Decaying World

/Move!/

Kydrin immediately diverted a swing at his form from the knight who had rushed at him, quickly performing a powerful twist on the ball of his toe, two blades immediately ripping into the knight apprentice's open and vulnerable stomach and swinging the drawn blood around against the walls as he finishes. The thought formed in his head how much easier it was to fight with another soul focusing as well. /Saved me once again, Dastin./ he thought, putting his blades in a defensive position after shifting to a balanced stance.

"Come at me, then."

[Kydrin attacks Marie! 7 ATK Damage! 7 ATK Damage!]
[Kydrin waits....]

The Rune Knight moved closer, attacking Caleb, whose own attack had just backfired. Seeing her chance, Vera again lifted her birdcage slightly higher. Once again, a great, bright light coalesced inside of the iron bars. As it grew to its brightest, it shot out as a beam directly into the eyes of the Rune Knight.

Vera's face remained expressionless while she changed her focus back to Duncan. And still intently she stared, without yet having said a word.

Vera uses Shining Bright on Duncan! Blind! MP: 13/25. Vera waits...

This time his attack hit, but it came back for his blood, not being able to make a deep enough wound on the Rune Knight. Still worth it. The Soul Blade gasped as the burning sword cut through him. That sword...he wanted it. It would be his. He had to kill the Knight now. Recovering from the cut, Caleb gave a quick step back and waved both arms. A pair of greatswords, both equiped with parrying spiked, sprung into vision. The swords rushed at the enemy, seeking to burry into his flesh before fading into oblivion, to accomplish something worth the name they didn't bear.

Caleb moves to D6.

Caleb uses Phantom Assault on Duncan! 2 hits! 10 Dmg per hit!(Atk)

MP:11/25

Duncan takes 10 Dmg!

HP: 103/120

Duncan evades Blind!

Marie takes 6 Dmg!

HP: 19/25

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - End of the Line

Location: Runescryum Archives - Front Lot

Objective: Defeat Duncan, Rune Knight of the Blazing Inferno!

Achievement: Put Out the Phoenix's Flames - Show Duncan that the eternal flames are no match for the power of water by finishing him off with an attack of the water element. [10 AP]

Background: ~The Strong Cry Out~

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } D
{c} {c} {V} {A} {D} { } { } {M} { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } {K} { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } {V} { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } {V} {V} {V} { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

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

Kydrin's Gleam Blade has 2 turns left.

Caleb is Bleeding for 2 more turns.

Enemy Phase.

Duncan attacks Aeria! 12 Fire Dmg! (ATK)
---Duncan links Double Slash! 2 hits! 9 Dmg per hit! (ATK)

MP: 69/75

Duncan turned on his heel and dealt a blazing blow to Aeria who had unleashed a rather powerful attack upon him. Everything else tossed at him was negligible. "So she does possess some fight after all?" he asked aloud rhetorically, his grin illuminated by the fire dancing upon his blade. He extinguished the fire and dealt two quick slashes in follow up to his initial strike. "Playing with fire will always get you burned, my dear. You can still surrender, you know," he said, wondering why she'd want to risk her life in such a futile matter as this. Her endeavors, along with the endeavors of the others, would all come to naught. Had they not realized that by now?

Duncan waits.

Vince attacks Aeria! 7 Dmg! (ATK)

Vince waits.

Marie uses Double Slash on Kydrin! 2 hits! 6 Dmg per hit! (ATK) [MISS (2nd)]

MP: 14/20

Marie waits.

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } D
{c} {c} {V} {A} {D} { } { } {M} { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } {K} { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } {V} { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } {V} {V} {V} { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Marie is Blind for 1 more turn.

Player Phase 3!

Aeria (Fighter) *HOT-BLOODED SURGE*
HP: 29/35
MP: 6/20
DD: 2/10
Atk: 8 --- 11
Def: 7
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Caleb (Soul Blade) *BLEEDING [4]*
HP: 15/30
MP: 11/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 10
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Vera (Strange Girl)
HP: 15/15
MP: 13/25
DD: 0/10
Atk: 1
Def; 3
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Kydrin (Twin Carrier) *LIGHT AFFINITY* *PHYS DMG OUTPUT +20%*
HP: 23/25
MP: 14/20
DD: 2/10
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Duncan (Rune Knight) *SCORCHING PULSE [11]* *RERAISE*
HP: 103/120
MP: 75/75
DD: 4/10
Atk: 10
Def: 8
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Vince (Knight Apprentice)
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Marie (Knight Apprentice) *BLIND*
HP: 19/25
MP: 14/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

{X} - Archives Entrance (cannot be occupied)

{V} - Blazing Flame (cannot be occupied by any means)

{w} - Wall (cannot be occupied)

{f} - Fence (cannot be occupied)

{c} - Coach (cannot be occupied)

Aeria attacks Duncan! 11 Dmg! (ATK)

"There's no way we're going to surrender now," Aeria growled back at the smug rune knight, unleashing her counterattack in the form of a simple diagonal slash across his armored torso. She questioned its effectiveness, but tried not to worry too much over it. This man was definitely strong; it was something she was constantly reminded of as she felt his powerful sword strokes clash against her armor and shield. "If you were focused on saving this world, we wouldn't have had to resort to these measures, but if the knights of Runescryum refuse to do anything about it, then the denizens of our beloved Nagranok will take matters into their own hands and save her themselves."

Aeria waits.

Kydrin quickly countered the knight apprentice's second strike, already feeling the sting of the first surprising move that had struck through what little armor he had. /Allow me to take over?/ the voice persisted within Kydrin's mind. He sighed, keeping the two blades up warily. /Next time,/ he confirmed, then quickly lunged and slashed consecutively to strike back against the knight.

[Kydrin attacks Marie! 7 ATK Damage! 7 ATK Damage!]
[Kydrin waits...]

The Rune Knight turned to Aeria, completly ignoring Caleb's attack. The Soul Blade could feel the anger rising inside him. He could feel the King of the Swords rushing out. His blood boiled, his soul burned bright, he could not hold it any longer. There was a time when he could, long ago. But it seemed to have escaped him that day. Death changes everything, as they say. The sword had been out of his control for some time now, it would come when it wished, and ony when it wished, bringing relentless, senseless rage whenever it came.

He was breathing loud now, his eyes crazed.

-LOOK AT ME, RUNE KNIGHT! YOU WILL NOT IGNORE ME!!

The blood-red bastard sword rose up in the sky, its etched runes and dark obsidians seemingly glaring at the burning knight. A terrible scream filled the air, hundreds of souls crying in awe and fear. Six einherjar swords were summoned by the ruling sword, not one equal to the other. Longsword, greatsword, claymore, zweihander, katana, gladius. All paying their homage.

-I...am made...of SWORDS!

The servant blades rained upon the knight, followed by their Liege. Six swords could be blocked. Not all of them would hit. Not all of them needed to.

Caleb unleashes Ragnarok, The Last Sword on Duncan! 4 hits! 5 piercing Dmg per hit! (Atk)

Talking... Yelling... what was the point of it? Seeing that her light had missed its mark, Vera again silently lifted her birdcage up, and it stopped its slow swinging. The bright light once more coalesced inside of it. Then, it again fired itself as a beam toward the eyes of the Rune Knight. This time, it may just hit its mark...

As the light left the birdcage, it once again began swinging, this time even slower. It was unnaturally slow, and Vera knew that she wouldn't have many more chances to use magic once again...

Vera uses Shining Bright on Duncan! Blind! MP: 7/25. Vera waits...

Duncan takes 23 Dmg!

HP: 80/120

Duncan is Blind!

Marie takes 6 Dmg!

HP: 13/25

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - End of the Line

Location: Runescryum Archives - Front Lot

Objective: Defeat Duncan, Rune Knight of the Blazing Inferno!

Achievement: Put Out the Phoenix's Flames - Show Duncan that the eternal flames are no match for the power of water by finishing him off with an attack of the water element. [10 AP]

Background: ~The Strong Cry Out~

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } D
{c} {c} {V} {A} {D} { } { } {M} { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } {K} { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } {V} { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } {V} {V} {V} { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

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

Kydrin's Gleam Blade has 1 turn left.

Caleb is Bleeding for 1 more turn.

Enemy Phase.

Duncan uses Double Slash on Aeria! 2 hits! 9 Dmg per hit! (ATK) [MISS (All)]
---Duncan links Volcano! 9 Fire Dmg! (INT) [MISS]

MP: 61/75

The torrent of blades hit him hard, piercing through his heavy defenses. It made him cringe and he fell to one knee, subject to the attacks of the others, but he arose, shaking himself off and gripping his blade. "I'd attack you if I could," Duncan growled at Caleb, though his voice was rather quiet. His gaze was still focused on the rather determined Aeria. "Your little magic had some effect didn't it? So what? I'm supposed to attack you until you're dead? Then I'll massacre your allies right?" The rune knight filled the quiet night air with his laughter before slashing twice at Aeria, pulling his blade back and using his free hand to conjure a pillar of magma from beneath her feet. However, he realized that the woman had managed to evade each and every one of his attacks. With the light obscuring his vision, he couldn't see well at all, but managed to keep his calm despite the situation.

"My knight apprentices, stand strong in the face of this adversity! You're doing just fine, so keep it up!" Duncan shouted to his cohorts, a brilliant light showering each one as he spoke. A delighted look appeared on both of their faces which was then replaced by an expression of eery confidence.

Duncan uses Inspire on Vince and Marie! [Bestows Regen]

MP: 49/75

Duncan waits.

Vince attacks Aeria! 7 Dmg! (ATK)

Vince waits.

Marie uses Double Slash on Kydrin! 2 hits! 6 Dmg per hit! (ATK) [MISS (1st)]

MP: 8/20

Marie waits.

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } D
{c} {c} {V} {A} {D} { } { } {M} { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } {K} { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } {V} { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } {V} {V} {V} { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Marie is no longer Blind.

Duncan is Blind for 2 more turns.

Vince's Regen has 5 turns.

Marie's Regen has 5 turns.

Player Phase 4!

Aeria (Fighter) *HOT-BLOODED SURGE*
HP: 28/35
MP: 6/20
DD: 3/10
Atk: 8 --- 11
Def: 7
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Caleb (Soul Blade) *BLEEDING [4]*
HP: 11/30
MP: 11/25
DD: 0/10
Atk: 10
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Vera (Strange Girl)
HP: 15/15
MP: 7/25
DD: 0/10
Atk: 1
Def; 3
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Kydrin (Twin Carrier) *LIGHT AFFINITY* *PHYS DMG OUTPUT +20%*
HP: 21/25
MP: 14/20
DD: 4/10
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Duncan (Rune Knight) *SCORCHING PULSE [11]* *RERAISE* *BLIND*
HP: 80/120
MP: 60/75
DD: 4/10
Atk: 10
Def: 8
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Vince (Knight Apprentice) *REGEN [4]*
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Marie (Knight Apprentice) *REGEN [4]*
HP: 17/25
MP: 8/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

{X} - Archives Entrance (cannot be occupied)

{V} - Blazing Flame (cannot be occupied by any means)

{w} - Wall (cannot be occupied)

{f} - Fence (cannot be occupied)

{c} - Coach (cannot be occupied)

Aeria attacks Duncan! 11 Dmg! (ATK)

"Yeah, that's pretty much the gist of it," Aeria answered Duncan's question simply as he launched into a vicious combination of slashes which she dodged with ease. She hadn't expected the blast of magma to surge out from beneath her, but she narrowly escaped from being scorched at the last moment, drawing in a sharp breath as she could feel its heat as it coated the ground. It cooled rather quickly which was a good thing. Having to navigate around a pool of magma would not have made things easier. "Looks like you could use some better aim there, sharpshooter," Aeria jeered as she stabbed at Duncan with her own blade, fairly certain that she had hit her own mark, but one could never be sure. She was also growing increasingly aware of the annoyance that was the knight apprentice behind her, slashing away like crazy, though his attacks were not much more than bug bites to her. As long as Duncan went down, the knight apprentices would stand no chance and be forced to surrender.

Aeria waits.

Kydrin swiftly stepped away as a wild swipe was made at his form, but easily made up as the knight apprentice strikes his leg, causing him to fall slightly. He quickly caught himself, spinning around and quickly bringing his blades around to strike the knight back. He looked down at his blade as the light shimmering about it began to slowly fade. He had used it all up. He raised his swords carefully. /I might need help just yet, brother./


[Kydrin attacks Marie! 7 ATK Damage! 7 ATK Damage!]
[Kydrin moves to E7 (F8, F7, E7)]

The Soul Blade could feel the burning rage fading. The power flowing away. That had been a pretty good display of damage, but he was still bleeding. He decided to take some time to heal himself. That would also give him time to cool his head properly. It was a terrible idea to fight like that. Lanz could do it, but he wasn't Lanz. He was the Sword.

-Hands, tend to me!

A beautiful katana floated into reality. It's long, silver blade etched in complex ideograms. It's handle was golden, with blue ribons. The sword exaled peace, serenity, and holiness. She turned to Caleb and slashed him down. Everyone's surprise faded when, as the blade cut through the already cut flesh, it didn't rend deeper, but closed. It made no sense, yet it happened.

Caleb uses Yawarai-Te, the Tender Hands on himself! Heals 10 Dmg! Cures Bleed!

MP: 1/25

Caleb waits.

Vera's little trick had succeeded; the Rune Knight would be hard pressed to hit anything -- at least for a while. Vera knew that this would be all she could do to Duncan, for now, at least, so she looked to Kydrin's scuffle. Seeing that he seemed to be fighting quite the war of attrition, she stepped forward, raising her cage,which stopped moving as the times before.

As it stopped, a power gathered inside of it. Unlike the times before, this power was not brightly colored. Instead, it was completely transparent, only visible through the distortions it made of what could be seen past it. Then, it shot out through the bars of the cage, flying towards the apprentice, distorting things that could be seen through it as it went.

It flew into the Knight Apprentice...

Vera moves to cell F7. Vera attacks Marie! 5 INT Damage!

Duncan takes 3 Dmg!

HP: 77/120

Marie takes 8 Dmg!

HP: 9/25

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - End of the Line

Location: Runescryum Archives - Front Lot

Objective: Defeat Duncan, Rune Knight of the Blazing Inferno!

Achievement: Put Out the Phoenix's Flames - Show Duncan that the eternal flames are no match for the power of water by finishing him off with an attack of the water element. [10 AP]

Background: ~The Strong Cry Out~

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } D
{c} {c} {V} {A} {D} { } {K} {M} { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } {V} { } { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } {V} {V} {V} { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Aeria's Hot-Blooded Surge fades.

Kydrin's Gleam Blade fades.

Caleb is no longer Bleeding.

Enemy Phase.

Duncan attacks Aeria! 2 hits! 12 Fire Dmg per hit! (ATK) [MISS (2nd)]

With saber blazing in searing flames, Duncan slashed at Aeria twice, his fire lighting up the night, but his sight rendered his second slash pointless as the woman was very easily able to dodge. However, despite his obscured vision, he noticed that the aura surrounding her had faded and the feeling of vengeance boiling from within his soul had subsided at least a little bit. Without turning much, he raised a hand towards Caleb. "Roast away, sword boy," the rune knight stated simply as he snapped his fingers causing flames to dance across Caleb's skin and entire body..or so he thought. In reality, the flames did nothing more than lash about in midair, not harming anyone at all. His spell had clearly missed, but he refused to show how perturbed he was by this chain of events. Instead, he persisted onwards as he had. It wasn't like he was in mortal peril or anything.

Duncan casts Fire on Caleb! 7 Fire Dmg! (INT) [MISS]

MP: 54/75

Duncan waits.

Vince attacks Aeria! 7 Dmg! (ATK) [MISS]

Vince waits.

Marie uses Glancing Blow on Kydrin! 8 Dmg! (ATK) [Kydrin is Bleeding]

MP: 2/20

Marie moves to C8.

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {M} { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } D
{c} {c} {V} {A} {D} { } {K} { } { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } {V} { } { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } {V} {V} {V} { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Duncan is Blind for 1 more turn.

Vince's Regen has 4 more turns.

Marie's Regen has 4 more turns.

Player Phase 5!

Aeria (Fighter)
HP: 25/35
MP: 6/20
DD: 4/10
Atk: 8
Def: 7
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Caleb (Soul Blade)
HP: 21/30
MP: 1/25
DD: 0/10
Atk: 10
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Vera (Strange Girl)
HP: 15/15
MP: 7/25
DD: 1/10
Atk: 1
Def; 3
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Kydrin (Twin Carrier) *LIGHT AFFINITY* *BLEEDING [3]*
HP: 14/25
MP: 14/20
DD: 6/10
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Duncan (Rune Knight) *SCORCHING PULSE [11]* *RERAISE* *BLIND*
HP: 77/120
MP: 65/75
DD: 5/10
Atk: 10
Def: 8
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Vince (Knight Apprentice) *REGEN [4]*
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Marie (Knight Apprentice) *REGEN [4]*
HP: 13/25
MP: 2/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

{X} - Archives Entrance (cannot be occupied)

{V} - Blazing Flame (cannot be occupied by any means)

{w} - Wall (cannot be occupied)

{f} - Fence (cannot be occupied)

{c} - Coach (cannot be occupied)

Aeria moves to G4.

It was a risky move, but Aeria was determined to take it. The fighter pulled back, drawing closer to the building in an attempt to lure Duncan towards her and away from the others. If he thought for a moment that she was trying to retreat, there was no doubt his arrogant self would jeer at her and try to put more pressure upon her, but if he did that, he would be playing right into her hands. She raised her blade into the sky and heard herself growling as the red aura surrounded her once more, running down the length of her blade and coating her body and shield. Now, we just see how stupid this guy really is. At least even if he does go after the others, his severe sight impairment will prevent them from too much harm, she thought, her gaze wandering to the young girl with the birdcage. A practitioner of magic, it seemed. She was the one that was slinging blasts of light at the knights, blinding them. There was something off about her though. Shrugging her shoulders slightly, she readied herself for Duncan's next attack should he fall for her trap.

Aeria uses Hot-Blooded Surge! [User ATK +40%][Attracts attention of enemies upon attacking]

MP: 0/20

The apprentice, in seemingly cowardice, had simply struck out at Kydrin, then backed away. It seemed as though she did not strike Kydrin with any more than a scrape, but another look showed that it was bleeding more than a normal wound should. Stepping beside her bleeding ally, Vera's cage once again began to gather energy, and once more unleashed it in the distorting wave of magic toward the apprentice.

Vera moves to cell E8. Vera attacks Marie! 5 INT damage!

Kydrin hit the ground with a thud, yelling out at the blow that had sliced a fine wound across his shoulder. He gripped it as he stared the knight down with a malevolent gaze. He couldn't take the knight apprentice alone.

/Allow me./

A sudden shift occured. The air began to crackle around Kydrin's form, several myriad bands of translucent coloring arcing out and over in a spherical shield. Then, a large blast cascaded out of Kydrin's body, encompassing him and quickly evaporating. Kydrin's blonde hair, tanned skin, and green gaze had transformed. Now stood a black-haired, pale, abyssal-eyed figure, gripping the blades tightly.

"You will not survive." Dastin growled, calling forth a swathe of dark, malicious energy upon the darkened blade.

[Kydrin uses Soul-Switch!]
[Light ----> Dark]
[Dastin's S-Ability Activates! 3 HP recovered!]
[17/25 HP]

[Dastin uses Vicious Blade! Attacks bestowed with Wound!]
[8/20 MP]
[Dastin waits..]

Now Caleb felt better. Much better. Seeing as the flames didn't even close to him, the Soul Blade smiled and pointed his broadsword. All that was left to do was to slash at the Rune Knight. He kept his ground and waved his hand, the sword mirroring his movement in a wide arc. His enemy was blinded for now, but it should not last long. He proved very, very strong, but as long as Aeria could keep him busy, they should be able to keep pressing him down.

Caleb attacks Duncan! 10 Dmg!(Atk)

Caleb waits.

Duncan takes 2 Dmg!

HP: 75/120

Marie takes 2 Dmg!

HP: 11/25

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - End of the Line

Location: Runescryum Archives - Front Lot

Objective: Defeat Duncan, Rune Knight of the Blazing Inferno!

Achievement: Put Out the Phoenix's Flames - Show Duncan that the eternal flames are no match for the power of water by finishing him off with an attack of the water element. [10 AP]

Background: ~The Strong Cry Out~

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {M} { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } D
{c} {c} {V} { } {D} { } {D} {V} { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{c} {c} { } {A} { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } {V} {V} {V} { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Aeria's Hot-Blooded Surge has 3 turns.

Dastin's Vicious Blade has 3 turns.

Dastin is Bleeding for 2 more turns.

Enemy Phase.

Duncan moves to G5.

"There is no escape for you!" Duncan growled as he pursued Aeria without a second thought. His feet pounded the ground before he came to a stop next to her, dealing a two blazing slashes at her torso before lowering one hand and raising it up, conjuring another pillar of scorching magma from beneath the woman. However, upon closer inspection, he realized not a single slash had connected--she had evaded each blow easily--and just as the magma pillar arose, she had stepped back simply to avoid it. His worsened eyesight was making him out to be a fool, but luckily, he felt his vision begin to clear and he could see everything perfectly now. He said nothing, but allowed a satisfied grin to creep onto his face.

Duncan attacks Aeria! 2 hits! 12 Fire Dmg per hit! (ATK) [MISS (All)]
---Duncan links Volcano! 9 Fire Dmg! (INT) [MISS]

MP: 57/75

Vince moves to D5.

Vince attacks Caleb! 7 Dmg! (ATK) [MISS]

Marie moves to D8.

Marie attacks Vera! 7 Dmg! (ATK)

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } {V} {C} { } {M} { } D
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } {D} {V} { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{c} {c} { } {A} {D} { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } {V} {V} {V} { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Duncan is no longer Blind.

Vince's Regen has 3 more turns.

Marie's Regen has 3 more turns.

Player Phase 6!

Aeria (Fighter) *HOT-BLOODED SURGE*
HP: 25/35
MP: 0/20
DD: 4/10
Atk: 8 --- 11
Def: 7
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Caleb (Soul Blade)
HP: 21/30
MP: 1/25
DD: 1/10
Atk: 10
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Vera (Strange Girl)
HP: 11/15
MP: 7/25
DD: 2/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Dastin (Twin Carrier) *DARK AFFINITY* *BLEEDING [3]*
HP: 14/25
MP: 8/20
DD: 6/10
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Duncan (Rune Knight) *SCORCHING PULSE [11]* *RERAISE*
HP: 75/120
MP: 68/75
DD: 5/10
Atk: 10
Def: 8
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Vince (Knight Apprentice) *REGEN [4]*
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Marie (Knight Apprentice) *REGEN [4]*
HP: 15/25
MP: 2/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

{X} - Archives Entrance (cannot be occupied)

{V} - Blazing Flame (cannot be occupied by any means)

{w} - Wall (cannot be occupied)

{f} - Fence (cannot be occupied)

{c} - Coach (cannot be occupied)

Aeria attacks Duncan! 11 Dmg! (ATK)

Aeria dodged every single one of Duncan's attacks without breaking a sweat and lunged forward with a powerful thrust from her own blade. She looked him defiantly in the eyes, noting that he seemed to be able to see like he could before now, but she still smirked. "Oh, I wasn't planning on escaping. I won't do that before I beat you to a bloody pulp. Might as well make you a message to the other knights to back off. We're not people you should mess with," she threatened confidently. As resilient as Duncan was, there was only so much abuse he could take before succumbing, and she knew this. She still wished she had a bit more power at her command to make it faster. Patience was a virtue, however, and if she began to grow frantic, she knew it would affect her battling negatively.

There's got to be a way to bypass his armor so we can drain his stamina quickly, she thought, though she knew she possessed no skills. She took a glance at the other two that had joined the fray at the beginning. Did Caleb and Nest's backup have anything up there sleeves? She knew Caleb had that risky sword of his that always wanted to make something bleed, even if it was Caleb himself. She'd rather save that as a last resort if anything. Feeling around in the depths of her soul, she realized she couldn't focus the malice in order to execute her most powerful attack yet. It would only be a matter of time however...

Aeria waits.

Dastin dashed around the strange girl he had waited with previously and the knight apprentice, stopping and quickly spinning to deliver two powerful slashes down her back, metal ripping against the dark energy surrounding the worn dao he possessed. Dastin then raises his swords warily, although he could feel the hot stinging of blood coursing down his side. /Dastin, do not destroy this body or I will forever mutilate you in the afterlife./

Dastin smirked, keeping the blades up. /Nonsense, you know me better. Just because I destroyed my previous body doesn't mean I'm not careful.../

/Yes it does./

/You got me there./

[Dastin moves to D7! (E7, D7)]
[Dastin attacks Marie! 6 ATK Damage! 6 ATK Damage!]

His armor was tough. Very tough. Caleb looked at the other two, they were having problems. Paying no attention to the Knight Apprentice slashing at him, Caleb takes handful of powdered mana he had found in a bag inside the Archives, and showers it on himself, feeling his energies refreshed.

Caleb uses Mana Powder on himself!

Caleb waits.

This was beginning to get annoying. Annoying and tiresome. Between the idiotic Rune Knight and the two apprentices, this was being slow more than anything. As this was going through Vera's mind, the apprentice Vera had been helping Kydrin -- who had just transformed into his darker self and attacked.

Vera followed suit. She knew that the leader's sight should be restored, but right now, this apprentice was annoying her. She raised her cage again, and once more, its srltrange energy appeared inside of it and shot out and the apprentice. After attacking, Vera moved away a bit. This was a rather dangerous place to be.

Vera attacks Marie! 5 INT damage!
Vera moves to cell F8.

Duncan takes 1 Dmg!

HP: 74/120

Marie takes 6 Dmg!

HP: 9/25

Marie evades Wound!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - End of the Line

Location: Runescryum Archives - Front Lot

Objective: Defeat Duncan, Rune Knight of the Blazing Inferno!

Achievement: Put Out the Phoenix's Flames - Show Duncan that the eternal flames are no match for the power of water by finishing him off with an attack of the water element. [10 AP]

Background: ~The Strong Cry Out~

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } {V} {C} {D} {M} { } D
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } {V} { } F
{c} {c} { } {A} {D} { } { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } {V} {V} {V} { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

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

Dastin's Vicious Blade has 2 turns left.

Dastin is Bleeding for 1 more turn.

Enemy Phase.

Duncan attacks Aeria! 2 hits! 12 Fire Dmg per hit! (ATK) [MISS (1st)]

Duncan moves to G6.

Blazing flames surging along the saber, Duncan lashed out at Aeria twice with his weapon, completely failing to land the first blow while bringing it back with his second. Even with his sight cleared, the woman was lighter on her feet than he had first thought. Still unperturbed by how things were going, he leaped back and shot a hand out towards Caleb. "I didn't forget about you, now," he said smugly before snapping his fingers causing flames to burst into life upon Caleb's skin, dancing across it to a searing symphony, the night air taking in the vast amount of smoke that all the fire was creating.

Duncan casts Fire on Caleb! 7 Fire Dmg! (INT) [Caleb is Burned]

MP: 62/75

Vince attacks Caleb! 7 Dmg! (ATK)

Vince waits.

Marie attacks Dastin! 7 Dmg! (ATK)

Marie waits.

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } {V} {C} {D} {M} { } D
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } {V} { } F
{c} {c} { } {A} { } {D} { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } {V} {V} {V} { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Vince's Regen has 2 more turns.

Marie's Regen has 2 more turns.

Player Phase 7!

Aeria (Fighter) *HOT-BLOODED SURGE*
HP: 22/35
MP: 0/20
DD: 5/10
Atk: 8 --- 11
Def: 7
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Caleb (Soul Blade) *BURN [4]*
HP: 10/30
MP: 11/25
DD: 1/10
Atk: 10
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Vera (Strange Girl)
HP: 11/15
MP: 7/25
DD: 3/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Dastin (Twin Carrier) *DARK AFFINITY* *BLEEDING [3]* *VICIOUS BLADE*
HP: 8/25
MP: 8/20
DD: 8/10
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Duncan (Rune Knight) *SCORCHING PULSE [11]* *RERAISE*
HP: 74/120
MP: 73/75
DD: 7/10
Atk: 10
Def: 8
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Vince (Knight Apprentice) *REGEN [4]*
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Marie (Knight Apprentice) *REGEN [4]*
HP: 13/25
MP: 2/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

{X} - Archives Entrance (cannot be occupied)

{V} - Blazing Flame (cannot be occupied by any means)

{w} - Wall (cannot be occupied)

{f} - Fence (cannot be occupied)

{c} - Coach (cannot be occupied)

Aeria moves to F6.

Aeria was pretty much through with trying to ignore the knight apprentices. Though not much of a threat to her, they were keeping attention off of Duncan, and really it would take all four of them combined to whittle away at the knight's impressive defenses and stamina. She dodged around Duncan, tucking her sword and shield away in a fluid motion before taking out her rifle. Getting down on one knee, she took careful aim at the female knight apprentice and pulled the trigger. The resulting bang resounded throughout the area. In the dead of night, she wasn't sure if the bullet had hit, but if it did, she was sure it would leave the knight apprentice in dire pain. If it had missed, then she would have to put the gun to her own head. Now wasn't the time for miscalculations. Looking around, everyone seemed to be hurt or exhausted in some way, shape, form or fashion. She needed to get them riled up so they could press on.

"Come on, guys; we've got this!" she called out to the others, even though the only one she really knew was Caleb. "You know, Duncan, your rookies are causing more trouble than you are. You should be ashamed," she shot nonchalantly towards the rune knight, giving him the cold shoulder while her eyes moved from one knight apprentice to the next. She wondered if her aura would be strong enough to instantly garner the knight apprentice's attention. It wouldn't matter regardless, for she wouldn't be lasting much longer anyway. Then that would leave the last knight apprentice and Duncan himself.

Aeria attacks Marie! 11 Dmg! (ATK)

Dastin felt more flesh rip on his body, stumbling back slightly. This girl was definitely tough, definitely meant to take on the most hits possible, for he was assured he had landed quite a few. His attention was suddenly diverted as a girl's voice rang out in his direction- the ally he was aiding- his focus drawing to the girl, then immediately on the blazing man of fury attempting to fell the man of blades and the girl. He smiled wickedly, his blades twitching.

/Don't you dare, you'll get us both kille-/

Dastin dashed forward, right next to the blazing man and immediately drawing his blades through Duncan with two consecutively fatal slashes to his midsection.

[Dastin moves to G7! (D7, E7, F7, G7)]
[Dastin attacks Duncan! 6 ATK Damage! 6 ATK Damage!]

Caleb's skin seared. It was painful, but he could take it. What worried him the most is that he was now left in a difficult position. He had Yawarai-Te, but who needed the healing more? Both him and Dastin were in a really bad shape, and where one was bleeding, the other was burning. Finally, he told himself he could do more damage, and more, could heal other times, at the expense of more Mana Powder. Felling just a little bad about himself, and very angry at the Rune Knight, Caleb summoned the holy sword again.

Yawarai-Te came down, piercing through the Soul Blade. It couldn't put out his flames, but could undo the damage already done to his flesh.

Caleb uses Yawarai-Te, The Tender Hands on himself! Heals 10 Dmg!

MP: 1/25

Caleb moves to B6.

Vera heard the calls of her apparent ally. Turning around, she walked towards the boy who was now known as Dastin. She faced Duncan, raising her cage. Inside the cage, there gathered that familiar bright light that had previously been used to blind their enemies. As in the other times, it flashed out in a beam towards the eyes of Duncan, hopefully obscuring them.

After firing off the beam of light, the cage again began swinging, though it was now so slow that it was amazing that it was staying up against the force of gravity on each of its high points. Vera knew that she couldn't use any more fancy attacks.

Vera moves to cell E7. Vera uses Shining Bright on Duncan! Blind! MP: 1/25

Duncan takes 2 Dmg!

HP: 72/120

Duncan is Wounded!

Duncan evades Blind!

Marie takes 7 Dmg!

HP: 6/25

S-Ability Guardian activates! [Bestows Protect]

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - End of the Line

Location: Runescryum Archives - Front Lot

Objective: Defeat Duncan, Rune Knight of the Blazing Inferno!

Achievement: Put Out the Phoenix's Flames - Show Duncan that the eternal flames are no match for the power of water by finishing him off with an attack of the water element. [10 AP]

Background: ~The Strong Cry Out~

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } {V} {C} { } {M} { } D
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } {V} { } { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } {D} {D} { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } {V} {V} {V} { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

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

Dastin's Vicious Blade has 1 turn left.

Dastin is no longer Bleeding.

Caleb is Burned for 2 more turns.

Enemy Phase.

Duncan attacks Aeria! 2 hits! 12 Fire Dmg per hit! (ATK) [MISS (1st)]
---Duncan links Volcano on Dastin! 9 Fire Dmg! (INT)

MP: 65/75

"You ought to keep your attention on me," Duncan growled as his saber lashed out at Aeria, blade burning as it always did. He lowered his hand and brought it up suddenly, but the expected magma pillar didn't envelop Aeria, but the nearby Dastin instead. His gaze shifted to the guy that had the guts to approach him like that. "And you ought to know your place." Raising his hand, he focused on the girl with the birdcage, watching as a magical flame burst into life, dancing across her skin as it had done Caleb's just moments before.

Duncan casts Fire on Vera! 7 Fire Dmg! (INT) [Vera evades Burn]

MP: 59/75

Duncan waits.

Vince attacks Caleb! 7 Dmg! (ATK)

Vince waits.

Marie moves to F7.

Marie attacks Aeria! 7 Dmg! (ATK)

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } {V} {C} { } { } { } D
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } {V} { } { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } {A} {M} { } { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } {D} {D} { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } {V} {V} {V} { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Vince's Regen has 1 more turn.

Marie's Regen has 1 more turn.

Duncan is Wounded for 3 turns.

Marie's Protect has 3 turns.

Player Phase 8!

Aeria (Fighter) *HOT-BLOODED SURGE*
HP: 18/35
MP: 0/20
DD: 6/10
Atk: 8 --- 11
Def: 7
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Caleb (Soul Blade) *BURN [4]*
HP: 16/30
MP: 1/25
DD: 1/10
Atk: 10
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Vera (Strange Girl)
HP: 8/15
MP: 1/25
DD: 3/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Dastin (Twin Carrier) *DARK AFFINITY* *VICIOUS BLADE* *CRITICAL*
HP: 1/25
MP: 8/20
DD: 10/10
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Duncan (Rune Knight) *SCORCHING PULSE [11]* *RERAISE* *WOUND [12]*
HP: 60/120
MP: 70/75
DD: 10/10
Atk: 10
Def: 8
Int: 6
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Vince (Knight Apprentice) *REGEN [4]*
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Marie (Knight Apprentice) *REGEN [4]* *PROTECT*
HP: 10/25
MP: 2/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

{X} - Archives Entrance (cannot be occupied)

{V} - Blazing Flame (cannot be occupied by any means)

{w} - Wall (cannot be occupied)

{f} - Fence (cannot be occupied)

{c} - Coach (cannot be occupied)

Aeria attacks Marie! 11 Dmg! (ATK)

"Blah, blah, blah," Aeria jeered lightly as she tucked away her rifle and produced her sword and shield once more now that her main target had so foolishly come right to her. She didn't hesitate in dealing the woman a hefty blow, but she seemed to have erected some kind of barrier around herself, thinking she was in danger of dying which was an understatement. "Duncan, can't you see I'm trying to off these knight apprentices? They're way stronger than you. You know, if you're getting tired of hearing that, you could always shut me up yourself, eh? Or...are we having a little 'performance' trouble today?" Aeria launched a more thought out volley of insults, striking the arrogant man where it was sure to hurt. If she didn't feel his full unbridled rage soon, she would have to give up. Her plan was to take the heat off the others because she noticed that they were falling prey to Duncan's fiery attacks. He was adept at both sword and spell, apparently. She wanted to ask someone to treat the fellow with the two swords, but she didn't want to say a single word that would lead Duncan into thinking about the others. She wanted his complete and undivided attention.

Aeria waits.

Dastin hit the ground with a thud, yelling out in pure agony as he felt the searing pain to his flesh emanate off his body. The surprising blast from below had caught him off guard, sending him flying in the air before hitting the crusted and slowly cooling ground with a crack. His whole body ached, his muscles attempting to comprehend the pain brought upon them. He glared up at Duncan, barely able to pull himself to his feet, returning to a fighting stance. "To hell I'm going down again.."

[Dastin attacks Duncan! 6 ATK Damage! 6 ATK Damage!]
[Dastin moves to F8 (G7, G8, F8)]