WARNING! The Lawful Gamer has various scenes and mentions of swearing, gore, sexual content, and many more subjects that may be inappropriate to certain viewers! It is rated M for a reason! If you continue regardless, you have been warned!~
(Terros - Continent of Janus - Kingdom of Furore - Capital City)
(Raphael's POV)
We did as we were told, pulling our horses to a full stop, and the guard that had addressed us leaned over the battlements. It's clear that his order drew the attention of his comrades on the wall, and several more figures became visible, boasting longbows, javelins, or some other type of ranged weapon I couldn't identify.
"There'll be someone from the gatehouse to speak with you shortly!" He ordered, "Try anything and we'll have an arrow between your eyes before you can draw your sword!"
I didn't doubt that, and I had no intention of starting a fight with the Furorean military, so I stayed in place with the others doing the same. It wasn't long till a guard came out from the gatehouse carrying a parchment and quill.
"Would one of you come forward?" The guard said in a bored manner. "I need the reason for your entry into the city."
I dismounted Constable after having Rosalina unwrap her arms around me, and I stepped forward, with the guard readying himself behind the portcullis. I already had the reason for our entry ready long ago, there was no reason for me to take full advantage of the benefits that came with being Seraphine's champion, that is if she's as revered as I believe her to be in Furore.
"Name and reason for entry?" He asked impatiently.
"Raphael D'Angelo, we're here to meet the king." I told him truthfully, "It's important that we see him."
The guard snorted at that, "You and everyone else, for what reason would you have to see the king?" He looked up with narrowed eyes, "How do I know you're not some sort of spy, or that you're working for the Perrosians?"
I held back a scowl, "I'm the champion of Seraphine and the woman behind me is her priestess." I can understand his caution but I refuse to submit and accept being called a spy. "We're anything but spies."
His expression morphed into a disbelieving one, "You lie... How do I know that you speak the truth?"
I was about to retort before I heard someone dismount their horse, and I found Katianna standing beside me. She had pulled down her hood, sending me a small reassuring smile before turning towards the wary soldier.
"Raphael speaks the truth, he is Lady Seraphine's champion, and I truly am her priestess." Katianna told him with a kindred smile, "Allow me to show you her mark." She raised the back of her left hand, revealing the glowing mark of Seraphine.
I blinked, as I realized I hadn't known where Seraphine's mark was on Katianna, but I suppose I never chose to look for it on her despite how obvious the position was. It wasn't long till I tuned back in and saw that the priestess was sending me a pointed look.
"Raphael, show him your mark as well." She gestured to the now-pale guard.
"Right, sorry." I unequipped my kevlar vest and lifted up my shirt, revealing the goddess's mark above my heart.
The guard gaped before he dropped to one knee, "I-I'm so sorry my lord and lady! Please forgive me for my doubts!" His attitude made a complete one-eighty. "I-I did not know that our goddess had made someone her new champion."
"He became Lady Seraphine's champion quite recently, and news of it hasn't spread far enough for any city to hear of it quite yet." Katianna sent the man an amused smile, "But I'm sure you're going to be spreading the word of our arrival."
He rose, now standing straighter than before with a sheepish expression, "Of course my lady, the arrival of not only the priestess but the champion of our goddess is something that cannot be kept secret, allow me to open the gate for your party."
The guard moved back inside the gatehouse, and it wasn't long until the portcullis slowly rose, prompting Katianna and I to return to our horses. Mounting Constable with little trouble, I nudged the horse forward, with Rosalina having wrapped her arms around me again. Bypassing the first portcullis, it began closing as all of us entered, and the secondary gate opened outwards, appearing to be made mostly of timber reinforced with metal - likely iron or steel.
Two soldiers greeted us once the gate fully opened, and they bowed respectfully at our approach. I suppose I'll have to get used to having Furoreans bowing or kneeling at my presence due to being Seraphine's champion. Gaia knows how Rosalina would feel about being shown such respect and/or reverence.
The sight of the city on the other hand was breathtaking, for such a place to be built with a primitive technological level is astonishing. The path we stood on was laden with stone and buildings lined its sides, not to mention the number of people that moved to and fro on the paths. To say that the city was packed is an understatement, it was overcrowded with refugees coming from across the kingdom and it was clear that there was no living space left for these unfortunate souls, if any was arranged for them at all.
"It's so... crowded..." Rosalina muttered behind me in awe. "I've never seen so many people in one place at once."
"Is it not what you imagined?" I asked her, looking at a family of four, the obvious father of the family was begging anyone that passed him for coin to support his family, and there were similar situations all down along the road. "Cause it certainly isn't for me."
I hadn't expected for the capital city to be so overcrowded, it's clear that the Perrosians had pushed deep into Furorean territory, no doubt forcing many from small villages or towns to retreat to the safety of the walled cities. The people had my sympathy, and once the war is over it's likely that many of their homes would be destroyed or completely looted by bandits or Perrosian soldiers, if not worse.
"Too many people..." She mumbled, burying her head into my back, prompting me to chuckle at her embarrassment.
"I get what you mean, but hopefully Tenebrae isn't all like this." Our group moved through the flow of the crowd, the two guards that met us at the gate forced the people to part ways for us. "Besides, if you don't like the crowds then now is the time to get used to it Rosa, can't always be afraid to be surrounded by strangers."
!
I jolted as she jabbed her fingers into my sides, almost making me lose control of Constable's reins, "I'm not afraid Raphael!" I could already see her angry pout being directed towards the back of my head. "I'm just... not used to it..."
"S-Sure Rosa, whatever you say." I still teased, and I received another jab to my side, almost forcing Constable into a group of people to our right. "Alright alright! I'll stop now, don't want anyone to get hurt."
"Good..." She murmured, and she went back to laying her head on my back.
The two soldiers that cleared our path led us further up the road, and the special treatment we received only served to garner the attention of the civilians around us. They've already began speaking to one another in hushed whispers, trying and failing to discretely point at us. Rosalina shifted slightly on my back, burying her head further in at all the attention we were receiving.
Ignoring all the stares, I looked further ahead and saw that the capital had a secondary wall, although smaller, seemed to look sturdier than the previous one I had seen outside. Which was strange, all the infrastructure that was around me in a city of such size likely took decades to develop and grow to what it is today, the secondary wall is likely a recent addition to the capital's defenses in light of the ongoing war.
At our approach, we faced a gate that had already began to raise for us, and I've noticed that the secondary wall had far more soldiers stationed upon it than the outer wall, arrow slits from the wall's towers revealed several arrowheads already peaking out of them. What few guards that were visible to me wore far more superior armor than the ones that were currently leading us, instead of simple chain mail armor and kettle helmets the ones on the inner wall wore what were clearly steel cuirasses and bascinets. One such guard met us at the gate, a crossbow being visibly seen over her shoulder.
"This is as far as we can lead you." One of the two guards told us, "My lord and lady, it's been a great honor."
The soldier with the crossbow stepped up, "I shall take over from here, it is best that we continue towards his Majesty the King with all due haste, but I cannot allow anyone but the priestess and champion of Seraphine an audience with him, so I ask that they wait in the quarters they shall be provided. Surely this is no problem for my lord and lady?"
News certainly traveled fast from one wall to the one before us, but I suppose that we do warrant an immediate response considering not one but two of us represent Seraphine on the mortal plane. Still, it's surprising that there was as fast a response as this, considering that we headed straight here after we entered through the main entrance.
"It's no problem, but we do have to get rid of some prisoners of ours." I told her, gesturing to the two bound bandits. "We managed to capture them on our way to the capital, I'm sure that you can ensure that justice be done to them."
"Of course my lord, it will be done." She nodded, turning towards the guards that had led us here, "You two, take the prisoners to the prison to be dealt with."
They bowed, moving forward to take the prisoners from the horses, dragging them up to their feet and pushing the two away from us. The bandits submitted to it easily, clearly having no will left in them to resist after being forced to travel days with minimal daily necessities. I'm glad that they're finally gone though, they were nothing more than burdens on our journey, but justice will be done to them soon enough.
"If that is all, let us head in and have the rest of your party inside their quarters." She turned towards the gate, waving us through with a gloved hand, and I took the moment to cast Observe on her for some snippets of information.
Name: Alenya Osteler
Race: Human
Class: Arbalist (+5 AGI)
Age: 31
Level: 42
Title: (None)
HP (Health Points): 8,700/8,700 (2,900 HP regeneration per minute)
MP (Mana Points): 3,150/3,150 (1,000 MP regeneration per minute)
STR (Strength): 34
VIT (Vitality): 29 (300 HP per point, 100 HP regeneration per point)
AGI (Agility): 36 (36+5=41)
INT (Intelligence): 21 (150 MP per point)
WIS (Wisdom): 19 (100 MP regeneration per point)
CHR (Charisma): 14
LUC (Luck): 4
Description: Alenya Osteler was born in the Furorean city of Svellos, raised by two mothers that served as women-at-arms for the city's garrison and an artisan for a father. She was taught discipline and honor, slowly adopting a more militaristic lifestyle as she looked up to her mothers throughout most of her childhood. At the age of sixteen she would enlist in Svellos' military forces, first serving as a courier then being assigned to the city's garrison at eighteen. It was there that her skill with the crossbow would shine through, uncommon and expensive as they may be, she would receive a custom-made one from her parents at nineteen. When it was decided that Alenya's skills would be put to better use in the field, she would be sent on patrols outside the city, racking up eighty-nine kills throughout the years before being deployed to the capital at the onset of the Furore-Perrosian War.
It was interesting to know that I was a mere six levels below the soldier, and that this was quite possibly the first person I've used Observe on that didn't have a title to their stats. Not only that, she had more of a focus on agility and strength than me whereas I had more points than her in intelligence and wisdom - which I slowly began to realize that it covered magical capabilities rather than the actual intelligence of an individual. Still, that could easily change as I do have a great amount of skill points unused from all of my leveling, enough to raise each stat by twenty-five points.
As soon as we were through, the gate closed behind us with a loud slam, but the sight of this new section of the capital before us drew my amazement. Extravagant buildings lined the road, a far cry from the buildings that were seen in the outer sections of Tenebrae, the manors and villas made it clear that the wealthy lived in this part of the city. There was also a far greater number of soldiers walking about, but not all of them wore the same coat of arms associated with that of Furore's national army, they likely came from a noble's own levies or as a wealthy merchant's guard.
"I've never seen buildings like this in person..." Rosalina said in awe, "This is where we're going to be staying Raphael?"
"For now, probably." I shrugged, since I'll be heading for the front lines as soon as possible, and I'm not sure if I wanted her to stay behind. "Do you want a home here Rosa? It's definitely safer here than anywhere else in Furore..."
"A-Are you sure?" She asked with a bit of uncertainty, "It must be expensive to own a manor like these ones, isn't it?"
"I'm sure I can afford it Rosa, you don't have to concern yourself with costs, just let me worry about that." I'm sure the pricing on a manor or villa is something I can afford easily, hopefully, since I have the equivalent of three hundred fifty-one and a half gold coins waiting to be used.
"If you say so..."
We lapsed into a comfortable silence once more, but it wasn't long till something else drew my attention. That being the locals who gave us looks that were far more discrete than the gazes of those in the outer areas. Although I shouldn't be surprised since it's expected for aristocrats to be well-versed in the acts of subtlety and social norms. I could be misinterpreting it, considering that we were dressed in what would appear as a strange variety of clothes to them.
Eventually, the guardswoman led us to a stop in front of one of the larger manors I've seen in the area, boasting an impressive three sections. I know for sure that I wouldn't want this for my home, I'd most likely get lost in it.
"Here is where your companions will be staying Lady Nix, Lord D'Angelo." She gestured towards the mansion. "The servants here will attend to their needs, you needn't worry about them, you may also leave behind your horses, it is a short walk away to the palace."
"Alright Rosa, it's time to get off." Swinging my legs over Constable and landing on my feet, I helped Rosalina dismount. "You'll be staying here for the time being, but I'll be back soon, maybe this'll give you time to get used to living like a noble."
"O-Oh?" She tilted her head curiously, "We'll live like nobles from now on Raphael?"
"Of course we will, I've certainly got the money to support that claim." I hope. "Besides, I'm sure you'd like to have some books here that weren't available to you back at Kyros. Maybe a few books on magic spells, if those happen to be around here."
Her eyes widened in excitement, "Really-!?" She cut herself off with a groan, holding a hand to her temple. "M-My head..."
I was at her side in an instant, "Rosa, are you alright?" If what I think is happening to her is happening, then I fear my meeting with the king will have to wait.
She waved me off, a dazed look in her eyes. "I...I'm fine, just a small headache, don't worry about me Raphael. Don't keep the king waiting any longer for my own sake."
I was skeptical of course, and I wasn't exactly eager to leave Rosalina by herself with her health in such a precarious state. I'm sure that she'd force me to go anyhow, seeing how she crossed her arms under her bust along with the stubborn look on her face.
"If you're sure Rosa..." She sent me a look that would brook no further argument, and I acquiesced. "Alright alright, I won't press the matter anymore, but please, stay safe."
Her arms returned to their sides as she gave me a small smile, "I will Raphael, don't worry about me." She shooed me away as she began unloading her pack from Constable.
Turning towards Hal and the Recon Marines, I found that they had already dismounted their horses and stood there, as if though waiting for my orders. They already knew they wouldn't be accompanying me to king's palace. Still, I suppose it'd be best to have them remain with Rosalina and Rhea, despite how useful they'd be with information gathering instead.
"Hal, Alpha-One, Bravo-Two, follow and protect Rosalina, follow her commands as well as long as they don't conflict with my standing orders." I told them, and they nodded in return, already beginning to move towards their charge.
With that matter taken care of, I saw Katianna speaking with Rhea, in the moment of finishing up the last bits of their conversation. As Rhea turned away, she saw and sent me a single nod, before walking towards the manor. Although I was curious as to what their conversation was about, I didn't want to pry into what was clearly their own personal business.
"Raphael," Katianna greeted with a wave, her white robe appearing more pristine than it had ever been during our trip, as if though it wasn't dirtied at all during that time. "Are you ready to meet royalty?"
Never had I imagined that I'd ever be meeting royalty but I suppose I was as prepared as I could possibly get. "As ready as one can be Katianna..." I responded, uncertain how I should act or behave in front of a king.
"Please follow me, my lord and lady." The arbalist stepped forward, "His Majesty is awaiting your arrival."
She spun around, beginning to move at a marching speed, forcing us to follow after her before we could say a word. Not that I had any objections, considering that it wasn't wise to keep a person of such great status waiting for too long. Eventually we began seeing less of the richly dressed and more of Furore's armed forces, which wasn't all that surprising considering that we were heading toward's the king's palace.
"How much do you know of Lenard IV, Raphael?" Katianna asked as we walked side-by-side, "Since you aren't exactly from Furore, or Terros for that matter..." She seemed to have muttered that last bit to herself.
I shrugged, "Not much honestly, I've only heard about him through word of mouth, but I can piece together that the man's a champion of the people - I think, with the information I have. Although said information isn't much to go on to begin with..."
"I've met him before, even though he had just been a newborn babe then, I was there to give him the blessing of Lady Seraphine." Right, Katianna's lived far longer than the average human lifespan, and has probably lived through a few kings and queens. "I saw the kindred soul that he had, though it may have shaped and changed over the years, I am certain that it is still there despite all that has happened, nonetheless I suppose this will be the first time that we both will meet the king."
"Well, you're the expert on the matters of the soul, so I'll take your word for it."
Now I saw only soldiers patrolling the area as we began to enter a more fortified section of Tenebrae, and as we walked past a line of trebuchets I saw for myself what the palace truly looked like. There was nothing grand about it, if anything it was designed to be a fortress, as it appeared to be the third and last wall of Tenebrae's defensive lines. In contrast to the secondary wall's recently built appearance, the palace's looked fairly old but sturdy enough to withstand a siege should it ever come to that. I can certainly appreciate the royalty's choice of their seat of power, instead of taking a gaudy building with the intent of impressing the nobility they made a stronghold instead.
Very noticeably next to the palace was one of the spires I saw from outside, and it seemed to emit a blue glow from within. The structure had no windows or any openings for that matter aside from the cracks in the stone, craning my neck to find the top of the spire my eyes found what appeared to be a blue crystal jutting out from the sides.
"Katianna..." I called her offhandedly, still staring at the crystal. "What do you think that is?"
She hummed, "I'm not sure but it appears to be a... mana crystal." The surprise was easily heard in her voice, "It clearly has a great deal of mana stored within it... I hadn't mentioned it before but I did feel it long before we reached Tenebrae, I dismissed it as a slight disturbance."
Really now? The spire had enough magic in it for Katianna to sense it at long distances, and I can't feel anything from it right now, but I shouldn't be surprised considering I don't exactly have a complete grasp of magic. Despite that, I can at least assume the mana crystal has some sort of purpose, perhaps as a weapon that solely fires magic spells, or a 'recharging station' of sorts for the mages in Furore's service.
Nonetheless it didn't require my immediate attention, as we neared a reinforced gate, which was watched over by four soldiers wielding short swords and heater shields with the same armor that our guide wore. The four of them bowed in unison and the two closest to the entrance pushed open the gate, allowing us through with no complications. Moving through, it was a simple field of grass that surrounded the path leading to another reinforced door which our guide opened without stopping her gait. Entering the fortress I bore witness to more than a few decorations that lined the walls, portraits of what were likely the former rulers of Furore went down to the end of the hall, each painted to almost realistic perfection.
Of course Katianna probably saw all of these displays before as she did say she was here for the birth of King Lenard IV. The red carpet we walked on seemed rather nice too, I noted absently, keeping my thoughts busy.
The soldier stopped stopped in front of a pair of double doors, turning to us. "His Majesty awaits your arrival ahead." She told us, before opening the doors and standing to the side. "It is best not to keep him waiting any further."
"My thanks for leading us here." I sent her a nod, which she returned.
"It is of no consequence, my lord." She gestured towards the throne room with a bow, "If you would?"
Walking forward with all the grace I could muster - which was practically none - I was met with the sight of a great hall that stretched out a great distance, with banners hanging down from the ceiling on both sides of the hall in between the pillars that supported the structure. In the middle of such a large area was a table of massive size with a great deal of chairs to go with it. It was beyond that I saw the person who could only be identified as King Lenard IV, given what was likely a purple silk cloak embroidered with gold and lined with ermine fur along with the obvious crown on his head.
There was also the fact that there were at least twenty soldiers, if not more, stationed around the hall in locations that would put them at an advantageous position should an attack ever occur. Ignoring that, I fell into step beside Katianna, and the aged appearance of the king became much more noticeable on our approach. His hair was mostly gray but there was evidence that he once had black hair, and the crown he wore covered the rest. He had few wrinkles, and his pale blue eyes stared at us with a tired gaze.
"Welcome, priestess and champion..." He spoke, his voice gruff, holding a degree of weariness to it.
Katianna bowed before the dais, and I mirrored the action, seeing that it would be best to let her take the lead. I rose with her, standing straight, giving me the opportunity to examine the two noticeable people that stood on either side of the king.
One of them stood to the left and wore what were clearly gray robes, not too dissimilar from Katianna's actually, a cowl hid most of his facial features and what was visible was a brown beard. If I were to hazard a guess I'd assume that the man is the king's own mage. The other one was a woman on the right, clad in full black plate armor, a helmet clipped to one side of her hip with a sword sheathed on the other. The woman's black hair was pulled into a tight bun, she held a neutral expression as she stared at us.
"I am honored to have you here today." My attention was drawn back towards the king as he spoke, "Though I wish it were under better circumstances..."
"The honor is all ours your majesty, Lady Seraphine has seen it fit for us to intervene." Katianna responded respectfully, "Though I am sure you haven't heard of her most recent champion?"
The king's eyes swept towards me, "Very recently..." I held his gaze, "Raphael, was it?"
"Raphael D'Angelo." I answered with a short bow. "At your service your majesty."
He said nothing, merely staring at me, and it was a bit unnerving to be honest. Nonetheless, I stared back against the steely gaze directed towards me, despite how long it felt I wouldn't break eye contact with the king. To flinch away is to show hesitation to him, and I wouldn't, not only for the sake of my position but as a matter of upholding the expectation placed upon me as Seraphine's champion.
To my surprise, he laughed, "You certainly hold the look of a soldier!"
Well... I certainly hadn't expected that sort of reaction, but the fact that I look like a soldier while being the champion of Seraphine, a goddess of peace, would no doubt bring discomfort to some.
"Is that a good thing?"
"Were this under different circumstances, no, but strange times are upon us and a soldier being our goddess' champion is the least of our problems." The smile on his face faded, and he sighed wearily. "Unfortunately, soldiers are perhaps what we need most in these dire times."
"You may hold the look of the soldier, but to see if you act and fight like one remains to be seen." The woman that was on the king's right spoke, "The last champion to claim to be a warrior was... unskilled, and let us say that his duty as champion did not last long."
The king sent her a stern look over his shoulder, "General, I am sure that Raphael's skills are not in doubt, our people need hope and the arrival of a new champion of our goddess will provide the beacon we so desperately need."
"Of course, I merely wish for the best for our people, but I do not want someone who could cause far more trouble than they are worth." I won't fault the woman for that, if our positions were reversed I'd share the same doubts as her. "But I will give him the benefit of a doubt, my king."
"Thank you General, that is all I ask of you." He nodded at her before turning back towards me, "Tell me Raphael, is our goddess prepared to interfere in this war?"
I hesitated, though I speak and act on behalf of Seraphine as her champion I'm not sure I could fully interpret what she truly want-
"I am fully prepared Raphael, worry not about me, merely bringing peace back to Furore is all I ask for."
Right... though Seraphine speaks to me due to her recently being granted full access to my mind, I'm still slightly surprised whenever she chooses to speak.
"Without a doubt, she is." I nodded, and I could've sworn I heard her say something in the recesses of my mind. "As prepared as she can be, Your Highness."
"I understand..." He turned about, facing away from us. "Then I am grateful for your presence, as well as yours, Lady Nix. General Velade will take it from here, and inform you of our current predicament."
Said woman stepped forward as the king walked back to his throne, a hand on the hilt of her sword. As she came closer I noticed the color of her eyes were a hazel brown, and from what's been said and seen from her it's likely that she has a very serious personality, but that was a guess.
"If you could follow me, I shall show you the current state of the war." She turned around, going off to the right of the throne, and we followed. "I can say that it is not going in our favor at the very least."
There was a door I hadn't seen earlier, likely due to how far back it was behind the throne, but it apparently led to a separate section of the palace as General Velade showed us. What was behind the door was clearly the war room, considering the number of maps hung on the walls, especially in the center of the room where the largest map laid, documents and scrolls were scattered along its surface. Not to mention several people already present in the room going over the maps, only giving us a brief glance and a nod towards the general before going back to their work.
She led us to the table in the center, the map clearly showing the entirety of Furore, lines were drawn, and the map was covered in blue and red flags likely indicating either Furorean or Perrosian-controlled territory.
"The blue is our own, the red being that of Perros'. As you can see, our lines are being pushed back." The general sighed, before a soldier burst into the room from a separate door, urgency evident in his steps.
The soldier bowed before standing up, "General, this came in from the front!" He passed her a scroll from a satchel on his side, and she unfurled it, reading it silently.
She grimaced as she read it, "I see..." She muttered to herself, before furling the scroll back up. "You may continue your duties soldier."
He nodded, before running back out the door, likely to pass on more messages.
"What was that?" I asked as she leaned against the table, placing the scroll down beside her.
She looked up, grim-faced. "A report from the front, we've lost Castle Fasyr and four thousand men and women against a force of twenty thousand." She turned around and faced the table, removing one of the blue flags on the map and replacing it with a red one. "Lady Fasyr and all of her closest kin present were lost with it, that noble house will never be the same..."
I winced, a loss for Furore, and I couldn't find a response to that. The loss of a noble house sounds devastating, alongside four thousand of Furore's own forces makes it worse.
"I do hope that you surely have a means to help us win this war, champion, priestess." She almost sounded desperate under that stoic facade. "Our problems do not end there, the coffers are suffering as well, there is a shortage of food, trade with Cairose has been disrupted since the beginning of the war and I fear that they may make a move against us but they lack casus belli."
Furore's problems seem to be piling up, and I'm concerned that I may have to interfere more than necessary. I'll have to use everything at my disposal if worse comes to worst. The armaments on the Venerable Crusader will have to be a last resort, exposure to the firepower of the futuristic technology will leave more questions than answers.
"I will do my very best to help, and I will help you win this war general." I affirmed, losing is not an option. "Send me to the front lines, surely my presence as Seraphine's champion would raise morale at the very least?"
She nodded without an ounce of hesitation, "That was what I had originally planned alongside His Majesty when we had first heard of a new champion, but he feared that you would be lost in battle should you enter the war and that would serve to break morale across the entire army." The burden I bear felt heavier at that bit of news. "I disagree with him... but he is not wrong, should you fall in combat then morale would diminish to nothing across the front, which is why I wished to test you combat earlier and still wish to do so now."
"Alright, then let's get it over with, every second wasted is a second the Perrosians get closer to Tenebrae." I turned towards the priestess beside me, "And while I'm at it, are you going to come with me to the front Katianna? I'm sure your presence there would be a boost to morale as well."
Katianna hummed, "A healer might be needed to help the injured, so I will move to the front with you, there is no need for me here after all. Not quite yet."
"There's no need for me to test Lady Nix in combat, I am well aware of her reputation as a healer and mage." General Velade spoke up, "It is you who I must test Raphael, I've no idea of your capabilities, and that is what I am concerned about first and foremost."
Right... I'm still a new factor in this war, a complete unknown to the knowledge of the people of Furore and Terros as a whole. Well, perhaps barring that of Seraphine and Katianna.
"Oh I know everything Raphael, and your world is quite intriguing... but the way your people wage war is horrifying, not to mention the destructive capabilities of your weapons." I heard the goddess speak in my mind, "Katianna knows your world as I do, but not as much."
I see then...
"Shall we start your trial by combat then, Raphael?" I was drawn back in as the general spoke again. "Or perhaps you need a weapon to fight me first?"
"No no, let's do this now." Ah, I don't have my weapons on me right now, but plenty of the locals have been exposed to firearms already that it's far too late to keep it hidden any longer. "Don't worry about my weapons."
She nodded, looking at me, unconvinced. "Very well, follow me out this way then." She gestured towards the door that the messenger came through earlier. "There's a field which my own soldiers use for practice." The general walked out said door, and we followed her once more.
I looked to Katianna as we passed by several men and women in extravagant clothing, "You've been awfully quiet these past few moments Katianna... Is there something wrong?"
She shook her head, "All is well Raphael, I've always stayed in silence and away from our lady's worshipers, I'm just simply not silent with you."
"And is that a good thing?" Katianna has been mischievous for as long as I've been with her - short as that time may be, - imagining her to be mostly silent at times is an image I can't see in my head. "Silence doesn't seem to be your thing."
She stifled a laugh, "With you Raphael? No, silence is not my 'thing' as you put it, these are interesting times and I feel as if though great change is coming with it. Which means that I too must change, your arrival is an added factor of that."
"Really? How drastic of a change are we talking about here Katianna?" I sent her a curious look, to which I received her trademark coy smile.
"Come now Raphael, I know of your... ship in the skies." She elaborated, and I winced. "The weapons you wield are concerning of course, but I have faith that you will not misuse such power."
"Right, I forgot that you now know much more about me since I... let Seraphine into my soul and body." I chastised myself for underestimating how much both Katianna and Seraphine knew from my memories, even after the latter had told me as such. "But I can't make any promises, I have to use whatever resources I have at my disposal for peace, even if it has to be through force of arms."
Her smile seemed to dim at my words, "Is there no way to persuade you from this course of action? Surely less blood can be shed through words, and not action?" She sent me an almost-despondent look.
"Katianna, I-" My response was cut short as I nearly bumped into the general, who had stopped in front of a pair of doors, likely leading to the courtyard considering the sunlight beaming through the cracks. "We'll have to continue this conversation some other time."
General Velade faced us, "I'm sure you do not mind having an audience to witness our fight, many of my warriors cannot resist such an appealing show."
"I don't mind it, in fact, I welcome the audience." I sent her a confident look, "I'm sure they'd appreciate a battle between soldiers as a boost to their morale."
It was all false bravado, I don't know what I'm up against and I could easily be put into the ground, which reminded me to cast Observe on the fair general.
Name: Alesandra Velade
Race: Human
Class: General (+25 CHR, +50 Lvl. Leadership)
Age: 34
Level: (?)
Title: Lioness of Furore - This title has been given to you for your skill and ferocity in battle, tested in the flames of war you've been unmatched by none barring those who share your martial prowess. +75 REP to Furorean People, -25 REP to Foes
...I'm going to eat the dirt.
It was clear that facing Alesandra in combat would - at best - last a minute by my estimations. Although I expected her to be a skilled warrior, I certainly hadn't expected her to be a hundred levels above me. I have to be thankful for the usefulness of Observe, without it I would have walked into this battle unprepared for my ass to be handed to me, knowing what I'm facing certainly makes me all the more ready to accept defeat with resignation.
However, I've faced opponents that held the advantage over me before, during my trials after I had died and when I had faced Velyn Kurst. I simply used the resources at my disposal to turn the tables on them, although I don't have any of the A3M with me this time I still have modern technology and the weapons that came from the Hub on hand.
She sent me an amused smile, "We'll see if it'll be a battle."
The courtyard was filled with men and women training with a variety of weapons or physical activities, they sparred with swords, sent arrows downrange into stationary targets, or grouped up in formations.
Those closest to the door quickly went at attention at the sight of their general, to which she returned with a formal salute of her own. It wasn't long till we were gathering more of a crowd around us as we walked onward. I would say that at least three scores of soldiers followed us by the time Alesandra stopped, a circle was drawn into the ground around us and the soldiers formed loosely around us. Katianna had stayed out of the circle, the soldiers around her respectfully giving her a wide berth as she watched from the sidelines.
"Stand over there." Alesandra instructed, pointing over to one end of the small arena. "Are you sure you do not need a weapon Raphael?"
Moving into position I shook my head, "I'm fine general, like I've said before I have weapons of my own."
She shrugged, placing on her helmet. "Very well then Raphael, ready yourself, I will not be holding back." She drew her sword from its scabbard, "This battle will be ended once first blood is drawn or if either of us surrenders to the other."
I nodded to show that I understood and I drew my weapons of choice, Crowd Control and Caerulus Mors appeared in my hands, drawing many surprised looks from the crowd and likely the general's too, but I couldn't tell with her helmet on. The pairing of weapons I chose weren't exactly ideal but they'd have to do for now, I was confident in my shield's ability to absorb any blows but I was more concerned with my abilities with the blade.
Sure I've used Caerulus Mors before, but it was against targets that didn't wield swords themselves, even then I was relying on the weapon's Ice Sprite to cause more damage than the blade itself.
Nonetheless I shifted into a stance that I thought was suitable, shield upfront and sword over it, purely defensive against someone of Alesandra's caliber. Said woman simply brought her sword into a two-handed grip close to her head in response.
!
Without warning she bounded forward, crossing the gap between us in moments and I hastily raised my shield in respon-
"Shit!"
I was sent back, the force of the blow jarring my arm and I winced at the feeling. I didn't get a moment of recovery as she was on me again, blow after blow striking Crowd Control, each hit making me take a single step back until I was at the very edge of the circle.
Digging my feet into the grass, I blindly lashed out with Caerulus Mors, hoping for it to connect to pay for all the blows I received. Instead, what I got in return was a thwack and a sharp sensation of pain in my wrist, forcing me to drop the sword.
Hissing in anger I brought back my arm, likely hit with the flat of Alesandra's blade being the cause, and it hurt like a bitch. As our audience jeered and I took every attack from the general as best I could, I realized I had forgotten about one of Crowd Control's functions.
Bang!
There were shouts of alarm and confusion of those who were on the receiving end of the flashbang function, including General Velade. Look over Crowd Control I saw that Alesandra was disoriented, and seizing the advantage while I could I ran straight towards her, picking up Caerulus Mors in my path.
Closing in, I brought down my sword, aiming for her shoulde-
-Only to be rebuffed as Alesandra parried the blade, somewhat clumsily but was still warded off nonetheless.
Seeing that my advantage was slipping I brought Crowd Control about again hoping to leave her disoriented once more.
At my action she reacted far quicker, having recovered from the effects of the flashbang function, with a greave she kicked the shield out of my hand with enough strength to send me flying along with it had I not let go of it first.
Stumbling back and raising Caerulus Mors into what meager defense I could muster I had no time to react to Alesandra's blade flashing forward.
The enchanted blade flew from my hands a second time, landing too far for me to ever reach it without facing the consequences, and my shield was even further than that.
In the blink of an eye the tip of her sword was at my throat before I could even draw another weapon from my inventory, and I raised my hands in surrender.
The slight pressure she applied was enough to draw blood, which I flinched at, as my Mana Shield was supposed to take all the hits for me.
"Do you yield?" She asked, her voice coming out clear despite wearing that helmet of hers, and she pushed her sword just a little further into my neck.
Seeing no choice in the matter, I submitted.
The pressure was relieved as she withdrew, and I released a breath that I didn't realize I was holding. Alesandra's blade hung loosely on her side as she stepped back and the crowd was cheering loudly at the outcome of the battle.
The general took off her helmet, "Your skills are... adequate, I certainly hadn't expected enchanted weapons such as yours and that spell was impressive as well. It would've worked on any one of my soldiers but unfortunately for you not against myself, I've faced foes with similar magic."
That definitely explains how she recovered from it fast enough then, assuming she's talking about Crowd Control's function. However, it sounds like there's a magical equivalent to it and I'd certainly like to be prepared for such a spell in existence.
With a slight groan from sorely tested bones, I went to collect my sword and shield.
Our audience had dispersed moments after our duel had ended, and a few lingered - including Katianna - possibly to see anymore action. Well, they're going to be disappointed because I'm not going to go through another one-sided battle. Not to mention it felt like she was pulling her punches, which worked out in my favor since I would've come out in an even worse condition had she been using all of her strength. I shivered slightly as I picked up my sword, I had even asked her to hold nothing back.
Katianna approached, offering me Crowd Control. "Are you alright Raphael?"
After placing Caerulus Mors in my inventory, I took the shield by its grip, feeling the familiar weight on my arm once more.
"I'm fine, I'll probably just have a few bruises." I shrugged at her concern, and winced at the feeling in my shield arm. "I've had worse, believe me."
She frowned slightly, gently laying a hand on my shoulder. "It is not that I don't believe you, I'm aware that you've been in battle before, it's that I'm concerned for your well-being."
"Katianna, please, I'm fine." I was about to brush off her hand before a warm and soothing sensation went down my arm. "Did you-?"
"Don't fret Raphael, a little healing would do to ease your pains, and expending a small amount of my mana is of no consequence." I was going to argue but a stern look from her forced me to do otherwise.
Alesandra appeared from over my shoulder, "Are your injuries so dire that you require healing?"
"General," Katianna spoke before I could, "I made the decision to heal Raphael myself, please, there is no need to create such a fuss over it."
"There is no need to coddle him, and that is all I'm merely stating, the champion needs to be accustomed with such pain." The general continued coolly, and I took offense at that. "I respect you and what your position represents but he has yet to prove himself worthy of his position."
"He has proven himself, tales of his deeds have not spread far but they are certainly great enough to grant him the renown he deserves." Katianna defended, and I wondered about what deeds I had done to earn myself recognition, was she referring to Velyn Kurst? "Greatest among his achievements was battling a daemon of terrible power when it had attacked Lady Seraphine's temple."
Oh...?
"So the rumors were true? The temple had fallen to a daemonic attack?" The general frowned, looking at me in a new light. "And you say Raphael had fought the daemon responsible?"
Zal'Tenzhun, the name of the very daemon that I hadn't even tried to fight, giving that honor to the temple guard who sacrificed herself to stall it while the rest of her comrades and I escaped. I could only hope that Sylva made a steady recovery in the days that have gone by, someone of her selflessness would be a saddening loss to Seraphine's own people. For Katianna to so easily tell Alesandra that I had fought the daemon on even grounds was surprising in of itself, and the memory of the daemon gave me slight shivers.
"Yes, and he had managed to ward it off, though not without leaving a great deal of the temple devastated from the daemon's attacks." She lied easily, as if though it had actually happened. "I'm afraid the foul creature is still loose upon Furore."
Alesandra frowned at that tidbit of information, "I'm well informed of the daemonic attacks on our lands, but nothing so massive as the daemon you've described. It appears we have to begin preparing our towns and cities further from such unholy beings."
She looked back to me, "There's more to you than it seems Raphael, but I still hold doubts. Nonetheless, I shall have the two of you escorted back to your new holdings, I need to make use of this new information." She waved over the closest of her soldiers, which had happened to be our previous guide, Alenya. "Have them returned to Asilas Manor."
Alenya nodded, giving the general a crisp salute. "It shall be done my lady."
"This is farewell for now, but I shall be watching you closely champion." Alesandra said to me, and sending Katianna a respectful nod. "Priestess."
"If you'll follow me, my lord and lady." Alenya spoke up, already next to and opening the door leading back into the hold.
We followed her out, though I did send the general one last look, she was already busying herself by ordering her troops back into their drills. That was the last I saw of her before the scenery changed to that of finely-made tapestries and pedestals holding delicate objects.
Katianna fell into step alongside me as I looked about, and I had a feeling I knew what she was going to say.
"Raphael, we still have not finished speaking about your weapons of war." She said delicately, and I paused briefly before continuing to walk. "This is a matter I cannot ignore as a priestess of peace, and we shall have words once we are away from prying eyes."
"Can't say I look forward to it..." I muttered, mostly to myself, and if she heard me she gave no indication of it.
...
Our walk back was a silent one, and I took the opportunity to absorb everything around me. There were still noblemen and women sending furtive glances at us, those expressions were a mix of awe and suspicion. A few of those expressions were full of downright hostility, for what reason, I don't care about. I never had the stomach for politics, it's mostly a maze of those seeking to further their own ends at the expense of others.
I sighed as we left the palace's perimeter, where there was a greater concentration of soldiers, a sight I could respect more than the people garbed in gaudy attire. The Furorean soldiers were far more professional, at least by the standards here I suppose.
They were in the process of bolstering the already-formidable defenses of the wall, moving to and fro carrying sacks of arrows and javelins. The larger variety of ammunition was being moved by carts, tugged by overworked horses. I did notice that there was a great quantity of ballistas being lugged around, some with interesting modifications, deployed in strategic points. Unfortunately I didn't stick around long enough to observe whatever else they had to bring to arms.
...
We eventually arrived back at the manor after several more minutes of walking, where we had passed several more entourages of the merchantmen and women of Furore. It was interesting to know that there was still some amount of trade being done in the city despite the war raging on so close.
Nonetheless, Alenya dismissed herself after stopping at the manor's entrance, returning to normal patrols alongside her comrades. As she marched away, the manor's doors opened from within, and the maid responsible reeled back in surprise before recovering to curtsy.
"M-My lord and lady!" She bowed her head, stepping aside to allow us entrance. "Welcome back."
I sent the maid a sidelong glance as we moved into the lavish building, as I don't know how I feel about having a servant. She was rather short, far shorter than anyone in my party, we were quite taller than average though so I won't fault her for that. Her appearance was... normal as well, brown hair tied into a neat bun with equally brown eyes. Dressed in a simplistic maid outfit to match her position too.
"Thank you." Katianna responded with a smile. "And you are?"
"Alisone Corniel." She kept her head low submissively. "I am at your service for as long as you may require me."
"Rise Alisone, there's no need for you to be so respectful, Raphael and I are hardly of the noble class." She placed a hand on her shoulder, "You may address me as Priestess Nix, and Raphael as Champion D'Angelo. Though it is shorter and more convenient to refer to both of us as lord and lady I suppose."
She hesitated, confusion in her stance as she rose. "...Thank you, my lady." Katianna waved her hand dismissively at her thanks.
The maid turned towards me, "My lord, I have dire news for you."
I've a bad feeling about this...
"One of your... companions, I believe it was Rosalina, she's currently..." She looked away as I began to worry. "It is best that you see her for yourself my lord."
"Take me to her now." I ordered more than requested, and I sent Katianna a questioning look. "Are you...?"
"I am, I have a feeling I know what ails Rosalina." She nodded with a frown. "If I'm right, then we must hurry."
The maid led us out of the foyer and moved as quickly as possible without running. I paid no mind to the architecture and decorations of the manor, as I was far too worried about Rosalina's well-being to put much thought into my surroundings. She led us through several halls and up to the second floor of the manor before I finally spotted the room where I assumed Rosalina to be.
Alpha-One and Bravo-Two stood at either side of an ornate door, both of them standing at attention with their rifles slung. They moved aside at our approach, and the maid opened the door for us, stepping inside and holding it.
I moved inside quickly, and at the center of the room lie a king-sized bed. On the bed, buried underneath layers of blankets was Rosalina, being tended to by two maids while I spotted Hal leaning against a wall from the corner of my eye and he sent me a nod.
The two maids bowed their heads at our arrival before continuing to assist the bedridden-Rosalina. In several strides I was at her side in an instant, and my worry intensified tenfold at her comatose state.
Behind the sheen of sweat, her face was pale, and she made several pained looks of anguish in her unconsciousness. I moved aside to allow the maids do their jobs, letting them peel away the layers of sheets to wipe away the accumulating perspiration on her body before reapplying the blankets.
Katianna was on the other side of the bed moments after me, concern etched onto her face at the sight of Rosalina. She tentatively reached a hand out to Rosalina, but hesitated, uncertainty being something I haven't seen in the priestess... at all.
"What are you doing?" I questioned Katianna, and she looked at me with her hand still out.
"I..." She dropped her hand on Rosalina's arm with a sigh. "I was going to use my own powers to find out what has happened to her, but I'm afraid I already know what ails her and I-I can't do anything."
"Are you talking about the mental block you had placed in her?" It was the only reasonable explanation as to why Rosalina was in this state. "Has it deteriorated that much for her to be pain from it?"
"Yes, I did warn you that it lasted for a short time, and I've no doubt that a great deal of happier memories were made during that time frame but her trauma is... far more overwhelming than I had initially perceived."
"Then...?" I trailed off, afraid of the answer I might receive.
"There is a chance she may not ever wake up from this state."
...
No...
"Are you absolutely sure that there's nothing that can be done?" I demanded, but it came out more as a plea. "Katianna, there has to be something, anything!"
She was silent and I despaired at the lack of response I was receiving.
"...We have one option, but it is dangerous." She looked at me intensely from beneath her hood. "There is a chance she may die from it."
I hesitated, looking down at Rosalina. "What can we do?"
If there was a chance Rosalina could die in our attempts at saving her from her own mind then I'm not so sure we should risk it, but looking at her state... I'm not sure about leaving her like this either.
...Consequences be damned, I'll do everything within my power to bring her salvation.
"We're going to have to delve into her mind."
AN: Quality's a bit different here, huh?
Yeah yeah, don't need to remind me how long it's been since I've posted the last chapter, go ahead and throw every lethal object you've got at me.
I want to say I was busy, but that'd mostly be a lie. I've been holding off on working on this because between the last chapter and now I had moved, dealt with school, and then got a writer's block. I forgot how I had the characters I've made act, but I suppose as I continue this story - if I can - I'll get my spark back.
For now, I'll give a little bit of extra.
(Rosalina's Mind)
(?)
Blue eyes blinked opened in confusion, then widened fear.
Rosalina saw herself surrounded by nothing.
"H-Hello...?" She received no answer, and she let out a small whimper.
There was no sky, no ground, just a murky black and gray abyss that waxed and wane in and around her.
However, disfigured hands broke through the abyss, horrible grotesque entities that leered at her with every conceivable and inconceivable emotion.
She wanted to scream, but found that she had no voice to do so, and the abyss became a wave that swallowed and drowned her underneath its tide. The daemons, imaginary or not, circled around and taunted her as they closed in before they too disappeared in the growing darkness.
The abyss spat her out, her clothes shredded to practically nothing but scraps.
This time her surroundings were not nothing, but the ruins of a city, and she despaired as everywhere she looked she saw the bodies of men, women, and children. The more she looked, the more familiar the faces became and she released a choked sob as she saw those she loved.
She collapsed, and wept openly, surrounded by nothing but death she could only despair.
"Please..." She whispered, her hand reaching forward and stroking the face of a decapitated Raphael. "Someone... help me..."