Notes at the end
Chapter 13: New allies
Bryzan
Alert! Second life token used!
Alert! Death Penalty applied: -10,000 total MP.
Alert! Death penalty applied: -15% EXP gain for 10 days.
Alert! Death penalty applied: Disoriented.
Alert! You are now on your last life, Be careful!
The system barraged me with notifications the moment I had even vaguely woke up, as my subconscious was barely even functioning on any cylinders.
I shift around some, feeling utterly
Exhausted for the first time, outside of what the system forced on me. I squinted my eyes open, as blinding light light peeked through my eyelids, causing me to shudder, not moving a whole lot.
"… hngh…". Is all I managed, as I closed them again, turning over, as I sat up, muscles roaring in protest.
'Damn. What the hell is going on? Wasn't I in the dungeon? I-'. I jumped a bit, Forcing my eyes open.
Opening my inventory; I tried to grab underdog, only to realize it wasn't there.
"What the- where are you?" I ask myself, barely audibly, looking around a bit, I find myself in a less than favorable position.
I was in a dark room, the only source of light coming from two lanterns on each side.
'Must have some real bad light issues if this blinded me.'
I check my inventory, seeing as I still have my spare knife, I tried to grab it, realizing something else.
"Why am i tied up?"
Looking at my wrists, and my feet, they were bound with rope, thick and dry. I pursed my lips, taking out the knife and flipping it in my hands, starting to saw at my restraints.
"I'm starting to see why you died." Said a feminine voice.
It made me nearly jump out of my skin, as Snapped my head to the source of the voice, as Somehow, despite me having looked there, there was someone else in the room with me.
"Where the hell did you come from?!" I say fairly loudly, as I flip the knife in my hands, pointing it at the woman.
She was currently hiding from her shoulders up in the shadows, although she was sitting cross-cross, seemingly with her arms above her.
"I've been here the whole time you've been here. Glad to see you're awake either way." She sounded like her throat was dry, and her pitch intentionally raised, although that was the least of my concerns at the moment.
"Thanks for the concern but that doesn't answer the question. Who the hell are you and where did you come from?"
"Quiet down a bit. They are probably listening from outside. My Name is Samantha. And I'm a Player, Like you."
For a moment that gave me pause. As I stared at her, Before Using Observe on her.
(PLAYER 2) Samantha Diamond
LVL 26
Title: The Assassin
Class: Saboteur
Career: N/A
I stared at it for a while, blinking rapidly.
'… that's what that alert was! I Can somewhat remember something about more players being added. Did they come to help me?'
Alert! You are being [observed]
I look at her, As a soft pale glow emanates from her eyes for a moment.
"Weird. You're not too much lower level than me. How did you have trouble with the skeleton dancer… Doesn't matter right now. I would prefer if you don't cut yourself loose right now." I stare at her for a moment, before taking a deep breath.
"Why not? Would surely help to get out of here, not to mention I don't know where the fuck we are right now. So-"
"Just shut up for a moment and listen to me please." She leaned forward, out of the shadows.
Her long black hair reminded me vaguely of Marceline, with pale pink eyes and a very unhealthy tone of skin, pale and almost sickly looking, and a facial structure that was by all means conventionally unattractive.
Her arms were up, as I saw chains around her wrists, presumably keeping her bound to the wall.
I shut up, opting to listen this time.
"We're at the branwen camp. Mistral. Woman named Raven was waiting for us. Or rather- you." She gave me an evil eye, obviously scrutinizing me. "How did you manage to draw her attention?"
I thought for a moment, racking my brain.
'I cant think of anything in particular apart from…'
"… i called out a raven or crow when I was taking a bath."
Samantha was silent for a moment, before saying:
"… what the hell does that even mean? I asked what you did to draw attention, not… your public bathing habits."
I stared at her in silence for a moment, before she shuddered and slinked back into the shadows, as she stuck Her legs out, adjusting her sitting stance. She seemed to wear black flats, with quite honestly Useless belts around the shins, with black leggings leading up to as far as I could see.
"… do… are you familiar with The Web Series RWBY on any level really?" I asked, Sitting with my legs crossed.
She remained silent for a moment and shifted uncomfortably.
"Well, vaguely. I saw some of it as a kid in like 2014. Although I had other things to worry about so watching a cartoon about a little girl killing monsters wasn't on top of my to do list."
"Hey I was just asking! But I'll give you a rundown, see-"
"Just stop. Please. I Don't need this right now. We're not in the place or time to be discussing this."
I close my mouth, pursing my lips.
'Okay then. I guess We'll get to that later… my story doesn't make sense without context but whatever its fine.'
I shake my head, saying:
"Well long story short I suppose I drew her attention by… uh, Killing a couple guys and calling her out when she was in disguise." The words slowed as they came out my mouth.
'This doesn't look good for my case, now does it.' She apparently could peer into my thoughts through my expression as she said:
"Killed a couple? Well I can't say anything myself. I got this title somehow."
I shrugged; putting the knife back into my Inventory.
"But why would you call her out? That just seems like a bad idea." I felt like she just dropped a brick on my head, as I resisted rolling my eyes, opting to explain real quick.
"Okay- quick- she has a bird form that's a Raven but I can't tell the difference between corvids so when I was taking a bath durning training I observed the bird and saw it was out of my observation range so I called it out hoping it was Her brother who would likely leave me alone or help me and Ren with Nora to Vale faster so I could further my plans to save the world and get stronger."
I had said it all within ten seconds, barely getting it all out.
Samantha is silent for a moment before saying:
"Are… Did you ever say that aloud before now? Because that sounds ludicrous."
My head dropped as it felt like she dropped an entire bag of bricks on my head.
"There's more to it! I'm not a goddamn idiot who thinks getting stronger solves my problems! I have ideas and plans!"
Samantha is silent for a moment longer before asking:
"Okay. Genuine question: Are you Autistic?"
…
…
"What?"
"Like are you on the spectrum? I Don't mean to be rude but this feels like something you never spoke to someone about cause you're afraid of someone saying otherwise."
Confusion racked my brain, As the question and following statement hit me like a shotgun.
".. I- You- What? I- Yeah I am i guess but That's not the thing at hand I-… ok. That doesn't matter right now. I may have stepped from step one to fifty three in two bounds but I guarantee you there is more to it. I still kinda wanted to end up at the branwen camp one way or another."
She doesn't respond, not giving anything away, leaving me in awkward silence.
"Okay look, I-"
"Pipe down. They're going to check us."
I raise an eyebrow, looking at the door, not noticing the voices until now.
"Which one first?" Said a somewhat feminine voice.
"She said to get the guy first. She'll deal with the chick later."
My eyes snap over to Samantha, who shifts slightly, largely hiding herself in shadow.
The door clicks with the sound of a key being turned, as it opens.
"Explain to me where we are. I-" my request was met with a boot to the face as I tasted the dirt and quite possibly animal scat on the bottom.
-140 AP
"Shut it. Your presence is requested by the head of the tribe. Don't offend her and you'll probably live." The man said, voice gruff and scratchy, a smoker.
I opt to say nothing as he and the other person, a woman with blonde hair and a shotgun picked me up by my armpits, dragging me out. They pulled me up a set of stairs, not bothering to even blindfold me as we reached a hatch, with the two opening it together.
The actual light of day didn't blind me nearly as much as the lamp did earlier but it still forced me to squint my eyes.
A quick look around the camp showed me all I needed to know.
'The branwen camp… so she wasn't lying at least.'
Taking a look to my right, I saw people setting up defenses, the large tree trunks sharpened to a point being stood up, with tents within the makeshift walls.
'Newly set up. Although it looks vaguely like how it was in the show… I think.'
I didn't manage to get much more of a look before I was shoved into a tent. I didn't even get as much as a warning before I was thrown forwards, catching myself before falling flat on my face. Looking around, I saw her.
There was no other way to describe her than a fairly beautiful Middle-aged woman, with semi-greying black hair, red eyes and a tall, toned body. Although much of it was deceived by her dress, a black yukata with dark red highlights along the shoulders, midsection and armored bracers.
Although to this day, Raven's design always piqued my curiosity.
As the V-neck; while only revealing the sternum, was a clear show of where she's less likely to be armored. Along with the Exposed thighs and only leg coverings being tights. It served as more of a show of confidence than strength.
'Granted I Don't think I'm the one to judge people based off of confidence. Or overconfidence I suppose.'
"Just going to sit there and glare at me with.. contempt? It looks like." Raven states, voice calm and collected.
I blink a couple times before getting to my feet, Noticing that the room was already set up, lit by candles and lanterns, the floor, while just linens, was fairly clean.
Although to my right, Stood a block of wood, stained red with what I could only guess is blood, an executioner's block.
'Aaah shit.'
"Not exactly. More like I'm confused as to what is going on here. Or rather Why I'm here." I say calmly, not letting my gaze longer on the block, rather looking Raven, whom was sitting on a lavishly furnished armchair, one leg crossed over the other. Taking a deep breath, I focused, briefly leaving myself in my own mind space.
'I think I already see where this is going. Everything here is for a purpose. She wants me dead for something. But I'm obviously of some if she didn't kill me yet. It's Too late to run and Fighting isn't even a feasible option. I still can't see her level with observe. So I'll have to reason with her. Even if it's just going along with what she wants. Whatever she says next is likely going to be a starter for some sort of compromise. I don't know her too well but her ideology is Darwinism. Judging by the fact I killed some bandits before, they might have been Branwen. So she either wants vengeance or a recruitment of some sort. Granted being inducted isn't a bad idea off rip- I get to survive. But… I Don't think the life of a bandit is for me. That leaves me with negotiation for survival and to walk away. Its unlikely, but I'm willing to bet I can come up with some sort of compromise with her. At the very least she's somewhat reasonable.'
I let go of my breath and continue, barely missing a beat.
"But I think I have an inkling of a clue."
Raven rolls her eyes in an exasperated manner and says:
"Don't try to sweeten your words. Get to your point. I have a people to run. Do not test my patience."
I had stopped for a moment, before saying:
"If I'm going to be honest, I won't incriminate myself any further here, I think we're both aware of why you kidnapped me. You're… Desperate, let's put it for people. And Y-"
"Are you suggesting that I'm so desperate that I'd bring myself low enough to kidnap a person such as you?"
"… Honestly? Yes." The words left my throat as I felt my blood run cold, a look of disgust and barely contained rage on Raven's face.
"But I know well enough from your reaction that it was worth the risk at some point. After all, I'm sure I've Earned the ire of… oh what was his name? Shay?"
Raven seemed to mellow out somewhat after hearing this, pushing her fingers into the bridge of her nose.
"Ah. I See he gave some information away that he did not tell me."
"Indeed." I lie through my teeth. "Shame the others died. But I did what I had to. But I know that wasn't the big thing you wanted me to talk about rather than just kill me and be over with it." Raven straightened a bit, anticipating my next sentence.
"Raven Branwen. Blessed by Ozpin with the ability to turn into a Raven. Fitting." Raven stood up, Drawing One of Omen's blades.
"Explain. You know me, but I've heard nothing about you. Tell me." Raven said with venom in her voice, holding a red blade to my throat.
An emergency quest has been issued! Extreme killing intent has been detected! One person intends on killing you! You must kill them before they kill you! If you do not they will either kill you or your heart wil-
Unfair parameters, enemy level far too high for reasonable quest to be complete.
Balancing…
Balancing..
I have no choice but to ignore the system having an aneurysm and continue, gulping some, my nervousness beginning to take over.
"… let me tell you; there's no way you would believe me if I told you how I know."
"Spit it out. Nothing you could say would be any more insane than anything I have experienced, boy."
"And I wouldnt like to test that barrier… I know your name because of a friend who's no longer with us."
While not a lie in of itself, it was more of a half truth, More like I was the one to leave to another world.
"How he knew, I can't say, he knew a lot about the world, down to insignificant details. But I do know that you'd get nothing from him, Even if you could somehow reach him from a different realm entirely." Raven stared at me, scrutinizing my facial features.
Using ability: Pokerface
Balancing finished!
Either defeat the enemy, defuse the situation peacefully, or Escape!
I took a slight exhale in relief, not letting my facade falter for even a moment.
"I'm aware that's not satisfactory for you but I can't tell you much else. Even if you were to put me through loads of… torture." I finish, feeling my aura take damage as Raven drags her blade back from my throat, sheathing it again.
"Hm. Fine. I will hear everything eventually. But I have matters other than you to deal with. You two! Put him back!" Raven called out, as the other two who had brought me in had entered the tent again, grabbing me from under my armpits.
"… What?" While not out of character from Raven, I had thought She would actually propose that I join first.
"Bring the girl. She likely knows more."
'Hm. I hope this doesn't take any more than two days. I don't know if I can wait around to observe her fighting that long.' I think to myself, letting myself get dragged away.
Taking the opportunity, I had taken another look around, Not seeing anything new, or even of note outside of some people carrying weapons to a tent.
Dragged back into the cell, The guards toss me in, with one having their weapon trained on me.
"Unlock her. And you- Don't fucking move." The female guard said, Leveling a spear at my neck. I held my hands up, in a non-threatening gesture before the other guard started speaking.
"Hey, Did someone else already grab her?"
"What?"
"She's not here. Shackles are unlocked entirely." The guard seemed rather unbothered, but I heard a level of worry in his voice.
"… Jared how the fuck would anyone else have gotten her?! We are the only ones with the keys. And how the hell did you let her escape?!"
"Hey don't yell at me! I didn't let her go! I was with you the whole time!"
"…Yeah I know. Sorry. Shit we need to tell Raven. come on!" The two rushed out the room, leaving me alone in the dark room.
'… where did she go? The guards didn't change, and she was locked up with metal.'
"Samantha?" I ask to the empty room, only to be left with no response.
'Hm. Figures. Guess I'll wish you good luck. Kinda hope you just leave. Even if you saved my life, I don't think You'd be much help.' I think to myself, laying down, starting to go over how I'd go about talking to Raven next.
Samantha; Six minutes earlier
Watching him, I couldn't help but frown at his obliviousness to the current situation. As I was chained to the wall, he could freely move around with only ropes, which he immediately tried to cut, only stopping when I had to talk to him.
Of course, Deciding exactly how to find out his personality and how he reacted to being poked and prodded at didn't help my opinion of him.
But… I had to save him in the dungeon, If he couldn't beat the dungeon on one life he likely wouldn't the second.
I cleared the dungeon for him and claimed the rewards.
'I might give that to him once we're out of here. Depends on how he acts. Status.'
Samantha
Watching them drag out his unprotesting body, I had to get to work.
Samantha Diamond
LVL 26
Title: The Assassin: +15% additional damage when attacking out of stealth.
Sub-Title: Weaver: Dodging attacks makes enemies less likely to target you.
Class: Saboteur
Career: N/A
XP: 37%/100%
HP: 2,000/2,000
AP: 16,000/16,000
MP: 15,000/15,000
SP: 400/400
STR: 42
AGI: 165
DEX: 130
VIT: 22
END: 13
INT: 22
WIS: 50
CHA: 44
LCK: 0
Available stat points: 0
Knife Proficency: LVL 12. Your Knives deal more damage, Can bleed enemies through Aura.
Firearm Proficency: LVL 5. You deal additional damage with guns and other small arms. Deal additional damage when attacking with suppressed weapons.
Hemmorage: MAX. Attacking an already bleeding enemy will make them take all bleed damage instantly.
Sneak strike: LVL MAX. Attacking from stealth guarantees a Crit, Quadrupling your basic ATK.
Lockpicking: LVL 9. Allows you to pick locks silently with the most basic tools.
(Saboteur Exclusive)
Sabotage weapon: LVL MAX. Can tamper with advanced or mecha-shift weapons, Either making them fail, Critically malfunction, or even turn on their users.
Guerilla warfare: LVL 8. Grants you the ability to make ambush-type weapons. Mines, Tripwire traps, Poisons, and other methods of sabotage so long as you have access to the appropriate materials.
Sleeper agent: LVL: 1. Cost: 10,000 MP. Grabbing an enemy in stealth, you can convert them to your cause for the next 24 hours and will fight/Sabotage their own systems/allied structures for you when given a code or sign. They become aware of the deception after the time is over.
After a quick overview, I reached into my inventory, Grabbing a couple lockpicking tools. It took me around fifteen seconds to unlock the shackles, As I brought my knees to my chest rubbing my wrists for a second.
'Time to get to work. I need to get us both out, I'm here because of him, even if he's kind of stupid I'm not sure of the other two… "players" would be too keen on working together. Or even if they're complete monsters. Bryzan is at least a reasonable person, Seeing as he talked rather than fought me outright.'
I stood up, Stretching a bit before crouching down, entering stealth.
Stealth: LVL: 20. Makes you harder to detect by people, hiding your body, scent, and sound made.
Going up to the door. I reach my arm around the window to the door, barely squeezing it through the bars.
The lock was slightly more complicated, But I had managed to unlock it with relative ease, the silent clicking of the lock edging the door open.
Silently, I Clicked the door closed behind me, Carefully going up the short set of stairs one at a time. Going up into the sunlight, I took a quick glance at the two guards posted outside the entrance to the makeshift jail.
Pursing my lips, I look down at myself, finding straw still on my outfit.
'Lord there's going to be straw in unholy places for hours. Especially out in the middle of nowhere.'
Slipping back down quickly, I Brush some straw off of myself and slink back up, taking a second to observe the guards.
Durag Malinko LVL: 12 Detection: 0
Bale Pachi LVL: 8 Detection: 0
With that being All the required information, I slip behind one, squeezing myself into the wall to avoid touching them.
Successfully sneaking past, I slip behind a wooden support holding the entrance to the jail, before taking a look around.
While tightly secured, It was obvious that the base was being built to keep people out, rather than keep anyone in.
Looking to my left, I watch as a group of
Ten people heaving logs up to act as walls, while to the right I saw a group of people carrying an assortment of melee weapons and rifles into a tent. Quickly reaching into my inventory, I take out a tinderbox and small magnification lens.
Sneaking behind the group, I place the lens about ten inches above the contents of the tinderbox, Shifting around some sticks and dried leaves, I quickly run around the building, sliding out of sight before the group finishes heaving another pillar up. Looking around the south side, I grit my teeth slightly, as The camp seems to be more established on that side, with general tents for what seem to be lower ranking members of the clan, as well as a few larger tents.
Going prone, I shift around on my stomach, Crawling in some taller grass at the outskirts of the camp wall. It only takes me around two minutes but I come across one of the larger tents.
Taking a peek under the linen wall, It appears to be some sort of kitchen, as a "chef"- if you could even call him that- had prepared salted meats and dried vegetables for people. Lifting my head from the tent, I purse my lips, and take a look over to the presumed weapon stores tent, the only obstacle being a piece of the main tent- the one I assume to be where the clan leader is- a direct point from where the chef stands.
I get on my feet, crouched, before looking at the central Log that holds up the tent.
I take a shallow breath before using an ability.
Ability: Double Jump: Gives you the ability to silently jump again mid-air.
Double jumping is a strange feeling, jumping on air like it was a solid is not a feeling the human brain can handle, but a liberating feeling.
I silently land on the top of the tent and crouch down, perching myself on top of it, granting myself a view of the whole camp.
'Thirty tents total. Looks like most are communal rooms, likely separated by sex. I'm on the kitchen and that other large tent appears to be an enclosed training room seeing as people are leaving kind of battered. Why do that when the outside works? I might have to figure that out later. The day is coming to a close. I should-'. My thoughts are then flooded with the sound of an alarm being raised, a horn along with chatter of an escaped prisoner.
'Hm. Didn't have as much time as I anticipated. I think that will be fine. Maybe.' I then use double jump to jump over the wall, Landing softly on a tree branch.
'Sturdy enough to climb on as an entrance point. Better trap it so nobody else uses it or discovers it before I need them to.'
Jumping off the branch, I land, immediately opening my inventory to start on making the trap.
Taking out some sharpened metal shards, piano wire, a small plastic plate, and two tiny clamps.
Coiling the wires, I attach the small metal bits to them, as I clamp the wires to the clamps, placing the plate on the clamp release, I gingerly place it under some leaves. Taking a breath out, I look at the sunset and listen to the commotion inside the camp.
'… can't say I trust you, Bryzan, but I came here to save you when you needed it so you better not throw away my efforts in the dungeon. We're getting out of here. I'll give it three days.'
Elsewhere
Ozpin had sat at his desk, Tapping away at a pen as he neglected the paperwork in front of him. He looked over to his monitor, Still not seeing the call he was expecting.
"… hm." Was all he said as the elevator door opened, revealing a middle-aged blonde woman strutting in, clipboard in hand. She paused for a moment before saying:
"Ah, You're awake already."
"That I am, Glynda. Found it hard to sleep again after…"
"Your seizure last night, yes. That's actually what I wanted to talk with you about. Headmaster; I think you should take a short break. Both to recover and plan your next move."
Ozpin raised an eyebrow as he sipped on his cocoa.
"No. I Don't think I will. After all Qrow has yet to check in. Usually he's not a minute late. Even when he is drunk. Its been hours Glynda."
The blonde sighed and sat in front of Ozpin as she said:
"Take a break and sleep. The world won't end tomorrow. You can afford a break for a day or two."
Ozpin rolled his eyes slightly, starting to write on the paper before him.
"How about this- We'll play a game, both to help me think and the winner gets to say who takes a break."
It was Glynda's turn to roll her eyes, but giving in to the childish request of the headmaster, as she sat up and set her clipboard aside.
"Chess again I presume?" Glynda scooted closer, resting her chest on the glass table.
"Not this time, no. How about a game of cards?" Glynda looked inquisitive of this, Raising an eyebrow as she tilted her head slightly.
"You want to think of a plan over a game that starts with chance over strategy?"
Ozpin shrugs; saying:
"Only for now. I need to perceive something laid out before me." Ozpin pulls an ancient deck of cards from his desk, Quickly shuffling them before handing Glynda 11 and himself 12. He then grabs two 20 sided Die, Giving himself one as well as Glynda, starting with the number on 10.
Glynda, curious, draws an additional card and observes Her's, adjusting her due to 10'as well.
The game had three suits, Shields, bows, and blades.
While Shields countered blades, they were susceptible to bows. Whereas bows had no way to deal with the blades, as the blade is offensive, it cannot pierce the shield.
From the cards numbering from 2-9, with no Kings, queens or Jacks, the Ace was the 1 card.
Ozpin started, placing a card of his face-down, looking through his cards again, he puts his die down to 9, as Glynda put her's to 11.
He then placed another card face down, before placing one final card face-up. The four of bows.
The goal of the game was to raise your effective "health" to 20 while reducing your enemies to 0 or surrender.
At the start of one's turn, they place one card face down, and can optionally sacrifice an amount of health equal to the card that they intend to put down. A single card of 1-3 is 1 HP. 3-6 is 2 and 6-9 is 3 HP. Whereas Major Arcana are 2 HP. However the card they place can not be of a different suit than what is already placed face down with the exception for the major Arcana.
They then place one more card, face up at no cost, which can be if any suit or arcana.
The cards at face down are considered "attacking" and are unknown to the enemy, but the face-up are "defending".
The turn ends there, Making it the opposition's turn.
Glynda purses her lips, placing only one card face down and an additional face-up. A four of blades.
Then, comes the Actual combat, where both players raise the hidden cards.
Ozpin's 2 of blades and 7 of blades.
Glynda a 7 of bows.
Ozpin's blades counter the bows; Ozpin's bows adding up to 9, to glynda's 7, leaving 2 blades.
It then lies on the defender, however with the defender being bows in glynda's case, the damage goes through, meaning Ozpin gains 2 Health while Glynda loses two.
"Well played for the first round." Ozpin smiles, before Glynda interrupts.
"In that case I play The Moon." Ozpin's jaw clenched slightly as Glynda Pulls out the moon from her deck, an artistic card showing Remnant's shattered moon.
While normally, Major Arcana must be played in the attack Cards, the moon is an exception, as it may lay hidden until either the sun is discarded, in which the moon is discarded too, or it is played.
"Hm. To reveal the moon this early is nearly suicide for the future, isn't it?" Ozpin asks, glancing at the moon on the table.
"Suicide or assurance? I know you can't counter it now, no need to hold on. No damage."
"Ahh but the moon Can rig the game for the long term. To discard it so early can be troublesome for the next round." Glynda smirks, before gesturing for Ozpin to continue.
Ozpin smiles himself, before placing a card face down, sacrificing another 2 HP to put down another card. He then places a card face-Up. Six of Blades.
Glynda's turn; as she sacrifices 3 HP to place down two cards face-down, and one more; Face-up. A six of shields.
The players turn over their cards, As Glynda scowls.
Her cards a seven of Bows and a three of bows.
However Ozpin had played A nine of Bows and Strength.
"After such a reckless play such as that Glynda, I don't think you have much of a counter here. So I think it might be best to reveal Strength now."
Strength depicted a lion on fire, ripping through its iron cage, as the card had to be played in the attack cards, doubling the number in the card its partnered with.
As Glynda had 10 total attack, Ozpin had 18. 8 went through the shields defense, bringing Ozpin to a total of 19.
"Like I said Glynda, this may be a game of chance, but reveal your trump cards too soon and you might just lose more than you ever gained."
Glynda began to see why Ozpin chose this game over chess for once.
The name of the Game was Attrition for a reason. The game would never end until either One side was defeated or Surrendered. With the exception of one Arcana Interaction.
But Glynda knew they couldn't surrender in their own game. She sacrificed the moon first turn. While it might have saved her then, Strength came next round to nearly end her. It didn't help that she knew it wasn't wise, but she also knew she could lower Ozpin's defenses by getting him to use such a powerful card.
It meant she could strike back at least, if she was careful.
Ozpin picked up Strength, admiring the artwork, saying:
"I wonder if the caged lion feels himself a demon after being lit aflame. If he shall turn on even those who fed him. They shackled him but let him live."
He placed the card in the arcana discard, just over the Moon.
"… the moon has shown itself. I have an inkling that our Strength shall show itself soon."
Somewhere in Mistral
CRACK
The sound of trees being struck by a metal object echoed through the swamp, as it thundered out again.
CRACK
The sound of wood splintering and falling into murky waters was what filled the midnight of the swamp.
CRUNK!
The tree gave in, A sizeable dent in the size of it, not having come from an axe, more like a blunt impact, like a baseball bat.
The tree collapsed, as a single man stood in the roots of the felled mangrove. He breathed heavily, steam coming off his silhouetted body as he glared at the moon, heavy breaths calming as he then jumps off, continuing to wade in the swamp.
A/N: betcha thought this would take another two years?
But legitimately this is becoming more fun by the day.
I won't say much more other than I thought of Attrition at 1:30 AM and its incomplete, I will be coming back to it.
One thing I wanted to address was about the thought of "freedom". With the System. Now I should make it clear that I didn't make it super clear so its understandable, but Freedom in this story is not immediately given, or even thought of or encouraged by the system. Its something one has to seek. Something nobody has done quite yet. Although I have considered going back to rewrite some things to make it more clear. That's all.
Now on a different note;
If anyone knows RWBY artists who take commissions, Please tell me about them because I would like to hire one to make a Cover art for this story! I ask cause I has no clout or idea where to even start.
Anyways, Thanks for the read!