ReCreation

Alessia's Indomitable Aura overwhelms 1! -10% Def and Spr! The aura lingers... what will it do?

Alessia's Indomitable Aura cripples 2 further! +2% Damage Input!

Alessia attacks 2! 4 Atk Damage! 10% Critical Hit Rate!

Alessia raised her shield as Wisteria's mine exploded into a vicious torrent of flames – it did little to fend off the heat, but she felt relieved in knowing the flames would not harm her. It had to be the little mage's doing. "Your magic is powerful, little one," Alessia regarded as she prepared to add her own attack into the mix. She delivered a swift slash to the thoroughly crippled skeleton and kept her shield raised as she drew back. "I am impressed by your control over it. The craft is not so easy for some, especially at your age."

Elisia moves to E5!

Elisia uses Hummingbird on 2! 13 Atk Damage! [Elisia moves to F8 via Relentless Assault]
Remaining MP: 4/40

Elisia grabbed the freaky-looking bone gloves and dashed back toward the others. They seemed to be doing alright despite being separated. The two skeletons attempting to defeat Alessia seemed to be failing to fell the amazonian woman, particularly with Wisteria firing off powerful spells safely from behind her. Knowing that the two would be well-served by a few arrows, Elisia raised her bow and knocked one quickly. It flew and she took off again, further into the trees in an attempt to avoid drawing their attention.

2 takes 16 Dmg!

HP: 12/55

3 takes 11 Dmg!

HP: 40/55

Request 04: Village Checkup

Location: Virahein Woods - Warning Sign

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Light's Out! - Ensure that the Hanging Lanterns are incapacitated before any other enemies. [5 AP] {SUCCESS!}

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

Alessia is no longer Rattled.

Wisteria is no longer Rattled.

Enemy Phase.

1 attacks Alessia!  10 Dmg! (ATK) [BLOCKED]

1 waits.

2 uses Bone Break on Alessia!  11 Dmg! (ATK) [Alessia evades Stun]

MP: 11/35

2 waits.

3 uses Bone Break on Xylia!  11 Dmg! (ATK) [Xylia is Stunned]

MP: 23/35

3 waits.

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

Player Phase 4!

Elisia (Sharpshooter)
HP: 14/25
MP: 10/40
DD: 5/10
Atk: 11
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Alessia (Magic Knight) *WHITE CHAIN*
HP: 24/30
MP: 25/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7
Def: 8
Int: 6
Spr: 6
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Wisteria (Void Magi) *BREATHE [1]*
HP: 12/20
MP: 14/40
DD: 10/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 11
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Xylia (Brawler) *WHITE CHAIN* *STUN*
HP: 23/45
MP: 12/20
DD: 5/10
Atk: 10
Def: 6
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

1 (Skeleton)
HP: 32/55
MP: 35/35
DD: --/--
Atk: 10
Def: 6  --- 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3 --- 2
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

2 (Skeleton) *DMG TAKEN +4%* *CRITICAL*
HP: 12/55
MP: 11/35
DD: --/--
Atk: 10
Def: 6 --- 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3 --- 2
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

3 (Skeleton)
HP: 40/55
MP: 23/35
DD: --/--
Atk: 10
Def: 6
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

4 (Hanging Lantern) *KO*

5 (Hanging Lantern) *KO*

{t} - Tree
[No Occupy]
[No Pass]

Alessia's Steel Hazard deals 1 Piercing Def Damage to 1!

Alessia's Steel Hazard deals 1 Piercing Damage to 2!

Alessia's Indomitable Aura cripples 1 and 2 further! +2% Damage Input!

Alessia attacks 2! 7 Atk Damage! 10% Chance of Critical Hit!

"While it is true that focus is incredibly important," Alessia responded easily, "I must admit I believe your mother to be a little hard on you. Dangerous though magic may be, your focus is commendable for one so young. Keep working at it and I assure you that you will reach your full potential." The magic knight lashed out at the skeleton which looked a little worse for wear. With Elisia's help they could finish off these skeletons and then aid Xylia – if the brawler needed it. She seemed to be doing pretty well on her own.

Elisia moves to G6!

Elisia attacks 1! 11 Atk Damage! [Elisia moves to G7 via Relentless Assault]

Elisia moved back into range and fired off another arrow, this time at the skeleton further away from her. If Wisteria and Alessia could handle the other one then she could stay safe just out of reach. At least there's no more fire, she thought to herself as she stepped backward. I don't want to deal with anymore burns for awhile...

1 takes 7 Dmg!

HP: 25/55

2 takes 13 Dmg!

2 KO!

Request 04: Village Checkup

Location: Virahein Woods - Warning Sign

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Light's Out! - Ensure that the Hanging Lanterns are incapacitated before any other enemies. [5 AP] {SUCCESS!}

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

Xylia is no longer Stunned.

Enemy Phase.

1 moves to H6.

1 waits.

3 attacks Xylia!  10 Dmg! (ATK)

3 waits.

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

Player Phase 4!

Elisia (Sharpshooter)
HP: 14/25
MP: 10/40
DD: 5/10
Atk: 11
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Alessia (Magic Knight) *WHITE CHAIN*
HP: 24/30
MP: 25/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7
Def: 8
Int: 6
Spr: 6
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Wisteria (Void Magi) *BREATHE [1]*
HP: 12/20
MP: 15/40
DD: 10/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 11
Spr: 6
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Xylia (Brawler) *WHITE CHAIN*
HP: 19/45
MP: 12/20
DD: 5/10
Atk: 10
Def: 6
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

1 (Skeleton) *DMG TAKEN +2%*
HP: 25/55
MP: 35/35
DD: --/--
Atk: 10
Def: 6
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

2 (Skeleton) *KO*

3 (Skeleton)
HP: 40/55
MP: 23/35
DD: --/--
Atk: 10
Def: 6
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

4 (Hanging Lantern) *KO*

5 (Hanging Lantern) *KO*

{t} - Tree
[No Occupy]
[No Pass]

Alessia
Atk: 7 --- 11

Alessia moves to I6!

Alessia's Indomitable Aura overwhelms 1! -10% Def and Spr! The aura lingers... what will it do?

Alessia uses Reversal on 1! 10 Atk Damage! 13 Atk Damage! [Alessia ends up at G6!]
Remaining MP: 17/35

Damn, Alessia thought as Wisteria's power suddenly flowed through her. She had to restrain herself from gasping it nearly overwhelmed her. To think that tiny girl held this much raw strength within her magic! Perhaps it had been wrong to say that the younger girl's mother had been too hard on her for losing focus – if she held this much power and any beyond it then surely she could cause a catastrophe if something went wrong! But now was not the time to dwell on such matters. With the newfound strength at her side, Alessia charged forth and made a quick slash at the skeleton which she followed up with by darting around it. A heavier slice fell upon the bones and it seemed to be defeated, but she could not tell for sure.

Elisia moves to F4!

Elisia attacks 3! 11 Atk Damage! [Elisia moves to F3 via Relentless Assault]

Seeing as how Wisteria had unleashed utter chaos by overloading both Alessia and Xylia with her magic, Elisia soon found herself looking away from the approaching skeleton and toward the one being tossed around like a rag doll. That one looked like it had a little more to go before it fell and so she raced over and fired an arrow to hopefully finish it off quicker.

1 takes 12 Dmg!

1 is Frozen!

1 takes 37 Dmg!

1 KO!

3 takes 23 Dmg!

HP: 17/55

The Tree collapses on top of Xylia and 3! 15 Piercing Dmg!

Xylia's HP: 4/45

3's HP: 2/55

3 takes 5 Dmg!

3 KO!

Request 04: Village Checkup

Location: Virahein Woods - Warning Sign

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Light's Out! - Ensure that the Hanging Lanterns are incapacitated before any other enemies. [5 AP] {SUCCESS!}

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

All enemies have been defeated!
REQUEST COMPLETE!!

EXPERIENCE:

+9 - Skeleton x3
+4 - Hanging Lantern x2
+2 - Player Phase completed less than 10
+2 - No Player KO
+2 - No D-Abilities used

TOTAL EXP GAIN: 19

Elisia: 0/48 --- 19/48
Next Level: 19/48
Current DD: 6/10

Alessia: 12/48 --- 31/48
Next Level: 31/48
Current DD: 10/10

Wisteria: 12/48 --- 31/48
Next Level: 31/48
Current DD: 10/10

Xylia: 12/48 --- 31/48
Next Level: 31/48
Current DD: 6/10

No Skill Points Awarded...

Achievement SUCCESS!! [+5 AP]

The Party finds 62 Gold!

Items found:

---Bone Club x2
---Scrap Metal x1

Edit your profiles, please~ Update will come shortly.

With the path cleared of monsters, the group was free to move along once more, following the trail towards the village. They could definitely tell that it was worn down by frequent travel. Back when the lands were connected, it must have been a busy thoroughfare between the village and Irysium. Eventually, the group chanced upon a split in the path, though very subtle.

One path continues on, very well-worn from frequent travel, much like the path they've been taking. It must be the same path just continuing on.

Off to the side is a slightly hidden trail that would probably go unnoticed if not for the sign posted to a nearby tree. It reads:

WARNING!!

No trespassing! Dangerous constructs lie ahead! Will attack on sight! If you are not confident in your abilities, continue on your way and leave this place be.

Those capable of felling the constructs will be generously rewarded by the Holy Might.

The group is faced with a decision. Continue on the path to the village? Or venture down the trail to pick up some extra rewards?

>Continue on to the village.
>Take the hidden path. (Advisory Level: 10)

"Xylia?" Wisteria calls out, looking over to where the woman recklessly charged into a tree. The whole thing collapsed on her and the skeleton both and the dirt and leaves make it difficult to see if either of them are still moving. The little mage hesitates, stepping over to the wreckage slowly, carefully. Xylia was a strange woman who enjoyed pain, but even that woman can die if struck with enough force. "Xylia?" Wisteria calls out again once she got a little closer. She quickly finds a gloved hand poking out from the crushed tree clenched into a fist. It has to be Xylia's.

Wisteria takes a step back and holds up her palm, focusing carefully on each individual piece of wood. Her magic stirs the debris, lifting it inch by steady inch until Wisteria could see Xylia lying inside with her other hand covered in bone fragments. "Xylia?" Wisteria murmurs, looking at the woman's closed eyes. She can sense nothing from her, not even a hint of life. For a moment, Wisteria glances over at Alessia and Elisia with a worried look.

Black eyes stare at her when Wisteria looks back at Xylia. The little mage gives out a frightened squeak, hitting the ground just as a skull zooms just past her head. Wisteria doesn't need to look back, she can hear the tree crashing to the ground behind her. Xylia's black eyes continue to stare at her. The little mage swallows the lump in her throat and throws up her hands as soon as she gets control over her emotions. Luck graced her in that moment, the white chain shot out of the ground and wrapped around Xylia's neck just as the woman threw herself at her.

Xylia hit the ground just in front of Xylia's feet and immediately started clawing at her, making choked sounds and other violent noises. Wisteria scurries away from Xylia, keeping a tight grip on her magic. "Alessia, help me!" Wisteria is in hysterics, but it is all she can do to keep her magic in control. "A healing spell, any kind, it doesn't matter! She'll kill us if we don't supress the demon!"

Alessia threw herself in front of Wisteria as the chain shot out of the ground. Her blade returned to it's sheathe, her shield raised, her hands outstretched, and her brow knit together as she concentrated. She had not yet tested out the spell she had been working on, but she hoped it would work – they would be in trouble otherwise. "Forget the scars of war and cast out the demons sleeping within! Healing!" At first it seemed nothing would come from the magic knight's chanting. Then an almost unnoticeable, although perhaps Wisteria could say differently, trickle of mist began to gather around Xylia's major wounds. It formed and shaped itself into a cocoon of swirling vapor which knit her deepest cuts back together and tended to her bruised flesh. Alessia kept her hand in place and her focus sharp until, finally, the shroud could do no more to mend Xylia – she dropped her arm and exhaled, keeping her shield raised.

Elisia had knocked an arrow and taken aim the moment Xylia had attempted to launch herself at Wisteria. If the brawler had taken one more step toward the tiny mage it would have found itself implanted in the demon-possessed woman's skull. Thankfully, Alessia seemed to have gained a potent enough healing ability in order to fend off the beast sleeping within Xylia that threatened to tear them apart limb from limb so it could chew on the sinew of their muscles. As the Magic Knight withdrew her arm, the Sharpshooter shot Wisteria a glance. "What the hell are we going to do with her?" she spat, keeping her aim despite the injuries fading from Xylia's body. "She's a menace and she could kill us if we're not careful!"

Xylia thrashes against the chains, straining to break the magic bindings. Even through Alessia's magic the demon-possessed woman continues to strain every muscle against those bindings. Wisterias knew that physical strength alone could not break magic, but when she heard a snap and saw one of the links crack, Wisteria began to fear again. Then, all at once, Xylia stopped. Her eyes slowly regained their color and the woman collapsed in a heap. The healing spell did the trick.

"I-I-I don't know," Wisteria stammers in response to Elisia. They couldn't purge the demon, Wisteria did not know how or even if it could be done. She certainly did not have the power to sanctify Xylia if her soul was tied to the demon. She can sense the beast inside the woman now. "It is a Demon of Wrath." Wisteria regains her composure and helps herself up to her feet again. There is no doubt it is a wrath demon. "I can feel it," Wisteria continues, looking down at Xylia's unconscious body. She should wake soon, and then they have a decision to make. "Only it feels different from a normal demon. My father is a demonologist and he taught me as much as he could while I was learning about magic. When he showed me what a demon of wrath looks like and I could feel its aura, I felt an uncontrollable rage in it. But when Xylia gets like that I only feel as if I am in a nightmare. It crushes my heart and incites my blood to anger. I can only imagine what Xylia must feel."

Try as she might, but after seeing, after knowing only a portion of what Xylia does, Wisteria cannot help but feel pity and sadness. If Xylia continues to fight like this and continues to grow stronger, it will only spell disaster for them all. Xylia's soul is already damaged beyond repair, but they can still save it if they act. This, Wisteria is certain of. The little mage glances over to Alessia, then to Elisia.

"Lower your bow," Wisteria murmures, looking back to Xylia's body as the woman begins to stir. "She is in control."

"The fuck happened to me?" Xylia grunts, pushing herself up steadily, her arms shaking from an invisible weight. The woman cranes her neck up to look at Wisteria and Alessia standing over her. She does not remember, that much is certain.

"You passed out," Wisteria lies, crouching a little to meet Xylia halfway. "Alessia used a spell to heal you and now you're back. You don't have to thank her, but we should get moving if we want to finish this request."

"Thank her? The fuck for?" Xylia grunts again, but she doesn't question it any further. The woman gets to her feet and brushes dust off of her chest. She walks towards the village without a second thought about it. "Let's get moving then."

Wisteria let Xylia ahead of them, then pulled Alessia and Elisia together by her so she could speak with them quietly. "Let's finish this one request then go straight home. This issue is beyond our abilities to handle alone. I'll keep an eye on Xylia. If she starts turning again I can heal her once. We need to protect her for now. If that demon gets out again we may not be able to stop it."

Elisia lowered her bow just in time, returning the drawn arrow to her quiver in a nonchalant manner. She was not pleased. Although, yes, she was grateful that no harm came to any of them, she was reluctant to continue into further danger. She whispered in response, "it's easier said than done, I'm afraid."

"I have a healing spell in my arsenal," Alessia countered. "As long as we remain vigilant and don't allow her to go off on her own we'll be okay. We just have to change up our approach." The magic knight nodded to the little mage, thankful to have her around – she was perhaps the wisest of them all and definitely the most naturally powerful. True, Elisia had her precision and Xylia had her raw strength, but the girl had an inner calm and sense of self. Those tools caused her to surpass them all. "We can do this," she added as a final thought.

With the party in agreement to get this quest taken care of as quickly as possible, they avoid the side path for now but keep note of it in their memory. They could take a memo for now and pin it to the bulletin board for whenever they were ready to take it on. In the meantime, they continued down the main path which curved through the trees. They passed no one on their way and came across no other creatures, something they would have to thank their lucky stars for. The forest thinned out and led to a larger dirt path that went straight towards a motley collection of wood buildings in the distance. The path had large stretches of farmland on both sides. Large barns could be seen in the distance and numerous wooden fences in pretty sorry condition enclosed the crops. To the right of the collection of buildings that could only be their destination was a large stretch of wastes, desert land with large sandstone ridges and formations, spires and towers. It looked like a rather dangerous place to visit, but was definitely a place of note. To the other side there were more woodlands, and miles and miles away were mountains off on the horizon, piercing the white cloud-covered blue sky.

The air was warm and nearly stifling, but a nice breeze wafting from the north brought a cool solace to the skin of the guild members. They continued their way down the path and were met by a tall gentleman in a rather fanciful black suit with blinding golden buttons and white cuffs. The dress shirt beneath was a dark red in color with black buttons, and a white kerchief was tucked into it, spotless and clean despite the grease and oil that was smudged on this man's face. How was that even possible?

Upon seeing the group approaching, the man waved a black greased hand, running the other likewise filthy hand through his messy black hair. At least the grease wouldn't be visible amidst the dark locks.

"Well met, travelers!" the man boomed out to them as they were near enough to converse with. "My name is Harold Jethammer, your contact...well, assuming you're with the Heart of Mana," the man said with a nervous chuckle. His dazzling blue eyes stood out amidst the filth caking his face. Between the smudges, his skin was rather tanned. Also juxtaposing the grunge was his teeth which were brilliant and white, shining each time he gave the ladies a smile.

Thankfully they came across no more interruptions. This far away from true civilization, Xylia would have murdered them all if the demon got brought up to the surface again. Hopefully they won't come across anything dangerous enough to bring Xylia to that point again. They may have to kill her if it came down to it. That was something that Wisteria was not willing to do, not yet. There is too much death in the world already.

They come across a strange man wearing a spotless dress suit and probably three liters of grease on his face and hair alone. The sight was disturbing to Wisteria, when was the last time this man took a bath, anyway? He seems friendly, but that just added to how weird he looked. Xylia had a better word to describe the man, however, though Wisteria was sure she'd never repeat it herself.

"The fuck are you supposed to be? Someone shit on your face or were you born that way?" Oh Xylia...

"I'll be damned. It's Xylia the Living Weapon in the flesh!" Harold exclaimed with a mighty guffaw, raising a greased hand to his face to try and stifle the laughter. "Xylia here is well-known in the Height of Power, even though she just recently was able to join a guild. Known for a bad attitude and a great throwing arm capable of turning anything she can grab into a weapon. Our rocketeers would never duel her because she would take their ammo and use it against them. It was always a sight to see!" Harold explained to the other three--obviously their guildmates, and he determined that this must indeed be the Heart of Mana. Such a small guild. He inwardly chuckled at the thought of Xylia being with a guild with such a low reputation. She would be a great asset to them, that is, if she could keep her mouth under control. But it seemed that wasn't likely.

"We never got to meet in person, Xylia, but I'm one of the higher ups in the Height of Power. My weapon is very high-maintenance. It needs to be well-lubed and taken care of so I usually wind up looking like this. I just finished preparing my weapon for the day not too long before you guys arrived. I have had a chance to clean myself up yet, so my apologies. Did you guys have a nice trip through the woods? My small squad encountered a lot of baddies in there. You know there's a rumor of there being a graveyard in the forest somewhere that houses an evil being that raises bodies from the dead and enchants artificially made objects? The Holy Might has been trying to find the place but it's proving elusive. They think it might be beyond the constructs that attack people that get too close, but no one's been able to stop those either!"

Alessia had been prepared to respond to the man's assumption when Xylia responded flatly with a less-than-appropriate retort. The Magic Knight frowned and opened her mouth to apologize on the problematic woman's behalf when the man let out a hearty laugh. It didn't add up until Harold mentioned Height of Power and then Alessia put two and two together fairly quickly – he was a fellow faction member and he had some pretty complimentary things to say. The amazonian woman kept her lips sealed as the man spoke of her prowess with delight. He likely did not know that Xylia housed a demon within her; it would be better to keep things that way and let him think positively.

"We managed to get through without too much difficulty," Alessia responded, not allowing Xylia to say anything more vulgar just yet. "Thankfully we didn't have to deal with any necromancer, but I'm sure we'll get around to taking a look eventually." Alessia weighed the idea in her mind a moment. Fighting more of those undead and their potential summoner without getting stronger would be a bad idea. Their motley crew had enough trouble with a few stragglers, best not to go running off into greater danger than they could handle. "My name is Alessia," the Magic Knight added with a nod, "I am the spokesperson for our squad. You know Xylia already, but this is Elisia and Wisteria."

Elisia offered a curt wave when Alessia spoke her name. She wasn't exactly the most talkative person normally and, given the circumstances with Xylia, she didn't particularly feel like chatting. Especially not with a man who seemed to have no idea as to what was really going on with the famed "Living Weapon."

"I'm afraid we've no time to stand on ceremony," Wisteria spoke after Alessia took her turn introducing the rest of them. "I would much like to get this mission done as quickly as possible." The less time they spent battling dangerous creatures or standing around - the less chances of Xylia turning over her body to the demon. Surely her soul could not be corrupted to the point of no return, but how long has this demon even been inside her? There may be no hope for her at all.

"Yeah, that's what I'm talking about!" Xylia seems pretty pleased from all the compliments and from Wisteria's want to get moving. She could relate to that part at least, though she still had no idea of what was inside her. "Alright shit-face, just tell me where to go and I'll shove my fist into it!" Xylia was far too excited for what was supposed to be a simple mission.

"Funny that you mention enemies," Harold said with a light chuckle and turned to face the village.  "This was meant to be just a recon mission to make sure that the village was okay.  Sure enough, it is not.  Apparently, in the nearby Riot Badlands, there is a group of barbarians that repeatedly pillage the town, taking crops and people alike.  Some people make it back, but they are beaten and raped--mere shells of what they once were.  We're dealing with some real villains.  They must have been using the period of seclusion from the rest of the world to take advantage of the town while they could.  But now that things are starting to reconnect, we can put them in their place."

"For the time being, why not explore the town?  Learn more from the townsfolk and maybe stock up on some unique supplies.  They have things here that aren't as common as they are in Irysium.  I heard there was a great blacksmith in town.  He's the strongest fighter here so he would definitely be a good target to visit.  When you're done with all that you can find me by the fields to the east, or if one of you just wants to chat that's where I'll be.  Keeping watch and all that.  Take it easy now!"

With that, the man ran off into the dusty rural town, presumably to go to his post leaving the group to explore as he had suggested.

* * *

~Wendy's Apothecary~

Tonic (Recovers 20 HP and 10 MP upon use) / Gold: 15 / Stock: 1

White Lily (Grants Immunity for 3 turns upon use) / Gold: 60 / Stock: 1

Vial of Acid (Removes Petrify upon use or deals 8% Max HP Dmg to an adjacent target) / Gold: 45 / Stock: 4 / Extra: Each vial contains (3) uses

Hunter's Talisman (Reduces aggression garnered by foes if worn; charm wears off after 3 turns) / Gold: 10 / Stock: 7

Chest Key (Unlocks target chest or door) / Gold: 75 / Stock: 2 / SPECIAL: Buy one, get one free!

~Brengard's Forge~

Services:

-Enhance current equipment (Bolsters stat bonuses) / Price varies
-Fortify current equipment (Adds non-status effect related extras) / Price varies / Effects are random
-Enchant current equipment (Adds status effect related extras) / Price varies / Effects are random
-Complete equipment overhaul (Turns piece of equipment into a more powerful, different piece of equipment) / Price varies / Upgraded equipment is random

~Atelier Karakel~

Item Synthesis:

-Provide materials and money
-Receive item

*The more money put in and the higher the quality of materials, the better the result.

Equipment Synthesis:

-Provide a base piece of equipment
-Provide money and materials
-Receive new equipment

*The more money put in and the higher the quality of materials, the better the result.

~Places of Interest~

-The Krentz Elder's House
-Sunset Swill (Tavern)
-Granny Honeydew's (Bed and Breakfast)
-The Eastern Fields (Harold's current location)

"It's a good thing we've arrived then," Alessia responded, her tone betraying her true feelings. True they were a competent bunch and could aid the village, but at the moment getting involved with a vicious group of thugs seemed like the worst way to keep Xylia's inner demons from being released. Nevertheless, the small squadron could not turn tail and run – perhaps if they had the support of Harold and others it would not lead to such an unfavorable outcome. "I'll check in town and prepare our supplies," she added with a smile before turning her head to give a knowing look to both Elisia and Wisteria. They had to see there was little arguing the matter.

Elisia frowned but nodded. Her teeth ground together. She didn't like the idea of getting roughed up so Xylia wouldn't kill them all, but if that's what had to be done then done it would be. She breathed steadily and glanced down at the tiny mage beside her. "I think I'm gonna go for a walk," the sharpshooter announced, "would you care to join me, Wisteria?"

With Elisia in agreement and off to do her own mental preparation, Alessia turned and headed toward the village with her head held high. There wasn't too terribly much to the small locale. A few homes, a tavern, an inn, and several stores. The Magic Knight quickly found herself walking in the direction of the blacksmith's forge – not only had Harold suggested it, but she felt an upgrade was well past due with all the trouble the party had been getting into. She stepped inside and look around. "Hello?" she called, closing the door behind her, "Is the smith in?"

Beaten and raped? Xylia ponders for a moment, not really moving until a huge grin spreads across her face. If that is the case, now they get to do the beating and the raping! Xylia didn't quite like being in a group like this at first but if it nets her some sweet ass perks like this one then she won't complain. Shit's gonna be fucking rad, it is almost too much excitement for her to bear. Xylia marches off then, though where she is going even she didn't know. Maybe she'd stop by the tavern and rough up some of the men.

"I'd love to join you," Wisteria says kindly and steps closer to Elisia. Exploring a new area is an exciting thing, but Wisteria knew the benefits of sticking close to another person. After all, her mother and father went practically everywhere together. One person alone could only see the world one way, so imagine how much two people could learn and share simply by walking together. As they walk, it occurs to Wisteria that she knows very little about the archer. Inquisitive as she is, Wisteria helps herself to giving inquiries. But first, she needed to butter her up.

"You and I knew each other in the Night's Shroud for a time, but never really got the chance to talk. We were in different sub-factions, after all. I a mage, and you an archer. I've heard a lot about your skill and talent, it's all that anyone talks about concerning you. Now that I've seen it for myself, I have to say those rumors don't do you much justice." Wisteria will leave it off at that for now. Such praise will garner a response from most people, Wisteria included.

Alessia entered the forge and was greeted by a blistering heat and the smell of molten steel and ash. A great many weapons hung from the walls, glimmering in the firelight that served as the only illumination in the dim room, emanating from the sole furnace against the right wall. Standing over near it was a large man with a bald head and beads of sweating clinging to his furrowed brow. His eyebrows were black and bushy, his eyes squinting to look down at a weapon he was working on that lie perfectly upon his anvil. His face was caked with grime, much like Harold, and his black mustache was singed in some places. Little wisps of smoke trailed listlessly upwards from his face as proof. His muscular upper body was topless save for some leather strap armor he wore across his chest, covering only a portion of it while leaving the rest exposed. He wore thick black gloves upon his hands, but not much else to protect himself from the dangers of his trade. Whether he was experienced or just reckless was difficult to tell, but Harold had recommended him.

The burly man perked up a bit as a female voice reached him asking if the smith was in. He let out a bellow of a laugh and approached Alessia with a hearty grin.

"Why yes, the smith is in indeed, haha!!" he exclaimed jovially, extending a hand to the female knight. "The name's Brengard! What's led you to my forge today, young lady?"

Elisia smiled as the tiny mage agreed to accompany her. An actual smile. She almost faltered when she noticed it. Smiling wasn't a commodity she afforded herself very often despite the fact that there was plenty to be joyful for in this recreated world. It certainly beat the original tragedy she and Natasha had come from. Even so work came first and her line of work rarely allowed her to feel so carefree. The Sharpshooter would have lost herself in such thoughts had it not been for Wisteria speaking up.

"I thought I had seen you around before," Elisia offered in kind, stretching and settling her arms behind her head as they walked. The parade of compliments that followed, however, caused her to drop her arms almost immediately. The bow wielder shrugged, although one would find it difficult to tell if this stemmed from embarassment or modesty. "Thank you," she responded casually, "I can't take all the credit though. I've had two wonderful teachers – masters of the bow in their own right – and I owe it all to them." She paused a moment. There was one other person who deserved her fair share of recognition.

"My sister, too," she added with a firm nod. Aika and her father had certainly helped her get to where she was today, but Natasha had been the root of everything her entire life. "She's the reason I've trained as hard as I have." At this, Elisia reached into her vest and pulled out a dull metal locket in the shape of a heart. She opened it up and handed the trinket to Wisteria. Inside was a picture of a Elisia and young girl who looked not much older than Wisteria did physically, although she was two years the tiny mage's junior. "Natasha." Had Elisia not mentioned their relation, it would have been almost impossible to guess the two were sisters. Apart from her facial structure and skin tone the two looked very different. Whereas the Sharpshooter was toned and tall with long raven hair and stormcloud-colored eyes, Natasha was thin and short with pale strawberry blonde hair careening from her head like a waterfall just to her shoulders. Her eyes were decidedly hazel with a tint of blue in the middle.

"She's a magician as well," Elisia continued, "although you are leagues ahead of her in terms of skill. She has much to learn but... I don't want her to." She held her hand out to take the locket back from Wisteria, eyes lost in the thought. Her brow furrowed. "I'm sure you're well aware, being a mage yourself, but magic... it's dangerous stuff. One move and you can change someone's life forever." She thought back on her fuzzy memories of that other world – of how that king had driven himself mad with obtaining power and using magic to conduct research. Her vision became blurry as she registered the one clear moment from her old life in her mind. "You can even lose yourself if you aren't careful..."

Alessia returned the man's hearty grin with a confident smile of her own. She took his hand and firmly shook it. Although the two had never met before the Magic Knight could not deny that she felt a sort of instant connection. It was moments like this one that felt certain she had made the right choice in enlisting as a knight. "I am Alessia. My guildmates and I came to investigate and perform reconnaissance. It seems, however, that the situation is more dire than we were first informed. Harold mentioned you might have some information about the bandits and could help guide our preparations?" Alessia looked around at some of the weapons in the shop – Brengard certainly had skill, each armament looked well-crafted. "I'd appreciate your assistance if you do not mind."

Wisteria holds the tiny locket with care, a little smile gracing her lips as she looked at the picture within. The two sisters really looked nothing alike, but since when did that matter? "She's very pretty," Wisteria says, handing the locket back to Elisia. "And very lucky to have someone who cares for her so much." Wisteria meant that. She only has a single sibling, and he more often makes her upset than anything else. Elisia mentioning magic brought Wisteria's attention right back to her though, and her smile turned into a slight frown.

"I understand how you feel," Wisteria says after a long sigh. She stops for a moment and glances down at her hands. At a word, she could create a great many things. She could create or destroy at a simple whim, and that - in itself - is absolutely terrifying. "Magic requires such precise control and focus just to make sure it is used as I will it. It takes years of dedication just to master a single element, even when that element has chosen you, never mind the other six." On top of all that, mastering certain elements could very well be outright impossible for a human lifespan to achieve. The task itself is a daunting process, finding a teacher or having the talent for the craft beyond simply having an element is so rare it may as well be a fool's errand. But if there are no masters, then how could humans ever hope to achieve anything in any world?

"Whenever I use magic," Wisteria starts, looking up towards Elisia now. "I find myself become afraid. I'm scared of my own power because I know what it can do. But it is that fear that drives me to be exact in every measurement, every word, and every spell. But magic can't be hidden or locked away. It is always present and it will grow even if you don't train it. A mage who does not learn to control her power will eventually find it forever out of reach of her control."

Wisteria pauses slightly before allowing herself to smile again. She brushes her hands against her dress and allows bits of her magic to flow from her fingers. White stars flow from her hands, little creations that are meant for nothing more than simple decoration, but as they land on her midnight-blue dress, they create a wondrous glimmer. "Magic can be used to create beauty too, you know."