Complete - (Story Event) Against the Wind | Page 5

Nodding, his massive hand reached out to grasp the ornate whistle into his hand. "Thank you, Princess. I don't have a mount of my own, and anytime I've needed one it's by way of renting or borrowing. Not that I don't enjoy walking everywhere," Alonso began, feeling the tension ease with the slight bit of sarcasm, "But at the moment, there is no time for me to job all the way there." Glancing towards the whistle, his brow raised as a slip of paper came to his attention. The Felis unfurled the note and took a once over. Straight, and to the point. Yet of course the owner of the horse was a person willing to toss death threats over a scratch on her prized mount. Not that he was going to argue with Esther and her rather ominous ways of dealing with people.

Distracting himself from the task at hand was no longer a proper solution. They needed go, now. Alonso turned his stern gaze towards D'Vangelline, "I will follow in a moment. Figured I should make a quick announcement to those gathered before we set out." Seto was the current, substitute ruler tasked with leading the country to a possible war nobody desired. The over sized cat man needed to lead by example himself. Positioning himself to where he can face the crowd, Alonso's eyes narrowed into a stern gaze, vocals prepped to make it known that he was more than willing to take some responsibility.

"If ANY of you desire to join the Princess and I in attempts to rescue those who fell to the ruse up in the mountains, you will follow us NOW, and by doing so you accept these terms that you follow our orders to your best capacity. We are no longer fooling around. I don't care if someone can just 'Come back later'. Someone witnessing a tragedy before them is STILL witnessing a tragedy regardless of circumstance!"​

With that, the man turned his back and followed the brave, young Falderen woman towards her group of knights. He never thought he will have to use such a resounding set of vocals to order commands so soon after obtaining such a title. No, it was for the best. This whole thing being a game meant nothing when faced with the fact that emotions and mental trauma still played a part.

The Lion of Astorea was not about to take a madman's shit.

/exit thread @Raid Master

 

Well! It looked like the discussions were concluded. All the important people and such were giving speeches and all that, the samurai guy who had a stick up his ass was demanding silence before he prattled on, bla bla, what was he even doing anyway? Anyways, never mind about him, Aria was quite excited to do this event. It looked like Stelluna was primed too! Well, she always had that stoic look on her face but why was she here if she didn't want to participate?

Upon hearing the announcement from the King's Secretary, Aria perked up, "Oh, it begins!" Time for her to do her part, let's start with something small such as helping the people around here. She could play volunteer for a while, "Right then, let's be off, Stelluna, Jace. I'll see you guys sooner or later!" The Felis Ranger waived as she ran off to join the other adventurers in herding the NPCs into the castle.

Then after that, she could join the ranks led by the blue-haired Felis with the big muscles. He was one of the high-ranking noble players as far as she knew. Nice, her skills would be useful to his forces as a scout or recon. Alright! Off to work!

@Stelluna @Jace Vale

<---Exit Thread--->​

 

Mizuki nodded as the Elmyra explained more about herself. "It seems like we have been in this world for roughly as long, then. I must admit that I also have little awareness of the politics aside from what I've learned today. Since we are adventurers I didn't think I'd need to pay attention to politics so quickly... This invasion really caught me off guard." (@Elmyra Cressen)

Mizuki was surprised when the princess suddenly addressed her, as she thought that the woman would be busier with Seto and the others of status. Even if D'Vangelline had already made it clear that she actually didn't know too much about what her father was planning and would rather go rescue King Astor than waste time here she still thought the princess would be more comfortable speaking to the nobles. The Felis blinked at the sudden compliment, her cheeks reddening very slightly as she looked a bit abashed at the praise before bowing towards the princess.

"Thank you for the compliment your highness, I'll certainly do my best. I also wish you good luck with the rescue of our king." Mizuki wasn't too good with decorum but if the princess went out of her way to compliment Mizuki the least she could do was show appropriate respect in return. Although she didn't think of herself as the type to gain a title and become some kind of noble or other influential person. (@Raid Master)

Quickly turning back to Elmyra as to not give the impression of ignoring her Mizuki noted that the woman seemed troubled by something. When she heard what Elmyra exactly was wondering about the Felis's expression also grew more thoughtful and troubled, as she could see why the woman would be worried. "I agree with you. The princess believes that her father has lost his mind, which might explain it, but it's an easy thing to claim and difficult to prove. I'm hoping that we'll be able to gather some more information on all of this before the actual invasion starts, but I believe that regardless of the possible motivations the princess wasn't lying when she said there would be an invasion." Mizuki's expression grew grim. "Even if the king didn't confide in her such a thing as a preparation for an invasion is too big to hide from anyone who is part of the elite, and if it was a lie we'd find out too quickly-" Mizuki halted as her eyes grew wide. "...Unless she only needs a little bit of time. Crap."

She quickly ran over to where Seto and the others were, looking around to see if the princess and all her followers were truly gone before speaking up. "Excuse me sir, but what proof do we have that we can trust the princess's warning?" She tried to explain as quickly as she could. "I thought she wouldn't lie about an invasion because it would be too easy to find out whether it was true or not, but verifying it would still take time... and if she acted fast enough maybe she only needs to slow us down for as long as it takes for us to find out there is no invasion..." She bit her lip, looking worried as her tail curled and her ears went low. "I don't want to believe that she'd be lying to us, but what if the warning is to keep too many of us from following her as she goes to King Astor?" (@Seto Kurama)

 

Two grand speeches and a grand recruitment to defend the player kingdom. Suffice to say, this was turning into an interesting event in his first month in Terrasphere. However, he was not a strong warrior, but just a mage's apprentice in this world. So if he joined them to rescue the king, he would end up as a sacrifice too many of the enemies' attacks.

Still, if he wanted to protect this kingdom and leave no casualties, he had to take action. Which means he had to get serious at grinding more experience in time for the grand event. At any case, this was a good time to plan out his next move as he turned to @Stelluna and @Aria when the latter said her farewells. "Good luck out there and be careful! You too, Stelluna!"

Once he saw the two girls off, it was time for him to jump in and find any information about the history between Falderen and Astorea.

-EXIT THREAD-​

 

As Sean came to his senses, he started to look around. 'Who needs recruiters?' he thought as he walked to the exit of the castle. "I won't sign up, but I will fight," He said out loud for anybody near him to hear. Deciding for the better, he turned around to examine the scene unfolding before him. 'What have I gotten myself into?' he pondered as he turned around and left the castle.

 

Makes sense. He often saw through the eyes of the public many times now, that he didn't think of seeing through an important individual like the king. It also made sense since he often thought politics as a mental war against leaders and ideas away from the public's opinions. But with the politics and the king's sanity the source of this commotion, he was now completely lost at this. The Azog battle was one thing, but being involved in an upcoming war was enough to make him feel unwelcome in this game for long.

As he left the castle, he made his final decision. He played this game just to see if the email was real or not. It convinced him, but he felt like he already overstayed his welcome for long. After this, he will uninstall this by tomorrow and forget all about this Terrasphere stuff to focus on real life from now on.

-EXIT THREAD (BUT NOT THE GAME)-​

 

Edged and knife-like eyes met back with Yuichi’s similarly heated gaze, but instead of a serpentine façade that held animosity behind the mask of a smile and a courteous greeting, Yuichi’s was that of a beast that held nothing back in its desire to maim the thing that stood before it.

Eyes wide with dark anticipation scanned the gesture of the other Felin with as much contempt as a predator would have against an intruder into its territory. He wanted to test the abilities that allowed the strange man the confidence to make such an unnecessarily formal greeting if not to mock Yuichi and Anabelle. After all, if the raven-haired beast-kin could be so callous enough as to put on such a show, then it was only logical to assume that he was trying to lull his audience into a false sense of security, like how a serpent coils back as if afraid before striking out with its venomous fangs.

Torrid blood welled up in the human’s tightly-wound fists when he stepped closer to the man who introduced himself as Gilgamesh Ōgami, ignoring everything else; stopping only within inches from the other as if daring him to initiate the first strike so the Felin can see and feel for himself if his estimation of his own powers were enough against someone like the human brawler. Should that happen, he would know how vicious Yuichi could become if he were pushed into a confrontation. Nothing else of the brown-haired pretty-boy mattered as far as he was concerned, because the only thing Yuichi wanted him to know beyond his name was how fast he could wipe a serpentine grin off a raven-haired Felin’s face.

“There is a quicker way to diffuse any kind of tension, just so you know – it involves either you or me lying face down on the ground, half-dead, in a pool of their own blood. I like that kind of dispute resolution better,” he said in an increasingly threatening tone. “You see, the last time I resorted to words to diffuse a situation, something very bad happened to someone very good, so I apologize in advance if I would not subscribe to your manner in dealing with people.”

Before Yuichi could saunter forward to further his intentions, a booming voice called out for those who would accompany the princess back to Falderen. He sighed; that was his cue to leave since he would rather hitch a ride with an armed convoy back to his home town. With that thought in mind, the fighter paused mid-stride and bowed his head in mock-apology. “Sorry, that is my cue to go. Still, the offer stands,” affirmed the brawler. “Just in case you are not who you say you are, tell your boss that it would not matter how many people he sends – I am coming for him, and if you plan to stand in my way, then you better watch yourself on the battlefield. Anything can happen, after all…”

@Anabelle Zhang | @Gilgamesh Ougami

[Exit]​

 

As the brown haired man stepped closer to him, a lesser man would have flinched and stepped backward, but Gilgamesh had seen his fair share of intimidation tactics back in the real world, what with him being from an old-school traditional family. So he had maintained his stance and stared down the brawler whose face was currently mere inches from his own, never once dropping the polite, albeit toothy smile on his lips nor his hands from their raised position. Instead, he chose to retort in kind, but before he could do that, the call to arms had been issued to the crowd at large, so Gilgamesh's mental focus shifted gears to thinking of his plan to survive in the war ahead.

To that end, he let the brown haired man walk away without moving even an inch from his spot, not out of fear, but rather partly out of his innate laziness and partly due to the fact he was a really sore loser who, despite all appearances, never backed down when it came to his male ego against that of another man. He called out to the man as he walked away from him, wondering if his voice could reach him, but not really expecting it to do so

"I appreciate the warning, but as I have said before, I have never encountered this person whom you spoke of just now...also, I was not trying to lull you or your lady friend into dropping your guards, sir...I was merely being courteous...as far as the battlefield is concerned, it would be too much trouble to protect whomever it is that you are after...heck, I might even follow you and take care of the nameless cannon fodder from within the shadows so you and your lady friend can exact your promised vengeance upon your hapless target!!"

He finished and then looked towards the crowd of people slowly starting to trail after the Princess and decided to follow suit, with a very small part of him secretly hoping he would get to see the strikingly gorgeous female Felis that he had "saved" again real soon.

[EXIT FROM THREAD]

@Anabelle Zhang

 

“I guess that’s the way it goes no matter where you go.” Elmyra said bluntly as Mizuki confirmed that she’s pretty much as new to the world as her. “I definitely didn’t think that the politics between groups of players and even the NPCs had been this…advanced. It hasn’t even been a year since launch, if I recall correctly.”

She confessed that she’s no big fan of politics, whether that’s on this side on the side of the meat world, but sometimes it’s useful to see the development of political policies in order to see a storm coming so you can at least hide beneath some sturdy objects to wait until the destruction subsides. If you can build an elaborate shelter for yourself then so much the better. It’s just that her preoccupation in furthering her own prowess left her pretty much flat-footed with these changes. It’s a valuable lesson for the future.

However, it seems her role in this particular part isn’t yet over. She watched as the Felis seemed to realize something from her rambles earlier. What exactly she realized Elmyra didn’t know, but whatever it is it’s urgent enough to get her running to the Duke at that moment.

Elmyra, as curious as ever, quickly followed the Felis back to the particular center of the room where the ones who haven’t already left to tend to whatever business they have outside are gathered. It was…actually a rather interesting insinuation. When she suggested that the odd and hasty actions of the King of Falderen lie squarely in the King’s lap. She hadn’t considered the possibility that the Princess might not be telling the whole truth, or rather she probably had considered the fact that the Princess being ‘trustworthy’ for granted.

Regardless, it was definitely a long shot, and they certainly have no concrete evidence to accuse the Princess of something of that magnitude, but they can’t exactly dismiss the possibility either considering the lack of evidence both ways. She nodded politely at Duke @Seto Kurama, both a show of greetings as well as a wordless agreement that she felt that the words of the Felis is as reasonable as any.

But that’s the only way they could proceed with this, right? Trying to process it rationally with the absence of evidence without dismissing possibilities outright.

“If anything else, I won’t exactly dismiss the possibility outright.” She pretty much stated what’s exactly on her mind before patting @Ueno Mizuki on her right shoulder. “Well, I’ll see you around, Miss Mizuki. I need to at least get my preparations ready…for whatever’s on the horizon.”

Because whatever’s on the horizon won’t exactly be a quiet one with everything’s that’s going on. Interesting times ahead, it seems.

[EXIT THREAD]​

 

It appeared that Seto was too busy to give Mizuki an in depth reaction to her voiced fears. Truth be told Mizuki wasn't actually of the belief that the princess truly had such intentions, but with the situation as it was she couldn't afford to leave any possibility unknown regardless of whether she believed it or not. It was possible, it was even plausible, so it was something she would have to consider, something she had to tell those who had the power to verify it and if it was true, react to it. It was more likely that the princess was speaking the truth, that she was trying to help them and believed that her father was no longer deserving of her support, in which case Mizuki would just do as she was planning to do and gather information for the nation of Astorea as a recon unit. Her voicing the thought to Seto was nothing more than her making sure that all the ideas were on the table, so if things went for the worst she wouldn't feel guilty for not voicing her thoughts when she had the chance, dismissing them because she didn't want to believe them.

Having said what she believed had to be said, no matter if it sounded ridiculous, the Felis turned back towards Elmyra when the woman patted her on the shoulder. It appeared that the woman agreed with her that it was at least something to keep in mind, which was actually a relief for Mizuki since it meant that her voicing the concerns wasn't going to be met with scorn and ridicule... At least, not only that. There might still be others who would think her theory far-fetched, but with at least some support Mizuki felt better about having said it. She gave Elmyra a small smile and nodded, trying her best to show the gratitude she felt as well as just remaining polite even in these times were, once the invasion began, there would be little time left for formalities.

"Understood. I have to go prepare as well. I wish you good luck and I hope we both get through this safely." With that she watched Elmyra leave, which left Mizuki with little to do but leave as well. The higher ups were going to be busy, and she still had some time left before the recruiters would be available for her to sign up. She'd have to carefully think of what to buy... If there actually was going to be an invasion she didn't think she could get away with the outfit she received when she spawned in the grassy fields of Brisshal. She'd have to buy some actual armour, since even if she wasn't planning to fight on the frontlines she still had the chance of seeing combat, and she'd rather err on the side of caution and spend what money she had managed to gather on something that would help keep her alive. Leaving the room Mizuki frowned, already thinking of everything that might be necessary.

<<EXIT THREAD>>​

 

[Follows behind Yuichi. Thread Exit.]

 

Merlin listened intently to all the Princess while standing towards the back of the crowd.

Talk about dire straights… I practically just started this game and already there’s a major battle happening.

In his short time playing Terra, Merlin had been enthralled with the world. He was interested in every detail of it from the people, to the plants, the wildlife, magic, and the systems governing everything.

This was a nice world, thought Merlin. Of course there’s going to be fighting, but these NPCs are good people. Maybe it’s just a game to us, but to them it’s real. It’s their homes and families. If that’s the case, it’s our job to defend them. I mean, it’s only right! They’ve supported us and garnered us into their community! We can’t just leave them to the whims of an invading force! Or, at least I won’t. I guess the major problem then, is what can I do? I’m not at all experienced with combat.

Merlin thinks back to his first encounter with the slime, chuckles and blushes.

That time things didn’t go so well. I’m really a front line specialist.

Merlin eyes all the adventurers hurling questions at the Princess.

Some of these guys look they could definitely go blow for blow with some soldiers. But if I can’t do that then… I guess I’ll just have to do things my way. I never really thought about practical application of the magic systems in the world, other than for a bit a self-defense I guess. I've always been more interested in studying how magic worked and what was possible, but if these people need protecting then I guess I should get a bit more “hands on”.

Merlin was thinking at a million miles an hour, going over texts, books, stories, anything he could remember in which an army repelled an invading force. Lost in thought, Merlin quietly turned and left the crowd behind him.

The only thing I can promise this incoming force is that this won’t be a fair fight. I can’t swing a sword or block an arrow, but I don’t need to. With magic, I can change the rules of the game. I guess I’ll have to teach them that when encountering unfavorable conditions, Merlin cheats.


<<EXIT THREAD>>

 

Lucia was glad to have friends in some places, making new ones specially, it was usually hard for her to win people over she found. For some reason friends were often difficult to find or keep, though she couldn't place why. Hearing the Princess explain her title though, Lucia flashed a knowing smile, not refuting the words, a silent confirmation. Lucia had been a part of the original Yulan guild with Astor after all, when he rose to power as king, it was only natural for there to be a place for Lucia who had been capable in the past. "You guys really know your stuff. I'd thought that a duchess like me would a little unbecoming of our new empire. I'd not like others use me to measure our people at least, so I didn't want to be incredibly well known. Combined with the unique nature of my resources, I felt it best to remain a little anonymous." Lucia commented, clarifying knowing that she wasn't exactly a household name. She was planning on raising an undead empire after all, such a diabolical plot would be taken as malevolent to most, even if she idealized an innocent society.

"As for beginning immediately, the situation is dire sure, but we mustn't let haste ruin our sense of judgement." She commented as if lecturing, a patient smile on her face as she continued steadily. "To try to organize without a sense of who can perform what would only lead to a tragic outcome. Allowing them to gather the data on our volunteers and supporters will help us properly build the defenses efficiently and effectively. Simply throwing people into scouting missions might only cause more problems." Lucia tried her best to calm the man who she thought might rashly send a group to their deaths.

Though hearing people assigning roles, Lucia only brought her arms to her chest in thought, a hand to her face in musing, her gaze listed briefly as she thought. It was difficult to determine where she would best fit in, she could assume numerous roles but wasn't particularly gifted at any while her undead lack uniqueness. "I can fulfill a myriad of roles, but our own logistics isn't what I'm concerned with-- It's the enemy's. Our land isn't known for being prosperous in food; for that reason they will have to procure that from their own territories, or sack our towns to sustain a large force. I think that while this makes our farmlands a vulnerability, it also exposes our enemy and makes their backs a bit more predictable. Of course, we can have Esther elaborate on that in the war room." Lucia offered her two cents on what would be the best way to cripple the king's forces. Though that said, she could only glance out among the player base that were coming together from afar. "Once we know what we have at our disposal, we'll know where and how to move. As for my own forces... The Winter's Claw and Tal'Darim can't operate very far from me. Not until they get stronger at least. For now, where I go they will join me."

 

Xavier had been extremely laid back and quiet listening the news and battle plans asked from one player to another. Honestly he was here to get in the experience but not so much the political stand point that many others might have been concerned about. Rubbing his chin gently the man shifted in his position against the the having watched the woman leave; keeping but two figures to organize and send forth the people assembled.

How moderately troublesome this might become if they were not careful with how they handled everything between the two Kingdoms. The King's kidnapping was something of serious importance to which he wished he could have offered his aid to @Raid Master . Yet he was a bit to withdrawn into self thought thinking about which side to station himself. The thought of possibly leaving this place to help the woman crossed his mind several times over. Yet he could not do such a rash choice with the orphans at home in the city. Yes they were getting better but they were not at the point where he could officially leave them to cultivate his own life just yet. Wrinkling his nose Weissman sheathed and unsheathed his dagger with irritation.

Blasted be to the current circumstances, he stepped forward to [ Cessia ] @Raid Master "Is there anything else you might need to get done aside from moving the citizens into the city? Perhaps a bit of recon on the outer sections to prep the soon to be battle grounds?" Narrowing his eyes he did not like turning and entire farm land into a war zone or any land as a matter of fact. His comfort was within the city or on toe to toe grounds with the enemy. However he waiting patiently for an answer so he knew when and where to move out.