Decaying World

Aeria sheathed her sword and turned away from Samuel. His body was so marred by her brutal attacks, and even though his face looked so peaceful now, she knew he had been in so much pain. She knew what he had gone through, for she found herself on the brink several times. Sighing, she walked over to Nest who seemed to be writing something while he waited for Caleb to finish clearing out the other room. It was an oddity, though there wasn't much for him to do, that was true. She definitely wouldn't have let him try to fend off the brave knight apprentice on his own.

"Was it that your wrote there?" Aeria inquired of the scribe. It would take Caleb at least a few moments to get back to them, so she figured it would be okay to spare the time in-between trying to figure out what it was that Nest found it particularly pressing to write in such a dire time as it was. The weariness was evident in her voice, but she took solace in the fact that she could breath again. She treated her wounds with trace materials and knew it would hold up at least for a while--long enough for them to get out of the archives.

Nest snapped back into reality when Aeria spoke. It took him a moment to register her words. "Seeing as you are apart, it is only fitting." He hands the copy to her, the elegant scrawl equal to that of the original. "When you finish, I think it would be best if you could rest it with the body. He earned it." The scribe carefully folds the original script and puts it in his pouch. "Caleb, when you're ready. We must move on."

Potions and mana powder, trivial, but useful. And a badge of sorts. Not at all what Caleb expected from such a well guarded room, but still something. He ran back to the other two, the broadsword already in it's sheath.

-That's it, time to go. I found something pretty iteresting, a badge or something. It looks important, I think one of you two would probably be interested in it.

The Soul Blade showed the Flame Crest to the Aeria and Nest, looking at the dead knight. The last one to be taken down. He died at an imposible battle. Such a ridiculous death...

-Meaningless...pathetic. If you are going to die, at least die with purpose. If you waste your life like that, then your life had no meaning, no value. Idiot...

Aeria read over Nest's writing and was stunned by how well-written it actually was, and the emotion was captivated so perfectly. She nodded to him to let him know she understood and walked over to the body, kneeling beside it. "He did have a purpose, Caleb," she said softly, placing the page atop his torso gently before rising again. "His purpose was to defend the archives with his life. Fighting to the very end, he would not give up on his duty. Despite whatever hurt he inflicted upon me, I still have respect for him. He was no idiot. Just a pawn of the knights who could have been so much more had he been given the chance. Come," she concluded, waving a hand in the direction they would be forced to head. Now they had guards who were aware of their location coming the other end of the hall, and there was no telling what happened with the scholar, but hopefully the scene with Samuel would buy them some time.

Even now he's aiding us in death..., she thought as she ran down the hallway as best she could with the others at her side. The way she had laid him out would catch their pursuer's attention, and then there was the page they would most likely wait to read, hopefully out of complete irresistible curiosity. A large doorway eventually came into sight marking the end of the hall. The trio managed to get into the large circular room that housed a stairwell leading up to the ground floor, for the archives were beneath. In fact, Aeria had broken into one of the small windows lining the upper wall of the archive floor which was barely above the ground level. It had been a tight squeeze, but she had managed, and so the others must have managed as well. Not knowing exactly where the stairs would lead, the group was forced to ascend until they reached a wooden door. Aeria opened it slightly and peeked into a rather dreary hallway. The stone walls were lined with fliers and bulletin boards. It looked like the main hall to the whole building.

Entering the hall and waving the others out, Aeria closed the door quietly behind them. She covered her mouth as she realized in one direction she could see the main entrance. So her assumption had been correct after all. They were one sprint away from escape. It seemed the whole place hadn't been worked up into a tizzy just yet. And so they ran. But they didn't get far. In the lobby stood two knight apprentices talking to two other people, both female. One was armed with a bow and arrow while the other was garbed in dark robes carrying a crossbow. The one with the bow and arrow pointed at the trio.

"You reckon they were the source of the commotion downstairs? It was wise of us to stake out the lobby then," she stated nonchalantly. "Such rabble. Did you really think you were going to escape? Surrender now and perhaps the guards will be easy on you when they escort you to the dungeons."

"By breaking in here to steal away official documents, you have committed high treason and will be brought to death for it," the female with the crossbow rasped.

"I'd like to see you try and condemn us!" Aeria growled, unsheathing her blade and readying her shield for a fight. There was no way she was going to stop now, and she hoped the others were with her because the fight was starting.

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - How Much Farther?

Location: Runescryum Archives - Lobby

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Your Own Medicine - Inflict a negative status on the Saboteur to let her know how it feels. [1 AP]

Background: ~Runic Heart~

{w} {w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} A
{c} { } {c} { } { } {M} { } { } {w} B
{ } { } { } { } {L} { } { } { } {w} C
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } {T} {e} {w} D
{ } {t} { } { } {A} { } { } {e} {w} E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {A} { } {w} G
{ } {d} {d} {d} {d} {w} { } { } {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} I
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Aeria (Fighter)
HP: 35/35
MP: 20/20
DD: 10/10
Atk: 9
Def: 7
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Lina (Archer)
HP: 25/25
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 5
Int: 3
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Malice (Saboteur)
HP: 20/20
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 3
Int: 8
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

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

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

{X} - Main Entrance

{w} - Wall (cannot be occupied)

{d} - Desk (cannot be occupied)

{c} - Chair (cannot be occupied)

{t} - Table (cannot be occupied)

{e} - Display Case (cannot be occupied)

Characters may start in rows G-H, columns 7-8!

Nest moved with haste, quickly following Aeria, assuming she knew where she was going. His faith came to fruition when they reached a large room with an apparent entrance on the far end. Of course, given their luck so far, it was not to be that simple. More knights. "Is not escaping supposed to be easier than invading...?" He sighed as he held his quill at the ready. He was getting tired of all this back-to-back fighting.

|Nest appears in cell H7|

"To defend the archives with his life..."
She did not understand... she had no idea.
-To die like that? That is no purpose. Your death has a meaning only if it accomplished something. He wasted his life, tossed it away like it was nothing, and he achieved nothing. He was a fool to judge life so worthless, and deserved that ridiculous death for it. You know not the meaning of death, you have no idea how precious your life is, to be wasted away like that...the living never do.

Caleb was not open for discussion, that was a simple statement. He understood her point, in a sense. She couldn't know, he didn't, not before it happened at least.

He walked along the long path, feeling the moment of escape nearing. The sneaky opening and closing of a door. The gate, finally. They were there, but not really. Another fight, apparently.

-Maggots, that's all they are. I'll see that you at least entertain us.

Caleb starts in cell G8!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - How Much Farther?

Location: Runescryum Archives - Lobby

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Your Own Medicine - Inflict a negative status on the Saboteur to let her know how it feels. [1 AP]

Background: ~Runic Heart~

{w} {w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} A
{c} { } {c} { } { } {M} { } { } {w} B
{ } { } { } { } {L} { } { } { } {w} C
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } {T} {e} {w} D
{ } {t} { } { } {A} { } { } {e} {w} E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {A} {C} {w} G
{ } {d} {d} {d} {d} {w} {N} { } {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} I
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Aeria (Fighter)
HP: 35/35
MP: 20/20
DD: 10/10
Atk: 9
Def: 7
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Nest (Scribe)
HP: 25/25
MP: 37/37
DD: 9/10
Atk: 1
Def: 5
Int: 9
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Caleb (Soul Blade)
HP: 30/30
MP: 25/25
DD: 2/10
Atk: 10
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Lina (Archer)
HP: 25/25
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 5
Int: 3
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Malice (Saboteur)
HP: 20/20
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 3
Int: 8
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

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

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

{X} - Main Entrance

{w} - Wall (cannot be occupied)

{d} - Desk (cannot be occupied)

{c} - Chair (cannot be occupied)

{t} - Table (cannot be occupied)

{e} - Display Case (cannot be occupied)

Player Phase 1!

Aeria uses Hot-Blooded Surge! [ATK +40%][Draws enemy attention by attacking]

MP: 14/20

Aeria focused her rage at everything that had happened this night and built up her blazing red aura once again. With it, she could feel raw power surging through her, and she knew with this, she would draw the vengeance of anything she struck. The knight apprentices by this point were mere jokes; she was positive they couldn't do anything to her. The two females in the back, however, worried her immensely. They needed to be disposed of quickly. Taking a deep breath, Aeria began to sprint towards them and held her ground in the midst of all the foes, hoping to make herself a ready target so the others could go about picking off the enemies without having to worry about being attacked. It was rather gutsy, but Aeria had confidence in her abilities to defend, and it was with this confidence that she was able to find courage. In the back of her mind, she hoped she'd never lose it, for she knew that this little escape was just the beginning of something much larger.

Aeria moves to E6.

Caleb draws his sword, his target aready in mind. The two females were the most obvious threat, and from what he knew, the one in black robes was probably a bigger problem, and seemed the most fragile too. Of course, he was not going to reach them so quickly, so it should do no harm to dish a little bit damage on the way.

Caleb moves to E7.

The Soul Blade rushed to the closest knight and opened with a horizontal slash. Let's see how long his resolve lasts when he is holding his guts with his bare hands.

Caleb attacks Ted! 10 Dmg!(Atk)

Nest sighed. "Let's get this over with." He followed Aeira shortly, then ducked left for an open line of attack. His feather fluttered as he penned the air, his ever-so-familiar runes forming. He paused a moment, then scratched out the runes and began with something else. I'll need to save my energy for their leaders. He finished his writing, and the magic took its effect.

|Nest moves to cell G6.

Nest Basic attacks Allen. 9 Int Dmg|

Allen takes 6 Dmg!

HP: 19/25

Ted takes 6 Dmg!

HP: 19/25

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - How Much Farther?

Location: Runescryum Archives - Lobby

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Your Own Medicine - Inflict a negative status on the Saboteur to let her know how it feels. [1 AP]

Background: ~Runic Heart~

{w} {w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} A
{c} { } {c} { } { } {M} { } { } {w} B
{ } { } { } { } {L} { } { } { } {w} C
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } {T} {e} {w} D
{ } {t} { } { } {A} {A} {C} {e} {w} E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} F
{ } { } { } { } { } {N} { } { } {w} G
{ } {d} {d} {d} {d} {w} { } { } {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} I
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Aeria's Hot-Blooded Surge has 3 turns.

Enemy Phase.

Lina attacks Caleb! 8 Dmg! (ATK) [Caleb evades Misfortune]

"Malice, I'll let you handle this burly bitch here while I snipe down the rest of the garbage, capiche?" A malevolent grin crept upon the archer's face as she nocked an arrow and aimed straight for Caleb. As she released the arrow, it soared right for the soul blade, lodging itself in one of his thighs--a clean shot. "I'm just toying for now; I promise my aim will get better~"

Lina waits.

Malice casts Deprotect on Aeria! 8 Dmg! (INT) [Aeria is afflicted with Deprotect]

MP: 22/30

"No worries, Lina; I'll leave her begging for death," Malice snarled as she raised a hand into the air. A translucent barrier appeared around Aeria, but when Malice clenched her hand into a fist, the barrier shattered and Aeria seemed to flinch in response.

Malice moves to B4.

Allen moves to G5.

Allen attacks Nest! 7 Dmg! (ATK)

Ted attacks Caleb! 7 Dmg! (ATK)

Ted waits.

{w} {w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} A
{c} { } {c} {M} { } { } { } { } {w} B
{ } { } { } { } {L} { } { } { } {w} C
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } {T} {e} {w} D
{ } {t} { } { } { } {A} {C} {e} {w} E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} F
{ } { } { } { } {A} {N} { } { } {w} G
{ } {d} {d} {d} {d} {w} { } { } {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} I
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 2!

Aeria (Fighter) *DEPROTECT*
HP: 32/35
MP: 14/20
DD: 10/10
Atk: 9 --- 13
Def: 7
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Nest (Scribe)
HP: 23/25
MP: 37/37
DD: 10/10
Atk: 1
Def: 5
Int: 9
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

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

Lina (Archer)
HP: 25/25
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 5
Int: 3
Spr: 4
Evade: 5%
Move: 3 cells

Malice (Saboteur)
HP: 20/20
MP: 22/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 3
Int: 8
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

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

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

{X} - Main Entrance

{w} - Wall (cannot be occupied)

{d} - Desk (cannot be occupied)

{c} - Chair (cannot be occupied)

{t} - Table (cannot be occupied)

{e} - Display Case (cannot be occupied)

Aeria moves to D5.

Aeria had had enough. Menacing aura blazing, she was upon the archer in an instant. "Toying?" Her voice was deadly still and extremely unsettling. "You shouldn't make promises you can't keep." Aeria thrust her sword into the air and the air in the lobby grew thick making hard to breathe. Everything became tinted in red, and streams of energy from all over began to draw towards Aeria's sword like a magnet. The energy gathered more and more until Aeria was forced to use two hands to try and restrain the weapon. The color of the room returned to normal, but Aeria's eyes were still a hateful red. "May the gods have mercy on your immortal soul."

The hatred draws near to consume the one who creates it and brings forth malevolence into the world! Aeria unleashes the devastation known as Malice Cleaver! 26 Piercing Dmg!

Pulling the enormous blade of malicious energy to the side, she swung the massive thing horizontally, slicing the archer in half in an instant. Crimson blood sprayed across the previously spotless lobby floor and a shower of entrails soon followed. The two halves of the archer's rent body flopped to the floor unmoving. Aeria fell to one knee panting hard. She clutched part of her face with her hand. She wondered if her eyes were still red...if the malice was lingering around waiting to consume her as well. She always was afraid of it whenever she used the powerful technique. She imagined that one day, the hatred would devour her as well, but now wasn't the time for being afraid. Shakily, she stood up and shot a glare at the woman with the crossbow.

"Time to figure out who will be leaving who begging for death," she stated simply, the venomous comment obviously directed at Malice in retort to her own remark.

Caleb flashed a broad smile at the sight of the archer's quick demise. He looked at his other primary target and changed strategy. He would let her suffer.

-Nest, you got the poisons, and I'm sure you want some action after the treasure hunts in the last fights. Why don't you show our friend in black how it feels to be sabotaged?

Caleb moves to E5.

Not stopping his speech for a second, the Soul Blade walks away from the knight he just wounded, looking to retaliate at the one who went for Nest. A pair of twin scimitars materialized in the middle of the way, turning slowly to face the knight. Caleb waved his hands and the blades went spinning for the foe's chest and legs. There wouldn't be much left to do but finish him after this attack.

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

MP: 19/25

Nest's attack seemed to have brought the knight's focus on him. In a moment the scribe found him self on the wrong end of a blade. The cut was shallow, but when Nest saw it, he could not help but remember the courage of Samuel, fighting ever onward. Without even thinking, he scrawled a pair runes before Allen. Courage and Pain. The former increased Nest's drive to fight on, and the latter dealt its meaning on the poor fellow.

He didn't stop there. He moved onward, writing along the way, once again telling of a woman called Slavain. The runes emitted their magical force and embedded it into their targets.

|Nest's R-Ability "Epoch of samuel ~ True Knighthood" activates! 9 Int Dmg on Alen.

Nest moves to Cell: E6

Nest casts Epoch of Slavain ~ Pursuit on Allen. 9 Int Dmg. 9 Int Dmg. Chance of Poison. 29/37 MP
Nest chain casts Pursuit on Ted. 9 Int Dmg. 9 Int Dmg. Chance of Poison. 21/37 MP|

Lina takes 26 Dmg!

Lina KO!

Allen takes 24 Dmg!

Allen KO!

Ted takes 12 Dmg!

HP: 7/25

Ted is Poisoned!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - How Much Farther?

Location: Runescryum Archives - Lobby

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Your Own Medicine - Inflict a negative status on the Saboteur to let her know how it feels. [1 AP]

Background: ~Runic Heart~

{w} {w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} A
{c} { } {c} {M} { } { } { } { } {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} C
{ } {t} { } { } {A} { } {T} {e} {w} D
{ } {t} { } { } {C} {N} { } {e} {w} E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} G
{ } {d} {d} {d} {d} {w} { } { } {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} I
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

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

Enemy Phase.

Malice casts Poison on Aeria! 8 Dmg! (INT) [Aeria is Poisoned]

MP: 16/30

"What the fuck?!" Malice shouted as she covered her face with her arms as blood was sent spraying in all directions from Aeria's attack. Lina was nothing more than a corpse cleaved in half. "Oh, I'll make you pay for that bitch. I'll stand by my word; you'll be the one begging for death, hrah!" She waved a hand at Aeria causing putrid dark liquid to condense in the air around the fighter before dropping down on her, seeping into her skin wherever it could in order to poison her.

Malice waits.

Ted moves to E7.

Ted uses Glancing Blow on Nest! 8 Dmg! (ATK) [Nest evades Bleeding]

MP: 14/20

{w} {w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} A
{c} { } {c} {M} { } { } { } { } {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} C
{ } {t} { } { } {A} { } { } {e} {w} D
{ } {t} { } { } {C} {N} {T} {e} {w} E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} G
{ } {d} {d} {d} {d} {w} { } { } {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} I
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Ted is Poisoned for 3 turns.

Player Phase 3!

Aeria (Fighter) *DEPROTECT* *POISON [6]*
HP: 23/35
MP: 14/20
DD: 0/10
Atk: 9 --- 13
Def: 7
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Nest (Scribe)
HP: 20/25
MP: 21/37
DD: 10/10
Atk: 1
Def: 5
Int: 9
Spr: 4
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Caleb (Soul Blade)
HP: 25/30
MP: 19/25
DD: 5/10
Atk: 10
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Lina (Archer) *KO*

Malice (Saboteur)
HP: 20/20
MP: 16/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 3
Def: 3
Int: 8
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Allen (Knight Apprentice) *KO*

Ted (Knight Apprentice) *POISON [4]* *CRITICAL* *PROTECT*
HP: 3/25
MP: 14/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

{X} - Main Entrance

{w} - Wall (cannot be occupied)

{d} - Desk (cannot be occupied)

{c} - Chair (cannot be occupied)

{t} - Table (cannot be occupied)

{e} - Display Case (cannot be occupied)

Aeria moves to B5.

Aeria cringed as she felt herself growing weaker as the toxic substance entered her bloodstream. It was just as before when the wolves had poisoned her. She hated the sickened feeling, but shook herself a bit to regain control. "Keep talking," she replied simply and trotted to the door, turning to slice at the woman. The blazing aura surged around the blade as it attempted to cut the woman, and if it connected, Aeria would have her undivided attention, not that she didn't have it already. She definitely didn't want the others subject to the saboteur's dark afflicting magic. She still wasn't entirely sure what the first spell had done to her, but she felt oddly vulnerable, granted she always strove to make herself the center of attention. She was the shield for the others. That was what she had intended. Regardless, she kept her stance firm. It wouldn't be easy for the saboteur to get away from her now that Aeria had caught up. It was a careless mistake on the saboteur's part.

Aeria attacks Malice! 13 Dmg! (ATK)

Feelings seemed to be raging inside Nest like out of control flames. What was it? Enjoyment? Was he... enjoying this? One knight was left a lifeless husk, and the other shriveling away from the toxins. Two lives on Nest's hands. He wasn't finished though. He stepped to the side, so as to be in clear view of the one that seemed to have been the leader. "You won't be making anyone pay. For I shall be your escort to the river Styx." He scrawled the runes, and the damage was done.

|Nest moves to cell: E4.

Nest casts Epoch of Slavain ~ Pursuit on Malice. 9 Int Dmg. 9 Int Dmg. Chance of Poison. 13/37 MP
Nest chain casts Pursuit on Malice. 9 Int Dmg. 9 Int Dmg. Chance of Poison. 5/37 MP|

Caleb sighed, bored. That this had been decepively easy. He looked at the last knight standing. Aeria and Nest had piled down at the woman in black robes, so the only thing left was to finish him. The Soul Blade raised his hand, and a pair of longswords appeared behind him. Both had dragons for the hilt, but one had a pitch black blade, and the other, a glistening white one. Caleb lowered his arms, and the swords flew to the knight. He just waited for the blood to spill.

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

Caleb waits.

MP: 13/25

Malice takes 26 Dmg!

Malice KO!

Achievement failed...

Ted takes 12 Dmg!

Ted KO!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - How Much Farther?

Location: Runescryum Archives - Lobby

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Achievement: Your Own Medicine - Inflict a negative status on the Saboteur to let her know how it feels. (FAILED...) [1 AP]

Background: ~Runic Heart~

{w} {w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} A
{c} { } {c} { } {A} { } { } { } {w} B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} C
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } {e} {w} D
{ } {t} { } {N} {C} { } { } {e} {w} E
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} G
{ } {d} {d} {d} {d} {w} { } { } {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} I
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

All enemies have been defeated!
ENTRY COMPLETE!!

EXPERIENCE:

+2 - Archer x1
+2 - Saboteur x1
+2 - Knight Apprentice x2
+2 - Player Phase completed less than 10
+2 - No Player Character KO
+2 - No Items used

TOTAL EXP GAIN: 12

Aeria: 2/16 --- 14/16
Next Level: 14/16
DD: 1/10

Nest: 2/16 --- 14/16
Next Level; 14/16
DD: 10/10

Caleb: 2/16 --- 14/16
Next Level: 14/16
DD: 7/10

No Skill Points Awarded...

The Party receives 36 Gold!

Items found:
---Arrow Shaft x1
---Black Cloth x1

Edit your profiles, please~ Update will come shortly.

If there ever was a time to escape, it was then. Seizing it, Aeria and her companions burst out of the front door of the archive building and out into the cool night air. Looking up, Aeria realized the moon was descending from its pinnacle in the dark, star-covered sky. Time was steadily crawling forward, and soon, the sun would rise and a new day would begin. They had to be out of the capital before then which means they only had a few hours left to go. She wanted to cover as much distance as possible after leaving the capital because she knew there would be pursuers. Taking a few steps forward and about to continue sprinting, Aeria and the others were met with some resistance in the form of a man donning blazing red mail with black runes inscribed upon it in such a vain nature. His weapon was drawn--a saber with a solid black hilt and radiant crimson blade. A buckler rested on his opposite arm, mostly golden with a red flame motif. His hair seemed light in color--a mix of light brown and blonde. Quizzical emerald eyes gazed out at the scene displayed before him.

Screaming was heard from inside the lobby and Aeria turned around quickly to see that Nest hadn't made it outside. Guards were shackling him and dragging him back into the main hallway of the building. "NEST!!" Aeria cried out, tears forming in the corner of her eyes as she turned and was about to enter the door only to be stopped by a wall of flames. She turned on her heel and drew her sword and shield, her eyes filled with rage as she saw the smug grim on the armored man's face.

"That won't do. You'll be seeing him soon enough as long as you're not foolish," he said threateningly, though his features were casual, calm and collected. "It was so foolhardy to think you could waltz into our archives and take what you so desire. Arrogant. You should surrender now to save yourself some pain."

"Forget it!" Aeria shouted, her body trembling. "We've made it this far and we're not giving up. Not now. Even if..." Her voice trailed off.

"Even if what? We have your ally?" The knight burst out in a horrid guffaw before slashing the air with his blade leaving a trail of fire. "You're nothing but a sniveling fool that needs to be taught her place. Like a dog. If you refuse to surrender, I'll take my boot to you, foul insect! You're sentence is already death so I'll carry it out right here. To think that you can defeat me, a rune knight, is nothing but a joke! Wings of the phoenix, embrace me!!" Blazing wings of fire jetted out of the man's back and wrapped themselves around him before disappearing.

Duncan uses Phoenix Rising! [Bestows Reraise]

MP: 63/75

"You're just mad because made a mockery of the knights by breaking in and escaping easily. After all that we've been through, this is nothing but another stepping stone. You think you can dazzle us with your displays of power, but we all know you're just compensating for something you're lacking," Aeria scoffed, her eyes widened with a mixture of amusement and despair from losing Nest. She watched as two knight apprentices joined the rune knight, and she began to grow a bit worried. Could they really do it?

"My name is Duncan, Rune Knight of the Blazing Inferno. Mark this day as your last, for you are about to be ended!" With that, the flames in front of the door to the archive building surged even higher; there was no getting through.

Nearby, Caleb and Nest's accomplices looked on. They were on stake out in case something like this happened, and now they had no choice but to intervene, especially since Nest was taken.

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
{ } { } {V} { } {D} { } {M} { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } 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 (Fighter)
HP: 35/35
MP: 20/20
DD: 1/10
Atk: 8
Def: 7
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Duncan (Rune Knight) *SCORCHING PULSE [11]* *RERAISE*
HP: 120/120
MP: 74/75
DD: 0/10
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)
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
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)

Caleb may start in rows G-H, columns 4-6!

Vera and Kydrin may start in rows F-I, columns 8-9!

/Get in there, brother. I am itching to strike!/

Kydrin's eyes flash open as he surveys the scene now. The situation had ultimately escalated to one of utmost severity. Nest had been taken, and as far as Kydrin could tell, they would indefinitely never see the man ever again. He grips tighter against the rusted blade in his hand, a shimmering reminder of what he would have to resort to. The other blade, a dark iron dao with a curved edge to sever, too gleamed in the distant light of the blaze caused by the man known as Duncan. He feels the beckoning of the hidden appendage beneath his leather chest plate. /I suppose it is time../

A flash followed by the blur of a figure recedes as Kydrin stands ominously, blades wielded and facing menacingly toward the opponents, as if they were directed toward their adversaries... Kydrin looks up from his blonde shroud, dark blue eyes locking onto the opposers. "You can hide behind your fire," he mutters, "but nothing will save your soul."


[Kydrin starts at F8]

Caleb rushed to the exit, they had made it at last, but then it all happened so fast. Nest had been taken, and the Rune Knight was standing in their way with two apprentices. There was no other way, and Caleb liked it that way. He would take most pleasure in slaying that man.

-You seen like a worth fight, Rune Knight. Try to do a better job than your conrades before I send you to hell, ok?

The broadsword glided out of its sheath slowly, making a long whistling sound. Caleb smiled as he saw his other companions come to help. The Soul Blade looked back to the Rune Knight. Fire, uh? Good thing he got that Crest. His anger burned bright, he never longed so much to unleash Ragnarok.

Caleb Starts in Cell G5.

It seemed everything was going to plan. The other two had gotten out, albeit with a third in tow, and were heading out of the archives. Fate, however, seemed to conspire against them, as it seemed it always did. Even as the others ran out of the great building, they were surrounded by the knights, while Nest was taken prisoner. Just when it seemed everything was going better than Vera thought too...

Vera had just been staking out the area with Kydrin when the knights ambushed the ones that could be called little more than allies. Kydrin rushed forward, talking to himself as he always seemed to do. Talking...

Silently, Vera walked forward, her gaze inviting doom on the Rune Knight. She stared him down, her purple eyes seemingly deeper than the most vast of oceans. Her emotionless face seemed devoid of any feeling. The empty birdcage in her hand swung high without her moving her arm.

And she stared at the Rune Knight...

Vera starts at cell H8.

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
{ } { } {V} { } {D} { } {M} { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } {K} { } F
{c} {c} { } {A} { } {C} { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {V} { } 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 (Fighter)
HP: 35/35
MP: 20/20
DD: 1/10
Atk: 8
Def: 7
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Caleb (Soul Blade)
HP: 30/30
MP: 25/25
DD: 7/10
Atk: 10
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

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

Kydrin (Twin Carrier) *LIGHT AFFINITY*
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
DD: 0/10
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Duncan (Rune Knight) *SCORCHING PULSE [11]* *RERAISE*
HP: 120/120
MP: 74/75
DD: 0/10
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)
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/20
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)

Player Phase 1!

Aeria moves to E4.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw more people join the fray, people who were obviously not with the knights. They were other freelancers working with Caleb and Nest. Aeria let out a sigh of relief. She doubted that just her and Caleb could take Duncan on their own. Strong as they were, this man had a lot more training and held great power as he obviously showed. She fiddled with the crest she had adorned herself with; it would protect her at least a bit from his vicious flames. Taking a few steps forward, she raised her blade into the air, growling a bit as the blazing red aura surrounded her, coating her weapons and entire body. As soon as it had completely enveloped her, she lowered her sword and pointed it at Duncan.

"So you think you're such a tough guy, eh?" she shot at him, grinning cockily as if she couldn't care less about his presence now. She went as far as to take out the document she stole for a moment and waved it in the air before quickly tucking it away. "Maybe if you had been here from the start and your knights were a complete bunch of imbeciles, I wouldn't have managed to grab this crafty piece of paper, am I right? You're just as pathetic as those who serve under you."

Aeria uses Hot-Blooded Surge! [User ATK +40%][Attracts enemy attention upon attack]

MP: 14/20

Taking her violet eyes off of the Rune Knight, Vera knew that she would be unable to do anything to him as of yet. However, that pawn of his looked just right for Vera to mess with. Switching her focus from the commander to the woman next to him, Vera lifted the birdcage slightly higher. As she did so, it stopped swinging, becoming eerily still. As it did so, a bright white light built up inside of it. Even as it appeared, it shot out in a beam towards the eyes of the Knight Apprentice in front of her. For now, this was as much as Vera could do to help, but a blinded enemy would always make things a bit easier.

The birdcage began to swing high again, though it moved slightly slower -- almost unnaturally slow -- than it had moved before. And Vera still stared at the Knight Apprentice.

Vera moves to cell G7. Vera uses Shining Bright on Marie! Blinded! MP: 19/25

Caleb moves to E6.

Caleb still remembered the last time he used that blade. It would sure be a dangerous move, but if it hit, nothing he curretly had access to could do that much damage, except for Ragnarok. And if everything went wrong, he now had Yawarai-Te to heal himself. It was created to mend her wrongs anyway, it seemed natural. The Soul Blade walked forward wavign his right hand in a wide arc. The dark bladed katana appeared in the air, trembling with thirst. Thirst for the blood. Any blood. The demonic figure engraved on it's edge seemed to leap about, it's cruel grin invinting Caleb to death. he cast off tha thought.

-Feed! Juuchi Yosamu!

And the blade flew, eager to obey that specific order.

Caleb uses Juuchi Yosamu, The 10.000 Cold Nights on Duncan! 15 Atk Dmg! Chance of Bleed!

MP: 17/25

Kydrin flinched slightly as a sudden burst of light flew by his shoulder, spearing into the knight apprentice's eyes. Immediately taking upon the chance, he swung his sword into the beam of light, grabbing a "piece" of it, which then immediately coated itself around the blade as by the command of the Twin Carrier. He then looks off after the new opponents. /Do it, get in there and fight!/


[Kydrin bestows Gleam Blade on Self! 20% increased ATK!]
[14/20 MP]
[Kydrin waits..]

Duncan takes 7 Dmg!

HP: 113/120

Duncan evades Bleeding!

Juuchi Yosamu is displeased and wishes to draw blood!

Caleb is Bleeding!

Marie is Blind!

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
{ } { } {V} { } {D} { } {M} { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{c} {c} { } {A} { } {C} { } { } { } 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 3 turns.

Kydrin's Gleam Blade has 3 turns.

Caleb is Bleeding for 3 turns.

Enemy Phase.

Duncan moves to E5.

"Interesting affinity with swords there," Duncan said slyly, stalking up to the spot right between Aeria and Caleb as if he weren't worried about the harm either could inflict upon him. "Seems your little attack didn't have the effect you so desired it to have, yes?" He took a moment to let loose a dramatic laugh before taking a moment to focus and slash at Caleb with his saber whose blade surged with flames for the duration of the attack making the resulting wound sear with pain. "It would serve for you to be more careful. Both of you. The words of garbage mean naught to me," he said, shooting his second statement to the woman behind him talking trash. So far, she hardly seemed worth the effort of killing except for that the fact that she was effectively annoying.

Duncan attacks Caleb! 12 Fire Dmg! (ATK)

Vince moves to E3.

Vince attacks Aeria! 7 Dmg! (ATK)

Marie moves to E8.

Marie attacks Kydrin! 7 Dmg! (ATK) [MISS]

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{c} {c} {V} {A} {D} {C} { } {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 2 more turns.

Player Phase 2!

Aeria (Fighter) *HOT-BLOODED SURGE*
HP: 34/35
MP: 14/20
DD: 1/10
Atk: 8 --- 11
Def: 7
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Caleb (Soul Blade) *BLEEDING [4]*
HP: 19/30
MP: 17/25
DD: 8/10
Atk: 10
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Vera (Strange Girl)
HP: 15/15
MP: 19/25
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: 25/25
MP: 14/20
DD: 0/10
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Duncan (Rune Knight) *SCORCHING PULSE [11]* *RERAISE*
HP: 113/120
MP: 75/75
DD: 1/10
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: 25/25
MP: 20/20
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 uses Sky Shatter on Duncan! 15 Dmg! (ATK)

MP: 6/20

"Yeah, I'll show you garbage," Aeria scoffed as she raised her blade into the air once again, the blade surging with pure energy. She brought the weapon down as hard as she could upon Duncan who carelessly placed himself right next to her. Was he really that arrogant? It was apparent that he was strong, but such recklessness would lead to his swift demise. The energy dispersed as she landed the blow...or did she? She was pretty sure she hit something. Duncan didn't really appear to be particularly agile or evasive in that heavy armor of his, but she knew her aim could not be true with each strike. All she could do was focus as best she could despite the chaotic nature of the situation.

Nest... she thought. Would they put him to death? Or just let him rot away in the dungeons? She desired so greatly to rush into the building and rescue him, but she'd have to save such dreams for some other time. Her sword arm trembled slightly and she slapped it quickly to get it back in shape, hoping no one would notice. At the end of the day, as strong as she was, she was still a beginner. Fighting the knights. Breaking and entering. Killing people. They were all things she wasn't used to, but it was what she tasked herself with when she left her old village for the capitol, even though she didn't have much of a choice back then with the decay spreading so rapidly. Keeping her gaze on Duncan, she waited to see if her own little display of power would be enough to draw his attention, taking some of the pressure off of Caleb.

Aeria waits.