Multiple Settings Infinite Verse Arc One - The Town of the Blissful Doomed

[SilverBlack]

Welcome to Town of Persico - The Town of the Blissful Doomed

There was a slight moistness in the air, accompanied by a lingering, musty smell. The chosen participants would awake to find themselves lying against an unfamiliar hard, stone floor, in a room no larger than around 100 square feet or so upon one glance. Perhaps a bit cramped for eight fully grown adults, that’s for sure.

The walls were made of mud—rather sturdy-looking, though hints of its age would be given away by the quiet molds growing in each corner, spreading themselves in forms of fuzzy gray patches. The only source of illumination would be the fire lamps hanging upon the walls, small flames flickering against its enclosed glass cases, emitting a soft glow that painted the room into a warm, light orange tone.

If the participants were to move, they would find their hands and feet to be cuffed against each other, skins rubbing against hard metal.

Upon looking around, they would know that there were no windows to this room. To their north would be a steel door, shut tight. Despite the sturdiness of the door and walls, however, sounds of conversation still managed to seep through. They would be hearing the voices of several men, coarse and husky.

“How are the sacrifices doing?”

“Still unconscious, sir!”

“Secured well?”

“All cuffed up, sir!”

“Guard them well…We would need them for the preservation of the town…”

“It would be yet another bloody ritual, ey? Well we do need some action once in a while…Town has been too peaceful…”

Just as the sounds of conversations began to drift away accompanied with the sounds of distancing footsteps, a blue, slightly transparent screen appeared midair in front of the participants. On the screen were texts that all seemed to be in the same language, yet the participants would strangely be able to understand what’s being said despite having different origins.

Year: 2030
Your role: Eager outsiders, unfortunate sacrifices
Your current location: Persico Church Basement

Introduction:
The Town of Persico has always been an urban legend among people. It is a mysterious town that apparently only shows up on July 7th every 7 years. The only way to access it is to embark on a journey into the northern woods on the outskirts of the city, to locate a specifically tilted tree in the middle of the forest, where a strange peach-like mark is engraved…If you’re lucky enough to have the tree present itself to you, legend has it that it will bring you to a beautiful town, where fruits and vegetables prosper by themselves with little care, where all life-forms stay healthy and strong, where resources are infinite and people are eternally happy and healthy…
Eight curious adventurers decided to test out the legitimacy of this rumor by embarking on the journey to discover the Town of Persico. They were overjoyed to discover that the legend is indeed true as they found themselves transported to this so-called beautiful town. Soon, however, they would learn that their decision may have perhaps been a grave mistake.
We have swapped these eight curious adventurers with you. Do not worry. only you and us, the System, will know. This swapping is oblivious to everyone else involved.

Missions:
- Escape The Town
- Save The Town

Current Objective:
- Escape The Church

Rules:
- Restricted number of killing townspeople to three. It is forgivable to knock them unconscious.
- Do not attack or harm fellow participants.

Note:
- Corresponding consequences will be given if any rules are broken.
- Your current superpowers or magic has been greatly restricted for the better entertainment of the Infinite Verse Survival Show. Do not worry, regaining them is possible throughout your journey.
- Your equipment has been teleported with you into the world. By calling out “Inventory” in your mind, you would be able to access any items. Note that nerfing has been currently applied to any equipment we have deemed too powerful for the current stage. Usability for each item is not guaranteed.
- Language barrier will not be a problem. We have rendered it such that any language you’ve spoken will automatically be comprehensible to the others, participants and townspeople alike. It will be perceived as if they’re speaking and listening to your language.

For one particular blind individual, the blue, transparent screen is replaced by a deep, masculine voice, rather silken and mellifluous. It delivered the messages of the texts in an audible form that is only detectable to him.

The screen automatically faded away upon completion of reading by the eight participants, who should now be awake and alert. Despite coming from different worlds and backgrounds, each with their unique appearance and attire, and even speaking their own individual languages, they must now work together to figure out what’s truly going on.

 

[Nellancholy]

A quiet, almost imperceptible humming reverberated throughout the grim gaol that the eight wayward souls found themselves in, as Hystaria Oogumo Euleria Vectis Montin Silber Grandine Elvetie Nephthys Solis sat cross-legged, immersed in her meditation. A lesser individual might find it challenging to shake off the disorientation that resulted from crossing worlds, but Hystaria knew the proper ways to ground oneself body and mind in response to such unexpected circumstances. Beings claiming to be gods had snatched her dying breath out of Penumbra's darkest night, though Ilias was not among them. Indeed, rather than reclaiming her soul as the gods of Penumbra would, they had set her to these strange tasks, claiming it to be some manner of performance. For whose entertainment? Solely theirs?

All this was perhaps a little baffling, but Hystaria held to one of the tenets of a certain philosopher as all this happened around her.

"I think, therefore I am."

And as long as she was, she could continue to act. She had to complete these trials. Win the right to return to Penumbra. To Portis and the others, to share in their certain victory. There was no doubt on her part that the party would emerge victorious, thanks to the groundwork she played no small part in establishing, and the valor each and everyone of them held fast to despite their disparate outlooks.

All except-

She exhaled, and pushed the thought out of her mind.

Opening her eyes, she took the measure of their situation. Seven others, just as the projection read. All of them roughly analogous in appearance to the more muted members of the Clawfolk. Two of them dressed in attire more akin to her own, and the others looking more...motley, though far from unrecognizable. Most of them seemed to still be bound, as were Hystaria's own arms. Her spindly, chitinous legs however had come loose almost immediately, allowing for her adjusted posture. Indeed, it seemed as if she had outright flashed in place of one of the eight original captives. But wait: if the eight of them were here, where were the original captives? In care of the "gods"? And what would happen when they passed the trial? Would they return here, forced to face their original fate?

Hystaria bowed her head an inch at that consideration: in Clawfolk communities it was common for a shaman to hunt sacrifices or select ones from herds that paralleled the shaman's own animal form, and offer them to Verglas, lord of the field at the time of planting, in order to sow the seeds of bountiful harvest. And yet, these people in this land were sacrificing their own kind...

On that note, she also considered her own options. Indeed, she could transform into her giant form and bust out that door easily if that "nerf's" impedance was insufficient to avert it. However, that would force a confrontation, and the restriction placed upon harming the townsfolk was worth considering as well. Not that she wanted to hurt them to begin with (even if they somewhat deserved it for this horrendous ceremony). No, this was a situation that warranted tact.

"Inventory."

Rather than just thinking it, Hystaria chose to speak out loud just this once.

The function operated just as the projection suggested, and she was able to retrieve her grimoire, letting it fall open into her lap. She closed the thick book and then opened it again to an early page, her onyx fingertip running across the dense sigil. Her lips moved subtly as she read out the invocation, committing every letter, every breath, every change in pitch and tense to memory. The knowledge, the transcendent gnosis, flowed into her like the tide coming in.

In a moment, she closed the book with a quiet thud, looking upwards.

Raising her voice slightly so as to be barely audible to her newfound companions, she recited the entire litany backwards, the simple memory of each syllable leaving her mind the moment she breathed it out. The tide receded.

A faint gossamer wave crept out from her, reaching each one in turn. Regardless of their initial state, they would find themselves more focused, rising to proper alertness without panic as Hystaria's prayer to Ilias for clarity and resolve blessed them.

Satisfied with her initial effort, Hystaria looked over the group, finally speaking. "Attention, everyone. I am Hystaria Oogumo Euleria Vectis Montin Silber Grandine Elvetie Nephthys Solis, emissary of Ilias and pathfinder of the Kingdom of Solis. You may call me Hystaria, for convenience. How are you all feeling? Better, I hope. Now let us put our heads together and seek a means of egress posthaste so that we may be done with this trial. If anyone has the means at hand for us to leave this dull bastion covertly, do speak up."

 

[Worthlessplebian]

On the rough-hewn, cold stone floor, Garrett's eyes shot open. The first thing that the sniper realised when he awoke was the peculiarity of his location. These were not the high-concrete walls of an alleyway, instead the dingy, confined mud-carved walls of a cell, a subterranean dampness on his skin. The second was that he was bound. The hard manacles chaffed around his wrists, an uncomfortably firm grasp, feet similarly constrained. For a moment, Garret had been reminded of the balmy, wind-whipped, inhospitable jungles that he left so long ago. Their cells were nearly-identical, however, lacking the less-hygienic elements. He almost mistook it for a nightmare, a conjuration of his mind as the last gasps of air left his lungs. For all his reservations it was impossible to avoid the crushing chill of reality that pervaded everything around him. Soon, he would have his answers.

His gaze cast about, observing the winking, wall-mounted lamps — his pale, green eyes gleaming ghoulishly in the contrasting, orange illumination. To either side of him was an eclectic collection of individuals, though he said nothing so as to not disturb the dusty, molded quiet of their earth-cut prison. Then he heard voices, brusque and broad, muffled by the windowless depths and thickened walls. He didn't know how, but Garrett understood them. It was a grim fate that awaited them.

Suddenly, a lightless screen flickered into existence before him. It bore a sickening message. Snatched from their respective realities, they would be in the thrall of this System, forced to compete for the entertainment of a damnable survival show. Garrett grit his teeth, hands clenched, knuckles white. Then he would realise the folly of his anger. The futility it brought, especially for the situation that he would find himself. A keen lesson taught to him by his drill sergeant.

He breathed slowly, the moist air stinging down his throat. The sniper shifted his head, glancing at the book materialised out of the thin air itself. A woman—ostensibly—shrouded in the thick, silken folds of her crimson robes, had summoned it then seemingly began an incantation. Garrett again doubted what was before him, only for a moment.

An intangible sensation washed against his skin as if a warm, soothing river flowed through him invisibly. It revitalised him, granting him a keener focus, but not accompanied by the jitteriness such a state induced. The sniper wondered just how valuable such a skill would be if they actually had it back in the jungles.

The inventory wasn't needed. He knew his possessions well. "Garret Rowe, United States Army Sergeant." The voice that emanated belonged fittingly to his form. Dry, deep, rasping. The voice of a man weary and bent double from a lifetime of service. There was a hardness in it like the sheer cliffside of a mountain given form, a disciplined cadence to the way he voiced his words. "Nothing on my person right now that's worthwhile, and if we don't find anything then we should wait for them to come. Surprise, incapacitate, then disarm. After that, figure out the layout to this Church."

 

[Dovinique]

Dragon

Kyu

The Cursed Wings

Persico Church Basement

The pain still lingered, both physically and mentally, as if it refused to leave her.
Her heart felt hollow, as if it had never been there from the start.
Kyu just wanted to let the darkness consume her body and soul, to perish and be free of the pain.
But something held her back, something pulled her from the abyss, something gave her... light... maybe another chance…

Was she grateful? She didn't know.
They spoke of her strong desire to return, but did she still have anything left inside her?
Was there something to fight for? Was life really worth living?
She considered passing on the opportunity, thinking it might be better for someone else.

Then, suddenly… a series of scenes flashed through her mind—his face, his voice, his smile…

"This is delicious, Kyu. I wouldn't mind eating your food every day."
"Hold on, I'll clear the way."
"Good to see you feeling better."
"Hahaha... good jokes, good jokes."
"Stop right there. I won't let you harm her."
"Let's just... save who we can be saved."
"I am happy when you are."
"She is no longer herself. Prepare yourself... and be safe."
"...Kyu, I'm sorry... please... stay alive..."
...
...
...

"Call me Arch. Let's get along."

The fire inside her suddenly reignited as her tears burst forth. When everyone else mocked her loyalty, when they tore at her trust and heart, he had always been there. Arch, who had never hurt her, not even once. Even until his last breath, he had always protected her. Perhaps she had taken his kindness for granted, and now his death was even more devastating than before.

"I'm sorry..." she whispered, tears streaming down her face as she hugged herself. The dripping tears began to glow, transforming into a bright, flashing light as Kyu made her resolve. She would come back. She would take her revenge—not for herself, not for the misfits, not for the greater good or peaceful world, but for Arch. With that, the System automatically accepted her resounding "YES".

✦✦✦​

"Ngg…," Kyu's eyes slowly fluttered open, her vision blurred at first before coming into focus, revealing the familiar pink hue of her irises. She was in a dismal, dark room with only a few weak beams of light piercing through the shadows, casting eerie glows on the walls. Despite the dimness, her night vision allowed her to take in her surroundings with unsettling clarity. She found herself shackled at both hands and feet, just like a prisoner. Perhaps she was one. Faintly, she heard voices outside the room, catching unsettling snippets like “sacrifices” and “bloody” – hardly comforting words after the nightmare of having her heart ripped out.

Kyu scanned the room, noting others in the same dire straits—cuffed and bound. One figure was clearly not human like her, while the rest appeared to be human or so they seemed. The very thought of humans made her flinch, her teeth gritting as she tried to contain the anger boiling within her. The memories of her last moments, filled with betrayal and pain, would surely haunt her for some time. Though not all humans were like the deceitful Hand of Light and his lovely son, Kyu found it impossible to trust their kind right now.

Suddenly, a luminous box materialized before her, its light blue glow reminiscent of the invitation she had received before. As she processed the information, Kyu muttered, "Inventory," anoother box appeared, displaying a list of familiar items. Her eyes quickly fixated on one name, Iona.

Once she called it, Iona appeared almost as if flying out from within the popped-out box. Starting as a small dot, the fire salamander gradually grew, regaining her rabbit-like size. She stretched leisurely on the floor, like someone waking from a long, deep slumber. Her round black eyes blinked rapidly, adjusting to the dim light before locking onto her master. With a wide, toothy smile, Iona growled happily and leaped onto Kyu’s shoulder.

“Now, now, calm down, little girl,” Kyu giggled as Iona's warm body coiled around her neck, nuzzling her cheek affectionately. She then glanced at the cuffs binding her wrists and whispered, “We need to get out of here. Let’s get to work, okay?”

Understanding her master’s unspoken command, Iona quickly moved to the cuffs on Kyu’s hands. The salamander’s tiny hands cupped the cold metal, which gradually began to glow a fierce red, spreading from her hands to the entire cuff. Iona’s squinted eyes and the subtle vibrations of her body revealed the intense effort she exerted to heat the metal. As the cuffs grew hotter, they began to weaken, the metal warping and softening under Iona’s fiery touch. The room's gloom seemed to retreat slightly in the face of the salamander's determined glow, and the faint sound of the metal straining against the heat filled the air.

While waiting for Iona, Kyu observed the woman who had spoken first, introducing herself as Hystaria. The sharp wave of focused energy Kyu had felt earlier likely originated from her. Following Hystaria, another figure introduced himself as Garrett. Kyu didn’t respond to either introduction and instead, she turned her attention back to Iona, who had already melted the handcuffs on her wrists and was now working on those on her feet.

Could she really trust them? Their origins were unknown, their intentions were unknown.
Why did they die? Were they killed? Did they die as heroes or villains? The answers were all unknown.

Trust definitely was not something she would easily give away anymore. The rules might forbid them harming each other, but the System never specified how many winners there would be. Sooner or later, they could become enemies, and it would be easier to eliminate those who had no place in her heart.

Once Iona finished melting the cuffs on Kyu’s feet, the poor little salamander had exhausted all her power. She flopped to the floor before poofing back into the inventory. Kyu mouthed “thank you” as she closed the glowing inventory box in front of her. Despite being free from her restraints, she didn’t stand up right away. Instead, she remained seated, deciding to listen more to the others before revealing too much about herself. However, a brief introduction might not hurt.

“I’m K–,” she began, pausing as she reconsidered revealing her real name. After a moment of hesitation, she continued, “I’m Kyu. I’ll follow whatever ideas we have right now.” It was a simple statement, giving just enough information for now. Despite her lack of trust in them, Kyu offered a warm smile, trying to mask her caution and the wariness brewing inside her.

Code by Serobliss

 

[Nano]

Angela

&

Tod

Tags:

Hystaria Nellancholy

Location:

Church

As her breaths became weaker and the sensation of the iron grip on her shoulder grew faint, Angela couldn’t help but think of everything she’d failed to accomplish before she met her untimely end. The empty frame in her workshop would remain forever devoid of life. Sybil would never see the finished version of the dress Angela promised her. She hadn’t even had the time to go visit Mrs. Thomas’s newborn baby.

Life in the settlement wasn’t glamorous, a far cry from the luxuries of the Empire’s capital described by the soldiers in passing, but they were happy. Why was it so difficult to live a peaceful life chasing that simple happiness with her brothers and sisters? The memories of all the precious little moments they shared danced vividly under her eyelids, interrupted by a muted voice claiming to have heard her pleas. Gods, aliens, AI—none of that mattered. Whether it was a wishful dream formed by her unfulfilled desires or a second chance at life, a single word was all she needed to answer their question.

===

Angela’s first thought when she came to was that even the poorest man in Mahler-β covered the ground in a thin layer of dried grass before sleeping. The ground was hard and cold, hardly suitable for a good night’s rest, and the young Nilim didn’t have to read the text on the irritatingly bright screen to realize whoever was responsible for her current situation was less than friendly.

Ooooh, the moment I get my hands on them…

Just as she began cursing her captors out while struggling against her bindings, a sudden wave of calm washed away all of her irritations, leaving only the sensation of feeling refreshed. Some sort of special ability, perhaps. Tucking that knowledge into the back of her mind for the time being, Angela ceased her unflattering impression of a caterpillar and finally remembered to make the mental call for the solution she should have opted for from the start.

Suddenly, her vision became obscured by a visor and a large mechanical polar bear materialized behind her, making short work of the handcuffs tying its administrator’s hands behind her back. As she sat up and shook the stiff discomfort out of her wrists, a quick thank you left her lips before they curved into a wicked smile.

“Heh, fools. Should’ve broken my legs too if they wanted to keep me from escaping,”

Angela gloated, jumping to her feet the moment Tod had broken the last of the bindings holding her legs together.

Had the woman read the message, she would have taken note of the seven other individuals currently residing in the room before embarrassing herself. A feminine voice that called for everyone’s attention, however, would end up being the person to turn Angela’s head towards the source and color her face with a light dusting of pink.

Serene calm, confusion, mistrust, and much more colored the murky auras filling her vision. Some were calmer than others, while others hid a significant degree of wariness behind a cooperative facade. Still, she wasn’t one to judge others based on their reactions to a no doubt stressful situation. First things first, they all needed to find a way out of here.

“Ahem, ahem. Right, Miss- um…,”

Angela coughed awkwardly while lifting her visor from her eyes to the top of her head,

“Hystaria Gummy Eulogy Vector Monty Silver Grantlynn Velvety Themis Solvent-”

“It’s Hystaria Oogumo Euleria Vectis Montin Silber Grandine Elvetie Nephthys Solis,”

Tod very helpfully corrected, to which Angela shot him a nasty look.

“Shut up, Tod. Go free anyone who’s still handcuffed,”

came the purple-haired woman’s hushed but snippy response, though she was quick to compose herself and continue on with their brief introductions,

“Sorry. Well, Hystaria. I’m Angela. A pleasure, I’m sure. I can’t offer much if we get discovered on our way out, but…”

She paused, lifting her arm closer to her face so she could fiddle with the watch-like device strapped to her wrist.

A screen similar yet distinct from the one everyone had been greeted with when they first woke up would appear, colored a mint green and decorated with the written script of the Telva Empire’s common language. When Angela faced the screen towards the door, a faint outline of two individuals would appear, and the number 17 with a question mark next to it informed her of the estimated number of living organisms in her direct vicinity.

Swapping the scanner mode to detect electrical activity, Angela tapped a finger thoughtfully upon her chin and studied the web of wires, switches, and other fixtures displayed on the screen.

“Seems like there are two floors, and judging by what I can see, we need to find a flight of stairs to head up before we can escape. As for the number of guards, there are two right by the door and roughly seven more guarding the hall.”

Angela relayed the information to the others in the room.

“So… anyone have any brilliant ideas on how to escape without attracting too much attention?”

“Tod,”

she said while pointing her thumb at the mech,

“isn’t exactly discreet.”

Code by Nano

 

[Bloody_Death]

There's no telling how long Jingyi has been conscious or not. Regardless of his state, he remained almost frozen in place with the blindfold over his eyes preventing anyone from knowing whether his eyes were open or closed. The faint rise and fall of his chest as he breathed being the only sign that the man was, indeed, still alive.

The man always benefited more from silence to help sort his thoughts out. Wherever he was...it was not the small village he last recalls being in. If he had to make a guess...he was currently in some sort of prison cell. The wet musky air, the cold metal shackles keeping him restrained, and the hard floor he was currently sitting on. Not the ideal situation to wake up to. There were also others here as well...seven others? There were a few anomalies from two of the seven people he sensed around him. Firstly, four of the people here didn't seem to have any qi, which was impossible. How could they even be alive? They can't be dead, he can hear their breathing. But all living things have some sort of qi within them. Secondly, two of the people here had some sort of energy that wasn't qi circulating through them. It was baffling, to be honest. Immediately hit with two unfamiliar cases of people. Were they aliens of some sort? Maybe.

Oh and thirdly, the only person other than himself who had qi was someone he was very certain was the same man from the village he died in. Though, it didn't seem as refined as before. He had to hold back a sigh. It only makes sense though, right? Die together, reincarnate together. It seems fate is choosing to keep them together even after death.

His internal grumbling stopped when he heard faint voices from outside the cell. Talk of sacrifices and blood rituals. What disgusting people. Thankfully, before he could start questioning what was happening a sudden voice suddenly rang through his head. The voice was deep and smooth. He listened carefully to the information he was given. Taking notes of several details he deemed important. First, the year. 2030? That's several centuries from the last date he remembers back home. The strange jump in time made the oddities make a bit more sense. He knew this wasn't the world he was used to. But he didn't expect it to be so different. He couldn't judge or assume things based on normal means.

The rules had also left a bit of a sour taste in his mouth. So, they were allowed to use them as sacrifices but they weren't allowed to kill them. Or at least not many of them. Is every person allowed to kill three people? Or can they not kill more than three people as a group? He really hoped it was the former, but something told him otherwise. Just watching them kill a bunch of people wouldn't make for the most enjoyable show, would it? And then there was the mention of restricted abilities. That would explain why the man from before had a less refined circulation of qi than before. Has the same been done to him? His qi didn't feel weaker...but something about him must have changed. He'll have to figure that out later.

"Thank you, mysterious voice," Jingyi spoke softly to himself as he called for his inventory in his head. The same voice telling him what he currently had in his possession. His weapon, locket, and instrument. It wasn't much...and it just seemed to be everything he had on that day. He never did travel too heavily. He currently didn't see a use for anything so he let the inventory close. He'll have to rely on those around him to assist him with escaping his chains.

So, he remained still. Simply waiting and listening as those around him talked. He noted the odd sense of calmness. He was by no means panicked in any way, but the strange sensation did help him feel a bit less frustrated. And a bit more aware of things around him. The voices and movements happening both within and without the cell.

He noted...two more presences soon being added to their cell. One was small it seemed to be a small type of animal. The other was very large. Could these inventories hold pets and people...? His head looked up as the large presence freed him of his chains. "Thank you, Uncle." He had no idea if this savior was older than him or not, but he sounded a bit older. So he'd call him uncle regardless. He'd reach out to hold onto Tod as he slowly stood up. Only to raise a brow. "Uncle, are you made of metal?" He questioned as he managed to safely stand up. He brushed off his robes before giving a slight bow.

"Greetings everyone, I am Chang Jingyi. I apologize in advance for any inconveniences or misunderstandings. I am blind so I ask that information is relayed verbally so I am not surprised by anything." It was his normal greeting, it was always easier to get the whole blind thing out of the way. "Regardless, I am very prone to surprises anyway. I never seem to see them coming." There's the obligatory blind joke out of the way. Said with a completely straight face.

"If stealth is going to be our approach, I believe we should lure the door guards into our cell and try to subdue them. Unless someone is capable of quietly getting us out of the cell, the door guards will most likely alert the others if we try to force ourselves out of the cell." The blind man crossed his arms, the people here wanted them alive to be sacrifices...how long did they have till this ritual? Would they properly care for them to keep them alive till then? Maybe they'd come in after realizing they were awake.

Blind Wanderer

Jingyi.

• aaaaaaaaa
• aaaaaaaaa

• filler tab!
• 
  
  

  
  
  
  

  
  
  

  interactions

  
  
  
  

  Nano (Tod)

  
  

  
  
  
  
  

  
  
  

  mentions

  
  
  
  

  Everyone

  
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

♡coded by uxie♡

 

[luciferin]

[ tags: n/a ]

The sound of sirens pierces through Morgan’s final moments of apathy. Vague shapes take form before his eyes, his vision too blurred to make sense of the procedures or people crowded in the back of the ambulance. His sense of touch, however, reveals a clinging warmth along one of his hands, noticeable even with the rising chill.

Glancing over at his student, Morgan gives a faint, wry smile accompanied by the faint sensation of tears dripping onto his arm.

“Don't cry too much,”

he says, distantly surprised by the weakness in his voice.

“I’ve done things that I deserve to die for, and I know it. So if it comes now, I'll make my peace with it.”

The hand wrapped around his begins to squeeze even tighter, and Morgan’s eyes begin to flutter. It feels like a finality, like they won’t ever open if he lets them close now. He rather suspected this after taking the shot. Still, he holds out a second longer, finally acknowledging the screen glittering in front of his eyes with a soft ‘yes’ before he fades into the night.

Because the truth of it is, even knowing that this is what he deserves, Morgan can’t help but wish for just a little longer. A few hours, a few days, a few years—just a little longer.

- - -

He wakes up to the voices of people he doesn’t know, clutching fragments of time between his fingers as his eyes blink in slow disorientation. It’s not until a soothing presence settles over him that Morgan manages to make the world stop spinning just enough to catch his breath. Even so, the others must be more adaptable than him because while they plan and remove their shackles, he’s still catching his breath, coming to terms with his continued presence.

By the time the robot has freed him, he’s managed that, leaving him to idly rub at his arms.

“I’m Morgan. I’m experienced with making medicine, but I can fight a little too,”

he introduces before summoning his inventory with a soft whisper. The first item listed on the vibrant screen gives him a moment’s pause before he moves onward, adding,

“If anyone gets injured, I can heal you, but it’ll take time and a safe place.”

With that, a swift tap sends a pistol dropping onto his lap. He moves to inspect it, checking its safety and ammo before returning it to an idle position.

Hmm… some of the others look like they come from a period far behind his, but three of them should know how to shoot—possibly better than him, too.

“I have a weapon with fifteen shots, but it’s loud,”

Morgan offers, a middle-ground between assuming familiarity and a complete lack of understanding.

“If anyone with experience thinks they can use it without killing someone, you can have it in case of an emergency where we break stealth and need to force our way out.”

 

[OldTurtle]

Chen Yifeng​

His brothers and sisters claimed the heavens were cruel. They struck down the kind, the good natured, the virtuous just as easily as they did the evil and malevolent. They wailed and cursed the gods above for their lack of compassion, bemoaned their suffering at the hands of powers beyond them. He understood them, empathized with their plights. But he knew their anger was misplaced. The heavens did not seek to punish any of them any more than a farmer might seek to punish an ant for treading in his fields. It merely tended to its crops, and they, the ants, were crushed under its feet, caught by the blades of its hoe. Such anger was misplaced. The heavens cared for their realm with divine judgement, and only their weakness was to blame for their failure.

Weak, weak, weak, every last one of them. Those who are weak will die. Such is the inescapable law of the jianghu, carved into the skies above for all to see.

Yifeng was weak too, in the end. Despite his greatest efforts, that singular thought remained in his mind as he was borne down by the weight of a hundred lives and a hundred blades. Strength was a virtue and he thought himself a sinner. But then he was absolved!

The heavens revealed themselves, displayed to him once more that their plans, infinite and inscrutiable, were guided by an intention beyond mortal predictions. They recognized his strength and allowed him to continue on, to act as an agent of their will in more realms than his own. Yes, his weakness was his own but it was also greater than that -- he needed to die on that fateful day to be brought here, to fulfill his purpose as a divine instrument. His mind set at ease and his resolve once again firm, Yifeng made his decision.

•••​

Yifeng's eyes fluttered open gently, as if awakening from a long slumber, and immediately winced. Setting sight on the projected screen before him -- close enough to his face to disorient him --, he blinked owlishly before leaning in closer to examine its contents. This was a strange sorcery, but clearly just another facet of heaven's will. With every word he read, Yifeng's lips curled into a deeper frown. Yes, this land was deeply corrupt as well. No wonder the heavens had brought him from his own world. He could only imagine the extent of the darkness residing here if it required otherworldly intervention to address. But... why these restrictions?

As he processed the remainder of the information, Yifeng couldn't help but question it. What was the purpose of limiting the number of townspeople they could kill? Not only did that much complicate his task, it also ran counter to his purpose here. Was he not meant to liberate the town from the cruel fists of their captors? No doubt there were more than three responsible for these atrocities, and who knew how much innocent blood stained their hands? For a moment, an unbearable fury threatened to erupt from him before -- all of a sudden -- it began to ebb away. No, he needed to maintain faith. The heavens had never steered him wrong before, and though he lacked the capability to comprehend its plans, he would trust in it. Feeling oddly soothed, Yifeng looked away from the harshly bright screen, blinking rapidly to soothe his stinging eyes.

As a new voice piped up, he finally turned to examine the other occupants of his small prison chamber. Six unfamiliar faces, dimly illuminated by the gentle, flickering torchlight -- and one familiar. Ah, so the demon was here as well.

Immediately, a pang of guilt stung at Yifeng's chest. Well, not a demon. He'd been greatly mistaken about that, and there was no doubt his reckless behavior had contributed to their deaths. Again, he could thanks the heavens. It was an unforgivable blunder, but it granted him an opportunity to sincerely apologize, lest the weight of his mistake remain an albatross around his neck. Yifeng quickly began to circulate his qi, fighting back a sigh as he registered the poor quality of its flow. Just as the divine notice informed, the strength of his inner energy was paltry now, years of cultivation stripped away in a single breath. Alas, to be revived with all his strength intact would be asking for too much.

A tall shadow fell over him as Yifeng remained seated, eyes closed and brow furrowed. Surprised by the sudden approach -- and his weakened sensory abilities --, he flinched and opened his eyes as the shackles around his hands fell away. He rubbed his wrists and looked up, gentle smile on his face. "Dear Benefactor, I thank... you...?"

Yifeng trailed off as his jaw dropped, staring up at the metallic visage of... something? The creature (? man? animal? puppet?) towered above him, imposing in figure if not for its oddly childish face. He stared for another moment, blinked twice, and decided to move on. With a quick invocation of 'Inventory', Yifeng had the Jade Eagle Saber sheathed at his side. Its familiar weight was one comfort in this strange land.

Rising to his feet, Yifeng bowed low with clasped hands. "Greetings, this humble martial artist is known as Chen Yifeng. You may rely on what strength I possess without fear. I cannot allow these villains to go unopposed!" Taking in the information and introductions from all the oddly-dressed ones, he brought a hand up to rub against his chin, a slight frown forming on his face. "Though I understand your hesitancy, such underhanded tactics are dishonorable. Do you not believe yourselves capable of subduing a few paltry guards? And even if we were to draw that pair within this cell, those in the hall beyond will still remain. There will be no stealing away from here unseen."

---

Location: Persico Church Basement
Date: Year 2030​

 

[Nellancholy]

With her other pair of arms freed, as were the other captives, the time to act had come. "Many thanks, friend Tod. And Miss Angela, you may call me Star if that would be more convenient to you." She stood up, flexing the chitin on her formerly-bound arms for a few moments and looking around the room. All had prepared to some capability, and indeed most of them seemed capable enough for whatever kind of "show" they were expected to put on.

Now, Hystaria was no "leader", as in the pinnacle of whatever hierarchy or order one might expect. Nor did she ever give orders; she only offered advice and strategy. But her words carried weight, in the clergy of Ilias, and among the members of Portis' band of heroes. So here too, she took point, at least for a moment.

"Honor is for those who showed you honor first, don't you agree, sir Chen?" She nodded at Yifeng. "We know little about what lies beyond this door, beyond the presence of beings who intended to make blood sacrifices of those who we have replaced, and perhaps saved by such replacement. We know also that our abilities may have been dampened somewhat, and that certain rules have been placed upon us by the very ones who brought us here by their power. Valorous knights who have lived long know that discretion is the better part of valor. Perhaps a moment will come to flout these rules, but for the moment, I propose that we save our...opportunities." Opportunities to kill, to spill blood against such miserable folk.

That was the basis of her action: imprinted magic allowed for the casting of spells that allowed for communication with distant points across Penumbra, or shed light on the past in some limited capacity. But it could not divine even one second into the future. The descendants of the Lightfolk jealously guarded the secrets of future sight, considering it their domain, and that of the gods. Hedge witches who threw bones and read cards existed in further reaches of the world, but any who tried within Solis' borders were dealt with...harshly, to put it simply.

And so without any information but the immediate, bold action had to be tempered by caution.

"Here is what I am about to do." When every second mattered, there was no time to sit in committee and make plans, as much as Hystaria genuinely loved to do that. "Within the count of twenty, I will cast a sphere of silence over this door. In my...diminished state, it will cover an area of approximately one point five humes." She paused, at the unfamiliar method of measurement. Instead, she spread her free pair of arms out. "Two and a half armspans radius, give or take. And persist to a count of one hundred, at most. I propose that Friend Tod, or any one else hiding the capability of explosive force, breach the door. Then those of you with rougher inclinations like Garrett, Chang, and Kyu, should have an opening to incapacitate anyone immediately outside the door. You should participate too, Chen. With the flat of your weapon. I believe you should then take point: it will take a while for me to prepare any further incantations. Now, ready?"

She spent the next twenty seconds with one hand held outwards, the other pair holding her grimoire steady as she recited. The air seemed to swirl faintly around her outstretched palm, forming into a sphere of emptiness. The sphere was clear and smooth like the finest crystal, as if "nothing" was truly within it. The sounds within the cell grew more vivid, the sounds of dripping water, skittering bugs, even the soil beneath their feet. The sphere abjured the very concept of "sound" itself, expelling it into its surroundings.

At the conclusion of the twenty seconds, she flicked the sphere forward, sending the memory of the incantation with it. It struck the door, rapidly expanding to the range Hystaria described, and applying the same effects, its immediate surroundings becoming more vivid while the interior of the sphere became muted.

"Now, go!"

Nano Dovinique Bloody_Death OldTurtle Worthlessplebian

 

[Nano]

Angela

&

Tod

Tags:

Jingyi Bloody_Death , Garrett Worthlessplebian , Yifeng OldTurtle

Location:

Church

Whilst the individuals freed from their fetters hemmed and hawed over their methods of escape, Tod dutifully continued his task of prying the remaining shackles off of the prisoners’ wrists and ankles with minimal movements that belied the strength with which he broke and bent metal with ease. Each expression of thanks, regardless of the confusion in their voice, was returned with a stiff nod before the mech swiftly moved on to the next prisoner. He’d only stop to linger by the side of the final prisoner to be freed who, from the looks of it, hadn’t been blessed with sight.

“Affirmative,”

Tod answered Jingyi’s question without batting an eye at the moniker of uncle. While the martial artist clung to his arm to help himself up, the mech obediently stood still, only moving his head in Angela’s general direction to catch her attention.

“Submitting a request to

ADMIN ANGELA

for permission to release composition of hardware.”

The woman in question shook her head.

“Not now, Tod. I need a report on these restrictions the system mentioned, instead.”

“Thrusters and energy weapons have been disabled. Exoskeleton durability and frame strength have been decreased by 63.192%. Energy generation modules remain intact, but cooling systems have received reduced efficiency. Risk of overheating with continuous operation is high. T.O.D. recommends that

ADMIN ANGELA

-”

“Okay, okay. So you’ve been reduced to a walking hunk of metal that can hit things pretty hard. Can you still breach the door?”

“I’ll have it done in a jiffy,”

the mech said, emphasizing his words by folding his fingers inwards but holding his thumbs upwards while pointing his index fingers towards Angela. Though the face painted onto his sleek white shell didn’t change, a small projection popped up over his face.

☆～（ゝ。∂）

The purple-haired woman’s left brow twitched, clearly unimpressed with the AI’s sudden decision to dabble in colloquialism. With a deadpan expression, she gently pushed against the mech’s back with the tips of her fingers.

“Just- ugh. Do it when Miss Star gives her signal. What even was that? Some kind of ancient Earthling slang? I’m going to wring Thaniel’s neck for messing with your language module when I get back.”

With Tod in place and poised to break down the door with force, Angela gestured towards the other two who’d volunteered to help—Garrett and Yifeng from what she recalled—to stand close enough to the mech to bolt out of the door but far enough to remain out of harm’s way when he breached the door.

“There are two guards a few feet from the door. I’m not sure if they’ll get hit by the door, but we’ll need someone to subdue them immediately,”

she quickly explained herself.

Then, the Arachne hissed out her signal, barely having the time to leave her lips before a metal arm silently thrust forward, breaking whatever locking mechanisms held the heavy door shut but barely restrained enough to keep them from flying off their hinges.

Code by Nano

 

[Worthlessplebian]

The clamps that held Garrett in place were torn off, landing with a thud. The sniper freed, shifted, turning his arms and wrists working the feeling back into them. Garrett inclined his head. Hard, emerald gaze dragging slowly across the automaton's metallic form. He nodded. "Appreciate it." Garrett mused, this hunk of metal, servos, and actuator-bundles defied his world's technological prowess — the automated Predator drones seem like children's toys next to it. The man folded his arms across his chest, turning his head to the others as they were unbound from their shackles.

The martial practitioner, whose jet hair slightly bound up in a crown, clad in simple robes, spoke aloud his thoughts on their predicament. Garrett hadn't been surprised when Yifeng concerned himself with the weight of honour on their shoulders, it was expected. However, Garrett did allow him one point: they will not be sneaking out of this Godforsaken Church, even if T.O.D's bulky presence was excluded. "You do what's necessary for you and your men to survive, that's the only honour that lived past first contact." The sniper contested staunchly, though further debate of philosophy, chivalry, or ethics held no sway for him.

He paced over the rough dirt underfoot, footfalls soft in the hushed quiet of their conversation. Garrett noticed Morgan retrieve a pistol from his dimensional inventory. One hand stroking his fiery-red beard, Garrett gave an approving look to the chemist. "If you're steady when it all goes to hell then keep it." His worn, unkempt features grew cold, possessed with the steeliness of an imposing glacier. He'd never disarm his fellow man, only the dangers of a liability would require removing him from his weapon.

Angela gestured, drawing his attention to the mech and the door before them. Garrett stepped to the right, head cocked slightly. Close enough to act immediately, but not be endangered by the metal shrapnel or concussive force of T.O.D's door-breaching.

The Arachne hissed her mysticism, space itself began twisting, writhing as if constrained and folded by unseen forces. The aura of power that bled from her, Garrett could scarcely fathom. The muted sphere was thrusted forward, impacting the door and rapidly expanding. Sound had been excised, even the serene rhythm of his heart silenced to his ear. The sniper raised his arms, shielding himself as T.O.D's fist hurtled towards the door. Though he could not register it, his mind had imagined the ear-splitting crash as the heavy door buckled, screaming as metal struck metal.

He slipped past, finding the first guard still unawares of their deception. Garrett drove his fist into the man's side, a soundless grunt ripped from his lips, doubling him up. His arm went out, snapping around the guard's throat, while his other hand snatched the man's wrist, locking his arm. He dragged the guard, feet shuffling clumsily in the dirt. Inside their cell, Garrett slammed the man's head against the unyielding wall. The flow of blood had been hemmed then stemmed. Panic riven, the man shuddered and squirmed beneath Garrett's grasp, until his eyes rolled and body went limp in his arms.

He threw him off, still breathing but unconscious. For a moment, Garrett looked to his hands, blood running cold beneath his skin, eyes crossed with a concerned curiosity. The strength in his limbs had not been his own, not entirely. He feels his muscles burn with a renewed vigor, one that far surpassed the days of his prime. It seems that while the others have been lessened by their abductors, he himself has been uplifted to a degree.

He looked to them again, gesturing to see if there are anymore nuisances in their path.

 

[Nessi]

Persico Church Basement, 2030

Sasha

Kozlov

Sasha always knew that every morning she woke up, there was a chance that it could be the last morning for her. But with this, brought about a new sense of value for the time she had, it pushed her to spend the time she had left to spend it with her husband and family. That was the motivation that kept her going every day, to stay around for as long as possible for the ones she loved.

But on the day Sasha died, there was something that was different about everything, she was overwhelmed with a sensation of contentment, that everything was going to be okay after she passed.
And it was on this day, that Sasha closed her eyes for the final time, dressed in her favorite clothes, memories of her family running through her head like a film. It was at this moment, that Sasha couldn't help but wishing she could spend more time with her family, even if it was just for one moment, she wanted to embrace her family one last time.

Then, the heavens themselves made an offer to Sasha, one that she couldn't refuse, a second opportunity at life. She didn't care if that meant being brought back with her disease, and being bed ridden. If there was a chance that she could be brought back to her family, back to her husband, she was going to take it.

Sasha's eyes shot open to the sound of the the cell door being breached, and a guard being dragged into their cell. The cuffs that held her were already cut, and it seemed to her like her fellow participants had been awake for a little while now. But Sasha didn't concern herself with what was going on around her, instead she first carefully read over the information presented to her via the system. The objective was deceptively simple; escape the town, and save the town. Escaping wouldn't be too much of an issue, but one could only imagine exactly what they had to in order for the town to be considered "saved."

"Now is not the time to worry about such things." Sasha told herself. If she was going to make it back to her family, she was going to have to take things one step at a time, which led her to her first act.
Sasha rolled up the sleeve on her right arm, all the way up to her shoulder. She wasn't sure why, but her prosthetic was missing, probably to make it more entertaining for the viewers or something. She didn't dwell on the specifics, but instead thought the word inventory, just like she had been instructed to. Like clockwork, the faint blue screen would once again appear, showing the few items she had, but only one matter to her at this moment.

In an instant, Sasha's right arm manifested, shiny and silver just how she remembered it being. She wasted no time reconnecting the prosthetic on to her right shoulder, and pulling the sleeve down to the elbow. "Much better..." Sasha mumbled to herself, before finally getting up to her full height. "Can someone catch me up on what our plan is to get out of here?" she asked, introductions could be arranged after they had successfully escaped from the confines of the church.

Code by Nano

 

[OldTurtle]

Chen Yifeng​

Yifeng cocked his head, fixing the odd, many-limbed woman with a sharp stare. 'Honor is for those who showed you honor first'? How... inane. By that logic, honor would be an entirely alien concept, completely absent from life. If the presence of honor necessitated its pre-existence, then it could never come into existence. A dreary, endless cycle of shame and dishonor, all because those involved were too close-minded to break it. Honor was not for the sake of others. It was important to hold oneself to high standards, to choose to be better than the villains who plagued these lands. Now, more than ever, he needed to conduct himself properly, to ensure that he did not falter and fall down to the level of these scum.

Perhaps this was a difference in values too wide to be bridged by his understanding, her mind as foreign as her form to him. Still, Yifeng could not fault her for her thoughts. This was not his world, just as it was not hers, and it would be disgraceful to blame her for her ignominy. Perhaps she could come to understand his ways better eventually. He closed his eyes and sighed silently, choosing not to interrupt as Hystaria continued. His fist tightened gently around the hilt of his blade. But heavenly decrees or not, he would not stand by idly if any of his new companions chose to tread down the wrong path. He would always be watching.

Yifeng opened his eyes, and restored the polite smile to his face. "Certainly," he nodded. "Such is amenable. I will be sure to subdue our opponents... gently."

The martial artist rose to his feet, dusting off the seat of his robes, and crossed to flank the door. He stood opposite to 'Garrett Rowe, United States Army Sergeant', on the great metal beast's left side. Truly, what an extraordinary creature that one was. It put even the finest of puppets to shame. He spent another moment admiring the craftsmanship before Hystaria cast her sorcery and Tod blew the door down in one fell blow.

Yifeng was in motion before the metal remains of the door even touched the ground, flowing like the wind through the opening. The furthest guard was the more difficult target, so he left the closer one to Garrett. Leaving his saber sheathed, he descended on the man like a great kite, talons spread. Slamming one hand over his half-open mouth, Yifeng brought the other to bear in a series of quick strikes -- mingmen, dazhui, fengfu -- and his captor's body convulsed, seized, and fell still. It was over in but a moment. Lifting the guard's unconscious body over his shoulder, Yifeng carted his back to their broken cell and dumped him unceremoniously on the ground.

Looking up, he gave a sharp smile. "Gentle."

---

Location: Persico Church Basement
Date: Year 2030​

 

[Dovinique]

Dragon

Kyu

The Cursed Wings

Persico Church Basement

One by one, the captives within the dim, oppressive cell broke free, thanks to the metal uncle-like creature that seemed to be allied with the girl named Angela. Tod, as it was called, seemed almost alive, yet Kyu sensed no warmth emanating from it. It moved and spoke with the autonomy of a sentient being, yet it followed Angela's commands without hesitation.

Is it a hostage? Or new form of slavery??
Kyu would find a moment later to converse privately with the metallic bear. A heart-to-heart conversation maybe.

As the freed captives stood and began to discuss among themselves, Kyu’s eyes fell upon the last woman, still unconscious on the cold floor. The seconds stretched as the woman finally stirred, her eyes snapping open. Kyu watched in silence, she didn’t mean to stare, but curiosity controlled her eyes. Her eyes widened in awe as the woman nonchalantly rolled up her sleeve to reveal the stump of her right arm, and then reattached the missing metallic limb as if it were a routine gesture.

Instead of pleasantries, the woman’s first words were a terse question. Despite her usual disdain for humans, Kyu found herself almost impressed by the woman's forthrightness. Direct and to the point, a good ally to trust. Stepping closer, Kyu offered a gentle smile before responding, “We are planning to escape by subduing the guards gently…” she glanced at the two guards lying unconscious on the floor, “…which is done already.”

With the guards incapacitated, Kyu moved to the cell door and peered into the dimly lit hallway. Flickering lanterns cast weak pools of light, barely illuminating the corridor. While others might struggle to see, Kyu’s eyes cut through the gloom with ease, allowing her to discern some guards walking around from a distance and in no time, the guards’ patrols would make their way here at any moment. Angela had mentioned seven guards remained—a good, perfect number that would complicate their escape.

An idea popped in Kyu's mind. Though they had agreed to a discreet escape, a grand diversion could potentially ensure their success. She turned back to the group, her eyes finding Angela’s, “Angela, dear? You mentioned there were seven more guards, right? I’ve been thinking… What do you say to create a diversion to draw their attention away? A diversion so big that would make our escape look like a minor one, like…” she paused, snapping her fingers to conjure a brief flame that danced between them before winking out, “...a fire? They’ll scramble to put it out, giving us enough time to slip away. Of course, it’s the exact opposite of discreet.”

She shrugged, immediately doubting her suggestions, and said, "But being discreet should be our priority right now."

Interation: Nessi Nano
Mention: None

Code by Serobliss

 

[SilverBlack]

“FIRE! THERE’S FIRE! SOMEONE PUT IT OUT!”

One could say it was Coincidence that answered Kyu’s doubtful suggestion. A loud exclamation echoed into the air as a male in a church guard’s outfit ran down the hallway, waving his arms frantically as he called the attention of the rest of the guards. Behind him, scorching flames expanded in size in a hellish orange glow, growing more fierce by the second, relentlessly lighting up one end of the hallway.

“What! What happened! Hurry up and put it out before the stairs get blocked!” The fire immediately caught the attention of the seven guards, throwing everyone into a state of panic. In the briefest moment, four guards rushed upstairs to collect water through the stairs at the other side of the hall, rest three scrambled into the nearby empty rooms and took out giant blankets before dashing toward the flames in an attempt to smother it out. Strangely, by the time they approached the fire, the male who announced the fire was nowhere to be found…

…

“H-huh…? The door’s already unlocked?”

The sudden chaos that overtook the hallway would be hard to miss. Listen even more carefully, and the eight participants should be able to hear a confused muttering coming from the other side of the door. Alarmed or not, the opening of the door ensued, and a head peeked in cautiously through the gap.

Bright blue eyes stared down at the group of so-called sacrifices for a brief moment as if for confirmation, before giving a loud whisper. “Hurry, let’s run!”

—

Kyle didn’t believe in this ritual bullshit.

Seven years ago, he witnessed the deaths of the last group of sacrifices. The way their bodies were tied to the posts, impaled enough times until blood trickled down and poured onto the ground where weird patterns were drawn, then finally burned at the stakes…The brutal, bloody, and devastating images were carved deeply into the teenager’s mind. He was 16 years old at that time. Since then, he was forever traumatized.

Not the whole town was present for the whole ritual. In fact, although the church didn’t particularly prevent anyone from coming, it is usually only a small group that would attend, and they are mostly adults. Turned out that people here are conscious enough to know that such a gruesome sight is not children-friendly. Sneaky Kyle was told not to come by his parents at the time, too, but curiosity got the better of him.

Although most townspeople would not come to witness the ritual, everyone knew about it, and agreed to its existence. The necessity of the ritual seemed deeply engraved into the mind of everyone here. The same applied for Kyle, until he saw for himself what exactly he had condoned in that horrible night seven years ago. Since then, he had swore to himself that he would do anything to help the next group of sacrifices escape seven years later.

So now, here he is. No longer holding the lantern he had crashed onto the floor earlier to create the fire, instead rushing into the cell where the sacrifices were with only a rusty sword by his side.

“Hurry! I’m here to help you guys! Let’s run before it’s too late!” Before anyone could attack him, Kyle spoke up to the eight participants while closing the door behind him, as if to prove that he’s on their side. “EEeeek!” He then gasped at the bloody sight of the two collapsed guards inside the cell, then inhaled a sharp breath when he noticed a weird white bear-looking thing standing among the eight people. His eyes glanced left to right, taking the scene in. Wait, why do they all look like they’re tougher than him? Do they really need his help? Also…He’d never seen these sacrifices in their original clothes before, as in his memory, they were already wearing plain white robes by the time they were tied to the posts. Wow, such weird clothing. One of them even has multiple…arms? They all look so unique. Is this the so-called…Advanced cosplay?

“I know this is very sudden. But you guys must listen to me! Two doors from the left from here, there’s a shelf in that room…The room’s already unlocked! Move that shelf, and you’d see this hole in the wall! Get into the hole, climb through the mud, and you’d find this rope ladder leading up…You guys can get up from there. Once you get out you should be at the flowerbed at the back of this church. Get over the fence, it’s an easy climb. There should be a tiny alleyway towards the left of the street blocked by some garbage cans. Go straight down from there…And there should be a tiny house! The house’s empty for now. It’s my house. It’s not locked. You guys should be safe there for now!”

The young lad then took a deep breath from the long talk and swallowed his saliva before he continued. “The hole is burrowed by my trustworthy groundhog Mr. Bubblibuppi so no need to question its durability. And oh, my name is Kyle!”

Meanwhile, on the outside, the guards had rushed down with buckets of water to extinguish the flame, which did not look like it could be put out that easily. Kyle took a secret peek out the door before looking back. “I know you guys probably have a lot of questions, but move now and we’ll talk later. The guards all look occupied right now, and we have very little time. Now's the perfect time to move! I’d be right behind you guys.”

The reason why Kyle did not suggest leaving from the front of the church is because it is no longer safe. If any of the participants has the ability to spy on their entire surroundings, they would know that the front yard of the church, if not the church itself, is already filled with guards, priests, and an increasing number of townspeople who had decided to join in on this year’s ritual. Complicated and intricate patterns were already drawn on the ground, emitting a mysterious and menacing energy, whatever they represent.

…

It would be later on when the group was escaping toward the so-called hole two rooms down that Kyle would realize that things were not that easy. “The sacrifices are escaping!” One guard would yell out loudly when he noticed the participants just as he turned around, ready to return upstairs to fetch another bucket of water. His announcement would capture the attention of the rest of the guards, to which several of them would lunge forth at the escaping group while the rest focused on extinguishing the flame.

Five guards dashed toward the participants. Kyle pulled out his sword and readied himself into a battle position, he had already put on a mask to help hide his identity from the guards. “I gotchu guys!” He called out loudly, suggesting the participants to escape while he held them off for awhile.

“Aaah my sword!” However, with a couple clashes, his rusty sword would quickly fly out of his hand, and he would rush to pick it up. Maybe he’s not the best at fighting, but at least the man got a heart. It seemed like a direct conflict was inevitable, but with enough defense, some, if not everyone, should be able to get out of the church.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Wordlessly, Garrett nodded his approval to Yifeng as the martial artist discarded the unconscious guard's body like bagged meat. For all his boastings of honour and righteousness, he is exceptionally adept in his ability to mete out physical violence. And the humour an uncanny reminder of a few men that served dutifully alongside the sniper. Unquestionably a reliable ally. Garrett leaned through the doorway after Kyu had pulled back, casting a glance down the hallway, rough edges flanked by rougher shadows in the weak, flickering light of wall-mounted lanterns. He half-turned towards Kyu, the woman who snapped a mote of fire from her fingers, her predilection appeared more reserved, stalwartly vigilant than the rest — respectable. "No, you got it right. A distraction—" Garrett began, but got no further. The holler of an apparent guard came down the corridor, alerting the half-dozen others, a soft glow roared into a blaze. The light from the fire hit him a second before the warmth.

But the heat and light were not the only new arrivals. A young man had rushed into their cell. Eyes wide with a defiant hope and hard conviction. From Garrett's experience, the young were either recalcitrance or wholly devoted to whatever position their elders imposed upon them. Kyle seemed to be of the former, rather than the latter. For his and their sake.

The sniper agreed to follow him, until the preoccupied, frantic guards had finally discovered their treachery. Their rescuer engaged first, rusty sword in hand. Though gallant, he would need help. With a single, voiceless word, a broken bottle manifested, shimmering into being from the emptiness of space. A weapon is better than none. And he knew, they didn't need to kill them, only frustrate them until they could escape.

Interactions: Dovinique (Kyu)
Mentions: OldTurtle (Yifeng)

 

[Bloody_Death]

With the help of his metal uncle and his introduction out of the way, he remained quiet and off to the side as he simply waited for either instructions or something to actually happen. Things were moving along quite smoothly. The cell was open, and the two guards just outside seemed to fall unconscious, from what he could tell. Nice and simple!

Just kidding! "Oh how unfortunate..." There wasn't a hint of sarcasm nor seriousness in his tone. He was simply commenting about it as his head turned in the direction of the rushing footsteps and the cries of fire before glancing up above. There seemed to be even more people above them, which was a given, but if there were too many, how could they properly escape without killing anyone? Such odd rules for this game...

"Someone is outside." He spoke before the man on the other side even reached the door. Lucky for them, this was someone who did want to help them! Someone who also seemed to have an escape plan already ready for them. Nodding along and keeping note of the long, long list of instructions they were given all of once. He made note of it all, but he wouldn't be able to properly guide them despite just knowing. "Thank you, our savior Kǎiěr...?" That name sounded a bit strange. But he's heard a lot of strange names today. He gave a few moments to let the other's funnel out the room before heading out himself. Following behind. Or the sound of their footsteps.

He had heard another set of steps coming. But it was far too late. The shout of the guards made Jingyi turn his head. "More of them are coming." He wasn't sure...how well this guy could hold them back, but he was sure they'd have a little bit...except no. The clattering of the sword drew a small sigh out of the blind man. "Did not see that coming. Inventory." He held out his hand and eventually felt the guandao in his hands...it felt a bit different in his hands. But he didn't have time to think. All the guards, while having no energy, still emitted some sort of life force he could track. So, he was able to pinpoint where they were.

"Rippling Waves Spear Technique..." He spoke softly, quickly stepping in front of their fumbling savior. "Do watch out, savior Kǎiěr." He used the handle of the spear to block the incoming attacks. Swiftly directing the momentum of the blades to unbalance the guards. The moment they stumbled, he spun the weapon and tucked the blade of the guandao under his arm before swiftling swinging the hilt low against their legs. Successfully toppeling the row of guards right in front of him and pushing them some of them back against the other guards a bit behind them.

The force of the swing was a bit rough...so there may be some light bruising at best if not a few cracked bones at worse! But at least they're not dead~ "I'll assist with stalling, Kǎiěr." It seemed that the man with the orange hair would help as well. "Though I suggest we try to disrupt their path so we can evacuate safely." He could hear the steps of more people coming. And it would be overwhealming if they got cornered. Maybe they could possible set another fire...? Or something to allow everyone to crawl through the escape route safely.

Blind Wanderer

Jingyi.

• aaaaaaaaa
• aaaaaaaaa

• filler tab!
• 
  
  

  
  
  
  

  
  
  

  interactions

  
  
  
  

  Kyle

  
  

  
  
  
  
  

  
  
  

  mentions

  
  
  
  

  Worthlessplebian (Garrett) || Nano (Tod) ||

  
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

♡coded by uxie♡

 

[Dovinique]

Dragon

Kyu

The Cursed Wings

Persico Church Basement

“FIRE! THERE’S FIRE! SOMEONE PUT IT OUT!”

Kyu swiftly turned her head towards the source of the voice. It felt as if the gods themselves agreed with her ideas, timing the interruption perfectly. The flames danced wildly, captivating the guards and creating a flawless distraction for their escape. Yet, before any of them could seize the moment, a figure rushed into the cell. It was a young man, a human, with a warm and kind presence that stirred memories of how Kyu once viewed humanity. Seeing the black-haired man evoked a deep-seated maternal instinct within her. His appearance was almost nostalgic, a reminder of the humans she had once cared for.

She listened carefully to his instructions then followed him through dimly lit corridors where they finally reached a hidden passage. Yet, their escape was not to be straightforward as it would be less entertaining. The thrill of danger intensified as distant shouts signaled the approach of more guards. Kyle, with his unmatched bravery, stood there… defenseless… clutching a rusty sword that seemed more suited for cutting leaves than confronting enemies, ready to hold the guards with all his might. Despite his suggestion to flee, Kyu found herself unable to abandon him. She wanted to, her mind screamed for her to take the chance and run, but her body refused to comply. Something about him, perhaps his courage or the flicker of hope in his eyes, rooted her to the spot.

After Jingyi toppling some guards, Kyu stepped forward and looked at both him and Garrett, “Let me take care the rest of this,” she said. Time was slipping away and more guards would come to delay their escape. Although she felt her power and mana were not at its peak—likely a consequence of the system's constraints—she was confident in her ability to execute the plan she had in mind.

She accessed her inventory, and with a thought, her Magic Fan materialized in her hand. The fan's frame, forged from gleaming steel, showcased an intricate web of floral and ancient embroidery etched into the sticks and ribs. The leaves, crafted from the finest linen fabric, unfolded in a gentle arc of soft pink. Threads of white gold wove through the fabric like bolts of lightning, intertwining with a delicate grace that mirrored the patterns on the steel. In her hand, the fan felt both substantial and ethereal, a perfect balance of form and magic.

Kyu raised her fan to her face, leaving only her eyes staring sharply at the guards before her. "From the maw of the elder dragons..." she began and as she spoke, a gentle wind stirred, lifting her hair and carrying the scent of scorching cherry blossoms to those behind her… a sweet, slightly flowery aroma mingled with the warmth and intensity of a distant bonfire.

The Magic Fan began to glow with a faint red hue, "...breathe forth the Wyrm’s Breath…" Kyu swiftly closed the fan with a decisive motion of her hand, bringing it down to her side. A trail of crimson light followed the fan's movement, glowing brighter as it intensified into a swirling red wind that encircled her, "...Let this searing gale scour the earth with the fury of a thousand storms..." The wind whipped around Kyu with increasing speed.

"...Ignite the land with draconic wrath and leave nothing but ashes in its wake." With these final words of her chant, Kyu raised her Fan above her head and swept it forward, as if commanding the raging wind to surge forth. The red glow faded in a second after, leaving only the powerful wind that pushed back the rest of guards standing in her path. The guards staggered, caught off guard by the sudden force of nature unleashed before them. Some were knocked off their feet, while others struggled to maintain their balance against the relentless onslaught of wind.

Once the guards were scattered away from her, Kyu flicked her left fingers and a small flame danced on her fingertips. With a swift motion, she threw the fire onto the floor, where it ignited and spread like wildfire, creating a blazing barrier between the guards and the group. The line of fire crackled and hissed, effectively blocking any immediate pursuit.

Kyu tapped her fan against her hand with a satisfied smile, “You are lucky that my power is restrained. Otherwise, you would have been burnt alive in a firestorm,” she remarked. In truth, she wasn't entirely sure how her restrained power would manifest, it could have either dampened or minimized the effect of her magic. Nevertheless, she decided to play it off with a trust in her gut.

Tossing her fan back into her inventory, Kyu turned to the group behind her, “Guess we can all run along now. No one's staying,” Her gaze landed on the man who introduced himself as Kyle, “Including you.”

Interation: Kyle, Bloody_Death (Jingyi), Worthlessplebian (Garrett)
Mention: None

Code by Serobliss

 

[Nellancholy]

After Hystaria's initiative, the escape plan of this disparate band had gone swimmingly, as the more martial members of the party visited swift violence upon the most proximate group of guards.

At this juncture, Hystaria would have appreciated the opportunity to pause and perform some probing reconnaisance, perhaps attempt some manner of scrying technique or summon a spirit if that were possible, in order to probe the surface and determine a means of covert egress.

But fate had other plans. A certain young man had intervened, setting a fire to lure the guards away and prevent them from closing in from the usual paths when they got wise to the escapees. A rudimentary but potent tactic. Less clever was his determination to stay and stall the guards that made it in with a rusty sword. He would have barely been a sheep's fence for all the resistance he could offer.

Still, she could see something of Portis in him, though Portis had grown wiser, become more of a leader through their travels together.

Hystaria's allies promptly swept aside Kyle's pursuers and Kyu, perhaps drawing on her expertise, set a blazing wall to deter them from following.

That, Hystaria noted, was less savvy. While a good move in the moment, it was risky in a situation where they wanted to avoid losing lives to collateral damage, as well as the risk of collapsing a path during an escape when the situation on the surface was unclear. After all, Kyle's actions indicated that not all agreed with the ceremonial sacrifice: they shouldn't risk opening a sinkhole under people who might offer them momentary shelter and a safe way out of town.

As Kyu rushed Kyle away, Hystaria raised her hand, pointing at a point in the air in front of the fire Kyu sat. For many practitioners of imprinted magic, casting spells without some recitation was impossible, but experienced users, through decades of repetition, could call upon the barely-remembered fragments on command.

"Freeze!" The calm woman's voice boomed out, and ray of cold streaked from her finger, forming into a tiny sphere at her target point that would gradually grow into a ball of swirling wind and snow that could eat up Kyu's fire, extinguishing Kyu's fire just in time to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably and burning up the building's foundations, but also slow enough to buy them time to escape by Kyle's path. On top of that,it would leave a field of snow and ice that would potentially slow pursuit by this route.

With that done, she caught up to the group, guarding Kyle closely alongside Kyu. "It is as she says, Kyle. Your life, bold as it is, is spent better without being executed on the spot by your own people."

SilverBlack Dovinique

 

[luciferin]

[ tags: n/a ]

Morgan has always been aware of his lack of combat experience, but nothing emphasizes that fact quite as much as encountering those from worlds where the skills of war are but bread and butter for survival. Letting his weapon dematerialize into the shimmering screen of his inventory to free his hands, he follows along the path cleared by his teammates and their dark-haired savior—though, he’d argue that the others had their escape securely in hand.

Case and point, the blazing flames licking along their escape path, writhing up walls and rooftops like living serpents before falling into the extinguished hibernation brought by their second spellcaster’s chilled ice. Remembering all of the others’ attempts at aid, Morgan would say that he and the other modern man and woman—or would her arm fall under futuristic technologies?—are lucky that their overseer doesn’t seem keen on matching them against those who have grown up in worlds where equality is ruled by violence rather than law. Though, given the way Garrett holds a bottle and his sergeant title, Morgan’s not convinced he couldn’t hold his own with a proper weapon and the tactical advantage born of systematic training.

Still, the law of the game is no killing—because a shared three is as good as nothing, certainly reserved for their mission of saving the town—and preferably no dying in the process, so Morgan gives their ally a gentle prod, tacking on an initiative for survival beyond Kyu and Hystaria’s kindness.

“Additionally, if you’re willing to continue helping us, there are better means,”

he says, continuing closer to the first component of their escape with quick steps, lighter now that Kyle’s life has been guaranteed.

“As wonderful as escaping the church is, I doubt that the rest of the town will be sympathetic to our plight, and we can’t hide in your home forever.”

Morgan winces at the thought, remembering the name of their encounter. While the guards certainly belong to the doomed, the chance of the other townsfolk being uninvolved is slim at best. And if they decide to search for the traitor in the aftermath of their sacrifices’ escape, well—injuries certainly aren’t going to hold men and women back from claiming the continuance of their eternal happiness and health, especially not if their damnation is at hand if their blood debt isn’t paid.

 

[Nano]

Angela

&

Tod

Mentions:

Kyu, Hystaria, Kyle

Location:

Church

One, then two bodies were carried and dumped into the holding cell like a sack of potatoes. Within the span of a thunderclap, the young warrior and sergeant executed their part of the plan quickly and efficiently, though Angela didn’t quite agree with the term gentle. The martial artist’s strikes were swift like a viper, and unlike the sergeant whose murky and subdued colors matched his gruff exterior, the former’s reminded her of a thistlepuff (hedgehog). It was a docile splash of color, welcoming those who could perceive it with a friendly facade, yet its shape was spiky as if ready to stick your finger with quills the moment you offended it by looking at it the wrong way.

Ah, she was getting distracted.

Whilst mustering her best attempt at feigning vigilance, Angela tore her eyes away from the two men and turned her attention back to the young dragoness who’d addressed her. She ruminated over the suggestion for a brief moment, yet the word “fire” would be echoed by a far louder shout the moment it left her lips.

Angela sighed. Not only were they unceremoniously dropped into a strange world with even stranger people, whatever gods had orchestrated their revival continued to toss them one thing after another with hardly a moment’s reprieve. This time, it was a fire, and now…a person? Their so-called savior, though based on his performance, it was clear he hadn’t quite prepared himself for whatever task he’d set out to achieve by working against his own people.

“Tod, follow Kyle’s instructions and move the bookshelf. I don’t think he’s lying.”

Angela’s instructions were followed by a brief set of two flashes shining in the corner of her visor, the mech’s sign of silent agreement. However, the Nilim herself remained put, turning away from the mechanized polar bear trudging its way towards the specified room in favor of studying the abilities of her current allies.

Magic,

she thought, mesmerized by the precisely drawn line of flames summoned forth from nothing but a few words and a wave of Kyu’s fan. It was almost strange how this world could support the laws of the worlds each person hailed from, but she couldn’t help but marvel at how the dragonness and arachne exhibited feats she’d only ever read about in fictional settings. That is, until she witnessed the latter summon forth a ball of frost to devour the former’s fire.

Though she could understand it was likely done out of a desire to keep the fire from spreading, the purple-haired woman couldn’t help but raise a brow at the layer of ice slowly creeping up against the floor. Balancing on ice was certainly more difficult than doing so on solid ground, but was walking across it that difficult? If she could manipulate ice, why not create a wall of ice in the first place? Perhaps there were more limitations to magic, and it wasn’t nearly as convenient as she assumed.

Angela took a quick peek at Kyu and froze. Gone was the color of her mistrust, replaced by a deep orange slowly spreading through a clear blue. Whatever mixture of emotions she was feeling, it had yet to evolve into anger, but it was evident that she was less than pleased. Irritation, no doubt, given the way it licked uncomfortably at her face as if she were sitting too close to a fireplace.

She shifted a little further away from the two mages.

Leaving Kyle to the others who’d addressed him first, Angela kept a careful eye on the information presented on the screen of her visor. To her dismay, the number of biological signs had abruptly skyrocketed and were only continuing to climb.

Oh, what the hell. Screw this mission, seriously.

“Not to mention the obvious, but we need to leave. Now. We have a whole party waiting to welcome us above ground, and I don’t doubt they’ll come sniffing around this hole if we give them the time.”

And with that, Angela disappeared into the hole in the wall, instantly storing Tod back into her headband the moment she noted that their escape route was far too small for a construct of his stature.

Code by Nano

 

[SilverBlack]

It was difficult for Kyle to find one particular word to describe the events that unfolded in front of him. Amused. Excited. Curious. Bewildered. What he witnessed were fighting techniques he’d never seen before - magic he’d never seen before. When another strong clash caused his buttocks to hit the ground after picking up his sword, he was filled with appreciation as he saw one of the outsiders come forth to help with a broken bottle in hand. It may just be a broken bottle, and he’s not sure how much the man could do with that, but compared to Kyle’s tinier and wimpy figure with just a rusty weapon, the other was clearly bigger and more muscular. And with that appearance, that broken bottle looked more intimidating, for sure.

He hurried to scoot himself backward upon hearing another one of the outsiders’ gentle warning for him to watch out. What was that - Rippling Waves Spear Technique? Kyle watched as multiple guards stumbled and fell together with the use of some sort of polearm, but before he could further indulge himself into the man and investigate just how exactly the man managed to do that - or perhaps humbly deny the use of the word “savior” to describe him - he was captivated by what happened next. Overflowing long, pink hair entered his view as the lady, whose name he has yet to learn, materialized a fan in her hands. Embroidered with such elegant and intricate details, the fan looked more like an artwork than a weapon. Yet with the woman’s enchanting words and a sweep, came forth a gust of winds that blew the guards back. Kyle was mesmerized. Even more when fire joined the winds with a flick of her fingers. This was all so new to him - but more than that - the way her hair danced with the winds, and the way her flame softly glowed on that little satisfied smile of hers as the guards collapsed under her. The male was captivated. She is beauti–

“Ah, yes!” Kyle quickly nodded as the pretty lady suddenly turned to him and the group and told them to run along now. The young man gathered his thoughts just as quickly as he jumped back onto his feet. Soon, frost would take over the initial flame and replace the winds with a field of snow and ice. Well, it’s a good way to tell Kyle to focus on the present, whatever was on his mind before. He watched as the strange bear-shaped thing - Kyle was convinced - it’s pretty much a bear - went toward the room they would be escaping to after hearing its owner’s command, soon followed by her stern warning for everyone to hurry. He inhaled a breath. “Let’s go, everyone!”

But how strange, he’d never seen this magic before. Not in the past outsiders - or least from what he’d heard and remembered - and much less in this town. Perhaps the potential to develop such advanced magic and battle techniques was there. For magic did exist, after all. But the Town of Persico has been in peace and harmony for so long - aside from the violent ritual every 7 years - that the need for so barely existed. Kyle could only scratch his head in response when the woman who unleashed the frost earlier caught up to them and told him that his bold life is better spent without being executed by his own people. Those words were blunt and true. “Aye, perhaps I should have trained myself to become stronger so I won’t need to be worried about getting caught by my own people…” and needing all of you to save me while I should be saving y'all, no less. He ended his exclamation with a thought that he did not say, instead replaced by a sigh.

“...As wonderful as escaping the church is, I doubt that the rest of the town will be sympathetic to our plight, and we can’t hide in your home forever.” Listening further to another young distinguished man’s remark as they were escaping, Kyle nodded in agreement. “You’re right. Fortunately, at this time, the few townspeople living behind the church should all be out right now. So we don’t need to be worried about getting caught by them. They’re all fans of the ritual, so by this time they would be at the front, ready to watch you all get killed.” The group would have entered the room by now, and the bookshelf moved to the side to reveal the hidden hole. “Don’t worry! Although my home can’t be a forever hiding place, I know a kid who has a secret spot apparently. I’ll bring you guys to her tomorrow!” Kyle smiled charmingly at the man, who looked very intelligent but sullen. “She’s a funny kid.” He added, as if his light remark could act more like a reassurance.

By the way, if the group was not too deeply focused on the hole out of the church and looked to the side of the room, one may notice a weathered chest box sitting quietly on the ground, locked only by tarnished iron bands against worn edges. It appeared easy to break.

If one was to investigate….

Obtained: Invisibility Cape

Description:
Fell in public? Got publicly humiliated? Socially awkward? Sometimes we just want to be invisible. The gods are merciful, so they decided to grant that wish. By wearing this over you, you would vanish into the air as if you’ve never existed. Note that physical presence is still there. Don’t use this illegally - no peeking when people’s changing!

Limit use:
For one person: 1 time each day, 30 minutes each.
Group use is possible. By calling out “Be bigger please!” the invisibility cape will feel respected and expand in size to cover everyone at once. Just huddle closer together if you feel it’s still too small. 1 time each day, 10 minutes each.

…..........................

The escape was a success. However, halfway done the tiny alleyway, the sounds of horn would pierce into the thin air, breaking silence. It came from the church, a loud sign to everyone that the sacrifices had fled. That the townspeople must now work together as a team, to find these outsiders who dared run away…

Anger, chaos, and panic spread through the town. This had never happened before. The clock struck past midnight, signaling the beginning of the ritual that would now have taken place, if the sacrifices were still here…

Well, compared to whatever’s going on outside, Kyle’s house is relatively isolated and peaceful.

Giant fences surrounded the house, making it feel even more isolated than it already is from the rest of the townspeople. As the male later explained, he didn’t know groundhogs can dig at first when he got Mr. Bubblibuppi. So when he kept escaping, he built taller fences. Turns out groundhogs escaped by going under the ground. Well now Kyle kind of just let his animal buddy go out on its own, since he realized the groundhog would return to him eventually anyway.

The front yard of the house was filled with all kinds of various plants and flowers that the male seemed to be taking very delicate care of. Surprisingly, despite owning a groundhog, it did not appear like the groundhog had damaged any of these greeneries. Instead, upon hearing the sounds of the group’s return, the little creature would burst out from the open window, and jumped straight at Kyle with an excited squeal, who quickly caught it in his arms.

“Mr. Bubblibuppi! Thanks to you, we did it! We escaped through the hole!” Complimenting his buddy loudly with a big hug, he then opened the door and walked into the house, turning on the lights that quickly illuminated the room with a warm yellow hue. He then looked back to the outsiders, and gestured to them to come in with a smile. “Make yourself at home!”

It’s a tiny house, just enough for perhaps one or two people. One living room, one kitchen, one bedroom, one bathroom, and a little fireplace. Faint botanical scent, slightly sweet, filled the room. One would be quick to notice the tall shelves against the wall, filled with glass bottles or containers of various herbs and florals. There are even some hanging potted plants dangling down from the ceiling near the windows.

In the living room, which they entered into, is a tiny gray couch for two by the fireplace, where a dark green rug was placed in front of. Next to it is a rectangular, wooden dining table, one chair on each side. All this furniture along with the shelves, some counters and some drawers, made the room appear a little cramped, but it is overall small and cozy. There is a family portrait of three hanging on one side of the wall. A young boy grinned brightly at the camera, and next to him on one side stood a woman, her gaze soft, her smile gentle. On the boy’s other side was a heavily bearded man, good-natured in spirit.

“Both my parents are deceased, so don’t worry about anyone coming in,” Kyle explained as he let go of the groundhog in his arms, who quickly jumped onto the couch, before starting a fire at the fireplace. He then moved into the kitchen where he would take out a jug of water and several cups.

They all worked hard tonight. Perhaps they should give themselves some time to relax now, get to know each other deeper with some light chatter, or perhaps more importantly, learn more about the situation.

“I’m sorry if there’s not enough chairs! Feel free to sit on the floor or on the table. Now, I have water, but do any of you want tea?”

 

[OldTurtle]

Chen Yifeng​

Ah, so this world was not entirely beyond redemption. Yifeng's initial experiences -- having been limited to a kidnapping by a murderous cult -- had given him a very adverse perspective upon this land. Perhaps, he had suspected, it was a land without the righteous, where demonic forces were permitted to run amok. Much like the jianghu could have been had the orthodox factions been too disunified, had they fallen before the unorthodox onslaught. He could see his own future in this town, what could have been and what could still be. Yifeng felt a deep pang within his heart, one that demanded he wield his blade in these people's defense. They were not his, but they deserved liberation nonetheless.

The young man named Kyle was a beacon of virtue in this sinful den. Hardly more than a child, he was much too inexperienced to lead the escape attempt without a hitch, it seemed, but Yifeng recognized and appreciated the attempts. Such light must be safeguarded and granted the opportunity to bloom. And it seemed he was far from the only one with such an inclination.

Stepping forward with one hand firmly grasping the hilt of his saber, Yifeng motioned for Kyle to move back to safety. "Careful, Benefactor, a blade in inexperienced hands is just as dangerous to its user as its enemies." Well-timed, as well. Several of his new companions stepped forward to meet the encroaching guards. First, Chang Jingyi with that same, massive guandao -- though with notably greater difficulty than during their prior fight. It appeared Yifeng was not the only one weakened by the gods. After him came two of the strange sorcerers, each wielding elemental spells beyond his understanding, yin and yang in the palms of their hands. Though individually impressive, the bladesman had to wonder...

Was it really the best use of their powers to combine such opposing energies? Despite his doubts, Yifeng held his tongue. He understood little of sorcery and far be it from him to question their wisdom.

In the end, their getaway was all but assured, and the small band of escapees passed through the wall. The slender martial artist took up the rear, watching on as they entered the hole one at a time. Waiting his turn patiently, Yifeng glanced around at the room. The term 'church' was not entirely unfamiliar to him, but there appeared to be a disconnect in their vocabularies: this building did not resemble the churches he knew of in the least. Whatever could these man-devils be worshipping?

To the side of the room lay a small wooden and iron chest. Almost unconsciously, Yifeng reached out and tested its bonds -- the iron snapped with ease, letting him swing its lid open. Peering into the shallow depths, Yifeng tilted his head inquisitively. A folded piece of cloth lay against the bottom and he reached in to feel the fabric. As his fingertips neared it, a sudden, bright frame appeared in the air again. Another one of those strange mystical messages, he recognized, like the first displaying the heavens' decree. The gods were merciful indeed.

Such a powerful tool, found discarded in a dark corner? Yifeng frowned. No one in their right mind would secure a divine gift so poorly. Perhaps the cultists were unaware of the powers contained within the cape -- or even of the cape entirely. The gods must have placed this for their agents to uncover at this time. Yes, just another of their many machinations in action. No doubt it would find its use in another of their upcoming trials. Yifeng bundled the cape up and secured it against his sash, then hurried to enter the escape tunnel, carefully dragging the bookshelf back into place behind him.

•••​

Despite the mayhem caused by their escape -- the bells and alarmed cries echoed harshly through the night sky -- Kye's house seemed almost like another realm entirely. The flourishing flora filled the air with a pleasant fragrance. Yifeng breathed it in deeply. Such a sharp contrast from the blood and steel of the underground. The tension in his limbs began to release, though the weight of his blade on his hip kept him grounded. Though he owed little Kyle for their escape, Yifeng still knew too little about this land to let his guard down.

"Tea would be splendid," Yifeng replied, untying his saber and sheath to allow him to sit cross-legged on the floor. He placed the blade across his lap. "Many thanks, Benefactor." He watched the strange little creature the boy called... Bubbbiluppi? Pubblibupi? Bublibublipi? He gave up on trying to decipher the name and resolved to refer to it as 'Cute One'. A sufficiently accurate description, at any rate. Yifeng resisted the urge to prod its round, furry cheeks.

...What even was the creature?

---

Location: Kyle's House
Date: Year 2030​

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Joined beside the young warrior, Garrett's offensive front had been bolstered against the zealous guards. The broken bottle, with jagged edges gleamingly wickedly in the harsh light of the halls, at best a deterrent, but it served its purpose as the two sorcerers among them quickly marshalled their mystical energies and unleashed a torrent of elemental might. Flame and frost, clashing together in a burst of radiance. The sniper felt shocking warmth then numbing chill grace the side of his face. Reflexively, he spun away, bringing up the collar of his jacket to shield himself. The detached part of his mind, the one that always functioned even in the bottomless depths of his drunken stupors, again questioned the reality before him. It truly felt like a fantastical concoction, dreamt up by a weary mind. But he still moved, ducking into their route that would lead them into their safety assuredly.

Just as his hand gripped the rung of the ladder, he stopped, and casted a glance towards Yifeng. The sword-wielding martial artist had thrown a wooden chest's lid open, keenly inspecting the contents. Garrett's eyes narrowed with curiosity, but clearly decided that it would be best to inquire later rather than now. The ladder led, as Kyle described, to a plot of flowers behind the dark church's back. For a moment, the sniper glanced up at the night, imperiously dominated by pale dots of shimmer more than a thousand dozen in their ranks. And there was the chill of the hissing wind against his skin, biting deep into his exposed flesh, however, it was a cold balm to his soul.

It was not his night sky, but beneath it's dark shroud, the sniper felt at home anyway.

Garrett listened as they went, Morgan had brought up a valid remark to their circumstances. But not one that Garrett is altogether unfamiliar with — during the SAW, many cities were unquestionably inimical to their presence. In the best scenarios, living in a trepid, fragile isolation in their forward bases. The worst was when the ambushes, raids, and sabotages began.

Soon a klaxon horned called, rousing the townsfolk into a fervid frenzy to find their lost supplicants, their sacrificial lambs. A flicker of revulsion crossed Garrett's stolid features for a second, before hardening again.

They had arrived at Kyle's house, greeted by a floral fragrance of planted flowers and plants. It was not an unwelcomed scent as Garrett shut his eyes and breathed softly. Though his muscles remained taut beneath his skin, this had been a momentary distraction from the pitiless reality they now faced together. Still, the contrast was stark between the outside and here.

Garrett sat down on the ground, his back to the wall near the fireplace, arm laid across his upwards knee. "Water." His voice rasped, though a darker thirst scratched at his convictions. It was like an itch at back of his throat, a chill that required the scalding warmth of a spirited drink. He forced himself to suppress the urge, but also sparing himself of the self-loathing that would naturally follow. "Thanks..." He began, letting his voice trail faintly into the comely atmosphere. "Mister Bubblipuppi." A careful, precise articulation of the groundhog's name, partly ingrained into him during his work with several army interpreters. "No one else I'd have in a dug-out than you." His tone had been light, hints of faded camaraderie echoing up through the dried mud of his years. "Oddly, this wouldn't be the strangest evasion I've done. Very outlandish, though."

He looked at Yifeng. "What did you find in that crate, by the way?"

Interactions: OldTurtle (Yifeng), SilverBlack (Kyle, Bubblipuppi)
Mentions: Nellancholy (Hystaria)

 

[Dovinique]

Dragon

Kyu

The Cursed Wings

Kyle's House

Water… Sea… Ice… Snow… anything cold, anything that sent shivers through the bones had never been her ally. Did she despise it? Not entirely, but the sight of frost extinguishing her flames felt like watching her very essence freeze and splinter into a thousand pieces. The fire that once roared within her now sputtered, struggling against the creeping chill.

Kyu gritted her teeth, the heat of her anger battling the icy air. Her dragon’s might boiled beneath her skin, urging her to reach out and snap the delicate neck of the arachne before her, to feel the fragile bones crumble in her grasp. But she resisted. Instead, she followed Kyle’s lead, allowing her fury to simmer, then gradually cool, smothered by the cold that ate away at her flames. When had she become so quick to anger, so easily provoked? She was supposed to be a beacon of warmth, a figure of gentle strength, wasn’t she? Wasn’t that what everyone expected of her? A bitter laugh almost escaped her lips as she slapped her left hand against her cheek, the sting sharp enough to bring her back to the present. Her emotions had been a storm, wild and uncontrollable, ever since that night—that night. It would take time for the tempest within her to calm… if it ever would…

✦✦✦​

Kyle led the group to his home, a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the chaos that had swirled around them for so long. As they approached, Kyu felt a strange sense of peace settle over her that she hadn’t known since stepping foot into this strange world. The house was simple, yet there was a warmth to it, a quiet invitation to rest. The flowers that framed the entrance, the fence that spoke of security, and then… a giant, fluffy rat?

She blinked in surprise as the creature bounded out from the window. So, this was Mr. Bubblibuppi. Her face remained composed, lips pressed together in what might have seemed irritation, but in truth, she was fighting the urge to squeal like a child. Cutie pie!!! a voice screamed in her mind, but she kept her expression neutral, eyes fixed on the chubby cheeks and fluff-covered tail of the creature. It could be the perfect playmate for Iona… though one could only hope that Iona wouldn’t accidentally singe its fur with a stray spark.

As they entered the house, Kyu’s gaze was immediately drawn to a portrait hanging on the wall. It depicted a family, their faces alight with joy that lingered even though two of those smiles belonged to those no longer in this world. Yet, their warmth lived on in Kyle, who moved about the room with an ease and grace that spoke of a host who truly cared for his guests, strangers who he treated like friends. Her heart softened at the sight, and without thinking, she stepped forward to take the jug of water from his hands, her own smile gentle and sincere.

“Let me help you,” she offered, pouring the water into the cups and handing one to Garrett. “You must be tired too, dear.” Her words were soft, affectionate, a far cry from the anger that had consumed her earlier.

“I’m pretty good in the kitchen, a prodigy they say,” she continued, chuckling lightly at the playful boast. The words felt strange in her mouth, almost foreign, but she pressed on. “Would you mind if I help you make the tea for our friend there and prepare some food, dear? I can work with whatever you have on hand.” It was a small gesture, but it felt right, to be a part of this moment of quiet, however fleeting it might be.

Interaction: SilverBlack (Kyle)
Mention: Worthlessplebian (Garrett), OldTurtle (Yifeng) Nellancholy (Hystaria)

Code by Serobliss