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>>5340343
Ordering Hyde to scout the area, you stop conversating with your informant at Midland's capital and focus on your current predicament. Given how Violet is not in flying condition to scout the area, you'll have to make do with warning the team of what you can see with your Od vision.

"Trolls, huh? I thought these creatures were works of fiction..." Serpico was curious as to what they could look like.
"Everyone said the same about elves and just about everything magical that happenes do far, yet here we are!" Puck chastises him for being skeptical.

"Anyway, what can ya tell us about these creatures?" Hyde plays around with a hay straw between his fingers.

"They're pretty stupid, but they make up for their strength. Nothing you three and the others haven't dealt with so far, but watch out for their packs. Even if they can tear off a human's limbs individually, they have opposable thumbs, so they can be even more dangerous if they get their hands on weapons." Farnese makes sure her studies aren't rendered meaningless, explaining the creatures to the group.
"Since they never walk alone, they will overwhelm any who does not take them as the threat they are."

"I reckon the ladies and the kid can't really come in, given how they're still green." Hyde comments.
"Shut the hell up, bald spot! I can take those apes by myself!" Isidro sways a spare sword you had around, almost hitting Puck with every swipe.

"I've lost plenty of muscle mass... But I think I could handle a few of them... Were it not for..." Casca looks outside, alluding to Guts.
"...Actually, I have no qualms with staying here. You can pretend that I'm part of the scenery." Cindy tests hermetallic hand with a chisel, poorly carving out a self portrait.

"I wouldn't recommend all of us fighting them either, given how these creatures aren't meant to be in the human world. It's possible someone is opening a passageway for them to attack nearby villages, and given how I've felt the presence of 2 magic users inside the forest they're in..." Farnese visibly sweats, pointing out a second presence to which your impaired senses couldn't catch.

"Do you think it's the faceless monster?" You ask her.
"No idea. I would ease up since it can supposedly only disguise itself as a single person, but that doesn't mean these new characters can't have ill intent..."

>We're still wounded, let Guts plow through the forest.
>Stop the caravan while we're at a safe spot, make a team to venture inside.
>Attempt to communicate with the witches through telepathy, see what they are up to.
>Avoid the forest, it would take longer, but you can go around it and maybe find a town past it.

>>5340375
>Avoid the forest, it would take longer, but you can go around it and maybe find a town past it.
There is a time to fight, and a time to get the fuck out, and seeing how a solid 70% of this group is heavily wounded to just wounded, I think we should get the fuck out for the time being. At least until everyone is back to full strength, then come back and kick their collective asses.

>>5340375
>Avoid the forest, it would take longer, but you can go around it and maybe find a town past it.
>Attempt to communicate with the witches through telepathy, see what they are up to.

>>5340375
>>Avoid the forest, it would take longer, but you can go around it and maybe find a town past it
Move, think of orb, rest. Remain on alert for any incoming enemies. If it proves to be a an annoying problem and delays further travel, we will begin operation kill monsters and kill witches. Probably ask plants the directions.

Keep equipment on us, don't relax.

>>5340375
>Attempt to communicate with the witches through telepathy, see what they are up to.

>>5340379
>>5340383
>>5340397

"Let's try and avoid the forest for now, even if Guts is in peak condition, an army of trolls and two witches might be a risk even for the likes of him. And who knows what might happen if the beast is let loose."

"Cant you have a little more faith in him?" Casca protests. "I know Guts has harmed you before, but you don't need to place him in such a negative light."

"There ain't no light hovering over 'is head, darlin'. It is what it is. If we can't pull the leash on 'im, we ain't taking 'em into danger. Group decisions. We do what's best for all here." Hyde turns her down, albeit antagonistically.

"It's not like we're missing limbs or anything. Just let me, Serpico and Violet heal and we might have time to take care of these trolls before they move out to the village we find."

"But what if there isn't enough time for that?" Casca asks you, while you make an effort to stand, using your magical staff as a cane.

"Believe me, Casca. No one's racing against time faster than me."

Before Casca could spit venom with her tongue, Farnese de-escalates the argument by attempting to make friends with her.

"I know you don't like the way we feel about Mr Guts, Miss Casca. But Vlad is thinking about you too when making this decision. You've just woken up to the state the world is in, and if we have a hard time grasping it all, no one would blame you for taking it slow. Now, would you mind helping Cindy with her crafts?"

Farnese is eager to have new female friends on the team, and while Cindy remembers enough of her to be in neutral terms with, She doesn't know about Casca, and how she's not interested in anything related to being a girly girl.

"It's just Casca for you, and I'm not touching any needles." She gives in, walking off to where Cindy was sitting down.
"Who's there? I know you can hear me. Identify yourself!" You speak to the entity who noticed your presence from afar, but an interference appears to come for the best, as an old man's voice screams for help.

"Someone... Please... I can't walk..."

As Farnese nods, hearing the same thoughts you did, you circle around the forest in search for a town past the vegetation while Farnese felt for the man's Od.

"It's so weak and small... His life force must be blending itself with the ones in the jungle." Farnese indicates that the man might be already unconscious.

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>>5340438
As the hours pass, you catch the near presence of a multitude of people, which could only mean civilization, yet still no sight of that man.

With Guts following behind, you make sure that he's never lost by guiding him with your mind. Since he can't be the first to venture into the town by himself, he trailed way behind, until he suddenly ventured off.

"I've heard something." Is all he says before taking a detour into the forest.

That man never listens to you...

>Leave him there. The town is just an hour away, he knows where to find you.
>Guts might have found the man, let's trust him for once.
>Get a feel for the village's condition. Not all towns are sign of good people.
>Send the wounded to the village and trust the willing to help with the search.
>Attempt to contact the witches once more.

>>5340439
>Let Guts go. He's been facing these monsters by himself for years, he'll probably be okay on his own for a little while. Check on his condition from time to time.
>Get a feel for the village's condition. Not all towns are sign of good people.
>Send the wounded to the village and trust the willing to help with the search.

>>5340439
>Guts might have found the man, let's trust him for once.
>Attempt to contact the witches once more.

>>5340439
>Attempt to contact the witches once more.
>Guts might have found the man, let's trust him for once.
>Get a feel for the village's condition. Not all towns are sign of good people.

>>5340439
>>Guts might have found the man, let's trust him for once.
>>Get a feel for the village's condition. Not all towns are sign of good people.

>>5340439
>>Guts might have found the man, let's trust him for once.
>>Get a feel for the village's condition. Not all towns are sign of good people.

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Big sis Rosine always told me about the boys and men , about how they all just want to make you their, hiding under their gentleman mask, they're all lustful beasts waning us girls to be their.......
I thought she was joking.... not all boys and men are like that i told her. Like you and mister Swordman were realbgentleman and knight, not juste lustful pervert that want us girls to be your wife.
But... you.... anon, you have confuce me, make me no longer know what's wrong and right anymore.
I thought i would hate you, when you force your lips on me when we swim together.... but I don't.
I'm haunted by the kiss that you should never have given me. My heart beating...hoping that kiss will not become a scar, my body is burning every night when I dream about your kiss and your hands on my neck.You are in my very soul, tormenting me..
We both know this is sinful.... but I don't know what to do. Tell me anon, tell me that the kiss wasn't just some cruel game, tell me that the kiss is from your heart !

How would you respond ?

>>5340657
Go back to >>>/a/240246341 anon.

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>>5340657
Silence wench! I have no time to care for your depraved fantasies! We must struggle against the God Hand and the very flow of causality to finally free the hearts of men from their tyranny!!

>>5340657
blah blah monsters, demons and cruel men to kill !
speaking of
halberd with infused od catches legs make them fly, wood seeds goes GROWTH and impale from the sides, finish with a decapitation of our short sword.
I ll say this a pretty good combat move, BUT is kind of too standard and could be far more creative or combine additional abilities.
We could also go for a throw with our halberd and impale, summon a dozen magical arrows loose them to our foe, take back the halberd and cut the throath with our sword followed by a punch to the face and a seed in said punch for impale the foe skull, infused with our pure od for negate regeneration.
Or how about creating illusions, launch seeds near said illusions and when a foe attacks them, grow the seeds for crush them. Followed perhaps by combining our pure od and our seeds to create in the moment (thanks to study and use of both our pure od and our wood seeds) a runic war construct that is the opposite of the stone golems. And of course additional attacks with our halberd, and perhaps bathe the area with our od for inflict constant damage to demons. We can also use our dagger if we need to !

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>>5340447
>>5340477
>>5340564
>>5340588
>>5340621

Guts has been facing these monsters by himself for longer than anyone on your team. No harm in trusting him every once in a while and leaving him to do his own tasks. The Black Swordsman needs no babysitting.

Focusing your energy and feeling how the nearby village is doing, you're surprised in seeing how few people are living in a village of that size. It's population seems to be either dwindling due to the trolls, or migrating to escape those savages. The difference in ratio between men, women and children seems to indicate that they are targetting the weak ones first.

And sure enough, an army of trolls are running in that direction at full speed, aiming to cause more chaos and destruction their way.

You're glad you've used your foresight abilities before making a decision, but given how their numbers are large enough to have packs both here and in the village, you're stuck between a rock and a hard place...

Hearing some pebbles thrown at your caravan, you notice Guts trying to call your attention without breaking the distance rule. He definitely found something interesting.

I'll ask you once again. Who are you, and are you responsible for sending these trolls into the village.
"You are ill-fitted to fight the summons of Qlipoth as you are now. Come to us, and we'll provide you assistance."

A voice echoes from your brain as you attempt to communicate with the witches once more, this time getting through, and ominously having your Od prevented from having further conversations.

You're not sure if you should trust their warnings, or if they're just entrapping you like most past enemies pretending to be virtuous.

"Here he is." Guts interrupts your third attempt at talking to the unkown witches to show you a fainted elderly man in his arms. Though his breathing is rough and his heartbeat is weak, he is still alive.

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>>5340745
"Puck!"
"You got it, Boss!" Puck comes flying out of The Pegasus for his grand entrance, placing a hand on the man's forehead and flying over his face, producing enough magical powder on him to the man up and have him focus his eyes on the little elf.

"So he can see magical creatures--" You're surprised at seeing regular folk not completely indoctrinated by The See, but your soul disruption from overusing magic makes you trip on your feet and almost fall, were it not for Farnese pulling you up and holding your arm.

"I'll guide you there." She warmly smiles as she gets out of the caravan in time, the gesture being enough for you to smile back. Her reflex have really improved!

"Ah... So it's true... The witch did have an apprentice..." The man sees the magical book Farnese carries around to study with, mistaking her for the second witch in the forest. "It's been decades since we've seen each other, witch of the woods... I did not know you could change your appearance... Though if you prefer to remain anonymous and have a habit of changing your looks, perhaps you've always been a man?" He keeps his eyes locked onto yours with clear admiration.

Oh dear... It sure will be fun to explain this misunderstanding...

>I'm not the witch of this land, mister.
>Uh, yes... It is I, the witch and my apprentice. We're here to save you from the trolls! (Whatever gets him to comply faster.)
>You must be from the village, correct? What is your name?
>You seem to be very trustful of said witch. Are they benevolent?
>You are in terrible condition, my friend. Is this related to the trolls raiding your land?
>Write-in.

>>5340756
>I'm not the witch of this land, mister.
>You must be from the village, correct? What is your name?
>You seem to be very trustful of said witch. Are they benevolent?
>You are in terrible condition, my friend. Is this related to the trolls raiding your land?

>>5340773
+1

>>5340773
support, use our halberd for remain standing.

or actually just call gunpowder get on him and take some his od, so we are ready for combat if it happens. we have other horses so it shouldn't be a problem

and present ourselves name and titles

>>5340773
+1

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>>5340773
"I'm not the witch of this land, mister. Disguising my appearance is something I would have done before if I could." You take off your helm and show him your face, signaling Farnese to unleash Gunpowder so you can properly walk around, possibly placing the old man on the seat with you as you hold your Halberd in place.

"Oh, I'm sorry about my lapse in judgement. I wouldn't put it past the witch to have those abilities."

"It's fine. Are you from the village?"
"Yes, My name is Morgan, and I'm from Enoch Village. As travellers, you might not know this, but this area holds several legends, fairies and alike."

"We can tell by the powerful emanations from the forest. Were it not for the trolls raiding this land, it would be a peaceful place, no doubt..."

"Truthfully, most of us still believe that those belong to the realm of folklore and fables. Even if someone says that they've seen magic before, there was no proof to their claims... At least, until the first night of winter."

"They've been attacking you since last season?!" Puck is surprised at how long they've managed to hold on.
"Yes, ever since that night, It's like the whole world has changed, as if all before had been nothing but a lie..."

Guts briefly stares at him, knowing exactly how that feels like.
"The trolls have ruined our fields, stolen our livestock, and worst of all: Carried off our women and children. Because of the war with the Kushan, taxes have been at an all time high, Enoch was poor to begin with, and we've been struggling not to starve by solely living through our work! But with these creatures of legend... It's a matter of time before we are wiped out."

"And what of your lords?"
"The castles have been emptied. Every high class noble has been invited and dispatched to Vritannis. Those who can't afford the travel are forced to stay and rot here. And even if we did told them... Would they really send soldiers over nonsense like trolls?"

"Men who abandon their people don't deserve to be called their leader." Guts grimaces, calling the lord the coward that he is.

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>>5340875
"You seem to be very trustful of the witch... Were you planning on asking her for help?"
"Affirmative. Me and five others have tried to reach her, but the creatures found us first... Alas, I'm the only one left, and I can barely walk as I am."

"Indeed, you're in terrible condition. Sacrificing your lives in hopes of reaching the witches is nothing short of desperate."

"It's said the witch resides deep inside a mansion made by the soil itself. Only those the mistress wills may reach the place. Most of us were afraid of going near it, but children have testified of seeing places fitting that description when playing by the trees."

"Seems like a spell was bound there to ward off enemies..."
"We've searched for five days, and yet..." The man coughs, interrupting his speech.

"Nuh-Uh! Save that energy, grandpa!" Puck shushes him as Gunpowder arrives.

"No! Go here! Over there! Whoooa!" Gunpowder twists and turns as Farnese rides him, flipping her straps over as she hangs upside down on your horse.

'Ear bad.' Gunpowder excuses his poor treatment of Farnese on his damaged hearing, when in reality, he just didn't like being pushed around as a regular horse.

"You couldn't bring along someone more... tame?" You shake your head at her choice of equines.
"The others wanted to rest from a day of travelling..." she throws her hands up, well, down, from where she is.

"I think I'll be able to calm him down." Guts unties her straps and helps you both get on Gunpowder, and before you could turn to move to Enoch Village, Morgan pleads you to stop.

"This might be a selfish request, but I would feel like I've let my comrades down, if I was the only survivor of the group, and still failed to reach the witch's lair."

His context of who the witch is might have given you more context, and while the sun is still high, you're not sure if anyone so powerful would appreciate an entire caravan coming in uninvited into their house.

The sun is still high, so the timing is perfect to waste some hours searching if you wish to do so, yet with the trolls after you, trouble might find you there.
Enoch might have trolls too, but believing in strength in numbers, going there first is the safer bet, even if Morgan might resent you for it.

>Woods is my middle name, I can find a treehouse with no problem.
>It's too dangerous to wander around here, and we're barely in condition to defend ourselves. Sorry, Morgan.

>>5340876
>Woods is my middle name, I can find a treehouse with no problem.
We can handle more than a few trolls if they rear their ugly heads, lets go witch-hunting! The guys who wandered around for days had no experience with magic or such, so this should give Vlad a reasonably good chance of finding this witch.

>>5340876
>Woods is my middle name, I can find a treehouse with no problem.

>>5340876
>>Woods is my middle name, I can find a treehouse with no problem.

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>>5340901
>>5340905
>>5340913
Vlad knows his forests, but the dice wants some numbers just in case Vlad finds trolls before finding a house.

A 1d100 should do it, let's see if the wicked witch is really good at hiding.

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>5340931

Ready for combat in any case, have Hyde scout around us if needed. rest is only when we are sure, we can be safe

>>5340931
>>5340938
Damn he really does know his Forrest.

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>5340959

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>5340931
nat 100 les go

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>5340931

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>>5340938
>>5340961
>>5340968

"Woods is my middle name, Morgan. Finding a little treehouse in a forest will take me no time at all."

"Is Woods really your middle name?" Puck asks, curious about your full name.

"Nah, it would be too on the nose. Plus nobles my size don't get middle names."

Borrowing energy from Gunpowder, you trace the scent of humans to filter their Od from the trolls, walking with Guts, Puck and Farnese while Morgan stayed in the saddle with you and the Pegasus trailing not too far behind.

Checking the spirals on the tree trunks, you notice what any other traveller would have mistook for random carvings on the trees caused by erosion, birds or any other cause, yet these spirals were clear delimitations of an illusionary barrier, every time you tried to come forward without being invited, the vision in front of you would shift into a mirage of a dense group of trees, forcing you to turn around, if not just straight up pushing you to where you were previously without even noticing it.

When Gunpowder pushes through the lines, you're surprised to see the barrier being turned off without much hindrance. Strange, it's like she's really inviting you in...

"What is this familiar feeling I'm getting? This house looks a lot like the ones on Elfhelm!" Puck stares at the giant house being built inbetween the trees, with several trunks passing through it as it's leaves serve as a natural roof.

Whoa! Let me see that up close!" Isidro jumps out of the caravan and takes a closer look at the house. "So are the trees growing out of the house, or the house going out the trees?"
"Beats me." Guts also lacks words to describe how alien this building looks. The Od particles have grown big enough to be visible by even the likes of him. Taking a deep breath in this area attracts all the spirits of the forest to you as they let themselves be absorbed into your being.

You've never felt in such a state of peace with nature before, it's a surprisignly relaxing sensation to just stay here and take in the scenery.

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>>5341081
"So the legends were true... It wasn't merely a dream..."
"The fuck do you mean by that, gramps?" Isidro says as he rushes to explore the place.
"One of the children who saw visions of the witch... was me. No one believed me, and so many years had passed, I started to think it was mere childish imagination..."

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Where's this old hag, anyway?! Let's get this bitch out of hiding already! Who does she think she is, relaxing in her cozy home while those trolls destroy the city!"
"I don't think I've made it clear to you yet: We don't plan on fighting witches today." You repeat to Isidro while he observes a giant stone statue covered in moss.

"So what? She's still a bitch for not helping! Here's what I think of her and her stupid statues." Isidro repeatedly kicks the mud figure, which eventually moves it's head and grows sentient, growing tired of being pushed around by the kid.

"A golem?!" Puck asks.
"Not really..." You recall the gargoyles your master used, and how they looked a lot more menacing than these ones. "These appear to be mud puppets. Common helpers or house guards for witches."

"S-S-So... Should I be worried about them attacking?"
"I'd advise you to run."
"AAAAAH!" Isidro cowardly rushes back after provoking the creature, with Guts slicing through the mud creature to see how easily he would go down.

While the creature managed to disappear into the dirt below, it quickly split into two as it's limbs regenerated. Accompanied by several other puppets behind him, it seemed that this fight would not end well for you.

"What is it with you and fighting enemies that can't go down in one hit?" Puck asks.
"I wish they would give me a break as well..." You sigh, noticing that while their intent was to push you all away, some of them were making a straight beeline towards you, the closer they reached you, the weaker their intent of attacking became, being replaced by a different gesture.

As their arms were spread wide, the bigger ones shrunk themselves into smaller sizes so it would become easier to... hug you?
What, did they mistake you for one of them?

>Attack with your halberd.
>Poke them with your shorsword.
>Attempt to communicate with them.
>Ward them off with your magic and head back to the caravan.
>Grow your magical seeds and form a wall between you.
>Let them approach you. If they're really harmless, there's no need to initiate a fight.
>Something else.

>>5341083
>Let them approach you. If they're really harmless, there's no need to initiate a fight.

>Attempt to communicate with them.

>>5341083
>>Attempt to communicate with them.
>Something else.
Manifest a very small amount of our Od, it should be clear who we are and that we aren't a slave or creature of hell. If they attempt to attack remain ready with our halberd

>>5341083
>Attempt to communicate with them.
>Let them approach you. If they're really harmless, there's no need to initiate a fight.

>>5341083
>Let them approach you. If they're really harmless, there's no need to initiate a fight.
>Attempt to communicate with them.

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>>5341091
>>5341094
>>5341099

"Cease fire!" You straigthen your back as you hold your halberd with one hand. "We've come here in peace. Don't waste your time and effort fighting when you don't have to." You speak over to the mud puppets, but really wanting to reach the magician controlling them, knowing she's listening.

As the monsters appear to listen to you, they completely ignore the giant dragonslayer wearing enemy who attacked them to approach you.

"Huh?" Guts furrows his brow, failing to understand how they're listening to you talk.

"Just in case they do decide to attack. You should know that there are small figures buried in their chests, right where the symbols are located. Destroy them, and they turn to regular mud."

"Understood." Farnese is handed a knife by Guts, getting ready for physical battle if needed.

"Whoa!" One of the mud puppets affably hugs Gunpowder from behind, pulling you out of your straps as he patted your head, lovingly shaking his head around. No signs of attacking so far...

While their hugs doesn't hurt, they are quite heavy, which only makes it a lot harder for when the second, third, fourth and fifth puppet shoves themselves into you, making a group hug as they fumble together to congratulate their equal.

"S-Should we help him?" Isidro confusedly looks at their 'attack'.
"I don't think so... He looks fine as he is..." Puck says they mean no harm, also being able to feel their intent. And while that would sure look adorable to anyone watching, it doesn't mean their squeezes don't hurt on your frail body.

"I can't breathe..." You attempt to crawl out of their grasp, but they change their tactics by catching your body and flinging you to the air, catching you when you fall only to repeat the gesture.

"That's enough! Put him down!" The witch finally appears as the treehouse door opens, showing a small girl in witch attire. "Why aren't they acting as usual? I haven't been taught of this sorcery! How are you doing this?!"

"There she is!" Isidro wastes no time in catching his shorsword and climbing his way up to where the girl was, knocking her cane with a kick as she falls on her butt, her skirt being lifted up over her head as her view was blocked by her clothing.

"Ha! Finally decided to show up, huh?! Old Hag my ass! You're just a stupid kid my age! I bet you don't even have boobs..." Isidro takes a good look at her panties as she flailes her legs in the air.

The puppets are still too busy playing Hip-Hip-Hooray with you to care about what their masters are doing. What useful guards they are...

>Command them to put them down.
>Attempt to block her Od flow so they stop moving you around.
>Scare them away with your halberd so you can land on the floor.
>Call Gunpowder to save you from their grasp.
>Propel yourself over to the treehouse, reaching over to where Isidro and the witch are.
>Something else.

>>5341152
>Command them to put them down.
>Propel yourself over to the treehouse, reaching over to where Isidro and the witch are.
The power of plant compels you!

>>5341173
>support

>>5341152
>Command them to put them down.

>>5341173
+1
Also
>Slap Isidro in the back of the head
>"Behave yourself now, or I'm going to hang you upsidedown to the carriage"

>>5341152
>>Command them to put them down.
>Propel yourself over to the treehouse, reaching over to where Isidro and the witch are.
>Write in
"Isidro your manners. If it's not an enemy it will deserve some respect."
"I haven't use a single spell in my possesion, but the reason they aren't attacking me is related to what i am. But let's present eachother first shall we ? I am Lord Vlad Santana, a Midland Knight and a Member of the Union of Ilos. Call me Vlad for short."
"With me are my companions, as well Ser Guts and Ser Casca. To who i have the pleasure to talk with ?"

(the falcons officers where all made knights, those titles wheren't taken away so they can just act a bit grumpy if we use them :) )

Don't chastise too much isidoro, make it a lesson. Keeping his guard is still not a bad idea with someone unknown, and a magician can be indeed a dangerous enemy that should be quickly dealt with. At the same time, there is other reasons to not act rushly and first try and understand if it's an enemy or a possible friend.
It s good he thinks about the protection of the city and his people.

>>5341281
Ok fine, but watching the girl's panties that much and calling her names isn't needed. At least let's remind him to cool down and how he runned away from the mudlings

>>5341286
true enough, we can agree on that

>>5341250
+1

>>5341250
+1

>>5341173
>>5341231
>>5341249
>>5341250
>>5341314
>>5341330
" Knock it off! I need to hold Isidro in his place, either put me down or help me get there." Annoyingly trying to stop the teen on his perverted antics, you communicate with the benign creatures of the forest, and seeing how they all nodded together, you could tell that their idea was to send you flying over to the little witch's house.

Your soul might be leaking Od, but your bones and muscle are still working well enough for you to stick the landing.

"AAAAAH!"
At least, you thought they would give you a good throw, and not half assedly fling you as you flipped in the air over your own axis. Instinctively holding your halberd upwards, you could only hope that it broke your fall and that it would stick to the woodworks instead of the humans in your general direction.

"AAAAAAAH!" Isidro screams as he sees a spinning blade careening to him, sidestepping out of the way as the poor girl stayed upside down.

"What? What's going on?! I can't see anything like this!" She says, her clothing still blocking her view.

"What part of 'AAAAH!' did you not understand?! Move, Schierke!" A small, pinkish dot appears to speak over the girl's calves, attempting to push her down.

Thankfully, no children were murdered by you today, as your blade broke your fall when it got stuck at a corner of the roof, and with one final swing forward, you landed on all fours, unable to do a better landing due to your growing diziness.

"Don't you worry, Vlad! I did all the job for you. You're free to claim your prize, but only after I do!" Isidro laughed, rubbing his palms together as he proudly presented his victim.

"OWW!" You tugged at his ear, wondering what kind of hellhole he grew up in to treat defeated enemies that way.

"What kind of company do you think you're travelling with? Mind your manners. If she's not your enemy, she deserves your respect." You're still tall enough to reach his earlobe when on your knees, as well as being able to flip the girl over.

"Finally, someone who knows how to treat a lady!" A pink elf in a skirt waves over, appearing to be a companion of the girl.

"I haven't used a single spell in my possesion, little girl. The reason they aren't attacking me is related to what i am. But let's present eachother first shall we? I am Lord Vlad Santana, a Midland Knight and a Member of the Union of Ilos. Call me Vlad for short. Along with my team are Sir Guts and Sir Casca. To who I have the pleasure to talk with?"

The small girl has a staff similar to yours, appearing to be very young. Her short, curly green hair is something that strikes you as alien, but given how rosy her cheeks are, and how angry she is from her recent assault, she appears to be a kid like any other.

Ignoring your speech, her head instantly turns to Isidro as she stares daggers at Isidro, as if wanting to eat him alive.

>>5341526

"ប្រែក្លាយក្មេងល្ងង់នេះទៅជាស្វា!" Yelling and waving her staff in an arcane language you did not recognise, a star shaped Od current was thrown onto Isidro as he took the spell, suddenly dropping his arms and hunching over.

"Ook! Ook! Ook!" Isidro started mimicking a monkey, scratching himself and attempting to remove your helmet as he searched for fleas to eat.

"Please don't tell me he's staying like this..." Even if he was a brute, a permanent stransformation might be too much, even for Isidro.

"It's fiiine! Give him an hour or two and he'll be back to normal. Maybe longer, if Schierke is really mad..." The female elf points to the witch, who was still pretty mad at the red haired bandit.

"And you...What are you...? Your Od and magical nature clearly show that you're not human. And the way you managed to command the mud puppets with your voice... The shape of your soul in it of itself is completely nonsensical! Your mere existence goes against everything I've studied!" Schierke eyes you up and down as she circles over you with her staff, staring at you in shock as if she just saw a brain in a jar.

"Oh! Mistress of the woods! Please listen to our plead!" Morgan approaches, thinking she's the witch of the forest.

Judging by the way she spoke of you, she's definitely a witch. But unless there's a rejuvenating spell you weren't told of, you doubt this is the same witch he was when he was young.

"Psst! Stick to the script!" The elf whispers to the girl, making her clear her throat and regain her composure.

"Ahem. You are all welcome into my master's mansion. Please, feel invited to stay, as we mean no harm to you."

"Oh! Finally! My village will be saved by your ever growing mercy!" Morgan is happy to hear, even if the rest of your group remains uncertain on how to process what they've just witnessed.

"Well? We've been invited. Might as well get comfortable." Guts doesn't doubt of their generosity. Seeing how his brand is still intact, he's happy to speak with someone else who can do magic and isn't tied to demonic origins.

As everyone from your team -barring the wounded harpy and Casca, for cautionary measures- enter the treehouse and climb through the wooden steps on it's tilted trunk, the parked horses enjoy some grass to munch on while Schierke introduces herself.

"My name is Schierke. I am only a witch in training, you folks are probably mistaking me for my master Flora..." She sheepishly greets you as she takes off her hat.

"And I'm Ivalera! I look after Schierke!" The elf's introduction is more brief, but just as effective.
"Well, thank ya for inviting us, lil' lady!" Hyde repeats the gesture with his own hat.

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>>5341601

>Which one of you did I speak with in the forest?
>Why call out your guards if we were meant to be invited?
>I apologise in advance for Isidro. He's still learning how to behave as a proper knight.
>Would you mind turning my friend back to normal? I know he was a brute, but this might be a bit too much for him.
>Your magic seems to come from a different school than mine. How long have you been practicing with Flora?
>No need to worry about me. My origins are had to summarise, but I'm mostly human. I can speak in more details at a later time if you're interested.
>Thank you for having us, Schierke. We'll meet your master right away.
>Write-in.

>>5341608
>Your magic seems to come from a different school than mine. How long have you been practicing with Flora?

>I apologise in advance for Isidro. He's still learning how to behave as a proper knight.

>Thank you for having us, Schierke. We'll meet your master right away.

>>5341608
>I apologise in advance for Isidro. He's still learning how to behave as a proper knight.
>Would you mind turning my friend back to normal? I know he was a brute, but this might be a bit too much for him.
>Your magic seems to come from a different school than mine. How long have you been practicing with Flora?
>Write in
"Do you know of what is happening outside ? Or at large in Midland ?"

then
>Thank you for having us, Schierke. We'll meet your master right away.

I can imagine why the guards where there, in regard to an explanation about our origin perhaps later. It depends if we have one day of rest, or hours.

>>5341608
>I apologise in advance for Isidro. He's still learning how to behave as a proper knight.
Although it's not really in advance
>Which one of you did I speak with in the forest?
>Your magic seems to come from a different school than mine. How long have you been practicing with Flora?
>Are you at all familiar with the silver-eyed clan, or their way of doing magic?

>>5341676
+1

>>5341645
>>5341676
+1

>>5341644
>>5341645
>>5341676
"I apologise in advance for Isidro. He's still learning how to behave as a proper knight."

"Why in advance? He's already mistreated her!" Ivalera tilts her head.

"Because I have a feeling it won't be the last time he behaves that way." You groan, unfortunately knowing how his mind works. You've been there, no need to beat around the bush.

"I'll be sure to keep him as a monkey then!"
"No need to do that either. Just let it wear off, a stern talking is better for rehabilitation than straight up punishment..."

"Either way, your magic seems to come from a different school than mine. How long have you been practicing with Flora?"

"Ever since I was young. Master Flora took me in as her last apprentice."
"Were there others before you?"
"There would be... If it weren't for the humans ostracising her into staying inside the forest!" Schierke resents the Holy See for making Flora hide the beauty of magic to the world, and knowing where that criticism would lead to, Farnese quickly adverts her eyes, pretending she's not tuned into the conversation.

"Well, you're in luck. Most of us are non-believers. I assume you know about what is happening at large in Midland?"

"Of course. I have observed the Falcon and his progress in raising his army through my astral projection. My master likely has more knowledge of your adventures, given how I've only recently learned the ability myself." The little witch admits to learning the advanced spell at such a young age.

"W-What? Farnese and I have been trying learn that spell for over a season, and we've had no progress whatsoever... How old are you again?"

"13. What school of magic have you trained with?"
"Tudor style, though I've been more of a hybrid lately. Are you familiar with the silver-eyed clan?"

"Silver-eyed clan...?" Schierke enunciates the words a few more times, seeing if it rings a bell."Those are the Tudorians who turned into Nomads after being banned from their kingdom, right? I remember Master mentioning them as true masters of Light and Dark magic, an alternative that bridged the fissure between the physical and the astral world by relying on the power of the human soul and it's dormant affinity of the spirits, instead of needing the elementals, their kind believed that the power to produce magic should always come from within. While noble in their goals, their runes and scribes required a great mastery of their arts which few would perfect, and the ones who did were often reported to have shorter lifespans than other magicians due to their constant draining and refilling of their Od gate."

>>5342002
"Additionally, since their scribes were made for them to adapt into dark magic if they ever needed to, plenty of accidental pacts were made just because their blood was dropped onto their runes mid-fight. Since humans have a more natural affinity to darkness than light, the power of their abilities were grown exponentially, yet at the cost of more adverse effects. They could negate aging, use magic without the use of any runes, talisman or incantations, but would forever be negated from using elemental magic, only relying on the destructive power of the dark. It is said they would live shorter, miserable lives, grow distant from their relatives, and be cursed by the spirits into streaks of bad luck. Tears from the interstice would flock to them, and they would often focus on nothing but their power, being devoid out of other human needs. While it was not common for that to happen, the few bad apples were enough to make them infamous in the eyes of commonfolk, being banished and feared despite them being a secluded clan that rarely let strangers join their in order to prevent said catastrophes."

"Question! Is this gonna be on the test, teach? I'm having a hard time writing all this down!" Puck asks with a paper and pencil in hand, chastising her for getting too carried away on her tangents.

"Yeah, them..." The bookworm surprises you in how much she knows, quoting those facts as if she'd just read them on a book. "I'm the last of their descendants."

"Amazing! That would explain your ability to control the mud puppets and the shape of your soul. I've never met a dark magician before, is it true that the apostles do not attack you because they mistake you for one of their own? Is it just like having a brand of the sacrifice? How faster is it to cast magic without prior incantation?" Schierke fumbles around you, curious to see you in action like a scientist discovering a new species.

"Oh no. I'm not a dark magician. Though I do have a lot of the benefits they have, it's mostly because I've been born that way. None of the downsides, either"

"Wh-WHAT?!" Schierke's mouth stays open as she hears that contradiction. "But how!? That goes against all laws of magic!"

"For humans, yes. But having astral blood in me, it all becomes second nature. Maybe I'll tell you about my plant mother some other time."

"PLANT MOTHER!? I've been practicing all these years... and he says it's all second nature to him because his mom's a plant..." Schierke remains in a daze, nearly sobbing as she feels that her hard works and studies have been treated as a joke compared to your born talent.

"Awww, look at what you've done! You stole her M.O!" Ivalera shakes her head, attempting to calm the witch down. Don't worry Schierke! You're still amazing! Who cares what plantmorphs think?!"

Oh goodie, she's going to treat you as a rival now, isn't she?

>>5342035

"Well, thank you for having us either way, Schierke. Why don't we go meet your master?" You distract her by remembering what you all came here to do.

"Huh?! A-Ah yes, let's get going..." Recovering from her emotional breakdown, she passes by a brewery room as the group remains steady behind her.

You're surprised by the large collection of powders, liquids and substances mixed in this room, all the flasks have tags onto them with mixtures that you've never even heard of.

"OOK! OOK OOK!"
"Don't touch that!" Farnese takes a hold of Isidro before he could drink a blue vial from the top drawers.

"Seems this Flora Lady knows her drinks!"
"My mother was healed by one of her concoctions. She was on the brink of death before drinking, yet managed to stand on her feet the next day. It's the stuff of miracles!"
Hyde and Morgan chat amongst each other.

"I wonder what she could use to make those..." Out of the corner of your eye, you catch sight of a dead, dried up mangdragora, and given how the trip to Cromwell went, speaking of someone else who knows more about brewing than you do is bound to be useful. Especially when it comes to that mixture of Mandragoran essence and Elf Powder you've been experimenting with.

>Did she teach you anything about potions, Schierke?
>How did she get hands on a Mandragora?
>Can I have that Mandragora for myself? I can pay you, if needed.
>What do you call the mixture of Mandragoran essence and Elf Powder?
>Stay silent and let the apprentice guide you to Flora's room.

>>5342043
>Did she teach you anything about potions, Schierke?

>How did she get hands on a Mandragora?

>>5342046
>Did she teach you anything about potions, Schierke?
>What do you call the mixture of Mandragoran essence and Elf Powder?
>Bring up your degenerating condition

>>5342035
Hey, in fairness to Schierke, I don't think Vlad is at the point where he could go "casually invoke lesser Deity to annihilate demons". She's probably still better than him and Farnese in many things.

>>5342043
>Did she teach you anything about potions, Schierke?
>How did she get hands on a Mandragora?

>>5342043
>Did she teach you anything about potions, Schierke?
>How did she get hands on a Mandragora?
>What do you call the mixture of Mandragoran essence and Elf Powder?

>>5342043
>Did she teach you anything about potions, Schierke?
>How did she get hands on a Mandragora?
>What do you call the mixture of Mandragoran essence and Elf Powder?
>Say would your Master be open, to me reading her books or study them ? Or perhaps even learning from her ?
>There is also the matter of the trolls outside .....

>>5342294
+1

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>>5342046
>>5342055
>>5342149
>>5342216
>>5342294
"Did she teach you anything about potions, Schierke?"

"I have watched my Master brew a few substances in this room before, but I don't have her permission to mix anything yet. She says any small mistake could bring ruin to the entire forest."

"That's understandable. I'm already shocked at what you can already do without harming yourself. I'm just curious as to how she got her hands on a Mandragora."

"Oh, that much I know. Just place some drops of this dark liquid onto them, and they never wake up." Schierke demonstrates it on the dead Mandragora. "Of course, this is just a sample, but I believe there's some Mandragoran essence laying somewhere around here, if that's what you're looking for. It's a rare substance, so I doubt she has that much, given how she hasn't found one for years."

"I figured it wouldn't be that easy... Good to know there's a way to treat them, either way..." Would have saved you a lot of trouble a few days prior...

"Say, what do you call the mixture of Mandragoran essence and Elf Powder?"

"Kmengcide, I believe. It's a deadly aging substance, that speeds up your metabolism to the point of reaching the end of your lifespan. It's partly a blessing that mandragoran essence is not easy to find, or else someone would have used it as a war asset, like humans do with boiled water or oil."

"Kmengcide, I'll write that up on my notes... Well, since you don't have permission to use the room, I'll ask the remaining questions to Flora."

"Good. I could barely understand what you were talking about." Guts comments as they were lead to a sewing room in the upper floor, where a charming old lady sat at her chair, staring at a window and reading a book by herself.

"Here they are, Master." Schierke opens the door as Flora smiles to the group.
"Welcome... To the Mansion Of The Spirit Tree. Please forgive my apprentice for the incident at the garden, she was merely concerned for my safety."

"You... Surely... You're the one I've met 50 years ago... It's unbelievable, you look exactly as you did when you gave me that medicine to save my mother!" Morgan smiles as he remembers what happened in his childhood.

"How nostalgic. I do remember that boy, as well. Though I guess age has affected both of us in different ways..."
Farnese has been quiet ever since Schierke mentioned the See, and now that she's in front of Flora, she tried her hardest to blend into the scenery until the elder witch spoke to her.

"Don't be so frightened, young lady... My folk were not among those whose lives you took. Even if you were, the fault collectively lies upon the servants of your deity. I do not harbor hatred from manipulated individuals. In fact, your effort to redeem yourself by learning magic is plenty admirable. If you can learn some offensive magic and astral projection, you would likely be close to Schierke's level."

"Sh-She knows magic too!?" Schierke frowns, feeling less special by the day.

>>5342472
"How do you know that much about me? Th-That's not information you can get through a moment of mind reading..." Farnese recognises the spell, but not the extend of Lora's wisdom.

"I have been patiently awaiting and gathering information about all of you. That includes, the branded man and his lover. As well as the halfling from the occultist swamp... It pleases to make me your acquaintance"

"Who the hell...?" Guts scratches the brand of his nape, not feeling the sharp pain that comes with the presence of apostles, but a tingle that still faintly ached.

>For what reason were you watching over us?
>I assume you know where we are headed then?
>Is there anything you could do to aid me in my failing condition?
>If you know that much, could you perhaps tell me if my mother is still alive?
>Write-in.
>(Remain silent. Morgan's situation is more dire than any questions you might have.)

>>5342498
>>I assume you know where we are headed then?
>>Is there anything you could do to aid me in my failing condition?
>>If you know that much, could you perhaps tell me if my mother is still alive?
>>Write-in.
With your permission the magical knowledge and lore you posses would aid me and my companions greatly, could i learn of it. Or learn from you directly ?

>>5342505
+1

>>5342505
+1

>>5342505
+1

>>5342505
+1
Along with:
>Telepathically ask Guts if his brand is sensing any nearby apostle or troll activity

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>>5342505
>>5342514
>>5342544
>>5342562
>>5342568
"Guts, are you feeling alright? The brand shouldn't be reacting towards regular magic. Any signs of apostle or troll activity?"

"No, it seems like it's coming from the witch." He replied in his mind, as curious of her intent as you are.

"You do know I can also hear your thoughts, no?" Flora interrupts your telepathy by speaking up. "I'm sure you have many questions, and I will answer them in due time. But for now, I believe Morgan's problems are of higher urgency." She invites the man from Enoch Village to get closer.

"Y-Yes, it's about the trolls."
"I am anxious about them too. Creatures from the astral world should rarely be seen by humans, much less attack their homes. Unfortunately, I cannot assist you."
"H-How come?"
"This Old body of mine has neither the strength, nor the time left to leave this place... My time of death draws near, and I'm simply waiting for that day..." Flora speaks with a smile, while Schierke hangs her head low in silence.

"Ah! That's terrible! How will we save the village then?"
"Don't worry. I cannot go by myself, but someone else can visit you in my stead. Schierke? It is high time for you to put your training into practice."

"Master! This is far too great of a task for me to do on my own!" Schierke believes she is not ready to save a village, but Flora presses on.

"Please, can I trust you all to assist my disciple?"
"We don't have all the time in the world to lollygag and save towns when Vlad is dying, lady. We need to stick to our journey." Guts refuses.

"Naturally. I am not asking your help for free. I think I might be of use to you as well. There are plenty of magical weapons in my possession that could aid you in your journey. Even if you are familiar with incantations, my magical talismans are one of a kind. All I ask of you is that you leave your wounded in my care, as it would be far too dangerous to send them into Enoch Village."

"Of course, that would include you, Lord Vlad Santana." She offers to answer your questions, at the cost of sending your unsupervised group up to Enoch Village.

"But who's gonna be in charge of The Pegasus without Vlad?" Hyde asks, with Farnese, Flora and Schierke assuming Guts would take care of the able-bodied fighters.

"Hell naw! You want us to trust this selfish idiot?! I can already tell where this will end."
"I am just about as interested in fighting by your side as you are." Guts and Hyde trade insults amongst each other.

"Take this a chance to redeem yourself, swordsman. You can prove that you have grown beyond your selfish goals and your prior regressions." Flora trusts Guts to take care of Schierke and your companions, though you wonder if this is really a good idea.

She does want you near, maybe she can tell you two have much to talk about, perhaps she can teach you something you don't know about magic.

>>5342660
>We were already going there anyway, I have no problem accepting your request.
>I am against my team departing without me, I would rather clear any mysteries now than later.
>I would be more trustworthy if you were less cryptical on your plans.
>As Guts said before, we are in a hurry, and Vritannis isn't too far away. I am sorry to disappoint.
>Write-in.

>>5342663
>We were already going there anyway, I have no problem accepting your request.
>Schierke, you're a neutral party in this. Please help direct our fighters appropriately in my absence - they're quite used to a telepathic assistant at this point. They don't need much more than being pointed at the right targets to make sure we can dismantle the enemy forces most effectively, they're all quite capable. Just make sure to keep their specialties in mind. If you have any questions, I'm sure they can help answer them.

>>5342663
>We were already going there anyway, I have no problem accepting your request.
>Schierke, you're a neutral party in this. Please help direct our fighters appropriately in my absence - they're quite used to a telepathic assistant at this point. They don't need much more than being pointed at the right targets to make sure we can dismantle the enemy forces most effectively, they're all quite capable. Just make sure to keep their specialties in mind. If you have any questions, I'm sure they can help answer them.

>>5342663
>We were already going there anyway, I have no problem accepting your request.
>Schierke, you're a neutral party in this. Please help direct our fighters appropriately in my absence - they're quite used to a telepathic assistant at this point. They don't need much more than being pointed at the right targets to make sure we can dismantle the enemy forces most effectively, they're all quite capable. Just make sure to keep their specialties in mind. If you have any questions, I'm sure they can help answer them.

>>5342663
>We were already going there anyway, I have no problem accepting your request.
Use this as an opportunity to get some answers from one of the few people who exist who can give them. This is also a way for Guts to win back some of the trust from the group, and redeem himself as she said.

>>5342663
>>We were already going there anyway, I have no problem accepting your request.
>>Schierke, you're a neutral party in this. Please help direct our fighters appropriately in my absence - they're quite used to a telepathic assistant at this point. They don't need much more than being pointed at the right targets to make sure we can dismantle the enemy forces most effectively, they're all quite capable. Just make sure to keep their specialties in mind. If you have any questions, I'm sure they can help answer them.
>Write in
"Serpico, Hyde both of you know me. I will not throw your trust on the mud, neither your experience. So take it as a test to see if Guts can prove himself. You aren't under him, and can voice your opinion on how to deal with this trolls and save the people of Enoch. I doubt this will create a friendship, but if Enoch can be saved it will help us in the future. Another settlement that isn't food of monsters, be real and false ones, is one that can help the Union."
"Guts, i expect you to treat them well and consider what they say. You have been a commander, not just a warrior. Show us that those tales of a butcher are nothing but lies. Show us you are a man."

>>5342711
+1
he still needs to keep distance from casca however

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>>5342677
>>5342682
>>5342691
>>5342693
>>5342711
>>5342762
"We were already going there anyway, I have no problem accepting your request." You take Flora's offer, approaching Schierke to instruct her on what to do when you are absent from The Pegasus.

"You are a neutral party in this. Please help direct our fighters appropriately in my absence - they're quite used to a telepathic assistant at this point. They don't need much more than being pointed at the right targets to make sure we can dismantle the enemy forces most effectively, they're all quite capable. Just make sure to keep their specialties in mind. If you have any questions, I'm sure they can help answer them."

"Y-You make it sound like I'm going to be your substitute!" Schierke stammer.
"As if the pressure wasn't already growing on her!" Ivalera chastises you for adding weight on her shoulders.

"Well, in some regards, you are. If you believe your school of magic is inferior to mine, it's time for you to learn what the extent of your true powers."

"I... I'll do my best... For Master Flora!" Schierke deflects the absurdity of her situation by focusing on her master's wishes.

"Are you rally sure that trusting Guts is in our best interests?" Serpico voices his worries as you turn over to him and Hyde.

"I will not throw your trust on the mud, neither your experience. So take it as a test to see if Guts can prove himself. You aren't under him, and can voice your opinion on how to deal with this trolls and save the people of Enoch. I doubt this will create a friendship, but if Enoch can be saved it will help us in the future. Another settlement that isn't full of monsters, be real and false ones, is one that can help the Union."

"And Guts? Treat them well and consider their thoughts and actions. You were also a commander, not just a warrior. Show us that those tales of a butcher are nothing but lies." You voice your trust to Guts, even if he doesn't trust himself.

"...Are they really? I wish I had the gall of the commander I was at that time... After what happened with them... I'm not sure if I should command anyone but mysef..." His hand visibly shakes, remembering his dead comrades... Maybe you struck a never with him.

"You have plenty of time to plan your expeditions. For now, I'll consider our negotiations complete." Flora concludes.

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Morgan hugs Guts as he is distracted, crying and weeping his tears on his shoulder.
"H-Hey!"

"You must all be tired from your journey. Please rest for the night, you have plenty of time to depart until tomorrow. Schierke will prepare a meal for you all. As my mansion is protected by my talismans, you may rest easy."

>>5342792
As your team is greeted by Schierke, she leads you all back to the garden, disappearing into the kitchen to make a full course meal for all present.

With your team dispatched and with clear directions in mind, you see them separating into groups as they discussed what they would do between the ones they got along with the most.

Finally being set free, Gunpowder ran circles around your caravan, with the other horses ignoring him, still wanting to eat their food.

Serpico, Farnese and Hyde were arguing amongst each other, with Hyde being the most vocal out of who should go and who should stay, given how Serpico himself was wounded, and Casca being unable to stay close to Guts.

Casca and Cindy were nowhere to be seen, still told to stay inside the vehicle, as much as it pained them to do so. You wonder what they could be doing...

Guts was power lifting his sword from the floor up to his shoulders, training his triceps. Occasionally, he glanced over his shoulder to check the caravan, only to focus on his training once more.

Puck and Isidro were climbing around the trees, with the monkey spell still being in effect, you hope he isn't afraid of heights, given how the spell is bound to wear off soon.

Violet tried her hardest to flap her wings, still faceplanting onto the floor when jumping and flying, making sure to stay as far away from Guts while still staying inside the forest.

You reckon you can still talk with a few of them before the meal is ready.

>Assist Schierke in the kitchen.
>Discuss your plans with Hyde, Serpico and Farnese.
>Help Isidro out the tree before he falls.
>Check on Casca and Cindy inside The Pegasus.
>Have a chat with Gunpowder and see how the new horses are treating him.
>Keep an eye on Violet and her wounds.
>Instruct Guts on his mission and see how he's holding up.
>Ask for insight from Flora in private.

>>5342819
>Ask for insight from Flora in private.

>>5342819
>Check on Casca and Cindy inside The Pegasus.
>Keep an eye on Violet and her wounds.
>Have a chat with Gunpowder and see how the new horses are treating him.
The others will be fine. Doing anything more will leave Vlad short-handed.

>>5342819
>Instruct Guts on his mission and see how he's holding up.
>Ask for insight from Flora in private.
>Keep an eye on Violet and her wounds.

>>5342819
>Discuss your plans with Hyde, Serpico and Farnese.
>Keep an eye on Violet and her wounds.
>Instruct Guts on his mission and see how he's holding up.

I do want to talk to Gunpowder, but not now. Gunpowder is no normal horse and wants battle.
If we stay here after dinner we can make time later. I think that Casca and Cindy are still sleeping, probably for the travel and also the place is peaceful. I am actually concern by Isidro, but Violet is moving too much and could open the wounds again which would make all that healing null.
In regard to others Schierke might have problems during the battle, but i think Flora will talk with her before tommorow.

No the real deal is ensuring Hyde, Serpico and Farnese keep working well in battle like usual. And reinforce Guts trust in himself.

>>5342819
>Ask for insight from Flora in private.
>Check on Casca and Cindy inside The Pegasus.
>Assist Schierke in the kitchen.
>Discuss your plans with Hyde, Serpico and Farnese.

>>5342819
>Instruct Guts on his mission and see how he's holding up.
>Check on Casca and Cindy inside The Pegasus.
>Discuss your plans with Hyde, Serpico and Farnese.

>>5342835
>>5342836
>>5342864
>>5342865
>>5342880

Making sure Violet wouldn't open any of her wounds, you attempt to tie her leg onto the trees so she wouldn't keep harming herself. She lacks fingers and the best she can do is bite at her leg with her teeth, the harpy barely seems to understand why you're doing that

'Vlad! When will Violet see the clouds again?'

"You're just needlessly harming yourself by trying to fly. I know how much you love doing it, but you need to learn when to rest, too."

'If Violet can't fly... What else will Violet do? Violet away from Mama Jodi and sisters, Papa Hyde will be in danger without me! Do not want that to happen!'

Unlike Gunpowder, Violet solely lives and flies because she is concerned about her dad, and holding onto the promise of meeting her family again. Even if she's scarred from Guts and the other mosnters, she would rather die than be rendered useless.

"I'm sure he won't discard you just because you can't fly. He loves you dearly. You don't need to be so dramatic, it's only for a few days, prematurely spreading your wings will only prolong your healing."

'But does Vlad need to tie Violet on rope? Violet will not fly anymore, promise! No need for this!'

While her attempt at looking cute looks horrifying when it's a grown harpy doing it, you can understand that perhaps, this might be a bit too much for a bird who's just aspiring to do what nature told it to do for several centuries.

"Alright, I'll set you free, but I'm making a cage for you if you fall again!"
'Vlad is good guy!' she rubs her fearthers on your shoulder as a weird, avian greeting before walking on her two legs, curious to see what Gunpowder was doing.

"Gunpowder, if I may ask, why are you running around in circles?"
'Training. Finally will do something other than ride humans.' You see him opening his mouth every now and then, trying to chew the air and imagining it to be human heads.
"Still eager to fight, huh? I thought you would count as one of the injured."
'Not dead, not injured. Gunpowder stronger than most humans inside Pegasus. Will finally have a chance to trample enemies, like done in wars.'
"Well, you do have a point there... Trolls are small enough for you to squash them like humans, I'd advise you not to get to bloodthirsty and keep an eye out for the others, but we both know what you plan on doing..."
"Killing!"
"Yep." You shrug, knowing him a bit too well.

'Why Gunpowder not resting? Violet would kill to have friends like him!'
'Other horses not friends. Inferior, only there because Gunpowder can't be mild.' Gunpowder thinks too highly of himself, especially when the other horses start commenting on him.

'Gunpowder gallops too fast. Always makes us trip.'
'Go away, Gunpowder annoying.'

>>5342975
'Vlad friends getting new equipment. When will Gunpowder get magic?'
"Huh. I didn't think about that, given how you're so fight-hungry, I was wondering what would even fit you."
'Want horn to impale enemies. Big pointy helmet. Run through them like Vlad.'

>Maybe Flora has something for you, I'll see what I can do.
>Not with that attitude. Try to get along with the younger horses, will you?
>Would you like to stay off the caravan for the mission? The village can be reached on foot anyway, it might be easier for you to move around.
>Write-in.

>>5342977
>Maybe Flora has something for you, I'll see what I can do.
Or maybe even a set of metal wings so the Pegasus team becomes more literal heh.

>>5342977
>Would you like to stay off the caravan for the mission? The village can be reached on foot anyway, it might be easier for you to move around.
>Maybe Flora has something for you, I'll see what I can do. If she doesn't, I can always try my own hand at crafting and enchantment.

>>5342977
>>Maybe Flora has something for you, I'll see what I can do.
based gunpowder, thinking about it if we have more time in a settlement, i might have Vlad buy some horse steel armor and then put runes in it.

>>5342985
>>5342991
>>5342995
"Maybe Flora has something for you, I'll see what I can do. If she doesn't, I could always try giving you something with my own crafting."
'Yes. Will be waiting.' He finally seems pleased with your decisions, making you go out of your way to ask another question that would peak his interest.

"Would you like to stay off the caravan for the mission? The village can be reached on foot anyway, it might be easier for you to move around and do your things"
'Vlad finally understands Gunpowder, for the first time in long time, will be free to fight!'

"You know, GP. Sometimes I wonder if you were a wild animal in your past life, cause you sure are an odd one for a horse."

'Gunpowder likes tigers.'
"Well, try not to rush into your next life."
'Will not. Gunpowder will be there to see Conrad.'
"Y-You've remembered him by name?" You reply as the mood shifts into an ominous one after your horse names that who shall not be mentioned.

'How dare Conrad bring down strong master? Will be there to see Vlad be as violent as Gunpowder when day comes.'

"You think I'll be as angry as Guts when we meet again?"
'Do not fear man who gets angry all the time. Fear man who loses patience after remaining calm for years.' Gunpowder stops responding, wanting to keep training.

Violet, having nothing else to do, circles around Gunpowder at a lower speed, using more of her legs since she still couldn't fly. It's a start.

Well, that was a mild detour, but it's always good to see what that mad horse is thinking. At least he's growing more loyal to you after what feels like an eternity. You can swear he's harder to tame than Guts himself.

There's still plenty of time to meet one of your comrades before the meal is ready. Which one shall you talk to?

>Isidro and Puck.
>Guts.
>Flora.
>Schierke and Ivalera.
>Casca, Morgan and Cindy.
>Hyde, Serpico and Farnese.

>>5343046
>Flora.
Speak to her as much as possible, the more we talk, the more we can learn.

>>5343046
>Hyde, Serpico and Farnese.

>>5343046
>Flora.

>>5343046
>Flora.

>>5343046
>Casca, Morgan and Cindy.
>Hyde, Serpico and Farnese.
>Schierke and Ivalera
>Flora

The first three just to check on them, maybe answer some question they have and tell them we're having a day off.

Serpico, Hyde and Farnese to try and ease the mood of the first two, to maybe stay somewhat close to each other to fight and have Farnese being a second on command and keep an Eye on Guts, if she can sense his Soul and see the Dog, once he gets cornered or something that could unleash it then she should tell everyone to keep some distance. But ONLY sense, no interaction and if the Dog speaks to her, then she should block the connection.

Schierke and Ivalera just give her a warning about Guts condition with the Dog, to tell her if she knows some really good heavy pacify spell or something to use it on Guts if he starts attacking allies once he's in that state, or even have something to numb the Dog and not Guts.

And the rest some more extense Flora dialog. If she got something for Gunpowder then good, and after that let's hear what she has to tell us. After all we are lucky to have a full day of talking with her. Maybe she has a Cure for the things in Casca and Cindy skin and how to fully stabilize the cure for their full recovery (and some sweet sweet spell theory lessons and alchemy101. Or maybe another solution for our soul problem to be 100% top condition again)

And QM, if by choosing so much options it means we have less time to talk please tell me, in which case I'm going to change my vote

>>5343046
>Gunpowder knows Conrad by name
It's decided. Gunpowder MUST be the one to help us deal the final blow to the demon god of disease.

>Flora.

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>>5343080
I think you can still have time to talk to all of them until the end of the night, it's just that some time will pass either way. I'd say you have time to speak with one more group/person and fully interact with them until dinner's served, and then one or two more so we can get to the main event

>>5343046
>Guts.

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>>5343052
>>5343076
>>5343079
>>5343080
>>5343083
Not since the silver eyed occultist have you met a powerful mage with knowledge of causality far greater than yours. Even if she is dying, her mansion is brimming with fruits of her knowledge. It would be foolish not to make the most out of your time, even if you're spending an extra day with her either way.

Entering once more through the doorway, you excuse your entrance as you pass through Schierke while she was setting up the plates on the dining table to speak with her master.

Flora was still, the same way she was when you first met her, were it not for her blinking eyes and her face contorting into a smile, you would have assumed she was dead already.

"Returning, so soon? I figured you had plenty to ask me..." Flora motions over to another chair, where you would both watch Guts train by himself through a window.

Taking a deep breath, you wonder on where to start with your questionaire. There are too many problems you are handling at once, but even if one are solved by meeting her, your detour was more than warranted.

>What is the extent of your knowledge of us? Why have you watched us for so long?
>I doubt I will live to see the end of the year in this debilitating condition, is there any way to fix my soul from tearing, or at least mitigate it's effects?
>My friends have recovered their memories through a Mandragoran shot, why are they struck with rash and other side effects when the essence should have been purified?
>Please... Can you tell me if my mother is still alive? I haven't spoken with her in quite some time, and I'm starting to lose hope on her being alive...
>What weapons do you have in your arsenal? Is there anything else you can give me to aid me in my journey, perhaps a spell or a potion recipe you might have?
>I don't think you might have this answer, but is there a way to defeat the God Hand?
>I have a Behelit with me, should I be worried about causality affecting me?
>Write-in.

>>5343112
Lets start with most pressing question:
>Please... Can you tell me if my mother is still alive? I haven't spoken with her in quite some time, and I'm starting to lose hope on her being alive...
Then lets follow that up with:
>What is the extent of your knowledge of us? Why have you watched us for so long?
>I doubt I will live to see the end of the year in this debilitating condition, is there any way to fix my soul from tearing, or at least mitigate it's effects?
>My friends have recovered their memories through a Mandragoran shot, why are they struck with rash and other side effects when the essence should have been purified?
>What weapons do you have in your arsenal? Is there anything else you can give me to aid me in my journey, perhaps a spell or a potion recipe you might have?
>I don't think you might have this answer, but is there a way to defeat the God Hand?
>I have a Behelit with me, should I be worried about causality affecting me?
I'm interested to see if she has any information on the behelit's themselves.

Sorry I voted for all the options, I'm just interested in hearing all the answers. I don't mean to give you a ton of writing to do.

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>>5343128
Ey, no problem with that. Writing's what I do and I'm all for it.

I was meaning to get to this part of the story since the last thread, so I have no problem with making longer posts, the only struggle will be to see if it's interesting to read so much exposition for the next day or so.

>>5343112
>I doubt I will live to see the end of the year in this debilitating condition, is there any way to fix my soul from tearing, or at least mitigate it's effects?

>Please... Can you tell me if my mother is still alive? I haven't spoken with her in quite some time, and I'm starting to lose hope on her being alive...

>>5343112
Honestly yeah, I’m interested in a longer discussion with her. Totally fine with exposition, we dearly need it since Vlad has been the expositional character for so long - he has to restock on exposition from an even great expo char

>>5343128
+1

Same with >>5343153
We have been fucked since a while, and the possibility of finding an old mage like Flora again is going to be even more hard. I mean, after Merlina we found just some death corpse that somehow got his Soul trapped inside him because he tried some spell, that was the only Magic usser we found before the Tower ritual. And of course when we finally got some downtime to train our Magic with the Kushan general of Barnham well, you know already know

>>5343141
well if I know me, and I do, I love to read me some exposition. No matter the size or length.

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>>5343128
"Miss Flora... I beg of you... If you have watched us for as long as you claim, please... Tell me the extent of your knowledge can answer this question:" Your hands start to tremble as you sit down and prepare yourself to hear the worst, should your mother not be in this world anymore.

"...Is Sivir still alive? I haven't spoken with her in quite some time, ever since she cracked her magical orb to prevent me from dying to the God Hand Fingers in Albion, she's been unresponsive... I'm starting to worry that she truly is dead..."

Before answering you, she makes sure that you stop trembling as she holds your shoulders and instructs you to breathe slower, the anxiety is enough to spike your heart, but the anticipation won't kill you just yet.

"It is indeed hard to measure wether she's truly alive or dead... In truth, I've only been keeping contact with you ever since my friend in the astral world told me to. 'They of Brand will visit your forest, guided by tiny wings. I want you to lend them a hand.' It has taken me a while to understand your situation."

"There is someone else who has been watching me? Who could that be?"
"The Flower Storm Monarch herself. Lord of the elves, and ruler of Elfhelm."

"Puck's homeland..." You are curious as to why such a powerful entity would be praying for your team to succeed, yet try to remain focused.
"But why is that? Why can't you figure out if Sivir is alive or dead?"
"We both have tried to contact her in the depths of the sea, and even with our knowledge of magic, she has remained unresponsive. We both have theorised that she has been in suspended animation, using the remaining powers from the orb that shares both your Ods to remain in this realm, and both your lives seem to be connected into her orb, she could very well be draining the remaining energy to stay alive after she expelled the demons from Albion."

"So not only is she fated to die if we don't reach her, but so am I, if I don't recover her energy..."
"The silver eyed knew that attempting to overcome causality would only bring them into the eye of the abyss. It is a shame that such curse had to be passed onto an innocent child..."

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>>5343217
"I doubt I will live to see the end of the year in this debilitating condition... I've done the best I can to take as little damage as possible in my last fight, and even with Puck and Farnese's constant healings... I constantly feel like I have been squashed under rubble... Is there any way to fix my soul from tearing, or at least mitigate it's effects?"

"The way you are using magic, I honestly doubt you will live through your next encounter with an apostle. Even if you did find your mother and the orb, you would still have a gaping wound on your being that would expel even more energy out of yourself. It is the reason I wanted to keep you away from entering Enoch Village. You would have certainly succumbed at the simplest mistake. But I believe we can mitigate that problem, if you could accompany me in my mending ritual."

"D-Do you mean that!? Can you truly fix me!?" You start uncontrollably chuckling at the thought of an early heal. You thought it would take you to up to Elfhelm for you to finally see a glimpse of a normal life...

"'Fixing' is not the word I would use. It is a grievous process, that could very well leave you even worse off than how you started, but yes, there is a way to close your soul back to the way it was, even if your spongy nature will make it so you absorb and expell your surroundings."

"Then why haven't we started it yet? Please, I'm ready!"
"I would advise you to spend some time with your friends before they departed first. I understand that you're eager to fix yourself, but it will require some magical effort from both my end and yours."

"It is that serious..." You wonder what the hell will she even do in said ritual, becoming concerned on how you will change after she is finished, but the thought of refusing never crosses your mind.

"Very well, It will be the first thing to do tomorrow morning... Should no one interrupt us in the meantime." She refers to an unknown entity, your mind reading letting you see that she means... The Skull Knight?

Focus. You can question his reason for visiting when he arrives.

"Besides that, if it's not too much to ask. Is there anything else you can give me to aid me in my journey, perhaps a spell or a potion recipe you might have?"

"Schierke will show you all of your new arsenal after dinner. Believe me, none of you shall be left behind."
"Even my horse?"
"...Even your horse." She bluffs, now having to think of something to gift to GP.

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>>5343236
"That's good to hear, perhaps with that power boost, I can finally master the art of astral projection and teach it to Farnese."
"There are also a few substances you can take to increase your affinity with the spirits."
"...It's not alcohol, is it? I've been trying to keep myself clean, since I've been addicted to it before."

Flora does not respond. Hopefully drinking again will not lead you to relapsing into the way of the drunken spear.

"Speaking of substances, would you mind if I took your Mandragoran essence, if you had any? My friends have recovered their memories through a Mandragoran shot, yet they are having some side effects."

"This is why I did not offer to treat them with what I had... You see, while the mandragoran essence miraculously works to heal off physical conditions, it tends to exchange it for mental regression. So the reverse should apply for when trying to heal mental trauma. It is not as easy as injecting them with serum... They are still easily prone to relapses, and the doses will have to grow more frequent when their body gets used to the biotics. By attempting to take their problems away, you might have given them a worse one."

"So the rash will get worse? What happens if it grows across their entire body?"
"That will only happen when they remain without their shots for too long, and given how you are running out, I will give you my vial just so you can reach Elfhelm without them dying. Mix the essence with water, if you have any delays, just prevent the rash from growing worse until you meet Monarch Danan, and she will take care of the rest. The abstinence will only grow worse with time."

"Understood." You sigh, feeling guilty for trusting Bolzack's research a bit too blindly, when he had no prior experience with magic.

"One last thing, I know you might not have this answer, but is there a way to defeat the God Hand?"

"I believe there is someone else who would like to hear the answer to that question." Flora looks over to the opening door, seeing Guts entering the room after prematurely ending his training session.

"Sorry, couldn't help but overhear you talking over my lifting. If the question at hand is to defeat them... I'm all ears. Especially now that we have this." Guts hands her the behelit, forcing you to show yours.

"What in the blazes... Does this belong to you both?"
"I got it from someone else. The same goes for Vlad. You know what it is, don't you?"

"Unfortunately, yes. The key that links the deep layer of the astral world to the physical one: The Behelit. The fetish to summon the five angels."

"Tell me... How do I summon them to me?" Guts daringly asks how to see them in person, seeking to end his vengeful quest against them.

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>>5343271
"This revenge of yours. It must be that malice, that drive, that kept you on your feet by yourself until this day. Your life cannot be without hatred, but that hellfire is striving to incinerate even those you consider irreplaceable. So they will shackle you to add weight and bluntness to your sword. Just like treading across thin ice, it is a difficult and dangerous expedition."

Guts grits his teeth in anger, not recieving the reply he wanted.
"I hate how you mage types always make sure to read me, yet remain unprecise when it comes to saying what I want to hear."

"It is not that I don't wish to tell you. The behelit is a highly spiritual object that governs human fate itself. Perhaps an even greater existence sent to the physical world. The object itself is nothing more than a stone, but fate associated with it rests upon the hands who were sent to it. When time is right, it will be in the hands of the person it belongs. That's the way it's always been. If it's truly yours, even if you discard it, it will come to you. If it's not yours, it will eventually leave your hand. It will only activate at the very moment in which the owner craves their power. It's beyond such things as human will."

Your heart stops as you remember your first reaction to the Behelit. The time you threw Hedwyn's Behelit away from you, and how despite that, another Behelit came into your possession.
There is still doubt that Guts' Behelit is truly his, however... The fact that your powers were awakened with one, combined that you were rarely not chastised by the God Hand despite not being branded, could only mean one thing...

The Blue Behelit you carry can only be yours.

"B-But how can this be? I have remained noble in my ways, haven't I? I never let hatred or vengeance consume my thoughts... This Behelit can't possibly be mine."

"That much is true... But remind yourself that you keep aiming for tougher challenges. Fighting The Falcon Of Darkness, foraging assets for a grand war, retaking the glory of your kingdom, saving people from certain death, curing your deadly illness, saving your mother. All of that requires a gargantuan amount of power. I'm sure the God Hand members were once benevolent humans in their carnal form at one point, but--"

"DON'T YOU FINISH THAT SENTENCE!" Guts suddenly speaks up as you start to sweat, wondering if you fate had truly been sealed the moment Hedwyn decide to bring life into that damned plantmorph...

"Be that as it may, I truly hope that neither these Behelits belong to any of you... There is no greater mystery for those of use who explore the astral world, than how to stop the ones commanding all of evil. The God Hand Members are executors of the will of something lurking in the deep abyss of the astral world. Perhaps in that domain, it is unattainable for one to arrive as a person, thus killing their ego."

>>5343307
Bro Skull Knight come slurp this shit up. Get it outta here. Come back next week for seconds if they keep trying. Shit dude. Winners don't do causality.

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>>5343307
"The Idea Of Evil... Merlina was investigating their origins before she passed away, though she never came to a clear conclusion as to how to defeat them." You call the entity by name, much to the shock of Flora.

"You know of their identity?"
"Only through second hand information. I thought that was also common knowledge between magicians?"
"Not at all... If only she wasn't limited to staying in the flesh swamp... She would have undoubtebly played a key part in spreading her knowledge in defeating them." Flora points out how, if working together, Merlina, Flora and Danan could have formed a plan to counter the God Hand and causality itself, in due time.

It's almost as if they were perfectly intended to be secluded...
"The best I can do is share the knowledge she gave me before passing on..."

"Please do. In Layman's terms, if possible." Guts asked you to explain as succintly as possible.
"You're all aware of the physical and astral world, correct? One is our life, and one is essentially the afterlife. These worlds were once more tightly connected, but there was a third dimension that most tend to ignore: The world of ideas."

"Yes. The physical, the spiritual, and the mental. In the most shallow layers of the astral world, various ethereal beings exist in the realm known as the interstice. Even the scenery is derived from etheral forms of our world. So there is little disparity between the separated dimensions." Flora concludes.

"While the separation from the spiritual world appeared to be man made, what is religion but a collective shape of ideas turned into actions and beliefs by large crowds? They have purposefully, since the beggining, attempted to stray humanity from the astral world, so their ideas could shape reality itself. By letting the world of ideas have the power of the etheral, they would remain immortal, and all powerful."

"It is why those who haven't realised that they are dead or regretfully leave the world of living remain in the space between those two worlds. After becoming aware of their death and losing their ability to maintain their form, they pass from that layer to even further ones." You both complete each other's sentences, leading to the same conclusion.

"While it is possible to ascend into a higher form after dying, there are several realms onto that amalgamation of ideas and magic energy. Each ones according to their own karma and beliefs."

"There could very well be concepts and realities similar to those of heaven and hell within those depths. Though if one dives too deep, they will be unable to return, to a place that no human soul has returned from."

"One of them has... One of them knows what lays inside the collective unconsciousness of humanity and every living soul's desires..."

>>5343340
"I remember attempting to read her mind once... She was always so quiet, yet her thoughts were at a constant race with each other... The panic that she had when considering those thoughts... I finally understand now..."

'How does one kill an idea? One that will remain far more culturally relevant than any mortal will in both realms? Once they gain control of all three dimensions... It will be truly hopeless... No matter how much I struggle, I am only one, in a sea of trillions of souls... Even if that traitor reaches a fraction of my power... What good will that entail, when humanity has already shunned us from victory!? Those fools have an inherent wish to feel pain, and to be defeated, and so their gods will answer by gaining power in the realm of ideas. A life where none shall win, and none shall lose, for there will be no difference between the dead and the living...'

The cost of said information is far too great for you to handle, as your vision becomes doubled from the stress of remembering how useful Merlina would have been, had you not left her for dead.

Sivir is alive. The Behelit is yours. You can save your soul from being vaporised. The Behelit is yours. Merlina was right. The Behelit is yours. There are others in the astral world who are on your side and will do their best to defeat the God Hand with you.

The Behelit Is Yours. Conrad has led your father to insanity and turned him into their plaything, after that, it was your master, and soon, you will join them after an early end to your futile life.

"Food's ready!" The tense atmosphere of your breakdown is cut to a halt by the innocent knocking of Schierke at the wooden door, announcing that everyone is gathered at the dining table. "Do you need help to go downstairs, Master?"

"There's no need to, Schierke. I will be with you in just a moment." Flora stands up, not wanting her to open the door.
"Can't defeat them, can't summon them, and can't even join them at the dinner table without harming Casca... What the hell do I do with this information...?" Guts finds himself stuck at an impasse, just forced to push forward, as he always does.

You wonder if it's worth going there to keep your team up to speed, or perhaps just to calm yourself down, given how you're on the verge of tears from these revelations...

>Skip the meal. You've already lost your appetite.
>Eat alone with Guts. The others can't see you in this state.
>Ask for Flora to stay with you. You still have more questions to ask her. (Write-in.)
>That's enough panicking for now. Maybe some food with yourfriends might give you a breather.

>>5343360
>Eat alone with Guts. The others can't see you in this state.
>Comfort Guts, and in doing so try to comfort yourself. No matter how impossible the odds may seem, the God Hand and the Idea of Evil are simply projecting the concept of being undefeatable. All things have a weakness, nothing is infallible. They must make mistakes, there must be things even they can’t predict or control. They want you both to believe otherwise…because belief ultimately gives them power. Even if it’s hard to believe, seeing the results of your failures over and over again.

>>5343372
+1

>Theorize about Griffith and the Godhand
>"Griffith sacrificed the entire Band of the Hawk to ascend to power did he not? If I'm right, a Behelit requires a sacrifice to be eaten or killed in order for its user to gain power. If you and Casca survived, then technically means that the ritual was interrupted. Maybe Griffith hasn't received his full power yet?"

>"Could the Godhand truly have predicted such an event occurring like that? Why would they let someone or something survive and disrupt the coming of the newest member in their ranks? It doesn't make any sense."

>"I remember Griffith visiting me and taking Cindy's brother. He said something along the lines of 'for there to be a God Hand, A God needs to exist' and 'And if he chose to give me wings, I shall take to the sky and forge my kingdom'. This implies to me that the Godhand's successes can only come when they are allowed to. My point is that the Godhand cannot be all powerful, undefeatable beings with these limitations that seem apparent."

>"I believe that these beings can be overcome, but not without great difficulty and understanding."

might have taken too much

>Eat alone with Guts. The others can't see you in this state.
>Write In
"Carve this words in your mind Vlad Santana"
I am no slave to the God Hand, i was made to put an end to them and i have accept this role. I have a power that can destroy them, if only I master it first. Even behelits could be made in nothing but ash by it. And so I shall not be used by them, not now and not ever.
(Purging Od for anyone that doesn't get it)

Talking with Guts
https://pastebin.com/zYZ9GfAb
(Placed it in a pastebin, because i know some can be quite indisposed, aggressive and overall very ... negative about slightly longer texts than usual by anons.)

>>5343372
+1

>>5343372
+1; unburdening to Guts might help us
I wonder how, if Berserk was a quest, would the player anons behind Guts would be posting/voting

>>5343516
Wew lad, I'll try to incorporate some aspects onto it as Vlad calms down, don't see him speaking this right away until they're somewhat more into the conversation
>>5343669
Would be interesting to see, he's by far the toughest one to write and maintain in character, especially now that he's starting to fall off on his edgy persona while still getting what he wants, which in the canon story doesn't happen until much later on
>>5343372
Alrighty then, writing.

Ayo fuck this bitch-ass femboy Griffith, we're the mf Ghost Impaler, the Great Pegasus we aint gonna be tempted by some cheap-ass ugly trinket with bad energy shit. We gon' ride over the mf Kraken and stump in his bitch-ass eyes for even trying

>>5343745
No need, it got no votes. If it had some support i could understand. yeah maybe it was too fast i suppose

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>>5343372
>>5343399
>>5343539
>>5343669

"Are you coming with me?" Flora asks, not inviting Guts for obvious reasons.
"...I would be grateful if you could spare us a plate. We will thank Schierke at a later date for the meal." You cover your face, still pretending that you are having coherent thoughts.

"Understood. I will leave you alone for now."
In actuality, you just didn't wish to ruin the mood your team is having. their high spirits would probably be contaminated by the fear you are exhaling in your being, even if you only appeared in there for a brief second, it would go anywhere but unnoticed.

Flora returns with two dishes full of peas, nuts and cabbage leaves you alone with Guts. You are angry enough to shatter those nuts by squeezing them inbetween your fingers, yet a single pea is nearly unpatable, it all tastes like bile with the array of emotions you're feeling.

Your vision is still doubled, the conversion of negative Od is visible even by Guts, you can't stay like this, no matter how much you obsess over your failures.

"Carve this words in your mind Vlad Santana. I am no slave to the God Hand, i was made to put an end to them and i have accept this role. I have a power that can destroy them, if only I master it first. Even behelits could be made in nothing but ash by it. And so I shall not be used by them, not now and not ever."

Feeling your blood pressure returning to normal, your mind slowly clears itself as you purge yourself of your own, monstruous ambition. Such paranoia would only lead to you developing a beast of darkness like Guts.

Speaking of him, he still hasn't had a single bite out of his meal, instead quietly observing your struggle against yourself.

Feeling like he has gone through a similar ordeal, you attempt to comfort him in his problems, really meaning to comfort yourself, by remembering that you are not alone in this, theorizing what could be done to defeat them.

"Even with all their power, if they were humans once it means they might still have something left of their humanity."
"I find that hard to beleive. Didn't you hear the witch? To have that much power, your ego needs to be gone. Vessel for ideas, or something like that."
"If they are evil incarnate, then they are no true allies or friends of each other. The reason they are not competing though, is to get hold of the world. But even so, none of them has reason to let one of them gain more power than the rest before the world is taken."

"Maybe, you said it once that they were cyclical, so something had to come before them to give them that power."
"The hell kings have prepared long to create this apocalypse. And they are working further now, spreading lies, spreading misfortune and destroying anyone that might be an alternative to their puppet, but not all believe their lies. We have proven more than once we can't be easily defeated both in battle and conviction."

>>5343794
"If we can use their true nature against them, then Griffith's new order could be broken before it is solidified as the only salvation and state for all of men. While they might roleplay as Gods, they are still woven by the contradictory energy that is human desire, some may wish destruction, yet some might wish something else entirely. If it is a battle of ideas, and not just blades and magic, we know that they are not victors in the cultural war, as there are several opposing them who are even more powerful than us. In short, we should--"

"Not give up hope? That sure was a lot of words just to summarize what I already know." He grins, finally starting to eat his food. "It seems like you are trying to convince yourself that your fight is worth fighting, instead of inspiring me."

"I am not a tactician like you, I don't consider odds or advantages when I raise my blade. Even if chances were null, that wouldn't have stopped me to chase Griffith when he did what he did. Surely, if I had given up when hearing what that bag of bones told me when I was branded, I would have rotted on that cave along with Casca until the end of your days."

"Strange... I never saw you as the type to commit suicide."
"Then what do you call what I have been doing for the past 2 years?" He speaks in a brief moment of self reflection, realising that without his anger and the motivation to heal Casca, the only thing still on his mind is avenging The Old Band Of The Falcon.

So that's why his beast is surfacing...

>You are right in pursuing Griffith, but for the wrong reasons, justice is a better word for it than revenge.
>How did you manage to achieve this drive of yours? I don't think I could have shared your rationale in your stead.
>I am sorry for what I did with Casca. My intentions were good, but I might have only caused more harm to her and Cindy.
>You hungry? I'm not sure if I can have another bite...
>Write-in.

>>5343805
>How did you manage to achieve this drive of yours? I don't think I could have shared your rationale in your stead.
>I am sorry for what I did with Casca. My intentions were good, but I might have only caused more harm to her and Cindy.
>You hungry? I'm not sure if I can have another bite...

>>5343805
>How did you manage to achieve this drive of yours? I don't think I could have shared your rationale in your stead.
>I am sorry for what I did with Casca. My intentions were good, but I might have only caused more harm to her and Cindy.

>>5343807
+1

>>5343807
+1

>>5343805
>You are right in pursuing Griffith, but for the wrong reasons, justice is a better word for it than revenge.
>How did you manage to achieve this drive of yours? I don't think I could have shared your rationale in your stead.

>>5343807
+1
>>5343906
+1

If Vlad did have a Beast of Darkness, what would it be called?

>>5343807
>>5343832
>>5343906
"You hungry? I don't think I can have another bite of this..."
"Can't say nuts and cabbage is my favorite mix of flavors, but given what we're up against, it's better than not eating anything." He refuses while you force yourself into eating the dish into being half full. Maybe you can save it for a snack before sleeping.

"You are right in pursuing Griffith, but for the wrong reasons, justice is a better word for it than revenge." You say after placing your food aside.

"Call it foolishness, if you'd like. All I know is that I'm still willing to do so. Even if my desire to kill him has been... Declining."

"How come?"
"Ever since I reunited with Casca, I have slowly imagined what it would be like, to live in peace once she healed, if she would ever reciprocate what I feel, if anything I've done so far, might have been worth it, just for her sake..."

"But since her healing is not immediate, it all turns into speculation..." You ponder if it's worth telling Guts what happened to her since you injected her with the Mandragoran essence.

"When I met Griffith in the hill of swords, I was astounded by the calmness in my heart. Even if it had something to do with his manipulation of energy, I can't deny that part of me wants this to be over. That I could pretend not to care about him and live off somewhere else with Casca until she heals. It would certainly be a better life for the both of us."

"But that's not realistic, is it? Not after what I did with Casca."
"...What are you talking about?"

It seems he did not hear that part of the conversation with Flora.
"... The Mandragorans serum cannot effectively heal mental scars. The rash they have on their skins could aggravate into a deadly disease if they stop taking the medication."

Guts gets visibly angry, aiming a closed fist at your face and pulling you closer to himself.
"And now, you decide to tell me of the adverse effects? What the hell were you thinking?" He growls, slamming your back to the window.

"I'm sorry, alright? I wouldn't have done this if I knew of the consequences. My intentions were good, I just trusted Bolzack's research too blindly."

"So you decide to make Casca your test subject for any future endeavors? I knew trusting you was a waste of my time..."

"I did this for you! Her life is not the only one on the line here! I take full responsibility for her and Cindy's healings, but we can still save them! Quit acting without thinking and listen to me for once!"

Slowly letting you go, Guts realizes that he might have been acting too ferociously for someone who hasn't heard the full story yet, and after being informed of Danan and the magic of Elfhelm, he placed you back on your seat.

>>5343974
But not before noticing your trusty shortsword, stealthily aimed at his jugular, in case he did lose control.

"Offer with one hand, strike with another, huh?"
"I thought I made it quite clear before, if you became a detriment to my team, I would see you gone from it. Be it one way or another."

"That's fair. I haven't done my best at remaining friendly with your team... Even dining alone seems like a bad habit I would do in my early years."

"I do sympathize with you, despite you posing a threat to my team, I don't know what it would take you to be convinced that I'm on your side. How did you manage to achieve this violent drive of yours in th first place? I don't think I could have shared your rationale in your stead." You say both as a compliment and as a statement, admiring his toughness while wanting to observe the origins of the beast of darkness.

"The violence part was just business as usual... When your adoptive mother dies of sickness, and her mercenary lover blames you for it, remaining with him as a father figure as he enlists you to warfare made it a challenge for me to know if seeing heads rolling was traumatizing, or just something I had to put up with to spend some time with him..."

Guts surprisingly opens up about some aspects of his childhood, his matter of fact way of revealing things about himself catching you off guard as he uncharacteristically reveals more about himself.

"Adoptive parents and feeling responsible for their deaths... No wonder you still try to get along with me..." You start to understand him better as you inquire for more information.

"There must be some relation to having problems in your adult life with how badly your relationship with your parents were... You mean you never had time to play around? No other children beside you? Even I had some toys to keep myself busy."

"I felt like I was the toy, most of the times. A punching bag for the adults to 'practice' their swordfighting. Instead of playing sword, I had to carry a sword bigger than me and try to learn how it worked as I was half beaten to death every day."

"Didn't your father shield you from it? Even if he didn't care for you, he should have taught you something."

"It's strange... For every time I thought Gambino hated me, he would show a monochrome of respect for when I came along with a few silver coins, or when he smiled after seeing me hit my target... That sort of approval was addicting, but it grew more rare as the years passed..."

Guts wishes to speak something else, but stops himself, feeling that it would be too personal to share.

While you are interested in what made him this way, you know that he doesn't react well to forcing topics onto him.

>[See through his thoughts with your mind reading.]
>Don't push yourself.Only tell me what you are comfortable with sharing.
>What happened to Gambino?
>I will not judge you for whatever you tell me inside this room, my lips are sealed.
>Write-in.

>>5343996
>Don't push yourself.Only tell me what you are comfortable with sharing.
>I will not judge you for whatever you tell me inside this room, my lips are sealed.

>>5343996
>Don't push yourself. Only tell me what you are comfortable with sharing.
>I will not judge you for whatever you tell me inside this room, my lips are sealed.

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>>5343943
That would depend on the possible afflictions that plague him, I was wondering if that was even possible to create given how well he's been handled so far, but here's a few what ifs to keep around.

>Lust
Unless something really bad happens that makes him relapse into addiction or if Farnese makes him horny enough for their sexual activity to become harmful, I don't see this one happening, same goes for the alcohol problem. The concept of him having a succubus in his head would be pretty fun to write if his encounter with slan was anything to go by.

>Guilt
That's a bit more likely, he's already had plenty of nightmares about his deceased folk and how late he was to take responsibility for his inaction, Merlina herself didn't believe he was doing anything out of the kindness of his heart, but more so our of obligation/retribution for the years he's ignored his clan. Which is why she was rarely grateful.

>Madness
Now that's a dangerous one. Remember that he and his parents thought he was insane since a very early age, and that made it so he would conceal the worst aspects of his character, something that happens to this day. Should his mind deteriorate along with his body, he could very well start hearing voices, seeing entities out of the corner of his eyes or even mistaking them for the people he know. The meat vision is something that he doesn't miss, that's for sure.

Be glad that he's not the one taking the berserker armor, but that's still not to say that he's untouchable, given how he acted after he considered the Behelit being his, he is somewhat prone to paranoia too.

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>>5343943
I'm just spit-balling ideas here but, maybe the Beast of Darkness inside Vlad could be called 'The Impaler' since that's basically Vlad's whole shindig. A darker version of Vlad created from the negative od particles he's been exposed to over his encounters with Apostles and creatures from the abyss.

A sort of background radiation type of negative od that has slowly built itself up over time inside of him, and because of Vlad's unique plant/human (and od sponge like abilities) biology, it has allowed for the negative od to absorb parts of Vlad's personality that he has rejected (His drinking, lusting, bloodlust, etc.) to create a sort of Anti-Vlad that is also a conscious negative od that is tumor-like in its construction.

I don't know I'm just trying to come up with ideas on how to flip this since Vlad has been very virtuous so far..

>>5343996
>Don't push yourself.Only tell me what you are comfortable with sharing.
>I will not judge you for whatever you tell me inside this room, my lips are sealed.

"We can talk more in the future, and of course you can ask me questions as well"

>>5344052
Following with
"So... did you think of tommorow ?"

>>5344037
>>5344016
>You were worthless almost your entire life.
>The only times anyone showed genuine respect to you were when you were on the battlefield, skewering men onto your lance and letting their blood flow over you.
>You break your body for peasants that will never know the truth. Never SEEK the truth. Your mission would be so much easier if you left them to their fates.
>You're an ant in a battle of giants. You lack power. You know the path to power. You cannot afford to wait for it. You must seize it. Force the spirits to your will.
>Your fear makes you weak. You're afraid of what you'll become if you use your behelit. Barnham still fights against the god hand, why do you cower at the thought of becoming an apostle? Your power would become greater than Hedwyn could have ever imagined. The only way you can match the dark masters is by consuming the power of all who oppose you.
>The peasants you protect, the band you command, everyone around you is either foolish or incompetent. This war would be easier if you simply used your magic to force them to act according to your plans. Plant your roots into each and every one of them, to command an unyielding army. Bolzack was right.
etc etc
that's what I think Vlad's beast would be all about.

>>5344007
>>5344013
>>5344052

"Don't push yourself. Only tell me what you are comfortable with sharing." You try to make him aware of his feelings. It seems Guts is making an effort in being more cult and directly speaking as to how he processes his memories, but maybe it's important to establish some limits.

"I thought you would appreciate if I put things into context, but maybe I am spreading myself too thin. Sorry, I'm not used to these sort of talks. It's been a while."

"If you do wish to say something, know that I will not judge you for whatever you tell me inside this room. My lips are sealed."

"Well, that's contradictory." Guts points out how that goes against what you just said.

"How so? All I'm saying is that it's up to you."

Guts chuckles, before his smile faded back into a frown.

"It's difficult to even think of Gambino as my father... It's more like he taught me how to either live or die, and then tried to berate me for existing."

"See this scar?" He points to the slash across his nose. "Got it from him, after I insisted on using long swords, I got a few good hits on him, and he paid me back with this cut."

"What a lovely figure indeed..."
"Yeah... I do think he had his reasons to act so tough, especially after he lost his leg to a cannonball. After that, he lost his position on the mercenary group, and I had to do twice the work for him while he had fun drinking and playing with his stupid dog."

"So you went away, right? A child can only take so much abuse before retaliation." You expected the story to have a better than ending than what it really had.

"But I never did retaliate. It wasn't abuse if it was all I knew. I didn't compare myself to others, because that was the only life I saw a child like myself having..."

Staying silent, you attempt his technique of letting him people speak on their own, seeing if it would work on him.

"One night... He got too drunk. Came into my tent with a sword. Blaming me for Shisu's death... Calling me a cursed child... It was either me or him... I didn't mean to kill him... But what choice did I have?! I was only doing what he taught me--"

"Enough!" You snap him out of his memory lapse, feeling that you've heard plenty.

As his pupils stop shaking, Guts places his fork back on the plate, still squeezing the knife.

"After that... Well, I didn't stay to wait for them to kill me, so I ran away, despite my injuries... Wouldn't be until a few years later that I would meet the Falcons. And you already know the rest of it."

>>5344176
"I'm not sure I do... But I do know that we have a lot in common."
"All of us do. Every person has a set of bad events that happen to their lives. One would think that they would better relate to one another, given how it's a same event happening in a different context."

"Yet saying two people are the same because of their mental scars would be reductive. Since they all walk different paths, none of them come with teachings of empathy, since it's all a matter of interpreting events. It's easy to judge, but hard to relate. No one's obligated to extend a hand to you." You change your mindset to say something Guts would, and in turn, he says what you would likely think:

"So that's why you offer yours first, because if it was someone else, they wouldn't have done it..." He clearly relates to being called a cursed child, not knowing his true parents, killing his adoptive folks, and being abandoned. Sure, it's different, but much like with Farnese, the mutual respect you have for each other's background is key to learning how to work in unison.

"Now you're thinking like a Pegasus."
"I've felt like saying that when you were younger, for some reason, felt like you would understand then."

"I doubt I would, but I'm glad you did it now. Between me then, and Isidro now, I'm starting to think you have a soft spot for kids. And I can't really blame you, knowing what I know."

"Yeah? And who's to say I want you to know more of me? There's plenty I haven't told."

"I don't need a biography to wish you the best, Guts. I will always be free for you to tell me something else, if you wish."

"Don't count on it..." He takes a sip of water.

"I'm just glad you've managed to speak your mind without calling onto the spirit. How does it feel to finally getting this off your chest?"

"Terrible, as bad as when I tried to tell Casca. I'm never doing this again... But perhaps by letting a few people know... The pain from the scars will be numbed over time."

"I just hope your mind stays clear for when you join my team... Letting Farnese with you feels like a gamble in it of itself."

"I wish I could give you words of encouragement on that regard, but no promises. Hopefully, I can go back to my mindset as a commander. Go in, kill the enemies, come back, check if they're fine."

"Just like you said, the context changes, but stripping down the events to the basics, it's all too similar."
"Such is the repetitiveness of life... I can only hope it doesn't end like last time..."

>I should go. I don't want them to ask too many questions.
>Thanks for the talk, feel like I needed it more than you did, in a way.
>Do your best tomorrow, I'll be here to congratulate you all.
>If Farnese dies, don't bother coming back.
>Write-in.

>>5344220
>Thanks for the talk, feel like I needed it more than you did, in a way.
>Do your best tomorrow, I'll be here to congratulate you all.
>I should go. I don't want them to ask too many questions.

>>5344220
>Thanks for the talk, feel like I needed it more than you did, in a way.
>Do your best tomorrow, I'll be here to congratulate you all.

>>5344220
>>Thanks for the talk, feel like I needed it more than you did, in a way.
>>Do your best tomorrow, I'll be here to congratulate you all.
>>I should go. I don't want them to ask too many questions.

>>5344295
>>5344244
>>5344231
"I should go. I don't want them to ask too many questions." You wrap some of your food on the plate so you can eat it on the go, leaving Guts still hiding away as the moon rose onto the sky.

"They're probably missing you already. Hopefully the panic won't be showing on your face."

"I'm serious, I appreciate our talk, I feel like I needed it more than you did."

"It has been a few ages since we have been in similar enough headspace to speak like this. Hopefully it cleared the air between you and I."

"It did a lot more than that. Do your best tomorrow, I'll be here to congratulate you all."

Waving goodbye as he rests in the dark sewing room. You observe Farnese, Cindy and Casca finally spending some time together, getting ready to take a bath after Hyde leaves the room.

Serpico is seen opening a dusty room outside with Schierke, coughing as the arsenal is finally revealed.

Having a large bump in his head, likely from the fall he had when turning back to normal, Isidro and Puck try to get a look at the ladies as they enter the bathroom, thinking he might appreciate the view after being battered by the consequences of his actions during the day.

The other animals are already sleeping, aside from Gunpowder, of course, still running circles around the carriage. With Morgan mesmerized by his unyielding energy.

>Talk to the ladies before they enter the bathroom.
>Ask for Farnese to bathe with you, some time together would be nice before she departs.
>Sigh and waltz to Isidro. This kid never learns...
>Check out the arsenal with Serpico and Schierke

>>5344312
>Talk to the ladies before they enter the bathroom.
>Ask for Farnese to bathe with you, some time together would be nice before she departs.

>>5344312
>>Talk to the ladies before they enter the bathroom.
>>Ask for Farnese to bathe with you, some time together would be nice before she departs.

>>5344343
>>5344346
"Psst! Hey! Vlad! Piss off! You're getting in the way!" Isidro whispers as you purposefully stretch yourself over the window preventing him from catching any good sights.

"Your yoga stretches are awesome Vlad! Excellent form!" Puck compliments your physique.

"Come in, the water's already heated." The artist dips her fingers on the large tub they would soon be sharing.

"I'm not sure how common it is to get naked in front of girls for you, but this is not something I'm used to." Casca replies, blushing as she tries to get used to having female friends.

"Ah, I've bathed in muddy rivers too many times to care about sharing some clean water with a few pretty girls. Quit being such a nag!" She teases the soldier as you knock on the door.

"What are you doing, Vlad!? They were about to take their clothes off!" You ignore Isidro's whispery shouts as Farnese answers the door, with the other two still covered in towels.

"Yes?"
"Would you mind saving some water for me? I didn't get to wash myself today."

"Sure, we're not that dirty either, we mostly just want to relax for a bit."

"Farny, would you mind if I joined you on your turn? I think it would be nice to spend some time with you before you left."

Cindy coos as you hear Isidro's jaw dropping from behind you. You don't know who's blushing the hardest between Casca or Farnese.

Sure enough, you're all thinking of the same thing.

"That soon?!- I mean, I would love to, Vlad. W-would you mind if I had a minute to speak with them first? I need to take care of their rash, and all."

"Sure, I'd like to have a word with them later, if you don't mind."

"Ah, Cindy! Do you need help taking your hand off?"
"What are you talking about, I can take it off just by-- eek!"
She makes an excuse to gossip with her friends as they close the door.

"What the fuck... How can he just get in and ask her to get naked in front of Farnese, and she just goes along with it?" Isidro's head spins as he tries to incomprehensibly wrap his head around how quickly she accepted you.

"You see, Isidro: when a tree and a firecracker love each other very much, they-"
"You ruined my night, Vlad! I can't jack off watching your hairy ass!" Isidro gives up as he takes Puck away before he could properly explain the birds and bees.

Problem... Solved?

"There we go, what did you wish to talk about?" Cindy pops his head outside the door, with Casca and Farnese showing up by order of height.

>Glad you're having fun together. Didn't think you would get friendly so fast.
>*Whisper* Watch out for Isidro.
>I suppose I should tell you the truth about the cure...
>Any updates on your conditions? New memories, the rash?
>Quit acting perverted, I just want a quick wash.
>Write-in.

>>5344397
>Glad you're having fun together. Didn't think you would get friendly so fast.
>*Whisper* Watch out for Isidro.
>I suppose I should tell you the truth about the cure...

>>5344397
>Glad you're having fun together. Didn't think you would get friendly so fast.
>*Whisper* Watch out for Isidro.
>I suppose I should tell you the truth about the cure...

kek

>>5344397
>Glad you're having fun together. Didn't think you would get friendly so fast.
>*Whisper* Watch out for Isidro.
>I suppose I should tell you the truth about the cure...
lol, lmao even

>>5344428
>>5344513
>>5344575

"I'm glad you're all having fun together, didn't think you would get along so fast."
"Well, we somewhat had to get along, didn't we?" Cindy speaks up. "Casca can't go outside, and Farnese here is the only is the messenger who keeps us up to date and administers our shots. These are the first female friends I make since I met your mum."

"Likewise. Though I still don't think your mother liked me that much..." Farnese nervously thinks back on how they started off on the wrong foot. "I knew how Zhafira was, but I never met the girl behind the makeup."

"Sorry for disappointing you then. The rash and the cynicism don't leave much to the imagination" she complains.

"I don't know... This isn't the sort of company I'm used to having..." Casca still feels uncomfortable.

"At least the group isn't the sausage fest that it appeared to be before."

"Speaking of imagination..." You come closer, whispering to the girls some good advice. "Watch out for Isidro, you can imagine what he's up to with you lasses at the bathroom."

"Oh, there aren't even any drapes on these windows..." Farnese checks the inside of the room.
"What a perv, I'd give him a punch to the face if he wasn't a kid..."
"So? Let him watch. Wouldn't be the first time it happened to me." Cindy nonchalantly goes against what the other two just said, surprising you as much as them.

"...What?"
"Enough bantering, I'm here for something important!" You prepare for the reveal... Trying to ignore the beautiful maidens staring at you from behind the door slid.

"About the cure I gave you..."
"Ah, you finally got a cure for the rash? It's starting to become very bothersome, in a few areas..."
"Well, I found more essence in Flora's brewery room, but I suggest you keep using them as planned."

"You won't increase the doses? I'm starting to think it's losing effects with how quickly our skin goes bad again..."

You start to wonder if it's really a good idea to tell them about the disease, since they could either freak out, rile up against you, or both.

They seem to be having fun without knowing, is this really the appropriate context to tell them this?

>Yes, they need to know that they might die from what you did.
>Maybe not, if you reach Danan in time, they will be safe anyway.
>Change the subject, you're interested in knowing if Zhafira's shows are retired or not.
>Just leave and wait for them to end their baths, there's already too many headaches for you to deal with.
>Write-in

>>5344794
>Yes, they need to know that they might die from what you did.
They should be aware of the risk, no matter how little a risk it may be, it’s still present and should be made aware. Honesty is the best policy.

>>5344821
+1
But we should also focus and tell them that there's this Danan guy of whateve in Elfheim that Flora told us is going to actually cure them from the side effects entirely. We should have enough for them to keep up and maybe a little more until we finish our business in Vritiannis, go for our mom and finally going to Elfheim

>>5344794
I feel like is an emotional minefield either way. And i don't want Vlad to be accused of withhold informations. Maybe giving them the option to talk about it tomorrow with Flora ? they might freakout now, and it would be in their right.
>Write-in
"No is not about the dosages, is the cure it self. I have discovered recently something that i didn't expect in my deep* study of Bolzack research when we were in Cromwell. I could talk you now of it, if you wish to hear it in this moment or tomorrow with Flora a far more knowledgeable magician than me. Is something very serious, and you might not be ready if i said it now."
(*he did read and study quite a lot before take the decision of using the serum)

Change my vote of >>5344830 to >>5344840

Good call

>>5344840
>>5344850
"The problem isn't with the dosages, it's with the extract itself. I have discovered recently something that i didn't expect in my study of Bolzack research when we were in Cromwell. I could explain to you now, but I believe Flora would do it better than I." You cut the lollygagging and get straight to the point.

"...Is it serious?"
"Very. I was hoping not to ruin the mood if I told you this, but it's something you should know."

"Well? Go ahead then." Cindy presses on, wanting to hear the news."
"There's still plenty of serum left, but if it runs out, the rash could turn into an infection, and if we don't find the true solution to your problems... You might pass away."

"... How long do we have left?"
"Until the serum runs out, and then a few days, I imagine."
"You gave us back our sentience just so we can know of our deaths? That's a great plan indeed..." As if you and Casca weren't in a rough spot before, she attempts to get out the door to aim a punch at you, lashing out her anger in a similar way the swordsman had done prior to her.

Farnese and Cindy try to pull her back to the bathroom door, but they're not dealing with a girly girl. Even if she's retired, she's still a war veteran with plenty of muscle memory to throw you a punch, they can barely keep her in place.

"Violence is not the answer, Casca! The stress is bad for your health."
"Yeah, what would Guts think of seeing you walking naked to wrestle with another guy?"
Barely locking the door in time, Farnese slides the key under the door for your safety as the bangs are strong enough to form a crack on the walls.

"Everything ok up there?" Ivalera briefly appears from the arsenal to check in on you.
"Fine and dandy!" You hide the key on your pockets.

"If you say so... Make sure to come down there so Schierke can show you all your cool upgrades!" She warns before descending back to the magician's side.

As you wait for them to finish their baths, a gentle knock at the door baits you into opening the passageway for your apprentice, only for Casca to slam the door on your face.

As if that wasn't enough, a punch that would rival your own strength hits you right up to your gut, making you see stars as you gasp for air on your knees.

"Alright. All is forgiven..." she thankfully stops herself, in the state that you're in, you probably wouldn't take another strike without being put to sleep.

Really, what else you were expecting from the one who Guts fell in love with?
"You look great with your hair short, I feel like Farnese and I are ripping your style off." Cindy pushes Casca away before she could change her mind.

"Why don't you grow yours then?"
"Uh... Maybe I should buy a wig." The artisan regrets how her hair can't grow from years of malnutrition.

>>5344932
Crawling inside the bathroom and changing into a towel, you start to wonder where Farnese was, until you saw her delightfully smelling the fabric of your clothes. Making sure to dig her nose on the sweatier areas.

Sometimes she keeps the fair maiden act so well you forget she was your biggest stalker. She can only keep the facade going for so long herself.

"Come on. You're asking for me to call you out at this point." She drops your clothes and pulls a hand away from her nether regions as she stands up, still having her towel on.

"I- well... This... It's... Exactly what it looks like, isn't it...?" Her creepy habits show you that she hasn't completely dropped off on her old ways.

>You're odd, Farnese. But I can't say I hate that weirder side of yours.
>Suppose you wouldn't mind if I smelled your panties, then?
>You're not getting in the water like this, right? Come on in.
>Would you mind if we talked for a bit? I just want to relax in the tub, if that's ok with you.
>What a day... Come here.
>Write-in

>>5344935
>>What a day... Come here.
>You're not getting in the water like this, right? Come on in.
>Would you mind if we talked for a bit? I just want to relax in the tub, if that's ok with you.

>>5344935
>Suppose you wouldn't mind if I smelled your panties, then?
>You're not getting in the water like this, right? Come on in.
>What a day... Come here.

>>5344970
+1

>>5344970
>>5345010
>>5345035

"Just so you know, I would like to relax for a bit on the tub, if that's alright with you." You casually let her weirdo antics slip past you as she slowly places your clothes back to where they were.

"Ah... Nothing else?"
"Nothing else... For now." You take off your towel and jump over to take your bath, as the water splashed over her face, she appeared to be somewhat disappointed with your response, awkwardly staring at you in disbelief.

"Well? You're not getting in the water with the towel on, are you? Hop in. Its still warm."

"S-sure... It's been a while since we've had a regular talk, anyway. All this focus on my training, and then on taking care of the girls, it's about time we just lazied around for a bit." She says, growing red as she left her towel close to yours and laid bare facing you from the other end of the walls.

Sure, you've seen her naked before, but never in such a pleasant environment, no demons or imminent threats on your way. It's enticing, but also comforting.

"Interesting, did you have anything in mind?"
"Um..." Curious as to what other topics you could discuss with her to take the edge off, you take a look inside her mind to--

...Ok. That might have been a bit too graphic... It's best to let her come out of her she'll on her own accord.

"Phew. What a day... Come here, let me wash your back."
With the water being crystal clear, she's more comfortable in showing her backside a lot more than facing you, so that earned you some points in helping her relax.

Her back is ridiculously tense for someone her size, you wonder if she's been growing anxious of something other than her inhibiting lust.

"... I've noticed you didn't come to eat with us..."
Oh, that's it...
"Was that enough to alarm you?"
"It wouldn't, if you weren't already dealing with so many problems... I worry about you, Vlad. The more I see you as someone I can reach out and talk to about my worries, the more I wonder if you don't need that support yourself."

"I appreciate the gesture, but I'm doing alright. Just a bit stressed out from the travel, but it'll get better by tomorrow, after Flora helps me with my condition."

Silence plagues the room, with Farnese looking over her shoulder, showing that wasn't enough to soothe her.

"I know what we both tend to think about when we're together, but that doesn't mean that there's all that should be to our relationship. If you're not feeling well, I want you to tell me."

"And I do. Whenever I can't walk or if the pain gets unbearable, I ask for a heal."

"You know that's not what I mean..." She slides under your chest and locks eyes with you. "There's more to trust than just sending me off on a battle or casting a spell... If you ever feel any pain in here... I just want you to let me know."

>>5345093
>I'm serious. I'm doing fine. You're worrying too much.
>You have too much on your mind already, I don't want to bother you with my problems when neither of us can solve them.
>There are other ways for me to relax, it's just that most of them involve me staying on my own. It's nothing personal, really.
>Fine... I'm worried about plenty of things. Might as well share them with you.
>Write-in.

>>5345097
>Fine... I'm worried about plenty of things. Might as well share them with you.
Let him get it off his chest.

>>5345097
>>Fine... I'm worried about plenty of things. Might as well share them with you.
Share the weights

>>5345097
>Fine... I'm worried about plenty of things. Might as well share them with you.

Writing, didn't mean to take this long, but work's a bitch.

Anyway, let's a go

>>5345101
>>5345115
>>5345178
"Fine. I'm worried about... plenty of things. Might as well share them with you."

Slowly retelling the revealing events of today, you unconsciously emphasize on your fear of the Behelit actually being yours.

"I don't understand... Flora said it's just a piece of stone. Outside of ornament and design, there shouldn't have any power emanating from it... So why am I afraid of it?"

"Sacrifices and turning yourself into an apostle... It definitely doesn't sound like you... If anyone would notice any change over time, they would point it out to you."

"But what if it's instant? Given how my body is, and who I value the most... It's like I can tell when and how they will strike, but can't prevent it." You can't stop staring at her eyes, knowing what Conrad would use as the sacrificial lamb.

"I would gladly die for you, Vlad." Farnese proclaims, with no hint of sarcasm or fear.

"Don't say that. You have much to live for. You're starting to have your first friends, you're pulling your weight-"

"And who offered his shoulders when I couldn't use mine? I went along with you because you offered me the freedom I wouldn't have with any of the nobles or of the See. Should you pass away, so would my new life. And I don't see a place for the old, pathetic Farnese in this world."

"Quit being so ominous. I want you to be happy when I'm not around, too. Being an emotional crutch wouldn't be productive to either of us."

"But a physical crutch is just fine, isn't it?" She playfully wraps her arms around yours, knowing how much it hurts for you to move around without her by your side.

"Here, it's my turn. Let me wash your hair."
You let her play around and spill water over your head as she affably digs her fingers around your hair.

"It's so soft... What do you use on it?"
"Uuh... Sunlight and sweat?"
"Ew, mine never looked this shiny. It's strange to see a man with more hair than his maiden."
"I'd say that's pretty common. Don't see a beard on ya."
"When are you taking that thing off, anyway? It tickles too much when you move around."
"Never!" You rub your chin on her arm as she giggled, lightening the mood as you forget your troubles.

She's surprisingly good at putting you at ease...

>Nervous about tomorrow?
>I think it's time I teach you some offensive magic.
>How are the girls treating you?
>What were you talking about earlier with Hyde and Serpico?
>What about you? Anything bothering you?
>Write-in.

>>5345735
>How are the girls treating you?
>Nervous about tomorrow?
>What about you? Anything bothering you?

>>5345735
>What about you? Anything bothering you?

>>5345756
supp

>>5345756
>>5345760
"Are you nervous about tomorrow? I've let pretty large shoes to fill."

"Do you believe I can do it?"
"Surely."
"Well, I guess that answers it then."

"Believe in the Vlad that believes in yooooou!" You look outside after hearing Puck's voice, panicking at the thought of being watched.

"...Did you hear something?"
"No, nothing at all."

Great, you're hearing voices again.
"I'm curious to know about the weapons we're about to receive. I wonder if Flora will offer something to Casca..."

"How are they treating you, anyways? Didn't see you being besties with my patients."

"They've slowly been telling me their stories to remember their lives, and I've found it quite eye opening. Cindy still wants to do her shows and tell her stories, but it's like the talent got sucked away when she returned... That and her motor skills, she can barely draw a straight line..."

"I've seen what she's capable of. She could be renowned in her crafts in peaceful times, but since war is all that Midland knows, she'll be hardly noticed."

"Speaking of wars, we might have to increase rations for Casca. You should see how hard she exercises. I can barely do one push-up by the time she does 5."

"She wants her shape back, huh? That's alright. She was very good looking in her prime, still is, in a way."

"Ahem!" Farnese clears her throat, growing jealous.

"I can't really call her ugly, can I?"
"No. She's gorgeous..." Farnese admits. "I can see why even Guts would be struck by her beauty... But when you say it like that, it makes me question a few things..."

"Such as?"
"You know a lot about what I like... But I don't even know how many partners you've had."
"Why is that important?"
"I... I just want to know, ok?"
"...I wouldn't really know how many there were, to be frank. Between the parties, and the brothels... It's somewhere in the double digits for sure."

Farnese frowns, feeling outclassed.
"Does it really matter? It's in the past. You're the one I chose."
"I know... It's just that... Since I don't have experience with these things, I would like to know what I'm doing when the time arrives... I don't think I'm ready for it yet, but the anticipation is nerve wracking either way."

Well, shit. She wants to know what you're into... Let's hope you don't embarrass yourself too much...

>I liked to take charge in most cases, don't worry, I don't think you'll be doing much when it happens.
>To be honest, I liked being more submissive.
>You know what roleplay is, right? It's fun, once you get the hang of if.
>This might sound weird, but I had a thing for this certain body part...
>I liked hiring multiple girls to spend the night with me.

>>5345850
>This might sound weird, but I had a thing for this certain body part...
Hm, perhaps a navel fetish would be most appropriate for an Impaler..

>>5345860
"Uh... You see, I had a thing for navels..."
"Huh... So you like girls with a little bit more weight?" She held her waist for comparison, finding herself to be on the slimmer side.
"No, that's not it... Everyone has a navel, its just that some look better than others."
"I'm not sure I understand..."

"There's nothing to understand... It's just a thing I like."
"I'm not judging you for it... I just... Find it weird... It's not the first thing I would sexualise on a body..."
"Well, compared to what you like, I feel like a saint here."

"Well, are you...?" Farnnese brushes her body against yours, feeling the stiffness in your nether reasons as it answers the question for you.

"I can see why you'd be a terror with the ladies, with a thing this size."
"Could just use your hand if you're intimidated-" You ask her to share an intimate moment, before you heard Ivalera banging at the door.

"How many days are you planning to spent in there? Get a move on! Everyone's at the arsenal already."

Well... That's alright, guess you'll just leave it for some other day to have the full course...

Putting your clothes on and reaching the arsenal with Farnese, you see a shirtless Guts having his brand being reapplied it's seal to cancel the brand of the sacrificed.

"What happened, was it wearing off?"
"No. Girl over here said hers was better, so I just rolled with it."
"Vlad's energy is emanating from his runes, but this one works differently. This here's an ointment filled with purification salt."

"Alright, I'll just add that to the list when applying it now."
"Sure thing." Guts says while Schierke remains feeling left behind.
"We came here for the weapons, anyway, why don't we see what you have to offer already?"

"Fine..." Schierke places a blanket over a table with several pieces of equipment wrapped onto them, with the amount of things they had, it seemed she found one item for each of your friends.

"Hyde, this container should be useful for growing and accelerating your natural metabolism and natural growth." She hands the hunter a flask the size of his head.

"Natural growth? Ah, so you knew about my problem, huh? 'precciate it, lil' witch."
"Nonono! You're not supposed to drink it-" Hyde takes a sip, thinking it would remove the bald spot on his head, only to see his eyebrows grow cover his eyelids, for it to fall off moments later as his face goes down with his hair."

"The hell was that about? Those eyebrows felt heavier than my head!"
"That was for your harpy... We have found that there's a special kind of safflower leaves than when mixed into millet seeds, has a reaction that causes an odd reaction in avian metabolism. Their feathers grow, harden and fall, becoming as sharp as razors when they come from the sky."

"Interseting... I already got a good cannon a few weeks ago from our pal Rickert, so I wasn't expecting much. But how am I gon use this? Sounds hard to control these many feathers falling during a wind current."

>>5345850
>>I liked to take charge in most cases, don't worry, I don't think you'll be doing much when it happens

Kek poor hyde

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>>5345961
"That's where a little thing called synergy comes in!" Ivalera points to the next item about to be shown.

"While it doesn't seem like much, everyone should be able to confront those trolls withous spellcasting, and synergise well with each other's abilities. First off is Serpico's hood and sword." Schierke hands Farnese's knight a green cloth that covers his torso, and a giant feather with a handle on it's end.

"Are they floating on their own?" Serpico is curious at how the piece glided to his hands, without him having to throw it or even move his arms for it to flail about.

"Please take a closer look."
"Hm? Oh, I can see something inside the fabric... Are those wind elementals?" You observe the vivid shapes of insect like spirits swerving on his vest.
"Exactly! For each of the four states inherent to the physical world -Solid, Liquid, Vapor and Energy- there should be a resonant equivalent for the elementals of the astral wordl - Earth, Wind, Water and Fire-. For Serpico's elemental choice, he shall wear the Sylph Hood, protected by the atmospheric currents to swipe aside every sword and arrow that come his way. And with the Sylph Sword to his side, he shall generate a whirlwind with a single swing that can tear the enemy's flesh without even touching it."

"Are you sure that this is a sword? Seems more like a feather duster to me..."
"It was made from a white-shouldered eagle's feather, and the hilt from mistletoe growing on the highest branches from the forest."

"...Where do you find these materials? I have searched so far and found a grand total of nothing to protect my team..."
"As good as your lessons in magics were, Vlad, they don't teach you how to scavenge through the land as well as someone as experience as my master..." Schierke proudly beams, feeling confident from showing something that managed to surprise you.

"Can I try swinging it a few times?"
"Of course!"

Serpico valiantly slashes at the air, in the general direction of a lit candle. While the wind took an extra second to reach it, the current of elementals managed to send a strong enough gust to light the fire out of the candle, letting the nearby leaves fly onto the air as the top half of the candle fell off on it's own.

"Quite handy indeed."
"Think of the damage this will do with a rain of steely feathers..." Hyde and Serpico think out loud.

"Badass! Where's mine!? Where's mine!?" Isidro chastises Schierke as she hands him a dagger and a pouch.
"EEEEH?! Why can't I get a sword or a spear?"
"We have no arms for children." She replies as the bandit stares at the red, glowing dagger.

"What are these squirming things crawling on it? Is it dirty?"
"Those are salamanders! The Salamander dagger is magically crafted from molten lava. Cuts made with that dagger will ignite and burn as hot as if struck as a hot iron."

Isidro demonstrates it's power by chucking it's tip against the talbe, nearly setting the rest of the weapons on fire with a blazing burst.

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>>5345987
"WHOA!" Isidro squeals, were it not for Serpico's hood gracefully landing over the fire, things could have gotten a lot worse.

"I take it back, Vlad. Capes aren't as impractical as I thought they were." He laughs the accident off as he wore it once more.
"Salamanders are hooligans! Don't brandish them so recklessly!" Schierke shakes her head in disapproval.

"...Cool." Is all Isidro has to say as he watches the flames flow in and out of his dagger. "So what's in this bag?"
"Consecrated berries. Throw those at the trolls and they will scatter away. At best, they should be used for self defense, if it were up to me, I wouldn't let them with someone as unbridled as you, but it was my master's command, so oh well."

"Say what?!" Isidro tries to smach the girl for her insolence, but Serpico holds him in place.
"Suppose I couldn't have a few of those, then? I do have a slingshot to throw 'em around."
"Good idea, I only have this pouch, so try to share them between you two."
"Oh, sure... Everyone's stealing my gimmick now! ACK!" Isidro is tackled to the ground as Serpico prevents him from attacking Hyde, taking a few berries and placing it on his ammo pouch.

"For our ladies, I have three silver chain shirts, a silver knife for Farnese, and a silver needle for Cindy. Make sure to bring Casca here later, as I will explain it's attributes to her while I seal her brand."

"I'm not sure I should keep this, dear Schierke... I'm not a fighter, I don't even plan on going to Enoch anyways. I appreciate that it's a sewing needle, but what properties does it have?" The artisan attempts to refuse the gift, but the witch reassures her of it's eficacy.

"Silver has strong talismanic properties, but this needle does not come from an ordinary sewing kit. Legend says it that a talented mage was working on a neverending carpet on his retiring days, before being found and accused of witchcraft by his early years of public appearance. As he ascended into a Daimon, he left one of his hands in the physical world to keep working on it's masterpiece, before deciding that his energy would best be used to protect the innocent who couldn't fight on their stead."

"The Tailor Of The Unseen Hand..." You recognize it from the story that Kalki told about his mother defeating an assailant with only a needle.
"The heck's a Daimon?" Isidro asks.
"A chief spirit. They can reside in a deeper stratum of the astral world than of the elementals. Some mortals can achieve those depths by a ritual, or through sheer force of will."

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>>5346034
"You're aware of the Unseen Hand?" Schierke gasps. "It's a vagrant spirit, Master Flora has attempted to keep it sealed multiple times, yet it always finds a way to disappear. Every now and then I find it helping townsfolk in minor squabbles when I'm astral projecting, but for some reason, it always returns to our mansion."

"An unseen hand... Yes! I do remember seeing one! When I tried to do a handstand as Zhafira, and fell through a glass panel. I should have been cut to pieces from the fall, yet I remember a hand catching those shards and saving me from most of the damage. No one believed me when I told them, but the hand kept responding to my commands when I told it to."

"Perhaps it was waiting for you. While it can produce silk from seemingly thin air, it appears that it makes a direct connection with the energy of the Daimon layer of the astral world to make a nearly intangible barrier to protect it's user. Not only is it able to perfurate through attackers, but it creates walls, pathways and shapes to deflect damage from anyone it pleases. Observe!"

"...You sure I can hit her?" Serpico seems unwilling to strike at Cindy despite Schierke's gestures.
"Let me do it then! HAI-YAAH!" He chucks his dagger at her direction. As the tailor flinched, the dagger was seemingly held and thrown into the floor, with a single string being able to block it's fire fiery afterburn from reaching Cindy's skin.

"What happened? I didn't see anything!"
"It wouldn't be the unseen hand if everyone could see it, would it?" Puck shrugs.

The Daimon layer is in such a complex dimension of the astral world that only advanced magicians should see it's hand. Yet for commonfolk, the tailor willingly chooses a user to see him, even if they do not believe in magic."

The string wrapped itself onto Cindy's metallic hand and remained between her fingers. Resting alongside her as the giant hand coiled itself around her.

"This feels a bit too powerful to remain with a simple girl like me, but if the tailor chose me, than I'll try to meet his expectations."

"The efficacy of this magic realized by your faith in their powers, they don't depend on you to work, so be sure to appreciate them." Schierke warns as the team gets accostumed to their weapons.

"I hope we can work well together, sylphs."
"Hell yeah, fire lizards!"

"Next, for Guts, I have this Axe that can--"
"Don't need it." He blunty refuses.
"C-Come again?!"
"I want to take into battle what my hands know best." He brandishes the Dragonslayer to the witch, who confusedly turns around to make you an offer.

"Well... I was planning on giving you something else, but since he doesn't want it... What do you say, Vlad?" Schierke shows the axe to you.

>What does it do?
>Axes aren't my thing, no thanks.
>What else did you have in store for me?
>It's somewhat similar to a halberd, I guess I could dual weild it?
>You could always give it to Casca.
>Write-in.

>>5346063
>With a few modifications, it could make a great Halberd

>>5346063
>What does it do?
>What else did you have in store for me?
i want to hear if there is something else, Casca could use a magical weapon too. We haven't free runic weapons in the Pegasus, so it would be better than normal steel.

>>5346063
>What does it do?
>What else did you have in store for me?
Agree with >>5346069

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>>5346066
>>5346069
>>5346077
"Well, what does it do? Can't go accepting other people's gifts if you had something else in store for me."

"Well, this here is the Axe Of The Gnomes. Since it was one of the remaining, unused spirits of our arsenal, I was hoping that the quaking, unstoppable elementals of the earth would react well to a more aggresive type such as Guts. But since you do have an affinity with earthly spirits, maybe this axe might suit you well." She hands you the weapon for you to feel it's weight.

"It's... Certainly a bit heavy..." You struggle to remain in place as the weapon wobbles around your arms. This is almost as heavy as the Dragonslayer! How is Schierke able to hold it so easily.

"That's because you're not adapting to the elementals, take a closer look."
Several small, humanoid midgets appear to go inside the folds of your clothes as the weight of the weapon because nearly non-existant. This is similar to the trick you used on your halberd for it to remain steady in your struggling body.

"Much like the unseen hand, when it adapts to it's new user, it shifts it's weight so only those worth of lifting it can properly use it. Otherwise, it becomes increasingly heavy to the point of breaking the user's arms in a single swing.

"What else does it do? You said they had something to do with the earth, right?"
"Yeah, but it's best to test this outside, it might do too much damage if you stroke at the ground here."

Leading you outside, you make a fissure into the floor as your mighty strike changes the soil around you. As the tremors increase, the rubble from the trees and the mansion is nearly enough to bring the forest down.

"AN EARTHQUAKE! TAKE COVER!" Puck hides under Isidro's feet.
"HEY! WHERE AM I SUPPOSED TO HIDE, THEN?!"
As the earth beneath you finally gives away, you're sent into freefall as you create a crater that sends you several meters down into a rabbit hole.

"VLAD!" Farnese shouts as you disappear into the dark.
However, before you could let go of the axe, it magnetically went back onto your hand, with the gnomes inside your clothes making it move mid air as it connected back into your body defying gravity itself.

Speaking of defying gravity, the rubble from the rocks and soil destroyed in your crater managed to lift you into the air, creating a moving staircase that levitated blocks of the ground into thin air. As you gracefully walked back up, the spiral staircase spun itself around your feet, shifting and swerving like a slithering snake as you commanded where to go with it, walking upside down, at a 90 degree angle, and even jumping around, it seemed like it altered your center of gravity so it only glued you to this surface, until you decided to let go.

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>>5346128
Safefully landing next to Schierke, you come to appreciate the power of the gnomes, throwing the axe into the air as it landed back onto your waiting hand. Even if the blade should have chopped your fingers off, it somehow spun faster when reaching you just so the handle would maneuver into your hand.

"Should you accept this battle axe, it shall be yours and yours only."
"It sounds like a good weapon all in all, but what else did you have in store for me?"

"Well, for Gunpowder, we have the Sonic Horsearmor. The hooves have added padding and were empowered by the depressive power of the Barytes. They are incredibly small, yet the shifty nature of their abilities lets them increase a mount's momentum to an insurmountable speed. The added horn on it's forehead is rumored to pierce through sound itself, making a clash deadly to any who even stay near it's path.

"Seems like a set made for The Skull Knight itself, I could see GP enjoying this."

"And at last, the weapon I was actually meant to give you, The Trident Of The Undines." Schierke gives you a weapon handle which appears to made of frozen, solid ice, with a thin layer of the same material holding plenty of liquid inside.

"Are you sure this is a weapon? Looks like it could break at any moment!" Puck knocks on the tip of the three-headed spear, only for it to break and spill it's liquid everywhere before you even had a chance to use it.

"AAAH! I BROKE IT!"
"Nice going there, Puck..." You groan at seeing a new weapon being tarnished, only for the fork to form itself back into it's full glory.

"The spirit of the Undines are the most freeform of all the elementals. While it was believed that they could only stay inside the water, the truth is, they resonate with just about any fluid, and seeing how there are small particles of water flowing in the air, our bodies, up the clouds, the compatibility this weapon has is nearly endless."

Schierke claps her hands as the mud puppets present themselves for you to test the trident. While appearing to be a solid, icy weapon, it would soften and harden at your command. when in liquid form, it could pass through attacks from the golems, wack away at them with the pressure of the water, or simply deactivate itself by only leaving it's handle solid.

However, when you decided to twist the handle of the trident, it rose from the opposite end, freely extending itself as it forcibly froze the liquid inside the mud creatures.

As they were impaled by the three spikes, the weapon grew further and further as it chained the puppets together, growing adjacent spikes to reach any foes who tried to dodge it's homing attacks.

>>5346202
"None can control the tides of the water other than the ocean itself. Whenever the Undines force compatible elements to be placed into slumber, they shall be frozen solid, and only the weapon that iced them cold can thaw them out of it's snares."

"Sho thash why my tongue ish shtuck here!" Puck decided to lick the icicles formed by the extended trident, now three times it's original size. As the ice slowly melted into water, Puck was set free as the trident turned back into an empty, harmless handle.

"Are you sure you aren't taking either of these, Guts? I almost feel like I'm robbing you by taking these weapons."
"All yours. The Dragon Slayer has yet to fail on me." he replies as you ponder on what to take from Flora's arsenal.

>I want The Trident Of The Undines.
>I'll take the Sonic Horsearmor.
>I want the Axe Of The Gnomes.
>I'm fine with my halberd, actually.
>Is there a way to transport those elementals? I liked their magical properties, but I still prefer my old spear.
>Write-in.

>>5346217
>>Is there a way to transport those elementals? I liked their magical properties, but I still prefer my old spear.

>>5346217
>I want The Trident Of The Undines.
>I'll take the Sonic Horsearmor.

>>5346217
>I want The Trident Of The Undines.
>I'll take the Sonic Horsearmor.
The trident is going to be absolutely fucking critical to retrieving our soulsphere. And the sonic horsearmor is convenient for GP since he already lost his hearing.
I wonder if we could later modify it to give off a Mandragora's Scream towards his target when it reaches full speed...
>Suggest offering the Axe to Casca, since she's competent enough to use it yell.

>>5346202
>Is there a way to transport those elementals? I liked their magical properties, but I still prefer my old spear

Man... I really want the three of those, like using the Axe as a secondary weapon

>>5346217
>>I want The Trident Of The Undines.
>>I'll take the Sonic Horsearmor.

Uhmm we would need to learn how to use a new weapon ? Or would the trident count as a weapon like spear/halberd? We did spend time training/using our old spear and we did time training/using our halberd. Mostly considering for combat

I do agree we should give the axe to Casca

>>5346217
>Is there a way to transport those elementals? I liked their magical properties, but I still prefer my old spear.
God imagine putting those earth elementals and their anti-gravity bullshit into something that looks ridiculous like the dragonslayer swordspear from DS3.

>I'll take the Sonic Horsearmor.
Our boy craves violence and violence he shall have

>>5346217
>I want The Trident Of The Undines.
>gunpowder will want the Sonic Horse armor.

>>5346375
I mean, he's trained with the spear, and the fork is mostly a three headed weapon of a similar calibre, the most he'd have to learn is to get used to it's properties when it's flaccid and getting used to the frostbite than anything else. He'd be ok with any pole weapon at this point desu

>>5346217
>>I want The Trident Of The Undines.
>>I'll take the Sonic Horsearmor.

>>5346229
>>5346235
>>5346236
>>5346276
>>5346310
>>5346387
>>5346499
>>5346574
"Is there a way to transport those elementals? I liked the magical properties of the Trident Of The Undine, but I still prefer my old spear." You ask Schierke if you could keep your halberd, the design, the blade, the lack of weight, the spikes that grow around it that could go in multiple directions, it would all be quite fitting to your preferences if you could change it, or even mix the two elementals with the Od transferring techniques you have.

"There is... But you'd have to copy the talisman, and it would take a few hours for the elementals to stabilize inside your weapon, but it would be technically feasible."

"For both of them?"

"No, only one of each weapon. The elementals are meant to be free. So placing them in a confined space with both Undines and Gnomes could lead to disruption. The Undines could freeze or drown the gnomes, or their fluctuating synergy could lead to unsynchronized attacks. It's important to respect the spirits of the astral world, so altering and mixing talismans together mostly make them ineffective."

"Understood. I'm not really an axe guy, but let's not discard this weapon. Someone like Casca could use it, you never know when it might be useful. I'll take them both, but I'll split between using my halberd, or the trident."

"Flora and Schierke went through all that effort to make these talismans, and you're just going to let her work on it again until early morning for your knock-off weapon! Have some manners! We have places to be!" Ivalera complains, but Schierke calms her down.

"That's not disrespectful, Ivalera! We obviously we should have taken his weapon of preference into consideration. It was our mistake, not his." Schierke speaks with serenity, but reading her mind, she doesn't seem so serene.

"Stupid, overly demanding, pretentious little... poopy-head!"
She complains about having to do the extra work, sending it back to her master as she didn't have the time to fix it and have good hours of rest for tomorrow.

>Don't worry, I can use both at the same time.
>On second thought, I'll just use the Trident.
>Let me try transferring the elementals, I have more time to lose tomorrow than you.
>Write-in.

>>5346613
>Let me try transferring the elementals, I have more time to lose tomorrow than you.

>>5346613
>I'd like to work on it with you, if you don't mind. You and Flora are experts far beyond me in elementalism, so watching the masters at work and seeing where I lack would be excellent. I don't have much to offer in exchange for being a bother, but how about some special seeds that are one of a kind?
Flattery is bound to work here! And she's such a nerd that she's bound to be interested in the properties of Vlad's tongueseeds.

>>5346747
+1

>>5346613
>>Let me try transferring the elementals, I have more time to lose tomorrow than you.
Propose to work together, for cut on time and ensure she can do her tasks. If we take too much time, we will just work more on it on your own.
In exchange we could offer different things. For example learning from us, about the Tudorian School of Magic or the Khuzan one. A position in the companions of the Pegasus, that would extend to Ilos. And a look/study of our body, like our own wood seeds. And coins if she would want to buy something in a town or city.

Exscuse ourselves for the time taken, we meant no offense to the her work or the one of her master. Our reasons for have it is not because we dislike or hate the idea to use it, far from it, is simply for make the weapon we use an even more formidable tool of war against the fiends and slaves of hell.
If anything we are in deep gratitude for having the possibility to receive such equipment, and learn more about magic here.

(Give her a small reminder that we can hear/talk with the mind too though.)

>>5346613
>Let me try transferring the elementals, I have more time to lose tomorrow than you.

Honestly, if you're thinking in transfering the Undine spirits to our current spear I think that's going to be a downgrade

It's better to have a have a single handle and have any sort of liquid be our spear instear of having some real weight of our halberd and the shape. While we could use the Trident as a whip/spear our regular weapon is going to keep it's form and would lose the control potential of the trident

Also imaging the things we could make, like we could hide easier the trident and even modify it for narrow spaces. We could even double wield it with our shield and make the trident those japanese weapon with three points in it.

>>5346650
>>5346747
>>5346782
>>5346841
Now you've been called plenty of things on your journey, but a poopy-head is just plain unacceptable.

"I could try transferring the elementals, I have more free time than all of you tomorrow, so perhaps I could even cut on time by working together with your master. Her work is nothing short of splendid, and I did not mean to disrespect it. I am simply thinking of the possible ramifications of combining the two weapons. I know I'm being a bother, but I do have something to offer."

You show her how your magical seeds work, growing a miniature tree on your hands as you order it to grow, letting it bonce around, break and disintegrate after you absorb it back into your body.

"Wow! Tudorian Magic really is a lot faster than waiting on the elementals. It's like you can just order them around by connecting yourself into the spirits."

"I believe you or Farnese could do something similar, if you trained enough. The only problem is taking them from me." You offer Schierke half of the seeds you had. All the while she asks the important questions:

"But where do these seeds come from?"
"Over here!" You point to the inside of your mouth, taking one of them from in-between your teeth. "...Nevermind, this one's just from today's meal."
"You're... Very strange indeed, Vlad. If possible, I would like to learn more about your halfling origins, when we have the time."
"I'm glad I could do more than being a beggar for my host."

"...But try not to think aloud too much." Schierke jumps in place after you telepathically let her know that you heard her calling you a poopy-head. No harm taken, of course, you just wanted to get a reaction out of her.

"Well, we have much to do tomorrow, so let's get some shut-eye while we can. We'll be departing when the sun rises." Guts walks out the door, with Isidro and Puck following their favorite party member.

>Rest with them. You might not go to Enoch Village, but pulling all-nighters isn't healthy in your condition.
>Attempt to transfer the elementals tonight. If you grow tired, you can just leave it for tomorrow and let Flora give you back your stamina.