Aachen Rizen Compile - Kenno Matsuri [ In Character ]

Ehb

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  1. Primarily Prefer Female
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It's Easier to just Look at Below

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This is the In Character Thread for Kenno Matsuri.
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Rumiko Mitsurugi
Rumiko_Ico.jpg

[ Month of Harvest, Haschou Village ]

Listening to Cirika's responses, a couple of things were strange about it all, though not in a sinister Shang plots sort of way, more so as just strange.

"Huh..a hunter from years ago and you were waiting for others to come..must be pretty protenant stuff. Specialist hunters aren't all that unusual though, but why in the hell are birds following a Dragon.."

Shrugging it off, the rest of the group had started to introduce themselves, most for one reason or another agreeing to the terms, some more painfully obvious than others, the Doven of note.. However one participant had gained her attention..

Kiri.. Laying one of her bare sized hands upon the girl, the Miko smiles in a manner which was oddly both reassuring and frightening. "Come now My Lady, didn't you want to help protect all those people and to reclaim your sleeping grounds?" She wasn't about to let the girl out of this so easily, she had brought them all into it after all.

"I do agree that some of us should move into positions elsewhere though, also I am Rumiko Mitsurugi, but I told you the name after our box incident, or mine maybe it was.." Pausing to think on the altercation she had no recollection of, the Miko sighs shaking her head side to side while raising up both hands.

"Well I guess I'll be one of the ones waiting here. Could be worse, least it's not an actual Dragon or some sort of Demon host out to kill mankind." Overall nonchalant with this turn of events Rumiko stares pointedly at the sky, cracking her knuckles and flexing her arms side to side to loosen her shoulders, the tall woman didn't seem to have anything else to say.
 
Rizen
Rizen_Ico.jpg


[Month of Harvest, Haschou Village, Maplegrounds]


The first thing that came to Rizen's mind while hearing Cirika speaking was,

"A W-WYVERN?!"

Rizen's eyes popped out. For a single moment, they resemble sparkling diamonds instead of a viscous organ.
His fists were swinging up and down in front of his chest, fast and explosive, like shaking a cocktail mixer.
Panting and huffing, perhaps a slight drool even adorned the corner of his mouth as his white teeth are showing ear to ear.

"L-leading a bunch of Swallow Beaks?! That's so weird but it's so..... SO COOOOOOL!!!"

And thus, the rest of Cirika's explanation became more or less a white noise in his ears.

A wyvern is a mythical beast alright, supposedly extinct in their timeline.
No one knows exactly what a wyvern looks like, they only have those lizards etched as stick drawings in some old textbooks.
But just now, this long deceased phantomesque noble figure of Haschou Village mentioned the wyvern just like that, casually.
In this godforsaken mythical memory land, the lesser dragon is going to make its appearance.

A chance to a mythical encounter, a fight against a wyvern!
And perhaps, as the doven dancer Runara said, a chance to taste genuine Wyvern flesh!
Dream or not, surely this is something too good to pass on for a thrill seeker such as Rizen.

"O-of course we will accept this request, right guys?! T-the villagers are in need of our help! Eheheh!"

Rizen tried to suppress his jubilation by sounding stern and sympathetic for the villagers, but alas his uncontrollable smile showed up at the end.
With that very smile still displayed on his innocent face, Rizen steppd up and replied Cirika's introduction with one of himself,

"My name is Rizen...!"

It was but an instant moment yet it feels like an eternity. Rizen's mind stopped for a split second as he tried to introduce himself.

"My name is Rizen, Rizen of Jiaojing Wushu"? What even is a Jiaojing Wushu? Surely it has not existed in this timeline?
Would saying his name affect the flow of history? Would it perhaps, erase the current Jiaojing Wushu that he know of?
The one that has been handed down generation after generation from Swordmaster Lee?

Wait..... Swordmaster Lee...?

"Rizen the wanderer!"

The split second ends as Rizen decided on a nickname.
His monk name is already an unusual name by itself, a nickname or two would perhaps not change a thing.

Afterwards however, his mind worked in overdrive.
Scrambling fast, he struggled to recover the little pieces he heard of Cirika's information before.
With a slight wince, he continued on after his introduction,

"Just now, lady Cirika, you mentioned... A Monster Hunter named Lee...?"

It dawned on Rizen, the tale of Swordmaster Lee and his brave ventures saving villages from monster attacks.
The founder of his Wushu school. Perhaps this is the very same person? Is this the correct period?
Has it really been hundreds of years from this timeline to that of Rizen's?
And the name Lee is quite common for that of a Shang descent, what are the odds?

Rizen and his friends were thrown into this wacky adventure in the netherworld, with wyverns and faceless people abound.
Historical people who were supposed to be dead are now in front of him, in flesh.
Time is repeating like a groundhog day-loop, magically, without any explanation.
Surely a monster hunter named Lee would not just be any random Lee?

It certainly doesn't hurt to know more of this person,

"I-I want to see this man! Do you know of his whereabouts now?! H-have you heard of him recently?!"

Jiaojing Lee Wushu. The core of Rizen's martial arts, the very foundation of his life.
Perhaps this is the missing link he needed to discover to perfect his techniques, perhaps this is the reason why he is here.
Not only a wyvern but now he might have a miraculous chance to witness the real Lee Wushu.
A chance to meet with the legendary Swordmaster Lee himself in flesh, unknown to the rest of the world!


@Ehb
@everyone
 
Tsubaki Hanejima
Tsubaki_Ico.jpg

[Month of Harvest / Haschou Village, The Maplegrounds]

With the majority of the group agreed to Cirika's proposition, she continued to explain on the Swallow Beaks problem. Apparently the village had the problem in the past, where a specialized fighter named Lee came and dealt with it. Cirika started off saying that they should directly deal with the one leading the Swallow Beaks, before taking out a jar with a crystal clear red liquid within, saying that this will draw them out. Then of course, she dropped the bombshell, which most likely the reason why she posted the job at the first place.

They could be dealing with a wyvern. Unlike others who were awed or surprised by that revelation, Tsubaki merely raised her right eyebrow, as if she was not believing it. How the heck can a wyvern can lead a bunch of angry birds? They both have wings, sure. But they are not related in the slightest. There were mentions of Lee as well, most likely the Swordsmaster Lee. Considering his legendary status, it was not surprising that he could have defeated a wyvern.

("Ehhh... A wyvern huh. Thought they only exist in books and folk tales.")

A familiar voice echoed in her head, as Cirika proceeded to say that the difficult battle will begin once she breaks the jar with a red liquid. She then proceeded to introduce herself, formally. Despite the wyvern reveal, most of them seemed unfazed except Kiri, who considers on backing out from the quest. Tsubaki turned at her for a bit, thinking that the Tousawan folktales were not too far off when it comes to describing her personality. She then shifted her gaze to Runara as she happily agreed with the plan, even though the possibility of her turning into a deep fried Doven is high.

Tsubaki then sighed afterwards, before Rumiko reassuring Kiri to get her back into the fight. Considering that she is secretly a noble...

"You're a noble, Moriya-ojousama. Nobles keep their promises and has a responsibility to do so. Otherwise they don't get the respect they deserve as a noble."

She said with a neutral tone to Kiri, before proceeding to introduce herself to Cirika.

"Tsubaki Hanejima. Just a person on a pilgrimage to redeem one's sins and transgressions. I'm also Ms. Blazeheart's retainer."

Tsubaki did a bow afterwards.

@Luma
 
Cirika Ikkikari CC: #808080
[Month of Harvest, Haschou Village, Maplegrounds]
Cirika_Ico.jpg


@Rithas

"I'm Saburo. Saburo Shanzhai, Shanzhai Saburo. A very normal and unnoteworthy person."

Saburo introduced himself. After stumbling over many other questions he seemed to be trying to ask. Ultimately though he seemed to be internally brushing aside to himself. He was... how would you put it, very uncertain with himself. It would be easy to attribute it all to just something like, shyness, maybe. But the blushing that man was doing wasn't.... well.

It wasn't poltie to pass ultimate judgement upon people from first impressions. Maybe there was an inkling of something redeeming in there. But Cirika wasn't sure if she'd be able to see it for herself in the time they'd be helping her.


@Karyra
To his benefit, he at least had introduced himself. The others however were straight to business.

"We started a job. We finish it. However... We should ambush it. Luring it does nothing if we are all exposed to danger foolishly. We have someone set the bait and others sit back and fire. those with range use it, then the ones who fight close up fight. We set the board to our advantage as much as we can before we move. Or it will end badly."

"So let's get moving and kill the Wyvern."

Instinctively, Kei caught something that had been thrown at him. Immediately, Cirika replied back.

"A good point. Then I leave it to you, Traveler."

In his hand was the concotion, the one that would supposedly bait the upper echelon of the birds, and eventually lead to a confrontation with the Wyvern.

"I'm counting on you. With you leading the way, we'll be able to get the first round of strikes on our foes."


Kei had inadvertedly volunteered himself to let loose with the fireworks.


@Accelerator
"A wyvern, you say? That's certainly a problem since it poses a much greater threat than these flying feather dusters. I'm not even sure if we can kill that thing..."

The rough looking man with a blade pondered.

"But with that said, i really can't pass the opportunity of fighting such a legendary creature. So count me in, Heiress-sama. The name's Noriko by the way."

Cirika nodded. In the realm of nobles, a nod pleasantly returning the gesture.


@Luma
"Wait, what...? A wyvern...!? You never said anything about fighting a wyvern...!"

Kriri was panicking, somewhat, the mention of the wyvern broke her out of dressing Cirika as some sort of feathered scarecrow and into a panic.

"W-wait a minute. I um... I just remembered there are these really comfortable piles of hay in the Stockpile, so I don’t really need the bench back. There must be some easier way of saving the future, right?"

"...If you're finally realizing how dangerous this is then do take cover, Kiri." Cirika said, puffing her air with wind force, cleansing herself of the varous feathers that clung to her. Even the painstakingly created headdress Kiri poked into her head went up in the wind before falling to the ground around her.

Cirika didn't expect Kiri to do anything. She was still a noble, but she didn't understand the sort of things that 'saving the future' truly entailed.

"Go home. Me and your guests shall handle this. You can go back to playing around after this is over."


Kriri listened to those words with Cirika's back turned to her. It felt wholly alienating. But... it was to be expacted. Her place in this village wasn't to be at Cirika's side when things got difficult. That was for the likes of her bodyguard like Arara. She was a noble after all... there was no need to for to put herself into real harms way like Cirika did.

But... somehow.
Thinking that line of thought was a little frustrating somehow.



@LowDefinition
"Alright, that settles it! I think we can all agree that we would help you in that fight! And I might also add, since we're going to beat a wyvern... Why not make this feast a festival for the people as well!? I... Really want to entertain your people as well..."
"Ah right, um... You see, it's been quite a while in our travels that I had a chance to dance. And with the feast... Well, I feel you're being a bit too generous in our rewards. So I want to give back in form of my dance to entertain your people."


The doven seemed to mirror the idea of the Miko to give a bit of the spoils to the populace as well. Again, that was pleasant to hear. Some of the doven's enterouge was a little rough around the edges, but it was nice that the one leading them was kind.

"Yes... that'd be nice for everyone. I think everyone in town would be quite pleased with that... save for maybe the cook on account of all the work they'll have in store."


"My name is Runara Blazeheart, a dancer from a Doven Kingdom far from this land. On a mission to spread joy and happiness throughout the land... Umm, I also want to ask... What did we do back in the market to deserve such a beating...? Seriously asking."

"..."
"Well met. Lady Blazeheart. While I am not too revisit to revisiting such a detail... well..."


Yes.
It was like these were completely different people from the ones she'd defeated at the market squire.
Their demeanors had changed completely from before then - and she couldn't chalk it up to just them trying kiss up to her afterwards.

"You had in your possession, goods that were owned by a caravan that had gotten attacked outside this town. And tried selling those goods in the town square as if they were your own..."



Collectively, the mind s of the travelers... felt 'memories' get jammed into them forcefully.

The world was attempting to cram their minds with the missing details they weren't aware of...
To the point that they began to blank out... and their ears began to ring loudly.

Selling those goods.
The accusations.
And finally the discovery of the seals of the original owners stamped onto what they'd been attempting to peddle.
But, they had been convinced that those had belonged to them.

Men arrived to recouperate those goods and a fight broke out.
It was around then that Lady Cirika arrived on the scene, and demanded that they surrender.
What happened afterward....


Collectively, the party re-experienced the injuries they took fighting Cirika. - they remember the fight, and how much of a one sided debacle it turned out for them Though for Noriko and Rizen, all they ended up remembering was being chased around by guards, ultimately leading then up to where they where when they became conscious



They were breathless
They almost... had unintentionally mended themselves into the fabric of this fake reality.

From what they could understand, up to this point in time when they became concious, they had lived in this world. They hadn't appeared out of nowhere in this iteration - rather they had arrived in the village, as merchants. Which had lead to them starting off on the wrong foot with Cirika, and ending up in weird places in the market.

The world would write whatever missing details their were if they asked or thought about it - but there was a worrying risk. So much memories, all being inserted at once. It was as if one's mind would go mad from the overload of information and contradictions. Memories of what was 'real' - from before joining the sword festival, to the fake that this world was trying to compensate for would inevitably start blurring.

Runara, For example, began to remember two sets of parents.
The more the tried to clarify it, the more she began to remember... nobles, wanting to travel, hiring these 'mercenaries' to escort her.

Mother's silky white hair... no it was red? Blue? And her squirrel tail? Antlers? No...

Father had a unicorn's horn.... No!

NO! No! Runara didn't hire these people! Those two... weren't her parents!

But... but? Which one... what was mother's name again?

Stop it!


They hated it. The thing they started experiencing.
For just a moment, their very own mind... their own memories were forming lies.

Lies, that threatened to infect their very core if they thought too hard.
Remembering what one did today... what brought one here... what one was raised like... thinking backward like this the world would fill missing details even if it would end up forming contradictions with what was truth.

But, the more the internally inquired, the more the world would fill in. Like a tumor, the fake memories would keep on explaining holes in logic and reality until they eclipsed everything else. It was madness by infinite recursion.

"...There's no reason to ask why you were in possession of those things, given they've been returned and considering what' happened, I'm willing to look forward to this task we have at hand." Cirika concluded.


@RedArmyShogun
The muscled woman, Rumiko had already introduced herself previously. Commenting on the revelations, and Kiri's sudden loss of vigour towards the task at hand, reintroduced herself.

"I do agree that some of us should move into positions elsewhere though, also I am Rumiko Mitsurugi, but I told you the name after our box incident, or mine maybe it was.."
"Well I guess I'll be one of the ones waiting here. Could be worse, least it's not an actual Dragon or some sort of Demon host out to kill mankind."


"I wouldn't be surprised if it is. Or at least a servant thereof. Maybe Wyerns and the birds are related somehow, given that they keep one another company. However we decide to go about this, I'd hope to have it done soon. I worry the flock will beset upon the villagers something fierce if we bide our time for too long."



@Love
Though of course that seemed to be too much of a thing to ask for the man with blue hair. Very energetic, he exuded an extatic nature of all the threats and revelations. He introduced himself as Rizen... the wanderer. Cirika nodded to hime in acknowledgement. But, also he wanted to ask something important...

"Just now, lady Cirika, you mentioned... A Monster Hunter named Lee...?"
"I-I want to see this man! Do you know of his whereabouts now?! H-have you heard of him recently?!"


Cirika shook her head.

"If he was here I'd have him hired in an instant to do away with this threat. But, the last I'd seen of him was as a child. The monster hunter was well traveled, who knows where he may have ended up."

That did make sense, unfortunately.

"He had many interesting things to say of his travels for sure, but that should be for another time."

Cirika concluded, reminding everyone of the urgency of the situation.


@Miya
Next, the the girl with the blade also spoke to Kiri before introudcing herself as well.

"Tsubaki Hanejima. Just a person on a pilgrimage to redeem one's sins and transgressions. I'm also Ms. Blazeheart's retainer."

To everyone's... or at least to Kiri, Cirika also responded with a bow. But it was just slighly less pronounced. It was the kind of greeting a higher noble gave to a noble of lower rank.

"I see. It wasn't in good taste for me to raise my blade against Kin. But, I'm pleased that you'd still fight along side me despite that."



@Karyra (again)
With all those exchanges out of the way, eyes began to fall upon Kei, whom had the container with the liquid that would agonize the worst of the flock to come right at it... as in the person who drops it out. He suddenly felt that the others were sort of keeping their distance from him.The concoction inside swirled around as he - hesitated a little to just drop it's contents onto the ground outright. Regaurdless, his companions were lined up, ready.

"...Mind you, Traveler, before getting to the Wyvern we'll have to fight through it's retinue of the fiercest Swallow Beaks before hand. There is no real ambush given our foe observe us from the sky, but the best we can do is effectively utilize our strength so we may hit the wyvern with all we have when it arrives."

It was all down to Kei.
He merely needed to pour out the contents of the bottle.
A bottle and duty that he'd been unfairly handed. Damn that noble. Making him do the dirty work just because he woudln't grovel at their feet to show 'respect'.

"I still don't know your name. But, I promise it'll turn out all right."


Cirika said. Above, the birds up high were chattering even more loudly and agressively. Cirika knew that this shortcut, as foolhardy as it was, was their best chance to being able to feasibly be rid of the birds. The alternative to this, would be to allow themselves to be beset by the entire mob, and get the the wyvern by cleaving through the hundreds of birds circling above.

"I promise. After this, we're all going to celebrate victory together!"



Kei.... with the catalyst for battle in hand:
 
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KiriMoriya CC: #ffb7c5
Kiri_KNMIco.jpg

[ Month of Harvest, Haschou Village / The Maplegrounds ]

Kiri responded to Cirika’s dismissal with a pouting expression best described as a ‘hmpf.’ Clearly Cirika was thinking of Kiri’s own best interests here, but there was this reocurring theme of people assuming absolutely nothing of her. It was actually getting kind of annoying now that she was actually trying.

"Come now My Lady, didn't you want to help protect all those people and to reclaim your sleeping grounds?"

"I do, but.... wyvern..." Kiri’s words failed her. What more even needed to be said? ‘Wyvern!’ That was enough to turn sane people away in an instant.

"I’d love to help, honestly, but I’m not a warrior or anything like you people. It might just be better if I left it to you, right?"

Kiri nearly turned to leave, when one last voice stopped her in her tracks...

"You're a noble, Moriya-ojousama. Nobles keep their promises and have a responsibility to do so. Otherwise they don't get the respect they deserve as a noble."

"I... but..." Kiri searched for an excuse. It was hard to argue with someone who was right. Around Haschou, people had generally accepted the rule: ‘expect nothing from Kiri.’ She’d ridden on that expectation for so long, it was hard to confront people who were actually pushing her to act.

"R-right...! My responsibility as a noble to help..." She curled her hands into soft little fists, but was still visibly terrified. Kiri was stuck halfway - between the safety of running, and the desire to fight for a good cause.

"Tsubaki Hanejima. Just a person on a pilgrimage to redeem one's sins and transgressions. I'm also Ms. Blazeheart's retainer."

...and just like that, Kiri’s nerves were suppressed a bit by a new distraction. "Hanejima...!?" She stepped forward towards Tsubaki with a warm, gleeful smile. "You haven’t visited in forever...! I was worried something happened. Is Sasuke with you? And why didn’t he tell me he had a siste— waaaait..."

All of a sudden, it dawned on her. A revelation washed over Kiri, and over the next few seconds, her eyes widened with more and more surprise as she considered the implications.

"Woooaaaaah..." she murmured quietly, patting the sides of Tsubaki’s head as if to confirm the girl was actually there.

@Ehb
@Miya
 
Tsubaki Hanejima - CC: #99ff99
Tsubaki_Ico.jpg

[Month of Harvest / Haschou Village, The Maplegrounds]

After each and everyone introduced themselves, Cirika apparently gave the mysterious jar to Kei, as if she wanted him to start the battle. Probably just a subtle display of their dislike of each other. As for Kiri, it seems like she chose to stay here and help the group, though things took a sudden detour when she heard Tsubaki introduced herself. Feeling surprised after Tsubaki mentioned her name, Kiri eventually gone closer to the white haired noble, before patting on her head as if she was checking whether she was real or otherwise.

("Heeeehhh. This lazy noble actually knew about your family?")
("I wouldn't be surprised, considering that my family always trying to expand their influences...")

Tsubaki raised her eyebrows when Kiri patted her head, though it eventually changed into an annoyed one as she tried to figure out the proper response to Kiri. Although the Hanejima used to live in the Tousawa Valley, Tsubaki knew for a certain that they are not from Haschou. It wouldn't be surprised that her family is either part of the Senka or Buno, which played a major role in the civil war that erupted afterwards. Then again, learning that one of Tsubaki's ancestors actually made acquaintances with the Ikkikari Spymaster's daughter certainly sparks some speculations.

"I think..." Tsubaki replied to Kiri. "I think you're mistaken. I don't know who Sasuke is, but considering that if he shares the same last name as I do, then he's probably is a distant cousin of mine. The Hanejima is a large family, after all."

She calmly explained to Kiri.

("That would do for now.")
("Hah. Let's see where it goes!")

@Luma
 
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Kei Daidouji, #00FFFF
Kei_Ico.jpg

[Month of Harvest, Haschou Village / Maplegrounds]

Kiri quickly changed her tune when she'd heard about the wyvern. Most people would. Kei wondered if she would remember when they all died. He wondered how much she actually knew. Kiri could be false for all he knew. Which would be... unfortunate for her. He wondered how she lived the rest of her life after Cirika died.

He did not address her second comment.

Rizen was.... Rizen. Kei didn't miss him and Rumiko was saying something, but he couldn't quite make it out. So Rizen was getting on his nerves first and foremost. Well, not first and foremost, but definitely second. Speaking of his first irritation...

Out of reflex, Kei caught the small glass whatever it was that was thrown at him without looking. Wasn't the first time that the thing that had been thrown was something that could not be dropped. At all.

"A good point. Then I leave it to you, Traveler."


Ah. The bait. How.... Kind of her.

"I'm counting on you. With you leading the way, we'll be able to get the first round of strikes on our foes."


He could throw it at her head. Break the contents over head head and make her the bait for the wyvern. Call it an accident. Call it a slip of the hand. It would be easy, all he needed to do was throw it. Her reactions would either break it or drop it. Kei didn't care which. It didn't matter, none of this was real, and if they won, then hey they won.

"...If you're finally realizing how dangerous this is then do take cover, Kiri."


Kei felt that sting. Kiri no doubt could feel the venom in that as well.

"Go home. Me and your guests shall handle this. You can go back to playing around after this is over."


Runara returned to her quest for answers and suddenly... Kei was assaulted with memories. However, the line was a little clearer after a point. It felt like an insult these added memories on top of his own. Like being presented with the world of what he could have and what really happened. However, he could still feel the line blur. Was he in jail for five years? Four? All at once or broken up over time?

Cirika deserved her fate, Kei thought.

"...Mind you, Traveler, before getting to the Wyvern we'll have to fight through it's retinue of the fiercest Swallow Beaks before hand. There is no real ambush given our foe observe us from the sky, but the best we can do is effectively utilize our strength so we may hit the wyvern with all we have when it arrives."


"No duh, but at the very least, we can arrange ourselves a little better to shield those who need it."


I should pour this out over her head, Kei thought. Just walk over and open the bottle and pour.

Empty promises from a noble who meant nothing to him. More and more these promises were piling up. Emptier than the last. Tsubaki lied. Nobles keep no promises. None.

"My name is Kei Daidouji. Servant of none, and I say we kill a wyvern."

And with that, Kei unstoppered the bottle and poured it out over the ground. This is going to backfire horribly, he thought.

But the battle was started either way.


@Ehb
@Luma
@Everyone
 
Cirika Ikkikari CC: #808080
Cirika_Ico.jpg

[Month of Harvest, Haschou Village, Maplegrounds]

The brief banter between Kiri and Tsubaki gave Cirika some insight. The fact that she didn't know of the one Hanejima member member they were familiar with indicated that she while she was of the same name, she was of a different line. As Tsubaki had said herself, the Hanejima were represented in all of the tribes, and the expectation of having to fight one another was certainly there.

It was a little inappropriate to courtesy, then. This 'Hanejima' wasn't in the service to any particular valley tribe. Rather, in service to a noble of another race. But thinking that was pointless. There were more pressing matters, swarming above in the sky.


@Karyra

Evermore pressing was the blue haired boy who held the bottle that would instigate this battle.

There was something about this person that bothered Cirika. She couldn't put her finger on it, exactly.
It was for that reason that she entrusted him with the bottle. Entrusting this complete stranger with the start of the battle.

Though any illusions of control he had were just that, illusions.
The moment he did anything foolish, that bottle would be broken open with wind force. Her Dai Katana could only reach so far, but wind force however was another story. If he was foolish enough - or rather foolhardy or spiteful in that way... then she'd have him lathered with the concoction to be struck at first as bait.

And for a time, it was uncertain whether he'd follow through or try something malicious with the bottle and it's clear liquid lure inside.


A part of Cirika wanted him to do it. Try something foolish.

Cirika showed no surprise that Kiri had taken such a quick interest in him, after all.
This man with an irritatingly similar visage had spoken to Kiri with a hint of disdain. That was.... a complete disrespect to the memory Cirika had of someone else.

"No duh, but at the very least, we can arrange ourselves a little better to shield those who need it."

The first person to come to mind in Cirika's eyes was Kiri. Who, instead of making her way out, seemed to be playing with Hanejima's head.

"Kiri... you have to stop fooling around and ge-."
"My name is Kei Daidouji. Servant of none, and I say we kill a wyvern."

Even before he began to pour the bottle - he had already elicited a response form the flock above. Just by opening it, the potent scent of the concoction caused a stir in the Swallow Beaks swarming above. Distinct cries from the birds were echoing across the the network of birds. For all intents and purposes, it seemed like the mix that Cirika had imitated from the monster hunter was working.

"...! Why you-!"

It was too late for Kiri to hide for cover in the Keep. The liquid lapped onto the ground near his feet. The scent it emanated to the party was... strangely savory, yet acidic. According to the monster hunter that scent mimicked a Swallow Beak's attack pheromone. One that immediately brought out the stronger individuals out to parlay in battle.

Trying to get Kiri to safety was pointless now. She'd get picked off if she ran now. Cirika gripped her blade.

( No helping it now. But, I will keep my promise - I won't let Kiri get hurt. )

From above - a wing of Swallow Beaks, larger than the others, seemed to begin to sweep down lower towards the party. As Cirika had mentioned, that mix would draw out the tougher swallow beaks - provided those were dealt with - defeated, then the leader of the flock would arrive. There were... five individuals in this set. They were much hardier looking than the other birds, being almost three times the size of the workers the party dispatched previously.

The birds were swooping down, but this time, the party was ready to receive them! Allowing them the first chance to strike a blow!



[ BATTLE! ]

"Here they come! Don't give them a chance to make a second pass!"



Battle Lens(Initial):

5x Heavy Swallow Beak (Mob)

Information: Defeat the Swallow Beak Waves!

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

Heavy Swallow Beak (Mob)
Techs:

Dive Beak (Force) - LV 3
Attacks by swooping down, attacking using Sharp Talons and it's Beak as a Lance.





Cirika Attacked with the Base Tech [ Draw Pivot (Force - LV 3)! ]
[Automatic Success!]


The Ikkikari Heiress drew her sword upward, slicing right into one of the diving swallow beaks. Following the motion, her Scabbard smacked into the same bird. The avian flopped into a heap away from the party. visibly broken from the force of those strikes.


@_Everyone
 
KiriMoriya CC: #ffb7c5
Kiri_KNMIco.jpg

[ Month of Harvest, Haschou Village / The Maplegrounds ]

"Huh...?" Kiri stared back at Tsubaki in confusion. "But I thought you were... well... okay." Time-y shenanigans were too complex for Kiri to wrap her brain around. Maybe this Hanejima wasn't actually part of the 'future people' at all...

"Kiri... you have to stop fooling around and ge-."
"My name is Kei Daidouji. Servant of none, and I say we kill a wyvern."

"W-wait, now!? I'm not even rea-- AIE!"

Running off towards the back of the group, Kiri quickly realized the futility of trying to position herself anywhere safe when the opponent was dive-bombing you. As a nearby bird plunged through the air towards her, she whipped her crossbow from her back and...

Kiri used How Does This Thing Work? [ (Base - Force) - LV 3 ]
[Automatic Success!]


Shutting her eyes in fearful anticipation, Kiri thrust the weapon forward towards the bird and swiftly squeezed the... actually, that might've just been a random piece of wood. She squeezed something. Sadly, it wasn't the sort of something that caused crossbow bolts to shoot out towards birds.

Even so, she felt a disturbing squishing sensation. Once she carefully opened her eyes, she immdediately noticed the bird skewered on the end of the bolt, still loaded in the weapon. Carefully taking a moment to assess where the actual trigger was, she casually pressed it in, sending the bolt AND the dead bird careening off into a nearby shrub.

"Nice. See Ciri...? I'm not completely useless."

@Miya
@Ehb
 
Rumiko Mitsurugi
Rumiko_Ico.jpg

[ Month of Harvest, Haschou Village ]

Glancing at the pair, Rumiko sighs, knowing the unwitting ghost she would be on his ass for this, though even she had to admit some warning would be nice, what with all the talk on people getting into positions and what not. Well, such was life..or what she hoped was still life. "Well..I guess let's go?" Whatever that stuff was stunk a bit as she assumed it would, though so far only the birds were attacking, though the woman had warned them that would be the case, if this was going to be a back to back battle she wanted to reserve her stronger hits for stronger things, so few birds shouldn't be a problem..well few at this given time at least.

Either way she was going to try a quick strike on one of the diving birds, lifting her left leg up into a kick she quickly unleashes a flurry of blows;

[Rumiko used Raptor Strike (Base - Force) Lv2]

[Roll Failed]

Missing her initial barrage, the bird broke off it's initial dive as wind pressure buffeted it's wings, maybe gaining it's attention in the process..not a total lose at least. Sighing and giving a shrug, she readied herself for round two, though hoping her allies would have better luck on hitting the remaining birds.
 
Kei Daidouji, #00FFFF
Kei_Ico.jpg

[Month of Harvest, Haschou Village / Maplegrounds]

Kei stepped back a bit to make sure none of this whatever it was got on his shoes. He wasn't really interested in becoming bird bait to these feathered jerks, anyway. While he didn't like Cirika, he also didn't want to let these villagers feel the results of their half done job either. Real or not, he wasn't exactly excited about turning the rest of the town more against him. He picked out a bird more separate from the others and drew a knife, and as he tracked it across the sky, he waited until it slowed down just enough...

[Kei used Knife Throw Level 3!]

[Auto-success!]

The bird didn't really know what hit it. One moment it had been eyeing the group as if it were going to attack the weakest link, the next it had a knife buried deep into its eye. It flopped onto the ground unceremoniously as Kei ran over to pull the knife out and prepare to defend against the remaining birds.

Only a couple left, but they could be taken down quickly if they acted fast.

@Everyone
 
Runara
Runara_Ico.jpg


[Month of Harvest, Haschou Village / Maplegrounds]

Upon listening to the reason why Runara and the others are that way back in the marketplace... Runara felt a surge of memories that seems to overwrite her true memory... Did she hired everyone...? Wait that's not it, wait who's Runara's parents again...? No no no, why are these memories came up? It felt real yet it's not... And Runara knows it. She was gripping her head as she struggles to cast off the memories of the fake world from merging into her real memories. She closes her eyes, shaking her head as if she experienced some sort of mental attack.

When the pain fades away, she opened her eyes to see Kei pouring the bottle that was the bait for the Swallow Beaks. Noticing that she placed one of her hands on the grip of her blade. Readying up for foes that would come right after Kei sets the bait. And everyone came prepared for this, striking the Swallow Beaks one by one down. Runara sets her sight to an approaching Swallow Beak, drawing her blade... She steps gracefully forwards, rotating herself and let her body go with the flow of movements. She would then slashes upwards as she jumps up to reach the large bird.

"Dragon Fang!" She shouted...

(Runara used : First Phase - Dragon Fang LV2 on Heavy Swallow Beak!)

(Roll Result : 2 - Attack Missed!)

But as Runara raised her blade upwards with trail of flame following it. The bird noticed her movements and changed the course of it's flight so that she missed. She landed on the ground and shook her head... "Come on Runara, focus..." She mumbled...
 
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Rizen
Rizen_Ico.jpg


[Month of Harvest, Haschou Village, Maplegrounds]


And as Kei poured the concoction on the floor, 5 swallow beaks dove down to greet the party.
Unlike the previous encounter however, this time they are prepared and got the chance to strike first.
As his friends started to decimate them swallow beaks left and right, Rizen soared high, trying to hit one with his fists,

"REPPU...!!!"

[Rizen used Base Tech Mumyousen Level 2!]
[Roll Failed]

and it didn't work.
The swallow beak avoided Rizen with ease as he dropped down to the ground, clearly frustrated,

"Why did I try to hit a flying bird with my fists?!"
 
Cirika Ikkikari CC: #808080
Cirika_Ico.jpg

[Month of Harvest, Haschou Village, Maplegrounds]

@Luma

"That particular kill doesn't give me any confidence in your combat prowess Kiri. Focus!"


Landing on the ground from her attack, Cirika caught glimpses of the others as that made their strikes against the Swallow Beaks diving in to attack them. Kiri had the good fortune of being able to defeat an opponent by sheer luck. Kei was also able to down another bird with ease. Good. Things were seeming like this first wave would be dealt with swiftly!

But, as the next set of clashes revealed, hitting the birds was not as easy as the she and the other two had made it seem. The birds, maybe feeling the danger after seeing how the first three were struck down, seemed to up their pace. Runara, the Rumiko, and the boy whom had been in the hay took swings to strike at the birds coming down at them at high speed.

The birds were more agile than expected. The two remaining birds either by skill or just by plain luck, were able to avoid being hit!
The two birds sought to deliver swift blows!

2x Heavy Swallow Beaks used [ Dive Beak (Force - LV 3) ]!
[Auto Success!]


@LowDefinition
@Miya
They seemed to be particularly eager to attack Runara! One of the birds struck at her viciously!
Runara would've been taken out with the second blow, however Tsubaki stepped in, taking that hit in order to save her ward!


"Kh.."


Cirika hadn't expected the first wave to deal damage to her allies. They had outnumbered the birds of this wave easily. However, she had underestimated the agility of the birds. The two birds, despite their losses, seemed hell bent do do as much damage as they possibly could before they fell.

They soared into the sky. Wheeling around, the birds dove once again!

Cirika decided that she would take a chance at striking an attacking bird down with Wind Force before it could get close! She sheathed her blade, but stood in a stance that telegraphed a big horizontal slash.

"Fickle Wind, Tear and Rend. Brandishing Tempest!"


Cirika Violently Drew Her Blade... the attempted to form the winds to attack as she desired!

Cirika Used [ Brandishing Tempest (Wind - LV 2) ]!

[ Roll Failed! ]

Though Cirika drew her blade fiercely, the only wind at her control was from the wake of her blade. The wind force she conjured was malformed. It simply made a gust in all directions before her... harmlessly.

Cirika stood dazed for a moment, realizing she had slipped up in this important moment she felt internal dissapoinement towards herself.

@_Everyone
 
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Kei Daidouji, #00FFFF
Kei_Ico.jpg

[Month of Harvest, Haschou Village / Maplegrounds]

After watching Cirika fumble with the bird while chastising Kiri, Kei spoke up, "hey at least she killed one! She's doing better than you are, one hit one kill!"

While laughing madly, Kei leapt forward towards the back of the bird that had hit Runara, preparing for a huge punch by stopping at the last moment. He let the remaining energy travel to his fist and aiming a spot directly at the back of the bird between the wings. With as much strength as he put into the punch, it should go flying up and away.

[Kei used Fury Burst Level 3!]

[Auto-success!]


The bird's back crunched as it felt the impact of Kei's fist. It went and flew head over tailfeathers as it tumbled across the Maplegrounds, eventually clearing them and slowly rolling over into town. It surprised the nearby townsperson, who quickly turned around decided to walk somewhere else for the time being.

Kei smiled as the bird vanished, glad to knock down another bird and thin the wave a bit more. They were just that much closer to the wyvern, where they would finally be rid of stupid birds. At this point, it was just getting irritating more than productive. If they were hurt by these birds as the opening act, then dealing with the Wyvern would just be that much harder.

"One more!"

@Everyone
 
Runara
Runara_Ico.jpg


[Month of Harvest, Haschou Village / Maplegrounds]

Runara looked at the two birds left. Diving straight towards her, she braced herself to dodge the birds. Though one of them managed to graze her hips rather badly. Wincing at the pain, she knelt down and sees the other one about to hit her. She knew that another strike at her would make her out of the fight. She closed her eyes as if accepting her fate. But...

It appears that Tsubaki stepped in and thwarted the bird from attacking Runara. Although she had to suffer some damage in her place. "Tsubaki!!" She yelled out in reaction, immediately approaching her servant to check on her wounds. "Are you okay?" She asked as she looked on the wound that Tsubaki suffered, she would then look at the birds that dove at her. And she saw one of the birds sent away with Kei's fist. Seeing her chance, she stood up and focused towards the last one.

Runara walks up and made a leap towards the bird, her blade in her hand. She raised her blade as it blazes up in blue flame. As she reaches the bird, she spun herself and made a crescent moon slashing motion towards the bird.

(Runara used Flame Dance - Azure Moon LV 3 at Heavy Swallow Beak!)
(Auto-Success!)

Runara landed her blade right on the bird's wings! Setting it on fire as it falls down to the ground. She landed shortly after and knelt down immediately afterwards, holding her bleeding hip.

"Hah... That should be every one of them... Now's the Wyvern!"

@Everyone
 
Cirika Ikkikari CC: #808080
Cirika_Ico.jpg

[Month of Harvest, Haschou Village, Maplegrounds]

The feathered knights of the first wave were defeated. Save for a minor slip up, it seemed like things were moving smoothly. Cirika didn't pay much heed to Kei's insults. She wasn't too inclined to bicker with someone who just screamed that they were a commoner.

@LowDefinition

"Hah... That should be every one of them... Now's the Wyvern!"
"Don't count on it. Again, this was just the vanguard. The head monster of these flocks doesn't just have five larger birds to help guard them. There's often more. If anything we should expect more to come, in greater numbers..."

Collectively, the enthusiasim felt by the others were dampened. Even more birds than this? The amount of potential foes circling above were in the hundreds. In any case, there was no sign of any larger beast coming forward. But at the same time, even as Cirika and comany watched the skies for the next wave of guard birds to arrive, their anticipation for another set of birds started to come into question.

"Why... they're not sending another set of birds to attack us. Wait a second... Runara, aren't you a Doven?"

Cirika's worried inquiry is immediately interrupted by the shrill cry of a large flying creature. The flapping of it's wings could be heard even from the distance, and it's lumbering size was all to easily telegraphed as it approached them. So large it was, that the birds in the sky seemed to be parting away to give it way to come forward.

The 'wyvern' got closer and closer. Larger and larger.
Come to think of it... none of them had probably really seen a Wyvern before, but wasn't it's size described as being something a bit smaller than what was coming at them right this moment?

When the flying beast landed onto the ground, it did so with a thump that shook the shingles of Haschou Castle.

"That's... not a wyvern." Cirika said with a grimness in her voice. "That's a dragon. The primary difference between the two being size and the ability to breathe flames onto opponents."

The head of this flock of birds was indeed a dragnic creature. But, in this case, it ended up being a full fledged dragon. The beast snapped it's jaws at the party, particularly in Runara's direction.

"Now I get it." Cirika said as she tapped the palm of her hand with her fist. "The birds found prey that their flock leader liked. Therefore, they've allowed the master to conduct it's own hunt."


All eyes spontaneously fell on the most edible looking one in the party. Runara. Looking back at the dragon, they could swear that the viscous steam coming out of the sides of it's jaws were something akin to it salivating at it's lucky and delicious find.

Cricia readied her weapon.

"Dragon, Wyvern, it makes no difference. This beat is most definitely the leader of this flock. It must be eliminated!"



Battle Continuation!

Information: Defeat the Lesser Dragon!

x1 Lesser Dragon (Tough)
25/25 EP


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

Techs:

Dive Ream (Base - Force - LV 3): Attacks by rising into the air and smashing down before an opponent.
Claw Slash (Arkane - Force - LV 2): Uses it's large claws to slash at a foe.

Flare Breath (Base - Fire - LV 2): Spews fourth fire to engulf an opponent.
Bite (Arkane - BForce - LV 2): Lunges forward with it's jaws to snap at a foe.

Leap Slam (Base - Force - LV 1): Dragon coils itself and leaps towards an opponent, hitting them with it's large body.

Dragon Cannon (Base - Fire - LV 2): Rearing back it's head, the beast hurls a large fireball at an opponent which explodes on impact.



Luckily, as expected, due to it's size, it was straightforward to read it's moves. Again, the Party had the upper hand, and was able to attack first! Hopefully, their numbers would be able to win out!

"Take this...!"

Lady Cirika charged forward, meeting the dragon as it advanced. The beast noticing this, seemed to be trying to lower it's head at the approaching noble. But she was too fast. Even more faster, once it saw the glint of her sword being drawn.

Cirika lunged forward, she drew her blade. It strikes into the dragon's front. In the flash of an eye, it's also struck from the flank, also by Cirika.

"...Ghost Edge!'


Cirika Used Ghost Edge (Base - Force - LV3)!
[Auto Success!]


It was a wide slash from multiple sides. Something that was enough to cut a normal person in half. But, this opponent was not a normal person. The others followed in suit. Putting all of their attacks into this first strike... maybe they could end this without getting burned!


@_Everyone
 
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Tsubaki Hanejima - CC: #99ff99
Tsubaki_Ico.jpg

[Month of Harvest / Haschou Village, The Maplegrounds]

The second battle with the 5 tougher Swallow Beaks ended without having Tsubaki to intervene, although she and her employer took some damage. Fortunately, it was a minor damage for Tsubaki, but not quite so for Runara. A massive sigh escaped from her mouth, as she experienced a mixture of disappointment and worry. As she prepare herself for the worst, or even a second death. However, the birds did not attempt another battle.

"Why... they're not sending another set of birds to attack us. Wait a second... Runara, aren't you a Doven?"

The noble's eyes narrowed and turned to Cirika. Then, a beastly roar shook the air, followed the ominous flapping of wings. A large flying beast soon appeared in front of them, before making a thunderous landing to the ground. Tsubaki did another exasperated sigh as she examined the dragon in front of her.

("By the Gods, they look so real... And big too. Gee, I think I feel nervous too!")

Tsubaki gritted her teeth as Cirika explained the current situation. Apparently, the dragon likes Dovens. Runara happened to be one. The noble grimaced at the thought, as she unwittingly visualized the mental images of Runara getting torn apart by the dragon into a bloody mess and eat it. Regardless, Cirika kept her chin up and encouraged everyone to fight on. If anything, it certainly felt familiar like their last fight in Obito Farmstead. With Cirika went in and successfully dealt damage to the dragon...

"Stand back!"

Tsubaki pushed Runara few steps away, into the back ranks. At the same time, the dragon began to make its moves. As the noble dashed towards the lumbering beast...

("Give it with all you got...")

Tsubaki used Slash! (Base - Force - LV3)
[Auto Success!]

("... Tsu-chan.")

She jumped to the air, deftly evading the sweeping attack that the dragon attempted. Seizing the small opening of opportunity, Tsubaki drew her blade. A pink slash effect can be seen as it struck the dragon's head, indicating that her attack has connected. But it was not over yet...

Tsubaki used Pierce! (Arkane - Force - LV1)
[Missed!]

Tsubaki was going to initiate another attack while she was in the air, however the dragon soon caught up and attempted to swat her down. Fortunately, she managed to evade the counterattack, and landed safely on her feet.

("Whyyyyyyyyyyyyy----")

@LowDefinition
 
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Rumiko Mitsurugi
Rumiko_Ico.jpg

[ Month of Harvest, Haschou Village ]

"A Dragon..of course.." Narrowing her eyes at Cirika, someone really, really, hated her for sure. Such a village being plagued by all these troubles at once would not survive any lengthy period of time, the deck was stacked.. All the more reason to do her search, or to try and learn more about this situation, but for now a trouble that was a bit more than expected had to be dealt with.

Standing her ground and waiting for the beast to approach in one of it's dives, putting herself into a receiving stance in front of the beast, Rumiko let's out a battle cry. "YAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Unleashing a Flurry of punches at rapid speed, she strikes the dragon in passing, with time seemingly slowing down as the Miko prepared the rest of her assault in the beast's passing;

[ Rumiko used HR Volley Fist! Base - Force - Lv3]
[Auto Success!]


Focusing her blue Ki energy into a single point, the Miko takes up a prayer stance before suddenly bursting ahead of the beast, her right hand pulling back into a palm thrust aimed at the Dragon's Head;

[ Rumiko used HR Spirit Impact - Arkane - Close - Lv1]
[Attack Success!]


Letting out an angry yell, the Blue Energy impacts directly with the Dragon head on, causing the beast to growl as the Miko kick flips off of his skull, back further ahead of his swooping Dive. Ahead at her new spot the Miko stands in a battle stance, Focusing her Aura, it burns and collects, condensing into a thin white outline with her eyes closed briefly, all being focused into just one Punch..

[ Rumiko Used HR Final Impact Mystic - Close - Lv1 ]

[Attack Success!]

1538664649791.png

"HOUTEN RYU FINAL IMPACT!"

With the same Sky shattering Impact as the previous times she's used it, the hit slams head first into the Dragon, doing some damage, and likely pissing it off as the wind flowed around it's wings and body with considerable force. Stopping her attack, the Miko ducks and rolls low, hoping some of her allies were ready to make use of the opportunity, though she was not so sure the Dragon would be so eager to eat the Doven, so much as in smacking herself around for those two impacts to it's own head.
 
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Noriko Amagawa CC : #54ACD2
iBJmVVk.jpg


[ Month of Harvest, Haschou Village]

After all that talk about being eager to fight, Noriko wasn't feeling too proud of himself when all the others made quick work of the birds. Sure, it was the dragon he wanted to test his blade on but that didn't mean he wasn't gonna contribute in whittling out the birds. Heck, if he had helped out earlier, perhaps Runara and Tsubaki's injuries could have been prevented.

Gripping the handle of his sword tightly, he promised to himself that he wouldn't just stand idly by and watch his comrades fight without him taking action, whether the opponent be one of the many avian menaces still circling menacingly above or the supposed wyvern that was leading the horde.

The aforementioned reptilian enemy soon made its presence known through a deafening roar that shook the very foundations of Haschou. By the worried expression on Cirika's face earlier, something was definitely wrong. As if she hadn't expected to see an enemy that she should have sufficiently prepared for.

It quickly became apparent that the mysterious creature wasn't a wyvern at all, but in fact, a Dragon. It didn't help the hunting party that this one was the one that spews flames and could easily barbecue them if they weren't careful.

It was no surprise that everyone was shocked by this unwelcome development but still, Cirika, Tsubaki, and Rumiko managed to shake off their dumbfounded state and act even before Noriko could do anything.

How useless could he be?

If the dragon wasn't as distracted as it was due to all the people that have engaged it in combat already, he may have already been killed in a dozen different ways by the giant reptile.

There was also one thing that he couldn't get out of his mind earlier.... the dragon was coming after Runara because she was a Doven and apparently, Dragons love eating Dovens.

"I have to protect her at least..."

Fortunately, the combined efforts of Cirika, Tsubaki, and Rumiko with that shattering attack she had just performed managed to distract the dragon long enough for Noriko to get close and deliver his own attack.

[Noriko used Blade of Still Water (Base - Force) - LV 3 ]

[Auto Success!]

Calming his mind, he channeled the Flow around him and waited for the Dragon to take notice of him. Once it tried to crush him with its huge claws, he sidestepped effortlessly out of the way and slashed at one of its limbs, cutting it deeply in the process.

[Noriko used Blade of Flowing Water (Arkane - Force) - LV 1 ]

[Attack Success]

But he wasn't quite done yet. Even as the Dragon roars in anger after his last attack, he charges forward and positions himself under the dragon's belly before performing a series of "natural" strikes that were intended to target what he assumed to be its weak spots.

[Noriko used Secret Technique: Guillotine Stream (Mythic - Force) - Lv 1 ]

[Attack Failed]

Backing away from the dragon after realizing the danger of staying under it presented, Noriko was about to deliver another attack, but this time, the Dragon was one step ahead. It swung its massive tail towards the swordsman, forcing him to break his stance and roll out of the way.

"Tch... that wasn't nearly as good as I was hoping for. Dammit!"

Hopefully, the others would be able to deliver more devastating damage to the beast than he did just now.
 
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