The War Camp is abuzz with the sound of people continue their war effort, with one special group that is preparing to leave in a warhorse, yours. The War Council has asked you to help looking for Cao Cao's whereabout after a bird has send a message that she need reinforcement on the certain spot. A young man is sent with you with another horse, acting as a guide for you to help navigating the city.
"Hello, thank you for agreeing for help. We do not have enough manpower for this mission." The young man smiles at the young woman and the knight. "Oh! My name Jin, Jin Ming." He quickly circle his left palm and put it with his right palm followed with a bow.
He briefly look at the man behind Silk, "Is this everyone?"
"W-well..." Jin Ming stutter a bit while scratching at the back of his head, looking a bit nervous. "I suppose... I'll trust you on that. So are all of you ready?"
"Oh! Is it true that it was your group that destroyed the black gate and killed the black general!" Suddenly he looks excited. "My Blood Brother Bong Zhou was there and told me about it but I don't really believe it! if so I will trust you guys!"
(edited)Jin Ming nodded at that. "Lets' ride!" He said as he goes to mount his horse and its start to move toward the city.
All of you start to ride into the city, as you arrived at the famous Black Gate, now only smouldering ruin filled with corpses of people fighting. You could hear the sound of battle filled the whole city as you get closer.
"According to the plan, Cao Cao would be somewhere in a plaza near the palace. Apparently they would open up a secret entrance using an explosive." Jin said as he look upon the city.
"I brought the map with me, when we enter the city, there will be a lot of people fighting so we should stay away from them."
"Follow me then, I'll act as a scout to make sure we don't meet anyone." As he said that, he start to ride the horse again into the city.
The smells of acids and burning body filled your nose as you immediately enter the city proper. You could sees Jin start to cover his mouth and nose with a piece of cloth as he continue to ride farther.
Jin continue to guide you deeper into the city, sometime he would bring you into an alley to dodge the confrontation between two army.
"It should not be long!" *He scream as he got out of the alley and into the blazing main streets. "The building shou-" Before he could finish, an arrow pierce into his throat as he gagged holding onto his bloody throat that had an arrow stuck into it. His body fall downward but the stir-up that hold his leg prevent him from falling into the ground. It does not however, stop his horse from panicking as it's start to galloping forward.
Jin who is now barely conscious take out a piece of papers and give it to Silk. All of you could hear the sound of screaming of order of "Kill him!" in chinese as its grow closer. Jin let out a hoarse sound as he look at you. "...Run."
As you continue to try to help him, you could hear the sound of footstep running toward you. You aren't sure how many it is but its sound like a lot of footstep.
As you continue to hide on the alleyway, you heard the sound footstep enter the otherside of the alley. The sound almost thunderous as you heard various people getting closer.
King Hassan, who is away from people and hide in the debris, could easily saw at least 20 people enter the alleyway with bow and arrows. And more continue to enter.
(edited)As soon as you all start to run your horses, the people that show wearing the emblem of Zhou's arrived and start to scream out and try to chase you
The man still coughing from the intense chase but nod at you. "I'm fine..." He said in coarse sound.
He cough for a bit before answering. "I am fine, but seeing we are already close, I should stay behind... I am a burden in this state." Another cough came from him. "Ugh... don't worry, I could hide myself even in this state."
The horse, who somehow could understand what Silk said neigh at her and nudge her face as if its understand her order.
"Good fortune to you too." Jin said to you all before leaving with the horse.
Following the map, you all arrived at the smouldering plaza. The building that you wanted to go is within eye sight.
Suddenly, various dagger start to fly, attaking Bedivere and Silk, with enough force that made Silk fall down unconcious.
The only things to notice was still the trap door from before.
The trap door now can be seen without any obstruction, there is a huge ring made out of iron that seems to be used to pull the trap door up.
Opening the trap door, you all greeted with a stair downward that seems to lead deeper into the earth.
Arriving at the dark corridor, you continue for a few seconds until you both hear the sound of blade drawn in front of you, a dark figure shrouded in darkness for bedivere, but for Silk, she know who it is. Cao Cao brandising her blade at you, look worse to wear as Silk could sees some dried blood on her forehead and a stump on where her left leg should be. Silk could sees that she is using the wall to support herself.
"Who's there!" You could hear her speak up.
As Cao Cao saw silk and notice her, She let out a laugh of relief as Silk healing magecraft closed off any wounds that still fester.
"Ahahah, seems you caught me in a bad spot huh..." She said as her hand waver for a bit. All of you could see that she is exhausted. "Sure, give me your hand girly." Cao Cao said to the direction of Bedivere.
Cao Cao take the hand and use Bedivere shoulder as support. "Huh, for a girl your shoulder is pretty board..."
"Oh, My bad then." Cao Cao replied before followed with a cough. "Damn... they got me good..."
"We were planning to use the tunnel to fight our way in, but apparently it was a trap. It was a good thing that acid rain came and destroy some support, killed most of my bodyguard tho-" She cough once again.
"Well, damn..." She look at the sword on her hand. "You three are going to the Palace?"
(edited)"Well then..." She look at the sword in her hand before giving it to Silk, a 7 colored gem encrusted on it. "Here, an acquaintance of mine made that sword to deal with Dong Zhou. Seeing that I don't think I could fight, you can have it. And if you do have to fight her then, stab the bitch with this will ya?"
"Good, now help me back to the war camp, if what I thought its true, then your people are making the soldier busy and we could leave."
Jin waves at the group and take Cao Cao from Bedivere and bring her to the infirmary.
And with that, the rayshifting process begins.
You will be entering the minor singularity in New York in the year 1930 in 3... 2... 1...
Rayshifting initialized.
Once the rayshift completed, you are all immediately placed into the singularity. Your feet touching the surface and from the looks of it, all of you have arrived at your destination! Well, almost all of you.
Erik, something went wrong with the rayshift and you suddenly find yourself WAY off target. Immediately, once you rayshift into the singularity, you find yourself standing in the middle of an ice sheet. It seems the waters that surrounded the city were completely frozen. You also appear to be quite a distance away from land.
Currently the winter weather has taken the city. Though strange as it should not be like this around July. It is also night time so you won't be getting much attention unless you find yourselves in the heart of the cities.
For those that landed on the island in the Bronx, you guys don't see each other immediately but you all do find the warehouse the Director was talking about. It looked abandoned for a long time and other than a few hobos that huddled together by a fire set in a barrel outside the building.
@Game Ping 5 (Erik, come with me to #〚💬|game-6.)”In the warehouse, Saber. Can you see me?”
”In the warehouse, Saber. Can you see me?”
”Well, that’s certainly good to hear!”
she replied to Saber through their mental link. ”You stay safe as well, alright? And keep an eye out for the other masters too.”
Tao Dian continued to look around for signs of the other masters inside the warehouse.Hermes, you check to see if this weather was magical in any way. It didn't take you long to conclude that this was a magical winter weather. Someone or something had set this up and it seems like it covers the entire space of New York.
Mihaly, Artoria, the two of you would note that there isn't anything in view. No threats at the moment other than the warning Olga gave.
Your familiar gets to work, Arran.
As Ptilo flies into the air to check for anything, it would immediately notice something strange at the opposite side of the island you're on. It was like a beacon of light. Its colors, icy blue. However the light would be temporary as it disappears eventually. It caught the attention of a few hobos and wandering workers but it doesn't seem like they cared.
In addition to this, Ptilo could see that in the place you're on is a ship port. There are large ships docked a short distance away. Not only that, there were a fair amount of people walking around. But not too much to really be an issue.
If you decide to go check your surroundings again for any difference in the environment, there wouldn't be. The hobos were still by the fire and the section of the port you guys are in remain dead in silence and in life. Other than your own of course.
As for Ptilo, once he was given the order to go scouting ahead, he'd get a better view of the scene. This is what he sees:
At the other side of the island would be a container port with large ships parked right outside of it. Though with the frozen sea, the ships are stuck. The metals that hold the ship together battling against the cold.
Then when Ptilo goes to check out the place where the little light show occured, he'd find that on the floor and in between two stacks of crates, would be ice. Looking as if something exploded as the walls and floor near the point was completely frozen. Then there would also be some unconscious factory worker laying down on the ground unconscious. About 10 feet away from the blast spot.
While Ptilo has found a spot to perch himself in, he'd notice something strange on the site. The unconcious worker's corpse can be seen being dragged by something... Like some sort of shadow. But it would be taken to a corner where Ptilo can't see.
@[11]Arran [5]Skye (edited)
Many, many hours have passed since all of you entered the singularity. Nothing eventful has happened besides the encounter with Rider. Sure, there were some people that tried to get in the warehouse for shelter but the territory prevents them from entering.
Though now its the afternoon in New York. You should all be preparing to visit Queens and find your guide so that she can bring you all to her master to discuss further plans on how to restore this singularity and to understand just what is going on. A new alliance might be formed today.
A bit more time passes and you all find yourselves in Queens thanks to some helpful citizens. By the time you reach the island, the streets are filled with people. For a time where the Great Depression is present, everything looks normal. Other than the fact that the snowy weather was still occuring. A reminder that you are all in Rider's territory.
@Game Ping 5 (edited)Flying around the three of them is the white owl. He would perch on top of a lamp post as he wait for further order, which he would receive immediately as his owner notice him and order him to fly around and act as a scout.
A cat also followed closely behind the group, slinking to the shadows. Mihaly's familiar of course.
The walk didn't take long as you were able to reach the mainlands. Though on your way, you receive some eyes. A mix of judgement and curiosity. You are an odd group, especially with the young Odinson. But nobody really makes the effort to stop you all in your tracks.
However, by the time you reach the edge of Queens, you notice something strange. There was an unhealthy amount of people in the same clothes. They wore baggy black jeans, pinstriped fedoras, white colored shirts underneath their suit and a vest. For those that are a fan or are familiar with this piece of culture, they appear to be from the mafia. Its so blatantly obvious that the whole area is under control. But of course the general population overwhelmed them but there was still a strong amount. They had all eyes and ears on the street. Including you guys.
(Just your stereotypical mobsters but in black. Its like a theme. They also dont appear to be armed.) (edited)Mihaly, you can't get a grip on the exact number but you can recall seeing at least 20 of them. They also appear to be moving in pairs. Each patrolling different street corners.
There are eyes on these streets but you all choose to move further. Taking the assumption that when a place gets colder, that is where Rider and her master will be...
When you guys start moving around the edges of the city, you can't help but feel like you're being trailed. As experts yourselves, you guys can tell the goons are experienced but not at your level just yet.
The three of you are currently moving down in between two old buildings as the temperature keeps dropping in this path. The two buildings by you guys were tall and might be apartments. There were even some civilians minding their own business. But if you are to check who's watching you, you would note that a pair of men in suits are trailing you guys with a fair distance between yourselves. The weather here also got heavier, a light mist even blocking your sights a bit.
Your cat, Mihaly, tries to see if there are any other people following. Unfortunately it couldn't pick up anything. As for Arran's familiar, Ptilo, he'd fail to see through the thick mist. In fact, the closer you get to the other side, the mist gets much thicker and the temperature would be like it was outside New York.
But moments after the feeling, you hear a voice speak to all of you. As well as the crunch of snow as if someone was moving towards the four of you.
[I see you've made it. Even with the lack of directions, you've managed to find yourselves to me.] The voice came from none other than Rider.
(edited)[In truth, I was hoping you would get lost and not be able to find us in time.]
The voice gets louder and the cold winds start to calm down. Through the mist, as it weaknes, you all get to see this robed figure who would eventually remove their hood.
[Let us resume and meet my master. I am Rider and I will be your guide through this winter wonderland.]
[As for the men behind you, they work for my master. Need not to worry about them. But they did not know about our meeting, it seems.]
(edited)She hears your introductions once again and nods her head to show some respect. [I didn't want to in the first place but my master was insistent.] It seems she doesn't really have the enthusiasm to deal with the likes of any of you. Other than one person in the party...
Looking towards Saber Lily, the ice woman smiles. [We meet again, little one. How do you fare?]
ini She hears your introductions once again and nods her head to show some respect. [I didn't want to in the first place but my master was insistent.] It seems she doesn't really have the enthusiasm to deal with the likes of any of you. Other than one person in the party... Looking towards Saber Lily, the ice woman smiles. [We meet again, little one. How do you fare?]
Hearing Lily Artoria giggle, the ice lady would let out a warm chuckle. [I am glad to hear that.] Though her motherly attitude shifts as soon as Mihaly addresses her again.
[We shall see.]
She looks to Mihaly before turning around and gesturing for the rest to follow. Then all of a sudden, the mist disappears just like that. It seems the mist was temporary and there were a bunch of people around that looked to be on guard. More of these thugs but not all of them are in uniform as they appear to be trying to fit in a normal society. But when the Rider starts leading your group, they all go back to their business.
In the area you are in currently, it appears to be a small park with closed restaurants all around. All except one. This small Italian diner that is a part of this apartment building. It wasn't far from your position either. For a Holy Grail War, they appear to be hiding in plain sight.
[This way.] She wanders over to the restaurant and one of the men stationed there opens the door for Rider and you guys.
[Please make yourselves comfortable. My master will be here shortly.] Rider looks to one of the waiters in the empty restaurant floor and gives him a nod. The man returns it and goes up a stair case. Looking to inform Rider's master.
At the same time, the doors to the restaurant swing open. Loudly at that. Coming in were two more soldiers. In between them, the other master candidate, Tao.
"Hey. I assume this one's with you? We caught her trying to keep up but they got lost through the mist." The two guards glance at her before tipping their fedoras and leaving.
(edited)Hermes, while waiting for the master, you can see that there is nobody in this restaurant other than you guys and presumably its small staff. Nothing seemed magical about the place and compared to the outside, this was a nicer area to be in. Outside the windows, you'd just see 'civilians' going about in their business. As well as uniformed guards.
I believe it's best we proceed with caution, Master, it's possible the Civilians outside are just guards poising as sufferers of the Great Depression. Even in Ancient times, workshops were heavily protected under lock and key. It's best we remain vigilant regardless of how receptive the Master of Rider could appear to be. There's always the possibility of this bar being a trap laid to rid them of us... though I suppose the possibility is diminished by Rider's appreciation of Lily.
"Of course, you can never be too careful in situations like this. Thank you for the warning, Caster. I assure you, I'll stay alert."
Tao Dian simply waved back to SOL-2, giving him a playful wink.Mihaly, you take a look around the room and note that there are indeed traps set around but in the form of magecraft. The place seems to be protected by the territory of Rider. Not only that, the soldiers outside were more than ready to act when something happens. It's unlikely that trouble would find themself here. It'd almost be suicide.
A moment passes and all of you could hear the sound of footsteps descending down the stairs. Shortly enough, you'd all see this old man with a cigarette in hand. He lets out a smoke and looks to all of you.
Once his presence has been made, Rider gets up and bows towards them.
[Master.]
She smiles. Strange though that her master was a guy despite referring to their master as a she. But all this confusion leaves as a small figure slowly peaks out from behind the man. It was a little blonde girl who looked quite nervous in front of everyone in the room.
(edited)Artoria... please don't hand out your True Name so readily next time...
"Rider never said your name outright, so her kindness may stem from the fact that you were summoned into your younger form. Be careful next time, okay?"
Well... it should be fine, you needn't concern yourself with it too much. It's just a reminder for the future, if this alliance goes through, it shouldn't be too much of a problem at the very least.
"Yes, make sure the child sur- Agh!"
The master's words were cut off as the shaking caused her to lose her balance and fall to the ground, though she was helped by Hermes soon after.
"Urghh... Thank you, Caster."-This world of insanity... madness... all of it is madness. Let me grant you all a favor... and end your lives here and now.-
As soon as the 'Saber' servant breaks through the floors of the restaurant and presents himself, there would be the sound of gunfire all around you. If you look out at the windows, you can see armed men rushing the building wearing tanned coats. Then just by the restaurant, which is the building you're all inside at the moment, would be men in black. Safe to say these are the soldiers belonging to the Lucchese family. They immediately exchange fire and of course, bullets were still lethal to the normal man in this time.
However the main figure that takes everyone's attention in the restaurant would be none other than this menacing, draconic servant. One of the supposed participants for this Holy Grail War representing the Saber class.
-I am only here for her. Leave.-
The servant announces, shortly staring at Saber Lily. It was a long, bothering stare. (edited)diff -I am only here for her. Leave.-
The servant announces, shortly staring at Saber Lily. It was a long, bothering stare.
-You... The King of Britain is here to stop me once again? No, no. A younger version. Pity. I suppose I can push aside my agenda to deal with you personally.-
While you guys fight off the servant, you see the father and daughter pair rush to the side to exit through the cellars.
8
〇
Thanks to the assistance of the servant, Hermes, most of the gangsters were driven off and reinforcements arrive. The rival family, the Genovese, have retreated. The fighting ending only for today. Another is bound to happen soon.
After the chaos, you could all see the aftermath. There was bullet holes everywhere. Blood spilt on the snow. The smell of smoke entering your noses as it got built up.
A few hours have passed and you have all rested (Short Rest) in the restaurant. Adrian sitting in the same room as the rest of you while his daughter has been brought elsewhere for safety reasons. The father of the master of Rider would be taking a good puff of smoke. Releasing all his stress from that one sigh. He then looks at all of you, nodding his head.
You guys have a safe journey in Queens. With so many cars in armed men, it would be stupid to stop them. Not even the police would do anything to interfere with the business of the Lucchese family.
It took some time but you are all now out of Queens. Only to see that the 'winter wonderland' that Rider used is now gone for different parts of New York. It was almost like you guys just left another world.
Now you guys are crossing a bridge that leads to Manhattan. There, you can see that the people of America are living life as if nothing wrong was happening. Of course there was a notable rise of police staff all around but thats for obvious reasons. The fight in Queens was definitely not out of the radar. Though that should be the least of everyone's worries. Especially when the mafia families run this place.
Hours have passed before you finally enter a suburb somewhere in Manhattan. The number of cars that left Queens and were a part of this escort stayed the same. So far, so good. Even Adrian was glad nothing happened on their way over. But by the time you guys entered this part of the city, it was getting dark. Holy Grail War activity may spike.
Finally, all of you arrive at your destination. You are all currently parked outside a massive mansion with only a metal fence to keep people out. There weren't even soldiers around to keep an eye on things. Strange...
You guys open the small box and see several crystals inside it. All taking a certain shape. Some bigger, some smaller. But the product was just as he said. No, more than that. It was perfect. The ideal drug for mages who wants to feel much more relaxed and 'out of this world' when it comes in strength. Another way of abusing and enhancing one's magic circuits temporarily.
As he says this, the doors of the mansion would open. You guys would then see a large man in a suit walking casually towards the gates you guys stand outside off. Immediately, you guys could tell that this was a servant. And seeing that you guys are visiting the Bonnano family's representative for the Holy Grail War, it means this was Berserker. Though he doesn't look as insane like most. But he has definitely seen some things in his time.
"Guests of Silvia Casto?"
The Berserker asks with a deep but rough voice.
The servant doesn't say anything. He just proceeds to open the gate to let everyone inside. Having them wander in first before him.
The man looks towards Arran then moves closer to the box you guys have. He then gives it a quick smell before pulling away slowly.
"After you all. She is waiting in her office."
This 'butler' stood nearly 9 feet in height. He might not be as tall as Erik but he possesses plenty of strength. If anything goes wrong, the Berserker is more than capable of 'dismissing the guests'.
Once you guys enter the mansion, you all find yourselves in a dark lobby. It was clear nobody else has been using this place. Though you guys see a strange number of cats all around. They meowed, moved across and on top of furniture, slept, etc. Doing what cats do in a home.
The servant eventually follows you guys inside and closes the door. The room now going dim as only light that came through the window gave some vision.
"Up the stairs. She dislikes waiting."
Adrian seems to already know what he's doing as once he had entered, he started moving up the stairs. Scratching a cat's head on the way. It simply purrs, not disliking the affection.
(edited)Adrian would be leading the entire way. Berserker just behind the rest of you guys. Soon Adrian stops in front of a door and takes a deep breath. Once he lets it out, he pushes the doors open. More light shining into the dark halls as large, open windows would give more light.
Now you are all in an office with only a few number of cats this time. Across you guys would be a desk and a chair right behind it. Then there would be a strange boy with horns poking out of his head that was playing with a small kitten. But once the doors were opened, the boy was alerted and quickly looks at everyone that just entered.
"This better be good."
You hear a woman's voice coming from the tall chair. Then as it turns around, you'd all see this slender, pale woman with white hair. The little boy remaining in the floor but close to the woman. He seems to be watching you guys sharply as if he were her guard.
Adrian would pull out the pendant he showed you guys earlier. But before he could say another word, the Berserker immediately takes him down. Pinning him on the floor and placing his large, rough hands on his mouth. Keeping him shut and ready to snap his neck righ there.
The mixed blood hops off of the chair's side and moves to your group. Shortly looking back at you guys to see if you'll follow him out. The servant of Silvia simply standing by the door. Waiting and observing.
You guys were lead to your rooms by the young mixed blood and eventually spent the night here. A long time has gone and by the time you all got up, the sun was in the sky. A new day is upon you all.
Individually, you will be visited by the same boy who informs you all to meet Silvia and Adrian in her office so that you all can try and develop a plan to defeat Saber, his master, and basically the entire Genovese family.
The servant of Silvia would be in the room as well. The young boy no longer present this time as he tends to something else.
Everyone leaves the mansion and has a moment to wait as their escort is soon to arrive according to Adrian. Little to no surprise, Rider would appear out of thin air on a huge winter-themed chariot with familiars made of ice. They take the form of a magnificent elk. Much bigger ones at that. As soon as her presence was made, the entire place felt much cooler. She then greets you all with a mere nod.
While you guys get on the vehicle, you guys receive a broadcast from your favorite director.
And once everyone gets on the charriot, Rider takes the reigns and whips it. The Elks flying up to the skies and soaring through the air. You'd all then notice that the Rider casted a spell that made everyone around her invisible. Even if you guys flew over public areas, they didn't seem to notice you guys at all.
Currently Adrian would be playing around with a bullet while Silvia looked at the view she was given from her seat. Rider carried no expression as she was far more focused on the mission at hand.
By the time you guys arrive at Queens, the sun was going down and the Holy Grail War has begun. Below you, you can see people running away from several points. But those aren't the places you need to be in. Apparently the mafia has already engaged each other in a brutal gun fight. Not even the police can control it so instead of intervening, they are escorting the civilians out. This clearly angered Adrian Lucchese but he had no choice. You could note that even some of his men were involved down there. Providing all the necessary distractions. This Holy Grail War has properly became a 'War' with all the chaos around in public.
Time passes and you notice that Rider is flying down and going to land. Adrian would get up to and adjust his suit.
Arran, Surtr, and Erik, the three of you notice that the building ahead of you is clearly empty from the outside. There doesn't seem to be any guards as expected due to all the battles being fought at different fronts in the territory. Though those soldiers aren't that far either as you guys can still hear the sounds of guns firing in the background. Though distant of course.
The building itself was about 12 stories tall and shaped like a rectangle. Many rooms can be held inside. Then regarding the bottom floor, it looks like it was a center for an exhibit. You'll have to move in to see what's being displayed but at this point, you all have to be careful. Because no mage family wouldn't have a bounded field protecting them.
Arran, you approach the entrance and cast your spell. As you do so, you hear a few pings and cracks as wards seem to have been casted around the entrance. All were active so fortunately enough, your dispel magic cancelled all of them from triggering. That's only for the entrance. There were still plenty of places to cover...
Everyone would see the servant grow to a terrific size and start delivering one swing after another. The bounded field was there but it was not prepared for the assault of a giant servant so easily, the building collapses. But through one of the windows, a servant bursts out of the building with a sword in their hand.
It was none other than Saber. He proceeds to leap onto Surtr and take his turn to attack as the building falls.
The demonic creatures sees that Arran is alone and all rush him. One by one, they impale him with their demonic lances. Then one prepares to strike who rested by the entrance, slowly walking up to the unconcious master.
Before the demon kills him, it looks back at the master who hid himself in his dome.
Then with no other hesitation, the demonic knight pierces the corpse of Arran. Killing him.
Poe, I need you assistance, one of the Masters here has gone down
Shitshitshitshit, I'm not a fighter. I'll do what I can Master, I'll get the Other Master to safey.
Poe Quickly rushed forwards Casting the strongest healing magecraft he could on the downed Master before turning back to see his master Engaged with a Servant
"Damn it!"
I'll Get you out of there Master! Deploying Noble Phantasm
Poe Openned his Legacy of Horror in an attempt to free his Master and clear the path
"This is my false reality, my Lifes work, a legacy of fiction and fear.
Which inspire-"
Before he could activate his NP the servant Teletported to him and cut him down
Ah- I'm sorry master...It seems I failed to keep my Promise with Ezsti...What poor luc-
All the demonic knights rush out of the building with lances in their hands. One of which moves to Vortigern and places a hand on him. People can see his wounds heal up from the touch of the knight.
After the battle, the master and servant both die. Chaldea is victorious today.
Once the Reality Marble ends, you see Rider and Berserker finishing off the Demonic Knights. But before they could get to all of them, they proceed to turn into dust and disappear as soon as Vortigern and his Master were killed. Now all that's left is a levelled street, a destroyed building, and all of you guys.
Hermes, you pass through all the rubble and find the Holy Grail underneath a pile of stones.
Hermes, you take a look at the grail and see that most of its power has been used up. But of course, is still strong enough to help power Chaldea for its efforts. It seems the ritual it was going through originally had put a lot of work on it.
And before you could get an answer, the process concludes and you are all back in your rayshift pods.
You have all gathered in a forest, hearing reports of several frost giants making their way down from their territory. You all notice a path that has been made by the ice giants, tree's broken down, bushes crushed and etc. Though one thing that is a bit unique is the snow and ice trail they leave behind.
The path that the giants take clearly leads out of the forest and into a plains that is near some mountains.
As Ba'al flies up and begins to look around, she could see the giants continued their trail far into the distance. One thing she would notice was some frozen bodies that had been in the giants trail. It was hard to make out from this distance what those bodies were.
The group would find no issue making their way out of the forest. Soon after exiting the forest, the would encounter the frozen bodies. Now being closer to the bodies, the group could tell these were harpies that had been killed and utterly frozen. Some of them were cut in half, others torn to pieces while some frozen utterly solid.
You spend another hour travelling before you come across what appears to be a human caravan. You see a number of humans who have been slaughtered just like the harpies. In addition some of the supplies has been taken. From what you can see the snow and ice path leads towards the mountain nearby.
As Nitocris began to examine the corpses and looking to see if they were fresh or not, something to the side would catch her eye. It was a shoe behind a large rock, unlike the rest of the bodies here, it was not frozen and a bit away from the caravan. The whole shoe couldn't be seen, just half of it. The shoe would then slightly move back, hiding more behind the rock.
Nagato would only find some scraps of food that were on the ground, most likely food that had missed the giants mouth when they had eaten the food supplies here.
As Ba'al flies up in the air and looks around, she would spot a child hiding behind the rock that Nitocris had pointed out. He was no more then six years old. The boy was currently shivering and holding his knees together with his two hands.
The child would have a shock look on his face when he saw Yasuke. His eyes would go wide as he attempted to move back at first before then stopping.
"Monsters... are the monsters... gone?"
As Nitocris kept a look out, she would spot that half way up the mountain their was a bit of snow starting to fall and some ice starting to form. This was unusually as the rest of the area around their was green.
"Gone... I can... come out now?" asked the child as he would slowly move to grab Yasuke hand.
With that the child would stand up, now above the rock that he had been hiding behind. He then turned his head to the location of the caravan and then started to run towards one of the corpses.
"Papa, papa, wake up!" cried the child as he began to shake one of the frozen corpse.
The child would sniff. He was just a young boy. He would then fall down on his butt and hold his legs together. Despite his age, he knew his dad wasn't coming back.
The child would look at Yasuke as he was lifted up. He would then nod his head in agreement.
The giants wouldn't stop Ba'al casting the Tidal Wave, at least not until she was done and fired it at them.
(edited)With that the final giant would be slayed. The ice ground would begin to turn back to normal. It seemed whatever the giants were trying to do, the group had managed to put a stop to it.
The young boy would then appear towards the group. He would see that everyone was injured or exhausted but the giants were dead. Tears would begin to swell in his eyes as he would run towards the group, attempting to hug someone.
The group was asked to hunt down a small group of wolves just to clear some of them out, as a means of training the weaker masters they were put together into a group and sent off to track down said small group. They were only a few hours walk north of the base and not to far down the mountain, a good few miles though.
As Naomi looks for the tracks of the wolves, with the help of her peers she'd find some, they were faint though... At least they pointed in a direction which they could follow? North-East towards some mountains further up the mountain range from the base!!
As the group moves out the tracks became a little bit clearer here and there. There were a few times where it was quite a bit more difficult tracking them down but they'd show back up in the dirt or mud somewhere. As you walk around the mountain which the tracks lead you, the group comes up to a small pass with towering walls of stone which would be quite the arduous task to climb up.
These are quite the nonfriendly climbing slopes, people who didn't have experience and or gear are gonna be hardpressed to climb them.
There is a path right down the middle, maybe 10 ft across in width that continues up the mountain~! Since it is a pass and all.
Besides that main mountain pass, there were other ways in and or up the mountain, each having signs of the wolves. It was quite obvious this mountain was their territory. There were some caves they could fit in together but it would be a tight fit where they would have to be single file. Other than that though there was only the option of climbing up the rock wall which was pretty unfriendly no matter where it was and the path.
As the group move in, they got maybe 100-200 meters up the pass before they hear the howl of wolves!!! Awooooooo!!!! Looks like their targets are finally coming after yall have walked on their territory! They're not in sight yet, but yall roll me a perception to hear how far away from you they are!
Naomi and Lilith are a bit oblivious as to how far away they are, but there are definitely multiple wolves. As for Alochie and Aya, they were definitely closing in, perhaps 6-12 seconds away and inbound fast, surprisingly from on top of the rock ledge?
Angry wolves have arrived to nom everyone to death!!
Quite quickly and skillfully the wolves maneuver themselves around the rocks, seemingly having no difficulty traversing them, granted it was their home turf so they have experience climbing around here.
Right on queue after the death of the two wolves, a fair number of other wolves appear! This definitely wasn't just a small pack oh well, the information was a little wrong?
Angry Doggos are attacking people!! Awoooo!!
Wolfo goes to nom on Alochie oh no!!!
Well, a lot of wolves are ganking Alochie right now... A pretty hefty pack...
Well, the wolfo is happy now. It's firmly planted its ass on the ground and wagging its tail at Alochie. Though is gonna give a growl towards Naomi. It doesn't like the others, just Alochie.
This is fine for wolfy, but it's not letting anyone else onto its back. Only Alochie gets wolf friend, she didn't try to hurt it like everyone else hurt its old family smh.
Everyone, listen to me. If we don't play this well, we may be in heaps of trouble.
He begins forming a strategy in their telepathic bond.
Avenger, I ask of you to take the front. You are more resilient than us.
Assassin, I will need you to be our offensive pivot with Gorgon. I also need you to be wary, for a chance to take Touko and pull her away.
Ruler, stay behind with me. Only leave when you are sure you can make a killing strike.
(edited)”Master, I have to tell you, I am truly a great warrior, but I’m not quick enough to take her away in a fast enough time”
(edited)"If I get close enough, I can bring the opportunity. Is it within your abilities to pick her up and run back behind Gorgon's cover?"
”I for sure can try my best, but you’ll be indebted to me. After all, I’m the one who can save her at this, so why not take advantage of this and ask of you something much more like a favor for a later time~ Hmm? What do you say, feeling lucky to test your luck with this gamble?”
"It's fine. This isn't about me anymore."
He seems confident on his decision.”Amazing, … I for sure am telling you, you regret won’t this transgression”
"Maybe. But where would I be, if I can't trust my own allies?"
"..Understood, though if I may.. Why am I to sit back?"
”On the ground without a grave, … probably”
"And so I'll continue trusting."
Sal is playing with fire... But for now, that isn't his main concern.
"You're wounded. If she happens to be a strong spellcaster, she could incapacitate you. However, you still have enough power to kill, so I intend for you to deal the killing blow."
He answered Astraea right after."Do tell me if you disagree."
"No, you may be right. It simply hurts my Pride to be in this bad shape."
”Pride wilts with confidence and loss of determination, don’t worry dear, if push comes to shove, I’m here to protect you”
(edited)
The assigned group was send to Gil's new outpost on the frontlines via teleportation circle. Still inside the structure the group gathers to prepare for their mission!!
Since the new outpost is right on the edge of Thrym's realm you could easily note the weather deeper in... It's going to be a maaassive pain in the ass. The weather is quite heavy...
(edited)It was quite wise that L'oro didn't take flight as was shown not to long after their departure. The weather only got worse and worse as time went on, it was nearly impossible to see anything. Granted they could continue at top speed and risk running into something. The truck definitely helped more than a lot, with protecting them from the weather~!
Since the group slowed down it was extremely helpful for keeping out of the way of anything they could run into, frozen trees, rocks, more trees and rocks, the occasional ice block, etc. Those with blindsight were also backseat pointing out shit to avoid!!! It's pretty damn helpful... But there's a little thump thump feeling up ahead!!!
Ima be real, everyone and thing without blindsight, cant really see much outside of what's literally right in front of them. Those with get to see just that tad bit further~
As they investigate the thumping sound is slowly getting stronger and stronger! There's quite a bit of thumping now, like multiple giants are about to be on their ass very soon? WELP BE PREPAAAAAAAARED!!! At least more than Scar was in The Lion King. Yall can see up to 20ft but its still mostly just shadows of people outside of 5 ft. Blindsighters are totally fine in their blindsight range.
Well there's quite a few thumpy thumps, something like 5 things at least coming at you. Two of the five seeming deeper than the others. Granted there could totally be smaller creatures which dont thump hiding out somewhere and coming in without anyone knowing.
Don't worry, I am seeing through your eyes to keep track of you. I can at least see it from your perspective. You can show me your proper performance later.
Well we got one biiiiig bitch trying to take Nagato from behind if ya get my drift. Take him with his big ass axe.
Well... Nagato is getting gangbanged by 3 BFGC.
Big boy 1 now has a really dark freezing aura around it!!
We have a lot of angry boys just going wild!! But hey they're falling over one by one.
Angry Frost Giant Noises!!
Welp, now there are a lot of dead giants around everyone, aaaaaaaaaaand probably still quite a while to go since they really didn't drive all that far from Gilgamesh's territory...
Well we have some piles of ice... Really big piles of ice
Well as yall retreat it seemed to be quite mellow, the weather was still a bitch though...
The second group who was given a small bit more time to prepare had the deployment zone of Gilgamesh's territory just outside of the realm of Thrym. The weather deeper in visibly horrible to deal with...
The group sets out, lead by Sita down the same path they took last time. It would be about a 20-30 minute walk before the snow really started to come down. Vision was heavily obscured with snow, making it an annoyance to see anything past 5 ft, and impossibly difficult to see past 20. At least for the group Sita had a good feeling about the direction, hopefully it proved to be right...
All of the land was frozen around them, scattered trees which were incased with ice and the hills that had been formed with snow were the only things that stood out...
This journey has been noticeably more taxing on Jeanne and Atalanta compared to everyone else as the two found it pretty difficult to move through all the snow.
As the group continued their hike that would be who knows how long, they'd feel a low rumble. One that was growing larger and larger, who knows maybe a pack of deer? Riiiiight? It couldn't be aaaaaaaanything worse? Oh wait, never mind... It definitely could... We're in Thrym's realm after all!!
(edited)As Atalanta sweeps the circle, she sees nothing? There's a lot of rumbling now...
As Varus summons his whirlwind it hits nothing? As for the beam, also a missed shot!
Well, it's not clearing up... Sight up top is getting worse with the whirlwind as it sucks in the snow to make it more dense... Well shit?
Afflicted with some sort of attack, frost grows on Ereshkigal and Atalanta's bodies, paralyzing the goddess!!
Holy shit a rock's inbound!!!
The rock came from the North East somewhere!
Everyone hears a yelp of pain from where Kama threw her fireball!!
MORE ROCKS!!!
As Jeanne moves in, oh shit, two really big fuckers.
Jalter's about to get gangbanged, smh getting NTR'd.
Out of the fog another Frost Giant wanders out, just barely in the sight of Atalanta as it moves in and bashes in the paralyzed Paracelsus...
Well, the giants are now piles of ice? Nifty...
I'm a dumbass okay look it's a blizzard reee
It's very blizzardy!!
Weather is very angry!!
(edited)
Vee, I have to ask… Why does this man commands such a degree from respect? Is he simply that powerful of a sorcerer? If so, how, from where does he draw his power?
"Ah, well.. I believe a Magician is someone that has reached the Peak of what is possible with Magecraft..! As far as I'm aware, the Magic they can use isn't possible for Regular Mages like me or Teacher."
Veronica answered her Servant through their Link.
"I have absolutely no idea how it works, I'm still working on the basics myself.."
I see.
The party's sight is soon restored after a few moments.
They appeared upon the surface of a barren wasteland. Huge stalagmites are scattered and rise up from the stone-gray ground.
In the immediate distance, there looks to be a dark, shimmering ocean of blood, with a wooden boat docked nearby.
Gathered near the shore is a group of bipedal monster that resemble Satyrs with spears (B) and some that appear as centaurs (A). They seem to be stabbing at fresh corpses that are also vaguely humanoid, save for horns, wings, scales, and skin pigmentations.
They notice the teal sunflare from the teleportation spell and turn to you a mix of confusion and bloodlust emanating from each of their bodies.
(edited)As Archer turns to look behind him, he will see massive fortresses made out of blackened metals dotting the horizon in different directions. They expel immense plumes of black ash and smoke that drift for miles across an orange-hued sky.
Countless gouges in the earth, some impossibly large, liter the landscape. They tell of great and terrible battles waged recent and ancient.
In front of you, you notice a cloaked, humanoid figure on top of the boat with golden, glowing eyes beneath the hood.
The cowled figure beckons you forward onto the ship.
You also realize that the creatures in front of you do not seem to notice the ship, as if they cannot detect or sense it.
As if sensing Francis' intentions, the creatures roar a battle cry and charge forward, their eyes glowing red!
As the Chaldeans manage to clear the shoreline, they sense an IMMENSE power building. Over the horizon a pillar of red light pierces through the orange-hued sky.
At the very bottom of the pillar, you see, leading a huge, endless army of humanoid monsters, an armored woman with black, angelic wings and a flaming greatsword dragged alongside her.
As you both sense her, she somehow senses YOU.
"Outlanders. You dare enter my realm without my permission?! Did you not think I would sense a planar teleporation spell of that magnitude in MY PLANE?!"
A voice echoes throughout EMIYA and Francis' ears.
The boatman looks visibly panicked and begins to lift the gangplank as the boat already starts to sail away from the shoreline!
The boatman looks visibly panicked and begins to lift the gangplank as the boat already starts to sail away from the shoreline!
The majority of the party manages to leap aboard, using superior physical ability or Magecraft to make up the difference.
@Orphelia/Naomi/Artoria
Unfortunately, the gangplank is retracted too far by the time Orphelia arrives and her leap falls short.
She starts to descend, the blood-red waters ominously awaiting her below.
You manage to scoop up Orphelia in mid-air, just as she was about to enter the blood-red waters.
@Sheikh Clover
Nothing happens to the barrel. It simply floats upon the surface as one would expect.
@Game Ping 5
With all of you aboard, the ship enters into the bloody waters in earnest, speeding away at full sail, leaving the pillar of light far behind.
The boatman is not hard to find. He stands at the helm of the ship but strangely does not touch it. The ship's wheel steers itself.
The cowled figure nods at Francis.
Whatever disease is afflicting Rin, it is decaying her soul, which reflects upon her body in the form of horrific, festering boils. Every time she coughs, flies and maggots vomit from her mouth, and she sheds rotting skin.
All he sees is a dark, red ocean. However, every so often, something behemoth stirs from the deep, creating a noticeable ripple against the wave's natural current.
The creature nods and holds out an emaciated hand, as if expecting something.
The creature nods and holds out an emaciated hand, as if expecting something.
The creature nods and holds out an emaciated hand, as if expecting something.
"What the Wizard of Eternal Balance paid for was a simple trip to Stygia.
Antagonizing the Archduchess of the First was not included in our contract.
Pay or I shall oust you from my ship and into the Styx."
(edited)The cursed one speaks true.
"I desire not monetary value, but something more intangible. Emotional. Spiritual. Those are the currencies I deal with."
Charon looked at Francis, its golden eyes glowing under the hood.
"Make your bargain."
(edited)EMIYA manages to mend most of the wounds sustained by the group, however, Rin's disease persists despite his best efforts. He can assume it's because she took a double dose of the cursed attacks that her affliction is twice as hard to remove.
"It is easy to part with something you hate.
For angering a god of the realms, I would demand more."
Charon pauses and Francis can practically see leering smile despite the blackness under Charon's hood.
"You were a married man, yes? A father of a family. A warrior sent off away from home, with naught but... their picture in a locket? Or perhaps a letter of love and warmth? I would take those."
(edited)I don't get why in your mind.. others were worth more then you.
"Hm.."
No. He'd just try this bow first most.Rin also notices the large creatures swimming just under the surface. She also realizes as she peers across the water that there are other, smaller boats littered over the ocean, the only thing marking their passage are small lamps in the distance that appear like tiny, yellow dots when she uses Reinforcement to focus her sight.
Charon held out his hand toward Francis.
Charon took the photo and analyzed it from top to bottom and front to back.
Then, he set it into his hood, where a human's mouth would be. The photo disappeared into the blackness and Francis could feel his Saint Graph completely change as the very memory of his wife was wiped from his mind. All he would feel or remember in her place was a black oval where her face once was.
It was memory worth a million nightmares.
"True Love. Delicious." Was Charon's only comment.
(edited)"One more." He looks to EMIYA and Veronica who are nearby.
"Which one of you shall pay?"
"The soldier's love was quite filling. I will take your weapon as a desert, then."
Charon took the bow and slipped it into his cloak. When one looked, there was no body beneath, but just abyssal blackness.
As soon as the bow entered the cloak, it was utterly erased from Archer's Reality Marble.
"We shall arrive in Stygia shortly. Prepare yourselves, Outlanders from Another World. For the 5th Layer of Hell, Stiygia, is a place of frozen oceans, glaciers, perpetual twilight, thunder, and lightning."
He waved the party away from the ship's wheel.
(edited)Master... Does something seem... Different, about Francis?
"..definetly. Maybe for once I was right to be selfish."
As Francis approaches the railing of the ship, he will see an immense, bloody mist rise like vapor in the ship's direction of travel.
"That blood-mist is the rising vapor of an immense, rushing waterfall. Your destination lies within is the Fifth Layer of Hell, Stigya. But we are currently on the First, so we must descend into the depths. This waterfall will take us straight to Stygia, however, you Outlanders must first contend with its guardians."
(edited)"That blood-mist is the rising vapor of an immense, rushing waterfall. Your destination lies within is the Fifth Layer of Hell, Stigya. But we are currently on the First, so we must descend into the depths. This waterfall will take us straight to Stygia, however, you Outlanders must first contend with its guardians."
"That blood-mist is the rising vapor of an immense, rushing waterfall. Your destination lies within is the Fifth Layer of Hell, Stigya. But we are currently on the First, so we must descend into the depths. This waterfall will take us straight to Stygia, however, you Outlanders must first contend with its guardians."
"Gravity has no meaning for me while on my ship. However you lot will have to divine a solution."
"The lower deck is forbidden. None shall enter." Charon says, his normally apathetic voice, suddenly sharp.
Charon tilted its head in interest as the party began tying themselves down.
As the boat sails forward, the waters become rougher and rougher. The once errily calm ocean quickly turn into wild rapids as the edge of the waterfall grows ever closer. The noise of the rushing ocean fills the party's ears.
You know that these waters, while wild, are also somewhat unnatural. It is as if they were made by the aura of the legendary sea monsters of Poseidon, the Cetus.
Charon speaks over the chaotic ocean, his voice echoing with calmness.
"The guardian is here. Ready yourselves, Outlanders, for your first trial has arrived."
As if to answer Charon's call, the waters port of the ship shoot up into a bloody geyser and reveal a gigantic serpent! It roars and the red oceans respond to batter the ship with greater fury. If it weren't for the ropes, the party would have had a much harder time staying aboard.
Then, two more heads emerge on the starboard side, echoing the first's rage!
It seems we can only rely on ourselves, Vee. Prepare yourself!
As the party finally kills the third of the serpents Charon speaks once again.
"Standfast, Outlanders, for now you shall see why this part of the Styx is unguarded despite the Lord of the 9th Circle's planar restrictions on Avernus..."
As if upon summoning, a great monstrous whale breaks the surface of the bloody ocean behind them. Upon its flank are dozens of all-too-familiar looking tentacles that roar in unison.
"Behold, the Cetus, cursed child of the Poseidon, and Guardian of the Falls."
(edited)As the party finally kills the third of the serpents Charon speaks once again. "Standfast, Outlanders, for now you shall see why this part of the Styx is unguarded despite the Lord of the 9th Circle's planar restrictions on Avernus..." As if upon summoning, a great monstrous whale breaks the surface of the bloody ocean behind them. Upon its flank are dozens of all-too-familiar looking tentacles that roar in unison. "Behold, the Cetus, cursed child of the Poseidon, and Guardian of the Falls."
For the first time, Charon laughs.
"That was an amusing suggestion. I will consider that payment for my next bit of advice, Outlander:
We do not have to kill the guardian to cross. We simply have to escape it."
He points at the blood-mist vapors that mark the edge of the waterfall. They were so close, now.
"Free the ship."
Upon analyzing the creature as best she can, Rin discerns no noticable weakpoints from afar save for two: its massive eyes and its gullet, that opens up to roar every so often.
If EMIYA can fire his Noble Phantasm into its mouth, then maybe..?
After it swallows the broken Noble Phantasm, the mighty Cetus roars in pain as it detonates in its throat. Though it does not die, it suffers greatly and reflexively retracts its dragon-like tentacles. The ships speeds away, leaving the Cetus to wallow in torment far behind.
But the danger is not over yet.
Almost immediately, the ship dips straight down a gigantic, seemingly infinite waterfall. Flashes of locations pass by. Rather than a waterfall, it's more like a vertical portal to another dimension.
Then, as soon as it began, their descent stops. Thankfully, the party strapped themselves down - who knows what fate would befall them if they left the deck of the ship during the descent.
What greets them first is the cold sting of the air. The party 'lands' in the middle of a vast, frozen, blood-black sea that stretches out to infinity. Large glaciers and glacial islands can be seen in almost every direction. The deepest part of the River Styx, the portion you are sailing on, seems unaffected by the freezing temperatures and cuts a dark, winding path through the icy oceans. Above you, a dull, blue-white sun casts a gloomy light over a gray, cloudy sky.
"Oh no, Outlanders, the worst has yet to begin."
"For a fee, I shall tell you about this land. Who shall pay?"
"Indeed," Charon nodded at Rin.
"Now, make your ask," Charon held out his hand, expectantly.
While they spoke, the ship steered itself to the 'shore' and the gangplank shot out from the deck to the frigid ice below.
Charon took the glasses and placed them into its cowled visage, where it disappeared into the abyss just below its eyes.
The memories she had of Tyonis would be erased, replaced with an inky black void. Any emotional entanglements were gone, as if ripped from her very soul.
"Unrequited love. How delectable. I suppose it will buy you something," Charon nodded.
"This is the 5th Layer of Hell, Stygia, the land of eternal ice. The Archdevil Levistus, is imprisoned in the largest glacier for all eternity. He rules over this realm and his influence spreads across it like a poison, unseen and untasted until it is too late. Strangers who spend too long within this Plane shall be cursed to forever wander and never leave, imprisoned, like this realm's doomed Master. Even for the most robust of Adventurers, staying for more than 8 hours is enough to doom them for all time. For you..." He points at the Servants, "strange creatures, who are neither alive, nor dead, I would cut your time in half."
(edited)"There is more, should you desire to know. And have the wherewithal to pay the toll."
Charon tilted its head at the object and its cowl shook in rejection.
"It is far too cheap a sacrifice. Nay, strange warrior, you shall suffer and I shall feed upon it."
"Oh? And what would you offer me now? Perhaps your knowledge as a Healer of Men? To feast upon your profession, your very identity, would be more than enough..." Charon eyes Orphelia.
(edited)Charon takes the cube and it disappears into his cloak.
Once again, Orphelia would feel her very soul be violated as the memory of Veronica and their bond were ripped from her being and devoured.
"Mm. The bond of teacher, student, mentor, and comrade in arms. Yes, this will be enough."
Charon pointed at a glacier that seemed to have a large chunk of it gouged out.
"The alien vessel you seek lies dormant in that crater, brought down by the Archdevil Greyson prior to his defeat and replacement by Levistus. It has slumbered, forgotten by all save a few cultists who are ahead of you. Should they gain control of the ship, then your journey will be for naught. Travel relentlessly, Outlanders. Time is forever your greatest enemy."
(edited)"Finally, the weather - purple lightning, tinged with the Styx, is deadly to your body, mind, and soul. It even explodes upon impact, spreading across like a plague to those nearby."
Charon paused and motioned to the gangplank.
"Your journey continues, Outlanders."
"Mmhm. You lot have been an entertaining bunch. Should you survive this endeavour, call my name a thousand times before the River Styx and I shall appear again to ferry you across the waters.
For a price."
Once the party dismounts, the ship starts to sink into the Styx. Charon stands atop the deck.
"My name is Charon, Lord of the River Styx, and my debt to the Wizard of Balance is henceforth repaid in full..."
He then merges into the black-red waters, leaving no trace.
(edited)And now, the party finds themselves alone in this frozen, alien hellscape.
After Hippolytus skillfully guides them through the treacherous terrain. They climb the glacier to overlook the crater where the Leviathan crash-landed. The ship itself is huge, perhaps larger than Chaldea itself. Countless arcane weaponry flank its sides, but what sticks out the most is the obviously alien design. Rather than steel or wood, it is more like a living creature molded of flesh.
Francis and EMIYA can even see that it seems to breath every few heartbeats, as if snoring. There is a hole in the sides, and the rear the two Archers can detect. Worse still, there are fresh footprints in the snow. But it seems the cultists do not have that much of a lead on them thanks to Hippolytus' quick traveling.
30 minutes have elapsed since the party entered Stygia.While the two Archer Servants scan the area, Rin suddenly coughs a lung full of blood, maggots, and flies, then collapses onto the snow as her puss-filled skin fills with boils that pop and smell of a rotting corpse.
(edited)We all have language translators thanks to silk. We know what you two are saying.
As the party lands, they see the opening leading into the ship-like creature. Rather than a hole, it is more like a frozen wound that has refused to heal.
Standing in the darkness is a man with red skin and horns, he shouts in a guttural language, as if expecting intruders and as soon as he does, the flesh on the side of the ship facing the party slides open with wet, slurping sound to reveal intestine-like tubes.
Black, glowing masses are then launched from the tubes like bullets at the party!
The cannons, hidden beneath the fleshly walls, fire a series of black orbs that impact a shield made of flaming petals.
EMIYA's quick thinking saved the lives of those behind him, although it came at great cost! The entire glacier QUAKES from the explosion and avalanches start to fall toward the crater.
Worse still, it seems the Leviathan lives up to its name as a planet-conquering vessel, as it charges up again for another volley!
(edited)As the party rushes into the ship, they would soon see that the ship is a grotesque mix of flesh and metal. Some walls pulse along with a heartbeat, and the floors are made of some kind of dark grey steel stained with frozen blood from eons past.
Before them stands a group of red skinned humanoid creatures with wings and horns. They charge the party as soon as they board the Leviathan!
The red skinned humanoid looks confused at what you just said. It's clear they don't understand you.
You see an almost casual and contemptous use of True Magic as three spatial tears appear in the space down the hall. Out from it emerges a gigantic, red meld between a bull and a human. Huge black wings adorn its back and it wields a sword of flame and a whip made of lightning.
Out from the two smaller portals on the side emerges a Serpentine woman. Half of her is snake, and the top half is that of a six-armed maiden.
Despite the alien language, all three of them look enraged beyond measure and as if to echo their rage, the entire realm QUAKES.
They speak amongst themselves, their rage tinted with no small measure of fear before they eye Veronica and charge!
(edited)A ghostly voice echoes throughout your souls, bypassing even the requirement to understand.
"You insects from the Abyss dare tread upon my Realm without my permission?! NONE OF YOU WILL ESCAPE. STIGYA WILL BE YOUR ETERNAL PRISON!"
The entire world shakes once more as you all feel a penetrating gaze upon your very souls.
As the great monstrosity is slain, the creature explodes in a ball of fire, blowing open the battered door behind it.
As the smoke clears, the two remaining monsters seem unharmed. Behind the ruined door is a large chamber. The fleshy walls are decorated with counltess sigils and symbhols that lead to a small protrusion that looks like a brainstem at the center of the room. Many gems, magically charged, litter the walls and before you is a crystalline image of the outside.
As Veronica sprints forward, she realizes the brainstem has a triangular indentation that matches the keystone!
As soon as Veronica slams the keystone into the brainstem, the gem array along the walls of the room light up, filling the area with rainbow light. As if responding to Veronica's subconscious desire, everything but her party members are forcefully teleported out off of the ship.
It starts to rumble and rise and as power returns, the oppressive gaze from beyond is forced away. It ascends high into the air, destroying the glacial prison from eons past, and its true shape is revealed:
That of a huge hermit-crab like spaceship almost the size of the glacier itself.
As if spurred on by an unseen force, purple lightning lances across the Leviathan's surface, leaving scorch marks but not much else. The weather suddenly worsens into a horrific blizzard in front of Veronica's eyes, but still the ship rises until it breaks the clouds where an immense rip in space appears. Beyond is such absolute blackness that even outer space cannot compare.
As the ship floats through the void, a portal opens up in the helmsroom to reveal a bald, middle aged human.
Despite the planar and extradimensional protections on the ship, he appears without fuss and eyes the keystone in the brainstem.
"So you must be Zelretch's little minions. Thank you for your assistance in retriving this ship. Your Master and I are under certain... restrictions and we cannot act freely without breaking cosmic laws." The man says.
"I am Mordenkainen, the Wizard of Eternal Balance, it is a pleasure."
He bowed with an unreadable smile.
"That won't be necessary," he says to Francis. "I've already swept the ship of any... annoyances." He shook his head. Then nodded at Hippolytus.
"Indeed. Proxies are necessary to maintain the celestial ceasefire. If individuals of my power act with impunity, gods and demon lords will do so as well, spawning a great and endless war without limit. It's much preferable to play chess on a board than it is to burn the whole table, so to speak."
He turns to Rin and nods absently.
"Zelretch has a habit of dooming his disciples. I wish you good luck under his tutelage. If you survive and master his craft, then come and visit. I will welcome you, personally."
He nodded at Veronica and EMIYA. "You two have my gratitude as well."
He then turned to address the group. "I shall send you back to your world. Please give Zelretch my regards. I wish you good fortune, Outlanders."
And with that, the group reappears in the Command Room...
Mere seconds after they left.
9
〇
I can do this....I've been planning for this in the first place!
Giving herself encouragement, she looked over to Akiha and the group as she smiles.
"Now, let's follow caster to our battlefield shall we?"
She speaks out in a strong tone, as if trying to rouse them up too as she begin walking.Klara slowly moved the group forward, and soon enough, they'll find them looking at 5 Pixies and 5 chimeralike wolves. The Pixie's were carrying the Cocoa's
The group would find themselves in one of the virtual battle rooms. A simulation had been setup for them. This simulation was a recreation of the China Singularity. Chaldea found note on a powerful prototype enemy that would have been used to help conquer all of China.
The Masters and Servants would find themselves in a town that they needed to defend versus the attack army.
As you appear in the city, one of Chaldea staff voices could be heard in the speakers.
"In this simulation your orders are to protect this city from a siege. There are some ballista up on the walls that you can use for range attacks if you lack such abilities. Otherwise, setup some defenses and get ready for several waves of enemies."
After a few hours, the enemy could be spotted. It wasn't a human army, instead if was an army made up of golems. These were proper siege golems, meant to knock down the walls and destroy any resistance.
As the group begins to heal up and defend themselves, they begin to feel the ground shaking. In the distance they can see a large golem coming at them.
Assassin did not respond to your calls and chose to remain hidden. After all, you are a Saber and they... ae an Assassin.
The Servant, remaining hidden, would speak out, although where they were was quite missing. The sound came out a bit feminine, but it was unsure of if that was truly the case.
"No. Duty remains as is. Using Magecraft against a Civilian is an offense. But will remain as is, as reports comes later."
That's where you're wrong, Saber. In this situation, whatever Mystery still exists is precious and must be kept safe. Besides, that's just how stuck-up Magi operate."
The servant did not respond to Sengo Muramasa. And then, the Assassin began to move as if attempting to follow the group.
"Further surveillance is necessary. Especially for Mages that cannot solve anything without Magecraft."
They'd stop and respond to Saber.
"Do not speak to my Master with disrespect. It will get you killed."
She'd say.
"Nevertheless, no matter the circumstances, it does not excuse Chaldea for such a drastic and unnecessary action. The usage of Magecraft towards citizens is an uncalled action. Finally, surveillance is necessary, to any Mages within the city. An absolute. You are no exceptions."
"You are free to do as you wish as long as it does not result to any unnecessary breaking of rules."
They'd respond. Before they continued moving on.
You find yourself not far from the frontlines. You are currently in a small town and the sun is starting to set. It seems that everyone is currently inside. Though suddenly you would see two Executors making their way to you. As they got close, they would both side step, revealing a young blonde boy who had his hands in his pockets. The boy would then speak.
“Oh mages now doing the Church bidding? When did such high prideful beings turn into low level mercenaries. Hey are you listening to me, I am talking about your organization.”You realize this is a high ranking Church official, known as Mario. His grandfather is next in line to become the pope. He also shares the same last name as his grandfather, meaning he is a rising star in the Church and has a lot of authority.
(edited)Mario eyes would first shift towards Chris. Though young it was clear the boy was an expert at reading people. Yet he would then focus his attention at Richard for a moment before then talking to the group.`
"Aye the world is in chaos. But still, having the familiars talk instead of the masters, its almost as if your hiding something." *said Mario as he would then look at Chris.*
"Are you so underconfident that your letting your familiar do all the talking for you? Oh, I see, your afraid of me for some reason. Perhaps you wish to confess something but you can do it after the mission. Surely your strong enough to fight until then." *said Mario as he was poking into Chris while ignoring the other Heroic Spirits.*
*Though he would then shift his attention to the group.* "The frontlines are barely holding it together and Chaldea so far hasn't seem to have done a single god damn thing for us. You all seem to be useless at the moment, I don't even understand why Ciel joined your organization. But I will change that and have you guys help out on the frontlines. Though this won't be a simple mission."
Stupid Master.
She thought to herself.
Despite Vánagandr appearing like she is not paying any attention whatsoever, she actually did keep an ear out for the ongoing conversation between the young blonde boy and the other members of this group."Wow, you guys are stupid. Do I have to explain how your organization works? You are all part of the same faction, as a result, you may not be his specific familiar but your still a familiar in his faction and by proxy his familiar. You are expected to die to keep him alive? To put in terms that anyone can understand, he is your superior officer. No wonder you guys haven't accomplish anything here." *said Mario in an annoyed tone.*
"Now that I am done wasting time explaining to you how your own organization works, I will tell you about the mission. We have notice some activity from the forest and we think someone will be exiting the forest soon. Our intel indicates it may be a dead apostle. We currently don't have enough troops to defend that area. Your job is to defend that area and if possible, lure out the Dead Apostle so we can kill or capture them. You guys can accomplish that much?"
*Mario would once again observe Chris. It was like every time Chris spoke, Mario was finding out more and more about him.*
"Your not a mage, are you. Perhaps a lowly spellcaster, mercenary or another member of the Church? And no, we would not meet again if you fail and were turned into Dead Apostles. I would petition the Pope to have Narbareck herself to destroy you all and I am sure she is craving a good fight." *said Mario as his lips curled into a fiendish manner as his eyes narrowed with glee.*
"The area your defending is in between the forest and cliffs. Try not to do anything to stupid otherwise you will attract the attention of the forest and if it is a dead apostle, he may run away at that point. I myself will also be joining and assisting you from a distance. If their is nothing else, we should make our way to the location."
The group would begin to travel. The two Executors would lead the way, with Mario behind them, leading the group. The walk would take about two hours before they reached their designation.
"Here we are, feel free to setup an ambush and try to stay out of sight. We don't want them to know we are expecting them."
You're late.
She says to Tyonis through their telepathic bond. A hint of annoyance in her voice.After a bit, the group notices some noises coming from the trees. Suddenly a large number of undead would show up. These were your typical zombies but their was a mass number of them. They would start making their way to the cliffs.
Hmph. Fine. We've been tasked to kill a Dead Apostle. Our employer, some bratty blonde child, warned us to not make too much attention. Otherwise, this Dead Apostle would just retreat.
The wolf lets out a frustrated sigh through its snout.
I don't like being stealthy. I'd rather just consume everything in my way. Makes it easier.
Good. I was getting hungry...
As soon as the battle begins, Vánagandr breaks out of her contained form. Shortly revealing this 15-foot tall wolf with an icy exterior.
The wolf then moves in with her Master and attacks the same group of undead. Using her claws to tear up her enemies and using her jaws to land the killing blow.Chris would suddenly find a number of strings landing on top of his body and taking control of him. If anyone looked to see where the strings where coming from, they would see it connected back to Mario. He would begin to use Chris to start fighting at a higher level then normal.
The Zombie Hoard would begin to sward some of the members of Chaldea, attempting to beat them with pure numbers.
Tyonis would find himself covered in Zombie blood and chopped body parts. He was going to have to take one hell of a shower to get clean.
Chris would suddenly find a number of strings landing on top of his body and taking control of him. If anyone looked to see where the strings where coming from, they would see it connected back to Mario. He would begin to use Chris to start fighting at a higher level then normal.
As the group began to wittle down the hordes of enemies, a man would would come out flanked by 4 ghouls, magic crackled in his fingers. His eyes crimson red, he would give an annoyed look at the group.
Mario would watch Chris fail utterly in a number of his attacks. "He is more useless then that Noel Bitch."
As combat ended, Mario would come down with an annoyed look at his face, clearly displeased.
"Just as I thought, worthless, you guys allowed a low level dead apostle to escape even with me powering you up. How troublesome. Perhaps you might be able to find some redemption by tracking him down and killing him before he causes more trouble."
"Finally, someone saying something logical." *said Mario as he agreed with Tyonis while utterly ignoring Ibaraki, as if she didn't even exist. In a way he was insulting her by effectively saying that a familiar doesn't have a voice.*
I have his scent. Try and catch up.
After revealing this information to her Master via telepathy, Vánagandr would lead the way. Moving as fast as she could in order to make sure that this Dead Apostle doesn't go too far.After travelling for a bit the group would arrive at a small town. The trail was getting a bit harder to follow now, to make matters worse, it actually seemed to split into two different directions.
"Tch, how annoying, the Dead Apostle is trying to hide in this small town. Its hoping that by hiding in a public place we won't make a move against him."
"My skills with magecraft are lackluster but I do have a few mystic codes. I could make you guys all look like normal citizens. Just give me a moment." *said Mario as he would then take out his mystic code and cast a spell, making the group look like normal humans. He didn't even ask if he could, he just did it.*
"I making sure this missions succeeds without turning it into a mess. Explaining things to you guys is growing tiring, at least some of you seem useful. Now come, lets follow her." *said Mario as he would then follow Vanagandr lead.*
(edited)"Your smart for not going on the main path but try not too move to fast, we don't want to look supernatural or even looking like we are in a rush, try to move at a normal human pace."
Strange.
She simply replies. Not putting much emotion in her response.
I never knew you were this strong.
Vánagandr says. Still via telepathy.
After their first battle together, Vánagandr can easily tell she is not in the same league as her Master at this stage. There is a lot of things she needs to work on. A lot. She couldn't help but feel frustrated to the point where she doesn't really want to face her Master.
Hearing Mario's advice, Vánagandr looks back at him and nods. She takes the advice and makes sure to move at a more natural pace.*Mario decided to ignore Ibaraki, he was getting tried of talking to her.* "Come on, let us keep moving."
Mario would simply sigh. He was clearly losing more and more respect for this group. But for now he would keep his mouth shut and instead focus on the mission.
*Mario himself would take a few steps back, getting clear of the situation in case things went south.*
*Several strings would once again fall on top of Chris causing him to come towards Mario.*
"You will be my insurance in case things go wrong. Be useful to me and I might grant you a pardon."
"It is not my job to get involved with Chaldea internal affairs. I know my strengths and weaknesses and this is a bit beyond my level."
"I don't promise to answer anything but depending on the question I may. Also, do you comrades often fight like this? Makes me wonder how you guys accomplish anything."
"No!" *said Mario as he tried to stop Tyonis but he was too late and the wall broke down.*
Tyonis would break down the wall and suddenly several humans would look shocked but it wasn't just the humans their, their was a dead apostle as well. The Dead Apostle would move and grab a human, using him as a shield and a hostage.
"Get away from me. I didn't think you guys would be this crazy. It's not like I wanted to become a Dead Apostle, I was just a mage minding my own business when this entire situation happened. I never asked for any of this. "
"They are still familiars of Chaldea, you should have better control of them. I was the overseer of the entire Japan area for the Church. While I am not a Bishop, my father is. If you know anything about the Church you should recognize me as Mario Gallo Bestino."
What's going on?
Vánagandr thought to herself as she watches what was happening from a distance."I am still a mage, it is my duty to get to the root, even if I am a Dead Apostle. I mean Zelretch is a Dead Apostle and he gets to live, so is Merem. Why do I have to be hunted and killed?"
*Mario would then look at the group, slightly annoyed.*
"Well the target is dead, I would have rather kept him alive so we could have questioned him. See if he was working with anyone else or knew anything about the forest. I will get some people to clean this up and send you guys the bill."
*Mario would then look at the group, slightly annoyed.* "Well the target is dead, I would have rather kept him alive so we could have questioned him. See if he was working with anyone else or knew anything about the forest. I will get some people to clean this up and send you guys the bill."
Hearing her words, the man would exit the bar but not before downing a drink himself.
"Next time I will make sure which members to pick and which members not to pick. Some of you proved useful, others not so much." *said Mario as he would then start to walk away as two Executors would then flank him.*
(edited)Another man who had seen the whole thing would show up and give Ibaraki a stronger drink while sitting beside her and taking a drink himself.
*The man would pour Richard a drink as well before downing a drink as well. He would then toast to the destroyed bar, indicating that he was the owner.*
"My name is Richard." *said the Man as he took another drink. Seeing the Oni action, he just took another drink and then laid down on the floor.*
"Sure. The world is ending and I have lost everything." *said the man as he kept drinking."
In the past few days, rumors and smack talking about Chaldea had started among the lower ranking members of the Church. Their were constant whispers and rumors about how Chaldea was useless and were only working with the Church to get protection for themselves or steal relics.
As the rumors got bigger and so on, one member of the Church decided to challenge Chaldea to a friendly competition. This challenge would take place near the edge of the forest where a battle had been fought.
Upon arriving to the location, the group would see a nice sunny day, their were a few normal trees and some rocks. Near them was the Forest of Einnashe. The ground that hadn't been consumed by the forest was full of grass. Nearby their was a house but at the moment their was no sight of their competitor.
The door to the house would then open and a young blonde girl would come out, she had bucket of chicken and bottle of hot sauce. She would take a second to look at the group and then smile at them while making her way towards them.
"Hello, would you like some food with tabasco sauce? I challenge some members of Chaldea to a friendly competition but I don't think they showed up. So how about we just hang out and chill here." *said the girl in a friendly tone as she continued to approach the group and offered everyone some chicken.*
(edited)"Nya, members of Chaldea?" *said the girl as she paused for a second before then laughing.* "You got me their for a second. That was a good joke, like someone as nice and as cute as you guys would be members of a ruthless mage organization." *said the girl as she held her stomach and then started to give everyone some chicken with tabasco sauce.*
*She would then focus her attention on Vee.* "I mean look at you, your so nice, cute and innocent, their is no way you could be a mage. Nya!" *said the girl.*
*She then turned to Hippolytus.* "Look at you, you don't seem the kind to deal with all the bullshits that Mages do, you seem far more like the direct approach person, none of that cowardly backstabbing stuff. Nya!" *said the girl as she nodded with her head in agreement with herself.*
*The blonde girl then shifted to Chris.* "Your one of those pure hearted churchies, nya! None of that corruption stuff. I hope you will cheer me on!" *said the girl as she gave a wink to Chris.*
*Her attention shifted to Miyu.* "Look at this adorable but confident girl. You seem way to innocent to do all those nasty things that mages do. You don't seem like the person to hurt anyone who is innocent." *said the girl as she tried to pat Miyu head gently.*
*She then shifted her attention to Richard.* "Hmm... your way to polite to be a mage and your not arrogrant enough." *said the girl as she then smiled and ate more chicken.*
"See, you guys are not from Chaldea, this is just a joke you are all pulling on me, nya. You cannot trick me so easily but it was a good shot."
"Nya, you guys are still not giving up on that joke? Okay, prove it. I mean mages go around talking about reaching the trunk, root or branch or whatever it's called." *said the girl before she turned her attention to Hippolytus.*
"I didn't mean to be rude. It's just mages tend to be people who only care about themselves and have way too much pride. She looks like a person who cares and takes care of other people. I mean, not one of you look like your typical mage. Nya!"
"Since your introduce youself, I should as well. I am Sunao Sugata. Pleasure to meet you all. Executor in training."
As the group got ready, a number of zombies would come out of the forest groaning. They would attempt to make their way down, trying to kill anything that got in their way.
Upon asking that question, another horde of zombies would show up, bigger then the previous one. They would start marching and making their way down, attempting to attack anyone that got close.
With that, some noise would be heard from the forest. it seemed their was going to be number a zombies and other enemies coming soon.
*Groans and other noises would be heard from the forest as a horde of zombies would brust out. They were also being supported by some former Nato soldiers who had been turned into ghouls, still able to use their firearms.*
As the group continued to battle, a large amount of noise could be heard. It seemed the main force had now arrived, lots of zombies charging forward. Armed ghouls, former Nato Soldiers also showed up in formation as well. In the distance though, something big could be heard in the forest coming.
As the last zombie feel, a large roar could then be heard. A giant looking abomination would appear, ready to kill everything in its path as it let out an unholy roar.
Badily injuried, the creature out would out a roar and raise one of its arms. But before it could attack, it would be impaled by Veronique right in the head, causing the monster to burst into flames.
(edited)
Answering the request of the Church to help find Sunao, you would all be given coordinates to meet up with Mario. At the moment it seemed the skies were clear.
Upon arriving at the location, they would see Mario with two executors and an average looking car. The young blonde boy would have his hands in his pockets as he waited for Chaldea to arrive.
Mario would give an annoyed look as Chris spoke.
"Did Chaldea not tell you what this mission was? How are you suppose to be prepared to go on a mission if you don't even know what it is?"
Mario now had an annoyed look on his face. He would then exhale as he looked at the group.
"For those of you who don't know me, my name is Mario Gallo Bestino. As for the mission, Sunao for whatever reason went into the forest. While she is only an Executor in training, Narbareck has an interest in her. She also supplies the Church and even NATO with some weapons. Your job is to find her and bring her back here."
Mario would then look to the side where their was a car waiting.
"I decided to get you guys a car incase you weren't prepared, seems like I was right to do so. Now then, do you guys have any way to track her?"
(edited)"The orders do not change."
Mario would now focus his attention mostly on the heroic spirits who were speaking to him. He would give a slightly less annoyed look to them. He would then focus on Richard.
"Nothing else to really make a note of."
Mario then focused on Chris.
"She was last seen back in a nearby city. Though her last location we have is her entering the forest. If you look a bit in the distance, you will see evidence of her fighting while going deeper into the forest."
The young boy then focus on Artoria.
"I still have my question left unanswered, do you guys have any way to track her?"
Mario would sigh with an annoyed look. He would then look at the group.
"If this was any other person, I would say we are better off giving up. Sunao though is a bit easier to track as she leaves a trail of destruction and large amount of used bullets behind."
Mario would then point to a distant point to a forest entrance.
"Go to that location, that is where Sunao entered the forest and where you can start tracking her."
The group would enter the forest, they would see a trail of destruction at the entrance of the forest. Bullets could be seen on the ground and several tress had been destroyed. Though the trail would soon end at a highway.
As Vee and Miyu flew on the Peagus a missile could suddenly be seen coming towards their location.
After travelling for an hour, the group would find themsevles constantly being attacked by the forest. To make matters worse, another missile was fired at Vee.
Using her radio wavs, Sapphire would locate the enemy soldier that fired the original missile but it was from a different location then the newest missile shot.
After travelling for an hour, the group would once again come back to the highway, though the long travel meant they were constantly attacked by the forest.
Miyu would find a few gun shots in a nearby car. If she went nearby she would also find some used bullets on the ground as well, indicating the direction that Sunao went.
(edited)The group would proceed to move forward for three hours. After being attacked by the forest a few times, they would now hear gun shots and some screaming from an older man, it was a bit faint. That being said, bullets and other evidence indicated that Sunao stayed on the high way while these screams and gunshots would take you away from the path that Sunao most likely took.
The group would arrive and see what appeared to be several NATO soldiers fighting several tree and plant like monsters. The commander would bark orders as his soldiers would then sluggishly follow his orders.
"What is going on? What happened to me? Some lady, what did she do to me? AHHH, I am thirsty! I want... I want... I want... BLOOD!" said the Dead Apostle NATO Leader as his troops would then start to open fire.
The group travels for another 3 more hours. The forest continues to attack them. Eventually though the road is blocked by several enemies who make their way to the group.
As the group continued to fight the tree monsters, they would not realize that they were being watched. Suddenly two spider like ghouls would appear and ambush the group from the trees.
After resting for about an hour the group would continue on the highway. Another half hour would pass before they saw and heard gunfire and other explosion coming from a nearby city. The trail of bullets seemed to indicate that Sunao went to that town.
The group would get into town and in the distance they could see a horde of zombie attacking Sunao. The young blonde looked hurt.
Though as the group got closer they would suddenly notice something. A giant spider like monster hanging on the side of a building. It focus was now directed on the group, intent on keeping them from reaching Sunao.
The Meta-Krake wasn't a normal ghoul. It was clearly thinking and coming up with tactics. At the moment it was trying to use its long range to keep the group at bay while it performed some close combat hit and run tactics.
Coming in with the others, Sunao would open fire with her guns. The combined fire an attacks with the entire group managed to kill the monster.
This won't do well with the bats, but I'd rather not take some blows from the Berserker yet. Until I know their unfound strength
He'd say to himself as he simply crossed his arms. Breaking the Flowerry Formation of Death
He raises his hand. Another mandala, no... A silver disc, the moon itself. Appears above his head as he reaches his right hand to the skies.
"Chakravyuha--"
Noble Phantasm information obtained.
"ARJUNAPUTRA--!"
He takes his hand down, striking at the sage with a blow at lightspeed, the brightness, weight and sheer cold of the moon put behind his attack.This is going to be a problem.
She thinks to herself before pointing over to the unconscious berserker. Mordred then makes an attempt to form a message to the Ruler servant.
The knight points to the boy twice and then slides a throat across her neck. The gesture is rather universal for offing someone. A proposal for it that is.This is bad…
Amakusa furrowed his brows in concern at the strange feminine voice and the alteration of his own voice. He would attempt to cast a spell to protect from evil on himself and Mordred, but feels a disturbance. There was a slight pinch of pain on his neck as his mind grew hazy.
”If verbal communication can be interrupted, then I will attempt to contact you through our mental link. Saber, can you hear me?”
He nodded is head, as if to show that he heard the blonde-haired Servant that he understood what she meant.There. Seems like we can still communicate this way. Though... It seems someone else is listening in...
”At the very least, we have found a way to communicate without being disrupted. Let us rest before continuing onwards. I can continue to carry this boy as we proceed.”
Why are we keeping him alive?
Who's there?
”Didn’t you signal to me to keep him alive?”
What? No. I said that you should kill him.
Mordred looks confused.Right. What do you want? Clearly, you've been watching us the entire time. We've defeated the berserker servant.
”Reveal yourself.”
Amakusa frowns.
Trash talking and other forms of insults was being spread around the Brigade. As such trust and other issues were starting to show up.
With how bad things were going, Chaldea was challenged to a competition. What this competition was unknown, only a time and a location was given.
As you arrive to the location, you can see that the forest is nearby. In addition their is a single blonde girl, moving in arms in the air. Behind this girl is several like dolls, each of them playing an instrument.
The young blonde mage would have a slightly annoyed look on her face as she heard everything going on. The servant joining in she could somewhat tolerate, as it could be seen as a challenge. To see which one of them could produce the better music.
But this machine, this loud noise, it was simply plain rude and ruined both her music and the competition she was having with the familiar.
"The words spoken about Chaldea appear to be true. They do lack grace, elegance and other manners to make them proper mages."
The blonde mage was now speaking about Chaldea as if they weren't even there, like they were beneath her attention in a way. Her eyes remained closed as she spoke and then moved her fingers again, continuing to get her dolls to play the music.
(edited)Suddenly the door from the house nearby would open and a familiar figure to Orphelia would appear.
"Well then, consider yourself back in class Orphelia. You would be surprised how far elegance can get you. Your only thinking about how it affects your goal directly and not indirectly. Having elegance among other mages can help you gain their favor and as a result resources. I will make sure to teach you that today!"
The Dead Apostle would arrive, looking with utter fury and hatred at the group though this would soon be replaced by confusion as he saw his foes fighting with each other instead of him.
It seemed after Chaldea little contest with the Brigade, they had been given a request, to help assist with the reclaiming of a workshop, the mansion of the Galashiels.
The weather at the moment was clear. It would make travelling easier. As the group arrived, they would see eight figures waiting at the border of the forest. Those who had taken part in the contest would recognize them, it was Seraphina, Celestia and her six dolls.
An hour would pass the group travelled in the forest, the trees attacking them.
After spending a bit more then two hours traveling in the forest, the group would finally see the mansion in the distance. It seemed that they had finally arrived at their location.
With that the gate would open, the group could now make their way to the front door of the mansion.
As the group moved forward, the four statues flanking them would come alive and draw their weapons.
With that, the mages would start their chanting and begin to open the locked doors of the mansion.
After a bit of chanting, the doors to the mansion would open. It seemed the inside of the mansion had taken some damage. All sorts of things had been destroyed and it looks like several golems had made their way though the mansion.
Celestia and Seraphina both dispel the runes on the master rooms.
As Berserker made her way down the hallway, all the doors would suddenly open up and a golem would come out of each of them. Their were several different elemental golems. Fire, Wind and Water.
I'll keep you safe, Commander.
"Thank you. B-but I'm pretty sure she means no harm."
Either way.
She'll advance if nothing else stops here.As the group went down the hallways, several more doors would open up, revealing several enemy golems waiting for them.
After spending a night here, the group would get some good rest. In addition to get some good rest at the mansion, the group would also get some reinforcements, as the road was now cleared. The group would now met at the main hall of the mansion, where they would find Seraphina and Celestia waiting for them.
As the group makes their way past the first door, a voice could be heard.
"Who Dares To Enter My Domain? More Thieves? If You Wish To Loot This Workshop So Much, Then Why Don't I Make You A Part Of It?"
With that a sudden quake could be heard before a magical energy effect seemed to be activated on the roof turning it into a large bouldering ball that would be rolling right towards the group.
As you open the door you are greeted by a single puppet, similar to the ones used by Celestia, a stone golem and two water golems.
(edited)As the group got closer, the loud voice from before would once again speak.
"YOU DARE? YOU DARE TO UNDO MY WORKSHOP! ARROGRANT THEIVES, DIE!"
Suddenly the doors to the group left would suddenly open, revealing several golems.
"CURSE YOU ALL, I WILL MAKE SURE YOU ALL NEVER LEAVE THIS PLACE!"
"Behold, one of my greatest creation. It will crush you all."
"Care? Why Should I Care? With This Workshop, I Will Never Die. Only When I Reach The Root Will I Leave."
"A small price to pay for immorality."
"You Dare To Insult Everything I Have Built? I Will Give You A Fate Worse Then Death. You Will Be Trapped In A Doll, For All Of Time."
"YOU FOOLS, YOU DARE TO ENTER MY DOMAIN WHILE I AM BEING POWERED... what? WHAT TRICKERY IS THIS? HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?" said the Giant Super Golem who had been taunting them through out the dungeon. The Golem would fall down on its hands and knees, the magical power leaving it. Though the magecraft was powerful and old, it was not match for a noble phantasm. The powerful golem would struggle to stay up, but the light in it's eyes were starting to fade.
"YOU, YOU ARE THE ONE DOING THIS! IF I KILL YOU, THIS ENDS!" *said the giant golem as he was growing weaker. He would attempt to bring his fist up and slam it down on the Berserker class servant but just like his magecraft, his attack was no match for the Noble Phantasm.
When his hand failed to harm Nightingale, the last of his magical energy would disappear. "I... will... return... one... day..." said the voice as the golem then shut down.
As you arrive in the room, you suddenly see yourself in a huge city where two titanic size golems fighting it out. Each of them is over several hundred feet tall. You would then hear a female voice of a devilish kouhai.
"Looks like someone set the difficulty to the enemies here to max, woops. To make it fair, I will divide you into teams. One group with help out the Alpha Kaiju, the other team will help out the Omega Kaiju."
In the background, you would see some large golems showing up and firing at the Kaiju's. Each Kaiju seemed to have two golems supporting it.
"Yup, now then, I will divide you into teams. Team Alpha, Fie, Atalanta, Taigong. Team Omega, Musashi, Yasuke and Abraham. Also, if you choose not to take part or break the rules, both Kaiju and their golems will attack you all."
(edited)"Rules, destroy the other Kaiju. Your allowed to attack the other players or do what you want. Let me put you in your respawn area for your teams."
With that, each team would be teleported to the ground a good distance away from their perspective allied Kaiju.
"You and that curry fetish girl are both ants compared to these Kaiju. Now stop complaining and go in there and fight!"
The group would suddenly find themselves in a city, with lots of Casino and hotel resorts there. Up in the sky the moon was full as it was now night time. Still bright lights made things visible and easy to see. Then suddenly the group would hear the voice of a devilish Kouhai.
"Hello everyone, this is your beloved Kouhai, BB! Seems like a certain nasty women give me a spider problem. I need you guys to clean it all up for me. Oh, I also found two helpers for you. Aren't I just a reliable Kouhai? Now then, deal with this spider infestation."
With that, a large growl would be heard and on top of a building the group could see massive dead apostle spider. It was getting ready to attack them all.
I told you so.
Things had been slow in the simulation for a while. Ever since the whole Abigail incident, things had been running smoothly. Though things were about to change. Certain members of Chaldea would once again find themselves in another simulation and would hear another familiar voice.
"Hello Senpai's, this is your adorable BB. You have all been doing so good in these simulations. But it seems someone decided to make a new simulation. While I could delete it on my own, it would be much more fun to watch you all do it, besides Chaldea needs to clean up after it's own mess. Now then, lets take you there."
The group would then find themselves in a familiar forest. One that they were currently still engaging with. In the distance they would see a familiar face. Blue hair and blue eyes but their was this cold emotionless look in her.
"I am Ciel, Seventh of the Burial Agency. I have been tasked to eliminate you." said the Simulation version of Ciel as she then drew her black keys.
@Game Ping 5BB voice could once again be heard. "This place won't do, lets replace it with something nicer. Suddenly all the trees in the forest would be replaced by palm trees and their was now some nice clear water as well."
"I see some of you have manners. Surrender now and I will show you mercy, otherwise prepare to fight."
"What a strange group this is. Some of you are kind while others are quick to jump to their deaths. Enough talk now."
The group would now find themselves in Rome, still in the city and a bit away from the forest. They were currently in Chaldea headquarters in the singularity. A transmission would then appear before the group and Da Vinci would appear on screen in a blue tone.
"Greeting Chaldea, I am going to brief you on today mission. Today you will be assigned to recruit the singularity Ciel assistance. Our database indicates she has the full power of the Idea Blood Gothic Fort: Cathedral. This will ensure that the Forest Core is no longer able to move. While we currently do have the forest core pinned down and are sure it won't move much, this will provide that extra insurance. In addition, her skills will allow her to keep off some of the forest reinforcement when we go to get the heart."
"As for Ciel location, we have managed to locate her partner, Merem Solomon at these coordinates. It's deep in the forest. Unfortunately I couldn't arrange transportation, you will have to figure something out on your own. Do note, this is an optional mission, do not carelessly risk your life."
With the group now on their mounts, they would make their way to the forest. Upon entering the forest, they would see day turn into night the crimson colored moon go full even though it was day time outside the forest. As they moved across the forest, trees and branches would swipe and leap at them, attacking them constantly.
After traveling the forest for an hour, the group would start to hear combat and even spell casting. It seemed their was a fight. Though suddenly they would hear a terrifying roar, something that could even put the fear into the bravest of heroes.
Sheba scouts would move on ahead and they would then witness a battle. Several of the Church Executors and Knights were alongside several Alchemist from Atlas. They were currently battling several soldiers and even a few tanks but that was the least of their problem. Their was a female white hair figure, with two spiked balls connected to each other by a chain.
She would quickly charge forward, easily dodging one of the black keys before launching her spiked ball into the Executor. The attack connected directly into him. She would twist the chain and have her other spiked ball slam directly into a Church Knight, breaking this shield and sending him flying into a tree which would then proceed to devour her corpse. While this was happening, she moved and impaled one of the Alchemist with her claw like weapons on her wrist.
Penthesilea was way too far away to her Blackbeard comments. Right now she was focused on slaughtering the survivors in a brutal fashion. She had just quickly dispatched a Knight and an Alchemist. Currently all the executors in the party were dead but that wouldn't be the case for long.
One of the Knights would nod his head. Another Alchemist would get a spell ready, one that could stop the Dead Apostle healing.
As Sheba casted her spell on the tank, sudden cries would be heard from it. While they usual magical fire would simple be absorbed, but with continuous heat and parts of the rank melting, it would turn from a tank to a metal coffin with bits of flesh that could be seen. All sorts of scream would be heard coming from it. It seemed the curse of restoration here truly was a curse as it didn't permit them to die... at least not right away.
Penthesilea would look at Bazett, fire in her crimson colored eyes. "YOU, you would make a good Amazon. I hearby challenge you to a duel!" said the Amazon Warrior.
At first Penthesilea was smiling, she was enjoying the good fight between the two of them. But then when Blackbeard interferred her sight would be on him. "HOW DARE YOU INTEREFERE WITH OUR DUEL!" said the Amazon Queen as Rage built up in her and literal flames could now been seen coming off her body.
"Yet you have all these others who interfere in our fight? You are all nothing but liars and cheaters who don't know honor!"
"No, they have choosen to enter the fight, that means they need to deal with the consquences."
"Ma'am, the colossi have been spotted." said one of the soldiers. Penthesilea attention would focus to the soldier before turning back to the group.
"Seems their are bigger enemies for me to deal with. I will let my soldiers take care of you."
As the battle raged on, Penthesilea would let out another scream, the same one she had let out before. Though this time it would be different. When she stop screaming, the screams didn't shout, it seemed she was being joined by a number of others who were giving the same kind of scream.
The riddle hidden at the bottom of this coffin will pass judgement and punish you! And there's only one riddle this time; Why you're this infuriating!
Go, Achat, Shtayim, Shalosh!
Pummel those two morons~!"Penthesilea would turn around to face Bazett, a smile on her face as she did so.
"Come, now let us have our duel."
Penthesilea would smile, she was enjoying the fight. When stabbed by the black key, she would simply look at the wound before smiling as she continued to fight.
"Good, you found way to neutralize this infernal curse. Then this truly will be an honorable battle. Come, let us fight where one barely walks away."
The Amazon Warrior had lost the battle but she wasn't mad. It was an honorable battle and her opponent had treated her with respect. This was the type of death she had originally desired. When Bazett ask for her name, the Amazon would look at her.
"Penthesilea, Daughter of Ares and Queen of... the Amazons. What... is your name... noble fighter?"
"It was an honor Bazett... Thank you for fighting me.... Perhaps next time when we spare... I will not be affected... by a curse..." with that Penthesilea would fade into a golden light.
As the ship went in the sky, several tanks and a large number of soldiers could be seen advancing on their position. A few of them would take pot shots but miss.
The group would manage to make a get away.
As the group continued to fly, some of the crew would start screaming and point, a missile was coming at their position fast.
The crew opened fire but missed the shot. The missile would then fly past them and then start to descend to the ground and hit something in the distance, though whatever it hit, it seemed to keep on moving. If the group looked hard enough, they would see enemy tanks retreating for what was hit.
The three scouts would land and they would spot several tanks shooting and moving away from a large moving mechanical statue that was open firing on them all. The moving mechanical statue was about thirty feet tall. In addition to tanks, their were of course soldiers open firing and running as well. Though suddenly a number of rats would come in, they started to devour some of the soldiers but seemed to move around Sheba scouts. One of the rats who was wearing a crown would take a moment to look at one of the scouts before then moving on.
Just behind the large mechanical statue, was a clearing of the forest. It was as if the top layer of the ground had been removed. It seemed to stretch on for a long distance.
Several of the rats would make their way to the group before an old church like men would appear from behind one of the trees. He was just about to introduce himself when the large statue continued to move forward.
"That is enough, return to me." said the old man.
"Eliminate nearby enemies, eliminate nearby enemies, eliminate nearby enemies." said the statue as it continued to chase the enemies.
The old man would sigh and take a moment to look at the group. "Why hello their, I didn't expect company way out here, who might you fine people be?"
"I am indeed Merem Solomon, fifth rank of the Burial Agency and a Dead Apostle Ancestor, at your service. So your the ones who Ciel is going through all this trouble for? I see Chaldea is made up of all sorts of unique individuals. I must confess, I somewhat expected a bunch of arrogant mages, consider me happily surprised. So then, what can an old man like myself do for Chaldea?"
In the distance explosions and shots could be heard. The old man would simple smile as the large statue continued to attack.
Master. We have established contact with an old man claiming to be Merem Solomon. Please confirm his identity.
Master. We have established contact with an old man claiming to be Merem Solomon. Please confirm his identity.
That is one of Merem Daemons, it speaks for him but is not Merem himself. Though you can trust him.
Understood. I will keep you updated as to the progress of the mission.
"The young Burial Agent is indeed attempting to do so. As an old man, I decided to accompany her. It is good to stretch the old legs. The forest also makes excellent food for one of my familiars. He has really been enjoying eating the forest." said the old man as he then looked behind and the land was cleared of the forest influence for a good amount of distance. He would then look back at the group.
"But before I take you to her, you all need to introduce yourselves and state what your real business is with her. Saying you have business or require her assistance is very vague and can easily be open to interpretation."
"Oh, it seems the rats have found a new home. My apologizes." said the old man as the rats were now entering Black Beard Ship.
For the moment, please refrain from listing my existence as a Pseudo-Servant. Considering the nature of my master, it is much simpler to keep it hidden.
The old man would turn his focus to Black Beard first and give a smile.
"I see you are a human with many virtues. You tend to speak your mind and are direct. You also care about the well being of your crew. But rest assure good sir, these rats are special and won't spread and diseases or make the crew sick. Though the same cannot be said about its treasures or food supplies."
He turned his focus to Chris.
"So you need her help to ensure the defeat of the dead apostle ancestor in order to save many lives. A very noble goal."
He would then look at Taigon.
"A pleasure to meet you."
He then looked at Bazett.
"Hmm... You are different from the Bazett in this singularity. Still enforcers are preferred to regular magus."
The old man shifted his attention to Sheba.
"I didn't expect to meet a person from the bible. An honor to meet you miss Sheba."
He then turned to face everyone.
"Well then, let us get goi..." said the old man before another explosion was heard. Despite the explosion, he still had a calm look on his face.
"Sorry about her, she only listens to the first set of orders and ignores all the others. But as I was saying, let us get going, I will introduce you all to Ciel."
Master. A man called Chris who is currently on the mission alongside me may be contacting you soon.
@[Serpon]Teno/Penth/Nico/Azu "What? Who are you? How did you get in my head?"
. . . Interesting. Who am I talking to?
"This is Ciel from Chaldea. Currently attempting to retrieve a holy grail from a simulation. Now, who are you?
I am your Servant. Bazett Fraga McRemitz on a mission within the Sixth Singularity Ennaishe.
Pseudo-Servant filling in for Manannan.
"That singularity just started. I don't remember summoning you."
Hm. I suppose we will have to figure that one out later.
The old man would look at the group before giving a faint smile. "Alright, come along, this way into the open land, Ciel isn't that far away." as he would start to walk into the open field. The rats would quickly follow behind him.
As the group travelled they would see a large creature in the distance, it seemed to be eating the forest itself. It was a strange looking creature, something that looked like it came out of a child imagination. The creature was over two hundred meters long.
The old man would begin to speak. "Oh, their is the Daemon of the Right Leg. He has been eating the forest, it's his favorite. Ciel should be nearby." said the old man as he would continue walking.
"Depending what our nice pirate fellow says, he might find some rats jumping inside his mouth. He wouldn't be the first to have that happen to him." said the old man as he let out a chuckle.
(edited)"It first reacted very violently to us but..." said the old man before large trembling noise could be heard. "Right on que." said the old man as he looked behind. The large statue that had attacked the tanks was now making its way back. "Whenever the enemy attacks, we have more then enough to deal with them."
The group would soon arrive at the Daemon and nearby was the singularity version of Ciel in her powered outfit.
"Indeed I have Ciel. They are from Chaldea and request our help."
"Indeed, but it's his friend that has been proving to be the most troublesome. He has been that strange Dead Apostle." said the old man.
Before Ciel could answer the Priest would give a serious look.
"It seems that the Dead Apostle is approaching us. This is strange he usually fights from the distance and directs servants at us."
A strange man would then appear, floating slightly in the air. His eyes were crimson like a Dead Apostle but his hair looked like it was on fire. As he arrived he would give a serious look to the entire group.
"Chaldea, I was left behind her by Solomon to take out any huge threats to the forest." said the man.
The man would shift his attention to Sheba.
"Sheba, you are here. Then their is no point of this disguise anymore." The ground would suddenly shake as the man suddenly transformed into a Demon God Pillar.
"Chaldea, I have studied you and figured out how to beat you all. Without your servants and ability to use mystery, your nothing more then pathetic mortal humans." said the Demon God Pillar as he suddenly created an anti magic field around himself. It seemed to be a ring so he himself wasn't inside it but anyone who got near him would be affected.
The group would suddenly fell the tail of the daemon eating the forest grab them and place them on its back where they could see Lu Bu. They were now above the anti magic field. A young boy voice from the ground could be heard.
"Sorry about that but defeat the servant while we distract the demon God pillar."
(edited)Hm. This does seem to be quite a problematic situation, does it not? Do you require some assistance?
I'll be fine. There must be a way to get past it and simply eliminate it that Berserker.
Perhaps, however due to our connection you will suffer same effects any servant would, you are aware of that correct?
"▅▅▃▂▂▂▃▃▅▅▬▬———!!!"
"▅▅▃▂▂▃▅▂▃▃▅▅▬▬———!!!"
▅▅▃▂▂▂▃▃▅▅▬▬———!!!"
"DO you think its worth bothering with someone as weak as him?" said the voice of a young boy.
"They say the dog with the loudgest bark has the weakest bite." said the young boy voice.
The Demon God Pillar would feel itself getting weaker. It was hurt and starting to lose control of itself.
"EVEN IF I LOSE NOW, IT MEANS NOTHING. I WILL USE THE KNOWLEDGE I GAINED HERE TO DEFEAT YOU ALL LATER. YOU WILL ALL STILL DIE AND ALL THIS WILL BE MEANINGLESS FOR YOU."
"ASK AND YOU WILL RECIEVE FOOLISH SERVANT. WE SHALL MEET AGAIN CHALDEA AND NEXT TIME YOU WILL DIE." said the Demon God Pillar as he then suddenly disappeared, almost as if he had rayshifted out.
A young looking boy would then appear. "Looks like you guys do have some value. I guess Ciel was right to vouch for you guys."
A young looking boy would then appear. "Looks like you guys do have some value. I guess Ciel was right to vouch for you guys."
attachment
Merem would look at Sheba. "You did prove yourself to be sufficiently skilled. And yes, I am the real Merem. The others you met where all my Daemon Limbs. Though I still have one more Daemon left, my trump card."
Before Blackbeard could finish what he was saying, a rat would jump in his mouth.
Merem would turn his focus on Taigon. "You indeed are an interesting fellow. The Burial Agency could use someone like you."
"We accept your proposal. You have my support. That is the support of both a Burial Agent and a Dead Apostle Ancestor. I will some of my rats to follow you, they will keep us stay in contact and even perhaps help protect you."
"I am not clearing the area, I am simply feeding my Daemon. It likes eating the forest. The fact that it makes a bit of a path is just an extra bonus but the forest will eventually reclaim the area, so it cannot be used for anything long term."
"We do owe you a favor, be careful on what you spend it on."
"Ignore them, focus on the goal now. This is all almost over."
The giant robot would return, with Nagato in hand and put him down on the ground.
"Retrieval mission finished."
Just outside of Genoa, a very small camp was set up, and Chaldea staff in shiny protective suits with visors hurried about, setting up other equipment. Geiger counters created a choir of clicking that could almost make one's teeth rattle. Just beyond, destruction awaited our agents of Chaldea.
@Game Ping 5If you aren't aware. Part of my job is keeping an eye on you. Try not to bother me if you oh so hate me that much.
Kaaay?
Alright! I've sent you the coordinates. As you may know we will be rayshifting you into the Forest to confront the threat that Lorelei poses and try stop her advance towards the core. It's quite important that we get the grail. If you have any questions feel free to shoot them. You will be Rayshifted approximately half a mile away from the target's current location. I am picking up a presence of a powerful Berserker of Ennaishe confronting her.
@Game Ping 5 Yup! Admittedly it seems like less of a fight and more a one-sided trashing really. Lorelei hasn't been shown to have any signs of exhaustion or real wounds so far.
She has been considerably slowed down however.
Alright let me know when you're ready...! It does... Seem like the Berserker is just about dead so...
Hopefully he holds on for another few minutes.
Alright! I might be able to provide you with some very limited back up but... Don't count on much! I'm Rayshifting you in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1...
As you close in on the location, you realize what's going on... The berserker- Cu Cuthlain is managing to hold on trough a combination of Battle Continuation as well as the Curse of Restoration much to the Queen's frustration.
@Game Ping 5"With this Command Seal, Kaguya-hime, I order you to my side!"
The group find themselves in a simulation room, it was at the moment deactivated. Suddenly a voice and an image of a girl would appear.
(edited)With that the simulation would now come to life. The NPC's nearby would glance at the party. It seemed they were all part of a cult, wearing black hooded robes that covered their head.
The NPC's would whisper to each other, having concerned looks before one of them spoke up.
"We welcome all who are willing to join our faith, come and join our family and see our town."
(edited)The NPC's would once again look at each other. A few of them would then say the following: "What is a grail?"
"Shiny Cups, we have of those that we use for ceremonies and rituals." said one of the NPC's. Another one would take out a shiny gold looking cup, it wasn't the holy grail but just a shiny cup.
"You wish to met our God? Well talk to the Enforcers at the Gate if you can see our God. We are always welcoming more to join our faith. After all, belief is power."
The NPC would point to the four guards at the town. They were each wielding a halberd.
Homunculi guards. Each wielding magical weapons. It seems whoever their leader is may have the capabilities of creating them.
He warns the group via telepathy.The Guards would look at the group and hold their weapons in a steady position.
"Who are you and what business do you have in the town?"
"The Capital Big G? What in the name of the Thirteen Major Gods is that suppose to mean?"
"Have you decided to convert to our faith? If so, we welcome you."
"Bring out the Mage, we have new converts who will join our cult." said the Enforcer. A few people in the town would nod their head and run off. A moment later a man wearing a metal ask would appear.
"You wish to convert?" said the man with the metal mask.
They even call themselves a cult? Most amusing.
He thought to himself after listening in on Blackbeard’s conversation with the Homunculi guards.The mage is another Homunclus. I have a feeling we’ll be confronted by skilled Homunculi if things go south.
"I think not. An audience with our God is not permitted unless you have the mark."
The mage would take out a scroll. "This is scroll is placed upon your body and places the mark on you."
That mark is very dangerous. It functions like a Command Seal.
He shares this information to the party.Trigger Finger is itchy. If you got anything you wanna do, do it now or else I'll start blasting.
So they seek to control us. And they have the sun unmoving in an eclipse. I won't accept this. They call for punishment.
Let's not spark immediate violence just yet. We've yet to see what it's like on the inside and the so-called God.
Peter advises. Blackbeard, let them take us to the location. Hopefully there will be a spot for me to pretend I have the mark so that we can possibly hold a meeting.
"Indeed right here if you wish to have an audience with our god. Otherwise you may either leave or you may spend a day in the town but you cannot enter the Church and after a day, you must either choose to take the mark or leave the town."
Let us explore the town first, Blackbeard. They don't seem very insistent on us having the mark just yet.
"Very well, explore our town but do not enter the Church, nor question the faith. Violation of these rules is ground for immediate execution." with that the Mage and the Guards would move aside, allowing everyone to enter the town.
As the group enters the town, they would find a number of Cultist following them from a distance. Other Cultist would also look at the group and whisper.
The Cultists wouldn't respond to Edward comment. Instead they would continue to follow the group.
"You stated you were interested in joining our cult. This is normal behavior. Besides, how would you treat random strangers who showed up to your town? Would you let them wonder around without supervision?"
A roar would then be heard as a Chimera came out from one of the streets. It didn't seem to be happy about the group but the other Cultists would calm it down. Aside from the Chimera, their were builds and such. But these weren't advance buildings, instead more around the medieval level of structure.
A Chimera... Fascinating... Just who is this God, I wonder?
He thinks."A foul smell I must say but nothing worse then the Chimera." said one of the cultist as the others then snickered.
The Church on the other hand looked like it was beyond something that humans could make with technology, perhaps it was constructed with magecraft?
(edited)"Of course not, we welcome all to join our faith. Their is no hardship here or between us at the moment. Continue to explore our fine town."
The group would look at Ashtarte and raise an eyebrow. They didn't take kindly to her comment but decided to ignore it for the moment. Though a few of them would glare at her. Though their attention then focus on Black Beard.
"Is something wrong?"
As Peter gets near the Church he would spot several guards protecting the entrance. They allowed him to get close but they kept a careful eye on him, ready to act if he touched the door.
"Why everyone here is my family and when you join the cult you will be part of my family as well."
"Heretics, kill the unbelievers!" shouted the mob as they took out their weapons. The entire town was coming at them now.
I am going to obliterate this unsightly chapel... I suggest you all move away from it soon. I give you ten seconds.
Distant laughter could be heard from one of the screens.
As you rayshift in, you find yourself 600 feet over a forest and starting to fall quickly to the ground.
With Theano two web, the group would fall into the first web, having it slow them down a bit before then falling through the next one which slowed them down more. The party would then fall on the ground but thanks to the web, they would be able to walk away from it.
As the group had a moment to collect themselves, they would notice their was a solar eclipse happening at the moment.
Several people who looked like bandits would appear, they had their weapons drawn. They would take a moment to look around, as if they were looking for someone or something. Then what appeared to be the leader would speak.
"Where did they go, where they not here?" said the leader as he and the others continued to start looking around.
The bandit leader would drop his weapon and raise his hand. The other bandits though kept their weapons pointed at Theano. "Alright, let's not be hasty here. I didn't realize their were other bandits here. Our target was people from those mage cults." said the bandit the leader.
"Catholic Church, what is that? Never heard of it, you one of those nobles or lords who were overthrown by the cult?"
"Well then, how about we all just go on our separate ways and leave each other alone?" said the bandit leader. The other bandits seemed they were itching for a fight but they currently weren't making a move.
"Alright, you watch yourself. Also avoid going north, that is where the Cult is, they have started to invade some towns. Come on boys, let's go." said the bandit leader as he would then start to make his way south.
"Good hunting." said the Bandit leader as him and the otherse left.
A few hours pass by before you start to see smoke in the distance, a few screams can also be heard coming from the location of the smoke.
As the group approached the location, they would see a city that had just been invaded. Their were many people dressed in red robes and then a few figures dressed in heavy armour. Then their were citizens. A few of them were struggling before getting impaled by what looked to be ritual knives. Though it seemed their were also some citizens simply kneeling down. These citizens weren't being harmed at all.
One of the heavy armoured soldiers who was carrying a halberd would then speak. "Your God Lords have claimed this town. Resist and you die, submit and you live." said the man as a mayor life figure would then be brought to him.
As the group started to work on their disguises, the town would send a few patrols out.
A few cultists would spot the group!
"Hey you two over their, what are you all doing?" stated one of the cultist as him and a few others would start to make their way to the group.
"Women hunting, what do you take us for, fools? Chain them up and take them back to the village with the others!" said the cultist leader. The other Cultist would start to move in.
"WHAT THE HELL, DID THEY JUST PERFORM MAGIC, ARE THEY PART OF CLOCK TOWER DIVINE CREATURES? WE ARE ALL DEAD!" said one of the Cultist as she panic.
The cultist would continue to run. The one cultist stuck in the web would yell at the afraid cultist. "YOU IDIOT, IF THESE WERE REALLY DIVINE MAGE CREATURE, THEY WOULDN'T HAVE LIED ABOUT THIS STUPID STORY."
In the distance, footsteps could be heard. It seemed that one or more induvials would be joining in.
One of the armoured fellows would now arrive, holding a halberd. "Enemies of the God Lords will be killed on sight!"
Lancer. I'm aware this facility is astounding but there is a singularity we must attend to.
With that brief mental message, she waits for a bit longer. Patiently-ish.
@Fox/Wilt/[pending]/Wu/LaeWith that the coffins would close. The rayshift process would begin and then alarms would start to bring. Alochie could be heard barking orders. One of the staff members would state they were correct. Though another one would suddenly say something caused them to over correct. As the group rayshifted, they would find themselves two hundred feet under water.
3
◉◉〇"'course I can."
and holding Naomi tight, Musashi is going to ascend to the Surface as well.After spending some time the group would make it to shore.
The group would arrive at their location without encountering any enemy patrols or getting lost.
The ritual would then begin. It would be a bit before they the leyline would be fully secured and Chaldea could send in reinforcement.
A large number of cultist would show up, alongside two warriors holding halberds.
Several more cultist, enforcers and even a Chimera would show up!
The Leyline ritual was starting to stabilize. If Chaldea could just hold out for a few more moments, they would be able to safely send in reinforcements.
Alochie. Bring my Servant and I back. We shall return shortly after recovery.
She informs their mission operator.
Shortly after the request, she speaks to her Servant.
"Only time will tell. Once you are fully recovered and when the base has been erected, we shall enter the singularity again and reside here for its remaining duration."
As the group was about half way their, they would spot a caravan going the opposite direction of the town. The people in the caravan didn't seem to have any weapons and look like farmers, merchants and other citizens. In the far distance, some smoke could be seen in the direction of the town.
As Blackbeard lowered his ship, the Caravan would come at a stop. One of the villagers would step forward, acting a leader.
"Yes, we are simply fleeing. Please, just leave us alone, we just want to live our lives."
(I WAS TELLING YOU TO DO THE TALKING, GEORGIE)
" Through mental linkHe spoke faster then I could master, I apologise
"Our pride resulted in our families being killed. We saw our sons be slaughtered right in front of us. These cultists and their God cannot be stopped."
One of the villagers would then move forward. "He is right, with them, we may be able to retake the village!"
The leader would sigh but then look at Chaldea. "Alright, let's go take back our home!"
With that the villagers would bring their carts, horses and all their supplies onto the ship. It was going to be a crowded ship but they would all fit.
As the group got closer and closer to the town, they would see the smoke was getting larger and larger. It was as if they entire town was being burned down.
As the group gets to the edge of the town, you notice that their is a group of cultist and a few other figures making their way out of town and their is even what appears to be an expensive closed carriage that would be used to transport someone important.
"Careful, they have some of our own as prisoners."
"Yes, that is where the God that help them resides."
(Rider.)
" Leopold contacted his Servant Georgios by mental link. He was as angry as him currently.(Do you have an idea in mind?)
" In other words 'how do you plan to fuck him up?'"Pretty Boys sayin' there's somethin' incomin'. Heads up."
It seemed the towns people and prisoners were more incline to listen to Blackbeard.
The group could now see a large group of Cultist and other soldiers coming up from behind them.
As the group got into the boat and started to fly away, two winged Chimera's would come in, starting to fly after the group.
The party consisting of only Daji for whatever reason was dispatched to the south to investigate a large town in the southern part of England for traces of a cult which was rumored to be here...
The town she saw was a pretty peaceful and active one, everyone walking around minding their own business. People bartering on the street for various things, children running around doing their own things. Overall at first glance it was a seemingly very normal town with nothing out of the ordinary.
Lady Daji. What brings you here, now of all times?
The young man let out a soft laugh, it wasn’t every day two beautiful ladies walk up to you and strike up conversation after all. It didn’t take much for the man to be charmed, quickly closing his deal and pocketing a few coins before putting his fullest attention on Tamamo and Daji.*
“My my, I would love to give you both some company~ What brings you beautiful ladies into town today?”
(edited)Oh my, it's rather obvious. Chaldea was so criminally understaffed that they sent me. Now what are you doing here faker?
"
Daji had whispered towards the tamamo clone before facing the young man with a nice cheery smile on her face before she extending her arms towards him for him to grab. After all who wouldn't want to treat someone like a princess.
"Why I just happened to come by this town during my travels. Though i came here seeking information, you know who would be best for that sir?"Hah... I cannot quite disagree there. But just as I said, I saw your name, and am here to visit one of my "step-sisters"~ Perhaps I might invite you to my Territory if you can play nice, mm?
”Wow, sisters out on a bit of a trip? That isn’t something we see to often. Anyhow, the best places for information are either a pub, the red light district, or us merchants. Clearly I’m biased towards merchants and all. What sort of information are you both looking for?”
*He gladly takes Daji’s arm, being very courteous about it despite being just your average street side merchant.*
"Why should I play nice with you, you're the one that decided to not become a beast again you know. Now, I guess we should focus on the mission at hand."
Daji said with a small chuckle before finally hearing the man speak, making her attention go right towards the man as she kept her pure smile on her. Surely the woman in front of him wasn't a mass murderer fox right?
"Hmmm we're here to learn more about the subcultures and places that people seem to suddenly fade away from existence. So we can avoid those locations after all, my poor sister is very very weak without her older sister!"
Daji said with a chuckle, giving a smug look towards Hime before she had waited for the man to walk at which she followed him. Letting her giant tail brush against him>Oh, I am not that one you speak of... But yes, that can be discussed later.
Slowly nodding, she gives a slightly dry smile as she follows, admiring Daji's tail in spite of herself.
"Hah, perhaps so for now..."The man quickly gestures to another nearby store owner to look after his place for him whilst he was away. His gaze jetting to her tail as a light blush spread across his face.
“Ahaha, the center of town has quite a few art pieces and sculptures in and around. As for people who just disappear, we don’t really get those. Law enforcement is quite tight here, so it’s even safe for pretty ladies like you to stroll around in the dead of night.”
He begins to walk with the two foxes towards the center of town. Clearly he was feeling quite confident with Daji and Tamamo beside him.
“Oh yeah, I forgot to do this earlier. My name is Allen Smith, what might your names be~?”
Use a fake name for now, yours especially may be recognized...
"Teri and Jadie, those are lovely names for such lovely ladies such as you both~"
He winks at Daji then thinks about such rumors for a moment.
"Hmm... Not really, the strangest thing about this town is the turnover rate of people who come and go. No one really stays here for more than maybe a decade at a time. Most people tend to move away or come in, then leave. Though it's not bad since we exchange messages with those who take their leave quite often."
"Most commonly it's just wanting a change of scenery. I don't blame them, it's pretty busy in town and there isn't exactly anywhere that's really quiet since people are doing things at all hours of the day."
Allen gives Tamamo a small shrug, but gives her a smile.
"I don't mind the questions, and I've only lived here coming up on four years now. Maybe you both should look into living here, you'll have a great quality of life here."
After a little bit more walking they turn up onto the town square, a bustling area with lots of high end shops littered around the edges with an amazing fountain in the middle. Children playing in the fountain and their parents watching on, people going about doing their daily business quite happily and the likes. There were also a fairly large amount of statues littered around the area quite a few of them being of one lady. A dainty lady with a mask on her face, each carved clearly with a lot of care.
"And here we have the town square, the cultural center of our home. Just down that way you can find the church, we just came from the merchant's isle, and down the other way you'll find the residential district."
The statues of the lady were as such.
"We call her The Voice of God, a person who we revere for she brings us prosperity. She protects our town from the horrible things in the world~!"
The man spoke in a tone which exuded his pride in being one of the people in such a lovely town.
"We do, we're all very thankful for her existence. As for how to meet her... Uhh there isn't any particularly reliable way to do so. She mostly just comes and goes on a whim. Though as far as rumors go, she's got a domain she more directly controls somewhere. But that's just a rumor that's still unconfirmed."
We did find out some more while you were busy with your...urges. A good thing that I took the time to join, mm?
"It's going well, we were about to see the church next. If you would wipe your face off..."As the party moves to the Church, it turned out to be nothing overly grand. Just your standard church kept in very well condition. Nothing to over the top unless you consider a shit ton of white over the top. Of course inside there's some more art in various mediums of the Voice of God.
Within the church there's not a massive amount of people, maybe 1-2 dozen people doing a plethora of things ranging from cleaning to prayer, resting, and walking about with various papers.
Of course this is a mix of both people in a uniform attire, and normal people going about their day.
"I have an idea, we can pretend you have a deathly illness and ask for assistance from the church. After which while they pray, I pray and possibly charm them.
And what would charming them lead to...?
"You say that as though I didn't just charm a man as of now and made him reveal a lot of things. Now, I can put a disease on you if needed."
I will kindly deny that offer... But yes, if you can find the right person, we may well learn plenty.
"Is it really correct to do so? We don't even know who to ask. And we're in a mage territory. A mass suggestion... might alert them to our activities."
As Sal looks about in searching for remnants of magecraft, he'd sense a faint feeling of it. Clearly the magecraft was done in a way where in it would be at least somewhat difficult to sense, or perhaps it was a remnant of something previously done. As for the specific type of magecraft, it was unclear feeling like a really messy jumble.
"...Actually, just don't, Alter Ego. There's -something- here, I'm confident. We need to be more wary as to our actions."
It is strong as well, we certainly have begun to uncover something significant indeed...
Mm.... We do not know enough, considering this magecraft. I suggest we pull back and report for now, to pass along what we have learned. Of course, with enough time for me to examine this... But let us find a place to stay quietly in the town.
"I agree. In that case, I shall also call upon my other Servants for assistance. I'm sure they'll be able to come as soon as they can."
As the group continues to converse and you move about to find yourselves a nice place to set up shop for the time being you all would find it quite easy to find a decent place to rest up. Standing in front of a nice line of various inns ranging from pretty moderate near the edge of the town to quite a bit more high class closer to the center.
Even among the average areas they still were pretty nice, at least far more warming than Chaldea's cold standard beds... Anyhow the price inside which was displayed on a wooden sign was a small price per night of:
1 gp - Single bed, bedroom, bed size for 2
2 gp - Double bed, bedroom, both beds sized for 1
3 gp - Double bed, bedroom, both beds sized for 2
5 gp - Triple bed, bedroom, all sized for 2.
The night went by pretty peacefully though as you all wake up one by one there was quite the commotion outside.
There was quite the number of heavily armed guards deployed, patrolling the streets carefully. It seems something serious has happened…
Upon observation they were sure as hell looking for someone or something. Showing people a piece of paper as if it were an illustration of what they were seeking.
Sal catches that it's a crudely drawn image of two woman with ears and a pluffy tail.
It was very not well drawn.
Like basic bitch drawing levels
There wasn’t a single way out, armored guards(kinda cute ones btw since the armor was slightly teddy bear themed) were deployed everywhere. Each group being able to see multiple other groups as they acted. Even some were deployed atop roofs and what not. The only possible method of escape being invisibility but even that was questionable with the deep magic involved with the church.
Without a single word’s exchange with one another the knights move in to engage the two foxes and capture them. But one knight no different than the other speaks up. Cutting off exits and some even climbing up atop roofs to aim down with bows and arrows.
“Surrender yourselves now and face judgement before the judicial system!”
And with more than a few injuries Daji and Hime make it out! Whilst Sal is able to just stroll on out casually... Sure Daji has some sorta curse on her but it's fiiiiine.
The party was patrolling around the forest nearby the domain of the Lord of Curses, mostly to hunt down some animals as shown by the fact they had but a few animal skins cleaned up and ready to transport back home. All of the animals of course were dangerous ones such as boars, canines, etc.
They're just vibing and enjoying life, being normal people. Talking bout normal things like how are the wife and kids, or how's their parents doing. Stuff like that. It's a plethora of men and women in the troop, both younger who seem to be in their late teens or early twenties, to those even in their fifties or sixties and ripped as fuck.
We wait to hear if these men can lead us to the one we wish to capture. The chance to act will come quickly, Fenrir.
Err... okay.
There wasn't anything important they were talking about, mostly just about life and how they were hunting wild animals to make the roads safer. A few mentioned the rogues who slaughtered that company of knights as well as the murderers who killed an innocent shop keep. One was making prayers to the Voice of God to keep everyone safe so that they could all get home to their families after this.
There was no particular distinction between all the knights as of that very moment... Though the show of the captain was only verbal on the last guy too... On top of that it only showed on the helmet when he died.
As Amane wandered around she'd notice a few knights from across the way had noticed her, drawing their crossbows to hunt a little fox.
"Everyone! A fox! Lets bring it back and present it to our lady!"
(edited)This group is unimportant, hm. Fenrir, try to take some alive! They may be useful hostages, or entertainment at least~
As the group begin their attack the knights all get ready for a fight after one calls out.
"Enemy attack!!"
Sure, will just knock the heads of a few, for interrogating
"It's one of the foxes from the previous attacks!!"
"We're getting slaughtered here!!"
"Aster, run away and report to the Commander!"
"No everyone! I'm fighting till the end with you!"
"Boy, leave now, fight another day! Inform the others!"
As Melu knocked out the three knights, they hit the ground and were out cold. One of those 3 knight's helmets released a purple light that flew off.
As Melu finished off the final knight you all would look around... Murdered knights and unconscious ones strewn about.
There is absolutely no magical items, even the helmet seems to have lost its magic... It's mostly just some cages, a few animal skins, and normal equipment such as crossbow bolts, their weapons, and tents.
The party met down stream of a cave which was located by another party. This cave being guarded by the same knights seen at the Lord of Curse's domain...
The knights who had seen no such construct before all drew their weapons in preparations for a conflict as they had no information on anything coming through this entrance today...
As for what RB could see, they saw 7 knights posted up quite closely with one another in front of a cave entrance which laid just up stream... That cave entrance 100% being the target of the mission.
All the knights freeze up, scared absolutely shitless from the horrifying metal construct and the intimidating voice of the small person... Like really, never fuck with the loli... Have you seen the Lord of Curses?
"You must be with those foxes... No wonder you are so cruel... Those of our brothers and sisters you captured you probably tortured to death..."
One of the younger men among the knights had tears in his eyes, though chose not to lay down his blade. As did the others, whilst trembling to the point where their armors rattled they held their weapons tight... Albeit in a horrible stance showing off just terrified they all were.
It really didn't help that Richard just merked a dude too...
"Not like you aren't going to kill us all or torture us anyways!! That's all you stupid fox lovers do! Ever since you've come to this land all you've done is kill kill kill! Where does it all stop for you monsters!"
A handful of them try to cover themselves a bit with the crevaces along the riverbank, each of them clearly quite horrified by the sight of what they assumed to be some sort of metal dragon created by demons...
"MURDERERS!!! WE CURSE YOU!"
They angrily cry out before making their move.
And the little smoke ball does swishy swoopy evasive maneuvers. Strangely not dispersing no matter what the fuck happens... Most likely a custom security measure.
As the group enter they're greeted by a long walk down where it opens up into a candy land type area, a magical maze with open? skies above... Though they couldn't see over the walls, on top of them there were beautiful massive sweet treats all around~! And even the walls were made of lovely tasty food!
Each section of the maze was absolutely massive, no doubt they would spend quite a bit of time here if they decided to try to progress... Each section was at least 40x40ft, the height only Petra could see, but it was 25ft tall and they were in a cave... But surprisingly the walls even for Petra who could see through illusions were the same?
The group continued to move forth for quite a while and eventually stumbled across a horrifying monster!!!
A FRANKENSTEIN MADE OF TWIZZLERS!!!
A bunch of happy puppets just vibing and playing games~!
Someone should totally taste the wall... The little dolls are eating it fine!
All the dolls give a little nod and two hold their hands out to Petra to have her join. Each of them vibing in a circle and holding hands.
They dont notice a thing as they happily prance around and play with Petra. Of course the illusion of the girl would need to bend over quite a bit as they played since they were quite small dolls, only 1-2ft tall.
Van, do you sense anything happening?
Amist though eveything I am sensing it's all over the place.. concerning..
All the dolls continued in this circle, the circle slowly speeding up as they all pranced around with their hands held by those next to them.
Soon the dolls begin to sing… Ring around the Rosie. Each having this cute song and dance about them. The speed of everything continuing to increase then they stop all at once at the end of a cycle…
“Ring around the Rosies… Pockets full of posies… Ashes… Ashes… You’ll all fall down~!”
All of them rush the illusion clawing at it until they realize it’s an illusion…
It was too strange to be anything else after all... Alright, clear them out!
The little dolls laugh like children before rushing up to the group, clawing at their legs since they were so short compared to the rest of em.
Well now we have a swarm of dead little dolls... Each of them bleeding what seems to be blood.
The group encounters another swarm of the little doll shitlings!!! Oh no!!!
The dolls notice everyone as they approach, rushing up to stick them with their lil claws!!
As the group proceeds onwards they could all notice that their vision was getting slightly fuzzy? Nothing truly harmful, just a bit strange...
(edited)Honestly the height didn't change all that much as if they were adventuring around this maze on a flat plain. Furthermore their instruments were glitching out quite frequently, whilst it was normal enough to tell generally they were generally not going in circles, the instruments certainly didn't make it easy for her.
As Richard sends assassin back to the entrance they'd find it quite simple to make it back there, the entrance was untouched but their senses were becoming slightly impaired... Comparatively between the entrance and where the party was now there was certainly quite the difference in the large scale magecraft's effects.
As the party advances they encounter a little token on a pedestal, it emitted a powerful and dark energy... As everyone approached their vision blurred almost as if they were going blind? What do you all do?
The moment that Gogh touches the little token, it turns into goo, then into a sigil on the palm of her hand? Everyone else would notice their vision clearing up, though Gogh’s vision didn’t for some reason? If anything it actually grew a slight bit worse. Nothing impeding unless she planned on shooting things from like 300ft away.
@Game Ping 5Before the Dm forgets, the moment everyone exits their sight returns to normal. As for Gogh, the crest on her hand disappears though there's still a lingering energy on her not to dissimilar to the little purple orb destroyed by the Baron earlier.