(Event) Reclamation of Pride | Page 16

(Event) Reclamation of Pride
Discussion in 'S3 Completed' started by Raid Master, Feb 11, 2018.
  1. Haru stands within the confines of a beautifully glowing sphere, rather miffed at the lady now just standing next to him and cackling to herself. Majolica, was it? It was hard to forget someone like her. Haru was sure that had he taken the same wagon as her for those three days, he would know her name and creed by heart. She seemed quite memorable like that. Having been focused inwards on the riddles of this place, he had not noticed her tugging on him at first. He was rather embarrassed by himself for it, and kept silent for fear of aggravating her. Although, he wasn't sure if he could even do such a thing. She was all smiles most of the time, and it was rather comforting in a way. Anyone who could keep a high spirit was good to be around more often than not.

    ...She's a bit eccentric, though. Did she have to hoodwink him there on a broomstick? He could walk himself...
    Regardless, she seemed to have a plan for this sphere, and he was more than willing to comply to be useful to everyone. From the murky feeling in the air, it appeared Majolica was proficient in some sort of dark arts, something rather expected from her name. So he would find his fears here, then? He had no problem with that. A fear is something simple to face, difficult as it may be. He tenses up, prepared to face the nightmare unleashed by this witch. He didn't quite catch what she wanted to tell him about her spell, but was pretty sure that she assured him that he wouldn't be harmed. He tells her to go, and then faces darkness, brought forth from her spell.

    Really, it was just that. Did she just turn off the light here? What, did she assume that filling up the orb with darkness would help? Sure, it was a primal fear for many, but it's not even that bad at all for him. Haru moves his hand up to wipe his eyes, surely he'd adjust to-
    Why couldn't he move his arm? Either of them. He couldn't even move the eyelids he intended to rub in the first place. This wasn't darkness, was it? He was being crushed. He was closed in on all sides and he couldn't move. Haru panics on the inside. He was supposed to have left these problems to the outside world. They didn't belong in here, where he was supposed to be free, where all of his problems were supposed to lie sleeping in a little box in the back of his head. He needed to move. He couldn't move....!

    His fear tires him rapidly. He couldn't deal with this. He should just close his eyes and deal with it when he woke up, some time later. Some time later that he didn't have to think about now. It's not like he could ever escape this, anyway...
    Haru closes his eyes, lying dormant in a world too tiny to hold him. Majolica said he wouldn't be hurt, and all he could do now is desperately trust her on that.

    And so, Haru rapidly falls unconscious in the third orb of puzzles, seemingly nothing happening to him.

    Partner: @Grand Witch Majolica
    Reasoning: Brought forth Haru's fears of small, dark, tight spaces and paralysis that Haru simply doesn't think about in this world where he can be free to walk wherever he pleases. Doing so used a combination of Black arts to discover his fears and Illusion magic to trick him into experiencing what he fears.
     
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2018
  2. Raid Master

    Raid Master

    Staff Member Game Master
    Mid-cycle Update

    The sphere that @Valdrada and @Luna Avalbane were in became brighter after they took out their medallions. Then, the sphere floated upward until it hovered at least 10 feet in the air as a magical leyline shot out from its body and connected it to the orb in the middle, altering the number it displayed. Aside from a piece of writing, the sphere also displayed a number: 95% with 80 in a smaller font-face below it.

    Sphere 11 : 95%

    Oooh, something is happening. Fascinating, it shows 97 out of 80, that must mean that the sphere is not omnipotent so it display how close the solution out of 100%.

    Hmm, the writing on the sphere it has changed, it now says "The Lion and the Wolf, two sides, two kings, two ambitions, two moralities, two sides of the same coin. Solution: Accepted."

    Eureka! I suspect that we must shoot above 80% for it to accept the solution. Well done, @Valdrada, @Luna Avalbane!


    Meanwhile, the sphere @Vina Skysong and @Ilya were in did not react the same way, indicating that their solvent was not correct. A number was displayed inside the sphere.

    Sphere 02 : 20%

    What is wrong with that solvent I wonder. Entwining Warrior's Soul... Soul is singular, yet to to entwine means two different things are becoming one. This contradiction is most curious.

    I do not think it has anything to do with relationship...


    During the time Jawn was talking to the pair that entered sphere 02, Caccu was whisking her tail impatiently as she followed @Haru and @Grand Witch Majolica, waiting to see the result of their solution. Once they finished, the sphere glowed brighter before shooting up into the air, changing its content.

    Sphere 03 : 80%

    O-nya? It says something in the sphere.

    "Nightmare of dreams are but an illusion, a reflection of reality and past experiences. Though myost nightmare imprisons their spectator in their sleep, darkness is the key."

    Oho! Nya did it! Hurray! That's onye more sphere down, but barely... I guess it was close enyough.



    When Jawn finished, he moved over to Sphere 05 where @Roland Rutledge and @Celestine were working on their solution. The sphere denied their attempt however, showing a meager 5%.

    Sphere 05 : 5%

    I have no idea what you guys are even trying to do... nor do I have any idea what this even is. You're both on your own...


    After watching how much the adventurers struggled, Jawn was in deep thoughts as he looked around the chamber, looking for ways in which he can expedite the process. After fiddling around with one of the magical circuit, he discovered that he can lower the power requirement for the teleportation orb.

    If they only needed to get out of the chamber by teleporting directly above, then they would not need all 12 powering spheres. That would be far too overkill. So, with the help of other tinkers and magical expert, Jawn was able to short a few circuits, lowering the requirement from 12 to 9.

    I did it! As expected, you are a genius, Jawn! Since we don't need to teleport that far, I have lowered the energy required! Alright! Get to it, boys and girls!


    [ Spheres Lit : 3 / 9 ]


    OOC
    To accommodate timezone differences, I have decided to extend length of this cycle so everyone have time to solve these puzzles! Although you do not have to solve all 12, getting 80% on all of them will initiate a loot roll at the end of the event.

    Sphere 01, Sphere 03, and sphere 11 have been solved. This post does not refresh posting cool-down.

    1. (Solved) Avatar of Frostfire simulcasting ice and fire at the same time to burn a person with ice.

    2. Entwined Warrior’s Soul

    3. (Solved) Dormant Phantasmal Nightmare
      • 80-90% Solution: inducing immobility and creating phantasm with illusion or black magic.
      • 90-100% Solution: inducing sleep and manipulating dreams with illusion or black magic.

    4. Conflagration and Repentance

    5. Unquenchable Pride and Envy

    6. Converging Love and Hate

    7. King of Gods

    8. The Weaved Tapestry

    9. The Hero’s Beginning and End

    10. Flash before the Fall

    11. (Solved) Two Sides of the Same Coin
      • 90-100% Solution: Comparing Lion's Pride and Black Wolf

    12. The Birth of the Beast
     
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2018
    • 118 HP
    • 148 EN
    • Sphere 06



    Twelve spheres, each with their own puzzle for lighting things up with. Despite his rousing speech, it appeared that they weren’t going to be able to advance so easily after all, and Cain resolved to sit back as others had their go. From ingenious ideas such as placing two coins together to…passionately making out in public, it was clear that many people had many different ideas on what exactly to do. A bitter smile emerged on his face as his gaze turned to the Ninth Sphere, titled with something that would definitely make Seigi excited.

    The Hero’s Beginning and End.

    How dramatic and inspiring, but something that could no doubt be fulfilled by many, many people within this room. No need for him to step forward then. He turned instead to the Sixth Sphere that occupied the skirt of the room, pulsating gently in the dim light.

    Converging Love and Hate.

    A spark went off in the Flagbearer of Miracle’s head. It wasn’t a pretty spark, nor an elegant one, but it was certainly a spark. Something that he’d no doubt be punished for, but something he was willing to bear with if it worked. And really, if he just imagined that the loud mouthed, prideful lady was a fat dude with a superiority complex on the other end of the spectrum, everything is going to be A-Ok! For once, as if recognizing how utterly ‘safe’ every option was, the noose tied to the world did not wrap itself around Cain’s neck, as he casually swept Lady Annette off her feet while humming a little song of romance. Ignoring whatever objections she may have for this total bullshit, the midnight haired muse did his best to stoke up emotions of affection within himself with Harmonic Magic as they approached the Sphere of Love and Hate.

    Alright. Things to love about Lady Annette: her snow white hair and her ruby eyes. Her beautiful voice and her glorious self esteem. Her costume and her smile. Her bite sized size and her violent spunkiness. Yup, those were all great things. He was absolutely enamored.

    And, before he could lose those feelings of amour, Cain knelt down, pressed his lips against her’s, and…

    RERO RERO RERO

    RERO RERO RERO

    RERO RERO RERO

    …helicopter tongued her at very fast speeds, for maximum disgust and maximum love.

    Oh, he was going to burn for this, wasn’t he?

     
    • 100 HP
    • 100 EN
    • Sphere 04


    Arright, riddle time. “Birth of the Beast” sounded like something that’d actually tie into her damn mastery, but the mechanics of it stumped her. “Don’t suppose you’re pregnant, are you? Reckon that’s a good retcon?” she asked the fox, who did its classic wild-animal-hates-you act. As funny and timeless as ever. Conflagration and Repentance it was! “Fine. Mkay… hm. So we need a fire and a sinner.” She looked around for one and only saw a crowd of socially awkward people. “...Who, me? Aw, if you insist,” she muttered under her breath. Hell, guess this was as good a way as any to work out some of that angst from the bath.

    Standing and dressing herself, Destiny borrowed a little bowl and a cup of that Freja’s fancy doctored cider and made her way over to the fourth sphere. She stepped inside and set the bowl on the ground, taking a squatting position next to it. Accessing her inventory from the palm menu, she pulled out Horsemeat’s broken bridle and lowered it into the bowl.

    Prayin’ in an orb. She could do that.

    “Dear God,” she drawled aloud, clasping her fingers together, “O heavenly father, I dragged one of Zeus’s horses into the battle in the dining room and if the poor thing hasn’t collapsed from a heart attack since, somethin’ else has probably got it by now. Hell, I shouldn’t’ve taken it, and I damn well shouldn’t’ve left it, even if it’d definitely have fallen off that bridge back there if I had. Speaking of which—gimme that—” Destiny yanked at the scrap of material still in the fox’s jaws. It growled at her as she ripped it away and shook it into the bowl along with the bridle. “—I’ll repent for letting all those good folks fall into the water, too. WhileIhidandcoveredmyeyes. Even the guy at the end. Mm… and I’m sorry for tyin’ up his fox, too.”

    To prove she was seriously sorry—which she was—she unwrapped her scarf from around the bound creature, untangling its paws from the ropy fabric. Predictably, as soon as its cocoon loosened, the little animal instantly turned and sank its fangs into her thumb. Ow! Goddamnit! …and sorry for cursing,” she said, shaking her hand and wincing as blood welled up in the tiny teethmarks. The little creature proceeded to dart away into the crowd. Des watched it go with a scowl. “And… there it goes. Is this working? I feel like a witch makin’ a potion. Arright, someone else get in here and make an offering and let’s torch this thing. ”

    Wiping her thumb on the inside of the bowl, Destiny dumped her cup of spirits on top of the yet unlit sacrificial pyre and looked around for someone else to wave over. “Hey, any of y’all got a light? Pyromancy? Flint n’ tinder? Lifelong regrets?” Her throat was getting sore with all this chitchat.

    Partner: @ Velka ! Praise ​
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2018
  3. Rat

    Rat

    • 125/125 HP
    • 134/164 EN
    • Sphere 05


    A madness seemed to have descended over everybody, who had begun to make out like crazy. Oh, except for that one person, that was praying up a storm on one of the strange placements that functioned as some sort of key for this existential lock. She blinked as people began to lock lips with another, one man in his twenties delivering a deep smooch with too much tongue to what appeared to be a barely-in-her-teens girl.

    Weeeeeeeeeell, that was certainly enough of that...
    Shaking her head, Temperance stopped merely watching people meander about, and approached the large puzzle, wondering what she might be able to contribute to it. True, she had an impressive array of White Magic that she could use... but the Repentance seemed to be taken by the woman in prayer. And what's more, Temperance did not repent. She did not apologize, retract, or restate. Within this game she was and always would be the greatest concern to herself. Her pleasure, in playing the game her way. She was not dismayed by the death of NPCs because it was nothing more than the loss of unique coding. She was not disheartened by the loss of comrades because they would spawn anew. And she did not apologize for anything she might say or do, because it all served the most wonderful of purposes: her.

    She was top bitch. She was queen cu... Queen inconsiderate. Those that could not provide her with excitement or luxuries would provide her as toys and distractions as she joked and japed with or upon them, a jeering smile stretched from ear to ear. They needed her, and her healing. She did not necessarily need to heal them unless they obeyed her unreasonable requests and danced like puppets, begging for her healing. They needed her, and her ability to sneak about, or disguise herself as another. She did not necessarily need to scout for them, but might volunteer to do so if only to rid herself of the group idiocy for a time, or to steal the chests and loot before the collective arrived to fight over it.

    Temperance was pride itself; perhaps not a boasting and preening pompous fuck that deluded itself into thinking itself the most beautiful and unique. No... No, she knew her limitations. Accepted them. Pushed past them, knowing that she could always overcome anything. Even herself. She was by the force and nature of her own personality a proud, arrogant, obnoxious, foul-mouthed, self-centered, sole-serving, conniving, condescending, belligerent, callous, conceited, deceitful, impulsive, materialistic, slovenly, bold and brash bitch-fiend. And she loved it. And she loved herself.

    Stepping up into the sphere of light in Zone 5, she glanced at @Roland Rutledge and then at @Celestine, her face twitching into a wry smile as she took the other two in.
    "Get off my throne," she commanded, hopefully shooing them out of the sphere of light with a dismissive wave of her hand as though they were vermin in her way.
    "...bitches."

    She defied the puzzle to find somebody more worthy of that spot in it, and made a mental note not to heal any motherfucker that could out-proud her. But even if there was somebody else with a head farther up their own ass... possibly Zeus, who wasn't here... then she figured the 500 skill points she'd dipped into Luck would help tip the puzzle in her favor.

    Partner: @Comet has discussed with me taking the other side of this puzzle​
     
  4. Raid Master

    Raid Master

    Staff Member Game Master
    Mid-cycle Update II

    All posting cooldowns have been reset for anyone who had had their attempted solution verified.​
     
    • 150 HP
    • 90 EN
    • Sphere 04



    Hearing something about fire peaked Velka's attention. She followed behind the group, letting other people take the lead for now. Puzzles and and riddles weren't her forte, but setting things ablaze. While her pyromancy was still newly budding, it should suffice given that the alcohol inside. With a short spell muttered under her breath, she stepped near the bowl filled with... stuff and began to channel flame into the pyre. But she didn't stop there, the key word was Conflagration after all, not just fire or heat in general. She continued to let loose a jet of fire, not relenting until even the bowl itself was naught but ash. While quite tiring due to her inexperience, she wouldn't let something trivial like that distract her from her duty of burning things.

    Partner: @Destiny Divebird
     
    • 130 HP
    • 110 EN
    • Sphere 05


    Though she desired Temperance's place as a prideful woman Comet knew her position in the world as green-eyed jealousy. It controlled her life, the sin, and most of those who occupied it. Never had anything been fair for the Archer who looked upon children such as Seigi in adoration because childhood had been so very different for the red-head. Carefree and whimsical and full of immaturity: Comet wanted this more than anything, but would never be able to go back. Emerald eyes fell upon those around her with a constant sense of expectation.

    Acting confident, however, hardly meant that she is truly self-assured. And she isn't whatsoever. Insecurity builds up as a form of fuel to act out - to show off. As if proving what talents were there wasn't recommended but an absolute need that she had to feed off to stay alive. Among the Monster Hunters the pink-haired woman was a weakling, and yearned to climb to the top among others rather than help fellow members out. Selfishness derived from intense jealousy often influenced less-than-kind actions; but the emotion never died down, or went away, because it became an innate thing. A sin, like she knew the Bible warned of to cure with kindness.

    But why should she? Kindness wasn't natural. At least not to her. Even the Elysid proved this. Gods able to succumb to such a petty emotion and controlled by the persuasive feeling as much as herself despite being much stronger. Envious nature surrounded and engulfed and harmed Comet. It even dragged her lithe body to Temperance's side. She served as a legitimate source of what's seen as so wrong and unwanted that it's labeled negatively. Pride radiated from the white-haired player. If grabbing the elements making the aura up were possible the Archer would take every bit of confidence up for herself. In the moment she reminded herself of torturous self-doubt that reigned over her weak soul. Of what she couldn't have and never did get. Why Lion's Pride seemed a ridiculous idea to her from the beginning. And why respecting Uene over Ahra would be impossible because the purple-haired Goddess served as reminder of everything Comet despised about her own personality.

    If nothing worked her lips would curl into a simple smile. She'd be off to watch others succeed as per usual. Perhaps watch Temperance, her opposite regarding the theme of their puzzle, from afar with cold-hearted jealousy and some sort of resentment. If luck counted as support Comet would forever be grateful. But something in the back of the mind told her the mind or soul or both were important aspects of the requirements. Hopefully such a gut fortune-telling would become a reality soon enough.

    Partner: @Temperance
     
    • 113 HP
    • 140 EN
    • Sphere 12



    _____Kaede was not happy there was nothing to fight, growling to herself as she marched around the area not in any state of mind to really think about anything, her odd green glow still driving more anger from her smaller frame as she found herself standing near a sphere and only growled at it some more. Her fist pulling back slowly before her growling turned into one sharp inhale, building everything from her berserker mastery into both a single punch and shout.

    ”Mothering FUCKING PUZZLES!”

    _____While part of her hoped her shout was loud enough to cause some cave in it was also used to try and calm Kaede down slightly. The first punch not exactly enough as she began slamming her fist numerous times to the orb and cursing some language or another as she hit it overall not appearing in the best of moods or friendly to anyone in the group. She was not sure if it would help anyone, but the image of a beast was oddly satisfying to hit and cuss at as Kaede simply kept with her rage release plan for the time being.


    Partner: @None​
     
    • 100 HP
    • 100 EN
    • Sphere 06



    Ignored.

    Lady Anette Josephine Liselotte Yvonne Olivia Zella von Brandt I. was simply ignored. She followed this fun ride in its entirety. Survived the undead, endured grammatically wrong German, and even had a chance for a nice bath. After all that, finally deciding to lend a hand, she was still ignored!

    Unacceptable.

    It was alright. Understandable. These inferior life-forms simply needed time to truly understand her brilliance. She could forgive them. Just like an adult should forgive a toddler. In time, they would all kneel before her. In time, they would all understand the true happiness from having candy as national currency and free pizza deliveries as state law.

    ...

    At least until a Shining Star in the Midnight Sky actually acknowledged her! Before the crown-wearing girl was even able to come over to the stranger he just princess carried her! "Huh? Let me down zis instant!" She complained. This was... unexpected?! Still in the realm of acceptance.

    Love&Friendship.
    That's how she'd conquer the entire galaxy! Yes, her cred, 'Love Everything in Existence', including peoples tiny quirks. At least he had a good taste in music!

    As Cain sat her finally down, inside one of these puzzle sphere thingies —which one even?— the red-eye opened her mouth to complain as suddenly. "Hmpppffgghh?!"

    Unacceptable. Simply unacceptable. Maybe if he had asked nicely, but THIS?! Distasteful. Improper. Offensive. Repugnant. Unwelcome. Unpleasant. Unwanted.

    Love everything in Existence?
    ...
    ...
    Hatred was a form of love, too.
    Destruction was a sign of affection.

    First, she had to regain her freedom. With their lips locked like that and the disgusting male's superior strength, she couldn't chant any spells! But she wouldn't be the Supreme Ruler of Everything if her already reddened face would simply give in to simple temptation.

    Cain Darlite was a terrible kisser anyways.


    No, the Gottkönigin had her own plan. It was her first time doing it, but it couldn't be that hard, right? Just channel all this hatred she felt towards the rapist and...

    Crunch.

    The Helicopter is down - mayday!

    It was wobbly, disgusting, and warm, but such was the price of freedom. Spitting out the severed tongue of Cain to the ground. She yelled. "Wie kannst du Arschloch es wagen?! Kriegst keine Mädels im realen Leben ab, huh? Armseliger, kleiner Scheißwurm! Wahrscheinlich bist du son scheiß Psycho der sich an minderjäh-" Oh right, he was supposed to understand her, no?

    She'd remember this. Find out where Cain lives and put him on a list for some shady organ-seller. Put his private contact info on the weirdest site on the internet. Sex-phone calls, vacuum salesman, nonstop food-delivery pranks, bi-monthly swatting.

    He would suffer. In the future and now.

    "You fucking disgusting pig!" Sadly, she only had zero points in all spell masteries. Arm forward, open palm, aiming at Cain.

    "Messer, Gabel, Schere, Licht,
    sind für kleine Kinder nicht.

    —FEUERBALL!"

    "Feuerball!", "Feuerball!" he would burn until the crown-wearing brat was out of Mana.

    Partner: @Cain Darlite
     
    • 173 HP
    • 113 EN
    • Sphere 08





    Roland sighed as the sphere failed to light up. It seemed that his half-baked plan had failed. Looking at the ball floating before, and the girl who owned it Roland couldn't help but laugh, "Sorry, it seems I wasted the both of our time. I understand you not wanting to sell it, but at least, can you tell me where you got it?" Roland waited a moment before adding, "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself, I am Duke Rutledge and if you ever change your mind about your friend there let me know." With that Roland parted from @Celestine and headed back to the main area as he pondered the puzzle once more.

    Clearly this was going to take more than a halfhearted attempt. Sitting down he considered the prompts in front of him, only to still view them as vague approximations of what they were supposed to do. Roland sighed as an idea came to mind, but he didn't have the raw materials he really needed to accomplish this, but he guessed his silken duster would do. Sighing even louder than before Roland pushed himself upwards heading towards the eighth sphere, collecting @Luna Avalbane on his way.


    "I plan to weave a small tapestry in the sphere, but I don't exactly have the best of tools to get it done, so I will need you to help me with the threads." Getting to it, he removed the black lining of the red silken duster, and began to remove the threads in a quick process. Luckily he had Luna's help ready and asked her to hold the threads as he connected them transforming it into a black circle the size of his palm. Next he begun to pluck the silk threads from the top of the duster, grimacing as he did so. "Such a waste of money..." he mumbled as he weaved the threads through with a splinter of metal. After some pain staking effort he was able to finish his intended picture. A red rose. The same that Vermilion had given to Alphabet Chocolate so long ago.



    "What do you think?"
    Roland asked handing the small woven tapestry to Luna as he glared at it in disappointment. "I feel its missing something..." Roland said as he shook his head in disappointment before his eyes landed on Luna's tiger. "That gives me an idea...." Quickly he began to pluck out a few strands of his own hair, attaching it to the splinter, and adding it to the creation. "Please if you can spare me some of the tiger's hair, or even your own, I think this could use some white..." Within moments he added the hair to the tapestry, and now before him lay a demonic rose, in a flurry of snow. For some reason it made Roland shiver, as if it were an ill omen.


    [Roland unwittingly attempts to weave a tapestry of the future]
    Partner: @Luna Avalbane
     
    • 121/121 HP
    • 110/110 EN
    • Sphere 08





    Luna smiled as the sphere lit up, sending a warm grin to @Valdrada as she stepped away, unwrapping their joined items and handing the Lion's medallion back to the girl as she shyly stepped away, unused to being at the center of attention quite like this. It just made her slightly uncomfortable, but there was nothing she could do about that now. Still, she endeavored to write a message to the girl later, thanking her for her help or something along those lines. Maybe send her a purchase or buy her a meal as a thank you.

    As she was making her way back to her friend, she was stopped by a man that set Natiri on edge, the white tiger prowling around her protectively as he stopped and asked her to help him.

    From there, she could only really help with base tasks as he set to work weaving thread, creating some sort of tapestry of a crimson rose, holding the thread and helping him feed it through, feeling more than just a little bit useless at the idea that she couldn't do much more to help. That was until Roland asked her for some of her own, and Natiri's, hair for the tapestry.

    She blinked, complying as she plucked some fur from the tiger, before gently pulling on her own snow white hair, handing the locks to him and watching as he weaved, the end result coming out as something quite chilling. A demonic rose, surrounded by snow. Ominous and chilling.

    [Luna lends her aid to the weaving of the tapestry, along with some hair and tiger fur]
    Partner: @Roland Rutledge
     
    • 100/100 HP
    • 100/100 EN
    • Sphere 07



    Yukisa’s short-lived rest was spent taste-testing various medicines alongside his newly-found friend, Ilya. Watching her wrinkle her face at the diversely disgusting, honey-mixed tangs got a few giggles out of him, who was already used to the nasty flavors… Sadly, he wasn’t laughing so much after getting bombarded with water, magic, and god knows what else by the severely bare girls who had been enjoying their bath when they suddenly spotted a male casually stroll over to their private side.

    He had no choice but to flee in confusion after that, clearly incapable of grasping what bothered them so much.

    Fortunately, the boy didn’t need to worry about that embarrassing moment for too long, as soon after he managed to (once again) most clean himself off, it was time for them to get going. However, there was a slight problem with that…

    On one hand, Yukisa liked riddles quite a bit… even if most of the time he solved them by accident. On the other, there were twelve riddles. Twelve. With everyone still likely exhausted from the journey thus far, and their brains even more so fried, it would probably take an eternity to get through all of-

    No!” he, quietly, shouted at himself, lifting his hands up to smack himself on the cheeks once or twice. He wouldn’t let depressing thoughts like that paralyze him again. This time he’ll be useful.

    Closing his eyes, he mentally went over the list of riddles in his head. With his head bowed, eyes shut and him whispering each one to himself, from an outsider perspective, it likely seemed as though he was performing some kind of ritual in hopes of summoning the solution. And in all honesty, it wasn’t so far from that.

    Converging Love and Hate.

    King of Gods.

    The Weave-

    Ah, hold it. Thinking of the “King of Gods”, an association almost instantly popped into his head. In Greek mythology, the king of gods, as well as the sky, was Zeus… and it just so happened that their glorious leader answered to the same name.

    “That might work!” he exclaimed enthusiastically. Now all he needed was…

    This is too much for me when I'm just trying to chill in the water, if anyone needs da-Quinn and his skill set, just give me a holler.

    I've got some skills I can use, probably...


    “I could use some help!” he called out to Quinn, smiling politely when the weeb lovely man looked in his direction. “So here’s what I was thinking…”

    After an elaborate explanation that was too lengthy for this already excessive post, he gave his partner for the sphere a nod and rushed on to get the task done.

    It was safe to say Yukisa was nervous. He was about to strike someone with lightning. Sure, it was a video game… but this game seriously put the “reality” in “virtual reality.” However, there was no room for hesitation.

    “Alright…” he told Quinn, whom was likely getting impatient watching a fidgeting newbie, and took a deep breath. “Here goes!”

    Lifting his handy dandy stick up into the air, he utilized his aeromancy to form a small batch of storm clouds above them, that soon crackled with electricity. Soon, enough static gathered between them, and a bolt of lightning struck down in the direction of Yukisa’s makeshift spear. Generally, wood was a bad conductor, however this branch had gotten so soaking wet, it worked just as well as metal. Once the current was flowing through it, he aimed his “staff” in the direction of Quinn, and the lightning burst forth from it, shooting towards the green-haired male.

    When the bolt was unleashed, he wanted to say an epic Zeus catchphrase to add to the effect of the plan. But in the heat of the moment, all that came to mind was…

    “Oh NON!”

    Partner: @Quinn
     
    • 113/113 HP
    • 140/140 EN
    • Sphere 02



    Vina held the kiss for quite some time, long enough to leave no doubt on whether she did this because of the puzzle or because she just really felt like it. It wouldn't do for Ilya to believe that the silver-haired Felis was only doing it because of the circumstances, and aside from that Vina was really enjoying it. It was only after the kiss had lasted for at least two full minutes that she finally stopped, breaking contact with Ilya's lips slowly, her azure eyes glowing with affection and playful happiness as she pressed her forehead against Ilya's instead, exhaling slowly.

    "Ahhh...~ Just what I needed~" She give her beautiful lioness a teasing smile before looking at the sphere around them. "I wonder if the sphere also had enough~?" Seeing that the sphere hadn't actually given the signal that its puzzle had been answered the druidess frowned for a moment in surprise before giggling. "Oh. Well..." She nuzzled Ilya again. "Guess that just means we have to try something else~"

    Still holding Ilya in her embrace the druidess Felis thought about what she had hear Jawn say even during the kiss, going over it in her head. It looked like the sphere didn't care for entwining one's soul to another's, at least not in a display of affection. The fact that there had to be only one warrior's soul made her doubt it was something that required two people... It wasn't like the spheres had told them to act in pairs, after all.

    "I have another idea... But it means letting go of you and I don't really want to." Vina shook her head and sighed before slowly disentangling from Ilya. "Let's make up for this once we're done here then~" She stepped away from Ilya, her tail tracing the woman's thigh before the vixen walked out of the sphere, showing Ilya a little wiggling of her hips before she turned around again.

    "I'm guessing that the sphere only wants a single person in it, and that they're not talking about a literal soul. I'm not a fighter myself, but I know from stories that it's often said that the soul of a warrior resides in their weapon, their closest companion throughout the years." She didn't like the idea herself, since it sounded a bit lonely, but she didn't make the rules here. "Could you lift up your fist for me~?"

    Once Ilya had raised her hands Vina began to sing, drawing power directly from the waters below to convert it into a different power. Weaving the magic together she then infused Ilya's fist and arm with it, combining nature, air and song into a powerful enchantment that would make Ilya's fist highly resistant towards any physical backlash, would release a powerful gale at the moment of hitting something, with the music harmonizing the other two magics while filling her with a feeling of courage.

    Partner: @Ilya
     
    • 103/103 HP
    • 100/100 EN
    • Sphere 02



    The kiss that continued to last for a period of time left a feeling of bliss within Ilya's body. Holding Vina in her arms she continued to remember the feeling on her lips. Along with Vina, the golden lioness began to think.

    I chose martial arts to be a warrior. I fight on the front lines, offering my fighting skills.. Quite different than that of Vina. A druidess, offering her support and healing. I fight with my fists... I remember reading that a warrior's weapon is their soul and their heart... So that would make my fists, my soul... With a glance at the hands that were cradling Vina from behind, it brought more thoughts into Ilya's head.

    Entwining... Adding something to make whole? I suppose the fact that I chose a single magic mastery is proof that I entwined my soul...

    As quickly as she had entered them, Ilya was shaken from her thoughts by Vina's clear and beautiful voice. With the idea of 'making it up later', Ilya winked at Vina. A smirk playing at her lips as she listened to her silver vixen.

    In any other moment in time, Ilya would prefer to be with another person. Hating the thought of being alone, it altered her enthusiasm level, yet still she readily agreed to follow Vina's plan. Her arm raised in the air. The soft sound of Vina's song and magic as she cast spell after spell brought ease to Ilya's body. The enthusiasm once again growing.

    The effects of the spells that Vina cast were that small strands of nature, air and harmony energy were wrapping around Ilya's fist and arm. The energy was rotating around her arm.

    It took not long before Ilya realized what she was to do. Ilya stopped raising her fist, her violet eyes closed as she concentrated. Mutterings in an unknown language sounded in her voice. The hand that had not been raised in the air began to strum the air as if there was a harp. Strands of water energy began to form from the air. Ilya then opened her soft violet eyes and moved the energy to wrap around her harm. The energy that entwined with Ilya's "soul" now being water, nature, air, and harmony.

    Now moving without a hint of hesitation, she readied her fist. Her elbow bent back as she prepared to punch the ground to prove the fact that she was a warrior.

    The punch sent a loud crash and echo in the room as the ground cracked slightly with her punch. Yet, the crack after effect was not enough to do any major damage to the area surrounding them. At the moment that her fist had contacted the floor, the magical energy that entwined with her "soul" had made their move. They surged through Ilya as they added to the power of her attack.

    Partner: @Vina Skysong

    Summary: The weapon of a warrior is their soul. Vina and Ilya cast magic to entwine with Ilya's "soul". In which, Ilya punched the ground to prove that she is, in fact, a warrior.​