura is a superfluous new hire. But ideally, if you confirm their obvious suspicions, they’ll be satisfied and GO AWAY.

You don’t miss the surprised look Nura and Owlia give you, nor do you miss the smug smile the girl gives her compatriots. “See!” she crows. “Toldja! Now you two need to stop worrying so much and just BE FRIENDS. No one up HERE cares, and anyone down THERE that cares is just a butthead. Now let’s GO!”

The demon-boy barely gets a ‘Wait, but-’ out before he and his friend are forcibly grabbed by the wrists by their friend and dragged off. Hopefully, that’ll be the end of it.

You turn back to your food- some kind of oven-baked fowl, when you get the feeling you’re being stared at. Again. You lift your head- surprise surprise, it’s Nura, looking at you like she just bumped into you and saw someone she wasn’t expecting. “What?” you grumble.

“...were you being honest?” Nura asks quietly. There’s no accusation in her voice, no heat. Although you swear there’s the slightest bit of hope there. Pah.

You’re about to answer- and then Owlia has to open her adorable, yet occasionally misguided mouth. “Weeelll, not like honeycakes here to lie unless it’s something she really wants! If she doesn't like you, she’ll tell you!” She actually sidles up to you, nuzzling on your cheek for a moment- and the warmth she shares automatically makes you want to break out into a small smile. She’s such an eager and well-meaning dear, really... “But when she does like someone...she just shows it differently, don’tcha?” That last part was directed to you, and... Gah. Her eyes…why is she so...so good to you, you wonder? Good and so VERY awkward at times to deal with...

> “...'Honeycakes'?” You’ll just...dodge it for now. No need to rock the boat so early.
> “Well...I suppose you could say that...in a sense.” Being a team member should count enough, right?
> “I...ah. Hm.” Drat. You don't want to lie to her, no...but you may have been placed into a verbal impasse.
> Other

>>4130264
> “I...ah. Hm.” Drat. You don't want to lie to her, no...but you may have been placed into a verbal impasse.
> "We'll have to talk later Aria. There are ... some things that can be out of line, and we have to establish where that line is."

>>4130264
Support>>4130270

>>4130270
Let's do this shall we?

>>4130264

> “I...ah. Hm.” Drat. You don't want to lie to her, no...but you may have been placed into a verbal impasse.

Can't break our bejeweled love's heart by contradicting her. We can lay down the law in private, the law of "touch her and you're a vegetable".

File: 9c9.png (177 KB, 680x478)

177 KB PNG

>>4130270
>>4130264
I'll support this. Although I still want glaring.

Now we've let a child unleash the unholy smug. We have a responsibility to make someone pay for the smugging we caused.

Gah, sorry. Done for tonight- had to make lunch for work tomorrow.

Will post/resume tomorrow, come hell or high water, though.

>>4130264
>>4130270
+1

File: 1583881924787.jpg (652 KB, 1182x1600)

652 KB JPG

Totally unrelated, but i feel this is how the intersection looks like.

>>4131415
Like a well lit Commorragh!

>>4131415
Interesting. Wonder where you got that from.

Writing!

>>4130264
You open your mouth before you realize the folly of continuing that course of action right now. “I...ah.” You quickly snap it shut, before fixing her with a less-than-perfect smile. You’re hoping she doesn’t notice- or at least doesn’t question it outright. “Ah. Hm.Hmhm. You don't want to lie to her, no...but you may have been placed into a verbal impasse. Although...perhaps you can adjust the situation- and settle your nerves about a particular subject in the same breath.
"On that topic, Aria?” She looks a bit surprised, but nods. “We'll have to talk later. Not that your...conduct lacks its uses, but there are... some things that can be out of line, and we have to establish where that line is." Ah, yes, perfect. That sounds rather innocent, and indeed, as a leader you need to establish boundaries- rules of engagement, as it were. “I hope you don’t mind, it’ll be a short talk.”

For a second, you can see her eyes flit from you to Owlia, and her expression shifts near imperceptibly- although you feel more *smug* radiating off her even when she doesn’t show it. “Sure thing. It’ll be good to keep things defined.”

“Hey, don’t leave me outta...whatever this is!” Owlia complains. “I wanna know!”

Nura just chuckles lightly. “Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure you already know.” Aggravating, really. Mayhaps that talk needs to be sooner than later. But for now, you’ll just finish your meal. Never a good thing to let food go to waste.

---------

>Continue with Cylica
>Switch back to Miranda

>>4131791
>Continue with Cylica

>>4131791
>Continue with Cylica
Good thing Nura isn't that oblivious.

>>4131791
>Switch back to Miranda

>>4131791
>Continue with Cylica

>>4131791
>>Switch back to Miranda

File: Christian Faber files_Met(...).jpg (255 KB, 1101x1600)

255 KB JPG

>>4131676
oh, they are from bionicle.
>>4131791
>Continue with Cylica

File: Christian Faber Files_Met(...).jpg (229 KB, 812x1600)

229 KB JPG

and a bump map of the whole thing.

Staying the course. Writing.

>>4131791
>>4131794
>>4131796
>>4131805
>>4131814

The day continues onwards- many of the kids file out roughly at the same time, presumably for further classes. There’s a decent size number of them that don’t, however; maybe their hours are different. Regardless, before long the three of you finish your meals and make for the exits as well. Might as well see what else this place has to offer- you’ve overheard much, as has the others. Physical training, magical construction, history...

“So, I wanna see just how they’re teachin’ artificin’!” Owlia says. “I wanna compare notes to what I know already. Think they’ll let us sit in on a class?”

“I’m more curious as to their methods in general magic,” Nura says from behind you both. “Some of those kids sounded rather excited, and at least two of them were saying something about an ‘open field day’, whatever that is.”

“Ooh, yeah! That’d be neat, too. I’ve been FASCINATED with this whole ‘natural magic’ thing, so that’d be cool, too!” she agrees. “Maybe I can pick up something new!”

“Hm.” Well, it’s not a poor idea to at least spend some time seeing just what kind of opposition you might face. Forewarned is forearmed and all. But really...children. Their grubby little hands and snotty attitudes and all that is a hard thing to deal with. Miranda’s little pet projects are one story- she’s training them more or less, and they at least knew enough to steer clear of her. But these...ugh. You’re going to be utterly uncomfortable if you do it, you just know it.

But...but dearest Owlia looks so EXCITED, and were you to part from them, you’d feel utterly guilty, without a doubt.

>...go to the Artificing class.
>...go to the Magic Basics class.
>No, no. As much as you hate to, you’ve had your fill for today.
>Other

>>4131943
>...go to the Artificing class.
And comment on sub-par performances.

>>4131943
>...go to the Magic Basics class.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4131943
Givin' this a coin flip
1- Artificing
2- Magic Basics

>>4131943
>magic basics
Open field day looks interesting, we might learn something new.

>>4131943
>...go to the Magic Basics class.

>>4131943
>No, no. As much as you hate to, you’ve had your fill for today.
Time to go to the bar. The juice bar, that is.

Out of curiosity, Handler, did Owlia and Cylica ever talk to each other about kids? As in, having them?

>>4132008

Hahahahahahahaha no.
Cylica is terrified of the concept and Owlia just plain hasn't thought about it.

Ah, dropped my trip. Anyway, writing.

>>4132018
What about making them . . . Out of crystals?

>>4131943
>>4131959
>>4131978
>>4131988
Sighing, you figure it’s probably better that, if you’re going to submit yourself to these little monsters, you’d be better off doing it where THEY’RE the only threat. Love her though you do, you can’t deny Owlia gets...excitable when it comes to crystals and engineering. And the last thing you want is MORE attention on you for any reason whatsoever. “Very well. I suppose we can peruse just how they utilize magic on a basic level here. I’ve no doubt it’ll be an...enlightening experience.” You can’t help but sneak a look at the area where Owlia’s gem lay- although currently hidden by the position of her goggles somewhat, it’s still there. Forever embedded in her forehead, and the nasty scar tissue surrounding it showing the price she paid. The thin skin itself noticeably tints whenever she exerted herself, and it’s a thing that always gives you fits, benign or not. Certainly, the power gained from it was respectable, however. In fact, if Owlia’s calculations were accurate, she only had room to grow, considering the gem itself was, by her own admission (and Cylica’s discreet studies) underpowered to prevent physical strain and overload initially.

It didn’t really make you any more comfortable, but the issue as it is is past. No use in fretting about what could have been.

“Let’s see…” it takes you only a bit of time, ingenuity, and Nura simply approaching a child and asking, but before long you manage to make your way to a large double door- apparently a lecture hall, judging by the sign. So, they’re holding it here?

When you enter, much to the confusion of a number of students, you merely stand off to the side. Nura leans over the nearby railing, gaining a number of...interested parties. Resisting the urge to roll your eyes, you simply keep Owlia from waving too much in excitement.

“Ah, pardon me?” The lilting voice comes from the teacher- a short, purple haired, bespectacled lady in a rather large sweater. You can barely make out her hands. Why would she wear something so inefficient? “Are you, er, lost? I, uh, need to teach this class, so if you are, I can…”

“Ah, no.” you state as you hold eye contact- she’s clearly not the most self-assured of teachers; her body language tells the tale there- too much shuffling, too little eye contact. Easy to roll over. “We’re merely interested in sitting in. We’ve come to fulfill a very important duty on behalf of your Head Magister, and he’s permitted us to browse the facilities as we see fit until then. We thought it prudent to observe the teachings of the fabled Dragon Express in person.”

“Ah, er...well...as long as you don’t interrupt, I suppose…but I’ll have to check with the Head Magister. I-I can do that soon, actually.” She turns to the gathered students, and speaks in a (somewhat) louder voice. “As it was said earlier in the week, today will be an Open Field Day- so we’ll be going to the Practice Yards now. So, single file, please…”

(cont.)

>>4132169

The Practice Yards, as the name implies, turn out to be a massive, semi-outdoor area about the size of a football field, with natural grass and trees transplanted, and an IMMENSE, clear window to the outside for sunlight- or ambiance, perhaps. There are a number of training dummies set out, as well, alongside several other tools you’re uncertain of the purpose of- a tall metal pole with a ball on the top, middle, and bottom, amongst other things. “Now, then, we’ll continue on last week’s lesson- you’ve learned how to channel your mana and form it into basic being. Not to mention, everyone should understand their elemental affinities by now- Water, Earth, Fire, Air, Light, or Shadow. What you need to do now is understand how to direct it, give it form and purpose. This is the first step towards learning the advanced elements, as well.” She stretches out her hand, and there’s a blur in her hands, that slowly forms into a thin lance of ice over the next few seconds, before she hurls it off into the direction of one of the dummies- it shakes and is left with a thin coating of ice on the torso, but none the worse for wear, to the quiet awe of the gathered students. “For now, I’ll explain and demonstrate the theory behind it, then we’ll put it into practice with a basic focusing and targeting exercise...”

The explanation she gives is...not what you’re used to, and you’ve honestly half a mind to correct her on several points- but the other half properly points out that this isn’t your old world by any means; you might be able to utilize your magic here, but you’re the odd one out, not them. Owlia and Nura both seem to be fully into the lesson, Nura especially, with a bit of a ‘hmmm’ here, an ‘oooh’ there.

“Oh hooo…” ...really, they ALL sound like moans, and it’s frustrating. You’re not the only one to notice, either- a good third of the class seems to be ensorceled by her mere presence- last you checked, she WASN’T an actual succubus, damnit!

Unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones to notice- you’re fully about to rein her in when the teacher speaks abruptly towards you three. “Er, excuse me.” There’s a thin smile on her face, but the look in her eyes is...odd. “Considering you’re doing a-a bit of an impromptu audit, I was hoping that you, ah, might perhaps be willing to help me with a bit of a demonstration of magical execution- if you don’t mind. It’s nothing harmful, though, don’t worry.”

> “Oh, no, no, we’re merely here to watch. We wouldn’t dream of interfering with the lesson.” And you don’t want to learn that that look is about...
> “Well...if you insist, I suppose we can provide our aid.” Not to mention, look aside, you kind of want to show these children how it’s done.
> Other

(Done for tonight!)

>>4132171
>“Well...if you insist, I suppose we can provide our aid.” Not to mention, look aside, you kind of want to show these children how it’s done.
Thanks for running!

>>4132171
>“Well...if you insist, I suppose we can provide our aid.” Not to mention, look aside, you kind of want to show these children how it’s done.

>>4132171
> “Well...if you insist, I suppose we can provide our aid.” Not to mention, look aside, you kind of want to show these children how it’s done.

>>4132171
>“Well...if you insist, I suppose we can provide our aid.” Not to mention, look aside, you kind of want to show these children how it’s done.

>>4132171
>“Well...if you insist, I suppose we can provide our aid.” Not to mention, look aside, you kind of want to show these children how it’s done.

bout to flick the pompous bitch switch like these kids have never seen in their LIVES.

>>4132171
> Other

Scan her brain.

>>4132171
>>4132659
Huzzah! Unorthodox!
Support.

>>4132171
>>4132659
What's she after exactly?

>>4132171
>“Well...if you insist, I suppose we can provide our aid.” Not to mention, look aside, you kind of want to show these children how it’s done.

>>4132659
>>4132988
What the hell? Not only its completely stupid, but it risks the mission.

>>4133560
Pfff. She'll never know, Cylica is a pro.

Also the teacher clearly has an agenda asking us to participate.

There's a conspiracy afoot, trust no-one! Especially nobody connected to the students who saw the conspirators on their trip!

>>4133598
>Also the teacher clearly has an agenda asking us to participate.
well, duh. we barged in, demanded to see her classes and nura is making sexual noises. of course the teacher has it against us.

>>4133598
First, deep mind-diving isn't instant and is very noticeable.

Second, keep it up and you're a That Guy.

>>4132171
>>4132659
Interesting option.

Writing!

>>4132171
>>4132189
>>4132228
>>4132265
>>4132466
>>4132546
You’re admittedly curious as to just what she wants you to do, and you don’t think she’d be so foolish as to try to do anything untowards in the name of education. At least, you’d HOPE she’s not so crass behind that mousey exterior. “Well...if you insist, I suppose we can provide our aid.” Not to mention, look aside, you kind of want to show these children how it’s done. They all seem frightfully willing to follow orders or gape at the slightest hint of power. And so you step up, Owlia following quickly behind you. “What will be needed of us?” Ah, Nura’s here, too.

“Wellll…just stay there. I want to demonstrate something.” With a slightly less devious smile, she turns to her gathered students. “Now, with what I just informed you of in mind, can anyone remind me- what are the Three Primary Rules of Conjuring?” A number of hands go up.

“Always know your spell!” One girl says.

“What you start, you finish,” a boy says.

“Take responsibility for your spells.” A third boy finishes.

“Excellent! Now, with all those, and what we just went over, what that means is that, once you’ve conjured a spell, you want to commit to it. Mana Backlash isn’t fun, and it takes an advanced study to be able to modify a spell on the fly. It’s not hard to adjust the parameters of a spell, like how strong you want the spell to be if you have the spare mana, but if you want to, for example, Exchange a Frost Sphere into a Frost Wind...” saying that, she conjures a large snowball, and then, after it’s about a basketball’s size, it starts sloughing off towards the three of you; you’re surprised that although the wind is a bit biting, it’s not horribly cold, at least. “It takes a lot of effort and spare mana. Tell me, you three, was it all that cold?”

“Not really,” Owlia admits. “I guess that’s the point?”

(cont.)

>>4133700
“Yes,” she notes. “It generally results in a weakening of the new spell you’re attempting to execute because you need to reform the magic into something your and it aren’t prepared for, even if it’s the same element. There’s a few magisters out there that can mitigate the mana loss, but they’re few and far between. Some elements are more forgiving with this than others; for example, fire, which is why it’s so popular as a battle element. Earth is one of the hardest to Exchange spells with. It’s also why the advanced nature of these elements are so difficult to use at a high level, such as Lightning, which is a duality of Air and Fire, or Nature, which is Earth and Water: you need great control over both elements, and its usage is essentially a constant Exchange that provides great power at the cost of sheer control. So you MUST be cautious! Here, I’ll...one moment.” She looks at the three of you. “Tell me, if you can do magic, what are your elements?”

Nura’s the first to speak. “Shadow.” She says no more of it.

“I guesss...Iunno.” Owlia shrugs. “Kinda Light, I s’pose? Or maybe Fire...”

Well. Funny she should mention Lightning…

>You’ll be subtle yet fierce. Static and sparks should show the answer to the question well enough.
>Go grand as a ruler should! Advanced nature, is it? Well, you’ve MASTERED Lightning, and aren’t afraid to show such!
>(Meditation Room) Your power is not a toy, nor will you treat it as one. A simple but pointed demonstration should suffice.
>Other

>>4133703
>>(Meditation Room) Your power is not a toy, nor will you treat it as one. A simple but pointed demonstration should suffice.
Gotta go for that bonus option.

>>4133703
>(Meditation Room) Your power is not a toy, nor will you treat it as one. A simple but pointed demonstration should suffice.
Pointed as in showing off a bit?

>>4133703
>(Meditation Room) Your power is not a toy, nor will you treat it as one. A simple but pointed demonstration should suffice.
Let's not cause a scene

>>4133703
>(Meditation Room) Your power is not a toy, nor will you treat it as one. A simple but pointed demonstration should suffice.

>>4133703
>(Meditation Room) Your power is not a toy, nor will you treat it as one. A simple but pointed demonstration should suffice.

>>4133703
>Go grand as a ruler should! Advanced nature, is it? Well, you’ve MASTERED Lightning, and aren’t afraid to show such!

It's the most fun choice, and APPARENTLY we're "safe" here.

>>4133607
I never said it had to be deep mind diving. We could just skim surface thoughts. Tune in to radio Teacher, not try to hack her brain.

But anyways I'm just having fun proposing the crazy part of her that apparently nobody else wants to. Y'all got some solid groupthink here, like obviously (Meditation Room) is gonna win the vote here so I'm not worried about a joking bad idea suddenly being taken and run with.

> THAT guy

Oh /tg/ references I've missed you so.

>>4133703
>(Meditation Room) Your power is not a toy, nor will you treat it as one. A simple but pointed demonstration should suffice.

Writing! We are focused and respectable usually.

>>4133703
>>4133705
>>4133707
>>4133708
>>4133711
>>4133712
>>4133719
A part of you wants to do more; to show off to them like none other. After all, you ARE royalty…

But another, calmer part of you carefully folds that desire up, places it in a box, and pushes it away. No, you’re not going to grandstand. Not here and now. There’s no major reason for it. Your power is not a toy, nor will you treat it as one. A simple but pointed demonstration should suffice. “My primary capability, as a matter of fact…” A concentrated bolt of lightning, purple and bright, arcs from one hand to the other in a crackling, sustained bloom, and the students are vocal in their surprise and shock. You even hear a little ‘oh’ of surprise from the teacher herself. “...is lightning.” You end the arc, and look to her, then the awestruck students. “And yes, it took me a number of years to master this technique. But the payoff has been well worth it.”

“O-oh!” Whatever the teacher thought of you before...well, you’d like to think that she’s changed her opinion, if slightly. “Well, I never expected that...but, er. Yes, I’d love to talk with you more about that later, but we should get to the live practice now! Everyone, we’ll be doing some basic conjuring and shaping drills, and we’ll focus on using the training dummies for practice. If the majority of you perform well enough, we might do something a bit more fun!” That gets the kids murmuring about what they might do, but a hand goes up before long. “Yes?”

“Can we ask the ladies for help if we need it?” One guy asks.

“Hmm...well...it IS rare we get these elements nearby...do you mind?” she asks, turning to you.

“Nah!” Owlia’s quick to answer, as always. “Oh, and name’s Serval!”

“Aria,” Nura introduces herself with a bit of a bow. “And I’d be happy to help teach the children.”

“Cyrene,” you mutter. And you’re still REALLY not the biggest fan of kids. But, well...you DID want to show them how it’s done. “And very well.”

“Oh, great! And, ah, yes, I’m Jessibelle, and I’m one of the Magic Basics teachers, of course!” Ah, now you have a name to it all, at least. With that, she turns to the group. “Alriiight, let’s get everyone arranged by element…”

(cont.)

>>4133773
The training begins in earnest, with many kids essentially turning it into a free period with occasional training- talking in little groups, looking this way and that before its their turn- everyone’s got two minutes to try before having to get to the back of the line. You note that the Light and Shadow users are, as Jessibelle vaguely indicated before, rather scarce compared to everyone else. Nura seems to be being as gentle as possible with them, talking with them intently before letting them fire off their attempt, all with a beaming smile on her face and a happily twitching tail...that perhaps is attracting a bit too much wrong attention as she leans over to pat one young girl on the head for her technique hitting the target.

Owlia seems to at least be having fun, though you suspect her advice is less ‘advice’ and more ‘general pep talking’. Not that the students seem to mind- if anything they seem to be having fun talking with her. You’ll never get how she can stand these things, though…

As for yourself…well, you’d used the occasional crystal for Fire and Wind magics, so it’s not like you knew nothing about it...

>Still, you’ll keep it to simple advice around those groups. You’d rather not have them hanging on your every word.
>You’ll at least point out when they clearly did something wrong regarding aiming or something else esoteric.
>If this is an elite school, you’ll treat them as such- anything that WAS clearly incorrect from what you heard and what you know will be critiqued.
>Other

>>4133776
>You’ll at least point out when they clearly did something wrong regarding aiming or something else esoteric.

>>4133776
>You’ll at least point out when they clearly did something wrong regarding aiming or something else esoteric.
Critiquing spellworks on a plane based on the knowledge you got from another is a little harsh.

>>4133776
>You’ll at least point out when they clearly did something wrong regarding aiming or something else esoteric.

>>4133776
>You’ll at least point out when they clearly did something wrong regarding aiming or something else esoteric.

While Cylica might not like kids very much, I’d assume she’d dislike seeing mistakes enough to point them out and correct them, if rather brusquely.

>>4133776
>If this is an elite school, you’ll treat them as such- anything that WAS clearly incorrect from what you heard and what you know will be critiqued.

>>4133776
>You’ll at least point out when they clearly did something wrong regarding aiming or something else esoteric.

Writing!

>Nura: shadow
>Owlia: light+fire
>Cylica: lightning+shadow
so Miranda's element is light + a bit of fire/electricity then?

File: Musclewizard.jpg (40 KB, 480x246)

40 KB JPG

>>4133842
Light+FIST

>>4133776
>>4133787
>>4133788
>>4133794
>>4133800
>>4133814

Well, to be entirely fair about it, it’s just not smart to waltz into a place where the rules are new to you and you only have second-hand information. No, it takes observation, study, repetition, to be able to categorically make determinations as to faults in execution of any given technique. That said, there ARE some things that, as far as you’ve observed, are generally good practice, or at least applicable no matter the situation or magic type. You’ll at least point out when they clearly did something wrong regarding aiming or something else esoteric.

“You’re overcompensating; you’re guiding the spell, don’t let it guide you.” The boy nods, and pulls his arm back again- a fireball is his goal. You’ve made a few yourself thanks to some of Cylica’s Fireblast Crystals...perhaps you should ask her about making those again. She hadn’t really bothered with any of her more particular crystals in quite some time, even well before you...left. In fact, she hasn’t had much time with her crystals at all- if there’s one thing you can most CERTAINLY fault Miranda on, it’s pushing all this research work onto the poor girl without thought for her own good! She’s just too excitable to say no...although, if nothing else, it’s clear Miranda at least had the good sense to recognize that. She’ll be in a far better position with Nura on the team- even if it makes you slightly angry just admitting such. “Fire is innately wild. If you’ve ever seen a torch, imagine that, but more spherical. I’ve found it helps.”

“Right…” The next shot is still a bit off, but at least it hit the target. Satisfied, he moves on when time is called, and the next student steps up.

Overall, it’s not...blindingly horrible. There are whiners, and suckups, and those that try too hard and risk burning more than the target...but by the end of it you’ve developed what you believe is at least a healthy respect from the children, even if you’re clearly not their favorite; that honor goes to Nura by far, though Owlia comes in a respectable second at the end of the hour and a half of practice.

As for yourself, well. It’s not a bad feeling...but you’d still rather leave as soon as possible; ugh, all these grabbing hands and noisy mouths...pass. That said...you DID gain a bit of inspiration from the day’s talks and how some of these kids tried to approach the matter. Nothing now, just a theoretical technique, but...perhaps something to keep in mind.

>(Theoretical Technique) Violet Garden- An electromagnetic field that can disrupt nearby electronics and hinder movement, using Cylica's staff as a catalyst. The more mana poured into the attack, the more painful the field is.
-----------------

(cont.)

>>4133905
It’s then that Jessibelle walks up to the lot of you as her class is rounding up, preparing them for the ‘extra game’, as they did indeed manage to beat her expectations. “H-hey! I, uh...well, you three did well! I contacted the Head Magister just to be safe, and he- he was rather pleased you were willing to help out! Apparently someone else was doing the same; I think your leader?”

You raise an eyebrow at that. “Really?” Had Miranda not had enough of playing caretaker already?

“Y-yeah! Apparently she held an impromptu seminar on, er, physical self-defense in, well, physical education class. The gym teacher called it ‘enlightening and disturbing’.” Ah. Well then. “So, now I’m hoping to teach them a bit of how to use it defensively as well. See that pole with the orbs on it?” She points towards the large one you saw earlier. “There’s a game some mages play, where the goal is to fire the proper magic element into the balls when they light up a particular color, so-”

“Aaaactually,” Owlia says sheepishly. “Could we put a pin on that? I’m kinda starting to feel a bit yawny.”

“Oh! Uh, alright, no problem. Do you know where you’re staying?” Jessibelle asks.

“Afraid not,” Nura tsks. “We should really go and find out, shouldn’t we?”

“Well said.” you agree. You’re not going to refuse them if they actually want to leave, too. “It’s been an interesting experience, Ms. Jessibelle.”

“Likewise!” she offers with a handshake.
-----------------------------

“Rooms?” Miranda asks from the stone after you’d taken it out again to ask her. “Right, we’re three cabins north of here, actually. We’ll be staying in several of the vacant faculty dorms.” She gives a floor and several numbers, but admits that the choice between them is up to you. She says she'll just take whatever's left, which is fine by you.

At least there’s proper living quarters...you've still got some time before nightfall, but you are feeling a bit winded- not like you weren't on your feet a bit before coming here, but...

"Dibs!" Owlia quickly calls on the room on the left once you've arrived. You're not sure why- you're fairly certain they're all the same...

Regardless, you foll-

"Heeey." Ah. Her. "So, you wanted to have a talk, right? Care to do it once we settle in?"

Hmph. Indeed. Time to nip this in the bud. "Very well. This room will suffice." You point at a room further down the hall. "Shall we?"

"Right." And so as you walk down the hall, you begin piecing together exactly how you're going to put this...

>How to put this...?

(Done for tonight.)

>>4133905
>(Theoretical Technique) Violet Garden- An electromagnetic field that can disrupt nearby electronics and hinder movement, using Cylica's staff as a catalyst. The more mana poured into the attack, the more painful the field is.

Is this the beginning of Lightning Field proposed so long ago?

>'enlightening and disturbing'
Was Miranda punching things during that class?

>>4133913
>"We are co-workers. I do not hate you, but you have mannerisms that annoy me. I would appreciate if you were to act more professionally around me and my Partner. To put it simply, stop trying to flirt with us, we're not interested in sharing."
Miranda was probably describing the effects of solid blows to the joints... and other vital areas.

>>4133913
>"First things first, what do you think of our dear leader, me and Owlia so far?"
>"I admit, your brand of social handling has it's uses, but there is someone who I need you to behave yourself around. Can you guess who that is?"
>"To put it bluntly, you're at best a business associate as of now. But prove yourself, Nura Qahtan, and maybe we can be ...friends."
>>4133937
She literally has never flirted with any of the team members since her introduction if you read carefully.

>>4133913
This >>4133951, and add that we have nothing against her appearance or upbringing if she was worried about that racial thing.

>>4133951
>But prove yourself, Nura Qahtan, and maybe we can be ...friends.
Did Cy admit that she considers Miranda as a friend by the way? I thought she just begrudgingly respects her as a leader

>>4133951
I'd say she's been provocative. She hasn't come on to anyone outright with words sure, but she hasn't exactly been innocent in action. Her conduct was a potential sticking point with the socially aware pair at the interview.
I'm alright cutting everything past talking about professionalism from my quote, everything after is superfluous.
I also assume we're not using her real name for the talk, so Handler should remember to edit the name in your submission appropriately.

>>4133951
Supporting.
BUT project the last statement directly into her mind to avoid leaking real names. That also drives the point in deeper and looks way cooler.

>>4134046
that would only make nura tattle on us, or worse, quit

>>4134046
Nonono, no mind tricks on other employees unless they ask.

>>4133951
Supporting this though I believe there's no need to put it that bluntly.

>>4134046
No, just talk normally and use the fake names we have for the mission.

>>4133937
>>4133913
Supporting this.

>>4133937
I would prefer this, I don't think Cylica wants to mince words with Nura, direct, no-nonsense.
Perhaps mention that her mannerisms almost got someone else her job? Would Cylica go that low? Maybe.

>>4133913
>>4133951
+

Writing shortly.

>>4133913
>>4133951
>>4133962
>>4133962
>>4134046
>>4134669
As you close the door, you decide to begin in a less confrontational way. Get her talking a bit first. "Right. First things first, what do you think of our dear leader, me and Owlia so far?"

She shrugs, although she has a small smile on her face. “Ms. Mirand-”

“Zinna, please,” you correct. “Rules are rules.”

She doesn’t seem offended at the correction, at least. “Oh, right. Well, Ms. Zinna seems nice enough...although I’m wondering what she went off to do in the meantime.”

Probably slack off, but that’s neither here nor there. “She’s proven capable enough, and more than willing to stick her neck out for her compatriots, for good or ill,” you inform. “You’d do well to respect her, despite her...diminutive size.”

She snickers. “Oh, don’t worry. I know size doesn’t ALWAYS matter.” Her tail twitches, and your eye does the same. “Anyway, Owlia’s pretty fun to hang around! She’s so...energetic and peppy! It’s cute! I can see why you like her so much.”

Hm. You’ll get back to that in a moment. “And me?”

Her grin turns a bit more flat, a bit more sardonic. “Honestly? I’ve got no problems with you. Guessing that might not be entirely mutual, buuuuut…” Ah. So she’s indeed recognized. Good. That makes this easier.

Still, the fact that you need to have this conversation in the first place...you can’t help but let out a huff. "I admit, your brand of social handling has its uses, but for all your...practice of the art, there is someone who I need you to behave yourself around. Can you guess who that is?"

She gives a light snort of amusement. “Oh, come now. I’m a lot of things, but I’m not a homewrecker.”

“And yet you can’t resist holding the sledgehammer,” you find yourself saying heatedly. “And so here we are…!”

She pauses a bit, a sudden timidity crossing her face for a moment...but only for a moment, as before long she’s got that confident and vaguely sultry look back on her face, though it is tinged with some confusion. “I have to admit, I’m not certain what precisely bought this on, but I guess I don’t really need to know, huh? Either way, I won’t seduce your girl, I swear it.” She holds up a hand in oath. “We’ll just be friends...and maaaybe all three of us can head out one night? As friends?” She ventures.

(cont.)

>>4137278
You fix her with the flattest stare you can pull out. "To put it bluntly, you're at best a business associate as of now. I don’t see that changing in the near future.” You pause, not caring for her downcast reaction as you look around the room. “You might as well claim this room. With that, I believe I’ve said my piece.” Considering she says nothing else, you figure it best to let her stew over the topic. Although...you find yourself stopping at the door as you consider a bit of an olive branch. Although it’s not exactly for you. “...but prove yourself, Nura Qahtan, and maybe we can be...friends."

You leave before she can answer you back. You’re not even sure if that was sincere, but...well, it might not have been an entire lie, at least. After all, she DOES work in crystals, and seems to know them fairly well.

She can’t be ALL bad.

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

The next morning...you suddenly hear a blaring alarm, echoing throughout the area. You find yourself waking up to screams, and a glowing light flashing, along with some sort of intercom system yelling about staying calm and moving to designated defensive areas...what’s going on?

>Miranda
>Owlia
>Nura
>Remain with Cylica

>>4137280
>Miranda
Time to fix this security breach.

>>4137280
>>Miranda

>>4137280
>Miranda

>>4137280
>Miranda
Punch things that get in the way of job payment

>diminutive size
I keep forgetting Miranda is really short, especially when you compare her to Cy, Owlia and Nura. What a womanlet haha.

>>4137280
>Miranda

>>4137319
She also has height insecurity, one of the reasons why she constantly notes people's heights. She's also short enough to be mistaken for a kid in the mafia job.

>>4137280
>Miranda

Back to it.

Writing!

>>4137280
>>4137282
>>4137290
>>4137296
>>4137319
>>4137321
>>4137326

>You are once again Miranda.

Well, whatever it is, you’re clearly going to need to resolve it before you take off for your ACTUAL job. Which is annoying, but necessary. You’re quick to throw your gear on, and you burst out of your room; it seems as though the others are similarly alert- good. No need to waste time in waking anyone. “To the top,” you say, and fortunately they fall in line behind you as you storm out of the hall, weaving through the fleeing students and faculty.

When you burst open the door, you’re greeted to the alarm growing ever louder, and you can see various people running to and fro- and a lot of people looking up at the sky, many of them mages, flinging fireballs, icicles, spears of light; the whole sky is practically a fireworks show, and all of it’s aimed at…

...Oh. Ohhhhh.

The utterly massive flock of feathered beasts swoop and soar around the Dragon Express- one of them makes a low dive towards the deck, its red and purple wingspan wide enough to blot out the sunlight for a moment. And it’s just one of many. “What the FUCK is THIS?!” You can’t help but shout as its pronged tail whips past; these things seemed seriously vicious.

“Southern Crayloks!” someone in a faculty robe shouts. “They’re in the middle of their migration pattern- but they came early! They’re big and mean so we’ve got to scare them off!” He turns from you to toss another fireball at one of the smaller Crayloks; it screeches on impact, breaking off its attempted dive, but notably it stays in the air.

...Well. Shit. This could get hairy.

>Action!

>Roll 3d20. Best of three

>>4137377
Y’know what? Let’s try out that precursor missile pack we got during the Artificer Crossover.

Rolled 8, 12, 2 = 22 (3d20)

>>4137377
>Rapier time
>use magiblasts
Maybe we can see Owlia's new power beam?

Rolled 9, 18, 7 = 34 (3d20)

>>4137377
Time for some ol' fashion Magiwave, with the rapier.

Rolled 10, 3, 19 = 32 (3d20)

>>4137381
>>4137377
>forgot to roll again
Ugh...

>>4137377
>>4137381
Oh right, give it to Nura since she doesn't have anything ranged and heavy

>>4137384
Supporting some rapier-charged Magiwaves, we can use this moment to test if the upgrade is noticeable too.

Wait do we have to kill these beasts? Otherwise we should have used sun flare to scare them off or something.

>>4137387
We didn’t check to see if Nura knows how to use a pistol, much less a missile launcher.

>>4137399
Lethal force is faster, and with them being so high up the sky I doubt a Flare is effective.

>>4137399
I mean, they're throwing full power magic at them. But if we only need to spook them then we can fly up close using our crystal and Flux Wave them.

>>4137377
> Releas a Power Stink!

Can we reverse our ability to smell danger and instead make others smell how dangerous we are?

I suppose "intimidation aura" would be a better phrase but I like "Power Stink" better.

Alternatively - work on our fireworks spell. It's flashy, it's big, it's low cost, and it doesn't do much damage. Just what the doctor ordered. We could practice making it hotter too, fuck up the thermals and create turbulance pockets to disrupt their flying.

Light flash would probably work well too, flying blind is very disorientating.

>>4137417
I would prefer to avoid using flux wave near flying mechanical objects just in case they stop flying also.

>>4137417
Anon, I* don't think we should use Flux Wave near magical appliances or an entire brigade of mages, who are also our allies.

>>4137424
>>4137422
I meant "fly up to the creatures" - they are far enough to safely chuck AoE spells

>>4137424
Fireworks? We can get some practice in, and it'll fuck up their flying ability from heat generated turbulence as well as be disorientating while also low-cost in regards for mana.

Also it won't disclose our true capabilities, or risk friendly fire, or pull excessive aggro.

>>4137377
>>4137429
Yeah, Fireworks sound like a better idea. Still need to use the Rapier since it's an underpowered and underdeveloped technique.
I'll switch to this.

>>4137428
Then we might as well toss up a Nebula Buster to scare them off.

Anyways. If we use "Burning Aura" on our hands and then shoot "Sparkling Fireworks" from there we can probably increase the heat significantly.

This is a fairly safe situation to use it in, and at 350 mana it's a steal of a deal.

Alternatively, we could use shocking touch + sparkly fireworks. Since SF is a bunch of small mana bubbles spraying out then "popping" if we can use mana that's already been electrified to form the bubbles we should get a discount tazer effect. Electrical spasms in muscles are probably really bad during flight

>>4137377
Please add "Power Stink" to "Experimental Techniques"?

...Seems like there's a frank discussion, plus I'm kinda tired anyway. Will resume tomorrow.

>>4137441
Please, no.

File: 8854143E-F5B0-46A2-9EF9-2(...).jpg (26 KB, 470x353)

26 KB JPG

>>4137441

>>4137487
Aw, come on. Think how useful the ability to overwhelm people's senses with our power would be.

It's not my fault Miranda focused on oalfactory as her sense for danger.

>>4137377
>>4137439
>use "Burning Aura" on our hands and then shoot "Sparkling Fireworks" from there
Supporting this.
Burning aura as in Energy Channel? Supporting either way though.