Decaying World [Redux]

The sealed doors become unlocked and open!

Michael takes 6 Dmg!

HP: 9/15

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - Knowledgeable

Location: Runescryum Archives - Corridor of Chronicles

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Seed of Valiance~

Achievement: Magician's Duel - Fell Lethis with an INT-based basic attack or skill. [5 AP]

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {L} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } D
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} {M} {N} {X} { } { } {c} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {?} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } {t} {t} { } { } { } {S} { } {X} { } { } { } {C} { } I
{B} {t} {t} { } {N} { } { } {A} {X} { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10--11--12--13--14-

Aeria's Hot-Blooded Surge has 3 turns.

Enemy Phase.

"WELL JUST REMEMBER YOU ASKED FOR IT!" Lethis snarled loudly, eyes widening at the thief who wished to see a display of her abilities.  He would make for a wonderful target.  The tomes around her spun violently as she held her hands up in front of her, silvery mana swirling to form a vortex in front of her, spinning faster and faster and faster...

"Wait a second!  THAT SPELL!!  I know that incantation!!" she shouted, the vortex dissipated instantly as she glared at the cloaked figure.  Her foot tapped against the beautiful tiled floor for a moment before a light in her eyes made them gleam even brighter.  "Well, well, WELL.  Princess, what brings you to the archives this fine night?  And WHY are you helping these prisoners escape?!  WHY ARE YOU HURTING YOUR OWN MEN?!"  Her eyes darted back to Silv and the vortex reformed.  "Oh, and I haven't forgotten about you."

Lethis initiates Power Shell! (1/2)

Lethis waits.

Michael moves to G7.

Michael attacks ??????!  4 Dmg! (ATK)

Nance moves to G8.

Nance casts Lantern! [Adjacent allies take 10% less damage]

MP: 9/15

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {L} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } D
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {M} {N} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {?} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } {t} {t} { } { } { } {S} { } {X} { } { } { } {C} { } I
{B} {t} {t} { } {N} { } { } {A} {X} { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10--11--12--13--14-

Nance's Lantern has 3 turns.

Player Phase 2!

Aeria (Fighter) *HOT-BLOODED SURGE*
HP: 30/30
MP: 9/15
DD: 3/10
Atk: 7 --- 10
Def: 7
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

?????? (Cleric)
HP: 16/17
MP: 33/33
DD: 4/10
Atk: 3
Def: 5
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

Silv (Thief Mage)
HP: 20/20
MP: 25/25
DD: 1/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Natsumi (Herald of Fire)
HP: 15/15
MP: 30/30
DD: 3/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 8
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Lethis (Second Rank Archive Guardian) *MDO +10%* *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 25/25
MP: 61/61
DD: --/--
Atk: 2
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 2 cells

Michael (Jail Guard)
HP: 9/15
MP: 15/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Nance (Jail Guard)
HP: 15/15
MP: 9/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

{X} - Sealed Door
[No Occupy]
[No Pass]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlocks and opens the door.  Requires Archive Key.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Point of Interest [Table]
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Inspect - Check out what's lying on the table.  Range: Adjacent.]

{C} - Chest
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlock and open the chest.  Requires Chest Key x1.  Range: Adjacent.]

{B} - Bag
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Check what's inside the bag.  Range: Adjacent.]

{c} - Couch
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Take a Seat - Why not?  There's enough room for two.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

The jig was up.  She didn't expect Lethis to be that attentive--to recognize the spell and incantation as one unique to her.  Sheathing her saber for a moment, she reached for her cloaks and tore them off of her, unwrapping the apparent cloth that was obscuring her face afterwards and watched as it soared through the air.  Considerable lengths of vivid pink hair filled the air as it was freed from its cloth prison.  She wore a beautiful white dress that was made of a firm, durable material and bordered and hemmed with gold pattens.  White stockings covered her legs and led down to aquamarine heels polished to a shine on her feet.  Emerald eyes gazed back at Lethis fiercely.  Her skin was in perfect condition as if she had not been battling at all but her shield knew the scars of war quite well.

"That's right.  I am Elisia Annabeth Cordelle, First Princess of the Kingdom of Aldasrune.  What I do in my spare time is not the business of one of such a lowly position as yours, Second Rank Archive Guardian, Lethis."  Light began to gather around Lethis as the princess prepared her spell.  "Know your place.  The light bends the will of the slave and brings them to their knees!  Photon!!"  The light grew brighter and brighter as it formed a perfect sphere before exploding violently, rattling Lethis's form.

Elisia casts Photon on Lethis!  8 Light Dmg! (INT)

MP: 9/33

Elisia waits.

In that moment, everything made sense.  To think she had been in the presence of the very princess of Aldasrune this entire time!  And Aeria herself had been so rude and distrusting.  Then again, the princess was being rather suspicious herself but it seemed as though she had her reasons.  What those reasons were remained a mystery and Aeria definitely wanted answers.  Why was she fighting against the knights?  The kingdom and the knights were supposed to be walking hand in hand.  Aeria could see the gleam of defiance in the princess's eyes.  There was something HUGE going on here.  Whatever Aeria stumbled into had turned out to be far greater than what she could have ever expected.  We could definitely use this to our advantage though; she'll be able to get us out of here without a doubt, Aeria thought in relief.  Before it was just a stranger who happened to know the area well, but the princess would know the archives like the back of her hand.  Sticking with her would grant them their largest chance of escape.

Aeria attacks Michael!  10 Dmg! (ATK)

Leaving the archive guardian to do her prattling, Aeria took careful aim at one of the nearby jail guards with her rifle.  With them forming a wall between them and Lethis, it would be difficult to reach her.  As such she would mow through the guards until she could get the immense pleasure of getting up close and personal with Lethis.  Her blade ached to run the mage through.

Aeria waits.

Natsumi turned back, only for a moment, and saw that the two line guards had moved forward, blocking the way to the scary-looking woman in the back line. She shivered a little, though not from the cold. There was a chill in the air, Natsumi would admit to herself, but it was not enough to make her shiver. Not when she had finally found her fire again. She felt the fire beneath her bare feet crackle and burn, but it did not harm her. It never did, the fire, all fire, was her friend. The only friend she could trust.

Natsumi shivered again and returned her sights to the table. She could take cover there, at least for a little while. She was only a little girl; she didn't want to get hurt. Natsumi shuffled forward, falling to her hands and knees, getting ready to crawl. She paused for a moment, then ducked her head and crawled under the table.

Natsumi moves to hide under the table at J-3

The table has been set ablaze!

Lethis takes 3 Dmg!

HP: 22/25

Michael takes 9 Dmg!

Michael PERFECT KILL!!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - Knowledgeable

Location: Runescryum Archives - Corridor of Chronicles

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Seed of Valiance~

Achievement: Magician's Duel - Fell Lethis with an INT-based basic attack or skill. [5 AP]

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {L} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } D
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} {S} { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } {N} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {?} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } {t} {t} { } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } {C} { } I
{B} {t} {N} { } { } { } { } {A} {X} { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10--11--12--13--14-

Aeria's Hot-Blooded Surge has 2 turns left.

Enemy Phase.

"You've got some nerve, greenhorn.  If you want to see magic, then HERE IT COMES!  The vortex releases the true essence of strength!  POWER SHELL!!" Lethis shouted the vortex of energy in front of her raging violently in circles before releasing a huge blast of neutralized mana which didn't travel far through the air before colliding into Silv's chest, taking his breath away quite literally.  "We're far from through here," the mage sneered as the energy continued whirling away in front of her.  Why wasn't it dissipating?

Lethis casts Power Shell on Silv!  11 Dmg! (INT)

MP: 53/61

Lethis moves to A7.

Nance moves to E8.

Nance attacks Silv!  4 Dmg! (ATK)

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {L} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } D
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} {S} {N} {X} { } { } {c} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {?} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } {t} {t} { } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } {C} { } I
{B} {t} {N} { } { } { } { } {A} {X} { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10--11--12--13--14-

Nance's Lantern has 2 turns left.

Player Phase 3!

Aeria (Fighter) *HOT-BLOODED SURGE*
HP: 30/30
MP: 9/15
DD: 4/10
Atk: 7 --- 10
Def: 7
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

?????? (Cleric)
HP: 16/17
MP: 9/33
DD: 5/10
Atk: 3
Def: 5
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

Silv (Thief Mage)
HP: 12/20
MP: 11/25
DD: 2/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Natsumi (Herald of Fire)
HP: 15/15
MP: 30/30
DD: 3/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 8
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Lethis (Second Rank Archive Guardian) *MDO +10%* *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 22/25
MP: 56/61
DD: --/--
Atk: 2
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 2 cells

Michael (Jail Guard) *PERFECT KILL*

Nance (Jail Guard)
HP: 15/15
MP: 9/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

{X} - Sealed Door
[No Occupy]
[No Pass]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlocks and opens the door.  Requires Archive Key.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Point of Interest [Table]
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Inspect - Check out what's lying on the table.  Range: Adjacent.]

{C} - Chest
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlock and open the chest.  Requires Chest Key x1.  Range: Adjacent.]

{B} - Bag
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Check what's inside the bag.  Range: Adjacent.]

{c} - Couch
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Take a Seat - Why not?  There's enough room for two.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

Aeria moves to G8.

Aeria was forced to look away as Lethis cast her spell; it looked extremely painful and she considered herself lucky not to be the target of such magical strength, but that would not do.  She was their shield; it was her job to take the hits.  Unfortunately, the archive guardian didn't deign stand too close and now she was too far down the hallway to even hit with her rifle.  The malicious aura around her would surround the bullet after it was fired but if the bullet couldn't hit the target, it was a moot point.  Aeria cursed that she hadn't lunged into action sooner; now there was no telling what Lethis was going to do to Silv now.  Taking her frustration and focusing it into the aura, she took aim at the nearest jail guard and loosed the bullet to at least get her off of Silv even if the wooden baton hardly hurt him at all.  It would be one less annoyance to deal with for sure.

Aeria attacks Nance!  10 Dmg! (ATK)

Elisia moves to F7.

"One moment and I will be able to assist you; the name of the game is staying alive until the spell is channeled," Elisia said as she marched forth fearlessly, placing a hand on Silv's shoulder to get his attention.  "I haven't the slightest idea what you did to land you here but you will not be executed on my watch."  That said, she began to pray, light swirling around her once more with a small elaborate shining glyph appearing below her on the tiled floor.  "Quickly, light surge into the wounds of the broken!" she chanted, the light getting thrown into a tizzy, lashing out and lapping at Silv's wounds, aching to mend them but the formless light had not the power to do as such yet.  Elisia channeled as fast as she could knowing full and well what Lethis was capable of.  The next spell was going to hurt just as much as this one had.

"You may want to brace yourself or flee."  Perfectly sound advice.

Elisia initiates Recover! (1/2)

Natsumi didn't seem to either notice or care that the table above her had begun to catch fire. She would be fine anyway, fire didn't hurt her. It never once did, and it never will. Natsumi crawled under the table a little closer to the bag until she could reach out and snatch it up. She was curious to see what was inside, but first she situated her small frame so that she could sit upright under the table. Her body was small enough for her head to only lightly brush against the top of the wood.

Natsumi opened the bag up, peered inside, and sent her hand down into the depths in order to retrieve what had been hidden there. She was a young child, ever more so because of her stunted growth, both physically and mentally, so she could say for certain that she loved surprises. She barely even noticed the others fighting or getting hurt, she was much too engrossed in keeping herself safe. She didn't want to get hurt.

Natsumi crawls to J-2.

Natsumi picks up the bag at J-1!

The table is completely incinerated!

Natsumi opens the bag!

* * *

Items found:

---Summer's Brilliance x1
---Ash x4

* * *

Nance takes 6 Dmg!

HP: 9/15

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - Knowledgeable

Location: Runescryum Archives - Corridor of Chronicles

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Seed of Valiance~

Achievement: Magician's Duel - Fell Lethis with an INT-based basic attack or skill. [5 AP]

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {L} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } D
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} {S} {N} {X} { } { } {c} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {E} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } {A} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } {C} { } I
{ } {N} { } { } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10--11--12--13--14-

Aeria's Hot-Blooded Surge has 1 turn left.

Enemy Phase.

"And the nerve never ceases!  So you wish to take the brunt of my magic once more?  Than FEAST UPON IT!!  Quicker than the blink of an eye, the vortex strikes its true blow upon the transgressor!  SPEED SHELL!!"  Lethis waved a hand banishing the vortex, but not before a triage of speeding energy blasts surged forth striking Silv one by one, not a single one missing a beat.

"Do you see now your foolishness?!" the archive guardian cackled in delight seeing the damage she had managed to deal.

Lethis casts Speed Shell on Silv!  3 hits!  9 Dmg per hit! (INT)

MP: 44/61

Lethis waits.

Nance moves to F8.

Nance attacks Aeria!  4 Dmg! (ATK)

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {L} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } D
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} {S} { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {E} {N} {w} { } { } { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } {A} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } {C} { } I
{ } {N} { } { } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10--11--12--13--14-

Nance's Lantern has 1 turn left.

Player Phase 4!

Aeria (Fighter) *HOT-BLOODED SURGE*
HP: 29/30
MP: 9/15
DD: 5/10
Atk: 7 --- 10
Def: 7
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Elisia (Cleric)
HP: 16/17
MP: 9/33
DD: 5/10
Atk: 3
Def: 5
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

Silv (Thief Mage) *CRITICAL*
HP: 5/20
MP: 11/25
DD: 2/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Natsumi (Herald of Fire)
HP: 15/15
MP: 30/30
DD: 3/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 8
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Lethis (Second Rank Archive Guardian) *MDO +10%* *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 22/25
MP: 47/61
DD: --/--
Atk: 2
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 2 cells

Michael (Jail Guard) *PERFECT KILL*

Nance (Jail Guard)
HP: 9/15
MP: 9/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

{X} - Sealed Door
[No Occupy]
[No Pass]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlocks and opens the door.  Requires Archive Key.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Point of Interest [Table]
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Inspect - Check out what's lying on the table.  Range: Adjacent.]

{C} - Chest
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlock and open the chest.  Requires Chest Key x1.  Range: Adjacent.]

{B} - Bag
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Check what's inside the bag.  Range: Adjacent.]

{c} - Couch
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Take a Seat - Why not?  There's enough room for two.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

Aeria moves to E7 and shoves Silv out the way.

"You'll thank me for this later," Aeria grumbled as she settled into place, knocking Silv aside as gently as she could after having pushed rather roughly past the princess.  This was a matter of life and death; they would have to understand.  She raised her rifle and took aim at the rather powerful mage.  Even though this woman wasn't of the highest rank, she possessed some amazing magic, and as much as Aeria didn't want to be the target, she knew she had to be.  She had the fortitude to withstand it; the others did not.  She was to be their shield, to ensure that they lived to see another day.  To take their pain.  To exact retribution.  The gunshot echoed through the hall as Aeria fired at her intended target, watching as the malice-coated bullet lodged itself inside Lethis.  She could already see the effects of it taking over the woman's form.  Aeria breathed a sigh of relief.  I surely hoped that worked, Aeria thought to herself solemnly as she felt the aura surrounding her slip away and she appeared normal again.

Aeria attacks Lethis!  10 Dmg! (ATK)

Elisia casts Recover on Silv! [+7 HP Recovered]

MP: 2/33

"Recover!" Elisia called out the name of her spell at the peak of its channeling, watching as the light soared forth and surrounded Silv in its embrace.  The wounds were rather major but they did as well as they could to sow up the most devastating of them leaving Silv in much better condition than he had been at the very least.  "Lethis, your madness has plagued the knights for long enough!  Your delusions of power are to come to an end this day; there will be no mercy for you!" she shouted at her apparent underling.  The princess she once served was now to aid in striking her down.  Elisia felt a sour taste in her mouth forming but she had to ignore it.  There was something seriously wrong with the knights and the sooner she could weed out the problems, the sooner things in the kingdom could get back to normal, granted there wouldn't be a kingdom for much longer if the world kept decaying the way it was.

Elisia waits.

Natsumi found the glittering object inside and her eyes grew ten times their normal size. Such a brilliant light...she took care to put the small jewel into a spare pocket, the thing just small enough to fit. She would treasure the jewel for as long as she could. But why would anyone just leave something like this laying about? It did not make any sense, but thinking about it only gave Natsumi a headache.

The table then collapsed on top of her in a pile of broken wood and ash, covering Natsumi head to toe in the white dust. She coughed and tried to swat away the ash from her face, but to no avail. It was sticking to her now. Natsumi shook her head vigorously, trying to get the ash away, but that only ended up mixing the ash in with her long hair. Heavy and covered in a fine layer of white, Natsumi stumbled to her feet and walked back the way she came. There was no use hiding here anymore, now that the table was gone.

Natsumi moves to J-4

Lethis loses her ability to use Binding Thorns!

Binding Thorns has been added to the Thief's Tome!

Lethis takes 7 Dmg!

HP: 15/25

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - Knowledgeable

Location: Runescryum Archives - Corridor of Chronicles

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Seed of Valiance~

Achievement: Magician's Duel - Fell Lethis with an INT-based basic attack or skill. [5 AP]

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {L} {S} {w} { } { } { } { } { } A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } D
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} {A} { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {E} {N} {w} { } { } { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } {C} { } I
{ } { } { } {N} { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10--11--12--13--14-

Aeria's Hot-Blooded Surge fades.

Enemy Phase.

"AAAAAAAAA MY SPELL!  MY FUCKING SPELL!!" Lethis let out a bloodcurdling scream that could have very well alerted every knight and guardian in the archive.  "WHERE IS MY SPELL?!  The beautiful rose reveals its hidden weapon in the morning light and drains the life essence from its very form with no hope of escape!  Binding Thorns!" she chanted, trying to channel her spell only nothing happened.  A violet aura surged around her and she closed her eyes, words flowing from her mouth only they seemed to be of a different language, completely incomprehensible.

Lethis moves to C7.

Lethis uses Incantation! [Preparing Curse Aura]

MP: 43/61

Nance moves to E8.

Nance attacks Aeria!  4 Dmg! [BLOCKED]

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } {S} {w} { } { } { } { } { } A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {L} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } D
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} {A} {N} {X} { } { } {c} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {E} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } {C} { } I
{ } { } { } {N} { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10--11--12--13--14-

Nance's Lantern fades.

Player Phase 5!

Aeria (Fighter)
HP: 29/30
MP: 9/15
DD: 6/10
Atk: 7
Def: 7
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Elisia (Cleric)
HP: 16/17
MP: 2/33
DD: 5/10
Atk: 3
Def: 5
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

Silv (Thief Mage)
HP: 12/20
MP: 11/25
DD: 2/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Natsumi (Herald of Fire)
HP: 15/15
MP: 30/30
DD: 3/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 8
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Lethis (Second Rank Archive Guardian) *MDO +10%* *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 15/25
MP: 46/61
DD: --/--
Atk: 2
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 2 cells

Michael (Jail Guard) *PERFECT KILL*

Nance (Jail Guard)
HP: 9/15
MP: 9/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

{X} - Sealed Door
[No Occupy]
[No Pass]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlocks and opens the door.  Requires Archive Key.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Point of Interest [Table]
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Inspect - Check out what's lying on the table.  Range: Adjacent.]

{C} - Chest
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlock and open the chest.  Requires Chest Key x1.  Range: Adjacent.]

{B} - Bag
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Check what's inside the bag.  Range: Adjacent.]

{c} - Couch
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Take a Seat - Why not?  There's enough room for two.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

Aeria moves to D7.

Deflecting the guard's blow with great ease, Aeria lunged forward, rifle back on her back and sword in hand.  Lethis was up to something terrible, not pleased with whatever Silv had done to her which from her ranting, it seemed that he stole her magic.  Was such a thing even possible?  This was his ace in the hole?  Even still, it seemed Lethis wasn't going down without a fight and she couldn't let her cast whatever spell the guardian was channeling now.  It was time for a blow that could shatter the very sky itself, her blade already cutting through the air, covered in a powerful aura before coming into contact with the frail mage chanting her unknown spell.  Blood spattered everywhere and ran down the blade.  Aeria retracted it quickly and entered a defensive stance though she knew if she didn't succeed, her shield would not be able to contain the magic.  She prayed briefly that everyone would be okay.

Aeria uses Sky Shatter on Lethis!  10 Dmg! (ATK)

MP: 1/15

Elisia moves to F8.

Elisia attacks Nance!  3 Dmg! (ATK)

Out of mana, Elisia dreaded what she would do now.  What would she do if one of the others fell into critical condition?  The light would not be there to heal them.  Sighing heavily with a large burden upon her shoulders, she dodged to the right and lunged into the guard with her saber.  She was rather adept at swordplay but lacked the strength to do significant damage with it.  She knew she had to rectify that somehow.  If she could not build the physical muscle, then perhaps she could find a way through magic, something she knew quite well.  The only sad thing is that she did not understand why she was so adept at magic as she was, or even why she knew as much swordplay as she did.  Her memories were lost to her, granted that wasn't something she was supposed to go around telling anyone.  There was a long story behind this particular princess, but she shook her head endeavoring to stay focused on the task at hand.  With Lethis screaming, there was no doubt they would run into one of the Rune Knights and that meant they were going to be in serious trouble.  She hoped they were ready for a valiant struggle because if they failed, they would not live to see the light of day again.

Natsumi moves to J-6

Her path of fire was still warm to touch, and when she stepped into a new ring, the fires flared up around her, granting her their power. It was an exciting thing for Natsumi, after having been so long without letting herself go, Natsumi was finally able to relax and enjoy the warmth of her own breath. No matter what happened to her now, she was free. Finally free. They couldn't burn her for being a witch. One does not simply burn fire itself.

Natsumi was reminded of a story she once read when she was younger. This was long before she had first discovered her powers. It told a story of the great phoenixes that once populated the world. Phoenixes were said to be immortal beings, but even they could die, the book said. But when they reach their natural end, they take their own self to the flames and are reborn in ashes. Natsumi, covered in ash, felt much like a phoenix rising from its ashes.

Lethis takes 8 Dmg!

HP: 7/25

Lethis's spell is Interrupted!

Nance takes 1 Dmg!

HP: 8/15

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - Knowledgeable

Location: Runescryum Archives - Corridor of Chronicles

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Seed of Valiance~

Achievement: Magician's Duel - Fell Lethis with an INT-based basic attack or skill. [5 AP]

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {L} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} {A} {S} {X} { } { } {c} { } { } D
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } {N} {X} { } { } {c} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } {E} {w} { } { } { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } {C} { } I
{ } { } { } { } { } {N} { } { } {X} { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10--11--12--13--14-

Enemy Phase.

Lethis moves to A7.

"STAY BACK!" Lethis's deranged shout echoed out as her eyes opened wide and she retreated, unleashing twin blasts of energy from her tomes.  Her spell had been interrupted--oh if only she could cast it!  "It is MY duty to put an end to you traitors, and I will not stop UNTIL I'M DEAD!"

Lethis attacks Aeria!  2 hits!  8 Dmg per hit! (INT) [Aeria is Blind]

Nance moves to E7.

Nance attacks Aeria!  4 Dmg! (ATK)

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {L} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} {A} {S} {X} { } { } {c} { } { } D
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} {N} { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } {E} {w} { } { } { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } {C} { } I
{ } { } { } { } { } {N} { } { } {X} { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10--11--12--13--14-

Player Phase 6!

Aeria (Fighter) *BLIND*
HP: 18/30
MP: 1/15
DD: 7/10
Atk: 7
Def: 7
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Elisia (Cleric)
HP: 16/17
MP: 2/33
DD: 6/10
Atk: 3
Def: 5
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

Silv (Thief Mage)
HP: 12/20
MP: 5/25
DD: 3/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Natsumi (Herald of Fire)
HP: 15/15
MP: 30/30
DD: 3/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 8
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Lethis (Second Rank Archive Guardian) *MDO +10%* *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 7/25
MP: 49/61
DD: --/--
Atk: 2
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 2 cells

Michael (Jail Guard) *PERFECT KILL*

Nance (Jail Guard)
HP: 8/15
MP: 9/15
DD: --/--
Atk: 4
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

{X} - Sealed Door
[No Occupy]
[No Pass]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlocks and opens the door.  Requires Archive Key.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Point of Interest [Table]
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Inspect - Check out what's lying on the table.  Range: Adjacent.]

{C} - Chest
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlock and open the chest.  Requires Chest Key x1.  Range: Adjacent.]

{B} - Bag
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Check what's inside the bag.  Range: Adjacent.]

{c} - Couch
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Take a Seat - Why not?  There's enough room for two.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

Aeria moves to B7.

Aeria raised her shield to block the blasts but they were exceedingly powerful sending her staggering backwards.  Her fiery gaze landed on the mage in awe.  If there was one thing she had to appreciate about this woman, it would be her strength.  She was strong enough to keep all of the escapees at bay but her time was drawing to a close.  Just as she thought that, a dark cloud obscured her vision making it extremely difficult to see.  She waved her hand at it as if expecting it to disperse but it remained intact.  This was bad.  Taking a deep breath, she lunged forth with sword at the ready, aiming a strike at what she suspected was Lethis, but with the cloud in the way, there was no guaranteeing that her attack would be successful.

Aeria attacks Lethis!  7 Dmg! (ATK)

Elisia moves to E8.

Another successful hop step and a rapid jab with the point of her saber.  Sadly, the weapon was hardly having any effect on the jail guard, and Aeria's malice kept the woman drawn to attack her.  She noticed that Aeria was having some sort of problem.  Did Lethis's magic have an averse affect on her?  The black cloud was disheartening; if only there was a way to dispel it!  Elisia clenched her fingers tightly around the hilt of her saber.  There wasn't much she could do.  She was a princess and yet felt so powerless.  Perhaps princesses weren't supposed to be powerful, but Elisia thought otherwise.  Not only should she have the mental prowess, but the physical might as well to lead a country.  How could she call herself queen one day knowing that she was an easy target?  She could not let that happen.

Elisia attacks Nance!  3 Dmg! (ATK)

Natsumi moves to I-7

Natsumi stepped forward again, coming back out into the hallway where she had left the others. She didn't know any of them too well, but the one boy was nice to her. They were all still fighting, and one of the guards was still left standing, attacking as he pleased. The fire flared around Natsumi's body as she felt heat rise within her own blood. These were the very same guards that threw her into prison. Into her dank and cold cell for five whole years. Had it really been that long? Natsumi could hardly remember the days passing by, but before she knew it she was finally being set free.

And now, she would let herself go. Go free, with fire that would rain down from the sky. Natsumi took in a deep breath, some of the fire around her entering her mouth as she did. When she exhaled, she roared, blazing fire flying from her jaws in an emerald green, bathing the hallway with the glorious fire. Natsumi could hardly see past her own flames, and the heat felt so intense. It was a good feeling, to have fire so close to her heart.

Natsumi uses Dragonsbreath towards H-7! 10 Int Fire DMG! Chance of Burn! All cells touched by Dragonsbreath turn to Burning Cells!

MP: 18/30

Lethis takes 4 Dmg!

HP: 3/25

Nance takes 9 Dmg!

Nance KO!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - Knowledgeable

Location: Runescryum Archives - Corridor of Chronicles

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Seed of Valiance~

Achievement: Magician's Duel - Fell Lethis with an INT-based basic attack or skill. [5 AP]

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {L} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {A} { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } D
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } {E} {X} { } { } {c} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } {S} {w} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {N} { } {X} { } { } { } {C} { } I
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10--11--12--13--14-

Aeria is Blind for 2 more turns.

Enemy Phase.

Lethis attacks Aeria!  2 hits!  8 Dmg per hit! (ATK)

"My final stand...never did I think it would come this soon..."

Lethis waits.

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} {L} { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {A} { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } D
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } {E} {X} { } { } {c} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } {S} {w} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {N} { } {X} { } { } { } {C} { } I
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10--11--12--13--14-

Player Phase 7!

Aeria (Fighter) *BLIND* *CRITICAL*
HP: 8/30
MP: 1/15
DD: 8/10
Atk: 7
Def: 7
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Elisia (Cleric)
HP: 16/17
MP: 2/33
DD: 7/10
Atk: 3
Def: 5
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

Silv (Thief Mage)
HP: 12/20
MP: 0/25
DD: 3/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Natsumi (Herald of Fire)
HP: 15/15
MP: 18/30
DD: 4/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 8
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Lethis (Second Rank Archive Guardian) *MDO +10%* *MP REGEN [3]* *CRITICAL*
HP: 3/25
MP: 52/61
DD: --/--
Atk: 2
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 2 cells

Michael (Jail Guard) *PERFECT KILL*

Nance (Jail Guard) *KO*

{X} - Sealed Door
[No Occupy]
[No Pass]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlocks and opens the door.  Requires Archive Key.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Point of Interest [Table]
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Inspect - Check out what's lying on the table.  Range: Adjacent.]

{C} - Chest
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlock and open the chest.  Requires Chest Key x1.  Range: Adjacent.]

{c} - Couch
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Take a Seat - Why not?  There's enough room for two.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

Aeria attacks Lethis!  7 Dmg! (ATK)

"I see you are ready to face your fate."  Aeria raised her blade and held it vertically in front of her, the metal glowing in a white light.  Lethis no longer had a crazed look in her eyes, and it seemed as though she were now waiting patiently for the end that she knew was imminent.  "You know we weren't in the wrong at all, don't you?"  There was a slight, almost guilty nod.  "Why?  Why were the innocent thrown in jail?"

"We did what we were told to do," Lethis spat, glancing off to the side, no longer wishing to look upon the weapon that would run her through and end her life.  "Not much of an excuse but you wanted to know why and now you know.  I have nothing more to say..."

Aeria nodded, the dark cloud still obscuring her vision but her willpower shone through and she stabbed Lethis through the chest in a single motion, burying the blade to the hilt.  Lethis's eyes opened wide in horror and blood spilled from her mouth and her wound once Aeria drew back her blade, watching as Lethis's lifeless form crumpled to the ground.  If they had been innocent before, they were no longer.  They were guilty of treason and murder, quite a few charges of the latter at that.  At this point they definitely couldn't afford to be caught.  They had to get out of these damn archives.  They would have to rely on Elisia to lead the way, and it already looked like the princess was moving on.  She knew where she must go.

* * *

Lethis takes 4 Dmg!

Lethis KO!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - Knowledgeable

Location: Runescryum Archives - Corridor of Chronicles

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Seed of Valiance~

Achievement: Magician's Duel - Fell Lethis with an INT-based basic attack or skill. [5 AP]

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {A} { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } { } {X} { } { } {c} { } { } D
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } {E} {X} { } { } {c} { } { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} { } { } { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } {S} {w} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {N} { } {X} { } { } { } {C} { } I
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10--11--12--13--14-

All enemies have been defeated!
CHAPTER COMPLETE!!

EXPERIENCE:

+5 - Second Rank Archive Guardian, Lethis
+2 - Jail Guard x1 PERFECT KILL
+2 - Player Phase completed less than 10
+2 - No D-Abilities used
+2 - No Player Character KO
+1 - Jail Guard x1
+1 - Minimal Items used
+1 - Treasure obtained

TOTAL EXP GAIN: 16

Aeria: 0/16 --- 16/16
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 0/24
Current DD: 9/10

Elisia: 0/16 --- 16/16
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 0/24
Current DD: 7/10

Silv: 0/16 --- 16/16
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 0/24
Current DD: 3/10

Natsumi: 0/16 --- 16/16
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 0/24
Current DD: 4/10

Skill Points Awarded!

+1: Aeria, Elisia, Silv, Natsumi

Achievement FAILED... [+0 AP]

The Party finds 24 Gold!

Items found:

---Smooth Pebble x2
---Amethyst x1

Edit your profiles, please~  Update will come shortly.[/color]

Elisia wasted no time in rushing down the hallway, her heels clacking against the tiled floor with Aeria and the others hot on her heels.  The walls blurred past the princess as she continued onwards, the foreboding steel doors on either side of her taunting her with the contents that lie within.  Surely there were more answers to be obtained here but there was no time to browse the millions of books and articles that could be found deep in the bowels of the archives.  The corridor changed a bit as she turned a corner, one wall losing the myriad of steel doors while the other wall still contained many.  She was searching for something particular, searching, searching...

"What is it you're looking for, Your Majesty?!" Aeria shouted as she clanked along, her various weaponry making far louder sounds than she had wished, but at this point every jail guard and archive guardian would be searching for them.  Then there were the almighty Rune Knights that Aeria had heard rumors about.

"We're heading for the first floor," Elisia replied with ease, skidding to a halt and withdrawing her saber and shield with surprising ease.  "More trouble," she said, disconcerted.  She glanced out over the hall to see an old man in goldenrod robes with white trims.  He had snow white hair...at least on the sides of his head for the center part was bald and shiny, reflecting the light being emitted from the rather dim bulbs on the ceiling.  His brow was heavy and sagged over his tired eyes, a crooked nose hooking downwards over a white mustache with a white beard flowing from his chin and down his chest.  He held a black book against his side with unintelligible writing on the cover.  Accompanying him were two archive guardians, their own tomes in hand that looked like beginner spellbooks.  They were rookies at best, but Elisia recognized the older man.  "Yalashi, First Rank Archive Guardian and Master of the Scrolls."

"Indeed, Your Highness," the older man managed to say, his voice cracked with old age.  His was a very tired voice; there was no telling what his age was.  He bowed before his princess and the archive guardians followed suit though they were certainly unsure about it.  "My fancy was tickled when I was alerted that the princess was aiding in the escape of some prisoners, so I came to check for myself only to see that it was true."

"You call them prisoners but they are innocent and you know very well.  Lethis told me," Elisia said, fiercely glaring at the scholar.

"Indeed they are innocent, or at least some of them," he said, his weary eyes resting on Silv for a moment before his attention returned to the princess.  "We are doing what we are commanded to do.  Though I may be high in rank, the Rune Knights and the Head Coordinator are even higher.  I am at their beck and call."  He paused and let out a long sigh, taking his tome and opening it to a spot in the middle, the words on the page beginning to glow.  "And unfortunately this fine morn, I have been called to lay waste to the prisoners."  He paused once more.  "And no mercy is to be given to the princess, I'm afraid.  It seems even royalty is not even above the knights now."

"I beg to differ."

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - The Scholar

Location: Runescryum Archives - Foyer of Fiction

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Sorrowful Disregard~

Achievement: Librarian - Collect all three tomes in the Foyer of Fiction!

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {Y} { } {w} B
{b} { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } { } C
{b} { } {t} {t} { } {X} {K} {C} {s} D
{b} { } {t} {t} { } {X} { } { } {s} E
{b} { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} G
{ } {C} {C} { } { } {w} { } {E} {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } {X} { } {A} {w} I
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} { } { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Aeria (Fighter)
HP: 35/35
MP: 15/15
DD: 9/10
Atk: 7
Def: 8
Int: 1
Spr: 4
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Elisia (Cleric)
HP: 17/17
MP: 39/39
DD: 7/10
Atk: 4
Def: 5
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

Yalashi (Scholar)
HP: 30/30
MP: 75/75
DD: 0/10
Atk: 2
Def: 4
Int: 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Katherine (Archive Guardian)
HP: 20/20
MP: 40/40
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Cayden (Archive Guardian)
HP: 20/20
MP: 40/40
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{X} - Sealed Door
[No Occupy]
[No Pass]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlocks and opens the door.  Requires Archive Key.  Range: Adjacent.]

{b} - Point of Interest [Bookshelf]
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Pull Book - Pull out the book on the bookshelf.  Range: Adjacent.]

{C} - Chest
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlock and open the chest.  Requires Chest Key x1.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

{b} - Bookshelf
[No Occupy]

{s} - Stairs
[No Occupy]

Players may start in rows I-J, columns 7-8!

No matter what seemed to happen, that man always came back to her. He must know how weak she was, to see about carrying her away. Natsumi didn't mind it, but she really wanted was to gain her strength back. And she knew the only way to do that was to use her legs. But when the man set her back down, she could barely even keep herself standing, let alone walk. It was hard and painful, and Natsumi couldn't help but feel useless.

Natsumi starts at J-7

"Who're they?" Natsumi asked aloud, her voice small and weak. She rubbed her eyes to get a better look at what blocked their path. "Why can't they just all burn?"

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - The Scholar

Location: Runescryum Archives - Foyer of Fiction

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Sorrowful Disregard~

Achievement: Librarian - Collect all three tomes in the Foyer of Fiction!

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {Y} { } {w} B
{b} { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } { } C
{b} { } {t} {t} { } {X} {K} {C} {s} D
{b} { } {t} {t} { } {X} { } { } {s} E
{b} { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} G
{ } {C} {C} { } { } {w} { } {E} {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } {X} {S} {A} {w} I
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} {N} { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Aeria (Fighter)
HP: 35/35
MP: 15/15
DD: 9/10
Atk: 7
Def: 8
Int: 1
Spr: 4
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Elisia (Cleric)
HP: 17/17
MP: 39/39
DD: 7/10
Atk: 4
Def: 5
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

Silv (Thief Mage)
HP: 25/25
MP: 25/25
DD: 3/10
Atk: 1
Def: 4
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Natsumi (Herald of Fire)
HP: 15/15
MP: 30/30
DD: 4/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 10
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Yalashi (Scholar)
HP: 30/30
MP: 75/75
DD: 0/10
Atk: 2
Def: 4
Int: 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Katherine (Archive Guardian)
HP: 20/20
MP: 40/40
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Cayden (Archive Guardian)
HP: 20/20
MP: 40/40
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{X} - Sealed Door
[No Occupy]
[No Pass]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlocks and opens the door.  Requires Archive Key.  Range: Adjacent.]

{b} - Point of Interest [Bookshelf]
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Pull Book - Pull out the book on the bookshelf.  Range: Adjacent.]

{C} - Chest
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlock and open the chest.  Requires Chest Key x1.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

{b} - Bookshelf
[No Occupy]

{s} - Stairs
[No Occupy]

Player Phase 1!

Aeria moves to G8.

"You'll soon realize that rank is unimportant; we all share the same graves," Aeria growled as she charged past Elisia, retrieving her rifle from its place upon her back.  In mere moments she was taking aim at the nearby archive greenhorn, pulling the trigger and watching as the bullet penetrated her target with ease.  To think that the knights would go so far as to eliminate the princess!  There was something corrupt going on here after all; of this, Aeria was certain.  "To blindly obey orders...where is your free will?!  If we have the courage to go against the knights and save this dying world ourselves, then shouldn't you possess even more?" she shouted challengingly to the so-called "Master of Scrolls."  Did the knights have some kind of dirt on their lackeys?  It was ludicrous to think there wouldn't be more deserters no matter how disloyal they would be if they did.  When it came to saving the world, there would be things that had to be overlooked for the greater good.

Aeria attacks Cayden!  7 Dmg! (ATK)

Elisia casts Photon on Cayden!  10 Light Dmg! (INT)

MP: 27/39

"Gathering of light particles, shine!" Elisia chanted, the light surging around her as she cast her spell.  All around Aeria's target light began to form in little particles that grew brighter and swarmed more and more until they formed a giant sphere around their prey after which they exploded violently as they had done so many times before.  Yalashi was the one they had to watch out for; the grunts would be nothing but fodder, as sad as she felt having to think that.  These people were supposed to have been her subjects, but now they had turned their backs on her in favor of the knights.  What could Runescryum possibly offer to them other than the destruction of the very world they lived upon?  "Nothing..." she whispered to herself, continuing to conduct the light, keeping her control over her magic lingering so that she could cast once more and in a more timely manner.

Elisia waits.

Natsumi sniffed again, though not from crying. She smelled something in the air, some kind of burning. Maybe the area behind them was still burning and was giving off some kind of smoke still. Or maybe it was something else. Either way, now there were more people blocking their way. Natsumi pouted a little bit, why couldn't they all just leave her alone? What did she ever do to deserve this kind of treatment? A little fire never hurt anyone, Natsumi would neve have let it get out of her control. That was impossible.

Even now, her control over fire could be clearly seen, forming at her feet. Natsumi felt her body rise as two wheels made entirely of fire lifted her off the ground. The fire under her warmed her feet, and for a moment, Natsumi lost her balance. But she didn't fall and regained herself. Now she wouldn't have to walk or crawl around anymore, her wheels would carry her wherever she wanted to go.

Natsumi uses Wind Fire Wheels! Grants Haste.

MP: 22/30

Yalashi takes 1 Dmg!

HP: 29/30

Katherine takes 2 Dmg!

HP: 18/20

Cayden takes 11 Dmg!

HP: 9/20

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - The Scholar

Location: Runescryum Archives - Foyer of Fiction

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Sorrowful Disregard~

Achievement: Librarian - Collect all three tomes in the Foyer of Fiction!

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {Y} { } {w} B
{b} { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } { } C
{b} { } {t} {t} { } {X} {K} {C} {s} D
{b} { } {t} {t} { } {X} {S} { } {s} E
{b} { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } {A} {w} G
{ } {C} {C} { } { } {w} { } {E} {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } {w} I
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} {N} { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Natsumi's Haste has 3 turns.

Enemy Phase.

Yalashi casts Piercing Pillars!

Aeria takes 12 Piercing Ice Dmg!

Silv takes 6 Piercing Ice Dmg!

MP: 51/75

"I have chosen my path just as you have chosen yours, young lady," Yalashi spoke respectfully, brushing off the orb that had hit him with ease, not even batting a weary eye.  "I ally myself with the knights because I know many things.  You would think harboring their secrets and knowing all of their dark habits that I would indeed turn against them, but no.  At the heart of the Knights of Runescryum, there is power--the only power that can truly save this world."  That said, his tome began to glow with a blue aura.  Twin pillars of ice struck Aeria from below sending her flying into the air, before crashing down to the ground.  A third pillar treated Silv the same way, striking unexpectedly from below.

"As for you, thief of spells, I do not make assumptions that are not well-founded."

Yalashi waits.

Katherine moves to C7.

Katherine casts Magical Shackles on Silv! [Silv is Immobilized]

MP: 34/40

Cayden casts Magical Shakles on Aeria! [Aeria evades Immobilize]

MP: 34/40

Cayden moves to B8.

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {Y} {C} {w} B
{b} { } { } { } { } {w} {K} { } { } C
{b} { } {t} {t} { } {X} { } { } {s} D
{b} { } {t} {t} { } {X} {S} { } {s} E
{b} { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } {A} {w} G
{ } {C} {C} { } { } {w} { } {E} {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } {X} { } { } {w} I
{ } {t} {t} { } { } {X} {N} { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 2!

Aeria (Fighter)
HP: 23/35
MP: 15/15
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7
Def: 8
Int: 1
Spr: 4
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Elisia (Cleric)
HP: 17/17
MP: 27/39
DD: 8/10
Atk: 4
Def: 5
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

Silv (Thief Mage) *IMMOBILIZE*
HP: 19/25
MP: 19/25
DD: 5/10
Atk: 1
Def: 4
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Natsumi (Herald of Fire) *HASTE*
HP: 15/15
MP: 30/30
DD: 4/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 10
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Yalashi (Scholar)
HP: 29/30
MP: 51/75
DD: 3/10
Atk: 2
Def: 4
Int: 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Katherine (Archive Guardian)
HP: 18/20
MP: 34/40
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Cayden (Archive Guardian)
HP: 9/20
MP: 34/40
DD: --/--
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

{X} - Sealed Door
[No Occupy]
[No Pass]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlocks and opens the door.  Requires Archive Key.  Range: Adjacent.]

{b} - Point of Interest [Bookshelf]
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Pull Book - Pull out the book on the bookshelf.  Range: Adjacent.]

{C} - Chest
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Open - Unlock and open the chest.  Requires Chest Key x1.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

{b} - Bookshelf
[No Occupy]

{s} - Stairs
[No Occupy]

Aeria legitimately listened to what the scholar had to say about his allegiance to the knights.  He did know many things about them that she did not, but she could not just take anyone's word for it after what she had discovered.  She was positive that after she got a chance to really look at the evidence she had gathered, it would be proven that the knights were behind the decay, not seeking to solve it.  But before she could make any sort of retort, the wind was knocked out of her and blood splattered on the floor below for she had been made airborne, eyes wide in shock and pain.  A jagged pillar of ice had buffeted her from below, and just when gravity was about to send her down, another arose to strike her once more.  It was then that she felt herself falling and she hit the tile floor hard, her body trembling, broken, and bleeding.  Even despite the horrid spell, Aeria gripped at the floor, her nails scratching it as she struggled to get herself up.  A few grunts ensued before the quivering form of the fighter was standing once more.  She spat some blood out onto the floor, her hand gripping her rifle that much more tightly.  THAT...was uncalled for.

"Whatever your reasons, you're going to get what's coming to you now, old man," Aeria growled with so much anger that someone who knew her well would say that wasn't her at all.  She managed to stagger forward and took expert aim at the mage who tried to shackle her as they had done to Silv but she wasn't having any of it.  "Die."  The halls shook with the sound of her gunshot.  She was so thankful that she brought her firearm along because swordplay at this point would be painful.

Aeria moves to D8.

Aeria attacks Cayden!  7 Dmg! (ATK)

Elisia begins to cast a spell! (1/2)

Seeing Yalashi's spells in person was frightening, and there was something familiar that pinged in her mind.  Did she know another mage who was just as strong?  Surely not.  Regardless, she found that his magic would be difficult to combat at this rate but she had some things to offset it.  "Quickly, light surge into the wounds of the broken!" Elisia began to chant, the light dancing around her as a brilliant glyph appeared beneath her as she channeled her magic.  When it had gathered enough, she would bestow her gift upon the one who needed it the most.  Hopefully Yalashi wouldn't be casting anymore spells like the one he just did.  If need be I'll unleash my ultimate ability, but I'd like to avoid using that here... she thought to herself and the destructive potential of what her mana could truly do.

"Yalashi, what if the knights are using their power to corrupt the world instead of save it?  Could you then honestly stand by them and watch the world be destroyed?!" she shouted at the scholar knowing that her words would fall upon deaf ears but she did not want to believe that this man was foolish enough to think that the knights were truly working hard to save this world when things have only steadily become worse over time.

Elisia waits.

Natsumi looked around again, and spotted two large doors nearby. They stood tall, and they were locked tighter than peanut butter in a peanut butter jar. She dug into her rags in search of something, and soon found it. She had caught the key when the man had dropped it earlier, just before he ran off ahead. Natsumi could not reach the lock, however, so high above her head it was. So she reached and reached, until the fire beneath her leaped and pushed her higher into the air until she could jam the key into the lock.

Natsumi hung from the key for a short time before something in the door clicked and the key turned. The doors opened, allowing access to its contents. Using her wheels to move around, Natsumi glided through the room and came to a stop a short distance from the doors. She paused for a moment, glancing around the area. There were two sturdy-looking chests sitting in the center of the room, up against the wall. Natsumi wondered what might be inside those.

Natsumi uses Archives Key on the doors at (J-6) and (I-6)!

Natsumi trails a path of flames from (J-7) to (I-4) using (J-6), (J-5), and (J-4).

Natsumi waits.