What's Atlas Thinking About?
Atlas here again!
You know, I love a good tournament. I watched some of the archive footage from Asta and Yuno's Magic Knight exams, and the Royal Knight Selection Exam!
They were both so cool!
The only thing I've always wondered…
How the hell does anyone survive the attacks they inflict on each other?!
After a few minutes of confusion and some people not knowing who their partners are, at last, everyone has gathered into their respective duos assigned by Galileo. They decide to make some conversation and figure out a plan of attack when it comes time for their duels.
Well, everyone is making conversation but…
"I don't want to work with you." Atlas glares. "You're probably weak, anyway."
"Me? Weak?" Admetus scoffs. "You're a fucking idiot. I may not be a spoiled noble fuckwad like you, but you can't deny my power." He crosses his arms.
Atlas frowns, observing Admetus. Atlas has never been good with reading magical power like Matsu and Aurora, but…
Atlas sighs. "Fine, I guess you're right. You do radiate some strong energy…How does your magic work anyway?"
Admetus groans, his annoyance extremely apparent. But he relents and explains his magic to Atlas.
Meanwhile, Aurora and Matsu are brainstorming on how to approach the impending fight.
"Well, Matsu, I'm not sure that I know exactly what to do without Atlas' help…" Aurora sighs. "My magic relies on others, and Atlas is the only one who can give you any attributes of the souls in my collection…"
Matsu shakes his head after Aurora speaks. "You need not worry. I do not plan on using my magic during the exam."
Aurora bites her lip. "Well, yeah, that's probably for the best, but what are we going to do? We need to win this match at all costs. If not, we risk elimination…"
"I understand it is worrisome. However, you are Aurora Edelias. You surely can figure something out, correct?" Matsu questions. "Even if its a bit unorthodox."
Aurora stares down at the ground, wracking her mind for any ideas on how to proceed.
Ru and Jasper are incredibly happy, really the only duo to have gotten their wish to be a duo.
Ru laughs triumphantly. "We will slaughter the competition, right Jasper?"
Jasper nods enthusiastically. "Of course! We are already familiar with each other so that should surely translate into our ability to fight alongside each other, don't you think?"
Ru's smile falters a bit. "Hm…maybe…come to think of it, we haven't exactly discussed a plan of attack or anything like that, huh…?"
Jasper laughs nervously. "Er…you're right. Plus I'm not totally sure how to fight in a team setting, especially facing off against another team…"
"Maybe we should get a bit serious." Ru embarrassedly chuckles, his face a bit red.
Glynis pokes Lumine. "Hello! Are you a peasant? You look like one!"
Lumine looks at Glynis curiously. "B-Blonde."
Glynis giggles. "No silly girl, my name is Glynis!"
Lumine looks at her again more closely. "D-D-Dummy!"
Glynis giggles once more. "Aw, Admetus calls me that! I like you already, feral girl."
…
Yeah.
Joel and Pollo stare at each other.
"Joel." Pollo says.
"Pollo." Joel says.
…
…
…
"What is your problem with me?" Pollo whines. "Ever since I killed those flies I feel like you've been icing me out, man."
Joel sighs. "It's…not you. Or anything. It's just something weird is all."
"Well what is it?" Pollo questions.
Joel uncomfortably gazes up at the sky. "Let's just say we have a lot in common."
Cray crosses his arms as he looks in Neo's direction. "Neo Hyperion. I've heard of you before."
"Why of course you have." Neo smirks. "I'm a pretty big name huh, Mr. Chroniculus?"
"Ah, I heard something a bit different. Something about your pretty big mouth." Cray says.
Neo's smile drops. "H-hey!"
"No need to feel offended, it is only a joke." Cray sighs. "Either way, you talk a big game. I expect you to back it up."
Neo nods. "Of course. Just wait until we step into the ring…"
Kandy nods pleasantly at the sight of her partner Aim.
"I am quite pleased." She says. "You are of a respectable house and have suitable magical power. I think we make a great team."
"I suppose I have to agree." Aim admits. "Although I have not seen you in action during a battle."
Kandy shakes her head. "Ah, I am not typically a fighter I will say. My magic does most of the work for me…"
Aim raises a brow. "I see. Hm. Maybe together we can overlook that problem and destroy the competition."
Kandy smiles softly. "I think that can be arranged, tell me about your magic…"
Lastly, the duo between one of the most familiar faces in the Ace Kingdom and a girl who no one has ever seen before, simply because…
"I…I can't see you." Sherry says, perplexed. She strains her eyes, trying to observe her partner, the newly introduced Ayumi Shiki.
Ayumi rolls her eyes. "Yeah, no matter how hard you try, you won't be able to make out my appearance. It's a curse. People can see me, know that I'm there and everything, but as far as actually discerning my appearance…"
"They can't." Sherry finishes for her. "I'm so sorry, that sounds awful."
Ayumi shrugs. "It hasn't been the worst thing. People can't see you so they can't judge you, right?" She jokes.
"Maybe one day this curse will be lifted but for now this is my life. The girl without an appearance…" Ayumi continues, gazing up at the sky.
Sherry frowns slightly, feeling pity for the girl. In truth, not only can she not see her, but she doesn't know a thing about her. It's almost as if she's a girl without an appearance and personality or backstory. Sherry hopes one day Ayumi can be more than just a name.
Just who is Ayumi Shiki?
"ATTENTION, ATTENTION!"
All conversation is interrupted by a blaring voice. Everyone looks up to see three people: two of whom Atlas will recognize as Shizuka and Quinn, the two other Sorcerer Soldiers he saw with Lia.
The other is a creepy looking young man with the same robes as them. That's when Atlas remembers something…
Quinn nods. "But of course. I have to say, I am highly interested in this next generation. I personally asked Captain Aichi to put me on exam duty, and after some...begging, he agreed!"
"Nervous one of them will take your spot as the self proclaimed strongest member of the squad?" Lia smirks.
"N-no…" Quinn refutes. "I just want to see more of them! Ah, and Shizuka, I will be bringing along our friend Valeo."
Shizuka scoffs. "Ew. That guy is so slimy, even more than you, Quinn. I still don't know how someone like him ended up in our squad."
Atlas put two and two together: he must be that Valeo guy that Shizuka mentioned disliking.
Hm, but also…
Shizuka nods. "Our next stop is Sukehiro Inn to drop them off for the night. Almost all of them are exhausted from the journey, and I am too. Quinn, you're joining me in the morning to drop them off at the arena, right?"
Uh, Atlas may be stupid and slightly forgetful, but if there's one thing he remembers is he would most definitely remember a hot witch escorting them to the arena. But instead it was Magna…
Why the switch?
Shizuka clears her throat. "Mine name is Shizuka, a member of the Shadow Serpents."
"I am Quinn, another member of the Shadow Serpents!" Quinn smirks, flashing a smile.
"I am Valeo." Valeo says in an ominous tone.
Quinn coughs. "Valeo…"
"Oh. A member of the Shadow Serpents." He adds, still sounding quite ominous.
Shizuka sighs, shifting away from Valeo. "Ahem. We are here to assist with the announcement of matches and results while Captain Galileo and Mr. Ideale observe from the judges booth."
Everyone looks up to see Zora and Captain Galileo seated on fancy looking red chairs in a spectators booth overlooking the arena. Galileo smiles and waves at them while Zora just puts his feet on the railing and closes his eyes.
"You will be paired against another duo completely at random." Quinn explains, pointing to the board with everyone's names on it. "This is done to be fair and give everyone the same playing field; not being able to know anything about your opponent."
"A match is over once one team successfully knocks out one or more members of the opposing team, or if a member of any team gives up. You will only be given one chance, one match. So make the most of it." Shizuka says sternly, making some of the prospects tense up.
"Shall we proceed then?" Quinn chuckles. "There's no time to waste after all. Ah, I should mention, any spell in your repertoire goes in this battle. Although, and it should go without saying, you may not permanently injure or kill your opponent. We have our amazing White Dove healers on standby but even they can not bring back the dead!"
"There are multiple Sorcerer Soldiers stationed throughout the arena." Shizuka says, motioning around her. Sure enough, there's a Sorcerer Soldier standing stoic and at attention in each and every corner of the Arena. "They're prepared to deal with anyone who tries anything stupid."
"...But let's hope it doesn't come to that." Valeo speaks up. "Anyways, without further adieu, I think everyone is eager to get this show on the road. Our first match up is…
…
…
…
Glynis Boltor & Lumine versus Runeous Suneai & Jasper Tillie."
The participants in question all jump at the sound of their names, and their nervousness starts to set in.
"Please make your way to the middle of the arena." Shizuka instructs.
Admetus frowns. "Fuck. Didn't think you'd be going so soon…"
Glynis nervously giggles. "Hehe, I am a princess, I have to win! It's not scary…at all…"
Admetus sighs, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Just…give it all your all, dumbass."
"Pure of heart, dumb of ass!" Glynis cheers, running up to the middle of the arena.
Lumine looks at Admetus too, but he just cringes at her. "You look neglected."
Lumine nods, and runs after Glynis.
Jasper and Ru look incredibly anxious, the former a bit more relaxed than the latter.
"Jasp, I don't know if I can do this." Ru admits, putting a hand on his forehead. "I almost feel…a bit faint."
"W-We got this, Ru." Jasper says encouragingly. "Facing off against a princess? Should be a piece of cake!"
"That just made me feel worse…" Ru cries.
The two boys hesitantly make their way to the middle of the arena.
Glynis and Lumine stand on one side, grimoires at the ready. Jasper and Ru stand on the other side, clutching their grimoires in their hand as well.
Shizuka, Quinn, and Valeo stand to the back, giving the quartet some space.
Quinn clears his throat. "Please remember to battle with the spirit of the Ace Kingdom and the reminder that this will determine your acceptance into becoming a Sorcerer Soldier in mind."
"On your marks…" Shizuka starts.
"Get set…" Quinn continues.
"Go." Valeo finishes.
…
ROUND 1: FIGHT!
Obviously this is not a race, and Glynis, Lumine, Jasper, and Ru do not immediately make any moves. The two girls observe the two boys, and vice versa, waiting for someone to make a move.
Finally, someone does so.
Someone quite unexpected.
"Let's see what you got, feral girl." Glynis smiles. She opens her grimoire. "Here goes nothing…Song Magic: Tune of the Cyclops!"
Instantly, red musical symbols pour out of Glynis' mouth as she begins to sing. They wander around for a few moments, before flying towards…
Lumine!
They attach themselves to her, causing a red aura to radiate from her body. Lumine's eyes widen at the sudden feeling while Glynis giggles.
"What'd she just do?!" Ru asks exasperatedly. "Did she attack her own teammate?"
Jasper frowns. "No…I fear she's done something much worse…for us."
Admetus smirks and Aurora looks at him.
"What did she do?" Aurora asks curiously.
Admetus keeps on smirking. "Just shut up and watch!"
Aurora rolls her eyes.
Lumine looks at herself, the red aura pulsating from her. Then she looks at Ru and Jasper and smiles while the two stand frozen.
"Curse: Feline!" Lumine speaks in her feral, slightly incoherent tone, her canines growing sharper and her nails sharpening into claws.
Ru and Jasper look at each other.
"Uh oh."
Lumine rushes at Ru, coming at him at almost lightning speed and tackling him to the ground.
"Gah!" He screams.
Lumine starts to tear at him, scratching his face and neck with her claws.
"Wow, she turned even more feral…" Neo comments, watching the match with bated breath.
Cray nods along. "I of course don't know exactly how her magic works. But from what I can tell, she appears to be inflicting curses on herself that give her rather animalistic features…however, I do notice that it appears to have taken a toll on her. That's why she can hardly speak or understand things."
Neo frowns. "That sounds quite awful, to be honest."
Cray sighs. "Right…makes me wonder who forced her to practice that magic."
Jasper quickly acts as Ru is defenseless on the ground. "I can't believe I'm being forced to fight…" He moves his hands towards his grimoire, flipping to a page as quickly as he can.
"Water Magic: Lockser Cane!" He chants, a whip-like structure made of water coming from his hand appearing out of thin air. He flicks his hand towards Lumine, the whip hitting her and knocking her off of Ru, who quickly stands up and backs away from a dazed Lumine.
Jasper moves to whip her again, but Lumine quickly scurries out of the way as Glynis flips to another page.
"You ok, Ru?" Jasper asks, his eyes fixated on Glynis.
"Y-Yeah…" Ru nods. "Nothing but a few scratches. But hey, can you keep them busy for a sec? I got an idea!"
Jasper hesitantly nods. "Offense isn't usually my thing but I'll try my best!"
"Great!" Ru whips out his grimoire as well as something that dropped out of his metal gloves, appearing to be focusing on it rather intently…
"What's he doing?" Aim questions with a frown. "He's just standing there!"
"He was raised in the Heart Kingdom…" Kandy brings up. "I have a feeling he's doing a bit more than standing there…"
"Song Magic: Call of Purity!" Glynis sings, gold notes shooting towards a still dazed Lumine. The lash gained from Jasper's whip slowly starts to fade and Lumine appears to feel relaxed.
"Support magic." Aurora realizes. "She isn't much of a fighter but she's helping to boost Lumine in any way she can…"
"That first spell boosted Lumine's power." Atlas says. "The second one healed her injuries from Jasper! As long as she can keep focusing on boosting Lumine, Lumine won't tire out and will be able to continue fighting Ru and Jasper!"
"Two against one doesn't really seem fair though." Aurora frowns.
Admetus snorts. "Don't underestimate her. She's just as much a part of this fight as feral girl is."
Lumine is back to her usual self, with Jasper frowning, thinking about what to do next. He uncasts his whip.
"Think, think, think…" He says to himself. "Just need to keep them occupied enough for Ru to-"
"Curse: Sky!" Lumine interrupts, leaping into the air and flying towards a shocked Jasper, who is met with a kick to the face as Lumine comes into contact with him.
He flies across the Arena, but Lumine isn't done yet, kicking him up in the sky and leaving him to fall to the ground.
"Oh my!" Sherry puts her hands on her mouth. "That's…unexpected!"
Matsu frowns slightly. "That girl…something is starting to feel off…"
Jasper screams as he begins to fall towards the ground, bracing for the impact.
"Rune: Enchant!" Ru finally gets into the battle, a green rune looking stone on his glove glowing and shooting towards Jasper just as he is about to hit the ground.
Jasper still hits the ground though, and is still for a moment.
All the spectators look in shock and disbelief, is the first match over so quickly? Lumine and Glynis smile at each other.
Until…
Jasper springs back up with a smile. "I knew you'd have my back, Ru!"
Ru laughs. "Anytime, my brother!"
"WHAT?" Glynis' mouth drops open. "But you just fell from almost 30 feet in the air!"
"I did, yes." Jasper nods. "However, Ru here possesses Rune Magic. And his most basic spell, Rune Enchant…"
"Boosts the durability and defense of any object of my choosing, which in this case happened to be Jasp!" Ru smiles. "So that 30 feet fall felt like nothing to him!"
Glynis smiles. "That is very interesting! I love learning about other people's magic. If you hadn't saved him at just the right time, he'd be done for. Tell me, can you save him again?"
Lumine launches up from behind Jasper, grabbing him and tearing at him like she did to Ru earlier.
Jasper tries to get away, but her claws sink into his skin, holding him in her grasp.
"Damn it!" Ru curses.
"I'm guessing your spell loses potency as time goes on and the user takes more damage, right?" Glynis giggles, twirling a piece of hair with her finger. The funny thing is, she isn't asking in a snide tone and appears to be genuinely curious and innocent.
Ru glares at her. "The same is true for you too. That red aura on Lumine is gradually vanishing."
"Maybe." Glynis nods with a wink. "But that still doesn't mean she isn't strong on her own and isn't totally causing Jasper to lose more and more blood!"
Ru curses once again. "I didn't want to have to do this so early but…"
"Rune Magic: Rune Blade Creation!" Ru's runes on his gloves shoot out and turn into small little blades, flying towards Lumine and stabbing her, knocking her off of Jasper, who quickly takes the chance to cast a spell.
"W-Water Magic: Aqua Catharsis…" He stammers, water stemming from his body enveloping him. His wounds begin to disappear and he appears to be in less pain…but…
"He's losing magical energy." Joel brings up. "You can see it in his face."
"I don't think Jasper's used to offensive spells. That water whip he made in the beginning must have taken a toll on him." Pollo sadly frowns. "C'mon Jasp…"
At this point, all of our mages are quite exhausted already, and there appears to be no end in sight. All except…
"Song Magic: Battle of the Harpies!" Glynis chants, singing in a soprano tone as green musical notes encase Lumine, giving her a green aura.
Lumine perks up, recovering from being stabbed as she rushes at Ru, kicking him in the stomach.
"Damn it, as long as Glynis keeps blessing Lumine…" Joel curses.
"Lumine is almost unstoppable." Pollo groans. "Is there any way for Ru and Jasper to even win this fight?"
"Oh yes, yes there is." Aim interrupts. "One that won't even cause them to lose any magical power."
Kandy nods. "Mhm. I noticed it right away: the very obvious disadvantage Glynis has with Lumine as her partner…"
Ru yelps, clutching his stomach in pain as Lumine grabs his arm and chomps down with her canines, causing the boy to scream.
Jasper's eyes widen. "Water Magic: Lockser Slice!" A single wave of water resembling scythes attack Lumine, knocking her away from Ru.
Glynis is visibly tired but the smile on her face is ever persistent. "Song Magic: Call of Purity!" Glynis' signature healing magic quickly finds its way towards Lumine, healing her injuries once again. The moment Lumine is healed, she rushed back onto a still downed Ru.
"Rune Magic: Rune Blade Creation!" Ru manages to spit out as Lumine launches onto him, the blades flying at her and causing her to yelp with pain.
But…
"Song Magic: Tune of the Cyclops!" Glynis sings her signature attack boosting spell, and Lumine is filled with the red aura once more, once again tackling Ru and tearing at him while an exhausted and perplexed Jasper tries to figure out what to do.
"C'mon guys, it's pretty simple." Neo sighs.
Cray looks at him, impressed. "Even you realized it?"
"Of course." Neo nods. "And hey, what is that supposed to mean?"
Glynis is all smiles, despite her exhaustion. "She'll keep attacking one of you until you're downed and we win! It's hopeless. I do hope that's ok with you…"
"No, no it's not." Jasper sighs angrily. He annoyingly turns towards Lumine "Water Magic: Loc-"
He stops.
And turn towards Glynis.
"Water Magic: Lockser Cane!" The same whip like weapon appears in Jaspers hands, and with a swift movement, he attacks Glynis.
The blonde princess' eyes widen in surprise and she falls to the ground, a large gash on her stomach causing her to scream in pain.
"O-ow…" She whimpers, incredibly dazed.
Aim smiles. "He finally realized it. Take out the support first. Then go for the main opponent."
Jasper looks at Ru who has managed to get away from Lumine and looks at him. He's bloodied and beat, but nods at Jasper. "Do it." He says.
Jasper nods, uncasting his whip and running towards Glynis, who can do nothing but watch him in shock.
He jumps on top of her and…puts his hands on her mouth.
"W-What the hell is he doing?!" Atlas asks in surprise. "He should be attacking her!"
Admetus frowns, looking incredibly ticked. "He is. He's exploiting her one weakness."
Aurora gasps. "Song magic…she can't sing if her mouth is covered!"
"Jasper is exhausted from using all those offensive spells." Joel surmises.
"This is his last resort." Pollo bites his lip.
Ru watches this as he runs away from Lumine. "Now's my chance,'' he whispers to himself. I just have to remember…"
Ru glares at her. "The same is true for you too. That red aura on Lumine is gradually vanishing."
"Maybe." Glynis nods with a wink. "But that still doesn't mean she isn't strong on her own and isn't totally causing Jasper to lose more and more blood!"
Ru takes a deep breath, beginning to run around the arena like a maniac.
"What on earth is he doing?" Sherry frowns.
"Stalling for time." Ayumi smirks. "Let's see how long he can last."
Lumine chases Ru while Glynis flails around in Jasper's arms, trying to get away. Unfortunately for the princess, Jasper overpowers her physically strength wise.
Just as Lumine overpowers Ru strength wise.
Lumine catches up to Ru, grabbing him as she jumps in the air. She appears to be going for the same effect as before that she tried with Jasper, letting him fall from a great height.
Ru screams as she lets go of him and he falls to the ground. Jasper looks up at him, letting one hand go off Glynis. "My turn to save you…this is my last spell, Ru…Water Magic: Aqua Dome!"
A small dome of water appears under Ru, who falls into it. This of course stops the impact, and it disperses, leaving Ru on the ground wet.
By this time, Lumine's red aura has faded away and she finally appears tired, breathing heavily as she looks to Ru.
Meanwhile, Jasper is completely exhausted, his grip on Glynis loosening more and more.
Ru is also tired and hurt, not having fallen unconscious from the fall but still suffering the aftermath of running away from Lumine.
Everyone is exhausted, and the last spell to be cast will surely determine the fate of this fight.
…
…
…
…
…
…
"Curse: Ca-"
"Rune Magic: Rune Lock Blade!" Ru swiftly raises a hand at Lumine, runes shooting towards her, appearing to paralyze her in place. He moves his hands again, and three regular sized blades appear, rushing towards Lumine, impaling her in the torso.
…
Lumine's eyes widen at the sudden pain…
And it becomes too much for her…
As her eyes fall shut…and she falls to the ground.
Unconscious.
…
…
…
"And the winners are, Runeous Suneai and Jasper Tillie!" Shizuka announces, an eruption of cheers at the results.
Jasper lets go of Glynis, falling to the ground, the latter sighing and closing her eyes.
Ru looks at the ground, smiles, then also falls to the ground.
A team of Sorcerer Soldiers from the White Doves squad, a healing squad, coming rushing out, picking up the participants and taking them away for treatment.
"Wow…" Atlas mumbles. "I didn't see that fight going in that direction…"
Admetus is silent, watching his cousin getting taken away. He shakes his head.
"Those two boys really beat a royal." Aurora says, stunned.
"Power isn't everything." Matsu reminds her. "A good strategy plays a part too. Jasper was exhausted with only using a few spells but he used his wits to find a way to win."
"And teamwork too." Sherry adds. "Ru picked up on Jasper's plan and stalled for time so Lumine's magical aura could wear off."
"Lumine and Glynis did make quite the team too." Ayumi suggests. "Unfortunately for Glynis though, Lumine didn't realize she can't just attack the opponents: she has to defend her teammates too."
"If she would've gone after Jasper while he was holding Glynis down, maybe the match would've ended differently." Joel thinks out loud.
"But she didn't, because she didn't see Jasper as a threat to her at that moment." Pollo surmises.
"She must learn how to work in a team if she wishes to succeed." Cray concludes.
Neo smirks. "This is exactly what Lady Noelle was trying to tell us…we must work with our squadmates if we wish to succeed. Otherwise we'll end up impaled by magically produced blades!"
Aim shakes her head with a smile. "Those idiots actually pulled it off."
Kandy puts a hand on her chin. "I wonder what this means for Glynis and Lumine's eligibility…"
Conversation is halted by the sound of our three 'announcers'.
"I know you're still reeling from watching that fight…" Quinn says, a hand on his hip.
"However, we don't have time to waste time!" Shizuka yells. "The next match is starting right here, right now."
Everyone gulps.
Valeo clears his throat. "Our second match up is…
…
…
…
…
…
…
Kandy Avalon & Aim Ars Valefar versus Joel Sashunora & Pollo Maniwa."
The four in question stand at attention. Having grown less nervous from watching round one, they make their way to the middle of the arena without any questions.
Once on the arena, however, things are a different story.
"It feels quite strange having everyone stare at you like this…" Kandy admits, uncomfortably turning away from the gaze of the spectators.
"You must get used to the attention." Aim encourages. "All eyes will be on us once we join the ranks of the Sorcerer Soldiers."
Joel puts a hand on his heart. "My heart won't stop racing, but…I think I'm ready."
Pollo claps. "Yessir! We got this man. After hearing about your magic, we should definitely be able to work together."
Shizuka clears her throat. "Enough idle chatter. Let's get started, yes?"
Everyone takes a deep breath and nods.
"Well then, once again: please remember to battle with the spirit of the Ace Kingdom and the reminder that this will determine your acceptance into becoming a Sorcerer Soldier in mind." Quinn says.
"On your marks…" Shizuka starts.
"Get set…" Quinn continues.
"Go." Valeo finishes.
ROUND 2: FIGHT!
The Curse of Immortality
The Royal, Guard Dog and the Two Fools
END
ACE CLIPSSS #9 (yes I'm bringing these back)
Jasper: Glynis, sorry for putting my hands on your mouth…
Glynis: It's ok! Admetus always does that to me when he's sick of my voice.
Ru: Aw, but your voice is lovely!
Jasper: Except when she's using it against us…
Glynis: Hehe, rematch any one?
Ru & Jasper: GODS NO!
Lumine: Blonde!