File: Blair d'Rusalka.jpg (40 KB, 533x687)

40 KB JPG

>>5167550
Ashe stares at you with concern as you sit on the forest floor unmoving. The light cut you received on your throat stings, and you find that some of the blood has dribbled onto your uniform. When you put your hand to your throat, you find it cold to the touch. An effect you attribute to some strange property of the ore, no doubt. Alena called it Agarthium, however to your knowledge there isn’t a single person in all Fodlan who would be able to verify that claim.

>“Alena…” You mutter, teeth clenched. When you’d inquired about her previously, Douglas had said she was a mountain hermit with great knowledge. A medicine woman who had lived in seclusion and came down to the mines every so often to provide aid to workers that were sick or wounded. Evidently, she was a woman of many talents. Beyond being a scheming, underhanded snake who claimed to have the power to create Demonic Beasts, she was also a skilled fighter and assassin that would have likely killed you and Ashe had you not given her what she wanted.

“Blair…?” A hand touches your shoulder and snaps you out of your thoughts. Ashe is on his knees next to you, wide-eyed. You’d almost forgotten about him. You’re grateful that the boy cares for you so, and the look he gives you is almost enough to melt the rage you’re currently feeling at having been duped. “You’re bleeding…what happened? Where’s Beathan?”

>“He’s back at camp.” You say, giving him your best smile to try and ease his worries. “We were following the wrong Ebon Pegasus. That one belonged to Alena.” You inspect your fingers, blood shining wetly. “She didn’t hurt me too bad, but I did find out that she was the one behind this whole mess.”

“Alena? The woman from the parley with Douglas? W-what do you mean she did this? She looked harmless from what I remember.”

>“She’s anything but. She was the one who let loose the Demonic Beasts in Akzeriuth, kickstarting this whole conflict. She also tried assassinating the Count as well. She wanted to have a chat with me, though she saw fit to do so while holding me at blade’s length of my own weapon.”

If the look Ashe is giving you is anything to go by, you’re telling him the tallest tale he’s ever heard. “T-that’s…a lot to take in. But for now, we should get back to the others and get that cut looked at before it gets infected. We’ll have Xavier patch you up.” He helps you to your feet, wrapping your arm around his shoulders.

>“H-hey! I can walk just fine, honest.” You say. “Let’s hurry back. It’s getting dark and we’ve been gone for a while. The others are probably starting to get worried.”

The two of you emerge from the forest after a brief walk back in the direction you came. The sun has already set, and you’re guided back by the light of the fire your friends made. You find them all sitting around the blaze.

File: Surprised Ashe.jpg (22 KB, 294x350)

22 KB JPG

>>5167553
“There you are!” Caspar says upon spotting you and Ashe. “Just where have you two been?”

>“I’m sorry if I worried you all. Beathan had wandered off, and Ashe had offered to help me go find him.”

“Ehh? What are you talking about?” Says Martha. “Beathan’s been here for like…the last hour?”

Sure enough, you spot your faithful companion lightly snoozing a few feet away from the fire, alongside the group’s horses.

>“Ahh…there he is...” Your voice trails off. You feel a sense of relief knowing your friend is unharmed and enjoying a good rest. From the looks of things, Alena doesn’t seem to have hurt him.

You turn back to your friends, and immediately feel something is off. An awkward long silence follows as they stare at the two of you with expressions ranging from suspicion to amusement to outright revulsion.

“Out in the woods? Captain, the indecency…” Xavier mutters.

“Geeze, didn’t know you kids had it in you.” Dorothea whistles.

Corrine hisses. “Couldn’t wait until we got back to the monastery to satisfy your animalistic urges?

“Shame.” Kate says, flatly.

It suddenly occurs to you the situation you are in. You and Ashe were alone in the forest for over an hour, during nightfall, and both your clothes and hair are disheveled from trampling through the thick brush. To make matters worse, Beathan must have shown back up to camp shortly after you left, making it sound like you just tried to hide your tracks with the worst cover story ever told. Perhaps the group had their suspicions when they saw the two of you were missing, but it seems their minds have gone to the absolute worst place possible upon seeing you return.

>“N-no!” You stammer out, unable to find the words necessary to defuse the situation. You look towards Ashe, who doesn’t appear to be faring much better. The boy is as red as a tomato and looks more guilty than he has any right to considering nothing happened.

“I don’t get it. What’s everyone talking about?” Caspar asks, obliviously. To his side, Martha gives him a shrug.

>A): Tell the group the truth about your encounter with Alena
>B): Your discussion with Alena seemed sensitive. Come up with something else to tell them.
>C): “What I get up to in my spare time is none of your business.”
>D): Write-In

>C): “What I get up to in my spare time is none of your business.”

We will make the boy a man when we choose to, dammit

Alright op you got my vote this time. My fellow players, secure ashe and happiness for Blair.Ill be back in two weeks I expect Blair to be powerful and happy

>>5167554
>A): Tell the group the truth about your encounter with Alena
Better get everybody on he same page.

>A): Tell the group the truth about your encounter with Alena
>make sure to mention the 'everything will be pointless unless you fight the real enemy' thing alena talked about

even if they don't believe us, they can't deny blair was 1 second from getting her throat slit

maybe corrine will pipe up about her own knowledge on the snake situation, once she hears this

How many skills can we use at once? All of them?

>>5167554
>>A): Tell the group the truth about your encounter with Alena

>>5167554
>>C): “What I get up to in my spare time is none of your business.”

>>5167611
There's only pain and betrayal from this point on anon

>>5167636
They're all passive abilities with the exception of Rally Spectrum, though that ability would take precedence over you attacking.

File: 1643333851053.jpg (133 KB, 693x463)

133 KB JPG

>>5167554
>A): Tell the group the truth about your encounter with Alena

>>5167554
>C): “What I get up to in my spare time is none of your business.”

then

>A): Tell the group the truth about your encounter with Alena

>Surprised Ashe
AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

>>5168498
You paired them together? You absolute madman.

File: Xavier - Martha - Kate.jpg (110 KB, 3264x845)

110 KB JPG

>>5167554
Poor Ashe doesn’t seem like he plans on bailing the two of you out of this, so you use whatever residual charisma you have left from your time as a leader of men to take control of the situation.
>“While I’m glad all of you were so…concerned, with what I was up to, I assure you that it’s none of your business. But if you must know, we were delayed due to the whims of a certain mad woman everyone here is familiar with. She left me a going away present.” You step into the light of the fire, close enough where everyone can see the blood on your clothes clearly, as well as the cut on your neck.

Corrine is the first to break the silence that follows everyone’s collective gasping and ogling. “I don’t suppose that’s just the result of some roughho-“

>“If you insinuate what I think you’re about to, I’ll light you on fire.”

“Fair enough.”

“Blair! What happened?” Xavier inquires as he gets closer to you, whisps of healing magic circling around him.

You fill the group in on your conversation with Alena. You spare no details, other than what she mentioned about the war. Alena was undoubtedly talking about the same war the Count was, and you figure it best to stand by your promise.

“Agartha-what’s it now?” Dorothea asks, brow furrowed in confusion. “First I’ve ever heard of it. How about you Caspar? Your father is the head of the Empire’s military after all. Wouldn’t he know about some strange ore being used to make weapons?”

Caspar looks embarrassed. “Uhh, well we’re not exactly on very familiar terms. But no, can’t say it rings a bell.”

“It stands to reason that if it’s that rare, the Empire would want to keep it secret.” Kate says, poking a stick into the fire.

>“Well, you all know about as much as I do.” You rub your throat where the cut had been. Thanks to Xavier’s magic, the wound seems to have all but vanished. “The good thing is, we stopped her before she could do any further harm. I’ll write a letter to the Count when we return.”

“Sorry we uhh, got a bit of ahead of ourselves back there. Especially in light of recent news.” Dorothea says, putting an arm around your shoulder.

“Same here. The thought of my little Blair’s innocence being stolen by that vile boy-!”

“H-hey!” Ashe interrupts, protesting Corrine before she could finish.

“I still don’t get what that was all about.” Martha says. To her side, Caspar is also still looking confused.

“Uhh, Lady Dorothea! We should be returning to the monastery just in time for the White Heron Cup! Are you looking forward to competing?” Xavier asks, clearly wishing to change the subject.

File: Garreg_Mach_Monastery.png (1.73 MB, 1280x720)

1.73 MB PNG

>>5168796
Despite everything that’s happened lately, you find it easy to be at peace around your friends. You’re grateful that you’ve somehow managed to gather such a group of kind and wonderful people around you, even if they do enjoy teasing you far more than you’d like. You join in the conversation, and while you can’t put everything you’ve learned in the last few days behind you, your friends are able to at least give you some peace of mind.

>You gained an A-Support with Dorothea and Corrine
>You gained a B-Support with Caspar, Kate, Martha and Xavier

Two days later, you and the group return through the gates of Garreg Mach. As promised to Dorothea, you managed to return just in-time for the White Heron Cup, which will take place at the end of the week. The thought of attending a ball and being expected to dance makes you almost as nervous as the rebellion did.

You spend your time back training hard, working on your spellcraft, spearwork and flying. While it was good to be back home for a bit, you certainly missed the comforts of the monastery that you’ve grown accustomed to. Sitting in a desk listening to a dull lecture should prove to be a nice change of pace from facing down Demonic Beasts or having your life threatened.

You decide that after class today, you will:

>A): Go watch Dorothea practice her dancing. Maybe you’ll learn something for the ball.
>B): Goddess knows you’ve been stressed. A nice trip to the sauna would do you well.
>C): You haven’t seen Leopold in a while. Some training is in order.
>D): Some fishing sounds in order. You’ve been getting back into the habit after all.

>>5168799
>C): You haven’t seen Leopold in a while. Some training is in order.
Got to be prepeared for the New World Order

>C): You haven’t seen Leopold in a while. Some training is in order.

we're just one session from getting the upgraded perk, right? we should probably finish that

>>5168799
>>C): You haven’t seen Leopold in a while. Some training is in order.

>>5168799
>B): Goddess knows you’ve been stressed. A nice trip to the sauna would do you well.

>>5168708
FE is truly the greatest chess, dating sim and now fishing game.

>>5167982
That’s a lot of skills. Pays to be well rounded, I suppose.

>>5168799
>C): You haven’t seen Leopold in a while. Some training is in order.

>>5168799
>>A): Go watch Dorothea practice her dancing. Maybe you’ll learn something for the ball.
Blair's gotta dance w/ Ashe!

>>5168799
A): Go watch Dorothea practice her dancing. Maybe you’ll learn something for the ball.

>>5168799
>A): Go watch Dorothea practice her dancing. Maybe you’ll learn something for the ball.

File: Corinne v2.jpg (263 KB, 851x740)

263 KB JPG

>>5168708
ey QM since you've played some ROMHacks would you be open for giving a playtest of TQL?

here's our Axe Murderer cleaned up a bit more

File: Whitney.png (12 KB, 240x160)

12 KB PNG

>>5169183
Nice detail on the uniform, and I can't stress enough how in love I am with that smug little smirk of hers. It's phenomenal work as always, thank you DrawFren!

Is TQL The Queen's Lament? I remember hearing about it years ago but I wasn't sure what happened to it. If it's still in development then yeah I'd be happy to. DLMOL is my favorite ROMHack by far, but I've played more of them than I can count. TactHack is a close second.

>>5169210
It is indeed Queen's Lament

Our work on it's been stalled but we're looking into converting it with FEBuilder or Lex Talionis or something so we can actually finish up Chapter 13 onwards.

>>5169214
I remember you posting FE sprites that you made before actually but I had no idea you were working on a project. I'm glad to here it's still alive. From my experience /feg/ projects tend to be of far higher quality than most FEU ones, and I recall being impressed with what I saw.

>>5168799
>B): Goddess knows you’ve been stressed. A nice trip to the sauna would do you well.
Blair deserves to spoil herself after several near death experiences

Speaking of /feg/, I haven't been there in a long time. Was the quest shilled there?

>>5168799
>C): You haven’t seen Leopold in a while. Some training is in order.

If only Blair could use other forms of stress relief...

>>5168799
>B): Goddess knows you’ve been stressed. A nice trip to the sauna would do you well.
For some reason I can't help but imagine we'll find the Professor there.

>>5168799
>B): Goddess knows you’ve been stressed. A nice trip to the sauna would do you well.

Writing. C's Have it.

File: Leopold von Deltz.png (67 KB, 400x400)

67 KB PNG

>>5168799
You haven’t seen Leopold in a while. You had been training under the veteran knight for a few months in an effort to hone your skills, and you seemed to have been nearing the end of his regiment. Although you’ve gotten some extra hands-on experience in the last few months, a bit of extra work with Leopold would be nice to have. Doubly so if you’re to be prepared for what’s to come. After class, you head over to the Knight’s Ground to find him and finish your training.

You find the Knight’s Ground flush with more soldiers than usual, all practicing their drills and sparring. You’d have figured with the war against the Western Church over, they’d dial it back a bit, but clearly, they aren’t the continent’s most formidable fighting force for nothing. After walking through rows of sweaty men and women squaring off, you find Leopold at the edge of a training ring, overseeing some pupils swinging their practice weapons.

“Well, well, look who it is. I was beginning to get the impression that after the Archbishop heaped praise upon you, you’d thought yourself too good for my training.” Leopold says upon spotting you.

>“Apologies, Sir Leopold. Things have been…rather hectic the last few months, to say the least.”

“Nothing is as important as refining your strength, Blair. I thought you’d have learned that much by now. Pick up a training spear and get into the ring, and we’ll get started.”

You do as commanded, jumping into the ring and squaring off against Leopold, who’s picked up his sword and shield. The stance he takes as he faces you is different from the ones you’ve seen him take up before. He looks more reminiscent of how he did when you’d seen him out in the field, back at Tauros and Gaspard.

“You look surprised. Truth be told, you’ve become much stronger than the pipsqueak you were when we met. I’m not really at liberty to go easy on you. But I trust you’ll have no issue keeping up.

>Leopold
>Level 25 Paladin
HP: 45
STR: 25
MAG: 10
DEX: 22
SPD: 20
LCK: 24
DEF: 15
RES: 8

>>5171624
Before you can respond, the veteran paladin charges in your direction. Your reflexes have been kept sharp by all the fighting you’ve done lately, and you’re able to block the downward slash of his sword with you lance. He follows up with a hard bash of his shield that you block partially with your arm, sending you back a few steps, but not being enough to topple you off. (Blair -12 HP. 26/40).

You quickly find your footing and begin lashing out with your spear. Leopold is physically stronger than you, but you’ve grown to be far quicker than him. Your spear darts around his shield and hits him in the shoulder, the strength of the rage behind your attack throwing the larger man off balance with a pained grimace. (Leopold -10 HP, 35/45)

You’re able to follow up with a second strike before he can retaliate, managing to hit him square on the chest and repelling him away from you. (Leopold -10 HP, 25/45)

“Good, good! Your attacks are precise, and no longer lack direction!”

He’s right. For a few months now, ever since you began training with him, you’ve noticed that you no longer panic or get enraged when you’ve been hurt. You’ve been able to get a good grasp on your emotions and stay clear-headed and focused during a fight, no matter how stacked against you the odds may be. You have an opening to attack Leopold. How will you proceed?

>A): Attack with overwhelming strength. (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +2 DMG)
>B): Overwhelm Leopold with your speed (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +3 SPD)
>C): Engage Leopold with a feint (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +3 DEF)
>D): Attempt a fancy maneuver (Fiery Blood will lose 2 damage, and gain a 10% Crit Chance)

>>5171631
>>A): Attack with overwhelming strength. (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +2 DMG)
Damage is rarer than Spd, and is amplified by Spd. Blair has other sources of speed like Darting Blow, and could train Heavy Armor if she wants 3 Spd badly
Spd matters a lot when it matters but hits a point where it doesn't matter at all. then again, Ingrid or Alena, two people Blair will probably have to fight or kill at some point, will both have Darting Blow as well...but Blair has anti-flier magic, so she should shred them anyway, hopefully
>C): Engage Leopold with a feint (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +3 DEF)
DEF is another good option imo, as Blair already has a really significant HP pool, and having the extra bulk would go a long way (and reduce arrow damage by 9 whole points)

>>5171631
>B): Overwhelm Leopold with your speed (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +3 SPD)
Speed is the greatest defensive and offensive metric we can have, I've said this before and I will say it again. +2 DMG or +3 DEF is nothing compared to either consistently dual attacking enemies or preventing enemies from dual attacking us.
The Crit Chance is the second best pick. With Lance at S we get Lance Critical for another 10% crit chance when wielding lances, we can then clean out our weapon inventory to buy and upgade a Killer Lance which when upgraded has a base Crit of 35%. 55% flat chance when injured, plus our DEX Bonus of 18 puts us at (73% - Enemy LCK%) Crit Chance when injured. Against Leopold right now with this we'd have 49% chance to crit.

If we had a higher DEX growth picking the Crit Chance would've been the best choice, but right now our own DEX being so low we will struggle to negater enemy LCK and will realistically have a <40% Crit Chance against most opponents. The SPD is the better in most circumstances, giving us a reliable stat boost over just the 10% extra RNG. Though I could be presuaded to back D) if that's what other anons want.

Flat DMG and Flat DEF are trap options that are objectively worse than SPD or Crit Chance, do not fall for them.

>>5171631
>B): Overwhelm Leopold with your speed (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +3 SPD)

>>5171631
>>B): Overwhelm Leopold with your speed (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +3 SPD)

>>5171631
>>B): Overwhelm Leopold with your speed (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +3 SPD)
More crit chance would have been nice but like hell I will lose those 2 points when we don't crit

>>5171631
>B): Overwhelm Leopold with your speed (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +3 SPD)

>>5171631
>>A): Attack with overwhelming strength. (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +2 DMG)

Would pricking ourself before battle to reduce HP by 1 considered a cheat?

>>5172196
i mean, probably. fiery blood works by getting pissed at the person who hurts us. i don't think poking ourselves will have the same effect

>>B): Overwhelm Leopold with your speed (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +3 SPD)

>>5171631
>B): Overwhelm Leopold with your speed (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +3 SPD)

>>5171631
>>B): Overwhelm Leopold with your speed (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +3 SPD)

>>5171631
>B): Overwhelm Leopold with your speed (Fiery Blood will gain an additional +3 SPD)
Gotta go fast

How much free time do we get in this chapter?

File: Professor Byleth Eisner.png (1.1 MB, 1600x1920)

1.1 MB PNG

>>5171631
Without a second thought, you dash towards Leopold and unleash a flurry of blows at the Paladin. He tries his best to block your strikes, and succeeds for a bit, but he is unable to keep up with your relentless attacks. As quick as lightning, you break through his defenses and strike Leopold twice with your spear, knocking the man down onto his back. (Leopold -14x2 HP, 7/45)

>Fiery Blood+(+4 Damage and +3 Speed when HP is not at Max)

You back up, politely allowing Leopold to get back to his feet. Or perhaps you’re just surprised that you were able to pull that off. He quickly gets back upright and lowers his guard.

“Not bad at all, kid. You certainly pack a punch, but your speed is where your real strength lies. When the heat is on you, you’re able to keep fighting without slowing down or letting the pressure up.” Leopold drops his weapons fully and approaches you. “Well done, Blair. It seems I’ve taught you about all I’ll be able to this year.”

>100xp Gained! Level Up!
>Blair d'Rusalka
>Level 22 Harrier (0/100)
HP: 40 (90%) + 1 = 41
STR: 21(40%)
MAG: 15 (50%)
DEX: 18 (45%)
SPD: 25 (65%) + 1 = 26
LCK: 12 (30%)
DEF: 16 (50%)
RES: 15 (40%) + 1 = 16
CHARM: 13 (45%)

>You drop your spear, taking a bow. “Thank you, sir. I owe you a great debt. I was only able to get this far because of your training.”

“You always had the talent needed to grow stronger. You just needed someone to notice you. Professor Byleth seems to be the talk of the monastery lately, and for good reason, but sometimes I find she focuses too much on her favorite students.” Leopold smirks. “Perhaps if you surpass them though, I’ll gain credit as a better mentor.”

>“Is that what you spent so much time training me for?”

File: Dorothea(2).png (342 KB, 600x802)

342 KB PNG

>>5174208
Leopold shrugs. “Just a jest. Truthfully, you reminded me a bit of myself when I was younger. I attended the monastery alongside my cousin, Bennett. His family was far wealthier than mine, and as a result, he received greater attention from the Professors at that time. It was all I could do just to keep up.”

You recall hearing that name before. Bennett is the new leader of the Western Church, and someone Leopold seems to not be on the best of terms with.

“In theory, the Officer’s Academy is supposed to train all students equally. In practice, those with Crests and wealth tend to gain the most from coming here. But that doesn’t mean that people like you or I shouldn’t be able to keep up. I hope to hear that by the end of the year, you’re at the same level as the likes of Ingrid, Felix or even the Crown Princess.”

>“Thank You, Sir Leopold. I’ll do my best not to let your efforts on me go to waste!”

Leopold smirks. “You’d better not. Don’t make me start doubting my judgment.”

The two of you continue training until evening comes and the Knight’s Ground clears out of its inhabitants. As you get ready to depart, Leopold stops you.

“Allow me to walk you back to your dorm, Blair. You’ve spent some considerable time away from the monastery, so you may be unaware. Some students have gone missing this month.”

>That’s a first. You knew about Flayn and Monica, but you had no idea there were others. “Is it the Death Knight again?”

“Who knows? Nothing is off the table. But until the matter is settled, I’d rather play it safe. I’d hate for my investment to go missing in the night.”

You begin making way your way back to the dormitory alongside the veteran knight. You and Leopold don’t talk much during the trip back, but it isn’t an awkward silence. Rather, you feel much more comfortable around this man who you once thought as nothing more than a stubborn mule. Unlike Wedge, Leopold feels much more like the mentor you’ve always wanted but never had.

The paladin drops you off at the dorm, and bids you farewell. The day’s training has made you exhausted, and you’re looking forward to getting to your bed as soon as possible. As you open the door to your room, you find Dorothea, stretching out in the middle of the floor.

“Blair! Finally! I’ve been waiting forever for you. I need your help practicing for the Heron Cup!”

>A): Agree to help
>B): Decline, you’re not exactly a good dancer

>>5174210
>A): Agree to help

>>5174210
>>A): Agree to help

>>5174210
>A): Agree to help

>>5174210
>A): Agree to help

>>5174210
>A): Agree to help

>>5174210
>A): Agree to help

>>5174210
>>A): Agree to help
Love the unanimous consensus we have here.

File: Dorothea(3).png (686 KB, 800x915)

686 KB PNG

>>5174210
>“Not that I plan on saying no, but how could I possibly help with that?” You ask Dorothea. The girl is a natural at dancing, and you never quite had the dexterity for the stuff. You spent many balls back at Rusalka on the sidelines, and you intended to do the same at the White Heron Cup.

“I need to practice with a partner. The other houses are sending Annette and Ignatz to compete. From what I hear they’re not too shabby, so I want to make sure I’m good and ready.” Dorothea answers you, never ceasing her stretching exercises.

>“I’m happy to help but, you must know I’m not that good a dancer.”

“That’s fine, all you need to do is follow my lead. Besides, this should be good for you too. Maybe you’ll learn some moves before the event.”

>“I struggle to believe that, but fine. Lead the way.”

You surrender yourself to Dorothea’s whims, intent on trying to follow her lead as best as you can. She grabs your hands and pulls you in close, one hand locked with yours, while the other lies on the small of your back. Your faces are just a few inches apart from each other. Closer than you expected, but then again, you’ve never really danced with anyone before. From an outside perspective, the two of you must make quite the sight. One might think Dorothea were courting you.

“Oh, will you relax! I swear you’re such a blushing little schoolgirl sometimes.” She chastises you.

>“I am a schoolgirl! You are too!”

Dorothea leads you around in something called a waltz, instructing you on the necessary steps and how to properly move through them. You’re a bit cramped due to the constraints of your room. That’s also not to mention the lack of music, which Dorothea manages to substitute with some nice sounding humming. Despite the challenges though, you manage to follow through well enough, and Dorothea proves to be a patient teacher. The two of you repeat the motions for what seems like a few hours, until you call it quits, afraid your bones may explode from all the activity today.

>“Sorry, but I think I’m all spent. I hope I was of some help.”

Dorothea yawns, stretching her tired legs out. “Hmm? Oh, I didn’t need any help.”

>“Huh?”

File: Goddess Tower.png (424 KB, 1024x752)

424 KB PNG

>>5175356
The girl stifles a laugh. “Pfft, do you really think I need practice to beat Ignatz or Annette? Come on, kid, have a little faith in me. That was all for you.”

>“W-what? But you said-!”

“If I had asked you if you wanted to practice dancing before the ball tomorrow, you’d have just told me no and ended up keeping to yourself the entire night! But I knew you wouldn’t say no if I told you I was the one that needed help…”

>“That’s devious! And…effective, I suppose.” You sigh, defeated. “I guess you know me well.”

“Better than you know yourself.”

>+1 Dex (19)

>“Well then, is there anything else I should know?”

Dorothea puts a finger to her chin, thinking aloud. “Hmm, well you should also probably be aware that during the ball, there’s a longstanding tradition that those who enter the Goddess Tower together will stay together forever. Well, that’s what people say at least. I doubt it’s that dramatic…”

>“Are you suggesting I go up there with Ashe?” You ask, eyes narrowed suspiciously.

“You said it, not me. Though why limit your options? Maybe ask someone else up. You’re a pretty charming girl after all.”

>A): Going up the Goddess Tower with Ashe seems nice.
>B): Maybe Dorothea has a point, maybe there’s someone else I should ask. (Who?)
>C): Honestly, I’d rather not go up at all.
>D): No use thinking about this now. I’ll wait until the ball.
>E): Write-in

>>5175361
>A): Going up the Goddess Tower with Ashe seems nice.
>Is that an invitation I hear?

>>5175361
>>A): Going up the Goddess Tower with Ashe seems nice.
cute boy cute boy

>>5175361
>>E): Is that an invitation I hear?
>>D): No use thinking about this now. I’ll wait until the ball.
Honestly I just don’t really like Ashe. Don’t like his personality simple as

>>5175361
>A): Going up the Goddess Tower with Ashe seems nice.
How brave of you to add a Cucking option QM but you won't stray me away from my rogue knight boy pussy!

>>5175361
>E): Maybe I should ask out one of the instructors, you know, as a joke.
>D): No use thinking about this now. I’ll wait until the ball.
Ashe is a nice school boyfriend to have, but together forever is too much for my tastes.
We could definitely have some fun with it, though. I'm sure there's some lonely hearts elsewhere.

>A): Going up the Goddess Tower with Ashe seems nice.

I don’t think Blair would really believe the superstition, but it’d be a very sweet date.

…….It suddenly occurs to me that this is fantasy and it may not actually be just a superstition.

……Well, the reasoning and vote stands, but I’m suddenly slightly more apprehensive.

>>5175361
>>A): Going up the Goddess Tower with Ashe seems nice.
>>D): No use thinking about this now. I’ll wait until the ball.
It's too late to go switch our wagons to Ferdinand. Hubert is Edie's second will always remain so.

>>5175361
>A): Going up the Goddess Tower with Ashe seems nice

I respect the other anons opinions but Ashe has gotten the most events and his earnestness is kind of a great match for Blair's. They're both cute kids and i want to see them happy.

>>5175896
... though I was tempted to write in Corrine just to fuck with people and also because if this was a male mc quest I would unironically push for it.

>>5175991
Honestly same, she's a great girl even with her tempered with violence, QM knows how to write some good OCs

>>5175991
>>5176084
Corrine is best girl and no one can convince me otherwise

File: blairdimi.jpg (70 KB, 396x380)

70 KB JPG

>>5175361
>B): Maybe Dorothea has a point, maybe there’s someone else I should ask. (Who?)
Dimitri

jk, just wanted to shitpost with this pic I found, I'll go with with what I think is what Blair would at least say
>D): No use thinking about this now. I’ll wait until the ball.

>>5177149
Dimitri is cute and I wish he and Blair would have interacted more (i was one of the Blue Lions appreciators a few threads ago lmao)

>>5175361
>A): Going up the Goddess Tower with Ashe seems nice.

>>5177280
Same, but I haven't seen much of a proper opportunity. Maybe coming events such as the ball where people typically dance with several partners might allow for something.
If anything, I'm a little bit sad we might just not interact with the green haired 'siblings', love those two. Ah well, can't talk with every character unless you want massive character bloat.

File: 1612286135171.png (275 KB, 800x600)

275 KB PNG

>>5177149
>>5177280
THE BOAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR
I'm fine with it since he's a house leader/busy man, I'm more miffed that we haven't really encountered Ferdinand. Similar thing with Linhardt but we've at least interacted with him a few times.

>>5175361
>A): Going up the Goddess Tower with Ashe seems nice.

Are we having a husbando war now? Needs more shitposting desu

>>5177149
LOL.

Writing.

File: 3H_Dorothea_Artwork.png (304 KB, 352x600)

304 KB PNG

>>5175361
>“Nice try, but I really like Ashe. We’ve been through a lot together. I can’t imagine anyone else I’d want to go up there with.”

Dorothea smiles. “In that case, good luck up there kid. You’re gonna need it.”

The day of the White Heron Cup arrives. You and Dorothea spend the day getting ready. Or rather, Dorothea does. You’re quickly put on a dress from back home and make sure your hair is okay, while Dorothea spends hours getting ready, meticulously going over every detail of her hair, nails and makeup. You help her out as best as you can, though it’s not as though you have any experience in the matter.

The White Heron Cup takes place within the great hall of the Monastery. You manage to get a good place to view the competition at the front of the crowd, where your height won’t be an issue. The rules of the competition are simple enough. One student from each house will have a few moments to demonstrate their dancing in front of a panel of three judges. The judges for this year’s competition include Professors Manuela and Alois and Shamir, two members of the Knights of Seiros.

The competitors come out and you see Dorothea flanked by the students chosen from the other houses. You’ve worked together before with Annette and Ignatz and hope the best for them, but it’s clear that you want your best friend to win the Cup.

The chatter in the hall comes to a close as Archbishop Rhea and Seneschal Seteth enter the hall, flanked by the Knights. After a few words from the two of the, the contest begins.

Annette begins the competition by performing a smooth, fluid dance, much like the waltz that Dorothea showed you the other day. The crowed seems captivated by her movement, though frankly, you find it a bit boring to watch her perform the moves without a partner to support her.

Ignatz goes next. The boy always seemed a bit of a dork to you, but you had to admit he can move quite well. A fact that shouldn’t surprise you so much, given that you’ve seen him in action during live combat. He finishes his solo performance, and up next comes Dorothea.

She’s clearly the more experienced of the three, and it doesn’t take long for her to dazzle both the judges and the crowd. Unlike the two before her, Dorothea performs an energetic and exciting dance that livens up the atmosphere. Once her dance is over and the judges go into their deliberations, it doesn’t take long for them to declare Dorothea as the winner of the White Heron Cup. With her victory, the ball now begins in earnest, with students coming out to the floor in a wave of pairs.

You want to congratulate Dorothea for the job well done, but she’s currently flanked by several students and professors all wishing her congratulations on the job well done. As you turn around, you bump into Ashe.

File: Ashe (5).png (307 KB, 600x800)

307 KB PNG

>>5178059
“Oh, here you are, Blair! I’d been looking for you. I was…hoping you could keep me company. An event like this is a bit out of the ordinary for me.”

>“You and me both. I’d be happy too.”

The two of you take to the sideline, watching the braver students dance to the slow beat of the music played and chatting about whatever comes to mind, feeling at ease in each other’s company.

“So…do you know how to dance?” Ashe asks you.

>“A little…Dorothea taught me some stuff the other day…though I don’t know how good I actually am in practice. How about you?”

The boy shrugs. “Uhh well, kind of. In that case…care to join me for a dance?”

>A): Dance with Ashe (19 Dex + 12 Luck = 31% Chance of Success)
(Success = +1 Dex/Luck permanently, Fail = -1 Dex/Luck temporarily during the next battle)
>B): Politely decline.

>>5178061
>A): Dance with Ashe

>>5178061
We simply must.

>A): Dance with Ashe (19 Dex + 12 Luck = 31% Chance of Success)

File: Dorothea (4).jpg (197 KB, 1100x1600)

197 KB JPG

>>5178061
I'm changing these options after thinking it over a bit more.

>A): Attempt to impress Ashe with what you learned from Dorothea (19 Dex + 12 Luck = 31% Chance of Success)
(Success = +1 Dex/Luck permanently, Fail = -1 Dex/Luck temporarily during the next battle)
>B): Dance with Ashe, but stick to the basics of what you learned and play it safe.
>C): Politely decline.

>>5178104
>>A): Attempt to impress Ashe with what you learned from Dorothea (19 Dex + 12 Luck = 31% Chance of Success)
I mean, even with just 31% of succeeding we gotta try to get that permaboost to our stats, also if we do fail that could lead to a cute moment between the pair where they get embarrased.

>>5178104
>A): Attempt to impress Ashe with what you learned from Dorothea (19 Dex + 12 Luck = 31% Chance of Success)

>>5178104
>>A): Attempt to impress Ashe with what you learned from Dorothea (19 Dex + 12 Luck = 31% Chance of Success)
dab on the haters
blair needs dex

>>5178104
>B): Dance with Ashe, but stick to the basics of what you learned and play it safe.

>>5178104
>A): Attempt to impress Ashe with what you learned from Dorothea (19 Dex + 12 Luck = 31% Chance of Success)
Blair will keep stepping on Ashe's toes.
She will get flustered as she keeps apologizing.
It will be cute.

>>5178061
>A): Attempt to impress Ashe with what you learned from Dorothea (19 Dex + 12 Luck = 31% Chance of Success)

Oh boy a 31% chance of success for something that will be cute either way

>>5178061
>A): Attempt to impress Ashe with what you learned from Dorothea (19 Dex + 12 Luck = 31% Chance of Success)

>>5178104
>>A): Attempt to impress Ashe with what you learned from Dorothea (19 Dex + 12 Luck = 31% Chance of Success)
I'll take that odds

File: Ashe (6).jpg (336 KB, 1365x2048)

336 KB JPG

>>5178061
>You smile and feel the excitement pounding in your chest as Ashe asks if you’d like to join him for a dance. “Of course. Lead the way.” You say, extending your hand out to the boy, who gingerly accepts it and leads you out to the dance floor. You join the other couples who are currently moving along with their partners, dancing to the slow melody the musicians are playing.

It would be simple to follow the same waltz that the other couples are performing, but you’re feeling unusually confident right now. Why wouldn’t you, the person who taught you how to dance just won the White Heron Cup! There’s no reason why you can’t get away with adding a little bit of flair to your moves to stand out a bit more.

The two of you start out smoothly enough. Ashe’s hand is on the same spot of your back as Dorothea’s was. A fact that causes you to lose a bit of concentration unfortunately, as you wind up stepping on the boy’s foot.

“Ow!”

>“S-sorry!”

You try to regain your footing and avoid any further attempts at embarrassment, but you’re too flustered, and now all you can think about is not messing up any further. Unfortunately, Ashe isn’t a much better dancer than you are. He ends up stepping on your toes a few times himself, causing you to squeak painfully. What was supposed to originally be just a short dance feels like it goes on for an eternity.

>“D-do you want to stop?”

“Y-yeah, I think I’m worn out.”

(-1 Dex/Luck temporarily during the next battle)

The musicians finish their piece, giving the two of you a Goddess blessed moment of reprieve.

>“S-sorry…I guess I’m not really much of a dancer.” You say to Ashe once the two of you retreat to the sidelines.

“No, it’s okay! It’s not like I was much better.” Ashe stifles a laugh. “You know, I always thought it was kind of cool how much we had in common. Our upbringing, the goals we have for ourselves. I guess this is just one more thing we can add to the list.”

>“I guess they can’t all be nice things.” You smile, relieved that Ashe doesn’t seem to be thrown off by your lackluster moves.

“I’m not used to being in such a fancy environment like this. I guess I’m a bit worn out from it all. Would you like to go with me somewhere?”

File: Blair d'Rusalka (2).jpg (56 KB, 527x684)

56 KB JPG

>>5179670
>“Anywhere.” Having an idea of where Ashe means, you let the boy hold your hand and escort you outside of the great hall. The music dims behind you as the two of you make your way under the cover of nightfall to the place Dorothea had mentioned previously, the Goddess Tower. As the two of you make your way up the tower, you get the feeling that you’re not alone. You can make out a few other shapes in the darkness, likely other couples that had the same idea as the two of you, huddled together. Eventually, two of you make your way to the top of the tower, which overlooks almost the entirety of Garreg Mach.

>“It’s a beautiful view. I’ve never been so high up before!”

“Yeah, I thought it might be a bit of a nice change of pace from the stuffiness of that ballroom. Honestly, sometimes I wonder if it’s even right for someone like me to be in a place like this.”

>“You and me both. But we’ve made it this far, no? And soon we’ll be graduating.”

“And I couldn’t have done it without you.” He tightens his grip on your hand. “Say, do you know some of the stories about this place? They say that if a man and a woman make a wish together here, the Goddess will make it come true.”

>“So I’ve heard. Tell me, if that’s the case, what would you wish for?”

Ashe thinks about it for a few moments, huddled next to you at the top of the monastery’s spire before answering. “Well, I suppose I’d wish for my brother and sister back home to be able to live out their lives in peace. With Lonato gone, they’re the only family I have left, and there’s no one around to take care of them and keep them safe,”

>“I’m sure your siblings miss you very much. I’d like to meet them one day.”

“I’d like that as well.” He looks you deep in the eyes. “So, your turn now. What would your wish be?”

>A): For widespread peace across Fodlan
>B): To be a great knight that defends people like your siblings
>C): To be by your side.
>D): To be an excellent commander
>E): Write-in

>>5179673
rip no stat boost
>For equality across Fodlan
I feel like Blair would be thinking about this type of thing, after she and Ashe just talked about their common origins. Not every deserving commoner has the luck to make it here, not every noble who does deserves it

>>5179673
>B): To be a great knight that defends people like your siblings

>>5179673
>B): To be a great knight that defends people like your siblings

>>5179732
+1

>>5179673
was cute, but this choice is surprisingly a tough one, hm.... how about a fusion of this >>5179732
and also B, so
>E):To become a great knight that brings equality across Fodland
Yeah i think that sounds nice, but it also does make Blair have much more grander hopes, not only she wants equality and peace across the land, she wants to do it herself.

>>5179673
>>D): To be an excellent commander

>>5179673
>B): To be a great knight that defends people like your siblings

>>5179670
Dancing's not our thing. Oh well

>>5179732
Supporting

>>5179673
>B): To be a great knight that defends people like your siblings

>>5179673
>B): To be a great knight that defends people like your siblings

>>5179673
>>E):To become a great knight that brings equality across Fodland

>>5179673
>>5179898
switching to this >>5179992

>>5179673
>B): To be a great knight that defends people like your siblings

>>5179673
>B): To be a great knight that defends people like your siblings

>>5179992
>>5179732
Supporting

>>5179673
>B): To be a great knight that defends people like your siblings

Writing

File: Ashe (2).jpg (66 KB, 743x900)

66 KB JPG

>>5180965
Good question. You spend a few moments thinking it over. A lot has happened this year, and there’s been much to digest given recent events. However, despite it all, your resolve in your dream has never waned or faltered.

>“I wish to be a knight that defends the weak and the innocent. Someone that can protect people like your siblings.”

Even in the darkness, you can make out that smile of Ashe’s that you’ve grown so fond of. “That’s just like you, Blair. You know, I haven’t changed what I meant before either. I’ll be the first person to read the book they write about you.”

>You tighten your grip on Ashe’s hand, moving close enough that you can feel his warmth on you. “Maybe you can be the one that writes it?” Your heads move closer together, and before you know it, your lips meet. You’ve never kissed anyone before, but it all comes naturally to you. As your lips part, you stare each other in the eyes, the look on Ashe’s face sending your heart aflutter.

“Should we go back to the ball? The others must be wondering where we’ve gone off to.”

>You shake your head. “Maybe just a few moments longer?”

Ashe nods and the two of you embrace there, in the darkness of the Goddess Tower.

A few days later, you find yourself sitting in class with your fellow officers, waiting for Professor Byleth to arrive. Given all the action you’ve been involved with the last two months, you’re enjoying the quieter change of pace, catching up on plenty of studying and reading. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. While there was originally no mission slated for this month, you’ve received word that you’re to be briefed on an upcoming emergency operation scheduled for a few days from now.

File: Xavier and Martha.jpg (98 KB, 783x328)

98 KB JPG

>>5181055
>“What do you think this is about?” You ask Dorothea, sitting next to you.

“No one knows for sure, but I hear some more students went missing this week. It’s being kept pretty tight lipped as to not cause a panic, but I’d wager it has something to do with that.”

The Professor walks in a few moments later, and you and your fellow officers cease your chatter, waiting for her to address you. In her arms lie a bundle of papers that you recognize as a mission report, containing details about whatever your assignment is to be. You gingerly accept one from your teacher as she hands them out.

“As you’re likely aware, we’ve been asked to complete a last-minute mission this month.” The professor begins. “Naturally, this is highly confidential, and not to leave this room. Several students from the academy have gone missing this month, including some belonging to our Black Eagle House. We’ve recently received reports of unusual activity surrounding an out of use chapel not too far from here. A local villager spotted figures in monastery uniforms have been moving in and out of the building.”

“Well, what are we waiting for then? Can’t we just go now and find out what the deal is?” Asks Caspar.

“Given all the…unusual occurrences that have been happening lately, Seneschal Seteth wants us fully prepared for whatever may be waiting for us. You’re to outfit and kit yourselves as if you’re expecting a full-fledged battle.”

You read the report that was given to you while the Professor is speaking. It details information about the chapel that you’re heading to, which apparently served as the main sanctuary of the Church during the time the monastery was being constructed. At the bottom of the report is a list of the names of students that have recently gone missing. You don’t recognize the ones from the Blue Lions or Golden Deer, but as you make your way to the bottom of the list, your heart sinks.

Martha Aguilerre.
Xavier Broderick.

You hadn’t seen them since you returned from Rusalka, and now that you think about it, you didn’t see them at the ball either. You don’t know what’s going on, but you vow to yourself to find them and make sure they’re safe. After the meeting is adjourned, you make a beeline to the marketplace to do any necessary shopping before the mission.

>Current Gold: 4300g
>Items Available:
Killer Lance: 3500g
Axereaver: 1500g
Magic Staff (+3 to MAG): 2500g
Steel Sword: 650g
Vulnerary(x3): 100g
Elixir: 600g
Iron Shield: (+2 Def, -2 SPD): 700g
Silver Shield: (+4 DEF, -2 SPD): 2000g
Strength/Magic/Speed/Defense Rings: (+2 to stat) (3000g each)

>Items Available to Sell: Silver Lance (1000g), Flame Lance (2000g), Blessed Lance (1500g), Iron Sword+ (250g), Javelin (225g) Vulnerary(x3) (25g each)

Choose the following:
>A) Select something to buy.
>B) Select something to sell.
>C) Do nothing.

>>5181056
>They're on the list
well shoot. Blair might be in for a very not-so-fun time.
also
>A) Select something to buy.
>Silver Shield: (+4 DEF, -2 SPD): 2000g
We have both the money and the speed to spare honestly (especially with the boosted personal skill), getting a little more tanky certainly wouldn't hurt.
I'm considering maybe selling the sword to buy the magic staff too, but I'm not sure how that works. Does having it count as a static buff or as a weapon? How long does it take to switch between the staff and a spear if necessary?

>>5181082
In FE3H you can have one weapon and one accessory at a time. The Magic Staff would count as an accessory, same with the Silver Shield and the stat rings. There were talks in previous threads about saving up for the staff since it'll make up for the slight deficit in MAG for both spells and the Flame Lance.

>>5181084
Yeah I know, but I wondered if it works the same way in the quest. Never hurts to make sure. If we only can have one then I'll switch my vote to the staff. Need a way to deal with high DEF guys, and those tend to have low RES

>>5181056
>>A) Select something to buy.
>Defense Ring (+2 def) (3000g)
Gotta get tankier without getting slowier

>A) Select something to buy.
>Magic Staff (+3 to MAG): 2500g
>Vulnerary(x3): 100g

>>5181056
>A) Select something to buy.
>>Magic Staff (+3 to MAG): 2500g
>>Vulnerary(x3): 100g
Better to have extra than to run out, even if Blair has never used 3 in a mission before
I also prefer the Staff over the other options. Blair's in an offensive class that relies on speed and mobility to choose its battles, no reason to try to break that expectation

>>5181056
>A) Select something to buy.
>Magic Staff (+3 to MAG): 2500g
>Vulnerary(x3): 100g

>>5181195
Supporting

File: Magic Staff.png (676 KB, 359x897)

676 KB PNG

>>5181056
As you speed towards the marketplace, you can’t help but shake off the feeling that whatever terrible thing has happened to your friends may be your fault. Could it be Alena, seeking to take out those that were involved with foiling her plan? The thought crosses your mind, but you dismiss it. She had mentioned she’d hold no grudge against you, and besides, whoever was behind this was in the act already. You shake your head. Worrying won’t do you any good. You have to be ready to do battle in a few days should it arise at the chapel.

Using the large sum of gold you received from the Count, you decide to buy a Staff to serve as a conduit for your magic casting. You’ve hardly been able to fight as a full-fledged Dark Flier yet, but the ability to bombard the enemy with powerful magics from above is an opportunity too good to pass. You also buy an extra 3-pack of Vulneraries, as you were running a bit low.

>Gained Magic Staff and 3 Vulneraries!
>Lost 2600 Gold

Once you purchase and stow away your items, you begin making your way back to your dorm, but stop midway, walking in a different direction instead. Try as you might, you find it too coincidental that two people in your unit were taken, and you’re worried that something bad has happened to your friends. Your feet take you in a different direction from the dorms, towards the fishing grounds, where you hope you’ll be able to do a bit of clear thinking. The fishing ground is sparsely populated, likely a result of the colder weather. You stare out towards the sea, when you hear a voice from behind you startle you out of your contemplation.

“Yoohoo, Blair! How are you?” Asks Monica. The redhead is her usual cheerful, spirited self. You thought she was a bit weird at first but seeing her now gives you a strange of a sense of relief. Monica had gone missing herself a while back and turned up unharmed. Perhaps the same can be said of your friends.

>“Monica…good to see you again.”

“You look down in the dumps, Blair. What’s wrong?” She asks, taking a seat next to you on the bench you were sitting on.

>“It’s nothing, just doing some thinking is all.”

“Come on, Blair. You can’t fool me. You’re worried about your friends, aren’t you? Martha and Xavier, right?”

>“Ehh? How did you know?” From what the Professor told you, the information surrounding the missing students was highly confidential.

“I’m pretty observant, you know? Besides, it’s not that much of a secret. Students suddenly no longer showing up to class or after school activities for days without any warning or notice…” She trails off. “It should be no surprise I can tell something’s wrong.”

>You nod. “Makes sense... You were…one of them yourself, not too long ago.”

Monica sighs. “You don’t have to tell me twice! But seeing as how that is the case, you can say I have a bit of a…vested interest in getting to the bottom of this.”

File: Monica.png (122 KB, 512x512)

122 KB PNG

>>5182200
She lowers her voice to a whisper. “I first noticed something was off a while back, when the first student disappeared. Since then, I’ve done some of my own investigating, away from the others.”

>“Away? But why?”

“Things have been weird lately; you can’t trust anyone. Especially not with…” She looks up again, searching for any intruders. “Look, you’re going to think I’m crazy but…I don’t think we can trust the adults here. Were you told about the abandoned chapel where some students have supposedly been spotted?”

>“I was.” No sense in lying about it if Monica already knows about the supposed “confidential information.”

“I think the students have been going there on their own. There’s this weird house in the residential district of the monastery. I’ve been hanging out around the area for a while now, hoping to get a whiff of any suspicious activity. That’s when I saw them. Monica and Xavier. And some of the other students that went missing too. I didn’t think anything of it at first. It wasn’t too unusual. But before I realized it, I noticed that all the students that entered that house were the same ones that went missing a few days later.”

>“W-what?! Why didn’t you tell anyone?”

Monica looks at you seriously now, all traces of her usual mirth gone. “I did some digging. The house in question belongs to a Bishop of the Church of Seiros. Reynauld is his name. He’s pretty high-ranking, and he answers only to the Seneschal and the Archbishop. He’d also be keenly aware of that strange chapel. I’m afraid getting the Church involved may not be an option here. The Knights won’t take my word over his, and if he finds out something’s up, he’ll likely cover his tracks.”

>“Then why tell me? I didn’t even think you liked me!”

“I hear you’re something of a helper. And well, I need help. If Reynauld really has been kidnapping students, there’s a good chance he may have some relation to the Death Knight and the group that abducted me. Besides, I figured you’d want to get a crack at this guy too if he’s really got your friends.”

>“Just what are you suggesting?” You ask, dread mounting.

“Well, I’m glad you’re willing to hear me out.” Her smile returns. “I’ve been studying this guy’s patterns. He’ll be involved with church service for the next few hours. I want to break into his house and see if I can find any information on the missing students. But to do that, I’ll need a lookout. All I need is for you to stand watch. I can do the rest. I may not look it, but I’m probably the sneakiest and stealthiest student in the entire Officer’s Academy, let alone the Black Eagles.”

You’re not sure. Breaking into a Bishop’s house obviously carries some risk behind it, but something in Monica’s voice tells you she isn’t lying, and you’re desperate to help your friends.

>A): Agree to help Monica
>B): Decline to help Monica

>>5182204
>>A): Agree to help Monica
Why? Because I'm super fuckign curious where this is gonna lead to, is Monica planning a trap to make us dissappear on the hypothesis that Blair would not help in the coming war? Or is she just using us to get something from Reynauld? Or does she just want to hang out with us due to some weird ass snake blood thing?

>>5182204
>A): Agree to help Monica

Though I feel like before we do this we should inform Edelgard about it. We're about to do something that, if we get caught, would result in a lot of trouble for her. Plus if we tell her it was Monica's plan to begin with if we get framed for murdering a bishop or something they'll know we were set up, making Edelgard's actions from there pretty easily determine whether we go Crimson Flower or not.

>>5182204
>C) Agree to help, with the caveat that Edelgard is informed.
Pretty sus if you ask me, but I guess Blair doesn't have much to go off of other than Corrine vouching against Monica. Part of me wants to check in with Edelgard about it without telling Corrine, but I don't know if Blair is that sneaky

>>5182204


>A): Agree to help Monica

I can say with confidence Blair would, even if we all know this won't go well.

File: 1645729077815.jpg (471 KB, 2048x1451)

471 KB JPG

>>5182204
>A): Agree to help Monica
I've got a weird feeling that the big *choice* will be a bit of a shitfest.
>>5182289
>is Monica planning a trap to make us dissappear on the hypothesis that Blair would not help in the coming war?
It's not too unlikely, she's pretty close to someone from the kingdom and is basically a not-apprentice to a knight. I wouldn't be shocked if Hubert thinks we'll side with the church at least.

>>5182204
>C) Agree to help, with the caveat that Edelgard is informed

>>5182204
>C) Agree to help, with the caveat that Edelgard is informed.
if not that then
>A): Agree to help Monica

Also >>5182546
that art is sick

>>5182204
>C) Agree to help, with the caveat that Edelgard is informed.

Writin

>>5182204
>>C) Agree to help, with the caveat that Edelgard is informed

We can only use one weapon and one handheld accessory at once, but are there limits to inventory?
Say, how many weapons or rings one can carry and/or benefit from at once?

File: __monica_von_ochs_fire_em(...).jpg (272 KB, 1200x1710)

272 KB JPG

>>5182204
You admit, you don’t like much about this idea. Two hands aren’t enough to count all the possible ways Monica’s plan can backfire on you. And yet, if there’s a chance that this can help lead you to finding Martha and Xavier, you must act upon it.

>“Fine, I’ll help you. But if you’re right and this Bishop really is behind it all, we have to go to Edelgard and tell her right away.”

Monica shrugs. “Fine by me. I’m sure she’d have a thing or two to say about the Church kidnapping students from the Empire.” She grabs you by the hands. “Thanks Blair! I knew I could count on you. Now come on, let’s go. We’ve got some time before Reynauld returns and we’ve got to make it count!” With that, the redhead spirits you away, towards the residential district of Garreg Mach, further south.

The residential district contains modest housing for some of the ranking Knights of Seiros and their families, as well as the clergy and the academy’s staff. As a result, students from the academy don’t often come by, as there isn’t much for them to see. This earns you and Monica a few curious glances from some of the locals, but fortunately, there aren’t many of them out and about at this current time. The girl leads you down a windy road, stopping at an unmemorable looking house with its curtains drawn at the end of the block. Looking at it from the outside, it doesn’t exactly stand out.

“Okay, just stay put here while I get the door open. Let me know if anyone’s coming.” Monica says brightly.

>“Huh? Do you have a key or something?”

“Of course not, silly.” You hear the girl fiddling with the doorknob from behind you, while you nervously stand watch and wonder how you got into this situation. “Just gotta…jiggle it a little…and….click!”

You hear the door’s lock unhitching as it swings wide open.

>“H-have you done this before?”

“Once or twice. I told you, I’m pretty sneaky! Okay now get in!” She grabs you with surprising strength, pulling you inside the house and closing the door behind you. It takes a while for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, but they eventually do. The inside looks just as modest as the outside did. The room is furnished, and there’s a shrine to the Goddess inside, but overall, it’s not as extravagant as you’d expect from a Bishop of the Church. There’s also a peculiar smell you can’t place your finger on.

>“So…what are we looking for exactly?”

“Anything suspicious. If this is our guy, he must have left some sort of a trail. This place isn’t too big, let’s split up and see if we can find anything.”

>A): Check the shelves in the back
>B): Investigate the source of the smell.
>C): Check the floorboards
>D): This is too risky. Leave the house.
>E): Ask Monica for more clarification.

File: 1624100805793.png (312 KB, 533x595)

312 KB PNG

>>5184215
You're currently limited to one active weapon and one active accessory, but you don't have any limits as far as inventory is concerned. For now at least. I didn't think we'd become as much of a walking armory as we have, but I'll have some changes in mind regarding this for Part 2 of the quest.

Also sorry for the late update. I wasn't writing for 12 hours, just a crazy day.

>>5184221
>Check the floorboards
They're hiding under the floorboards, aren't they? ;)

>>5184221
>>A): Check the shelves in the back

>>5184221
>B): Investigate the source of the smell.

>>5184221
>>C): Check the floorboards

>>5184221
>Investigate the source of the smell.
Doubt we'll find anyone held here, but if there's anything suspicious it'd be stuff like letters hidden in books, or whatever might cause a noteworthy smell. inb4 it's just last night's dinner that was left out or something

>>5184221
>B): Investigate the source of the smell.

Perhaps we might hear the beat of a telltale heart

>>5184221
>>C): Check the floorboards

we probably could have sold the javelin ngl, and that would have brought blair back into 5 inventory slots.
>>5184221
>>B): Investigate the source of the smell.
my paranoia says that it's knockout gas, my suspicions tell me that my paranoia is overreacting and it's just a corpse or something. but it's as good a place to start as any.

>>5184221
>D): This is too risky. Leave the house.
No, no, fuck this, I have a bad feeling about this, why did anons even agreed to this in the first place?
I don't want Blair to damsel-in-disterss herself, who's going to save her ass then, Ashe?

>>5184602
Quest is boring if we don't take any risks, besides Blair can very much handle herself.

>>5184602
>who's going to save her ass then, Ashe?
Yes?

>>5184221
>>B): Investigate the source of the smell.

>>5184221
>C): Check the floorboards
No one would leave anything suspect in plain sight that someone could see looking in with the door open, so it's probably hidden somewhere no one would look.

>>5184636
>besides Blair can very much handle herself.
Not in cutscenes, like the one in the forest before.

File: Monica.jpg (208 KB, 850x1159)

208 KB JPG

>>5184221
>“Ugh, what is that smell?” You ask aloud. “It’s almost as if something’s been burned up.” You take a few steps inside, trying to find the source. Eventually, you come across a strange abnormality. A large dresser in the corner of the room is in terrible condition and covered in ash, as if it had been previously set on fire. Judging by the burn patterns and some residual magic you feel in the air, you deduce that the dresser wasn’t set ablaze by conventional means, but rather by the work of a spell.

>“That’s weird…was this an accident or something?” You open the dresser expecting to find something of worth inside, but almost predictably, all you find are several burned pieces of clothing, some of which you’re able to tell served as the garb of the clergy.

“Maybe Reynauld tried to burn some evidence? Ooh, check inside and see if there’s anything useful you can find.” Monica suggests.

>You sigh, reaching a hand further back into the dresser. “It’s just a bunch of burned clothes…It’s definitely weird, but I don’t think we’re going to find anything in he-“ While you’re entirely focused on the contents of the dresser, you feel an arm quickly wrap around your throat, while some sort of rag is pressed against your face, muffling any chance you have to yell. Whatever’s pressed against your face smells horrid, and it burns the back of your throat and causes your eyes to well up. You try to buck whoever’s currently got you in a hold, but they prove to be too strong. As a last resort, you manage to stomp your foot onto your attacker’s, causing them to back off with a grunt.

“Ohh! You’d never know from looking at you, but you’re a feisty one aren’t you!” Monica says.

>You turn to face Monica, hand halfway towards the magic staff you tucked away in your jacket, when you find that you’re hardly able to move your limbs. “W-what…? What’s going on?”

“Your body’s shutting down, silly. That’s a special mixture, made from Forget-Me-Nots from our very own greenhouse, as well as some of my own little additions. You should be losing consciousness any second now. It’ll make our field trip go a lot smoother.”

>“Y-you’re the…kidnapper?” Your knees buckle and you fall to the floor, no longer able to muster the strength to stand. “You…lied about…everything?”

Monica smiles at you from above. “Not everything. This house did belong to a Bishop Reynauld. Though he’s been dead for a while now. And your friends did come inside here. Only I was the one that lured them in. That little girl Martha tried to fight back, but all that weakling could do was set fire to the dresser. Boring.”

>“W-why?” You ask feebly, consciousness beginning to face.

“I’m cookin’ up something big, and I needed some ingredients.” Monica says darkly. “And some bait. I wonder which one you’ll serve as.”

File: Chapter 9.png (14 KB, 684x341)

14 KB PNG

>>5185159
You’re no longer able to keep your eyes open. Just as they’re shutting, Monica bends down so that her face is level with yours. “Don’t you wish you had placed me on your team?” You then blackout.

When you next gain consciousness, you find you’re no longer in Reynauld’s house, but somewhere else entirely. Your head is throbbing, and it takes a while for your eyes to adjust to the darkness you’re in, but you’re at least able to move your muscles again, albeit slowly and with some pained difficulty (Blair 21/41 HP). As you examine your surroundings, you appear to be in a cell. A cell that you seem to be sharing with a few other people it looks like, all of whom look haggard, and are dressed in Garreg Mach uniforms. One of these people is sitting above you.

“B-Blair?! You’re awake! Thank the Goddess!”

Though it’s dark, you’re able to make out the tear-stricken and bruised face of Martha, holding you.

>A): Ask Martha where we are
>B): Examine the cell you’re in
>C): Look for a way out

>>5185161
>C): Look for a way out
oh no, who could have seen this happening

>>5185161
>D): can we get any heals first?
I actually don't know if the "warlock" can heal us(Never played FE games), but there are 3 more students in here, maybe someone knows a healing spell.
Then
>C): Look for a way out
Because fuck waiting to be saved, time to go smash someone's head with a rock.

>>5185161
>D) Ask Martha if she's alright. We're a little roughed up but she looks like she's seen better days
We're not actively under threat, let's consolidate and lick our wounds. Then it's payback time.

>>5185161
I have no regrets, I knew something bad would happen but as the saying goes, Curiosity killed the cat, and I am that cat.
>B): Examine the cell you’re in

>>5185161
>>B): Examine the cell you’re in
Exactly as planned

>>5185161
>>C): Look for a way out

>>5185161
>>B): Examine the cell you’re in
And also examine ourselves.

>>5185731
>And also examine ourselves.
Inb4 molested by crazy

>>5185161
>B): Examine the cell you’re in
They're this salty over us not taking them? All we said is we didn't feel ready for the responsibility, hell of an overreaction.

>>5185161
Yeah I think everyone who played the game knew something was up, but other than Corrine's warning that Monica was nuts there wasn't a real reason for Blair to act
>>B): Examine the cell you’re in

>>5185312
>Curiosity killed the cat, and I am that cat.
Satisfaction brings the cat back! So you feel better now right?

File: Martha.jpg (4 KB, 150x138)

4 KB JPG

>>5185161
>“Martha!” You hug your friend tightly. You haven’t found her in the best of circumstances, but at least you were able to confirm for yourself that she’s alive.

“She got you too then…” Martha says sadly.

>“I can’t believe Monica did all of this…how long was I out?” You attempt to pat yourself down, checking to see if that bitch did anything to you after you fell unconscious, when you notice that your hands are tied together. You’re bruised, but otherwise you seem to be all there. Curiously enough, you can feel pressed against you in your jacket that she didn’t seem to find the Magic Staff and the 3-pack of vulneraries that you had just purchased.

Martha shrugs. “I don’t know…it’s hard to tell…maybe a day at most? What are we going to do, Blair?”

>“A day…assuming she transported me to the abandoned chapel right after I fell unconscious…the Black Eagles should already be well on their way. Help should be arriving soon.”

“Help is coming?!” One of the female students’ squeaks.

“When?! When are they getting here?!” Another one pipes up, this time male.

“I want to go home! What’s going on! Tell us!”

You examine the room you’re in for the first time. You appear to be locked inside what must have previously been some sort of basement area used for storage. The large front door appears to be locked, and there’s no light save for one small window, where you’re able to tell that it’s currently daytime. The other students in here look haggard and dirty, as if they’ve been barely fed for the last week. You don’t recognize any of them, and grimly notice that Xavier is not among them. As you’re examining your surroundings, one of them inches closer to you.

File: Unidentified Object.jpg (35 KB, 311x308)

35 KB JPG

>>5186647
“Please…you just came from the outside…tell us what’s going on! When are the Black Eagles getting here!” She grabs onto your shoulders and frantically screams. “Where is that girl taking us?! What’s that growling we keep hearing?! Please!!”

>“H-hey calm down! I don’t know but keep your voice down, we don’t want her to know…”

“Know what? That the Knights of Seiros and your little friends are on their way? Believe me, I’m counting on it.”

Monica. You hear her voice from the other side of the door. You stay put where you are, but instinctively the other students with you cringe and put their backs against the wall. The door opens to reveal her standing there nonchalantly, a round object in her hands.

“Good of you to wake up, sleepyhead. I hope you’re not too sore.”

>“Monica! What is the meaning of this?! Where are the other students you kidnapped?!” You snarl.

“Weren’t you listening to me before?” She giggles. I’m going to be throwing a grand little surprise party for your friends who are on the way. And to do that, I need bait, and I need ingredients. Right now, I’m here for the latter. You’ve been a diligent little girl helping me so far, Blair, so I’ll let you pick. Which role would you like to serve?”

>A): Bait
>B): Ingredient
>C): I won’t play your twisted games
>D): Write-in

>>5186658
>C): I won’t play your twisted games
>>Where's Xavier?

>>5186658
>>B): Ingredient
I'm mostly just curious if we'd actually just quest end right there.

>>5186658
>C): I won’t play your twisted games

>>5186658
>D): Write-in
"The surprise."

We don't have the leverage to say no here, but we might be able to get ourselves in a better position than 'ingredient'.

>>5186658
>A): Bait
Blair makes good bait!

>>5186658
>C): I won’t play your twisted games

>>5186658
>>C): I won’t play your twisted games
Is this the end for Blair?

>>5186658
>D): How about I play the part of the one who beats your ass!?

>>5186695
Changing my response to this >>5187369

>>5186658
>>A): Bait

>>5186658
>B): Ingredient

>>5186894
Changing my answer to
>B): Ingredient

File: 1636482169267.jpg (135 KB, 850x1092)

135 KB JPG

Tie between B and C. Next vote wins.

>>5188486
>>5186714
I'll switch away from B to C, I don't actually want to quest end. Blair's too practical to throw her life away claiming the more dangerous role of ingredient

>>5188617
inb4 C was the suicide path

>>5188617
It's not like QM would go and kill Blair for picking wrong
Ingredient sounds a lot more fun so I'm sad to see it lose against the typical "cool gal" answer but it is how it is

Man, what the fuck would ingredient even mean? Would Monica dumped us in some magic pot and make us the same race as Those-who-slither-in-the-dark?

>>5188774
What happens when you apply a crest stone to a crestless human?
Which really makes me wonder what would happen with the quest if we picked it.

>>5188798
Oh fuck

>>5188798
>What happens when you apply a crest stone to a crestless human?
I genuinely don't know. A go to answer is a demon beast I guess?
Demon beast quest.

>>5188798
We would have become a were-beast. Or maybe this game's version of a Manakete?

File: 1624839169521.jpg (54 KB, 538x373)

54 KB JPG

Closing votes and writing in a bit.

>>5188798
oh no no no no no.....

File: Monica (2).jpg (66 KB, 700x832)

66 KB JPG

>>5186658
>You don’t know what Monica is talking about, but you have no intention of going along with this foolishness. “I won’t play your twisted game, Monica. Nor will the Black Eagles once they get here. Or do you intend to fight them off yourself?”

“I won’t, no. But one of you will! Let’s see…if you won’t play along, then that just means I’ll have to pick myself. How about…you?” Monica’s eyes settle on Martha, who is doing her best to hide behind you. She begins to approach the timid girl.

“B-Blair! Help!” Martha cries out desperately.

>“What are you doing?!”

“This girl’s cute, but she’s not much of a fighter. So, I’m going to help her get stronger. She won’t be nearly as pretty by the time we’re done, but she should be able to prove more than a match for our soon to arrive guests.” Monica hooks a hand on Martha’s collar, dragging her towards the exit. You try to get in the way, but with your hands bound, it’s simple enough for Monica to knock you down. Your head hits the stone wall behind you.

“Sorry Blair, you had your chance! But don’t worry, you’ll get a front row seat to the show soon enough.”

“Blair! Nooo!” You hear Martha cry, right before the door slams shut behind the two of them.

You hit your head hard, and you drift out of consciousness.

When you awaken, you’re still in the same room as before. The three other students are also huddled in the corner, however, there’s no sign of Martha.

>“H-how long was I out?” You ask the cowering students.

“A few hours…” One of them responds, looking none too eager to have a conversation with you.

>“Where did she take my friend? You said that she’s done this before.”

“D-don’t know. She comes and takes one of us every now and then…she’s done it six times now. She takes them somewhere and they don’t come back…”

>“Don’t come back…” You can’t believe this. Just as quickly as you managed to find your friends, you’ve suddenly lost sight of them. Monica’s words keep ringing in your head. What did she mean by making Martha stronger? You spend the next several hours thinking about this. Your fellow prisoners don’t seem eager to talk, likely scared if they make any more noise, Monica will come back and grab one of them. As you contemplate whatever her hidden meaning may have been, your thoughts are interrupted by a piercing roar from somewhere outside. Your body shakes in tandem with the noise, and you instantly put together what’s making that sound.

“Ahhh!” A student whines. “That noise again…what the hell is it?!”

>“Demonic Beasts…”

File: Demonic Beast.png (185 KB, 512x512)

185 KB PNG

>>5189359
Your three fellow prisoners look at you with terror on their faces. Perhaps they haven’t come up against Demonic Beasts during their time at the academy, buy you’ve already had the misfortune of fighting several of them, and you’d recognize that noise anywhere. Horror slowly dawns on you as you fill in what Monica likely meant. You already know Demonic Beasts can somehow be made from humans. Is that what she meant by ingredients? You rush to the one window, hoping to get a glimpse of something, yet you can see nothing from the view provided.

Another day passes like this. The wait for the Black Eagles to arrive is made more torturous not just by your hunger and thirst, but by your brain pondering where Martha was dragged off to and for what purpose. As you’re examining the room you’re in for the 12th time, looking for a means of escape, you hear something other than the randomly occurring Demonic Beast roars. You hear the thunderous sound of hooves from far off, approaching your location.

“That noise? Is it the Black Eagles?!” One of the students asks, making their way to the window. “W-we’re saved!”

No sooner than he exclaims this, does the door to the room open, revealing Monica standing there.

“Why yes, the calvary has finally arrived! You’re free to go.” She says, approaching the three students with a strange blade in her hand. They recoil as she comes closer to where they’re huddled with her dagger drawn, but all she does is release the bonds around their hands. “You’ll find the exit up the stairs and directly towards the front. I hope you all enjoyed your stay!”

The students look at her, hardly able to believe what they’re hearing, before making a mad dash through the open door, leaving you and Monica behind. She stares at you with a dull expression on her face before cracking a smirk. “I wonder how far they’ll get. Surely, you’ve heard my pets out there. They’re getting quite hungry.”

>“You’re…you’re making those Demonic Beasts, aren’t you…?”

The mirth on Monica’s face is quickly replaced by one of shock. “Eh? How the hell did you know that?”

>“Are you working with Alena?” You ask, trembling with equal parts rage and fear.

Monica grits her teeth. “Never heard of her. But it pisses me off when my surprises get ruined.” The sounds of the Black Eagles approaching grow louder, as do the Demonic Beasts. With a wave of her hand, your binds are released, cut by her dagger faster than your eyes could keep up.

“Do you think you’ll get farther than they did? You’re made of tougher material aren’t you, Blair? Well then, go on and get going.”

>A): Leave through the door and make your way towards the Black Eagles
>B): Stay and fight Monica
>C): Attempt to talk more with her (What do you ask her?)
>D): Write-in

>>5189361
> Kill the bitch with your bare hands, for Martha

>>5189361
>B): Stay and fight Monica
fuck this bitch

>>5189361
>>B): Stay and fight Monica
>D): I am dehydrated, hungry and tired, but even still I know what I must do, engarde!

File: DB5CADFE-5855-4504-B4A5-D(...).png (23 KB, 496x543)

23 KB PNG

>>5189361
>>B): Stay and fight Monica
KILL KILL KILL, let’s pull this bitch’s spine out along with her skull

>>5189380
>>5189388
supporting
lets get her!

File: images.jpg (5 KB, 180x281)

5 KB JPG

>>5189361
>>B): Stay and fight Monica
I can't see this backfiring at all

>>5189380
>>5189388
>>5189403
>>5189414
>>5189418
>>5189448
All this self control training really payed off, lmao

>>5189361
>>A): Leave through the door and make your way towards the Black Eagles

>>5189361
>B): Stay and fight Monica
There is a time and place for anger, this just happens to be one.

>>5189361
>A): Leave through the door and make your way towards the Black Eagles

Fight her with what? We don't have weapons and her hand can move that dagger faster than we can process it. We could try to throw Fimbulvetr at her but that's about it.

>>5189538
With out dukes of course, put them up Monica!

>>5189538
It would probably be enough to prevent her escape, if we can hold her up for long enough which means we might get some answers.

>>5189538
>Fight her with what?
We have a magic staff and 3 healing potions iirc.
Go out of the room, heal, get the weapon out, go back and fight her. Kind of like that?

>>5189543
>Fists
>Brawl: E-

>>5189641
>Live through captivity
>Die in a retarded fistfight
It's time
Captcha: 8PMMA

>>5189361
>A): Leave through the door and make your way towards the Black Eagles

Please don't attempt to fistfight her like a retard

Part of me wants to sock her in the face (the dumbest option, we're at half health and all we have is our okay-ish magic),
part of me wants to leave while giving her a parting gift of Fimbulvetr (maybe not the smartest move indoors)
or run to see if we can keep the other captives safe (and if we're being hopeful, find students who haven't been (fully?) turned yet). First though-
>>5189361
>C): "Xavier... he's among them too, isn't he?"
And depending on her response, I feel a good vow of vengeance might be fitting.

>>5189361
>A): Leave through the door and make your way towards the Black Eagles
Please don't get Blair killed by being dumb

>A): Leave through the door and make your way towards the Black Eagles

File: 1596909209933.webm (2.46 MB, 1280x720)

2.46 MB WEBM

Writing

File: Chapter 9(2).png (21 KB, 1184x528)

21 KB PNG

>>5189361
You’ve been freed from your binds, and Monica has informed you that you can leave your makeshift prison. But you have no intention of doing so. You’re in bad health, you’re hurt and sore, and you can barely stand straight, but every fiber of your being is bidding you kill this girl for what she’s done to your friends. You’re unarmed, but you still have the magic staff that you purchased.

“Hmm? Now why are you still standing there, Blair. Surely you wouldn’t be so stupid as to think you can…”

You grab the magic staff from inside your jacket and channel as much magical energy as you can. In the close quarters you and Monica are in, she should have a hard time dodging a spell of significant power and spread, regardless of how fast she is. You summon forth the most powerful spell you can, rapidly summoning the energy required. The last thing you see before the world around you turns white, is Monica’s grin spread wide enough to show her teeth.

>“Fimbulvetr!”

>Monica
>Level 29 Assassin
HP: 47
STR: 27 (+6, 20% Crit Chance)
MAG: 18
DEX: 26
SPD: 42
LCK: 19
DEF: 22
RES: 14

The room quickly turns into hell as it’s torn apart by freezing cold wins and large icicles erupt from the ground. Monica tries to jump back from one of them but is caught dead on and launched outside of the room, along with all four walls surrounding you and the ceiling above. The large freezing explosion would be sure to catch the attention of the Black Eagles, or maybe even the Demonic Beasts if you were unlucky enough. (Mag: 15+12(Fimbulvetr)+5(Black Tomefaire)+4(FB+)+3(Staff) = 39 – 14 Res = 25 DMG)

You can’t see Monica through the snow and ice that you summoned, but you know you she took the full force of your attack. As you step back to examine your surroundings, you’re able to tell the extent of the damage you caused. You blew apart the area of the chapel you were being held in completely, and now find yourself outside in what must have served as the backyard. A widespread mist blankets the area, residue left over from your spell. With the walls gone, the sounds of fighting have gotten clearer, and you can hear the unmistakable sound of the Black Eagles, currently in battle with the Demonic Beasts. As you look up towards the sky, you can see Pegasus and Wyvern Knights belonging to the Black Eagles. You begin weighing your options when a dagger emerges from the mist and lances you in the chest. (Blair -17, 4/41 HP)

File: Corrine de Clare (5).jpg (81 KB, 842x733)

81 KB JPG

>>5190539
“Hahahahahahahaha! That was superb, Blair! I wonder what kind of Beast you would have made!” As you fall to your knees, you look up to see Monica walking out of the mist. She’s battered and bloodied, with her clothes torn up, but otherwise, she’s still able to stand fully on two legs. “That was sneaky. I gave you a chance to run away and this is how you repay me? Not good, Blair. Really not good.” She grinds her foot into your head, keeping you fixed on the ground. “REALLY not good, Blair. I want to make this slow. I want to take my time cutting you apart inch by inch until you’re begging me to kill you.” She says through gritted teeth. You hear the sound of a Demonic Beast uttering a death cry form far off. “Unfortunately, I’m needed elsewhere, so I won’t have the privilege of doing you in myself. But not to worry, I’m sure she’ll make it sufficiently painful on my behalf.”

Monica lets her foot off you, and begins walking away from you, towards the front of the chapel, where the battle seems to be raging. You don’t have any strength left in you and can barely lift your head. Your vision is fading, and you’re suddenly freezing cold. To make matters worse, you can hear something behind you. Something that’s growling and getting closer. Your last thoughts before you blackout are where you went wrong.

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

“What the hell was that explosion?!” Corrine asks aloud. The axe-wielding warrior is currently clutching onto Kate on the back of the girl’s pegasus. Ordinarily she’d be at the front-line, but once she’d heard Blair was missing, it was a simple matter to sneak off and attach herself to the now leaderless Kate. Ashe had fought fiercely with her over who would ride behind Kate to search for Blair, but unfortunately for him, the pegasus wouldn’t budge with a male on its back.

“Magic.” Kate says. “Martha. Or Blair?”

“Well let’s get down there then! Get this damn thing moving!”

“Trouble.” Kate says. The area is covered in mist and dust from where the section of the chapel exploded. It’s hard to get a clear view down there, but the girls are able to see one thing clearly. There’s a Demonic Beast in there, and it’s lurching closer towards something.

>Corrine
>Level 23 War Cleric
HP: 45
STR: 28 (+16)
MAG: 16
DEX: 20
SPD: 24
LCK: 10
DEF: 15
RES: 12
Weapon/Spells: Silver Axe (Equipped), Tomahawk, Heal
Skills: Death Blow (+6 Attack), Pneuma Gale (Target Res instead of Def)

>Kate
>Level 23 Falcon Knight
HP: 40
STR: 23 (+13)
DEX: 27
SPD: 30
LCK: 22
DEF: 12
RES: 20
Weapon: Silver Lance (Equipped), Spear, Vulnerary(x3)
Skills: Darting Blow (+6 Speed) Defiant Avoid (Increase Dodge when HP is half)

>A): Attack the Demonic Beast with both units
>B): Attack the Demonic Beast with one unit, pull the unconscious student back with another. (Choose who does what)
>C): Write-in

>>5190541
Oh now this is interesting, let's try our best so the calm and glamorous duo can win!
>A): Attack the Demonic Beast with both units
I say both attack as that would serve as a big enough distraction that the beast focuses on us instead

>>5190541
>>A): Attack the Demonic Beast with both units
Based crazy axe girl coming to save us.

>>5190541
>>A): Attack the Demonic Beast with both units

File: Pseudo-Blair Chapter 9.png (1.98 MB, 1928x925)

1.98 MB PNG

hue

>>5190541
>A): Attack the Demonic Beast with both units

>>5190904
Our crazy will save us.
Should have gone for her instead of Ashe

>>5190541
>A): Attack the Demonic Beast with both units

File: Kate.png (21 KB, 180x153)

21 KB PNG

>>5190541
“It’s going after someone.” Kate says.

“Is it Blair? Let’s get to work!”

Kate makes a divebomb towards the Demonic Beast. Even through the fog caused by that spell, the beast casts a large enough shadow to accurately target. Behind her, Corrine unsheathes her axe.

“Thanks for the ride, darling! Be sure to give me some cover out here!” Corrine yells. As the pegasus approaches the beast from above, Corrine leaps off the steed, axe out, and lands by slamming the weapon directly into the beast’s forehead. The blade cuts deep into its skull, causing it to shriek in agony. She hangs by the handle of her axe for a second or two, swinging as the beast wildly flails, before the axe comes loose and she manages to land on her feet and take a step back. (Demonic Beast – 40HP, 90/130)

Blood sprays from the large wound as the beast staggers and falls to the ground, but it’s not out of the game yet. It lets loose another roar as it faces Corrine.

“Quit your bitching! I barely touched you!”

The beast begins crawling towards Corrine when something collides hard with the side of its head, letting loose another jet of blood and sending the creature onto its side. (Demonic Beast – 20 HP 70/130). Kate had expertly performed an aerial reversal after dropping off Corrine, picking up full speed and slamming her spear into the area previously damaged. She pulls her horse next to Corrine.

“Did that do it?” Corrine asks.

“I don’t know. Blair usually tells me when they’re dead.”

A roar provides the answer they were looking for. The two girls feel a sudden pressure emanating from the beast and can see the mist evaporating around it. The creature gets on all fours, before sending a stream of flames at the two Black Eagles. Kate is able to avoid most of the attack thanks to her pegasus and naturally high resistance, however Corrine does not fare as well, being launched back several feet and suffering severe burns. (Corrine -21 HP, Kate -13 HP)

>A): Corrine and Kate press the attack
>B): One unit presses the attack, the other falls behind and heals
>C): Both units fall back
>D): Write-in

File: Chapter 9(3).png (24 KB, 1201x602)

24 KB PNG

>>5191366
>A loud noise wakes you up. So, you’re not dead after all. Despite how you feel, that’s a relief to know. You look up. The mist and the cold seem to be gone, replaced now by an overwhelmingly warm sensation. As you look up from the puddle of blood you’re laying in, you spot a Demon further ahead. Two girls are engaged in battle with it. No one seems to be paying any attention to you. Rude. Don’t they know you’re severely concussed?

>That Demon must be the one causing all this heat. He looks just like the one you fought back at Akzeriuth. That feels like it was a century ago. He needs to cool off.

>A): Corrine and Kate press the attack
>B): One unit presses the attack, the other falls behind and heals
>C): Both units fall back
>D): Write-in


>A): Fimbulvetr
>B): Vulnerary

>>5191368
>A): Corrine and Kate press the attack
>B): Vulnerary
The faster we get out of combat the faster we can heal safely.

>>5191368
>A): Corrine and Kate press the attack
>B): Vulnerary

>>5191368
>A): Corrine and Kate press the attack
>B): Vulnerary
Drink up bitch, this is no time to die

>>5191368
>>A): Corrine and Kate press the attack
>>B): Vulnerary

>>5191368
>>A): Corrine and Kate press the attack
>>B): Vulnerary

>>5191368
>>B): One unit presses the attack, the other falls behind and heals
Corrine probably can't take a full hit as she is if the staggering blow hit her that hard
>B): Vulnerary

>>5191643
Support

>>5191539
changing to this >>5191643

>>5191368
>>5191643
actually yeah, switching to >>5191643

>>5191643
+1

>>5191368
>B): One unit presses the attack, the other falls behind and heals
>B): Vulnerary

>B): One unit presses the attack, the other falls behind and heals
>B): Vulnerary

i'm really glad i pushed for buying those extra vulneraries.
granted, i thought we'd be using them for emergency heals on the prisoners, and not us

File: Chapter 94).png (25 KB, 1192x654)

25 KB PNG

>>5191368
“Are you okay?” Asks Kate.

“Never better.” Corrine seethes through gritted teeth. “Can you hold that thing off while I lick my wounds?”

Kate nods, and flies towards the direction of the Demonic Beast, its mouth still smoking.

“Not much for words, is she? At least she’s good at what she does.” Corrine says as she begins working on undoing the damage she received from the beast. Kate flies directly towards her prey, which tries to lash out at the pegasus with a backhanded swing of its claw. It fortunately misses, leaving itself wide open for Kate to drive her spear into one if its eyes. The beast roars and flails, wildly trying to hit Kate, but the girl is far too fast for it, always flying just out of reach. The beast leaves itself wide open during one of its lunges, allowing Kate to follow up and attack the wound inflicted earlier by Corrine. (18x2 = 36, 34/120 HP)

“You’re out of this world, Kate!” Corrine yells encouragingly. Her armor and clothing are badly burnt from earlier, but the wounds she previously received have been partially mended. (Corrine 40/45 HP). “Let’s finish this!”

The Demonic Beast is badly stunned. It gushes blood, and can hardly stand upright, but is still capable of fighting. It opens its mangled jaw wide open, and smoke and flames begin to swell up inside it as it prepares for another flame attack.

“That won’t work twice, asshole!” Corrine laughs. Unhooking a Tomahawk from her belt, she lets the weapon fly towards her target. The Axe spins in midair as it lodges itself within the Beasts mouth. The creature lets out a strangled cry. Spurts of fire come out of its mouth as it staggers left and right, choking on the Tomahawk. It raises one claw out weakly towards Corrine, only to fall still when Kate impales the creature’s head with her spear. It lets out one final shriek, before laying still, dead.


You watch the scene unfold before you as you rub the vulnerary into your gaping chest wound. The pain is unbearable, and you know that this will only serve as a temporary solution until you can find actual medical help. Your head is throbbing, but the memories slowly start coming back to you as you regain consciousness. You recognize the girls you saw fighting as Corrine and Kate. Did they come to rescue you? You stagger towards them.

“B-Blair?! You’ve been here the whole time?!” Corrine asks, startled at seeing you. Both girls run over and embrace you. “Thank the Goddess you’re okay!”

“Where are the others?” Kate asks.

As you study the corpse of the Demonic Beast, you have a feeling that you know the answer.

>A): Approach the Demonic Beast
>B): Make your way to the Black Eagles
>C): Write-in

>>5193352
>A): Approach the Demonic Beast

File: Spoiler Image (881 KB, 1430x817)

881 KB JPG

>>5193352
>B): Make your way to the Black Eagles
NOPE
NOPE
NOPE
NOPE
I know Edel isn't directly involved but I can't help put post some shitposting material

>>5193352
>>B): Make your way to the Black Eagles
Shits fucked

>>5193352
>A): Approach the Demonic Beast
We know it to be true.

>>5193352
>>A): Approach the Demonic Beast

>>5193352
>A): Approach the Demonic Beast

>>5193352
>C): Send Kate back to inform the rest of the eagles that this is a trap set by Monica (for reasons unknown)
While she does that
>A): Approach the Demonic Beast
Shit's fucked, but at least we have likely the best two people to show up for shit to get done/believe us.

>>5193352
>>A): Approach the Demonic Beast

>>5193352
>>A): Approach the Demonic Beast

File: Spoiler Image (6 KB, 149x137)

6 KB JPG

>>5193352

The others. When questioned, Monica seemed to confirm your worst suspicions. As outlandish as it may seem, somehow what Alena told you in that forest was correct. Demonic Beasts aren’t just a naturally occurring phenomenon. They can also be spawned using humans. There were other students that went missing and never returned to the holding room. What happens to them once they’re turned?

“Blair?” Corrine calls your name. Any trace of the usual playfulness in her voice seems to have disappeared, replaced with an uncharacteristically deep concern. “Are you okay? Let’s get you some medical attention. You’re still badly hurt.”

You ignore her, opting instead to focus on the Demonic Beast the girls just slew. It’s laying there, bloodied, and broken, and a curious thing is happening. Its body is breaking down, as if it were simply just deteriorating. A foul smell permeates the air as the process rapidly continues, and large parts of the beast rapidly disintegrate. You approach it to get a better look.

“What’s happening to it?” Kate asks.

You’re directly in front of the beast’s shrinking corpse, and you’re showing no sign of being bothered by it. As the beast continues to essentially melt, you get a glimpse of something solid within. A human body is face down on the ground, amidst the bones and flesh. While clearly dead, you can tell it’s a woman, small, and in the uniform of the Officer’s Academy. Your friends join you at your side to look. When they see the corpse’s striking red hair, wet with blood, it becomes apparent just who it is.

“That’s…” Corrine starts, mouth agape.

Save for a sharp intake of breath, Kate doesn’t say anything.

>“Martha.”

You stare down at the body of your friend, someone who entrusted their life to you on more than one dangerous mission this year, and who you’ve shared so much with. It dawns on you that there was so much about her you never even really got to know. You momentarily forget about the dark forces you’ve encountered that are at work here. Whatever may be behind them, you know that this moment will last with you for the rest of your life. You feel:

>A): Anger
>B): Despair
>C): Numb

>>5195206
Yup, que the lovely experience of survivors guilt from Martha being taken when we refused. But that can wait for a moment
>C): Numb
In a sort of 'go with the motions' kinda way. I imagine the emotions will spill over the moment we reach respite or see Monica's face

>>5195206
>>C): Numb

File: 1571518315819.jpg (194 KB, 839x1152)

194 KB JPG

>>5195206
>A): Anger
You know where I'm going with this
KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM

>>5195206
On one end, I feel like the trauma settling in would make you feel very detached from everything (as well as the bloodloss).
On the other hand, Blair is definitely fucking pissed at Monica:
>A): Anger

>>5195206
>A): Anger

>>5195206
>Numb
It's the first time one of our comrades fall, it's probably not a very pleasant experience. Besides, we learned not to get angry like that anymore.