Graded [Cobalt Outpost] - Strike at Ryke

[LadyOfStars]

This roleplay is a part of the Isekai Hell group. If you want to join or learn more about it, follow this link: Isekai Hell

Cobalt Outpost​

After leaving Selve village, Mitsunari wandered around Ryke and attempted to learn more about the nation. He was interested in the politics, the people, even the infrastructure. The bigger cities were good for gossip and current happenings around the country. It was in one of these metropolis cities that he learned about Cobalt Outpost in the far east of the nation.

There were ghost stories about the place, talk of it being extremely dangerous, and some people even said the place was cursed. The true important detail was that several soldiers claimed to have been there and that the outpost was understaffed. There weren't enough people to run the building at full efficiency,

Mitsunari was looking for a fortified place to stake his claim, but had been having trouble finding that place. Villages were easy targets, but difficult to defend when the military came to reclaim it. Castles and forts were difficult and too high profile. An outpost in the middle of nowhere however, where the soldiers were being forgotten about was the perfect place.

​

Once he had his target set, Mitsunari didn't hesitate to begin making his way east to the outpost. With every settlement that he passed Mitsunari attempted to recruit someone to his cause with the promise of money, sanctuary, or adventure. He would tell whatever lie he needed to in the moment and ensure that the people stuck with him.

Time of Day: 1 a.m.
Weather: Light snow, Chilly

Crouched down on the hills beside the outpost, Mitsunari watched the structure with steady eyes and played through possible scenarios in his mind. His eyes slowly trailed over to the party that he managed to wrangle up and he inhaled deeply, suppressing his stress. He stood up and turned to look at them with calloused eyes. "I've been told that that criminals inside are few in number, but it might be best to take them by surprise anyway. We should sneak in and dispatch them one by one. Any objection?"

The outpost itself was dimly lit and although no people could be seen in any of the windows, it was still clear that the place was occupied. Torches burned in every third window, the Ryken flag was still in good condition, and there were footprints in the snow illuminated by the moon's light that trailed to a mound in the snow from the secret entrance at the back of the building. The current soldiers posted here were clearly not the best or perhaps they had become laxed in their easy posting. Either way they weren't ready for an assault of any kind.

 

[Durado]

Doused in sweat and bathing in the toiling heat of the forge, Sascha hammered out the length and shape of her blade. As was expected of a chunk of elongated metal that hadn't known the touch of a grindstone, it still lacked any cutting edge but had been hammered into a fitting form. Her strikes were strong and firm, yet remained meticulous and gentle to not overwork the metal. Standing straight with a thirty-seven-inch blade and three-inch tang, it was average for a great sword in terms of length, but due to its blade's width and the extended pommel Sascha had in mind, it would easily dwarf other swords in sheer size.

Of course, what would immediately catch the eye with her sword was the very metal used to forge it. Given her status as an apprentice, Sascha only had access to two mundane metals, but when utilized properly, even that could turn into something grand. Joined into a rolling sea culminating in the very tip of the sword, steel and iron, hammered and stretched together from billet to sword, had created a wave like pattern. Lighter steel washed over the darker iron in a cycle reminiscent of the ocean's waves. Sad to say, Sascha had never scene an ocean in her previous life, but this pattern did always leave her with a sense of wonder for the majesty those boundless depths must have held.

With the sword now shaped, it was only a matter of tempering the heated metal in a prepared trough of water before she could move onto the finishing odds and ends that made the sword serviceable. Since the impromptu handle had long since been removed once the sword grew too large, Sascha pulled the sword from the forge with two pairs of tongues and carefully submerging it within the water oil, allowing the blade to cool into a proper weapon.

When the smoke and steam cleared, Sascha couldn't help but proudly smirk, seeing the product of her hard work. She withdrew the great sword and looked it over from tang to tip, finding no warps or cracks had formed from her own negligence or otherwise. To her surprise, there was a messenger waiting for her at the end of her sword, the hardened point inches away from spearing a leather bag filled with parchment.

"Ah, I didn't hear you come in. Must have gone a bit deaf from all the hammering." Sascha tried to smile it off, her awkwardness making her appear more sincere, and in a way, endearing. She set aside the great sword to rest on the anvil, taking a rest to address the guest in their humble workshop. "You've caught me at the perfect time. Some good news would be nice while I prepare for the next step." Chuckling in jest, Sascha continued to gather her tools.

"Sascha, you know I'm just here to deliver the news." The young man grinned, pulling out a folded piece of paper before handing it to Sascha and going on his way. She accepted the the note, giving the messenger a friendly wave as he went off. Reaching for her waterskin, Sascha was eager to find out the contents of the letter, her lukewarm fruit juice trickled down the side of her mouth as she read. Her expression turned serious as her hand tightened, crumpling the piece of paper.

Sascha was grateful for the smithy. It gave her a home in a world unknown and allowed her to flourish. She gained new skills and learned how to open up to others. Sascha had veered away from the life she used to live. She was fortunate enough that her path was lead to this craft. However, Sascha knew that there was a world beyond the walls of the smithy. God's words and wishes, though lingering in her mind, were never forgotten by Sascha and continued to motivate her.

Taking a deep breath, she calmed her nerves. Leaning against the table where the remaining steel, iron, and bronze rested, Sascha set down the emptied waterskin and went back to work.


Though accepting mercenary work, she thought of herself as some kind of vigilante. The letter she had received mentioned the crimes and abuse of power carried out by the Cobalt Outpost. Located in the far east, their transgressions and acts of corruption went uncontested. These were the sort of injustices Sascha passionately despised. Blinded by her rage, her clouded judgement had gotten the best of her. She failed to ascertain the legitimacy of the information she was given and made her way eastward. Beneath her rosewood red cloak, from head to toe, Sascha was fully clad in blackened armor. Beside her, a quarter of it plunged into the snowy ground, was her freshly forged great sword. With her hands resting across it's large hilt, Sascha stood beside Mitsunari, her current employer.

Just recalling the contents of the letter infuriated Sascha, but she refused to allow it to muddle her thoughts. She had to remain focused. Tonight would pave the way for her future. To the type of woman she wanted to become. She was no longer within the comfortable and safe confines of the smithy. Sascha was now in the real world with real lives finally at steak. Without enough resolve, she knew she wouldn't accomplish anything.

Exhaling heavily, a fleeting mist left her mouth. "Mitsunari, how long until we move?" Her voice echoing lightly within her helmet. Sascha tried her best to keep herself in check, but unfortunately, her impatience began to show.

 

[TheEccentric]

"Stone by stone, it broke their bone. Line by line, lost in the mine. Soul by soul, the carts did roll. Brick by brick, to seal it quick.", a gentle voice sang a song. The song bounced from wall to wall, decaying away in moments. Lightly lit by scattered candles, fist marks and hand prints long infused by the remnant echoes act as a sort of solemn warning. Deeper in the cave, the ruckus of stone grinding against stone accompany the song like instrumentals. The vague form of a stout man can be seen with the help of candlelight, but that's the only characteristic the creature shared with humans.

It had already been hours since Tu began his digging. Stone fingers press against the earthen walls, piercing deep into the soil with relative ease. Whatever jagged rocks hidden within the earth scratched against his skin, leaving behind mere white marks that quickly disappear after being submerged in dirt. His eyes traced the rough tunnel he'd added to the cave, regarding his work with dull apathy. Not the first tunnel he's carved, but certainly one of the worst. He heaved a sigh, sounding like marble kissing its kin aggressively.

He lightly regretted not practicing during his meditative phase, years had gone by with no bloodshed nor exceptional feats of strength to be remembered. Looking down, he gazed at his cracked palm. Soft greenish light suffused the layer underneath his stone exterior, his life force manifested in the form of deep green veins. Veins he tried cutting with sharpened steel, treated iron, and...

He shook his head. Worming thoughts from the past need not be taken too seriously. The present is where the greatest life lies, the past is just for regrets and gratitude, while the future a chance to look at the regrets earlier to try and avoid them. Heavy steps crossed the floor as Tu walked towards the entrance, piles of melted wax stacked along the sides of the room like knights welcoming their king's return. Ahead of him, a symmetrical wall stands out in contrast with the natural stone. Laid against it is a stone pillar as thick as an adult human's calf. The same green and cracked design courses through the object, a reminder that it was made from his own chipped stone.

"The time has come to fetch more food.", muttering to himself, he grabbed the object with one hand. The Seven-Segment Totem flashed briefly when it met his hand, connecting with Tu on a spiritual level as an expression of exhaustion form on his craggy face. Having just returned to practicing the manual, just the thought of mastering half of the martial art is a hurdle he has to get over. His hopes of regaining his human form had already been dashed far too many times, pumping himself up for any more attempts is as difficult as attacking a fort on his own. Which he tried, though failed at.

These thoughts swirling in his mind, he raised the Seven-Segment Totem, and smashed it like a battering ram on the brick wall that he made to isolate himself from the world. Like a stack of toy blocks hit by a child, the wall crumbled down. Sunlight streamed into the cave while he walked out, covering his eyes with his stone hand. Outside, the forest tentatively waited for his next action before resuming its din when he just stood there. Several feet away, a mound of freshly stirred dirt marks where his food had been buried. Beside it, a sign that the nearby tribesmen used to communicate with him.

Mentions of mercenary work and outpost raiding immediately roused his interest. He's done both before, and the rewards seemed lucrative enough for any sellsword. That's not what he cared for though. "Mercenary work... Fighting should loosen the stone...", muttering to himself, he touched his rigid body. Having been weakened from years of nonchalance and lethargy, he was in the need for more excitement. Briefly, he looked back at the cave that he'd been excavating for the tribe. He crossed his arms and considered the time it'll take to do the mercenary job, and determined he'd still have enough time to finish the cave before the rainy season.

Having decided, he left the buried food and began trekking towards the direction of the so-called outpost.

•••​

Standing like a quiet statue, Tu looked at the Cobalt Outpost with a pondering expression. Asking about the attack more, he learned that they were supposed to apprehend some band of crooks that enjoyed abusing their power. Mitsunari's choice of words made him glance at the outpost more sharply. Although he's no Samaritan, less evil in the world is better than more. Granted, he ultimately didn't care if they were actually criminals or not. He's here to fight, not worry about morals.

"Sneaking is not my forte. Mundane weaponry are barred by my physique. I can act as a distraction from the front.", his landslide-like voice replied to both. On his shoulder, he hefted the Seven-Segment Totem. "I can attempt to destroy the gate. Success or failure, their attention will be placed on me." After saying that, he leaned down onto the ground and touched it. With a clench of his fist, the area he touched got crushed to powder.

"Or, if you are patient, I can dig. This will take consume many hours, though.", saying his piece, he returned to his earlier pose and watched the walls of the outpost. The few souls that traveled along it would likely meet an unfortunate end, but he could treat them to a proper burial afterwards. One thing he learned to respect over the years, is that everything will eventually return to earth. Helping it claim back what it used to own is a means to be in tune with the land. Or so the manual said. Heaving another sigh to himself, he silently cursed whoever made the manual. What does "the earth is both creation and destruction" even mean?

 

[LadyOfStars]

Seikatsu Mitsunari

Durado TheEccentric​

The kitsune's eyes slowly rolled behind his mask to look at the woman who showed impatience. "Your eagerness is appreciated, but hast will kill you just as quickly as a blade." The other figure, a stone-like creature spoke and seemed to have more of a knack for these type of things than the other merc he'd roped into this. He recognized the importance of a plan.

"You are right. Stealth will not be the easiest to execute with our current party." Mitsunari turned back towards the outpost and looked it over one more time. They were outnumbered and perhaps out skilled so they would need every advantage that they could manage. "A quick, full assault might be best while we are still undetected. There is a small door down there, probably a secret exit." His arm extended out of the long kimono sleeve and pointed to a small door at the base of the trunk. "We can enter through there and hit the enemy fast. We'll also need to disable their signal fire so that they cannot alert any allies nearby."

---

Inside the outpost, the Ryke soldiers were practically lounging around with their feet kicked up on the neglected furniture. the empty halls echoed with the howling of the wind that whipped the flurries of snow around outside. The captain in charge of the outpost was the only one somewhat focused, but even his task seemed meaningless. He sat in his office on the third floor, filling out expense reports and supply requests that would likely be ignored once more.

 

[Durado]

Not just impatient, Sascha was stubborn as well. Not uttering a word, Sascha simply clicked her teeth in response to Mitsunari's advice. However, despite allowing her pride to get the best of her, she wasn't foolish enough to not acknowledge the merit of kitsune's words. What they were about to do involved actual lives. Lives that they had to take if need be. Although unfamiliar to it, Sascha needed to have the resolve to carry out what needed to be done.

Too focused at the task at hand, Sascha failed to pay enough attention to those that surrounded her. Believing that they were a team of one-man armies, Sascha paid little heed to the idea of planning. This showed how wet she was behind the ears. Although not completely open to the candidly discussing with the other mercenaries, Sascha was willing to listen and observe. She wasn't against a full assault. It might have had its flaws, but it was simple and given their ragtag group, was the easiest to follow.

"I agree with Mitsunari. Catching them while their guards are down might be the best option right now." It wasn't obvious due to her helmet, but Sascha's gaze had turned to Tu. "And with the large man serving as a distraction, it may make things even easier."

 

[TheEccentric]

Tu Tao​

"Man? You spoil me.", a grumble escaped Tu's lips as he tried to determine where this so called entrance is with his eyes. Although the hope of his humanity returning is there, years of being called anything but man has scarred him deeper than any weapon. The slight twitch of stone showed how the term irked him, but he made no mention of it any further. Rather, Tu began swinging his totem side to side to loosen his joints. "I shall knock upon their gates first, asking entry. History has shown that fear is a common reaction to the unknown. A stone monster should stir them up."

"I am surprised you regard me so calmly, weaker men would run, and dumber would meet their end. Though that is not important.", finishing his line, he continued his warm-up by adding a few more motions. Letting the Totem rest standing a few feet away from him, he began attacking the empty air in front of him with his bare hands. His stubby stone fingers clenched on necks only he could see. The rigidness of his motions made him appear simple, but a casual strike from him could likely dent a man's face.

While exercising like this, he glanced at Mitsunari with an expecting flash in his eyes. "If we have no one else to wait for, let us take action. It takes stone longer to soften than skin, so best I begin moving to ensure I am in my optimal state. The young one seems lustful for glory. Though I am unsure if sneaking fits her tastes.", he said as he dragged his green eyes towards Sascha's direction, particularly on the weapon she held. A fine blade, one that could harm him if used by the right hands. Though, those right hands usually belonged to the experienced and weathered.

 

[_Yang]

LadyOfStars TheEccentric Durado

After their cult-and-flame-filled extravaganza, Gamatsu was grateful that it finally came to an end. It was a story worth telling, but if given the choice, he wouldn't want to go through it again. A change of scenery was what he needed. While Zeke and Liu chose to stay behind in the ruins to recuperate and whatnot, after warming up and loosening up his joints, Gamatsu headed further east to scout out the area.

He eventually encountered a group of what looked to be mercenaries. They were an interesting gathering of different races along with a monster or two. They were friendly enough to talk to Gamatsu and not just straight-out attack him due to his status as a monster.

They were a cool bunch, goal-oriented, and we're pretty straightforward with what they wanted. And since they didn't mess with him physically or verbally, they were okay in Gamatsu's book. Okay enough for him to join their cause.

He was one of the last ones to join up, so Gamatsu decided to take a seat back and just listen to their pre-assault huddle. Fortunately, the plan they opted for was a simple one that he could go with.

"Aight. While you guys rush in, I'll be watching yer backs and go pew pew when ya need me. Capeesh?"

 

[LadyOfStars]

Seikatsu Mitsunari

While still unfamiliar and certainly odd, Mitsunari felt as though the gods had sent him a useful bunch. If nothing else they'd perish here, but not before helping him succeed and capture the outpost. The group was diverse and although the personalities did not mesh nor where they all experienced, they all seemed willing and able. Among the group, Tu interested Mitsunari the most, but his questions would have to wait until after the deed had been done.

The arrival of the living suit of armor just as they finished discussing the plan was taken as a sign that the gods supported his plan and even went as far as to send him aid. And having an archer to fill out their party was perfect.

"Very well, let's begin."

---

Cobalt Outpost
_Yang Durado TheEccentric

Seated behind the iron door, a single pair of eyes peered out at the snowfall that had thickened over the past several minutes. The green spheres lazily watched the white blanket cover the ground Heavy lids threatened to blind her to the outside world and leave them vulnerable to intrusions. With a nod of her head it seemed likely she would fall asleep at her post for the second or third time this week. It was the figure of a large man approaching that activated her brain as shock and fear coursed through her. The proper thing to do would have been to alert her peers, but she was too lazy to follow protocol.

"Are you lost pal?" She cast a skeptical glare upon the unique figure that std before her. Surely this was a prank of some sort. After having seen the same 11 men for the past few weeks she was all too glad to see someone of his stature. She hadn't yet noticed his condition however. The door slowly swung open to reveal a woman of average height with a sword on her hip. She seemed a novice soldier and someone like Tu wouldn't struggle to take her down if he so chose to. With her standing now in the open, gamatsu could also take a shot at her to wound or kill.

While Tu dealt with gaining entry into the fort, Mitsunari, Sascha, and Gamatsu moved into their respective positions with the fox and swordswoman hiding behind some rocks ready to rush the door. "Solo or group fighting?:" Mitsunari asked Sascha.

 

[_Yang]

Making use of his skills and experience in the field of stealth, which weren't much at all, Gamatsu dropped prone unto the ground, distancing himself and slowly crawled forward as the others advanced. Cloaked not only by his cloak, but by the dark night as well, Gamatsu positioned himself far enough to properly get a shot in if need be. His range for now was around a hundred feet, give or take. After being forced to shoot in an enclosed space, the open field he was now in was a breath of fresh air.

"Caaan you feeel, the love, tooniight (tooniiiight), it is where we aareee~♫♫ " Gamatsu whispered in song as he took aim. Extending his right arm, the prongs of his crossbow flaired outward as a magical bolt was loaded and readied to fire.

Choosing to maintain his position, Gamatsu watched and hummed while waiting for things to get messy. The large stoney individual seemed more than capable of fending for himself against a lone lady. But he suddenly wondered, what if she wasn't immediately dealt with? She could call for help and warn the others. Gamatsu couldn't have that.

"It's enough, for this wide-eyed wanderer~♫♫" In an instant, an arrow made of mana silently ripped through the air, flying towards the female guard's head. "That we got this far~♫♫"

Ability Used - Snipe E - Archery God E, Range E, Energizd E - A far reaching shot that has its effective range extended by 30 feet - 0 Post Cooldown

 

[TheEccentric]

Tu Tao​

Trudging up the path slowly, Tu didn't even bother listening to the woman as he walked towards the gate with a stoic expression. Her words landed on him like how it would if they landed on a mountainside. It would remain a mountain, unstirred by the emotions the woman projected. Though he didn't respond to her questions, he replied with a light voice, speaking in a singsong matter. "Cradle of stone, they will sleep in. Teat of rock, they will be feasting. Earth's Song, they will find peace in. Forever and ever, bones will be resting."

He never understood why the training manual has these strange rhymes, despite the decades of research he's spent on it. Apparently, they help with connecting one with the essence of the world, but he just felt like an idiot whenever he muttered them to himself. At this point, they just escaped his lips whenever he wanted to fall into a trance. For work or for when he's about to get into a fight. With the words already uttered, he lifted the Totem upwards. Like a battering ram, it was poised to smash the gate, even though she stood between it and the totem.

And then he felt it. Something brushed past his sides, bringing with it a deadly wind. He paused. Lowering the totem, he stared at the open door behind her. With the archer taking the initiative, he'll leave the woman to him. Besides, if he swung now, the arrow would still be faster. Then he'd just be hitting a dead body, which he isn't keen on doing. The door was open anyways, so he just walked towards it. His hand still clenched on the totem tightly, just in case she survived the attack. An arrow shot won't kill instantly unless it hits a vital spot; he'll give her a swift death if the arrow is lacking.

 

[LadyOfStars]

_Yang TheEccentric​

The Archer's aim was true and the woman's eagerness betrayed her with great consequences. A loud cracking sound could be heard as the arrow split the soldier's skull and pierced her brain. The expression that was now permanently stuck on her face would tell the story of how she was caught by surprise by her killer, but felt no pain in her passing. Mitsunari was caught off guard by the woman's death as well, but couldn't deny the pride that he had felt swell in his chest. He glanced back to the archer, Gamatsu, and lowered his head in a respectful manner.

Then he beckoned for Sascha to join him as he leapt out from behind the rocks to catch up with Tu. "Come on big guy." Sascha called to Tu. Now that they had a way in, their attack could finally begin.

---

Entering the outpost Tu and the others would find themselves walking through narrow corridors that were not only dimly lit, but also in need of a good sweep. Several cobwebs hung in corners and from torches. And despite its abandoned appearance, voices could be heard resonating through the halls as the soldiers lounged about and drank ale to keep warm. Two of those voices were quickly approaching Mitsunari and the others.

"There is bound to be a signal fire or such system to warn nearby allies; Sascha, make your way to the top to disarm it. The two of us will move slowly and we should be able to handle this lot." Although she wanted to be part of the action, Sascha did as she was told and left the duo behind as she raced towards a set of stairs.

"Here they come." The fox said as he noticed the voices getting closer.

Just as the two stepped out into the corridor that Mitsunari and Tu shared, the kitsune wasted no time rushing to close the 10 foot gap and catch one of them by surprise. "Kitsune's Bite." (Magic Affinity F, Lightning Affinity F - Cloaking his hand in lightning, Mitsunari electrocutes his target. - Grade F) Lightning surged over Mitsunari's left palm and illuminated the corridor for the briefest moment before he grabbed hold of the guard standing on the right. Lightning raced up the man's arm and through his body, causing him to convulse and grunt as his body locked up.

"What the?!" The man beside him covered his eyes to block the sudden light, but then realized what had just occurred and started to draw his sword. If given the chance, he would swing at Mitsunari and not miss at such close proximity.

If Gamatsu chose to remain outside, he would see only two rooms illuminated by candle light. one on the second floor where the soldiers were drinking and such. The room on the third floor only had one silhouette walking about and that was the room of the outpost's captain. Every now and then he paced by the window, but never lingered very long in one spot. Under the dark of the night sky the archer could reposition himself as he pleased, or enter the building in any manner of his choosing.

---

The Enemy

F Grade Humans wearing F Grade light armor and wielding F Grade iron weapons and bows. There are no magic users among them.

 

[TheEccentric]

The interior seemed homely enough if you disregard the cobwebs and dust that seem more like decorations at this point than the byproduct of poor maintenance. Tu dragged a finger along the walls, then pulled it back to see his fingertip covered in powder. Crooks usually reside in abandoned places, at least to his knowledge. The outpost looked far from what he imagined a corrupt official would live in; the foolish guard at the entrance speaks volumes of the souls that run this place. As he walked, he gave Mitsunari a side glance, long enough to be noticed but not enough to understand the meaning behind it. Now is a time for battle, not remarking on the details.

He raised a stone brow when he saw how Mitsunari dealt with the guard. Lightning? A powerful force, one said to hide the secrets of life. The flash was annoying, though. "A warning next time, perhaps. The archer seems wily enough, while the young one is impatient. I am not fond of surprises, you see." He walked forward while speaking. A stone arm extended forward, grabbing at the other guard's neck like a vice. If the guard found himself an unfortunate victim of this attack, he'd surely be in a world of pain. Tu already imagined the battle between him and the guard.

He'd clench his hand while the fingers were wrapped around the guard's neck. Relying on the strength from [Bulldoze F] and the natural defenses of [Weaponsbane F], the man's life would slowly leave him as he panicked. The blade would hit Tu's body, but where skin would be cut, stone is more stubborn. While the man choked, Tu would hum another poem. "Beneath the earth, Air is a memory. Within its clutches, all life faces destiny. Return as soil, upon new life born. Where death was, wheat, rye, oats, and corn." After saying so, he'd leave the totem standing behind him, as the now free hand will fly towards the guard's face to crush it.

• Bulldoze - Super Strength F, Tunneling F - With your super strength, your ability to move earth and rock is great. You can easily move large boulders and other similar obstructions out of the way, regardless of whether you are moving on the surface or tunneling through the ground. You can move through a foot of earth every 6 seconds. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown
• Weaponsbane - Resistance [Bludgeoning] F, Resistance [Piercing] F, Resistance [Slashing] - With skin of stone and a heart of steel, you reduce the damage of Skills and Abilities that deal Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing Damage. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown

 

[_Yang]

Despite the lack of any smoke or an actual barrel, Gamatsu couldn't help but blow at his forearm. Wanting to be smug after landing a kill was only natural, and that was the best way he could showboat without making that much noise.

While the rest of their group entered the outpost, Gamatsu took his time outside. The marksman in him told him to carefully scout the surroundings, reposition, and continue to provide cover. It was the wise thing to do, but Gamatsu drowned out such thoughts with a bit of humming and proceeded to hop, skip, and jump, as quiet as he could of course, towards the lifeless body he was responsible for.

Once close enough, Gamatsu made use of [Appraisal] on the no-longer-living female guard. While going through her body for anything he could pilfer, Gamatsu ran his hand along her agaped eyes before bringing her eyelids down and shutting her mouth. It made her look more solemn, and more importantly, less creepy. Gamatsu couldn't steal from a corpse that kept looking at him.

Soon after, he careful made his way into the outpost, following his diverse group of justice-seeking adventurers; or whatever they were. It was boring being alone. With his crossbow ready, Gamatsu was ready to take another life cover their rears.

 

[LadyOfStars]

Halted by the sudden grip around his throat, the soldier who had aimed for Mitsunari found his attention drawn elsewhere. A large creature with skin that felt like stone had taken hold of him with a grip that felt unbreakable. "Arggh!' Futile attempts to argue for his life as he felt the air slipping from his lungs left the soldier with little in the way of options. He quickly drew his sword and in a glint of silver light, his skull had been crushed by the giant creature. Llifeless and limp, the body became a ragdoll in Tu's hand as the sword clattered to the ground. "Well done." Mitsunari praised as he rose to his feet, grateful that Tu had acted when he did. The Fox's ears twitched at the sound of approaching footsteps and he glanced over his shoulder to see the dark figure that was Gamatsu.

The living armor combatant's appraisal of the corpse would reveal standard information about the soldiers posted here. Key being that they were official soldiers of Ryke and were only F Grade. His frisk of the woman earned him a few Rykes, a heavy key on a rusted key ring, and some lint.

"Seems our archer is not the type to sit out the fight." Mitsunari spared a brief moment to check the condition of the soldier who he had attacked. The was only unconscious for the time being.

Again came the laughter of the group of soldiers who were helping themselves to another round of ale Their voices filled the halls so much so that it would still be difficult to find their way to them. "There are at least ten more of them to be dealt with according to my info. Stay alert." They would still need to travel up one more floor, a fact Gamatsu might know if he took the time to survey the building's windows prior to entering it. Mitsunari gestured for the two of them to follow him and started down the hall their victims had come from. It was a good lead to start with if nothing else.

On the third floor Sascha looked around for what might be a doorway to the roof, where she hoped the signal fire might be. It was the most useless task to be given, but she knew that on her way back down she'd see plenty of combat. She pulled open the first door she came across with caution, only to see that it was an office on the other side. Unaware of the figure standing somewhat behind the door, Sascha lingered in the doorway and looked around the room. It was finely decorated and surprisingly well kept. Just as she went to close the door, she heard a sword leave its sheath. In one fluid motion she jumped back from the door as a blade cut through it. "Forgive me if I'm rusty, we haven't had any enemies in some time out here." The captain said as he stepped around the broken door and into the hall.

_Yang TheEccentric

 

[_Yang]

Setting aside the Ryke he tucked into his pouch, Gamatsu proudly twirled his new set of keys along his finger. It was questionable whether it would be of use to him or not. As he caught up with his ragtag group of ruffians, Gamatsu whistled as quietly as he could at the aftermath of their own brand of roughhousing.

"Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool." He muttered to himself, nodding in appreciation at the sight of the unconscious guards.

He wanted to get a little small talk, but immediately after hearing Mitsunari's heed to keep cautious, Gamatsu stiffened slightly and straightened his posture, as if tensing up like a soldier. However, instead of a salute, Gamatsu gave him a stiff thumbs up instead before following the foxman's lead.

As he crept, Gamatsu tried his best to read the room. The other two with him were far less casual than he was, but Gamatsu didn't take that against them. He knew he was a bit odd compared to others. Wanting to fit in, he tried acting more serious. If he had a face, he would've had a stern expression. Since he couldn't, Gamatsu just did the next best thing; he prepared his crossbow. That way, they'd know he meant business.

 

[TheEccentric]

Tu Tao - CS
Mountain Breaker

Current Titles:
Monster | Earth Sourcekin | Totemist Apprentice | Warrior

F

Wiping the stone fist on the dead guard's clothes, Tu walked alongside Mitsunari. Guffaws and heckles disturbed the cobwebs silence the duo made. Well, that, and the approach of the archer. Although faint, the sound of jingling coins is very much there. "Looting the dead already?", he asked Gamatsu in a neutral tone. He then grabbed the unconscious guard and lifted him over his shoulder like a sack. Although hefty, not impossibly so. "We can say we found him passed out.", he suggested with his lackluster voice being a compelling reason to imagine his bored expression. He expected a better response from the one on the floor, and it seems to him that the people ahead aren't going to be too different. Quite frankly, disappointment filled his heart.

He lightly nudged Mitsunari aside, placing himself in the front. No words were exchanged, he just went ahead. With his earlier display, he's already assuming they knew his place in the party. A shield is better in the front, of course. Besides, he wants to get hit. Not because of some masochistic tendency that he hopes the others won't even think of. The training manual requires him to be hit, so the masochist is actually the one who made the manual. His rock eye twitched when he thought about it. His grip on the guard tightened, causing him to moan in pain. Though, Tu was too preoccupied with his thoughts as he trudged forward.

 

[LadyOfStars]

Mem of few words it seemed, for now, which was truly how Mitsunari preferred things to be. Until these two showed any true signs of use he had no intentions of familiarizing himself with their personalities, goals, likes or dislikes. They were just tools for the time being and both seemed effective enough. Tu's initiative in taking the lead was interesting. "You operate as someone who has a lot of experience working in..." Before he could finish his statement a bell started to toll; again and again the high pitched ringing filled the halls and drowned out any other noise. Right away Mitsunari froze and started to look around.

On the level above them the laughter of the drunken soldiers paused as they all looked up in shock and alarm. Adrenaline began to rush through their bodies, Rushing them to sober up in order to mee whatever threat the bell rang for. On the level above them, the Captain held Sascha at the end of his sword, now his captive while he used his free hand to rang the alarm. "Unless you're an idiot you did not come alone to raid a Ryken outpost. Let us see if your comrades fall as easily as you did." Sascha grimaced with her back against the cold stone wall. He face was bruised and there were several slash wounds across her body.

"Spread out!" Someone shouted.
"Find the intruders!" Instructed another.
"We'll check downstairs!"

The soldiers were up and on the move, it was clear from their raised voices and uncoordinated footsteps that they were still feeling the effects of their drinks, but they were much more alert than they had been moments ago. A staircase to their left and a second one further down the hall were both filled with the sound of drunkards rushing down the stone stairs.

"I'm moving to the back of the line." The fox quickly whispered Fighting in a crowded hallway was not something he exceled at and his success earlier was very much luck as he would have been in trouble had the soldiers caught him. As he shuffled to the back of the group the first soldiers came into view at the opposite end of the hall three of them emerged with their weapons already drawn. Two of them wielding swords and one a mace. They were all taken aback by Tu's appearance and they visibly stepped back as they tried to figure out if he was real or not. "Fox Fire!" Mitsunari called just before a ball of fire flew pass Tu and Gamatsu. His rushed attack missed the soldiers completely, but still they scattered to evade it The smoke and scorch marks hadn't even settled before the drunk trio charged forward with their weapons raised.

TheEccentric _Yang

 

[TheEccentric]

Tu Tao - CS
Mountain Breaker

Current Titles:
Monster | Earth Sourcekin | Totemist Apprentice | Warrior

F

Tu's grip on the guard left bruises, but he could not find any softness in his stone heart to care. His annoyance flickered faintly in his eyes, very apparent when he glanced towards the speaking Mitsunari. Thinking back, although seemingly flimsy in appearance, Mitsunari's magics are impressive. Magic casters possess destructive powers, powers he'd prefer over being a man of rock. Magic had always been alluring to him, mainly because he hoped he'd be able to find a solution through magic. Unfortunately, he was neither cursed nor was he being transformed by a spell. This strange situation made it difficult for any hedge mage to help him, and he's far from being able to afford the services of an all-powerful archmage. Of course, this is just a passing thought. He didn't expect Mitsunari to possess the ability to aid him.

A casual nod of the head responded to the beautiful man's words, though. The sudden interruption of a bell made his voice quiet as a sense of tenseness suddenly spread everywhere. He immediately thought of Sascha, the only person in their troupe missing, and coincidentally, the one who went up to deal with the alarm. While the bell continued to ring, Tu increased his pace. "The young one's impatience got to her. Either she's dead, taken, or she herself rang the bell.", the Stoneman said to the other two with an irked tone. The clamor of the guards didn't help with the sharpness of the bell. When the trio dashed towards them, Tu was waiting to charge into them, but the sudden flames made him pause. Flames and lightning? How many arcane secrets did this fox hide!?

With the guards momentarily distracted, he gave a furtive nod to Mitsunari who placed himself at the back of the group. He then glanced at Gamatsu following after them. "I'll give you a clear shot on one of them." Without saying anything more, he rushed. The progression of the battle already began to form in his mind. He threw the one he was carrying to one of the guards, saying, "He's still alive!" While the body was still in the air, he grabbed the Seven-Segment Totem with both hands. Immediately, the green surface along the body of the staff and his body brightened. Like a verdant sun rising from the mountains and sinking in the valley, he swung with [Mantle Breaker E] towards the floor. A rumbling blast shot out where he struck, the floor splitting in half. A wide crack spread shot forward as the blast slammed into one of the guards at the same time the body he threw did. The guard he shot the blast at would feel the world flip over as his very bones ached beneath his skin. This sudden vertigo would make his legs feel like jelly, as he'd begin falling into the crack. With two guards occupied, a single target stood there for their lethal archer.

• Mantle Breaker - Fighting Style: Seven Totem Apocalypse E, First Totem: Crack F - The First Totem gives insight on how to crack the world, if combined with strength, the world will shatter. With a great swing of the totem onto the ground, you create a small fissure as a shockwave hits the target. The target then falls in the 10-feet deep fissure. - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown

 

[_Yang]

Unfortunately, Gamatsu's attempts at being sneaky and subtle ended up being futile; this was the second time it happened. Fortunately, he had his crossbow at the ready and was itching to let loose a few shots.

With Tu rushing forward and Mitsunari heading to the back, Gamatsu found himself in an awkward position. Not wanting to look like he copied either of the two, he decided to stand his ground and just fire from where he was.

The stoneman had his imposing physique and monstrous strength, while the fox had a bag of mystic arts up his sleeve. Gamatsu felt the need to show off what he had as well. He couldn't be the team's dead weight; that was Sascha's job.

"Crystal clear, friendo." Gamatsu appreciated the assist from Tu as he raised his arm, extended it forward as bolts of mana formed along his forearm. It was always easier to take aim when the attention of what your aiming at is directed at someone else.

"Pew, pew, pew!" Three shots flew from Gamatsu's bow, one after another. Considering the lingering effects of the alcohol they had consumed, the angry rock person that was charging at them, and the violent bolts of fire and lighting, it seemed like the odds weren't with the outpost guards' favour. Hopefully, they were too preoccupied to dodge Gamatsu's shots. Considering what they were up against, a swift death from an arrow through the skull would probably be the wisest choice.

OOC: Aimed at 3 guards. Used an E grade ability on the guard sent flying by Tu, hoping to get a 2 for 1 with the penetrating shot, then with energized, used an F grade ability twice for the remaining 2.

Abilities Used:

• Piercing Shot E - Archery God E, Energized E, Penetrate F, Range F - 0 Post Cooldown
• Snipe F - Archery God F, Range F, Energized F - 0 Post Cooldown

 

[LadyOfStars]

Seikatsu Mitsunari

• Titles: Beast, Kitsune, Mage, Loner, Hero of Selve
• Character Grade: F
• Character Status: Casts [...], Back of party

"Aaah!" Screaming so loud his voice became hoarse, the soldier fell into the pit Tu had created. He could still feel his bones rattling within his body even as he found himself squeezed between the floor with his feet dangling down to the lower level. "Get me outta here!" The man cried while squirming wildly. His head thrashed about until a loud cracking sound signaled his death. His neck went limp as he went silent thanks to the bolt sticking out of his ear. Dead in an instant.

The unconscious guard slammed into his comrade as dead weight, having been targeted by Gamatsu's piercing arrow. It drilled through the man's back and straight into his lungs, but as it exited his body it found the wall instead of another target. The two of them fell to the ground and he struggled under the man who was pinning him down and as he attempted to free himself. A thud drew his attention from the carcass as he watched another friend die.

The last soldier was stunned, not by Tu's attacks, but by the ferocity with which the creature fought with. This posting was said to be dangerous, but not because there were bandits roaming the area. As the warning bell finally stopped ringing the soldier was brought back to reality. With his mace in hand the soldier charged forward. "Come on bastards!!" With both hands wrapped around the mace he would give a mighty swing and pour his strength into it, but rather than Tu being struck by an iron weapon he would feel the soldier headbutt his foot as the man collapsed with an arrow in his head.

The one surviving soldier cried out in despair like a person who had just seen the grim reaper. "Please!! Please don't kill me!!" He gave a mighty shove and threw the corpse off of himself only to back himself further against the wall. "Please I have a family!"

From his place at the back Mitsunari watched the display with an expression of awe partially subdued by the desire to hide his emotions. These two were formidable, no one could say otherwise. He couldn't spend time appreciating that however, he had to be of use to ensure the plan succeeded. It was during this time that he heard the steps of more soldiers approaching from the staircase to the left.

As he turned to look into the stairwell he could see the first pair of feet galloping down towards the fight. For a second he considered switching targets with Gamatsu as the archer might be able to hit more targets than he could at one time, but it was never good to change formations mid-fight with a group you were unfamiliar with. "Screeching Barrage!" Lightning sparked between the fox's fingers as he dropped down into a squatting position and raised his arms out in front of himself. Once again a bright light illuminated the corridor and a high pitched noise echoed through the hall for the briefest second. Then in a flash the lightning launched from the kitsune's hands and into the stairwell.

An explosion followed immediately after, the two lightning bolts had collided with the staircase and as the dust rushed out of the stairwell and the noise quieted, groaning could be heard from the soldiers who had drunkenly fallen through the now collapsed staircase. They had plummeted down on one another into a pile and the one on the bottom had been crushed by debris and his friends. Now only one remained as he had managed to avoid falling in, but he had to find another way to join the fight.

• Screeching Barrage - Magic Affinity E, Magic Range F, Magic Targets F, Wind Affinity F - This spells launches a flurry of lightning elemental bolts at multiple targets. - Grade E (2 Target Maximum, 10ft Range, 1 post cooldown

The captain had now made his way down to the second floor and having cleared it, was making his way to the first with the remaining two soldiers. The group sprinted through the outpost, their familiarity with it bringing them to the fight quickly. They emerged from the main hall, entering the battlefield from behind the group just in time to catch some of them off guard.

"Swift Step." The Captain whispered, Suddenly the man became a blur and moved to close the distance with Mitsunari. Distracted and slightly impaired by the explosin his own lightning caused, Mitsunari didn't hear the captain's approach, but felt the sword's cool metal touch as it slid across his back. "Ah!" The captain opened a horizontal wound across Mitsunari's back, but the wound wasn't deep. The human landed in front of Tu and Gamatsu with his sword raised at the stone creature.

The two guards who had accompanied the captain both wielded bows and when the captain made his move they did too. Weapons raised they took aim at Gamatsu and Tu. They loosed their arrows, aiming for Gamatsu's left knee and Tu's head.

TheEccentric _Yang

 

[TheEccentric]

Tu Tao - CS
Mountain Breaker

Current Titles:
Monster | Earth Sourcekin | Totemist Apprentice | Warrior

F

The battle commenced with a flurry of projectiles and shattered debris. From his position, Tu watched with plain indifference as his target succumbed to the hunger of the opened earth. Granted, the floor really just led to the storage space below, but saying the hunger of the opened storage isn't as impressive. With the arrival of the arrows, Tu didn't even bother turning to Gamatsu as he rolled his shoulders, savoring the sensation of the loosening stone. The sound of a grinding millstone met the screaming of the last guard, who ended just like most of his enemies did, by his feet with a lethal injury. A light inspection of the wound made Tu's brow raise, his green eyes narrowing with a curious light. The arrow was deep. Far deeper than any typical arrow shot by mere mercenaries.

"Impressive.", was the only thing to leave his lips before more footsteps caught his attention. The guards stumbling down the stairway made him pause, but Mitsunari's intervention turned that pause into shock. Quite literally. Watching the new arrivals get ravaged by electrical sparks, Tu watched in fascination as he tasted the smell of burnt air and flesh in the air. He was almost inclined to ignore the guard pleading for his life, preferring to watch the arcane display, but duty calls. Though it seems, his distaste for surprises is going to appear once more. Decimating the guards left Mitsunari's back exposed, and in a mere brief moments, it now sported a gash. What was earlier a situation they could manage, turned into a predicament quickly.

Time waits for no one, though. Two arrows were being strung on rings, and the earlier alarm bell seemed to come back to life within his mind. Danger. Immediately, his hand pushed forward and shoved Gamatsu aside, towards the guard pleading for his life. Three attacks would be landing, and he couldn't allow his forte be ignored by these common warriors. He closed his eyes, ensuring the arrow flying towards his head wouldn't find one of the few areas across his body that he'd call vital. [Weaponsbane F] made him confident, but not reckless. The arrows are easy enough, but the captain seemed more fiery than his subordinates. Embers aren't something to be feared though. After being hit, he'd harrumph in pain, but he wouldn't crumble!

Eyes still closed, he was hopeful he'll be far enough from his allies for what he was about to do. With [Mighty Leap F], he jumped over the captain like he was shot from a trebuchet. He'd land behind the captain, and as he fell, the Seven-Segment Totem flashed with life. Tu's entire body coursing with green streaks of light, he smashed down onto the damaged floor like a meteor. There was no time for poetry, only calamity, as he used [Collateral Calamity E]. Where he landed, a blast exploded outwards, crawling on the walls, the guard captain, and perhaps even the walls. This, is exactly what Tu wants. A challenge.

• Collateral Calamity - Seven Totem Apocalypse E, First Totem: Crack F, Second Totem: Pressure F - The Totems can stand alone, but together, their power becomes greatly magnified. Slamming the totem onto the ground, a shockwave erupts outwards from you, targetting all creatures in a 10-feet radius around you. The terrain around you becomes cracked and unstable, becoming difficult to traverse. If done on top of a surface that has sizable space below it, may collapse the floor and cause you and the creatures around you to fall. - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown
• Mighty Leap - Jumping F, Super Strength F - You can cross leap over short walls and wide chasms, and you can even do it with extra burdens. You can leap 3 yards high and 10 yards far, even when you're carrying heavy creatures or objects. As long as the additional weight does not surpass your Super Strength range, you can jump with it. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown
• Weaponsbane - Resistance [Bludgeoning] F, Resistance [Piercing] F, Resistance [Slashing] - With skin of stone and a heart of steel, you reduce the damage of Skills and Abilities that deal Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing Damage. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown

 

[_Yang]

No longer surprised by his accuracy, Gamatsu watched with pride as his arrows hit their mark. He was on a roll, a killing spree as some would say, and despite how much he wanted to showboat, the marksman in him told him otherwise. Like a masterful craftsman, he would admire his work in silence. And you know, he didn't have much opportunity to do so; maybe later when everything was done.

While contemplating whether he'd succumb to his arrogant tendencies, Gamatsu was interrupted by more the appearance of more targets that looked to take a page out of his book.

"Not gonna lie, I've never been shot at before." Gamatsu playfully spoke, as if it was something trivial. As the guards took aim, Gamatsu braced himself and took aim, ready to show off his quickdraw capabilities. However, to his surprise, an unexpected chunk of force came at him from his sides, yeeting him out of harm's way. Falling hard on his bum, Gamatsu was prepared to retaliate, his right arm glowing as a bolt of mana formed, just waiting to be shot. But before he could, Gamatsu immediately realized why Tu did what he did.

"What a bro." He thought to himself. If he could produce tears, a single drop would trickle down his metal face.

Not letting Tu's display of chadliness go to waste, Gamatsu turned his eyes towards the bow-wielding guards. He liked to believe they were partly facing them with avenging their fallen comrades in mind; they were probably good friend. As a self-proclaimed harbinger of death, it was Gamatsu's responsibility to send them to wherever he sent their friends.

Raising his arm and taking aim, three bolts of mana ripped through the air, flying towards the two guards. Gamatsu was no knee-aiming marksboy; his body part of choice was the skull, just between the eyes.

Abilities Used:

• Piercing Shot E - Archery God E, Energized E, Penetrate F, Range F - 0 Post Cooldown
• Snipe F - Archery God F, Range F, Energized F - 0 Post Cooldown

 

[LadyOfStars]

Unrivaled destruction, that was what Tu had caused as the already damaged ground gave way beneath the weight and force that he had applied to it. In a crashing explosion, the hall collapsed into the lower level, tile by tile the floor plummeted to the cellar. In its descent it took with it the Captain who was caught entirely off guard and Tu. a plume of dust rose out of the dark cellar and the Captain's voice would crescendo as a loud groan when his knees fell upon the displaced stones. "Damn the gods!" The man swore, struggling to stand. Tu on the other hand would be far less disadvantaged by the change in scenery, but would find two more soldiers downstairs, although they were injured and wounded from the collapse of the staircase. They didn't appear interested in fighting as they sat around the corpse of their dead friend. It was up to him to decide what to do with the three enemies he found himself surrounded by.

The two archer who had fired at Gamatasu and Tu were alarmed by the display of power that the creature displayed and they were even more shocked by the fact that their captain was taken down with the monster. Gamatsu was quick with his bow and that caught one of the archers by surprise. The arrow landed spot on, hitting the soldier between the eyes while the second archer threw himself out of the way.

"Fox Fire Barrage!" As the first soldier's body hit the floor, Mitsunari casttwo fire balls at the remaining archer, catching the soldier as he slid across the floor. Two small explosions erupted on the soldier and engulfed him in flames. The fox exhaled heavily, struggling to ignore the pain that surged through his back. "Gamatsu, make sure Tu is ok." Mitsunari instructed.

_Yang TheEccentric

 

[_Yang]

Drawing most, if not all, their attention, Tu's display of raw power made Gamatsu's shot hit with ease. It was as if he was shooting at immobile targets. Well. technically just a target. Unfortunately, despite the soldier's evasive maneuvers, he still ended up engulfed in flames. If he just stood still, he would've had a less painful death. Hopefully, he'd make use of that knowledge in his next life.

With no time to simply stand idly and in awe of the destruction around him, Gamatsu gave Mitsunari a quick salute before peeking into the massive hole Tu had left behind. With bow at the ready, he'd pick off anything that was moving that wasn't a hulking stone person.

"Rock dude? You good?" Gamatsu yelled, his concerned voice echoed as he scanned the lower floor, keeping his eyes open for any signs of guards or his stone person friend.

OOC: If Gamatsu sees the captain or other soldiers, he'd definitely shoot at them.

 

[TheEccentric]

Tu Tao - CS
Mountain Breaker

Current Titles:
Monster | Earth Sourcekin | Totemist Apprentice | Warrior

F

Pain. An aching pain. One that felt right. Tu stood on his two feet, surrounded by rubble and dust. His green eyes couldn't pierce the clouds around him, but he didn't care for the survival of the captain right now. The attack just now made his arms hurt, the resistance the floor gave shot back at him through the Totem and into his body. Despite the pain though, he was beginning to regain his flexibility again. He bent his waist back, exposing chest. Any other warrior wouldn't be so brazen to do this in a battlefield, but stone skin isn't a usual characteristic for warriors. Above him, he could hear explosions, the sounds bouncing through the halls and the dim cellar. It reminded him of the cave he was digging before coming here.

Tu didn't sink too deep into his thoughts, though. Although he was disregarding his foes right now, that didn't mean he was negligent. With his waist bent, he swung the Seven-Segment Totem, using his posture to build up more strength. The clouds dispersed, revealing his limping foe: the captain. Tu pitied him, quite frankly. He was quick, and smart. The captain struck at Mitsunari first, the caster. Tu would have done the same. He raises his arms, covering his face and eyes, leaving only a small crack to glance through. He stared at the guard captain with a satisfied light in his eyes. "You made me use the Totem, just for you. If we were not enemies, I would have invited you to a spar." He could respect a man that required more than a modicum of effort for him to defeat.

He was in no position to recklessly attack again, though. Mainly because of the ache that courses through him. He wanted to savor it. Not because he's a masochist, but because he could use the pain to find spots that are still stiff. It also didn't help that there were two arrows on his person. One embedded in his knee, while the other comedically placed on the top of his head, looking like a ritualistic ornament with the fletching fluttering from his movements. Gamatsu's questioned caught his attention, causing the feathers on his head to dance again. "I am alive. Though, I am sore."

He ended his interaction with Gamatsu at that point. Tu's focus returned to the captain. "What is your name? Regardless, I say this to you: the ground caves, to show the past. Buried in dirt, passed time is vast. Built by predecessors, their memories now stone. Mortal beings gone, either dust or bone.", he looked at the man, hoping the injured captain could glean something from what he said. Tu very much hated how cryptic the training manual was, no, is. Damned author.