After meeting Blaiid, The crew finally made it to Iji and the repairs began on their weapons and gear, but what will the results of it be? Can he repair their stuff? or will they have to find the means themselves when they go back home, find out now...!
Chapter 30
Blacksmith of the Dark Moon
At Iji's Cave...
Hours went by as the crew waited around while the smith finally attended to their gear, there were a few he had taken care of, such as Yuriana's armor, Erik's madness Armor was fixed as well, along with his axes, Inigo's bow was the first to get repaired, he just needed newer arrows or could use the rot infested arrows.
They hung around and did their own thing while they waited, Traysek meditated while the others sat around, chatted, or read books, with the sounds of hammer striking metal filling the halls.
"Some of these armors are bad." Iji pointed as he was looking at Traysek's scythe, "On the outside, it's as good as new. But the inside... I'm guessing that you tampered with it, believing that you strengthened it up... but you caused some internal damage that is hard to repair."
The Redguard hearing that, came out of meditation, "Huh? The only thing I did was put it to a grinder, I didn't add anything to it,"
"Weapons like these are made to be balanced." Iji stated, "The components, the way it was made, the shape... there was a harmony that was created by the smith who made the weapon. You thought that you kept the weapon in check, but you only unbalanced it."
"I had no idea, I applied the smithing techniques I know, they've never failed before..." Traysek said, raising an eyebrow, "Okay then, is there a way you can rebalance it? if not I'll ask the blacksmith I got it from,"
"The only one who can give it back its former glory is the creator." Iji pointed, "Although... he may not like what you've done."
The Redguard frowned upon that, "Okay...what do you mean by the "inside?" From this glance it looks as good as the day I bought it, no different than,"
"Weapons are more than putting stones together." Iji answered, "It's an art that must be respected, and this weapon is falling apart little by little. Once it arrives at a specific point, it will be broken with the next strike." he then took one of the axes he made and kept it in balance using one finger, "When you have a balanced weapon, you'd have nothing to worry about. but unbalance it by a little, and it won't be eternal."
"Interesting...I'll have to ask the vendor, but that means I won't be using that for a while," The Redguard sighed, "What about everything else?"
"Those swords." Iji showed him Recorder's Ebony swords, "Lost a lot of components, which means that they need to be remade. But the rest, I did what I could to revitalize them."
Recorder looked up, "I expected that, especially how melted down they are...it's okay, I got new ones to try out, feel free to break those down, the enchantment in those are already dead anyway,"
Traysek nodded, going over and looking at his guns, "I see you did, they look improved,"
"All I did was try to fight off the rot." Iji pointed out, "The problem is the damage done on the inside. But it should hold fine as long as you don't put them in the rot again."
"Keep them away from the rot, got it," The Redguard said, holstering his pistols.
Erik was inspecting his gun axes, "Let's just hope we don't run into it again, it wasn't pleasant to deal with,"
Yuriana nodded, "But I have to ask...what caused the explosion of it?"
"It was from some weird knight in silver armor, couldn't rule him as holy knight even...eyes were bright yellow with these metal thorns, he did this leap and nearly ignited it... I tried to delay it by freezing it and him in stone, which is why you had the time," Traysek explained, going back to where he was seated.
Lucien frowned upon that, "That would explain where it came from, did you find out who he was?"
"Sadly no...didn't have the time while turning him to stone," The Redguard sighed, "But if I do run into him again, I'll figure out who he is...one thing's for certain, he isn't on our side, tried to strike me from the back when I was fighting Volt with magic,"
"I do know of a Tarnished who mastered the power of Rot, but it's a woman, not a man..." Iji pointed, "As for the one who attacked you, did he have a helm with eyes on the top? Or rather, did he use some kind of scepter?"
Traysek thought about it, "Yeah... in fact, he had eyes all over his armor, but definitely there... as for the scepter, I didn't see him with one,"
"Then, there's a big chance that it was a Tarnished who goes by the name of Gideon Ofnir." Iji replied, "Armed with a vast knowledge of Sorceries, and can weaken your resistance to magic. Lady Ranni told us that we need to watch our back when dealing with him."
"I see, so he's someone to look out for, glad to know," The Redguard nodded, going back to meditate.
Lucien slowly nodded, "Still, to be able to rival our magic, it's impressive, but a problem,"
"From what I heard, he can rival Lady Rennala." Iji added, "Not someone to underestimate."
"Interesting," Yuri interjected, "And now he's working with the dogs and maybe the holy knights, he'll be a problem if we don't get him sorted,"
Recorder nodded in agreement, "Very true, but if he's the one who caused us to get sick, I hope he hasn't done that anywhere else...I don't run into any more forts like that one..."
"But we're bound to run into more either way," Erik added, "Some might even be worse than that one, this one just had a nasty disease attached to it,"
Inigo cringed, "And that does not include the sadistic inquisitor that ruled it...but thinking about it now, since seeing the past, now I know that fort was where that battle was fought..."
A deafening silence fell between the group...
Lucien sighed, "In that case, that makes this even worse...to know that was the end result, gods Reynold,"
"At any case, you need to get some help in the form of a Tarnished that can fight alongside you." Iji stated, "But I don't know where to find one. In the case you find a Tarnished, see that you don't appear threatening to them."
The imperial raised an eyebrow, "And what's a Tarnished? I keep hearing that being brought up, sounds like a warrior, just don't know what kind,"
"I'll try to explain it." Iji took a deep breath before adding, "The Tarnished are individuals who lost the grace of the Erdtree and were consequently banished from the Lands Between by Queen Marika the Eternal. Following the breaking of the Elden Ring, the Tarnished was beckoned by lost grace, fragmentary divine light from the Erdtree, to return. And, since they had a connection to the Erdtree, they can use the power given by the Erdtree to use Incantations and Sorceries."
"Interesting...so this divine tree is what they're connected to and they returned back to life with a fragment of its light in them, almost sound like revenants or the undead but those never have light in them, how...strange..." Lucien commented.
Recorder nodded, "Only one problem though, there's been no sighting of this tree anywhere here and we've been around for a while,"
"Doesn't mean there isn't...for all we know, one of those trees could be in this world, gotta be getting their divine light from somewhere," Yuriana added in.
"It sounds familiar though, beings with fragments of power born into them, just like the captain..." Inigo said, turning to him.
Traysek sighed, coming out of meditation, "Possibly, but the legends are different, I have the soul and blood of a Dragon in me, these Tarnished, sound like humans with that divine light in them, identical, but not the same..."
"That said, it would really help if we had that in our crew, sir," Erik suggested, "They might even have a way to prevent that scarlet rot later on,"
The Redguard took a deep breath, "Maybe...but I don't know, it's not like I'm looking for new members at the moment, and not to mention everyone back home at Rendspire, I'm not sure if having someone new to our roster is a good idea..."
"Good point, and with a bounty of 25,000,000 on your head, I can understand that feeling," The Redhead added, getting a shocked expression out of him.
"I'm sorry, what? How much is my bounty?" Traysek asked in shock, "I thought that knight was holding something with a lot of numbers, but I didn't think too much into it, is that how much is on me...?"
Lucien nodded with gritted teeth, "Yeah...I'm afraid, the rest of us, are worth 250,000 each, they added way more on you..."
"Talk about desperate..." Recorder grimaced, "They really have it out for us...damn..."
"Now then, how about a little deal?" Iji said, "I can give you something that can let you see if a Tarnished is nearby, but I have something to ask in exchange."
Traysek raised an eyebrow, "That depends, but sure, what do you need?"
"That you deliver these weapons and armor to the rebels." Iji answered, "Their emplacement southeast of here."
The Redguard looked at the shipment and nodded, "I don't see why not, you did repair our weapons without asking for gold or gems, it's the least we can do,"
"But what's the rebellion about? I heard Luu-Luu mentioning it a while back," Inigo asked, confused.
"This tale begins 150 years ago." Iji began, "At that time, Geofu was ruled by a human king and a Half-ling queen. they had a group of nobles and military figures forming some sort of court. The head of the nobles is a man named Dong Zhuo, greedy and lustful. For the military, it was someone I knew, Godfrey, the first Elden Lord. At the death of the king, which is still a mystery, Dong Zhuo took control as a Prime Minister after the assassination of the former one. Lord Godfrey didn't like that, so he took arms and marched on the capital with the intent to take Dong Zhuo out, but that man had many connections, which helped him to pin Lord Godfrey as a traitor who rebelled against the Goddess Reborn. At that, they sent their strongest Holy Knights... but it proved to be useless as no one can hold a candle to Lord Godfrey. Well, except for two people; Dong Zhuo and the girl he trained and treated as his child, Fiore. Dong Zhuo knew that he couldn't show all of his hands, so he sent Fiore to end the rebellion. But it didn't do a thing as after it, Fiore was branded as a traitor and was chased by the knights of Geofu. Now, she serves as a regular guard in one of the outposts of the kingdom. On the other hand, the rebels hid among the population and used that to continue the rebellion, using what happened to Fiore and the actions taken by Dong Zhuo afterward, they got a greater army to fight Dong Zhuo."
Traysek thought on that, "So that's why she was assigned all the way out there...rather than execute her, they put her close to the danger... still, that's a slap to the wrist compared to...what we got...Didn't know Dong Zhuo had a hand in that though,"
"Still to kill her own master for this noble..." Erik began with, "I can't imagine having to do it, even by orders,"
"At least we know about the rebellion now, to be honest, it sounds bigger than the war that's upcoming," Lucien added.
Yuriana nodded, "Perhaps, maybe if we stop by that city sometime, I'm sure they'll need the help,"
"Maybe, or maybe not, they haven't sent any requests yet, I say wait until then," Recorder said, standing up and stretching.
"As for the shipment, we'll make the delivery," The Redguard concurred, "How far do we have to go?"
"About five hours on foot," Iji replied.
"That...doesn't sound too far from here, I have a Gryphon I can call," The Redguard frowned, "Very well, I'll set out when this stuff is loaded, the rest of you will wait here," taking the whistle for it out of the backpack.
"Sounds good to us, it shouldn't take that long with the mount," Erik grinned.
"Well, each one has a way to approach problems like this." Iji took a giant book and began to read, "Do keep in mind that these rebels are... a bit jumpy, to put it in a sense."
Traysek nodded, "I'll keep that in mind, thanks," sheathing his weapons, "Now, where's this shipment I'm taking?"
"Everything is here." Iji handed him a small box, "Despite the size, it can house many weapons and armor."
"Just like my haven bag, I see," The Redguard said, putting it in there, and turning for the entrance, "I'll see you guys soon, hopefully, they don't shoot on sight," heading outside, leaving the others there.
Once he got outside of the cave, he blew the beast whistle, waiting for the Gryphon to arrive, until it did, coming in the form of a large shadow in the sky and landing in front of him...
'I'm impressed he heard that from the city, these whistles are something else,' he mused, walking over to it and mounting it, causing it to lift off and take off towards the southwest...
In Feoh...
Sylla walked as she was looking around.
"This place is really bad..." she sighed, "Fake smiles and sad eyes..."
She then entered the inn and walked to the bartender.
"Hey there! Can I have some roasted meat with wine?" she asked with a smile.
"Sure thing." the bartender nodded before going to the back.
"So there are people who can smile here... that's good to know," she mumbled.
Meanwhile, a few clicks away from her, Reynold finally finished his meal, the singer having left the inn, sighing in relief.
'That wasn't too bad...way better than the last town...' he thought, before he noticed the same woman from his tent earlier, waiting at the bar counter, 'There's that weird knight from before, the one who cured me...but what's she doing here? eating?'
"Still... this place is very different if I compare it to the Lands Between..." she laid her head on the table before adding, "I wonder if Commander Niall is the only one who got here... I feel a little lonely without someone to talk to..."
Rey heard that and sighed, 'I want to talk to her, but after how she came off...' groaning at himself, 'Fine, but if she's rude, I'm out...' heading over to her, "Hello again, didn't know you'd show up here," taking a seat on the other stool.
She sighed before replying, "What do you want now?"
"I'm just trying to make conversation, I didn't see anyone with you, so I thought I'd say Hi," He explained, "And to...also thank you for curing me from that rot disease, I thought I had resisted it,"
"Scarlet Rot is a bunch of spores that can get to you simply by touching your skin." Sylla sighed again.
"That's...something I didn't know at first, now I do," The young knight said, "You seem to be pretty...acquainted with this disease, like it's not your first time dealing with it, I'd ask but...I'm probably not going to like the answer to that question..." he chuckled, frowning at himself, "And I guess I'm also here to apologize about how I answered you back there, I wasn't ready for a question like that to come barreling at me...it was...rather sudden and out there, especially concerning the dark queen,"
"That answer gave me all that I need to know about you." Sylla stated, "If I gave you a notice, you'd have given me an answer well thought about. However, if I ask out of the blue, your brain will come up with the true answer since it didn't get the time to think."
Rey raised an eyebrow, "Really? You got all of that, just from that answer...?" he sighed deeply, "I don't know how you expected me to answer that when you knew I was holy knight...it's not like I can just answer that with a "Yes, I shall serve" and toss my allegiance away, what knight does that make me then...?"
"One who knows what's right." Sylla got up before yelling, "I'll be in my room! So bring me the meal there!"
"Alright!" the bartender answered as Sylla went towards her room.
Rey sat there and shook his head, 'You're strange but not dishonest, that I can at least respect, still...' standing up, and made for the exit of the Inn...
At Lord Ruthven's office...
The young knight was in front of the door, knocking on it, "Hello? Is Lord Ruthven in? It's me, Reynold, I'm back with my report,"
After a moment, the old man responded with, "Enter!"
Rey opened the door and entered, finding the old man at his desk with a glass in hand... He went up to the desk and took a seat.
"Greetings Lord Ruthven, I've returned from my assignment in Ur, you won't believe where all it took me," He sighed, shaking his head.
"I have a few ideas..." the lord stated after a long sigh.
The young knight took a deep breath, "Well, to start off with...the identity of the killer that was attacking nobles on the roads, isn't affiliated with...anyone I believe, and a large man with a horned helmet and, a huge greatsword, wore armor with an armored skirt...spoke a strange language even...when I got there, there were many holy knights and noble corpses where he was waiting...I ran into him twice, once for wandering in the wilds without Camillia, and the other was when I went into disguise to confirm it after he..."Got away" the first time..."
"Well, your mission was to find the reason why." Ruthven reminded, "So, what is the reason?"
Reynold nodded, "I tried to inquire as much as I could, but both those encounters ended up in short failures, the first one, caused by Camillia, the second one because the disguise failed," he sighed, "But I may have a motive as for why he may have been attacking them," reaching into his back pocket, coming out with the invitation and stone, "The nobles he killed were all heading to a private party in the goddess's name, the light of the festival...only problem is that the modern one is very different than the private parties...this I know well, even brought their own favorite dark elves with them, which weren't among the corpses,"
"That's not the reason." Ruthven then picked a sealed scroll, "Regis sent the real motive that was found by his head knight. And, the heads of the Borius Family were killed, and they weren't going there, simply returning from Ur to Feoh." he then added, "Now what? You choose to care more about nobles rather than seeing if the common man can't help. It's true that there were some who were hateful, but you gave up before seeing if there isn't any other village, a farm nearby, travelers who could help..."
The young knight took a breath, "I...see...I only tried to follow the leads given to me, I was not aware of other villages nearby and I was in the wilds for quite a while on my way back, my lord, however, you're...right, I didn't want to risk any more scorn, so I checked the victim's families, a few of them...and that's where I got my info...I was unaware that the head knight's report made it back to you,"
"Nobles aren't everything in this world." the old man stated, "The most important thing, is to remember that we are nothing compared to the large powers that control our reality. While you passed Niall's trial of initiative, you failed in the one design to test your way of thinking."
The young knight slowly nodded, "Maybe not...it was harder being open-minded there than being on the point, I will admit that sir, I can understand where I failed, looking back on it now..." eyes low and dark, "So what happens now?"
"I don't know." Ruthven leaned back on his chair, "You're under the supervision of Swain, and he's traveling at the moment, searching for new allies. So, until he comes back, you're to stay in Feoh."
Reynold frowned, but understood, "I was told that by Niall anyway, after the last mission...it's no different now," before looking off, as if he was in deep thought about something, "There's also something I wanted to ask you, as well..."
Ruthven only raised an eyebrow.
The young knight took a sigh, before standing and getting on one knee, head bowed "Could you... train me in combat, Lord Ruthven...?" he began with, "There's...someone I wish to get in the good graces of...and as it stands, from what that mission taught me, I'm not ready to protect her if I have to...I couldn't really protect myself, coming back with Scarlet Rot...I know, I failed with the thinking portion of this, but I also never want to be the reason people die again...I'm willing to unlearn all that Lady Claudia has taught me, should it come down to it..." awaiting the answer.
"Why ask me that?" Ruthven asked, "Why not Niall? Or maybe, one of the many experienced fighters?"
Rey sighed deeply, "Commander Niall is usually busy either dealing with disturbances or dealing with the prime minister here, who I'm still convinced is dirty...as for the experienced fighters, I don't know many people and most are angry at me about the soldier they lost, so no luck there," he paused, "The reason I asked you, is because before first meeting you I noticed the many knights in training armor in your pictures, I figured you'd be a good teacher...but if you don't have time, I can understand that, if there's anyone you know that would be willing, that would be good too,"
The lord went into deep thought before replying with, "You'll have only one chance." he then took a deep breath, "I have three granddaughters; one is away for her studies, one is a bounty hunter, and the third is a duelist. If all three approve of you as someone who is worthy to wield the sword as I did, I'll gladly welcome you."
Rey beamed up, standing, "One chance huh? thanks for the warning...okay, where would I find the two of them now?"
"Julia, the duelist, is in the backyard training. Her younger sister, Genevieve is at the Murder And Malice Tavern with all the bounty hunters of Feoh. And the youngest, Katerina, is studying north of here, in a cave." Ruthven listed, "If they're all pleased and approve, I'll accept."
The young knight thought on that, "Very well, I'll try to win them over...but...is there something I should expect meeting them? ran into the last assignment with a blindfold, I do not want to risk that this time,"
"That even if they are sisters, they're different," Ruthven replied.
Reynold nodded at that, "Okay...that's good to know," giving him a bow, "Thank you for the opportunity, before I meet your granddaughters, I need time to recap the events of yesterday, I'm sure you can understand...I'll meet them when I'm done,"
'He doesn't know how dangerous each one of them is... and Genevieve is the one who will get him to be honest.' Ruthven looked at the young knight with a neutral face, 'If he fails with one of them, he fails. I don't care if he's Swain's protégé.'
After he gave a final bow, Rey was leaving, while in thought, 'One chance and I'm out if one of them thinks any different, I'll have to tread carefully here, can't have a repeat of what happened at Luckwarden...' opening and closing the door.
"What do you think... Regis?" the old man asked.
Regis appeared from the shadows and answered, "I doubt that he'll get their approval, especially Genevieve." he sighed before adding, "That girl is impossible to talk to if she finds out that you're a noble."
"Not to mention who she keeps around her," Ruthven added.
"Let's forget about that." Regis faced the old man with a serious expression, "We need to talk about what's going to happen when our friends get in the city, Raymond."
The old knight sighed before saying, "Been a long time since I've been called that."
Later, near the rebel encampment...
In the skies, the Gryphon soared with ease, not screeching as his rider was looking down below, finding a well-fortified camp with blue flags and tents, looking down with his telescope...
'So this must be the encampment...at least I hope it's the right one...' scanning over it, as he could see the camp, it also worked the other way around...
One of the sentries, a High Elf looked at the coming creature.
"Sir! Incoming unknown creature!"
A man in bronze armor looked up and sighed, "Let's wait. Unless the Holy Army brightened and decided to tame creatures, it can be from our allies from the Dark Army."
Once in a clear zone, the Gryphon descended, landing gently on the ground...While still on, Traysek fetched the package from the haven bag before hopping off of the beast, approaching the entrance to the camp, and meeting a group of sentries there...
"Greetings, I have your package from Iji the blacksmith, he sends his regards," The Redguard greeted, with a slight bow.
The gate opened and the armored man exited the camp.
"Welcome." he greeted, "I'm Kyneric Loux, second in command of the Liberation Army." he removed his helm, revealing a half-elf with black hair, an eyepatch over his left eye, and numerous scars on his face.
"Nice to meet you, Kyneric... I'm Traysek, Captain of the Red Dragons and an adventurer residing in the monster city," The Captain introduced with a smile.
"So, I heard that you have something for us," Kyneric said.
Traysek sat down the crate in front of him, "Here it is, apparently there's a stockpile of weapons in that little crate, I would question it, but I remember I have a magic bag that's like that,"
the Half-Elf nodded to a couple of Halflings, who picked up the box and got it in a tent.
"You have my thanks, stranger." Kyneric bowed his head slightly.
"You're more than welcome, take care," Traysek bowed back, before turning and going back to the Gryphon, climbing to its mount and giving its leads a slight whip, making the beast lift up with a roar, heading back towards the cave...
At Iji's cave...
Iji struck the anvil a few more times before handling Recorder two whips.
"These are a copy of a whip that was in the hand of a Tarnished who went by the name of Diallos." Iji explained, "Since There was no way to repair your swords, I added some materials and made this for you."
Record took them and inspected the whips, tracing her fingers over the bladed petals on one of them, leaving a tiny cut on it, "Very nice~ these are bladed petals into a whip, can easily make some bleed out if their struck or even wrapped hard enough with them," smiling in satisfaction, "Thank you, Iji, I'll use them well,"
"One question though, do those whips have these..."Ashes of war" in them and if so, how do you trigger them?" Lucien asked, pulling out the sword and dagger he found in the crypt, "Like these for example,"
"The Glinstone Kriss... a weapon that mustn't fall in the wrong hands." Iji took a deep breath after looking at the dagger, "By using your Focus on the weapon, you can wake the weapon. Although, some Ashes of War, don't need Focus to be activated."
"Focus?" what kind of focus? like on the weapon in the form of magic?" Inigo asked, looking up from his book.
Lucien stared at the Kris dagger, before slowly nodding, "Interesting...if the same kind of focus we put in our own magic, then perhaps it could even be easier for us to use..." holding the dagger in front of him, "Let me see if I can even get it to spark..."
Yuriana had a worried look, "Are you sure that's a good idea? our magic is still affected by the inquisitor,"
"It should be fine, the worst I expect is a bit of pain," The imperial assured, before glancing back at the dagger, and closing his eyes...
He focused on the weapon, feeling a warm feeling rush over his hand, the weapon beginning to glow in a blue aura, getting a mental image of how the weapon is used, seeing himself performing a strange movement, before he opened his eyes and copied it, causing a cerulean discharge to come from the dagger, going for a heavy thrust, striking one of the targets...
"Fascinating...it didn't take that much either," Lucien said, astonished.
Erik whistled, "That attack was quite something, how'd you pull it off?"
"It...hard to say, I applied my focus on the dagger, and the next thing I knew, I could see myself doing it, I just copied it verbatim and that was the result," The imperial explained, "The way it felt before doing it was...warm, very warm..."
"Like how I feel when I'm teleported around?" Inigo asked, with a raised eyebrow.
"Nearly, but it was something else...at the point, it didn't feel like I held a weapon, but a spell...just more contained, unlike the enchanted weapons we use, very odd...but worth studying," Lucien pointed, looking at the dagger.
Recorder nodded in thought, "That's great you can use them, but for those of us that don't have magic, how are we supposed to activate it?"
"I think this kind of focus goes beyond magic, it's just easier for us because we often do it when it comes to spells," the imperial explained, "But you guys should be able to use them too..." picking up the sword next, "I wonder what this does...?"
Yuriana remained skeptical, "Again, I think it's too soon to be messing around with these...I'm still waiting for the drawback,"
"If I didn't get one from the dagger, I probably won't from the sword," Lucien defended, applying the same focus, only this time, it came much quicker, waving the sword, summoning floating blades around him, "Ooooh a different effect! this one has swords protecting me this time, I wonder if there's-" before he could finish that sentence a painful surge shot through him forcing to drop the sword in yell, as the glintstone swords dissipated, holding his crackling hand, "Ugh...! gods!"
"Godsdammit, I knew it was too soon! are you okay?" The wench asked, going over to him.
"Y-yeah...I'm fine...ow...! I expected that..." the imperial groaned, holding his arcing hand, standing up, "Just not in that fashion..."
Inigo cringed at the pain his friend was in, "I was about to consider trying it out, but if he's having reactions like that...I think I'll pass for now,"
"I can get you some weapons, but I'll need time and materials." Iji stated before taking his book, "If you wish to get new weapons from the Lands Between, bring me materials."
Yuri smiled, "That would definitely help later, thank you..."
"Do you have a list of the material we'll need for said weapons?" Inigo asked with a finger to his chin.
"It depends on what you desire." Iji answered, "It can go from wood to rocks, even metals. However, their quality may not be the same as the ones I made in the Lands Between."
"I see, either way, it'll be good enough," Erik nodded, "All we gotta do now is wait for the boss to get back, which should be soon..."
And soon it was, they all heard the screeching of a Gryphon before hearing something large land outside...
"Speak of the dragon, he's back already," Lucien grinned, watching him walk in past the illusionary wall, "Welcome back sir, how'd it go?"
Traysek made his way to the group, "It went pretty well, got to meet the second of command there," turning to Iji, "The rebels were more than pleased with the stockpile you sent their way, wasn't that jumpy either,"
"If Kyneric was there, then it's normal." Iji retorted, "That boy is wise and patient."
"Indeed he was, more patient than most of the knights we've met here, outside of commander Niall and his soldiers... I've got a feeling we'll meet again," The Redguard pointed, with a grin.
"Now, what are you going to do?" Iji asked.
"Well, as agreed, I made your delivery, now I'm just waiting for the item that seeks out these tarnished," Traysek said, glancing at the finished gear, "I see you've finished our gear, after that, we'll grab our buddy and head home,"
Recorder stood up, "Also, before that, we can bring materials to him and he'll make more of these strange weapons, just depends on the metal we bring,"
"Really now? that's interesting...I see you've got yourself some new whips, they look like they'd make someone bleed out horribly," The Redguard smiled, before glancing at Lucien, "Why are you cradling your hand?"
"He...managed to use an ash of war, but because we're still getting drawbacks, the effect came back on him," Yuriana chimed in with.
Traysek cringed, "Ooooh ouch...too soon, waaaay too soon for that, but I'm glad it works, what'd you have to do?"
"Focus on the blade like we do our spells, works the same way...sorta..." Lucien chuckled.
The Redguard nodded in approval, "I see, that'll be something worth testing later..."
"Now, what I promised." Iji handed him a golden eye, "Each time a Tarnished is near, the eye will quiver."
Traysek took the eye and gave it an overall stare, "Nice~ that'll come in handy later, much appreciated," giving a slight bow, "We'll definitely be coming back here, you could use the business and we could use stronger weapons, and since I've seen it, coming back will be a snap of the finger," offering handshake, "Until then, this where we part ways, my friend,"
"I wish that I could shake your hand, but the difference in size makes it quite the challenge." Iji pointed.
The Redguard chuckled, "My apologies, I nearly forgot, very well," taking a polite bow, "Until we meet again," before turning to the others, "Grab your stuff, we're heading back,"
And they did just that, collecting what was theirs and shoving it into their backpacks and holsters, before heading to the entrance...Traysek turned back around to Bruk'daz, "You coming or staying?"
The Orc sighed before saying, "I need to keep an eye on Heltia. No one knows what she could do in the state she's in."
"Understandable, we also need to check on Dargo too, there's been enough time now," The Captain said, heading to the entrance.
Recorder waved at the giant blacksmith, "Take care, and thank you again for the whips~"
Iji simply waved his hand.
Once they were outside, they were taking the trail back to the village, the Gryphon following them at walking speed...
"I like that blacksmith, he was nice, very," Inigo grinned, "I'm almost eager to come back when we can,"
Traysek nodded, "Oh, we'll return here for sure, the guy needs business and we can provide plenty of that,"
"And I'll be happy to help in that regard, and with the dogs using those kinds of weapons, we'll need a leg up on them," Yuriana pointed, "Once our magic is back to normal we'll have plenty to try out,"
"Speaking of, when we get back to the village, I have something to give you, for your hard work today, The Redguard smiled.
"Oh~? What is it?" She asked, eyebrow raised.
The Dragonborn chuckled, "And ruin the surprise...? You'll just have to figure out what that is when we get back,"
"Tease...but fine, I'll wait on it," Yuriana waved off, but smirked, "I just hope I think what I think it is..."
"Please...if it's that kind of reward, can we leave the house first...?" Inigo groaned, facepalming.
Traysek gave him a hard frown, "Huh...? What kind of Reward do you think I'm talking about here? it's nothing of that nature, and if it was, I wouldn't have announced it...publicly..."
"Good point, but you can't fault me for thinking it..." The blue khajiit retorted, "But if it's not that...then..."
"Again...a surprise..." The Redguard reminded, a hint of annoyance in his tone...
In Ulak...
The villagers were forming a circle as two Dark Elves were fighting with murderous intent coming out of them.
When the group arrived back in the village, they found the large sealing circle with the villagers gathered around...after pushing past the crowd they found both Dargo and Heltia seemingly going at it, putting a frown on the Captain...
"What's going on...? they're really going at it," He commented, confused, "But, why? aren't they friends?"
Recorder nodded with a shocked expression, "Should we stop this? They're going to kill each other at this rate,"
Dargo stepped back from a downward piercing attack before sheathing his weapon and unsheathing, nearly cutting her throat as she jumped back before spinning her double-headed spears, blocking numerous slashes enhanced with ice and fire.
"She's good, really good, I don't think I've seen him under this much pressure," Erik complimented with a nod, "But since when could Dargo use fire? I thought he was an ice user only"
Yuriana nodded, "Yeah, same...saw he fought back there, this must be something new..."
"Still to be able to deflect all of that, it's impressive..." Lucien commented.
Heltia charged her spears with powerful winds that were thrown at Dargo, who barely dodged before using his blade to throw ice and fire waves at Heltia.
They watched as both attacks hit both sides of the circle, the protective barrier reacting to both, nearly breaking it...
"Amazing...they're nearly on the same level..." Inigo gasped, "Not sure who to root for though..."
"Or it looks that way, he looks more worn out than she does..." Erik pointed, watching him breathe slightly hard.
Heltia chanted something before a spear wind pierced Dargo's left arm as she went for a double slash with her weapons.
"Ah! Boss!" Recorder pleaded, "Do something!"
"Yeah I see it," Traysek nodded, taking a deep breath, "ZUN, HAAL VIIK!" He shouted, blowing away both their weapons, landing in the dirt standing outside of the barrier, "I can't tell if this is a sparring match or if you're actually trying to kill each other,"
All the bloodlust disappeared as they both looked at Traysek.
"We weren't going to kill ourselves." Dargo pointed as his wound healed.
"This is an ancient ritual that the Dark Elves practiced." Heltia pointed out, "It helps at calming our minds and expulsing our anger."
'Seriously...?' they all thought simultaneously, with sweatdrops...
The Dragonborn sighed, "A combat ritual like that...? That bloodlust was thick, felt it on the way back in, some training..."
"How are guys feeling though, you both seem...calmer now..." Recorder asked, with a raised eyebrow.
"We managed to get our calm back." Heltia sighed, "Although... seeing that coward again might trigger it..."
"I can understand that..." Yuriana nodded, "I'm still unsettled a bit from earlier..."
"Who isn't?" Inigo retorted bitterly, "But that was intense before, you know..."
Traysek turned to Dargo, "We managed to get our gear repaired, mostly, now we're about to head back to the city, came looking for you,"
"Thank you... although, the General won't be happy with what I've done." Dargo pointed with a tone full of shame.
The crew was confused for a minute until it dawned on one of them...
"Your elements, you can use fire now...along with your ice, how?" Yuriana asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I asked the Earthmother to give me another element." Dargo answered, "As a member of the army, such a thing can only happen if I get authorization from the general, the Deathbringer, and Lady Olga. One cannot wield power without facing consequences."
Traysek thought on that for a moment, "I can see where you're worried, and it's true we haven't seen any of the other Kletzkrieg with dual or more elements... but, if she didn't want you to have it, she wouldn't have bestowed it...I know there are rules to this, of course, but I truly think, she believes in you enough to trust with it..."
"If you ever need help controlling it or want to improve it, you can always come over if the archive doesn't have it, we'll be more than happy to help you sharpen it..." Lucien offered.
"And if anyone asks..." Recorder began slyly grinning, "We didn't see, hear, or know what happened here,"
"Still, I'm sure that the general already knows about this." Dargo sighed, "With a bit of luck, it won't be that harsh."
"From our perspective on him, it shouldn't be, doesn't seem the type to take an eye or limb over it," Inigo added.
"The General isn't like that." Dargo stated, "He despises harming his own men as punishment. To him, it only creates more hate toward both the superior and the cause." he sighed before adding, "I believe that he'll either reduce the number of Success points that I have or banishing me from the Kletzkrieg."
"I'm leaning on the former, if you're not often doing things like that, I can't see him getting rid of you," Lucien pointed, "Especially with your level of skill, anyone would be stupid to and your general is anything, but that..."
Traysek nodded with the others, "That said, we're ready to head out when you are..." turning to Heltia, "And as for you Lady Rhea, I'm glad we got to know each other, both you and Bruk'daz, I hope our travels bring us back here one of these days, it's very welcoming in this village," with a smile and offered a handshake.
Heltia simply smiled as she said, "You shouldn't try to touch Dark Elven women who are already taken, you know?" she giggled before adding, "Well, you'll always be welcomed in Ulak."
The Redguard went wide-eyed at the realization, quickly moving his head behind his head, nervously chuckling, slightly blushing, "Oh...well that's embarrassing...it was just a handshake, but I get it, and plus...I don't have a deathwish," getting some laughter from both the crowd and crew, making him sigh deeply, but the smile remained.
"If you ever need anything again, no matter how big or small, we'll definitely be back," Lucien assured, also smiling.
"Like I said, you're all welcome here anytime." Heltia smiled.
Soon after, the Red Dragons along with Dargo left the village waving back the townsfolk who returned theirs in kind with bright grins...Eventually, the party disappears down the road as they continue on their way...
"It's been good to see the Little Dargo again." Heltia smiled.
"What are you going to do now?" Bruk'Daz asked.
"I'm going to need more training." the Dark Elf answered before looking at him, "And, I'm going to need some 'Stamina' training."
"By the blood..." the Orc sighed as he knew what it meant.
Further down the road, The party slowly made their way back to the city, satisfied with the results...
"I think that went quite well," Lucien started off, "We liberated a fortress, got new exotic weapons, and managed to make a few good friends, I'd say we've some good today,"
"You're forgetting what we saw in there and the scarlet rot there Lucy, but you're right, this ended really well," Recorder said, "Just wondering what comes next..."
"Who knows? but that's if we do another contract, I actually want to get some training in before my next one, given what we've faced here," Traysek sighed, turning to Dargo, "You happen to know a quick way back to the city? I'd opt to fly but I'm not sure if the griffin can take this many people,"
Dargo incased his finger in ice before drawing some runes on the ground that created a portal.
"Would this be good?" he asked.
They all sweatdropped at how quick he was at drawing that portal, the Redguard shaking off his stupor...
"Okay...that's one way to do it...I was thinking more of a path but that'll do," Traysek remarked with a grin, "Guess when she gave you the other element, the earth-mother cured your magic affliction too...lucky..."
Erik raised his eyebrow, "But I thought we were going to check that ruin Lucien found first?"
"Trust me Erik, Ethan, and I cleaned that out, the most valuable loot was taken by us both," The imperial explained, "The sword, dagger, and book were what I got, he's got some kind of sword and an impressive one at that," He finished with, "But, if you want to know what went down there, I have the notes, but other than that, there's nothing there,"
The Nord nodded, "Fair enough, guess we'll stop by if or when we're near the next time, just hoping you'll remember where to go by then,"
"I don't tend to forget places once I see them, but yeah, I'll lead you there," Lucien assured.
"On top of that, we've got very high bounties, we really don't need to keep lingering out here," Yuriana pointed, "And with that said..." she walked over to Erik and Lucien, picking them both up under her arms, "We'll see you guys inside~" being the first ones through the portal.
Traysek chuckled, "Can't blame her for dragging them both in first," going through it next.
"Heheheheh maid cafe here I come~" Inigo giggled heading in.
Recorder being the last had an unamused look, "Going there a lot huh Ini? I hope it's just only for the sweets...goddamn it now I wanna go..." heading in after.
When they get out they find themselves in some sort of street with restaurants, food stalls, and ingredient vendors.
"Welcome to the Molten Gift District." Dargo said as he passed the portal before turning to Traysek, removing his gauntlet and showing him an inflated finger, "Also, I'm still suffering the aftereffects. It's just that I'm used to Frostbite."
The crew winced at his finger, as he put his gauntlet back on...
"Oof that swelling... hope it wears off soon," Lucien commented with gritted teeth, as he placed his gauntlet back on.
Traysek nodded, "I'm pretty sure it'll wear off for all of us soon, but one thing's for sure," chuckling after, "We'll have quite the story for Endra when we see him, thank for your help, and Zephyr's too,".
Recorder looked at her current clothing, "I can't wait to change out of these, they are nice, but not my style,"
Dargo looked behind him as two Dark Blades appeared behind him.
"The General is waiting for you." one of them said.
"I understand..." Dargo sighed as the Dark Elves assassins disappeared.
The Red Dragons had worried expressions on their face, Recorder walked up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder with a sympathetic smile.
"Are you...going to be alright?" She asked in a worried tone.
Dargo only nodded, "I will be fine."
"Hey man, no matter what happens, you're good with us, you may not be a part of the crew, but..." Erik began with.
Traysek smiled, "Doesn't mean we don't consider you both our comrade and friend..." giving him a fist bump, "Good luck Dargo, I truly hope it's a slap on the wrist for you,"
Getting nods and grins from the rest of the crew...
"I doubt that I would be hurt...but I do need to face whatever punishment awaits me." Dargo retorted, "Also... thank you... for your words..."
The Redguard grinned, "No problem man, none at all...we'll see you soon," turning to the others, "Come on, let's go back to the house..." being the first to head there.
"Take care, my friend, thanks for helping us out with this," Inigo said, leaving next.
"Seriously, that would've gone uglier without you guys," Erik started with, "If you manage to find Zephyr, please let me know, see you around," following Inigo.
Yuriana gave him a wink, "You've got some moves, I pray we'll work together again, see you later D~" catching up to them.
"That was quite the adventure, if we've got more, you're definitely invited, Talk to you later..." leaving to join the others.
Recorder being the last once again, gave him a smile before pulling him into a hug, "Figured you needed that, let me know how it goes, alright?"
Dargo was, no pun intended, frozen.
Realizing what she had done, her face was beet red in embarrassment, letting him go, trying to regain her composure "Ahehehe...right, so, I'll just- I'll catch you later, see ya!" quickly walking off, doing her best to hide it.
When she caught up, Yuri gave her a smirk, "I saw that~ it's cute what you two have got going,"
"Hush you...or should I remind you about the library incident at the black fortress?" She retorted with a snort.
Yuriana nodded, "Fair point, but still, it's rather endearing...I'm serious there, you're a good couple,"
"T-thanks...I guess..." She sighed, "I'm just hoping he'll be okay, I almost wanted to go with him..."
Erik sighed, "I know you like him, Record, but this is something he has to do himself, I'm sure he'll be fine..."
"It's not we won't see him again, if anything he'll just give him some kind of labor, that would be fair..." Lucien added in.
"And besides..." Traysek began with, taking a sniff at himself, nearly gagging, "We need to grace ourselves in some hot bath water...definitely..." cringing...
The rest of the crew took sniffs of themselves, before nearly passing out and gagging...
"Ugh...gross...but how are we all taking a bath at the same time?" Record asked, furrowing her brow.
"In our district, there's a bathhouse we can go to before heading home, they do massages too..." Traysek pointed out.
"Ooooh~ I do have aches they could work out, why not?" Lucien shrugged, "Maybe they have the hot stone treatment here, always wanted to try it," Lucien added.
Erik chuckled, "You? With hot stones...? Yeah okay Lucien, suuuuure~"
"What? what's the problem with that?" The imperial asked with a hard frown.
Recorder cleared her throat, "Wooaaahhhhaaaaah!" mimicking his scream, causing a roar of laughter in the crew.
"I do not scream like that!" Lucien defended with, cheeks rosy red.
"Yes you do my friend, yes you do," Inigo snickered.
Yuriana sighed after laughing, "So, what would you rate this job? everything seems to have ended well on our end..."
The Redguard hummed at that, "Hmmm...to be fair and this is despite Inigo alerting the fortress...
Mission Complete...
Job rating: A+
Respect gained: 1000+
Afflictions/curses: Scarlet rot (Former) Magic Defilation (Current but waning)
A little later, Dargo entered Greil's office, and noticed that there were six other people there; the Dark Queen, and the five Deathbringers.
"We've been waiting for you," Greil said with a neutral tone.
"Sir..." Dargo gulped before looking at the others.
"We know that you gained another element, which is something that needs the authorization of the people that are here." Greil pointed.
"Yes..." Dargo nodded.
"Well, we did have a lot of time to discuss your case, and we did get to a suitable punishment." Greil added, "You are suspended from the Kletzkrieg until we decide that you can get back."
Dargo was confused, but nodded, "Yes..."
Feoh...
Niall's Office...
Niall sat and looked at the report sent by Regis.
"The kid's not going to make that much progress..." the old man sighed, "No matter how I look at this, this is going to be a pain to explain it to Swain."
"Is it that bad?" Sylla asked as she was eating a chicken leg.
"You have no idea..." Niall responded, "I managed to make sure that Gronik visits the village that Regis would choose, but he just ignored him."
"He kinda reminds me of the Golden Order, you know?" Sylla stated.
"He might as well be one." Niall put the paper in a drawer, "I don't think that Swain's going to keep him that long."
"I was thinking about something... why not putting him to face his true self?" Sylla asked.
"That'd be a bad idea." Niall retorted, "He will die."
"Well, he does seem like a weakling to me." Sylla pointed with a laugh.
"Don't go and compare him to you, former Night Cavalry." Niall said, looking at her, "Also... your mastery of Gravity Sorcery would turn him to dust."
"I'm not that great, you know." Sylla stated, "I'm more like an adventurer who helps anyone who needs help."
Niall laughed before saying, "You didn't change, huh?"
"You still think that I can't do it?" Sylla pouted.
"C'mon, the last time I saw you, you were about to live in a freezing mountain." Niall pointed out, "Instead of Limgrave, or even Liurnia, the place where some of your friends resided, you choose the Mountaintops of the Giants."
Sylla simply stared at him.
Mission Failed...
Job Rating: D-
Afflictions/curses: Scarlet rot (Former)
Respect lost: -100
Chapter end...
Omake
What if...?
In a studio, Traysek and Greil sat in chairs, the former once again wearing a tux, why? don't ask why...
Traysek: hello everyone! :) Welcome to our first what-if! joining me today is the one and only, General Greil!"
*Audience applauds*
Greil: It's quite embarrassing for me. That's the first time that I'm doing something like this.
Traysek: Aww~ don't be, we're happy to have you here, though, I'm going to warn you now...things are about to get... cringe...luckily, we're not suffering alone, introducing the Deathbringer, Micurd the blood claws!"
*audience applauds once again*
Micrud: Why am I here...? I'm not even one of the main characters. I only appeared for one chapter and then no more...
Greil: Now now.
Traysek: Welcome to the show Micurd, and don't feel bad, there have been tons of side characters and besides I tried to ask Ashar but she noped out but remained with the audience, guess she didn't want to be close...so with everyone now here, let's begin the Cring- What-if...Roll the footage!"
...
The black fortress, throne gate...
Standing at the entrance to Olga's throne room, the seven warriors, including Reynold for some reason, were there at the final destination...
"This is it, we're finally here, the dark queen is beyond that door..." Traysek said, staring at it, "Everyone ready for the final battle,"
"I am my friend, let us end this war..." Inigo added, edgy...
Recorder glared at the door, "It's time to sweep the leg...!"
"I am so fired up!" Erik said with determination.
Yuriana grinned, "Time to defeat this dark queen once and for all..."
"This war has been going on too long, there needs to be a closure...!" Lucien added, equally determined...
Reynold nodded, "It is time, my comrades, time to serve needed justice, for the light, for our people, we shall bring honor and glory in this battle...!"
Traysek: By the nine, this is already starting off bad...first of all...what the fuck is he even doing there? wasn't he sent away?
Greil: I... I don't want to know for what reason he could be here... Not to be rude, but his being there would put you at risk since you'd have to make sure that he stays alive.
Micrud: Somehow, I feel like I won't like what's going to happen next...
Traysek: *Sighs* my thoughts exactly, let's continue...maybe it'll get better, who knows?
They entered the chamber, finding Olga, Chloe, and Griel waiting for them...
"So, you humans and your...holy knight have finally made it here, I'd welcome you, but after invading my home I've got other things in mind..." She said bitterly.
Traysek frowned, "To be fair, getting here was as simple as walking here, there was no security preventing this..."
Rey stepped forward, pointing his blade at all three, "Today is the day you answer for your crimes against humanity, as I promised General, prepare to feel the sting of my blade...
Traysek: would that be a bee sting he's talking about? because that's the only thing I see that blade doing...
Greil sighed and said, "You have a lot of promise... what a tragic battle it's going to be."
Micrud: No security? What the fucking hell does that mean! Centuries of war and no soldiers, no traps, no preparations!
Greil: *Sigh* I don't understand why I would say that... and also, why I wouldn't have prepared the fortress since I'm written as a strategist...
Traysek: We're not even in the thick of this yet and the cringe is already overpowering...and it's only going to get worse from here...
And like that, the battle commenced, the most of the crew had surrounded and begun attacking Chloe who was having a hard time fending them off, while the Dragonborn and Reynold focused on the General, the former taking a deep breath...
"MID, VUR SHAAN!" He screamed, enchanting his allies' weapons and increasing their speed, before taking another deep breath, "KRII, LUN NAAS!" The wave blasting into Greil...
Traysek: First of all... No...NO one would just stand there and let me shout them into oblivion, secondly, they're ganging up on Chloe at this point and I even had the audacity to use battle fury...by the gods, what's next? red form? Kingsbane?
Greil: I... I will still be optimistic and hope for things to be better.
Micrud: Sir... you're going to regret those words...
Traysek and Rey were eventually pushed back before the former activated his crimson form while the latter channeled his power...
"Now you're about to taste the true power of all our sorrow and faith!" Rey declared, his aura activating like a super saiyan.
The Redguard nodded, "Yesterday you may have had a chance, but now, you're fighting us at the peak of our power...!
Music: No More- DBS ost
Traysek: I...I Spoke way too soon...yeah, I wished I could've used that form, would've been nice, but not for this context! and also...SHUT UP REY!
Greil: I... I'm still optimistic that... things will be... nice...
Micrud: Sir... please stop.
Greil: I mean... I do have a form called the Avatar of the Earthmother, maybe it can even things... right?
Traysek: Oh Greil...Why are you even trying to be?...let's...let's just continue...
Both he and Traysek dashed at him with blinding speed, the general was unable to counter most of their attacks, being overwhelmed by them, until Rey held his sword with both hands, pushing a large amount of holy energy into it...
"Taste the power of humanity's light!" He slammed the sword down, causing a large blast of holy energy to discharge, knocking him into the sky, "Now captain, finish him off!"
"No problem!" The Redguard nodded, taking a deep breath, MUL, NEH VIIR!" causing time to slow down, before shouting again, causing time to compress before it exploded, sending him into the ground hard...
Chloe was also bested in battle, now tied up as the crew along with Rey stood over the defeated general...
"That was the true power of humanity, those you wronged all these years, can now finally get the rest they deserve..." Reynold stated.
Traysek: *Flabbergasted* so...not only did I take my divine form, but then I used the MOST broken shout in my arsenal...I hate everything about this...
Greil: I... can I still be a little optimistic?
Micrud: You're way too nice, sir, way too nice.
Once the light left the General's eyes, Rey stood triumphant, "And so the feared general falls...We finally did it...HWHAAAAAAA!"
The Dragonborn nodded with a satisfied grin, turning to Olga, "Do you Yield now?"
Olga threw her hands up, "Alright, I surrender, you win, I'll go back with you to the capital...willingly...
The rest of the crew held their swords up together with Reynold...
"Victory is ours!" They all shouted.
Traysek: Hwaah hwaaah hwaaaaah! shut the fuck up! *hair nearly turning red* what are my men doing?! stop it!
Greil: I nearly threw up...
Micrud: Lucky for you... sir... *Holding a bag full of puke* It was like those boring TV shows.
Greil: I guess that I should give up now...
In the audience, every Dark Elf was glaring darkly at Rey.
Rey: What? I was not there for this! it's not my doing!
Traysek: *sighs* it's...fine...it's okay...there's no way it can get ANY worse than this...right?
...
Later at Ken, after an impossible escape...
The group of seven was now back in the council room in front of Celestine, who had a proud smile.
"For your victory today and the fact that you all completed the mission of bringing Olga back, the feat must be rewarded, take a knee...
Traysek along with the others did just that, as the goddess placed a sword on his shoulder...
"For your hard work and service, I hereby name you, Sir Traysek, congratulations..." She smiled, "And see me later after this, we'll...need to talk,"
Traysek: By Dagon's nutsack...two things wrong here, one...I do not kneel! and two...everyone who understands how knighthood works, you're just given anchor and more work with no reward...no deal...
Greil: This is why you're labeled as 'Guest' in the original story. Making you part of the army would have tightened your actions and forced you to do as our code states.
Micrud: To be Honest... I don't find the appeal of kneeling in front of her. In the Story, she doesn't show that she deserves to have people kneeling in front of her.
Traysek: Honestly, this would've been nice, if the events that happened, didn't, but since they have...I can't look at that the same...
He later went to her tower, finding her sprawled out on her bed in even less clothing, well...more than usual...
The Redguard was in shock, "Uh...want to tell me what this is about?"
"Since you'll be going to battle soon, you'll need the warmth of the goddess to carry you through," Celestine said in a sultry tone, "I offer myself to you~"
Traysek: I'm sorry...what?! just like that?
Greil: I feel like things will go as this; you will be shown killing and slaughtering, people will praise you, and those that don't will be labeled as traitors...
Micrud: Funny, I thought the same thing.
Traysek: At this point, nothing surprises me...*Facepalming and shaking his head*
The Redguard grinned and nodded, taking off his clothes, "Fuck yeah!"
Traysek: Fuck No! please stop...!
At Feoh
Traysek stood in front of the gates, wearing...gold and silver-themed Sand assassin armor, with plates along with a new white scimitar...
Traysek: ...*in complete shock...* What...the...fuck? what am I even wearing, what is that?! *pointing at it*
Greil: It seems like a Holy Knight-themed assassin armor.
Micrud: Way too flashy to be called an assassin armor.
Traysek: "Flashy" is an understatement...this is an atrocity...
He took a deep breath, "FUS RO DAH!" nearly destroying the invaded city and taking out almost all the black dogs in the vicinity...Then the rest of the crew showed up, also in gold and silver gear.
"Alright, they're down but still a threat, get them!" he ordered.
It was then the battle of Feoh was fought, the group moving through, quickly killing and slaughtering as many black dogs and orcs as they could, leaving nothing in their wake...as they made their way to Beasley.
Traysek: I can't complain about the power of unrelenting force, it's supposed to be that strong, but NOBODY checked for any civilians after that? none? wow...just...wow...*throwing hands up*
Niall: My city... *Sob* the city that I protected... *Sob* now in ruin... *Sob*
Greil: I mean... the enemy was defeated... right?
Micrud: With all my respect, sir, you shouldn't consider this as a victory.
Once they found Beasley and the other nobles near explosive wired to the gate, catching him by surprise.
"It's over Prime Minister, your allies are dead or dying, and now you've been caught trying to blow the gate, surrender or forfeit your life!" Traysek challenged, pointing his scimitar at him.
Traysek: I've never said this...!
Beasley gave a bitter chuckle, "You think it's over because you found me? Volt's plans will be fulfilled and no one can stop-"
"YOL, TOOR SHUL!" The Redguard shouted, turning most of the nobles there to ash, leaving only Beasley alive.
"W-what are you?" He stammered out, backing away.
"I am everyone's hope and your despair..." The Redguard stated coldly, turning to Recorder, "You know what to do..."
Recorder saluted, "You got it, sir," pulling out a dagger, "Oh minister~ time to cut you loose from your..."Assets"
*Slice!*
"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" the minister's scream echoed, indicating the end of the battle.
Males of the audience: *All in shared agony, guarding themselves below
Traysek: Ooh...Gods, I actually felt that...oh man... *holding his own nards*
Greil: A... victory... yes?
Micrud: Sir, you really need to stop being this nice. Also, if this level of cruelty is known by your allies, they will lose trust in you. The same thing could be said about showing too much power.
Traysek: I'm with Micurd here, I've already lost hope, never mind that my crew is ALL in gold and silver, but castration? I'm drawing the line there...
After the defeat of Beasley, the crew along with Reynold were standing off against the Birds of Prey, who turned their backs on the alliance...
Rey drew his sword, "After all your service, this is what you do? you're turning your back just like the dogs!"
"A traitor is a traitor and none will be spared..." The Redguard pointed, "Prepare yourselves..."
Traysek: "A traitor is a traitor" huh? Since when? why...? Listen "Me"...you're gonna make me disown you...and I don't care if we share the same face...
Niall stood with Raymond and Ethan alongside the golden knights.
"Kids these days think that they know everything," Niall said before waving his standard, buffing the men around him and himself.
"We'd rather die than see the cities fall back to the ignorance that are the princesses." Raymond pointed.
The holy dragonborn shook his head, "So you've made your choice, a pity, you won't be missed..." blasting a fireball at them, as the crew moved to attack the golden knights.
Rey crossed swords with Ethan, "To think I once had respect for you, you're just as depraved as those monsters!" breaking the clash, and stabbing him in the gut, killing him instantly, "Now for you Raymond!" dashing at him.
After the others defeated the gold knights, the rest of the crew focused on Niall, The Redguard once again taking a deep breath, "MID VUR SHAAN!" enchanting his allies weapons, taking another "SU, GRAH DUN!" tripling their speed, before they overwhelmed the commander with it, nearly slicing him to ribbons.
Traysek: *Horrified expression*...Niall...we love you man...this will never come to pass...who am "I" even doing this for? Alicia?
Niall: Don't worry, kid, I know that.
Raymond: This is a What-if, right?
Rey channeled power in his blade once again and charged at Raymond who in return, came at Reynold with the same charge, clashing and ending up on the other side...
His opponent fell over with a large wound in his chest, eyes wide open...
"Finally...all the traitors here have been cleared and as we speak, the holy knights have rounded up the jester, her execution will take place tomorrow," Reynold said, shaking the blood off the blade and sheathing it, "You've done well my friends, let's report back to the princess...
...
"So you've rounded up and defeated every traitorous dog, including the birds of prey..." Alicia started while Traysek knelt, "Impressive, for a man...see me later," turning to Reynold, "And you, sir Reynold, have proven yourself to court my cousin..."
Traysek: No...don't you do it...don't you do it! Do NOT offer your balls to the man-hater! I will disown your ass! *Sobbing* also, get the fuck up!
Micrud: Should I say something?
Traysek: If it's what I think it is, by all means, please say it...I don't think Greil can, he's passed out from the cringe...
Micrud: If this goes on like that, you'll go back to your world while their enemies will stay in hiding, cumulating the hatred and fury, and then attack at the right moment. So all that you did was make their life hard in the long run.
Traysek: Sadly, you might be right...they'd make sure we were leaving for good...assuming we'd ever come back, ultimately, It'd suck for everyone...
Later that night in her fortress, Both Traysek and Reynold went to meet Princess Alicia and Prim, waiting for them in suggestive clothing...
The blonde princess walked up to the Dragonborn, trailing her finger on him, "Since you're the only man I can trust, you should have my first time..."
"Traysek" slowly nodded with a grin, "Well, since you're offering..." And immediately tears off his clothes...
Prim had a blush, taking off her robes, "Reynold...please..."
"Of course my lady..." The young knight agreed, he too disrobing his armor...
Traysek: *Disgusted and horrified* I...I just gave it up that easily...Oh, that's it...I'm disowning this...THING, that messy simp of Dragonborn is no longer me up there, he will now be known as the holy hornyborn...also...did he just downgrade?!
Prim: I can't believe that I'd do something like that *Starts crying*
Rey: You know...honestly, I don't see anything wrong with this...
*The crowd glares at him...*
Traysek: *unamused glare* Shut...the fuck up Rey!
The next scene starts off with Dargo and Rey standing off against each other...
"Now... I'll get my vengeance for Cehili." Dargo drew his weapon while glaring coldly at the knight.
Reynold also drew his blade, bathed in holy energy, "You will find no vengeance here...only death!" charging at Dargo, clashing swords with him.
The battle went on for a while, somehow with Rey managing to counter Dargo's attacks...all of them...effortlessly blocking him and dodging him...while scoring hits in blinding speed, grabbing him and tossing him over the shoulder from the dark elf's attempted thrusts...
Traysek: What the hell is this? so he gets laid and that's the reason he's outclassing Dargo? How the fuck does that work?!
Dargo: I see... I didn't know that you were this skilled *Cold death glare at Rey* I think that means that I can go all out on you... *Running a finger on his blade*
Rey: *Feeling a chill run down* wait wait wait! That's not actually me up there, I don't know who that guy is, but he ain't me!
Traysek: No...Rey that's you, in the flesh... *Facepalming*
Rey: But that other "You" isn't you?
Traysek:...Touche...
Eventually with them both out of breath, they decided to end things with a final clash...
Rey charged at the dark elf with his blade shining like a second sun, "Raaaaahhhhh!"
Dargo crouched before charging with a thrust attack.
*Kshiiiing!* The sounds of their blades clashing into one another, as they slide a few feet...
There was a long pause, Reynold gripped his shoulder but remained standing...Dargo however, there was a large gush of blood that sprayed out of his chest, before falling over, dead...
The young knight huffed and puffed, "Sorted..."
Traysek: Oooooh come on! that's complete bullshit! how'd he lose?!
Dargo: Impressive skills... no doubts that I shouldn't hold anything back... *Still glaring at Rey*
Rey: *Gulp* n-no NO! That's not what that meant, and you can't hurt me here!
Traysek: Incorrect, he can't KILL you, but he can definitely do the other part...
Dargo: Well then, I'll be back shortly... *Dragging Rey away with him*
Rey: What? NO! HELP DRAGONBORN! *Getting dragged off*
Traysek: Nah bro, you're on your own, you better call Swain or some shit
Rey: come on man, please! *dragged out of the room, the sounds of crashing and smashing heard after*
Micrud: Well, he's lively...
Traysek: Lively is not what I'd call that...anyway, I think we've got a few minutes left in this awful movie...
After many mundane battles of killing and slaughtering later...
At the church of Ken, Volt stood with Celestine, holding her hostage...
"It's over Idiot, you have nowhere else to go!" Traysek challenged with his sword out.
The merc leader gave a laugh, "We'll see about that, defeating all my men, does not mean you'll beat me!" charging at him with his blade raised.
"Come on then!" Traysek roared, causing them to clash blades...
Traysek: Okay, it's the final battle, there's no way anyone can mess this up-
"Rii VAH ZOL!" He the holyborn shouted, siphoning his soul.
"NOOOOO I HAD SO MANY PLAAAAAAANSSSSSS!" He screamed as he pulled into the black star...
Traysek: *In shock* That...that's it? all that build up, for this? *Frustrated groan*
Swain: *Sitting in Greil's place* I pity you, you know?
Traysek: *Sighs deeply* I know...that THING up there is not associated with me...not anymore...I guess I should be grateful it's finally over...
Much much later...
In Celestine's garden, the men from the crew along with Reynold were there with the shield princesses and the two dark elves, who were in gold and white...
"After fighting a long and grueling battle, you have saved countless lives and for that, we thank you all," Celestine grinned.
Traysek took a knee, "It was an honor, your highness, the battle was long but well fought..."
Traysek: "Well fought" my ass...also the dark queen...is wearing gold and white now? along Chloe? okay, this is what we're doing now...okay...suuuure...
"And as such, to move this generation on, we decided to carry the children of the most honorable and strongest men, meaning you guys..." Olga stated with a lecherous smile.
it was then, that they stripped their clothing completely...
"With our last request, we ask for strong heirs to lead the new world on..." Celestine inquired.
The holyborn had a grin, "Well well~ I mean since you're all asking, I guess we can oblige...
Inigo grinned, "Alright my friends, let's get this party started!" ripping off his clothes.
"So...is it me? or where we just here for the ride...?" Lucien asked, "Feels like we didn't do much..."
"We didn't..." Erik said monotone...
Traysek: Erik... I feel you...
Erik: *From the upper stage* we feel you too sir and this plot is complete fucking dogshit!
"Oh, Reynooold~" A sweet voice called to him, beckoning him to turn around, to find both Prim and Grace standing there suggestively, "We've been waiting for you brave knight, how about you show me your "Sacred sword?" Grace smirked.
Traysek: That...that's Grace...why is she...? no...NO FUCKING WAY! *hair nearly goes red* HOW'D SHE UP WITH THAT SCRUB OF A KNIGHT?!
Rey: HEY I HEARD THAT! OW!
Swain: I think that I must thank the demon in me for letting me stay calm after seeing what happened to two girls I promised that I'd keep safe and unharmed...
Micrud: Can I know who wrote this? I want to have a word with him... *Swords floating behind him*
Traysek: This has already driven me partially insane...I want to have words with them too, so many in fact, that they turn to dust...*sighs* so they ended up...having a massive orgy...in her garden no less! *Facepalms* I get the feeling I'm going to HATE what's coming next...
Nine months later...
At the medical tent, Celestine was in the process of giving birth...
"Alright, lady Celestine, one more push!" The healer encouraged, as she gave a yell, along with the sounds of a baby crying, "Oh my~ she's a girl, congratulations lord Traysek on your Fifteenth baby!"
Traysek: *in complete horror* My...My fifteen what now?! *hair completely red* yeah congrats dick head, you went from holy hornyborn to holy helicopter dick!
Swain: My little Celestine... what in the world is going on... *Very heavy sigh* Long gone was the little High Elf who played in my office while I was working...
And so the story ends, Eostia has been purged by all threats to the goddess, monster, dog, and Traitor were all annihilated and the heroes with their many wives lived happily ever after...the end...
Traysek: *Mouth agape* So that's it...we brutally killed and slaughtered our way into their pants...and now I have fifteen children to take care of and raise...wonderful *Sarcastically clapping* stellar performance...and the worst part is that taking care of one and two are already challenges, but fifteen? there's no way I could financially support them all, not even if I was the richest man alive...this was complete dogshit, it was cheeks, who even wanted this?
Swain: Unfortunately, things won't be nice for long. After all, you killed the champion of the Earthmother.
Not too soon after, droughts, earthquakes, drying of groundwater, pests, and numerous diseases began to plague the seven kingdoms, and the neighboring countries allied themselves to wage war on the alliance, to make sure that they could put it down.
Traysek: You know? I don't mind things ending like this for them...after all that cringe, I don't blame her for being mad...*Sighs deeply* This...has been an eye-opener today...because if this is the alternative, then our current situation is a hella blessing compared...
Rey: Debatable-Oof!
Dargo: *Returning* There's a last scene.
"The Birds of Prey are eternal..." a shadowy figure appeared alongside the allied armies, revealing Swain and behind him resurrected and demon-like members of the Birds of Prey, "Our enemies shall suffer... FOR ETERNETY!"
/ To be continued /
Swain: Well... I honestly didn't see that coming... but again, I do have a demon in me.
Traysek: Well, it's still better than that orgy... Micurd, you were on the ball with that ending, and to think one of the writers thought about actually retconning this for more H-scenes, if this is the product, I don't want it...
Recorder: *From the back* This AU was fucking trash!
Rey: *wobbly walks back in* Wuh? wuzz goin on? what I miss? *dizzy*
Traysek: You missed the ending where everybody had an orgy and the earthmother took revenge on everybody after that...
Rey: Neat...who'd I end up with?
Traysek: Prim and...well...Grace... who's fuming at the moment...
Grace: I need to calm myself *Empowering her fists with stellar magic and dragging Rey with her*
Rey: Awesom-wait no...! Not again, not again! *aaaaaahhhhhhh!*
Traysek: So much for that pairing...anyway, thank you all for attending this special, now if you all excuse me...I need to find the nearest barf bag *heads backstage, and sounds of retching coming from it*
So I hope everyone enjoyed the omake/special...If I've offended any of you, it's just jokes people...just jokes...but if I were to remake it, it would be similar to this...scary thought right? Now then, to answer reviews...
Guest: Oh don't you worry, she's got something coming to her for her recent and blatant disregard of her goddess, when I get there, it'll be a treat worth reading...but I'm not going to lie, I almost want to let Grave have her for few minutes because she's been that much of an ass lately... so we'll see ;) who knows?
That's it for the reviews, thank you everyone for your continued support, and may your internet histories be well hidden :)
Sylla's Equipment and Sorceries:
Armor: Night's Cavalry full set
Talismans: Blessed Dew Talisman - Erdtree's Favor - Graven Mass Talisman - Great-Jar's Arsenal
Weapons (Ashe Of War): Heavy Nightrider Glaive+25 (Flaming Strike) - Meteorite Staff - Meteoric Ore Blade+10 - Lightning Wakizashi+25 (Parry)
Sorceries: Gravity Well - Collapsing Stars - Rock Sling - Meteorite - Meteorites of Astel - Zamor Ice Storm - Adula's Moonblade - Loretta's Mastery - Magma Shot
Spirit Ashes (The others are in the possession of Hildegard): Perfumer Tricia (Taken by Hildegard after killing her in the Lands Between) - Lone Wolves
Items: Flask of Crimson Tears+12 - Flask of Cerulean Tears+12 - Kukri - Lantern - Preserving Boluses - Thawfrost Boluses - Crafting Kit - Boiled Prawn - Boiled Crab