Active &nbsp; [Aslan City] The Ethereal Luminary Entrance Exam Arc Part II

Adelhein El-Melloi von Breyer // Saber Alter // Gilgamesh

Scarlett Ashford

Scarlett wasn’t really sure what Adelhein was referring to but something that he went back with Demeter on apparently, whoever this East Empire guy didn’t sound like the most fun to be around she quickly decided, a soldier who sounded like they had some issues they perhaps needed to deal with based on the little second hand information she got.

She was curious when he mentioned using a body for summoning, not aware that he was capable of that magic,

“Hm, summoning? You’re familiar with that magic as well?” She asked matter of fact. If that was so Adelhein was only becoming more and more of an impressive abnormality which she couldn’t ignore from the perspective of magical ability alone even. It was far from usual for people their age to be that talented from her understanding.
Scarlett nodded when she heard Aureus speak, he sounded truthful which she appreciated.

“Transmutation? Sounds like that could be useful..”

She also acknowledged Aqua Raines with a nod.

“That’s okay you don’t have to like it and you’ve dealt with intelligent enemies before, so you just have to do it when it’s necessary.” Scarlett responded matter of fact, hoping that Aqua could do that much for the group.

Curious, another transmuter she thought to herself, Unfortunately there wasn’t much more time to think when the icicle barrage started.
===

Thankfully Adelhein and Demeter had a deal more magical targeting power and oompfh than she did and presumably the other two with them who she seemed to be more alike.

Adelhein’s liquid metallic casting pretty well broke apart the two that seemed to be targeting him specifically as they lashed out scattering ice shards all over the place.

Demeter’s then roots shot out from the ground and struck the remainder of the ice barrage, weakening them visibly some in their structural integrity and directing them back toward the portal.

The hand recoiled after being struck by the follow up metal strike from Adelhein, the blue ethereal hole of sorts appearing on the palm of the hand, to which Demeter was able to make contact with her follow up attack as well, her root burst pierced the hand as well, this time blue ethereal stuff coming out of it sort of like they were “bleeding”.

Thankfully the shard of ice that had been heading for Scarlett seemed to have gone back through the portal and wasn’t returning but two more had been shot out in response

On the same path, one toward Aureus and another toward Aqua. However the Obsidian pillar shattered the icicle which was coming toward Aureus, more dust and shards flying about. The water blast from Aqua knocked the icicle off course as it collided with the ceiling.

Just when the figure looked like they had disappeared suddenly someone familiar to Adelhein emerged.

Nolan Cryros

This time he looked a bit worse for wear with a couple blue stab wounds on his torso and his hand looking ethereally mangled with the damage indicators, as he ran through the portal toward the group a look of desperation in his eyes. He had what appeared to be a strange golden amulet that was in the shape of an eye that emitted a faint white glow.

“Zephyrus damn it! Get out of my way!” He’d call out looking exacerbated, before he looked over and his eyes widened, He leapt forward toward the group when suddenly two large cylindrical dark ornamental steel pillars with a purply glow that occupied a large portion of the t-section came flying together creating a large spark, Nolan would have been eliminated then and there if he hadn’t looked and leapt.

At that point he was desperately trying to get up and shove his way past Scarlett.

It may have become more apparent why he was running away, when the pillars then detracted slightly back into their respective t-section hallways, obscuring them, and suddenly the walls around them began to push out, widening the hallway, as did the ceiling raise, and the sound of metal hitting metal could be heard against the door, smashing even as the door began to crumble inward toward the group, until the crumbled metal door suddenly burst open, revealing the large hand of something that looked similarly dark and metallic as the dark purple magical runic cylinder pillars had.

Said hand then went to the door frame and made a smashing movement, opening up a larger hole in the wall, revealing more of the figure.

[Large] Exam Construct

It was a by all means [Large] construct of sorts which had that same dark purply glow, and by all means it looked like it was trying to go after Nolan.

What might have been noticeable to the group was that there was another amulet-like object hanging off the thing’s ornamental right arm spike, that instead of an eye looked like it depicted a minimalistic small gold statue of a figure using a hammer and iron.

After that the construct made red eye contact with the group , before the purple aura began to intensify around it as if it was charging something up becoming progressively brighter, looking like it was readying up another punch this time even more powerful, perhaps to get through the rest of the wall once and for all.

“NOLAN! Help put up a barrier or something or we all might just get eliminated here right now!” Scarlett exclaimed, grabbing him by the collar, and looking at him intensely.

Instead he floundered about trying to break free. “It won’t work!” He spat back.

“ And I’d have a portal here back to the surface already if Ceclia wasn’t so useless!”
With a lack of a better plan, Scarlett shoved Nolan back and moved until she was pushing herself up as flat against the moving wall as she could.

“Those of you who can help lessen this impact do it, then get against the walls! Hopefully they’ll be wide enough that we can avoid most of this!”

The time for quick decisions was now.

Maxxob · Oct 10, 2024

Titles:
Adelhein: [Isekai], [Human], [Adept Magus] Color - #e60e0e
Saber Alter: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Swordsman] Color - #470c85
Gilgamesh: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Mage] Color - #d3fa5c

Corruption

0%

Saber Alter's Influence

15%

Gilgamesh's Influence

5%

Scarlett’s curiosity about the summoning which Adelhein had mentioned was met with a proud, confident smile from the teenager. “I’ve learned the fundamentals to make the summoning possible, but I can’t take all the credit. When we are out of this cave, you can meet both of my companions which I summoned into this realm.” He said, taking quite a bit of pride in both the Heroic Spirits he had under a contract. He gave them form, he gave them mana and, whatever they did in this world, it was all thanks to him.

Upon hearing the introduction and the specialties of both Aureus and Aqua, transmutation, there was a curious expression on his face. He had little to not expertise on alchemy and transmutation, previously knowing that to be the von Einzbern specialty. If he had more expertise in it, he certainly would be curious to know how the alchemy of this world measured to the one on his homeland. He had a question in mind, but would save it until they were out of that cavern.

The young magus looked very satisfied with the results of the joint counter-assault from both him and Demeter, their magecraft working in unison and seamless integration with one another. But that was not all that caught his attention. Both Aureus and Aqua’s magecraft also piqued his interest. They could be prospective apprentices, if things kept going the way they were. Maybe they ought to have a talk when everything was done and over.

And, just as he had suspected with the familiar icicles flying from the portal, Nolan would be the one getting out of it, making Adelhein’s eyes narrow dangerously. If, what followed Nolan had taken a moment longer, the young magus would just have attacked him with full force and eliminated him from that exam for good. However, with the new threat of the large construct materializing, the focus was dealing with that.

“Nothing different could be expected from a worthless mongrel like this one.” Adelhein’s tone was neutral, his words sharp as the mage from the so-called great heritage proved to be powerless once more. Still, the golden amulet which he had on his person had not escaped the teenager’s attention. That would be both his and Scarlett’s artifact, regardless of his own opinion.

To that end, with the golem charging a strong attack, Adelhein was quick to act. With his magic circuits being activated and working at full capacity, mana overflowing his body, the young magus began making metal come into being. The liquid quickly began pooling around his feet, until parts of it began breaking off and traveling towards his companions. “Magnam Ferro Corpus!” Suddenly, the liquid metal would shoot upwards, quickly hardening, forming a protective barrier around Demeter, Scarlett, Aureus, Aqua and himself.

As the protective measure was formed, its surface was smooth to the touch, just like polished steel. In front of it, a symbol etched on the outer side of it, facing the gigantic construct.

It allowed for attacks to leave from inside of it, but protected from attacks which came from the exterior. In the next moment, Adelhein moved quickly and pressed himself against the wall. And, needless to say, Nolan was left without any protection.

Actions:
1 - Targeting Scarlett, Aureus, Demeter, Aqua and himself with - Magnam Ferro Corpus - Magic E, Energized E, ~~Magic AoE F~~, Magic Range F, Magic Targets F, Selective Magic [Target Allies, Allows Attacks from Allies] F, Barrier F, Affinity Elemental Metal F - After declaring the name of the spell, Adelhein selects up to five members of his party, up to 30ft. Liquid metal bursts out of the ground, erecting a barrier of extra protection, for a single turn - Grade E Cooldown 0

CD:
D 1/1

Gwen_Temi · Oct 11, 2024

Demeter was quickly realizing how absurd the testing grounds of this exam truly were.

Enchanted rods flying out from both of the side-paths that reminded her of traps. Portals. A giant, metal golem. The enchantment, itself, that turned murder into a civil, competitive sport. If there hadn't been a giant robot planning to send a large piece of sheet metal hurtling though the tunnel, the young fae might've asked this Nolan fellow if his... "wounds" hurt. And with its arrival...

...Demeter immediately saw an opportunity present itself.

"I've got a plan!"

A pretty pendant dangling from one of its shoulders. A fresh coat of El-Melloi armor forced over her own. An enemy more focused on opening a pathway big enough for it to advance. And a few new Dryad tricks that she had yet to put to use in a proper adventure. Unlike Adelhein, Demeter had no way to prepare for an upcoming attack. But, that didn't mean that she couldn't get ahead.

She broke into a sprint, racing full-speed towards the machine with a trinkle in her eye and a dream in her heart.

As soon as she closed the distance, a hand would shoot out and try to snatch the amulet from the machine's right arm before it had fully charged up its death punch. The hole was still too small for a [Large] creature, but it might've been enough for a [Medium] sized one to reach straight through. Then, regardless of whether or not she succeeded, she would vanish from sight. No words. No bright light. No blur of green to signify movement.

Nothing left behind but a pile of dried up leaves.

[Wilt and Bloom]

And at that exact same moment, roughly 70ft back down the path from which they'd just travelled, the dryad would emerge in a plume of pink petals. Whether the path had curved along the way or not made no difference. She would utilize the shadows, the distance, and the environment down here to her benefit in this battle. Perhaps Adelhein would feel a tinge of doubt as Demeter vanished from sight. Perhaps his faith in her would remain absolute in that moment. The powers at play were not ones that she'd shown him- or even had the capability of showing him- before now, after all. But she stood with Adelhein and his allies, even now, as she warped through the cave.

This was merely preparation for a battle with an opponent that might've proved more challenging than most.

Good thing she had a few more options to fall back on in times like these.

Actions (3/3):
1). Move 20 to the Exam Construct's position.
2). Attempt to snatch the "Gold Statue" Necklace from off of its shoulders.
3) Used [Wilt and Bloom] to return to a position 70ft back from their current position on the path from which they'd come.

Wilt and Bloom- Teleport E (1), Energized E- Demeter dissipates into a pile of dried leaves before reappearing in a burst of petals at another location within 100ft. She can appear at any location that she can sense or has previously been to. Technique is not impeded by physical barriers.- 1 action- 100ft movement distance- 1 post duration- Grade E- 0 post cooldown.

Spoiled Bread · Oct 12, 2024

Aqua

Aqua was confused when there's a guy who came out of the portal and ran past them. Based on his interaction with Adelhein and Scarlett, this wasn't their first meeting. She definitely didn't expect the thing that chase him though as a large construct blasted the door and charging what looks like a big energy beam aimed at them all.

After she fainted on the beach a few day ago from lack of mana, Aqua now knows better where her limit was. So rather than trying to help with the barrier or trying to attack the construct, she immediately threw herself against the wall, behind the metal barriers that Adelhein created. All while letting a loud squeal as she braced herself to be annihilated.

Action:
1) Faceplant herself against the wall

Rev IX · Oct 14, 2024

Aureus Albion

Aureus had managed to get breathing space after retreating to a side of the room, seeing as it had nothing sturdy enough to guard him from whatever was attacking them. At first it was a cowardly mage, the source of the icicles from moments ago, but he just wanted to escape. Escape from the big construct that was giving him chase. Both had a trinket that potentially could be their passing score, and they just happened to need two. If the agreement from before was still in place.

Adelhein and Scarlett seemed to think so, as both acted with him and Aqua in mind. Aureus trained his sight on the mechanical being. It seemed too bulky for him to damage. But maybe...

The elf made himself even a smaller target by crouching against the wall, and planted his gloved hands on the stony floor of the chamber. He then channeled prana to the ground beneath the mech from his hands. And with a nearly imperceptible flash, the floor around the target started to give away, slowly swallowing it, should it choose to not act on it, that is.

Actions:
1 - Crouch against the wall
2 - Quicksand Maw - Transmutation F, Earth Affinity F, Magic AoE F, Magic E, Spell Duration F, Selective Magic F, Alchemy F, Energized E, Magic Targets F, Magic Range F - Within established magical parameters, user creates a loose ground pit underneath the target(s), which slows the advance of said target(s) via sinking into the pit - Grade E - 0 Post Cooldown

TheTimePiece · Oct 16, 2024

Location: ???, Grand Duchy of Roran

Weather: Temperate, gentle cool breeze.

Time: Early Morning

Mentions:

Rev IX

Adelhein El-Melloi von Breyer // Saber Alter // Gilgamesh

Gwen_Temi

Scarlett Ashford

Her eyes lit up a bit when Adelhein mentioned he had beings who he had summoned apparently. All the credit or not that was a very impressive feat particularly given his age yet again.

Scarlett hoped she’d have an opportunity to meet them as he said, she could only assume that the exam didn't allow him to bring them with which was a shame given the current circumstances would have been conducive to the more the merrier.
====

Nolan Cryros

“Like you’re any better! You didn’t have to fight this thing and see it destroy every single one of your golems and your ice wall!” Nolan spat out in response to Adelhein even as he was freaking out.

Thankfully despite this development, Adelhein managed to create a magical protective layer of liquid metal which materialized protectively on Demeter, Scarlett, Himself, as well as Aqua and Aureus.

With Nolan sitting on the ground after getting shoved, Demeter had easier clearance with her efforts after she exclaimed she had a plan. The strikes which the construct made on the wall had in fact created a large enough hole for a medium sized individual to make their way through.

While this was going on Aqua was now nice and squished up against the wall, the protective barrier on her.

And then Aureus had quick thinking, suddenly the construct began to sink, the once stone floor beneath it shifting through Aureus’s transmutation Because it was so heavy the sinking process came on much faster than one might have expected, and in doing so, it gave Demeter an advantage in height to grab the amulet from the construct’s large arm, which was now at a more favorable height, in addition to it already being lower at an angle already while it had been charging up.

Demeter successfully teleported back a good distance into the hallway from where they came after taking the amulet.

Aureus then successfully braced himself against the wall.

“Wait..where did she g-” Scarlett called out bewildered at seeing Demeter just suddenly disappeared and a pile of dry leaves remained, not only that the amulet was gone.

“I’ll get you for this I swear it! This won't be the last you see of me!” Nolan yelled out at Adelhein more than anyone at seeing he was barrierless and now prone.

[Large] Exam Construct

Suddenly a large purply fist came down and the entire hallway shook at the impact, small bits of stone falling from the ceiling, the trajectory of the fist being shifted with it being lower, striking the ground, creating a large diagonal line burst of purply energy traveling down the middle of the hallway, purply beams appearing in a pattern like someone was skipping a rock along a pond’s surface.

Scarlett let out a semi pained sound, as the energy illuminated the area rapidly moving down it, Adelhein’s barriers were absolutely strained by this attack and much of the barriers up began to rapidly deteriorate until everyone was feeling singed, the impact very apparent, Adelhein knocked down to his knees, Scarlett unable to keep herself right side up from the force, Aqua also feeling herself buckle, as did Aureus, as suddenly the whole hallway went dark,

And then a dim light came back on. Demeter was just far enough away that the energy had dissipated just before hitting her.

Thankfully no one had lost consciousness and despite the discomfort from the event would be able to get back up.

When Scarlett looked over at the construct, she’d notice that Nolan was actually nowhere to be found after he had been completely engulfed in purple energy, but the amulet which he had around his neck was left on the ground to which Scarlett scrambled over to it, and picked it up, before moving to Adelhein to take his hand and head down the hall,

“Come on everyone, we got them, let’s get out of here! Quick!” As she started to move down the hall hoping to reach the corner bend.

If her words weren’t enough motivation, it became apparent that the semi sunk construct was starting to charge up the same purply energy strike again, perhaps of a bit less intensity, with a hole in the wall large enough for it to follow them if it could get unstuck, which it was trying to do with its other hand, while it charged the strike.

Actions:
1. Scramble to Amulet on ground.
2. Grab Amulet.
3. Head back the way came as quick as possible.

Maxxob · Oct 17, 2024

Titles:
Adelhein: [Isekai], [Human], [Adept Magus] Color - #e60e0e
Saber Alter: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Swordsman] Color - #470c85
Gilgamesh: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Mage] Color - #d3fa5c

Corruption

0%

Saber Alter's Influence

15%

Gilgamesh's Influence

5%

The young magus watched, with narrowing crimson eyes, as Demeter suddenly disappeared, leaving nothing but a pile of leaves in her place. He had seen something similar with that one dog-mage he had met previously inside a cave. Still, that had a chance to be teleportation, rather than something akin to it.

Despite his curiosity about it, his train of thought was shattered by the incoming attack from the large construct, the merciless and potent purply energy from it attacking them with impunity. And, as the energy released from mechanoid came travelled towards him, Adelhein could feel the brunt of the attack even through his barrier.

As it kept making contact with it, his metallic barrier began to dissolve, molten metal pooling around his feet, until the attack fully reached him. Trying to withstand the burning sensation by clenching his teeth was simply not enough, a groan of pain escaping his throat, as he was brought down to his knees. His gloved hands, closed in fists, propped him against the ground, attempting to not let him fall.

Adelhein breathed heavily, sweat dripping from the forehead and wetting the stony floor of the cavern. Eventually he was able to overcome the feeling, slowly rising to his feet once more. “Is everyone alright?!” The teenager asked, in a flurry, while his eyes quickly darted towards his companions, noticing Demeter was not there.

He managed to catch the blur of movement from Scarlett, as she went for the amulet which had been dropped by the now defeated Nolan. He felt relieved that she was quick to think on her feet and reach for it, even if the feeling was gone on the very next moment, with the large construct acting once more.

Offering no resistance, he clasped Scarlett’s hand, fingers wrapping firmly. “Let’s go!” Also ushering the others to leave that place, he began running back down the hall.

Actions:
1 - Get up
2 - Go along with Scarlett back to the hall

Spoiled Bread · Oct 18, 2024

Aqua

Aqua didn't even dare raising her head out of the hiding spot until the sound of the magical impact completely vanished and Scarlett urged everyone to run, something which she would gladly do as she had no desire to fight the construct.

"I-I'm fine!" She replied to Adelhein as she used her staff to prop herself up. She curiously gaze towards the construct and let out a brief squeal as she watch it charge another beam attack. They already got what they came for here, now time for full retreat! Aqua followed closely behind as they made their escape.

Action:
1) Escape with the others

Gwen_Temi · Oct 19, 2024

The dryad emerged from a blossom of petals a few dozen feet away from the destructive golem. She lifted the locket up and inspected it as a smile slowly crept across her lips.

"YES! I GOT-"

A quake rippled through the area as the punch that the construct had been charging up was finally thrown. An eerie violet light filled the path from which she'd come. Her smile quickly faded and, for the briefest of moments, the young fae began to wonder if her friends had already been shuttled back to the exam's waiting room after that explosion. But the sound of approaching footsteps and familiar voices brought her ease and returned the smile to her face.

It also queued her in on the group's current objective.

"You guys need a quick exit?" Demeter's voice echoed through the halls as she came running around the bend to meet the group with the amulet held high and an eager smile, "I got you!"

She came to a stop right next to the group and turned to face towards the path from which they'd just come; peering deep into the cave through the walls and the darkness all the same. A patch of grass would spread beneath her feet, up the walls and onto the ceiling; 15ft in each direction from the young dryad's current position. She brought her hands up, clapped them together and, should her spell succeed, then the world would shift in a jarring blur as the group found themselves in a different part of tunnels; the grass beneath their feet replaced by a plume of pink petals. The might've ended up somewhere they'd already been once before.

But they were most definitely much farther away from that destructive machine and closer to the exit.

Actions (3/3):
1) Move to meet the group in the tunnels.
2&3) Cast [Wilt and Bloom: Passwall Shuttle] to teleport the group to a safe location 100ft away from where they started and closer to the exit of the tunnels. If any other living entity enters into the radius of the spell aside from her comrades, she will choose to not teleport them alongside the group.

Wilt and Bloom: Passwall Shuttle- Magic E, Componentless Magic E, Magic AOE F, Selective F, Super Sense [X-Ray Vision] E(1), Perception E, Feature [Darkvision], Teleport E(1), Energized E-Demeter utilizes her enhanced senses to locate a safe destination in the distance before teleporting herself and any chosen targets within the radius of her spell to that location. Anyone who is teleported dissipates into a pile of dried leaves before reappearing in a burst of petals at another location within 100ft. Demeter can reappear at any location that she can sense or has previously been to. Technique is not impeded by physical barriers.- 2 actions- 100ft movement distance- 15ft spell radius- 1 post duration- Grade E- 0 post cooldown.

Rev IX · Oct 21, 2024

Aureus Albion

As much as his own attempt at hindering the attack, the golem overcame the setback with ease. Aureus was blown away, quite literally, by the might of the construct's attack. He tumbled backwards from the mighty mech, while leaving small puddles of the liquid armor Adelhein granted him. Based on the other voices around, it was escape time. Aureus decided to save his breath. His poor physical condition meant he was a slow runner. And the ride the shockwave gave Aureus, rendering him quite disoriented. Heeding the call of the exit trip, the elf crawled, then stumbled, then sprinted at an impressively slow pace. Reaching desperately for the rest of the group.

TheTimePiece · Oct 23, 2024

Location: ???, Grand Duchy of Roran

Weather: Temperate, gentle cool breeze.

Time: Early Morning

Mentions:

Gwen_Temi

Adelhein El-Melloi von Breyer // Saber Alter // Gilgamesh

Rev IX

Scarlett Ashford

“I’m good! You heard him!” Scarlett said ushering everyone to keep going so they could get out of range of the exam obstacle which apparently was quite strong. Thankfully everyone else managed to get a move on it too, even if it was a bit rough to get off the ground so quick and just get moving.

Thankfully For those who had looked back they’d see that the [large] construct was struggling to get moving still and had to spend some time getting itself out of the ground which Aureus had caused it to sink into with his magic.

This bought the group some extra time to escape the follow up attack it was charging up while they could hear the sound of the groundbreaking behind them.

“Yeah get us out of here quick if you can!” Scarlett called out, her voice echoing back when she heard Demeter asking if they needed a way out quick, that would be most ideal.

[Large] Exam Construct

Suddenly everyone who had been fleeing the construct, would see the same purply light start heading toward them across the floor of the hall..granted at albeit a less intensity than before, and suddenly thanks to Demeter’s magic they were all caught up in a disorientating shift going from running for their lives to suddenly appearing in the tunnel a good distance away.

====
“W-Woah!” Scarlett found herself stumbling a bit forward and having to rebalance herself after the rapid teleport.

“Oh thank Zephyrus..” She’d let out a sigh of relief when she looked around and saw everyone had made it, and that they were now in an eerily quiet normal looking tunnel again, one which looked like if they went a bit further led out back into the cave like chamber where they had initially met.

“And thank you Demeter.” She gave a smile her way.

"You did great back there too with that ground trick, bought us some time." She'd look to Aureus.

She looked around at everyone, before continuing

“We just gotta make it back to the cave entrance now without losing these or getting eliminated..”

“I think we can just go back the way we came..or we could try going down one of the other paths, there’s about three of them I saw in the chamber that should lead back to the entrance assuming the correspond with the options we started with..Theres the one Adelhein and I took..which was like a stone ramp, but it’ll probably be pretty uphill, another one which was more windy and staircase like, and another one which appeared to be like a more naturally formed tunnel..The tunnel might have a chance for less people on if. Compared to the others due to being more difficult terrain.”

“You able to teleport us all again some along the path we decide on? Might increase our chances of making it back, cause pretty sure once we cross the threshold outside with our artifacts we’ll have passed.”

Another decision for the group to decide upon.

Maxxob · Oct 23, 2024

Titles:
Adelhein: [Isekai], [Human], [Adept Magus] Color - #e60e0e
Saber Alter: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Swordsman] Color - #470c85
Gilgamesh: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Mage] Color - #d3fa5c

Corruption

0%

Saber Alter's Influence

15%

Gilgamesh's Influence

5%

Adelhein was a tad surprised to see Demeter right as the group turned the corner, only making him believe more and more that his suspicions were right. Still, despite his surprise a mischievous smirk appeared on the young magus' lips. "The quicker, the better!" He said, turning his head around in the direction which they had escaped from the golem, catching the purply light traveling towards them before there was the shift in the fabric of space.

In that split second, he felt how the mana dislocated and moved, like gentle waves moving to and fro. How it interacted with matter, allowing the transposition from one place to another. How it had interacted with his own body and magic circuits, the details so subtle that it took all his concentration to catch a good part of them. His brain did its best to dissect every single step of how it worked, glimpsing into this unique magecraft. And he was confident that, if he were to experience once more, he would likely be able to reproduce it in some way.

It all came to a full stop when he noticed the familiar surroundings, an area which they had been in. Being plucked from somewhere and placed somewhere else in space had its consequences. Adelhein felt a bit dizzy, but managed to keep his footing, no small thanks to Scarlett's hand which he still held. And, while he had no idea who or what Zephyrus was, he knew he could count on Demeter. "Excellent work. I had no idea that quick would be that quick. I will be eager to hear about all the magecraft you've learned." As he spoke, there was a palpable pride in his tone, as one would expect from a serious mentor.

"Indeed, without the extra time I'm not sure our exit would have been this smooth, great work." He said in earnest, his gaze focused on Aureus, the tall elf mage.

Adelhein listened attentively to the overview of the situation, and options, by Scarlett. "I would say going back through the ramp would be the best, but it can be difficult to climb it, unless Demeter can teleport us all the way to the top." He began giving his opinion, crossing his arms for a moment, while considering the other options. "The staircase seems like a bad idea, even more if we met other competitors that might be descending it. I suppose the tunnel could be our best bet. What do you guys think?" His crimson eyes slid through each one of them, wanting to hear their opinions.

Gwen_Temi · Oct 24, 2024

"Oh, pfft. That was nothing," If the young fae's skin were a bit paler, they might've seen some blush spread across her cheeks. She turned to Scarlett, "Yeah. I can do that, no problem. May not be able to get to the exit in one jump, but the terrain shouldn't make a difference one way or the other. But, before we start moving..."

The pride in Adelhein's words seemed to resonate with young dryad. She held a persistent smile as she glanced over at Aqua and Aureus. Her sights danced between them for a moment before settling on Aureus. She walked over to him then extended a hand, presenting the locket that she stole to him.

"Here, take this. I'm not a candidate for the entrance exam, so keeping that amulet won't do me any good."

She turned to address the group as a whole.

"I'll get everyone back to the entrance, but I won't be leaving with you. Thing is," She brought her right hand up and proudly pressed her thumb to her chest, "I'm here on official duty with the local adventurer's guild! It's my job to take out as many would-be students as I can before someone gets the better of me. Once you guys are safe and secure, I'm going back to my rock and putting my scary face back on. But I'll meet up with you guys at the acceptance ceremony after the exam. Gonna see if I can crack a few more skulls before then, hehehe"

As far as Demeter was concerned, getting Adelhein into Ethereal Luminary Academy was a win in her book no matter how you sliced it. It was another victory to add to his resume to bolster The El-Melloi name. And every bit of new and useful knowledge that he pulled from the school would only make him a better tutor to her and anyone else who sought his tutelage.

"You guys can decide what path you want to take and I'll see if I can slip you all past anything that might get in your way," Demeter paused for a moment as she realized that her companions were even in number, "I guess I can also be the deciding vote if it comes down to it."

Spoiled Bread · Oct 25, 2024

Aqua

Aqua didn't expect for Demeter to suddenly teleport them away, so she almost kissed a wall once they reappeared some distance away from their original point. Thankfully it didn't disorient her as much as she thought it would be so she quickly regained her balance and assess the situation that Scarlett just described.

"I-I think going the way we, I-I mean you came is the best." Aqua looked at the way that Scarlett and Adelhein supposedly came, then towards the three alternative routes. "The steep slopes will give us disadvantages if we're attacked from above. As for the tunnel... W-we don't exactly know where i-it's going right?"

"So I think the safest route is to retrace our step."

Rev IX · Oct 25, 2024

Aureus Albion

Aureus managed to barely get to the teleporting spell range. He got disoriented by the strange experience of being yanked out of regular time-space for the first time. This resulted in him losing the balance he barely recovered to escape the construct. Once everything warped back into place, he found himself laying prone, facing the ground. A faint "eugh" was all he said as he tried to, once again, gather his bearings.

The elf offered a tired smile while answering "Glad to be of help" to both Scarlett and Adelhein. Then he faced Demeter, taking the amulet with a more energetic smile. "I appreciate it. Thank you for your effort despite that." It was likely done in interest of aiding, or maybe even impressing Adelhein. "But a victory is a victory" he thought to himself.

While fully getting back on his feet, he put some thought on the options the fiery mage offered. Aureus looked around, confirming said routes with his own squinting eyes. His turn to voice his opinion came. Aureus looked down at his hands, then turned to the group. "If Demeter can bring us closer to the exit, that's great. But if push comes to shove, I think I can manage to make the terrain a bit more... traversable. You know, to use a less frequented route without easily falling or something" He glanced towards Aqua, offering an equally playful and friendly smile.

Gwen_Temi · Oct 25, 2024

Demeter listened quietly as everyone shared their thoughts.

"R-right..."

A mild look of disappointment- or perhaps confusion- spread across her countenance. Mostly because she wasn't entirely sure which route every member of the group had decided upon. Adelhein seemed to settle on the tunnel in the end; not wanting to risk running into other competitors or deal with an incline. Aqua voted for the staircase for familiarity's sake. And Aureus... Demeter had to assume that his vote was for the tunnel as well considering that that was the only path with "difficult terrain".

"Um, o-okay. Tunnel it is! I doubt it'll slow us down, anyways, if we move like this."

With the group's... "firm" decision to take the tunnel back out of the caves, Demeter turned her attention to the seemingly naturally-formed path and gazed ahead through the stone walls and darkness to find a safe spot for the group to warp to. Grass would spread through the area; radiating out from underneath the young fae's bare feet to signify the relaxed preparation of her spell. As soon as she found a nice spot, she'd teleport the group away to a spot 100ft closer to the exit of the cave.

And that much closer to completing the exam.

Actions (2/3):
1&2) Cast [Wilt and Bloom: Farstep Shuttle] to warp the group from their current position and to a spot 100ft into the tunnel with rough terrain.

Wilt and Bloom: Passwall Shuttle- Magic E, Componentless Magic E, Magic AOE F, Selective F, Super Sense [X-Ray Vision] E(1), Perception E, Feature [Darkvision], Teleport E(1), Energized E-Demeter utilizes her enhanced senses to locate a safe destination in the distance before teleporting herself and any chosen targets within the radius of her spell to that location. Anyone who is teleported dissipates into a pile of dried leaves before reappearing in a burst of petals at another location within 100ft. Demeter can reappear at any location that she can sense or has previously been to. Technique is not impeded by physical barriers.- 2 actions- 100ft movement distance- 15ft spell radius- 1 post duration- Grade E- 0 post cooldown.

TheTimePiece · Oct 27, 2024

Location: ???, Grand Duchy of Roran

Weather: Temperate

Time: Early Morning

Mentions:

Gwen_Temi

Rev IX

Adelhein El-Melloi von Breyer // Saber Alter // Gilgamesh

Scarlett Ashford

“If it’s about how to use magic in new ways I’d quite like to hear about your ‘magecraft’ too.” Scarlett added in alongside Adelhein giving Demeter a bit of a soft smile.

She was pleased that Adelhein also saw the value in Aureus’ abilities to sink the the construct, it seemed like he had a good deal of utility beyond aggressive casting, which Scarlett could respect, it probably made sense to work with those who were versatile afterall.

It also felt nice that Adelhein agreed with her on the matter of where to go to as far as trusting her judgement went, as the stairs definitely seemed the most likely to have the most people on them either going up or down, the ramp reasoning wasn’t unfounded with her either, but indeed Scarlett didn’t like the idea of someone staying behind and trying to monopolize the slippery way back to eliminate people and then take their relics, if she felt more confident staying above and eliminating more people herself that might have been a strategy worth considering.

Scarlett raised a brow when Aqua mentioned the tunnel, she certainly hoped the tunnel wasn’t some sort of shifting one that would get them lost, but she supposed it was a fair point, with how cryptic part one was, and the maze like area below, who wasn’t to say the test prompters wouldn’t mess around with them above? For now she was willing to take the risk regardless.

That was right if worst came to worst Aureus should be able to deal with the ground some and hopefully help them make their way back to the entrance.

With that and the four being teleported, they’d end up in the tunnel, which had a less severe incline than some of the other options, even if it was less even ground, it was dimly lit.

Scarlett had to get used to being teleported once again, but could see that everyone was still with them and each pair had their respective artifacts.
====
She regained her balance, before looking to Demeter and giving a nod, “Thanks again! Good luck with your job and I’m sure we’ll see you again soon enough!” Hopefully the exam spectators would see their resourcefulness, when it came time for the group to get going, and everyone was ready to move on, the tunnel continued for about six or so minutes of moving, until eventually a familiar opening space appeared, showing the mouth of the cave, it was almost eerily quiet compared to all the fighting that had been going on not that long ago.

The cavernous space which broke into the paths now had evidence of damage from magical attacks hitting the ground and ceiling, burn marks, vines, even some crystalline looking shards which appeared to be magical in nature.

“Alright we just gotta get through here and we’ll be home free!” Scarlett said with enthusiasm but with a lowered voice.

The target was across the room, the only thing that was..considerably different was that instead of the cave leading outside visibly to where they had entered, the cave space sort of just appeared to lead into a wall of the same blueish magical energy which Adelhein had seen with his duel with Nolan earlier.

“Anyone have any appraisal abilities?” She’d quickly ask, “Might be a good idea before we make a break for it.”

Looking around the space, even if there weren’t any obvious traps, it’d really be awful to get to the end and then get blasted by someone's magtite trip mine spell or something and have their items get grabbed then and there at the very exit, and unfortunately detecting that stuff wasn't something Scarlett really had knack for yet if there weren't any obvious signs.

Maxxob · Oct 28, 2024

Titles:
Adelhein: [Isekai], [Human], [Adept Magus] Color - #e60e0e
Saber Alter: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Swordsman] Color - #470c85
Gilgamesh: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Mage] Color - #d3fa5c

Corruption

0%

Saber Alter's Influence

15%

Gilgamesh's Influence

5%

“Of course, you would be a pleasure having you join us.” Adelhein promptly said after Scarlett had shown her interest in their sharing about magic. “As a matter of fact…” His crimson eyes would then slide along the rest of the group, something glinting behind them. “... why don’t we all confer at my residency, in Ryken, after we are done with this? Much can be achieved by those with talent, as long as they receive the proper… guidance.” Making that offer to all those present, letting it simmer in their mind, he prepared himself for the next spatial dislocation.

This time around, his mind had caught most of the nuances he had not perceived in the first time, essential details about mana fluctuation and fine-tuned control, the basic mechanics of moving about in space in a blink of an eye. What remained was for him to practice it and theorize the inner-workings behind it, for only the ‘gut feeling’ on how to perform it felt like not being enough. He was a theoretical magus after all.

Thankfully, the translocation wasn’t that rough the second time, his body getting more used to the sudden ‘jump’. “Don’t terrorize them too much.” The teenager told Demeter, playfully, getting ready for the final stretch until they were out of the cave and done with the exam. As the group got to the crossroads at the end of the tunnel, his crimson eyes darted around the many options, noticing the scars of battle which were present in the cavern.

“This part of the exam was more hectic than I had imagined…” Adelhein mused in low tone, attempting to imagine how chaotic was the free-for-all of those who attempted to stay at the very first level. “... we are pretty close…” The young magus’ enthusiasm mirrored Scarlett’s, noticing the familiar sight leading to the exit, but also wary of the blueish magical energy present in the wall.

“I saw some energy like that one when I was dueling that runt, Nolan.” Keeping his voice low, he extended one gloved index pointing at the wall, not being sure at the moment what he could make of it. “Let’s see if I can detect something.” Those words were followed by him beginning to concentrate. Focusing his mana into the wall and the room itself, he would try to ‘spread’ his ability as much as possible, to get the best read of the room he could. "Magi Scientia!" Whatever he uncovered, he would readily tell the others.

Actions:
1 - Magi Scientia - Appraisal C, Magic E, Magic Targets F, Magic Range F, Magic AoE F - Grade C 3 Post Cooldown

Gwen_Temi · Oct 28, 2024

Demeter

The group arrived within the tunnel in a plume of pink petals; a sharp contrast to the dark tunnels that surrounded them. The path seemed clear of contestants and free for the group- or at least those who actually sought to gain entry into the college- to advance without much trouble. And the young fae would continue the conversation as though she hadn't even noticed that they had just teleported 100ft into a tunnel.

"Sure!," she replied to Adelhein and Scarlet, "Never been any good at actually... explaining any of it, though."

If there was one strength that might've helped Adelhein in college, it wasn't studiousness nor his experience nor his burning desire to bring honor to his family name. It was his ability to parse through incoherent stream of thought turned to words and find meaning in it. If he could make sense of the Demeter's attempts to explain how her wild magic worked, he wouldn't have had any trouble wading through the barely comprehensible writings of ancient magi who put more value in flowery words than actually being able to communicate with the common man.

Challenges for another day.

For now, the path ahead seemed clear and Demeter had a duty to fulfill elsewhere. So with a wave and a smile, she saw the others off; preparing to return to her designated rock and to embrace senseless violence until the examination came to an end.

"Save me some snacks if they have something good, okay!?"

She turned back to the caves behind her, let her senses extend deep into the darkness from once she came, then vanished from sight. Hopefully, when she saw the others again, they'd be toting acceptance letters into Ethereal Luminary-

-and the young dryad would be sporting a fresh sack of shiny coin.

Spoiled Bread · Nov 1, 2024

Aqua

"T-t-to your house??!" Aqua was definitely surprised when Adelhein suddenly invited them. Her eyes went wild as she frantically search for something to distract herself but unfortunately for her there wasn't much to see within the dark tunnel. She's forced to answer him properly or else she would be an ungrateful and rude person...!! At least that's what was going inside her head during the full 3 seconds she just freezed on the spot.

"I-I-I-I will be glad to!" She finally replied. She didn't even see Adelhein's intention or what he meant by guidance. She simply answer that because she remembered that she's supposed to make friends in the school, that's what she promised to herself. She wouldn't go anywhere if she kept avoiding interaction with her future schoolmates.

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

This time Aqua was ready for the teleportation spell and quickly caught herself before she smacked her own face against the ground. Once the dizziness passed she could actually appreciate the pretty pink petals that Demeter spawned around them. It's like some cute confetti to celebrate their arrival. Aqua pocketed one of it so she can make it into a bookmark later.

She waved Demeter goodbye and shifted her attention to the path in front of them. A room that seemingly have some hidden traps based on the various things in it. That or there had been a fierce battle between other mages recently. She did have an appraisal ability, but she wasn't sure which part of the room to appraise so she simply let Adelhein to handle the appraisal while she raise her staff in front of her just in case something suddenly ambushed them. She also took note on how Adelhein was combining the appraisal with his spell though, she might try something like that later.

Rev IX · Nov 1, 2024

Aureus Albion

It seemed like Demeter wasn't sure of how to approach his response, making Aureus wonder if he should elaborate. Shortly after, she made a decision so the elf stopped himself from it. This second teleport was a bit less intense. And while Aureus managed to stay on his feet, he remained dizzy and disoriented all the same. As he once again gathered his bearings, Adelhein proposed an invitation to what Aureus thought of as a partnership of sorts. Wanting to keep his last meal inside, he just smiled and nodded.

The group then started to discuss how to approach the unseen danger this next chamber likely had. in store for them. To his own disappointment, he had no way of helping here. So he shook his head. He looked around, hoping to find something with his naked eye.

TheTimePiece · Nov 2, 2024

Location: The Ethereal Illuminary , Grand Duchy of Roran

Weather: Temperate

Time: Early Morning

Mentions:

Gwen_Temi