Hello all!
I am back with another chapter! I hope the FAQ I released the other day helped a little with my explanation regarding the reading of chapters. I myself find it a little easier to understand things as well now regarding the spells and which ones are written.
Anyhow, enough about logistics, I'm sure you're all ready to read the next chapter. I hope you enjoy!
PS: I've pretty much explained most information about Architect/Tsairaah's abilities. The rest will be left up for you to read about. So, onto the chapter!
Chapter 5: Breaking the Mold
(Faubrey, Royal Conference Lodge)
"Anything else to report?" Queen Mirellia Q Melromarc looked upon the crouched form before her. The shadow remained low to the ground, their cloak hiding any features that would expose their appearance.
"Negative, My Queen. That is the completed report of Castle Town, as well as the summoning of the Cardinal Heroes." The Queen seemed to ponder the words for a few moments before pointing to the exit of her lodging.
"Track the Shield Hero, and keep tabs on him for the time being. Do not expose yourself to him unless absolutely necessary, or until ordered." Queen Mirellia watched as the Shadow nodded their head, obeying the wishes of their leader. "It is better to find out his emotional state, and what we can use to incentivize him to realign himself with Melromarc in the coming future. His leveling will also be impaired until he has party members to aid him, which will be scarce for the time being." Queen Mirellia leveled her gaze onto the Shadow. "Do not allow him to die."
The Shadow bowed before her Queen before standing and walking to the door, their steps making no sound upon the hardwood floors which they tread upon.
The door clicked shut, and the Queen took in a breath. She then allowed herself to exhale, her distaste for the situation at hand leaking into the air. Ice built up somewhat at her feet, chilling her dress and frosting over the jewelry adorned on her footwear. Queen Mirellia walked to the bed, allowing herself a moment of peace. She turned to face the wall, leaning back onto the comfortable layers of material beneath her. She once more took in a breath, taking in everything from the past few days.
The summoning of the Four Cardinal Heroes. An event that was almost perfectly timed for her departure, as well as in tandem with the death of Lord Seatto. Coupled with the activity within the Three Heroes Church as of late, and the reports regarding her own daughter, Malty, it was a recipe for disaster. The only saving grace was that she herself had found out before the rest of the world's Kingdoms found out.
Had the kingdoms of Siltvelt or Shieldfreeden found out before she could explain everything, it would have guaranteed war.
Mirellia thought back to just yesterday, when she had been informed of what occurred in her Capital without her leadership. How her Husband had ordered the summoning of not one, but FOUR of the Cardinal Heroes. It was enough to stir up very tense and dangerous emotions within her, but she relented, allowing her calm façade to maintain itself. 'It would not do to show weakness here. The number of potential enemies around me far exceeds my allies.' Mirellia thought to herself.
She then had to break decorum and explain what her Queendom had done. To stop all discussions of what region would get which Hero, and plans of attack in regards to when and where the next Wave of Calamity will hit the other Kingdoms.
To say some were upset was an understatement.
Like she believed, Siltvelt's and Shieldfreeden's leaders were outraged, as well as lands like Zeltoble, who still desired a powerful warrior to aid them when the Waves began to impact them. Had it not been for the leadership in Faubrey aiding her in calming things down, blood was sure to have been spilt by hostile Kings and Monarchs. As much as she disliked taking aid from King Faubrey, it was necessary for the moment. However, it meant he had another playing card in his hand for the future.
And now she would be stuck in Faubrey until everything was cleared up. She was essentially a well kept Prisoner until the other kingdoms reached an impasse regarding the situation, and how to possibly 'disperse' the Four Cardinal Heroes. Stuck in a very dangerous territory, herself and Melty.
Melty...
Mirellia straightened up, standing from her bedside and looking to the door. "Enter." She stated stoically. A moment later, a figure faded into existence beside her temporary work desk. They bowed deeply, mask upon their face covering their features like all others in the same rank.
"My Queen." The Shadow stated evenly. "Report to be delivered regarding the individual known as 'Tsairaah'."
Queen Mirellia looked to the nearly prone figure, eyes glossing over their form. "Begin your report."
The Shadow nodded their head, shifting slightly to balance upon their feet and bring themselves to a low kneel. "The target, as of nearly two and half weeks ago, entered Melromarc from unknown origins. They proceeded to travel to Lurolona, eliminating a Company of Melromarcian Knights that threatened the livelihood of the population there." Queen Mirellia nodded her head, remembering the conversation before.
"Since this incident, the target remained in Lurolona for a total of around six days. During this time, he aided them in the construction of a Dock, Harbor, Stone Fortifications, and Watchtowers. He also assisted in the construction of several buildings."
"He did all of this in a period of six days?" Queen Mirellia knew it was more akin to five days, based on the previous report of his arrival time. Regardless, the Shadow nodded their head. "That means that he is not only adept at Earth Magic, but seems to have experience as a builder."
"Yes, My Queen. While he did not do all the manual labor, that courtesy is owed to the population of Lurolona, he contributed to pieces of their success. His understanding of construction was noted in his design of watchtowers, which he supplied to the townsfolk. He also explained the formation of more efficient 'Load Bearing Supports' and 'Foundations', which gave the people there a solid concept as to how to build themselves a larger Inn." The Shadow allowed her Queen a few moments to process the information before continuing.
"Outside of construction, Tsairaah also spent time constructing armor. His own armor to be precise." The Shadow began. "Using metal from the slain Company, he produced himself a new set of armor. He did not seem pleased with the final product, which is why he stated he would begin traveling outside of Lurolona. He traveled for two nights and a day before making it to Lerno Village. It was here that he continued his previous actions of aiding the local people. However, his means of aiding them was just as gruesome as before."
Queen Mirellia looked at her Shadow with near concern, maintaining a cold persona. "Did he kill any of the townsfolk, or soldiers that may have been in Lerno Village?"
The Shadow waited for a moment, then nodded their head. "Just one."
(Flashback)
"P-Please, spare me!" An older man was hoisted into the air, an armor clad hand firmly upon his throat. "I s-swear, *cough* I-I'll leave. I prom-" The hand clasped tighter, cutting off his ability to speak further. Chokes of pain struggled out of his mouth, his legs kicking at the air, his hands digging into the metallic arm that held him up.
"Your actions in this town have led to the suffering of hundreds, and the deaths of any who attempted to intercede upon your monopoly." The deep voice reverberated through the armor. "All for the sake of profit. To ruin the lives of many for personal gain; it disgusts me."
The crowds gathered around the sight before them, many within their homes rushing towards the market square to discover what was happening. Curious eyes darted between the stranger in armor, and the captive in question, one of the few merchants that traveled into Lerno Village anymore.
The merchant continued to flail within the grasp, trying to claw at the hand who held him, kick at the chest of the man, and look to the audience for aid. The pain wrapping around his larynx pushed tears to his eyes, blood unable to move through his head and puffing to his skin.
"You will reap what you have sowed, Jean Promain."
*Crack*
Screams of terror echoed from the crowd, as a pair of hidden eyes watched the whole thing unfold from the cover of anonymity.
(Flashback End)
"He killed a merchant?" Queen Mirellia asked, raising an eyebrow to the statement.
"Correct, My Queen. It seems Tsairaah traveled to Riyute Village, and upon traveling back, he engaged with a band of bandits. After clearing them, he captured the leader and tortured him for information."
"Define 'clearing'?"
"They were butchered. Those who survived had scattered into the surrounding forests, but his focus seemed to be on the survival of the leader." The Shadow explained.
"I managed to get a few pieces of information from his discussion with the Mayor of Lerno. It seems that the bandit leader had forgotten to destroy evidence regarding an agreement between himself and Jean Promain. Even with the refusal from the bandit leader to speak, the papers were enough in Tsairaah's mind to execute Promain for his actions."
Queen Mirellia thought for a moment, then tilted her head listlessly to the window. "Shadow. Of your opinion, based on your observation...is Tsairaah a danger to my monarchy?"
The Shadow looked up from the ground, surprised by the question. She quickly ducked her head back down. "My Queen, Tsairaah is a stranger, in more ways than one. His abilities do not fall under conventional magics of our world, and his attitude towards 'Justice' and 'Preserving the People' can be dangerous, should he ever decide the crown is a danger to its own population."
"You are not referring to me, are you." It was less of a question and more of a statement, to which the Shadow nodded her head. "Do not allow Tsairaah to engage with Aultcray or Malty. Should he decide to target them, it could spell danger for Melromarc's well being."
"Yes, My Queen." The Shadow gave pause. "And if he were to engage with either of them in an unfavorable manner?"
The Queen leveled an ice cold gaze upon her loyal servant. "Eliminate him."
Tsairaah was tired.
He understood the feeling of exhaustion quite well. Whether it was unending nights fighting undead hordes, aiding with the escape of civilian lives, or the constant travel of his old allies. There was no delay in certain times, and when fighting in war, even something like himself would experience the aches that came from no rest.
Even after dealing with a near unstopping journey to and from Riyute alongside Weslen, the conflict with the bandits, raiding their base, and dealing with Promain, his journey did not end.
The people of Lerno were not pleased with the fact that he killed a merchant in the center of their community. It was only due to a lack of military presence that he was not arrested or killed outright.
He knew he should have put more tact into his actions, but Tsairaah feared Promain would escape if he didn't deal with him immediately. Even explaining his plan to the Mayor or the people beforehand could have given the slippery man enough time to tuck tail and run.
After killing him, he had to go backwards in the process he would normally like. First, he explained everything to the people of Lerno, as well as to the Mayor in a private meeting between him and several officials. Tsairaah then brought forward the documents he procured from his raid, explaining what he had done to the bandits as well. It was not often that he had to defend his actions. Then again, it helped when he was a Baron and a leader of a small region. In Melromarc, he was nothing.
After his defense for himself was detailed, some in town felt he had gone too far. To kill a man in front of women and children, even a decrepit one, was not sanctioned in any manner. Much less, a merchant that, while unfair and monopolistic, was a part of a guild. A merchant guild may stop doing business with Lerno because of his actions.
Tsairaah hated bureaucracy.
In order to serve some form of repayment for his actions, Tsairaah was 'fined', so to speak. The currency he had on hand was from Pannoth, and he doubted they would be able to input it into their economy. Instead, he was given community service.
And for five and a half days, Tsairaah plowed the fields of Lerno. Never again would he doubt the strength of a good work horse.
The roads leading out of Lerno were winding, long, and laden with damp dirt and mud. The foliage around gave aid to animals who snuck around within, some as prey, some as predators. He remained uninterrupted on his slow walk out from Lerno, fueled only by the desire to seek out a blacksmith.
His armor was scratchy and grainy, with bits of dirt shifting around inside of it, refusing to exit where it hid. New dents and imprints found their home on his equipment, whether it was from a spooked horse on his leg plating, or the plow rolling down a hill and lacerating into his back armor. Once again, he was a mess. 'I said my armor was temporary, but this is ridiculous.' Tsairaah gruffed internally.
His feet were heavy, and his body unable to move more than a few feet every minute. Tsairaah looked to the sky, noting that the sun would be due within a few hours. As much as he enjoyed traveling uninterrupted, he couldn't carry on like this.
'I'll find some moss to hide my body, then I'll rest.' Tsairaah then turned away from his path forward, heading into the forests with slow, lethargic steps.
(A Few Hours Later)
"You said there was some sort of quest on this way, right Myne?"
"Of course, Sir Motoyasu!" A cheery redhead stated, looking over the mountainous roads and arching hills that obscured their path from being a straightway. She grimaced internally at the roads before their horse-drawn cart, noting the muddy unevenness and rocks that jostled the wheels. 'First thing to get upon having more funds: Personal horses. I would prefer drakes if possible.'
Motoyasu seemed to notice his partner's discomfort. "Hey, Lesty, slow the cart a bit, and watch out for anything that would bump around the cart."
"O-Of course, Sir Motoyasu." The girl in question tugged a bit on the reins, slowing the speed of the two horses to that of a comfortable trot. Mud caught onto the bottoms of their hooves, splattering onto the base of the cart, the squelch of soft road being one of the few noises abound. Motoyasu nodded his head, before tilting his gaze over to his partner.
"Say, Myne." The redhead looked over to him with fondness. "What do you think will be waiting for us in Lerno? Does it involve killing monsters or something?"
"It could." Myne said. "From what I heard, they were having troubles with their harvests. While such a thing is usually below something such as yourself, it would be a good way to ingratiate yourself towards the people there. Perhaps we may even find some travel equipment of better quality. I heard they have a shop that has good wares for such a thing, especially for dungeon delving."
"Dungeon delving?!" Motoyasu jumped to his feet in excitement. "I can't wait! Stay back monsters!" And with that, Motoyasu brandished his golden spear before himself, pointing towards the air. "The Spear Hero is here to kill you all, no matter what!"
"Oh Motoyasu, you're so brave." She clapped her hands in front of her ample chest. "I don't doubt that whatever faces us, you will deal with it." Internally, Myne gagged at the naivety of the man before her.
Motoyasu rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, looking to Myne with fondness. "Thanks, Myne." Behind the duo, the two remaining party members sighed at the antics of the Princess and the Spear.
"U-Um, Sir Motoyasu, Lady Myne." Pulled from his stature of grandeur, Motoyasu looked to Lesty with slight annoyance.
"What is it, Lesty?"
The cart came to a slow, as Lesty pulled the reins to bring the horses to a stop. "S-Should we be c-concern about that?"
Motoyasu stepped to the front of the cart, stepping beside Lesty. Myne followed, irritation dancing in her eyes. Lesty looked away meekly, not wanting to garner her ire.
"Those are some big footprints." Motoyasu pointed out, to which Malty nodded her head in agreement.
"It looks like they stop where we are, and just head into the forest." She states, looking to the foliage beside the road. Laced upon the ground are the imprints of massive steps, traveling deeper into the expanse of trees and fauna.
"T-They look like they walked from Lerno." Lesty offers up, pointing down the road, where the steps seem to press into the soggy, now drying dirt roads.
"Then maybe if we hunt the person or thing down, we could get a reward, or more experience!" Motoyasu swings his Spear around, looking to the forest where the trail enters.
"What if it's an adventurer, and they decided to take a break?" Elena offered, to which Myne looked over at the girl with a sour look.
Myne placed her hands on the Spear Hero's shoulders, pressing herself up against him from behind. "Or maybe it's a golem. Golems can be worth a lot of experience, and maybe contain valuable in their bodies."
"Y-Yeah! Totally!" Motoyasu swung his blade around, pointing it towards the forest with a look of confidence. "Let's go hunt us a bunch of loot!"
Elena, Rino, and Lesty merely nodded their heads, going along with what is to come.
"There it is." Rino whispered, to which she received a knock on the head. At her side, Elena put a finger to her own lips, signaling for silence. Rino ducked her head back, merely taking the perspective of watching once again. 'Not like my 'Trace'spell helped or anything. We would still be looking for this thing's hiding spot.' She thought to herself, looking at her party with dissatisfaction.
Motoyasu looked over the figure not a dozen meters from him, getting an assessment of what it was, just from appearance.
It was covered in grime and moss, blending in with the floor of the forest quite well, somewhat slumped against a tree. It was almost invisible, camouflaged like that of a dingy rock with moss grown upon it. 'I guess it didn't take into account that the Spear Hero has eyes like a hawk.' Motoyasu surmised, looking to his spear.
He quickly changed it to his newest spear, transforming it into a (Shatter Spear), which gave him increased damage to structures. 'Perfect for a golem like this.'
Myne looked upon the golem as well, noting its form, and how tall it might be based on its status on the floor. 'It's completely immobile, and covered itself with soil. I can only assume this thing was trying to find a spot to hide. Too bad. You'll be a fine increase to my Leveling.' She smirked, watching as Motoyasu slowly trotted towards the hidden golem.
Motoyasu graced his feet to the forest floor, looking over the golem. Flexing his grip, he moved forward, charging with speed towards the downed figure.
The Spear Hero jumped into the air, his feet snapping branches and shifting rocks as he launched into the sky.
The golem seemed to startle, shifting upwards in an attempt to stand quickly.
It was slow to action.
"Shatter Spear Pierce!" The Shatter Spear sunk deep into the chest of the golem, vibrating with force as it careen deeper into the creature's form. The whole of the monster's body shook. It let out a roar of pain, its vision seeming to flicker to the Spear Hero, who was distilled in the air, spear deep within the golem.
A massive fist swung out towards Motoyasu, who barely had time to dodge out of the way from the attack. He spun his spear, removing any excess grime that may have been on the beast from his weapon. He pumped a fist in success. "Right in the chest!" He exclaimed proudly, watching as the golem pulled itself to its feet.
"Go, Sir Motoyasu!"
"Great attack, Sir Motoyasu! Finish it off!"
"You got it, girls!" He placed both hands on his spear, looking to the now standing target with determination.
"Seisu Ezouke (Cure Wounds)." Motoyasu narrowed his eyes at the beast, which spoke gibberish to itself, placing a hand on its own chest. To his shock, the giant gash he bestowed upon it sealed up a little bit, a green glow enveloping the damage Motoyasu inflicted.
He charged forward, twirling his spear through the air. "I'm not letting you do that again! Shatter Spear Slice!" He arced the blade of his spear into the side of the golem, aiming for the side of its stomach.
Only for the strike to be blocked by a shield, which shook violently against the blow, before it pushed Motoyasu back. The golem went on the offensive, launching its weight forward. Its hand raised to the air, seemingly vibrating with power as he closed in on the smaller Spear Hero.
Motoyasu switched the spear, transforming it into (Fire Spear) Before stabbing it into the ground. "Flaming Spear Arc!" At that moment, a small wall of fire burst in front of him, in an attempt to block the golem from attacking.
"Defensive Matrix." Echoed through the air, and no sooner did the golem jump through the fire, a barrier of energy wrapping around its form as flames licked at its body.
A fist collided with the handle of Motoyasu's spear, which he ducked behind at the last moment. The vibrations shook his arms, making his fingers numb. The force knocked him back, ripping his spear from the ground and deactivating the flames he summoned up.
"Sir Motoyasu!" Echoed from multiple voices behind him.
"I got this!" He yelled back, pulling himself to his feet and looking to his party. "You all leave this to me!"
"Why have you attacked me?" Motoyasu froze, turning his attention to the golem in front of him. "Were you sent to kill me?"
For a second time, Motoyasu and the rest of his party took in the form of the 'golem' with their eyes. The moss was burned away, dirt shaken off by vibrations, and rocks shattered and removed by movement.
The 'golem' was covered head to toe in metal, wrapped with layers of damaged, dented, and scratched alloy. It stood tall, over two meters high, and looked down upon Motoyasu with aggression and discomfort. One arm seemed to cackle with vibrations, shaking the air around it, the other, brandished with a battered shield. Their helm was covered with soot, grime, and soil, the eyeholes not revealing any vestiges of humanity beneath.
"Sir Motoyasu!" Malty yelled out! "Change of plans, that thing is some sort of Sentient Animated Armor! An old one too! It could be worth a lot if we kill it!"
Motoyasu aimed his spear at the opponent. "Looks like your head became worth a lot more. Don't worry though, you'll have the honor of being slain by the Spear Hero."
"Spear Hero?" The Animated Armor asked. "That explains a few things then." It mutters to itself, which went ignored by Motoyasu. With a flurry of his spear, he moved in for another series of attacks.
Switching spears, Motoyasu charged in for a frontal assault. He jumped forward with force, only for a shield to arc into his way, forcing him to slide across, deflecting him to the side. "I am not your foe, Hero. Leave me be."
"That's a lie, Sir Motoyasu!" Myne let out. "That thing will kill people if we let it escape. I can only imagine what it may have done in Lerno. All those poor people, especially the women!"
Motoyasu startled at the phrase, his face morphing to anger at his opponent. "I'll kill you, you monster!" He swung with a flurry of blows into his target, who maintained on the defensive, blocking blows with his armor and his shield as much as he could. Slashes make their way upon the armor, the vibration of his attacks leaving cracks and dings everywhere he strikes.
Motoyasu swings upwards, hoping to catch the armor. It ducks back, before bringing its fist right into Motoyasu's chest. The Spear Hero feels the air in his lungs escape him, and the punch sends him flying back, knocking him into the mud but a few steps from his party.
"Sir Motoyasu!" Rino runs over to him. "By the power of nature and sorcery, I call upon my magic to reinvigorate my allies. Heal!" The green energy washes over Motoyasu, washing away the pain in his lungs and the bruises to his ribs.
"Damn it! That thing hits hard!" Motoyasu pulls himself to his feet.
As Motoyasu recovered, the Armor moved to escape, bounding towards the deeper edge of the forest. As the Armor neared the denser trees to cover his tracks, a billowing wall of fire cut off his movement, wrapping around the edge of the forests, and arcing all the way to where the Spear Heroes' party was.
The Armor looked to a redheaded girl within the group, which smirked at it as glyphs of magic wrapped around her form. "Zweite Fire Wall! I have kept it here, Sir Motoyasu. Let's finish it off!"
"If I have to engage to escape, so be it." The Armor began to walk towards the party. It grew faster with each step, accelerating with weight behind every step shaking the ground.
Motoyasu looked over the Animated Armor. 'Before I jump in again, let's see if this thing has any save bonuses or resistances.' He opened a tool in his abilities, pulling up (Skills) and toggled to (Appraise). His vision changed ever so slightly, a glow wrapping around the Armor not too far from him.
(Status)
Description: ARCHITECT, Warforged, LVL 18
Resistances: Non-Magical Attacks (Small)
Vulnerabilities: Lightning (Small)
HP: 68%/100%
MP: 12%/100%
ATK:)))))))
STR:))))))
DEX:)))
PDEF:))))))))) (Debuffed)
MDEF:)))))) (Debuffed)
MAG:))))))))
Motoyasu grimaced, wishing he had some sort of Lightning weapon right now. Unfortunately, all he had on hand was Thunder, Fire, Ice, and, and a bunch of small buff ones.
Prepping his (Shatter Spear), he charged forward, intent on meeting his opponent in the middle. His opponent gained ground, bounding towards the Spear Hero with a charged fist. "Myne! Any tips on how I can kill something called an 'Architect Warforged'?"
The Warforged slid to a dead stop, jumping backwards as soon as it could. Motoyasu raised an eyebrow at the retreat, pointing his spear at the Warforged. "Hey, getting cold feet no-"
"Where did you hear that name?" It demanded, words cold and biting. Motoyasu smirked.
"How about you come and find out."
"I am no longer playing around." The Warforged stalked forward, allowing careful steps to bring it closer to the Spear Hero. "Tell me... where you know that name from, and I will not maim you."
Motoyasu charged forward, his spear poised for strikes to the midsection Architect. The Warforged moved forward, taking a leap, launching his weight right towards the spear tip. Motoyasu thrust up, moving to meet his opponent dead in the center once mo-
"Defensive Matrix!" A barrier of green wrapped around the form of Architect, taking damage that would otherwise pierce the armor. With his thunderous fist, he smashed his gauntlet into the side of the spear, knocking it from Motoyasu's hands and sending his body weight careening to the side. The shield covered arm wrapped around the Spear Hero's frame, tugging him in and pulling up against Architect's chest.
Motoyasu looked up in surprise, his opponent's helmet not but a few inches from his. An arm held tightly at his back, giving him little room to move. "Where did you hear that name?" Architect demanded once more, clutching tightly at the captured Hero.
"Sir Motoyasu!" The party of girls looked upon with shock.
"I am trying not to kill anyone, much less one of the Four Cardinal Heroes. I will not kill you or any of your party, so long as you tell me where you got that name from. I am not in the mood for fighting right now." Architect sighed, leveling a glare at the held Spear Hero. "I will leave you be, so long as-"
"Shatter Spear Pierce!" A vibrating blow shot into the side of where Architect's ribs would be, blasting through what remained of the Defensive Matrix. The shaking force of the attack forced him to redraw the grip of Motoyasu, who fell to the floor as Architect gripped at his injured side.
Motoyasu looked at his spear with glee. 'Always returns to me hand. Such a neat trick.'
"Zweite Fire Arrow!" Architect looked up from the noise, only to feel heat shoot through his neck.
"AAAAHHHHH" The arrow sunk deep into his armor, piercing thin layers of cobbled together metal. Architect gripped at their wounds in desperation, stumbling back and looking around in delirium. The flames continued to burn within the throat of the mechanical men, the open wounds all over the beaten body finally catching up with the Warforged.
Motoyasu looked at his target with victory, taking in the appearance of Architect with satisfaction. 'Maybe one or two more blows and it's done for. Gotta say though, it took quite a couple blows. Wonder what kind of loot it'll drop.' Using his (Appraise) skill, he looks at the HP of Architect: 37%/100%
Architect looked around at the adventurers before him, taking into account each of them. 'A healer, a pyromancer, a powerful frontliner, and two extras. I'm out of options...all I can do is...' Architect rushes towards the group of girls in the back, moving to pass between the redhead and blond.
Myne begins channeling a spell, looking over his form before smirking to herself. 'The fact I have to get involved means this thing will be worth something.If it drops anything of use, it will be mine. I'm sure the Spear Hero will agree.' "I call upon my magic to sear straight into my target, engulfing them with the flames of anguish."
Motoyasu dashed towards Architect, his attack geared for maximum power. The spear in his hands shook with power, dancing around in anticipation for its target.
Motoyasu jumped forward, aiming true.
"Shatter Spear Pierce!"
"Zweite Hellfire!"
Architect clicked his heels together, and a rush of magic wrapped around his form. "Boots of the Winding Path!"
Motoyasu felt a shock rip through his body as his target disappeared before him, and was only met with balls of flame careening straight into his form.
*Boom*
"Sir Motoyasu!" Echoed through the forest, several of the girls rushing out to the aid of their hero.
Myne looked upon with dismay, then quickly found anger building up within her. She rushed over to Motoyasu as well, making sure her face was the first that he would meet.
As she bounded over to the cooked Spear Hero, her eyes looked around the forest around her, before catching the form of dirtied metal escaping the edge of the forest. 'That rotten bastard! How dare he make me injure the Spear Hero?!'
"Myne, we should probably escape the forest now." Myne turned to face Elena, who placed the discombobulated Spear Hero upon one of her shoulders, Lesty with the other.
"You think we should let that thing escape?! After what it has done?! What kind of party member are you? I should have the Spear Hero kick you out the moment he awakens!"
"B-But the fires." Malty turned to place her anger upon Rino. However, she then felt heat building in the air around her. Flames seemed to lick at the damp trees around her and the rest of the part. Moss, shrubs, and dead branches kindled flames which sought to grow larger. The canopy of trees that were lit aflame by her Wall Fire seemed to spread to other trees as well, with burning leaves and branches falling from the air and lighting up whatever wasn't wet enough.
Smoke billowed out from where her Hellfire struck, poisonous gases enriching the air and making it harder to breath. Visibility thinned as the air grew thicker. Myne grit her teeth in fury before turning away from the party. She allowed her steps to carry her towards their parked cart, the party following behind her as they endeavored to escape the engulfed forest.
Motoyasu looked around tiredly at the smoky surroundings, his mind filled with the fire that still made his skin feel hot. Two pairs of shoulders supported his rushed steps to escape the flames behind him, dragging him away from the battlefield.
His mind just whirled with a single question:
'Did I get 'em?'
Through the forest edge.
Down through the river and under the waters.
Through a second set of trees and flora, which knows no end.
Architect ran, unslowed by the need to breathe. His armor clattered across his body, pieces falling off as he continued his sprinting. His vision darted from tree to rocks, maintaining the fastest route away from where he was prior.
His chest piece clattered to the floors of the forest, slices and impacts from the Shatter Spear leaving their impression very clearly. Lacerated edges crinkled and bowed around each other, jostling as craterous pounds of the ground echoed under Architect's feet.
He slowed his steps as he saw light breach through the foliage, the early light of the day shining onto him. His steps grew more lethargic, and his movements less rapid, less frantic. The sun washed over him, blue skies layering from behind the open canopy of tall oaks.
Architect came to a stop, finding himself upon a hill. One which crested over the trails leading from Riyute to Lerno. The mountain ranges were given life by the light in the air, illuminating greenery and stone. Long stretches of land far as the eye could see.
And even from this distance, Architect could see the fires grow.
Smoke billowed from the distance, growing closer to the river he passed, unable to cross it. The flames spread everywhere it could consume, filling the lush environment with dread. Birds flew high and away from the dangers, and Architect suspected many animals did the same on foot.
Architect just stared at it all, then back down to what used to resemble a set of patchwork armor. Then back to the center of all the destruction. He gripped at his neck, feeling the open wound from where fire pierced his being.
His gaze traced over the stab in his chest, and the slashes at his flanks and arms. The damage to his body, and what used to be his defense... reduced to bits by a legendary weapon.
Architect allowed his gaze to look upon where it all began, where the flames were born.
Where he was almost cut down. His hand clenched into a fist at his side as he turned away from it all, making even strides further from the fires that roared.
...
"How did the Spear Hero know my name?"
(End Chapter)
Now things are starting to kick off! I know I've had a slow opening regarding the last few chapters, but now things are starting to head in the direction I was hoping for.
If you don't know, my style of writing is almost 2nd person, watching Tsairaah/Architect from other perspectives more or less. After all, he is an addition to the world, and not one of the Cardinal Heroes. It makes it more interesting to see how he is interpretted by others.
Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I hope those of you who liked it think about following/favoriting this story. For those who have, thank you for the support. I look forward to the two weeks from today.
Until next time!