This is part 1 of a 2 part release for this weekend. The next chapter will be ero.
“Why does Kol feel like this is happening a lot?”
Kneeling in the front room of Welcome Web, a kobold rests her hands on the helmet she’s taken off as a grimacing lady stares down at her. A dramatic scene is out of place in an arachnid’s shadow and with a small girl as the dominant one.
“Unshared one’s history with the slayers remained, even though previously this group spoke of pasts and ties while inviting yours.”
“Hmmm, barmaid just job, Kol didn’t think it was impor—”
“Unimportant how? Easily obtaining both bounty and reward, did one not claim possible such a feat? Tenuous and dangerous such a claim turned out to be, with one’s entry and passage into Slayer’s Call predicated on respect for thoroughly abusing and humiliating the inhabitants of it?”
“Right! Kol, beat them up a lot back then!”
Kol’s eyes turn soft as she snickers and smiles up at her friends.
“Always cry and beg! ‘Please, don’t hit me!’, ‘I don’t have gold!’, ‘Didn’t mean to step on tail!’, kakaka—!”
“Be silent.”
“WHY!?”
“Kol, you’re not looking at this from other people’s viewpoints, okay…?”
Giving a pinched smile, Ave almost looks like she wants to send Kol back to the slayers, before she relaxes and rubs her hands together.
“At least Adris got our money, so we can survive a bit longer.”
{Fancy how he managed that, but competence from him beats our meatshield being permanently accursed…}
Thoroughly disgusted as she is, Still at least isn’t stabbing Kol.
After escaping from the Call, Adris had quickly returned to the relative safety of “home”. Thankfully, the rest of the party was present to hand Kol off to for interrogation.
Adris and a very mystified spiderwoman are a little ways off discussing other business while the girls have their own meeting.
“… Why hiding from an undead?”
“Old business. I’ll have the rest to you as soon as Bayonne replenishes.”
Adris thrusts two coins into her hand while leaving off on the hidden third and his reason for extending the repayment time.
(While I could repay you in one go, you’re more likely to help me with this if you feel your source of wealth is in danger.)
Implying that Bayonne was out of marks for the day brings stern eyes for a moment, but even eight of them can’t see through his creative truths. Instead, those eyes turn to look at Still for a moment.
“Yes, a scent masking tincture is possible. What… sort of undead do you intend to hide from?”
“A ghoul. But not just any kind.”
While the robe-and-apron-wearing man’s gaze becomes sharper as Adris leans in, the last part is whispered.
“A bloodstained ghoul.”
“… Boy, if you’re not lying, then give me a reason I shouldn’t evict you right now.”
Though she doesn’t turn scared, Meltisha’s face hardens at the description, while she swallows once at the understanding of the threat.
(Where’s your sense of adventure?)
“‘A deal is a deal’? No, that was just a joke…”
Feeling with his senses that several invisible strands shift about when she smiles aggressively, Adris quickly points to his cross.
“I’m unsure what you’ve heard—”
“I’ve heard plenty about your ‘indescribable gifts’, boy. Please get to the point.”
“… I see. Then you should know that I am a font of both foreign knowledge and potential ‘tricks’ to help in the direst of times.”
“Meaning?”
Her luscious breasts get brought level to his face, causing a jolt to run through his body. It makes it hard not to plunge his face between them.
(Why am I so “Castillo-crazy” right now!?)
The woman’s mouth turns up into a slight grin as she sees the effect she has on his body suffering from the term he has coined.
“Meaning that I’ve already made inroads with the slayers. Gaining their favor, the respect they show for you can be… turned into something more profitable.”
Briefly going into his plan, he relates the destitute status of their shops. Though he doesn’t know Meltisha’s true capabilities, she nods appreciatively several times to certain goods revealed that they’re out of.
“… And if you had an intermediary who, while certainly not as visually stunning as you, is more acceptable to earning their brand trust…?”
“Then I profit considerably by gaining a middleboy? How mundane… but I like the idea~. Fine, you’ll have your scent-masking tincture soon, as well as the basics of dealing with ghouls.”
Adris relates the nature of their tentative agreement to Roberto when he hovers into their vicinity with a fake smile on his face.
Defusing his jealousy, he claps his hands excitedly.
“They need items of faith as well!? Though I’m somewhat out of practice, I don’t mind offering wares to those looking to defend against the Castillo.” His girlish tone lightens at the thought of doing work in his old profession, before he grows colder while puffing his cheeks. “I’ve had my blessed tools used for vile things, before. I demand they be used for just causes, so vet them appropriately!”
“Ah, that can be handled.”
The three nod at their acceptance of terms before Adris returns to Kol’s interrogation.
“Such an amount… be promised for completion of it?”
“Umu, this much.”
Neesiette reads a scrip of parchment that Kol shows her, causing her violet eyes to warp with incredulity. Stealing it from Kol with a whip of her hand, Still nearly falls over herself looking at it with one hand over her mask.
Adris nearly smashes Kol’s face in when Still flips it over for him to read, too.
(That’s over half of our total gains from the Castillo! And that’s just the final payment!?)
{Retard! Where did you dig this crooked blacksmith up from!?}
“Shut up, Puddle! Crackbrass, not crooked! Just crazy!”
{That fucking dwarf who blows up his own shop is your ‘blacksmith friend’? Neesiette, this is why I told you—!}
“A conversation for another time that be, Still.”
{Then why are we having it right now?}
Ave passes out for a moment while standing, her mouth open and her eyes fixed in horror, before she rushes for Kol. Grabbing Kol’s face, Ave cries while pleading.
“Kol!? Ave doesn’t have that kind of money!? How did you… how are you going to pay for it!? No, how did you even pay the down payment!? What did you use for the parts for the armor?”
“… Ah, explains much that does.”
Making a small noise, Neesiette then takes on a solemn look. She puts her hands to her hips while speaking low.
“One intended the creation of a new armor from… less than trustworthy, random parts, rather than recycling the metals used in their construction as one received orders to do? Be this the case?”
“Umu! Right! Crackbrass, making a really awesome armor from scrap!”
“… Dangerous… beyond words… that be…”
{Wait. You don’t mean… this idiot took all those things you said were nightmares that made your eyes hurt to look at and gave them to…?}
“… Indeed.”
{Oh, I see. Okay.}
A clicking sound comes as a shortsword emerges to be held…
{I can do what Adris did. A second smartening up! Gimme your skull, trash.}
Still is only stopped by Adris sliding between Kol and Still as one lunges for the other.
“HOLD! STOP!”
“Boss, let Puddle get beaten up! Come here!”
While Adris rolls with Kol on the ground and Still tries to climb over his body, Ave finally grabs Still while Neesiette physically enters Kol’s path.
Minutes pass, with Adris and Ave huffing after stopping the struggle.
When Roberto descends via threads from the ceiling with snacks, everyone sits at the table while Ave pours tea.
Sipping on it, Adris asks the question most relevant.
“Where did you get the earlier money, Kol?”
“Hmm? Easy. Took out a loan.”
“Kol! Who is going to give a kobold a loan!?”
“Easy, here! Look!”
Kol fishes through her pockets while eating jerky, pulling out another piece of parchment to show to Ave.
Unfolding it, an unsavory contract is drawn up.
It promises a repayment with grossly unfair terms to an organization called “Black Birch”, with the amount of money scribbled in as “a lot” and the signatory being “Kol”.
(… Why is the signatory the one deciding the loan amount?)
{Black Birch? Wow, you’re actually insane.}
“Not ‘insane’! Smart! They’re rich! Ask for money from them, get money!”
Brutally shocked by what she reads, Still collapses into her chair. She turns to Adris moments later to provide the important information.
{Black Birch are a criminal network operating in Petripolis, named after an ancient execution tree in the far region of Fierard. They aren’t as… brutal here, thus they escaped the slayers. They do things like dark loans and fencing stolen goods.}
“How did you obtain their agreement? What was your collateral, Kol?”
“Hm? Kol, give up Kol, if not repay! KAKAKA! Stupid deal! Kol, never get taken.”
“… Kol. You’re in deep trouble.”
Patting Kol’s shoulder, Ave looks thoroughly scared.
Adris understands the bounty notice put out for her now. Pausing to eat a piece of bread with a delicious jam topping, Adris considers his next question to the girl who is likely the reward for her own bounty.
“Why did they agree to your collateral? You’re not worth…”
(Whatever they gave you.)
“Hm? Oh, easy. When Kol went to talk to the guy in black, he thought Kol was someone else. Kol, heard guy in black would be there with money to do contract! So, Kol went early! Offered to take money for Kol if not paying back!”
“… And he agreed?”
“What? No. Told Kol… um, ‘fuck off’. Then, Kol said, ‘Kol, good for it! Take money, have contract!’ Then…”
Little was left of the shocked man or the two thugs that had rushed to his aid once Kol stopped “negotiating”. Thrashing them despite her wounds, Kol absconded with the man’s money while leaving behind his copy of the signed contract.
Minutes pass after this admission, with the entire table in silence while they eat.
“Mm, Monk make good jerky! Boss, try! … Umu, ‘tribute’ this is, maybe?”
“Thank you, Kol. Wouldn’t your actions be considered ‘theft’?”
“What!? No. Kol, didn’t steal! Proper contract, that means it’s legal!”
While the white terror snorts at being called a criminal, Adris turns to Still to communicate non-verbally.
Flashing a hand sign, she timidly returns it, with some more saying she agrees with his solution.
(Right, we’ll figure something out between the two of us. Now that I know we have a criminal organization nipping at our heels, too, I can just… solve this problem… as well…)
“Okay. Enough about that. Let’s discuss something else.”
A confident grin causes the rest to cling to his inviting words.
“… Very well. What be necessary to discuss?”
Having recovered a portion of the Castillo gold from Meltisha in accordance with their contract payment, he begins making stacks of it along with the rest.
(Nobody here is a thief. Might as well make this impressive to watch.)
“The future of the party is the topic. First: each of us contributed to the last assault on the Castillo, though our contributions were unequal at times…”
“… I’m sorry!”
A green ponytail dances as Ave bows her head before reflexively apologizing.
“As one should be.”
Huffing at Ave, Neesiette passively takes in the count of the gold while green eyes shake in rage.
“Shut up, midget! You got captured! I didn’t even get captured this time! Miss Ransom Princess!”
“… A snake be the sole one identified of any here demanding regular treatment as if she be a princess.”
“I’m not! I’m… not a—!”
{Ave, have some of this honey crisp.}
“Thank you, Still~!”
The elf accepts being fed as if she’s an obedient child getting a treat, leading to Still defusing another riot.
“The salient point is that we shouldn’t divide party wealth by contribution, but rather by need. Aside from a stipend we may all take for personal items, the future of our party is most dire if we don’t immediately reinvest in the next Castillo raid.”
{… Oh, planning to make some creative uses of our mon—?}
Toward the saucy girl leaning in to start in with verbal daggers Adris pushes the majority of the pile.
Stopping in mid gesture, she sets a neutral expression to her mask as she leans back.
“As such, I believe the majority of our wealth should be put into Still.”
“PUDDLE!? WHY!? Kol, demand—!”
“Wise!”
Nodding her head vigorously, Ave sips the tea she prepared for them while Kol bares her teeth at the elf. A moment later, the green forest spirit looks unhappy while staring at her cup.
“Um, Adris, can we… save enough for… more…?”
“Tea is a necessary party expense. Don’t worry, everyone is getting a share”
“Thank you!”
Adris has the words necessary to secure points without needing to look at her for confirmation.
“It’s the wisest decision to take, and I take no others. Even in my absence, Neesiette would effortlessly arrive at the same conclusion.”
Neesiette aristocratically inclines her head in agreement.
“Still’s contributions be most reliable in every instance and be well worth our primary attention, for this lady needs no monetary attention to perform given duties. A boy’s judgment again meets expectations.”
Still still looks unsure of what’s happening even after recovering.
{… Thanks. This’ll more than cover what I’ve used.}
“No thanks are necessary. Go beyond simply recovering what you’ve used.”
{How so?}
“You made all of these things you use, correct? They’re too high of quality to be bought.”
(Please, confirm this for me.)
Driving her into a corner, Still quickly takes on a smile as she realizes the trap.
{Yeah~. I made them~. So?}
“So make more. With as much as you decide to invest, use it to our advantage and yours. I’m sure you’ve got a lot of things you’d like to add to our inventory. Only you can expand our options so intuitively.”
{… Hahaha! Wow, you really do believe in me?}
“Of course. Even if I can’t explain your magic… the effect is obvious. I believe in results more than I doubt the unshared aspects.”
The girl bobs her head before getting into the spirit of this investment from a boy that seeks to surreptitiously buy her aid. All that insecurity she showed vanishes.
{Okay, okay. Sure. I’ll take the funds once you trade them in. … Well, you won’t lose anything from it, so don’t worry~.}
“As to the rest, let’s take a party vote on this so it’s not overly cruel: who is in favor of giving nothing to Kol beyond what’s needed to pay for her new gear?
Please raise your hand and say ‘aye’.”
“Aye!”
“Aye.”
{Fuckin’ aye!}
“NAH!? WHY!? KOL, DID MOST WITH GIANT BIRD!”
Kol repeatedly slaps the table when three hands go up. Red-faced and fuming, the kobold gets up to march over to Adris.
“BOSS!? BETRAY KOL!?”
“… Who do you think you’re talking to?”
Growling at his short reply, Kol’s fur hackles a bit.
“Kol! Stop! We all voted!”
Adris’ demeanor and complete self-assurance doesn’t cow Kol, though it does cause her to quiet down.
“Kol, you’ve caused serious problems for the entire team. Until you understand what you’ve done and seek to correct it, you’ll keep getting reprimanded every time.”
“… Oh… Boss… gonna favor others…?”
Gripping her head lightly, Adris leans in to her face while enjoying the feeling of her hair.
“I favor no one! Everyone here is equal! Don’t blame me for false things.”
“… Boss… true?”
“Though uncertainties linger, Kol, a boy named Adris be ever ‘fair’. Accept your condemnation.”
“GAH!? Moon, too!?”
“The same decision reached this lady would arrive at. One’s behavior be, in retrospect, quite needlessly self-destructive.”
“… Really? ‘Shit’! … Ugh…”
When Adris and Neesiette both reach the same decision as parents, Kol’s ears droop as she sulks. Going back to her chair, she puts her head on the table while looking miserable.
“Cheer up, Kol.”
At least until Ave starts feeding her jerky while smiling hopefully at her friend.
“As to our future goals… I’m open to suggestions. We can’t blunder into the next Castillo raid, but we likely only have one opportunity to gain an advantage before funds become an issue. I will be taking an amount of them for administrative purposes…”
A side look at Still shows that her porcelain mask is a white sea of serenity. A smile hides thoughts unshared.
(We’re in this together, remember that!)
“… So we need to consider who to concentrate on while we prepare—”
“ME! PLEASE!”
A sweet voice screams out over lunch, bringing a stare from everyone in the room.
Even Meltisha seems taken aback by the emotional intensity of the outburst.
An elf girl coiled at the table has her hand pointing at herself, before it shakes and she hides it.
“… Um… Ave… No, no… I…”
Quivering at the attention given to her, Ave finally squares her face and holds her hand over her heart.
“I’m the weakest one here and I’m tired of it! Please, let me try to be something more!” Almost crying as she admits this, she breaks through the shame. “Always useless, I want to pull my own weight!”
She loses a lot of her spunk when all four stare silently at her after her outburst, retreating to start sipping her tea again.
“… Understood. Ave is the one that needs the most help. Do you have an idea of how you can improve?”
Breaking the spell, Adris’ universal decision brings a critical frown from Neesiette.
“Really!? It’s okay!? Yes! I have a way! Up in the Tree of Life, there are wind spirits who—!”
“Preposterous! A recurring worthless ambition be this.”
Neesiette scowls at the topic, before Ave dramatically weaves her arms around and points to the sky.
“It’s not worthless! If I contract with a wind spirit, I’ll be both stronger and able to control my Spirit Calling more firmly!”
“One’s farce continues without end, despite all evidence pointing to the obvious. Spare us from investing worthwhile time and resources in it.”
“Shut up…! I can do it! Adris! Please!?”
(What is ‘the farce’? Obviously you’re protected by the earth instead of the wind, but I don’t feel like that can’t change…)
Though Avenalliah is blessed by the opposite of what she pursues, it’s not inconceivable to Adris that either her efforts or the cross’ could alter that dynamic.
Especially since her denying who she wants to be could spell death for him, if his heart is right.
Looking to Still for help…
{I don’t know, but at the very least it’s not worthless. Probably.}
Kol, for her part, hugs Avenalliah as the girl screams in surprise.
“KAKAKA! Elf, trying to get stronger!? Kol, wants to see! Boss, apologize to Kol: pick Elf!”
“… Thank you, Kol.”
(You don’t even deserve an apology!)
“Then let’s invest in Avenalliah. Understand the situation, Neesiette. It’s the best way to go.”
“THANK YOU! Thank you, Adris!”
Ave rushes around the table to cradle Adris’ head to her meager breasts, crying happily at her good fortune.
(Oh, oh, oh! Soft, even if small…)
“I’ll tell you everything I know about the Tree of Life and the spirits so that we can plan!”
“… Humans ever choose foolish paths. Worry not about your chosen one.”
Hopping down, the doll who doesn’t participate in eating simply walks back to their room.
Adris wipes his face as he gets ready for the task of planning since their meal is over.
(I have to decide how to resolve Lycia and Kol’s fates, while also plotting against the slayers and designing our next expedition.)
Closing his eyes, something inside and behind his eyes throbs.
(Nothing I’m incapable of.)
“There are sparkling lakes where fairies frolic on the moonlit surface! Full of minerals and perfumes from the forest around them, they’re truly mystical, Adris! I want to go there… with you…?”
While he scribbles in Codex Rantilius quietly, a single-minded boy shares his workspace with a girl who refuses to quiet about their destination.
“All of the elves who dwell there are beautiful, though I’ve heard there’s a strangeness to them? That sunlight never pierces the hollow where they live and they have only eternal glimpses of moonlight! How mysterious and tragic!? No, but elves are beloved of the moon, too, so you might be mistaking what I’m saying—!”
(It’s interesting… but also I’m busy…)
Ave earns another gasp as she again rubs her hand just over his shoulder to his chest. Adris feels a bit dizzy around the scent of another. Without noticing the effect, Ave keeps gushing about the Tree of Life right next to his ear. Her breath is warm and crisp.
(They won’t leave me alone…)
While Ave has been content to distract him with stories about the [Tree Tops] of the great tree, Kol had earlier demanded a chance to prove she deserved to be paid more.
“Boss!? … Kol is getting tired of Boss acting like this! Boss, strong, but maybe he isn’t best!? … Huh, Boss will see!”
She’d kicked her own stuff in a tantrum and swore she’d prove herself before storming off when he’d dissuaded her gently.
Immediately after, Neesiette had apologized for Kol’s behavior…
“Lack of appropriate rules and conveying expectations be the reason for such outbursts, one must understand such. It be necessary for a boy to demonstrate leadership in effective ways to counter incongruities discovered with behaviors of our membership.
Very well. Let us review at length one’s dictates, demonstrated principles, and methods of instruction for efficiency…”
At first apologetic, she’d began reproaching Adris for his own shortcomings while sitting on the desk next to his work as she launched into a lesson plan she devised.
A scratching quill becomes a bit unstable as he arrives at the central problem of his plans.
(I don’t know how to do this! I can’t deal with Lycia and these loansharks at the same time! I solve one, the other will blow up during the solution!)
“Adris, it’s one thing to simply view elvish art! To see in person the nature that births its forms and feelings is so inescapably different! Oh, the feelings are the best part!
Passion!
Need!
Covetous pulls!
Even if you are… locked away somewhere…”
A sad voice comes as Adris drops his quill on the book.
Wrapped up in her sweet voice, he finds his thoughts straying.
“… No matter what, it’s an impression that liberates the soul and draws one to the wild harmony of the beating forest heart!
To witness beauty such as this, you can’t help but wish to hold it! Elvish art is made to be held, that’s the secret, Adris~! It’s all so… sensual in how it touches you and invites you to touch it— HIEEE!?”
Soft flesh with a hint of forest scent is what he covets.
Adris drinks in this artistic beauty that a girl was describing as he straddles her on the bed.
(… She was right. I can feel my heart beating along with that wild taste…)
Running his hand through her green hair as his muscles burn with repressed need, the grapefruit being palmed gives to the weight of his hand.
(This is what I want to taste.)
“HA! Hah!? … Ad-Adris…!?”
That sweet voice calls to him. The most terrible lure he’s heard constantly sings in his ears, starting from the Castillo overlook and drawing him now to her lips.
“MMM!!?”
He finds the tongue that’s the strangest prize hesitating more than he remembers it doing before. Instead of wrapping around his own, it tries to escape when he forces her mouth open.
The red haze that was blinding him vanishes when he opens his eyes to reveal a slightly angular face with flushed cheeks and tears forming. Crystal green eyes shake as she looks up at him, before she shuts them with fear and awaits his next movements.
Though her lips are wet, she doesn’t offer them again as she turns her head.
“… You’re too beautiful and I’m too distracted.”
He wonders whether it’s attraction or fear that kept her from flinging him with her clearly superior strength. A blouse that he’s brought to a disheveled state rides up her stomach, with her body squirming with relief as he gets up to leave her alone.
“… Ave… I’m… Sorry. I didn’t mean to…!”
Her apology is tinged by embarrassment as she meekly accepts blame.
The girl lays there motionlessly while staring at him with an ashamed expression. Half-expecting something more, she then sighs sadly while drawing her arms to her breasts to hug herself.
Overcoming that alluring gesture is a look of fear resurfacing.
A dagger is stabbed into his heart as he storms out of the room after grabbing his pack and Rantil.
(What am I doing!? I don’t do this!)
(Something is wrong with my body. I’m not in the Castillo, but I still… want it!)
Drinking more of Meltisha’s liquor, the taste isn’t right anymore. Something uncomfortable drives his wants, leaving the fruity flavor disgusting.
(I want… I want a taste of…)
A thought comes to him as he sits out on the patio while giving himself to the cool wind. Digging into his pack, one of his last true pleasures is drawn out.
A half-finished bottle of honey wine is what sets his mouth to watering.
(… As good a time as any. I can just drink and relax… I deserve that much.)
Its opaque, sturdy glass is appealing as he stares at it, but he grinds his teeth in frustration while wondering about other things.
(… Stupid fucking girls! Leave me alone! I’m trying to save you all and you won’t shut up!)
Refraining from smashing the table, this frustration hisses out with his breath.
(Fuck them, I’m drinking tonight!)
He goes to find a goblet that he left outside near the door from his evening with Kol. He flips it playfully while turning with a smile on his face.
(Finally, some time to—)
Staring back at him is an eyeless porcelain mask with a broad grin on it.
Wrapped in a heavy, long cloak, this wraith-like figure stands at ease with her hand gestures fluid, before pointing to the bottle she holds.
{Ah, are you sure you have time for something like this? Are you sure you… deserve the reward without the chase?}
She sneaks it into her cloak to hide it.
Before rubbing against her chin and then offering the hand invitingly to Adris.
{Just how good are you, Adris?}
Throwing himself at her, she dodges between tables before hopping out of the patio at full speed.
Adris gives himself to the chase without regard for anything else.
(FUCK YOU! GET BACK! … FUCK! Tonight… you’re going to… understand who I am…!)
Through streets and alleyways he follows without seeing anything but the figure.
When she hops a wall and then shimmies up to a roof, Adris entrusts himself to rabbit boots that seethe with anger, too.
Bounding along a stone roof under cloudy skies, Still makes the mistake of trying to lose him in a place he knows very well.
(Zon’Til was nothing but roofs, you stupid bitch! How do you think we managed to survive!? How I became so acrobatic!? I am the roof running god and you are mine!)
Characters:
Characters:
Name: Adris fehl Dain, “Boss”, “Starr”
Titles: Lycia’s Little Brother, True False God, Slayer
Race: Xin’El, Emperor’s Child (Human)
Sex: Male
Age: ?? – Young
Occupation: Crossbearer; “Star of Ruin, Cast Down from the Sky Upon a Dying World”, Slayer of Petripolis
Discipline: [Rule in Dark]
Powers:
[Tool Savant] – “Adris is a tool-collecting-and-utilizing fanatic. Most men would consider him disgusting for loving tools more than his own partner. Has so many tools that it can be said to be his true power. What does he do when he has no tools left? He seeks to acquire more, obviously!”
[Rule in Dark – Wave of Darkness] – “Making victory possible? No, no, no. That thing isn’t that kind! There’s more than that!”
[Brainfry] – “You’re still with me, right buddy? Yeah, you’re still there.”
[Refuse to Kneel] – “Ah, even the Alchemaster can’t make me submit! This is the one that’s saved me all those times!?”
[Tongue of Air and Darkness] – “What’s the difference between this and the old one? Why ‘air’?”
[Conceptual Refusal] – “How the fuck does dominating people’s minds turn into a weird statement like this!?”
[Obscuring Sonjil] – “Man, this thing has gotten pretty strong on Zennia. At first only creating an area of fog, it can now cover a direction? Is something wrong…?”
[Marital Arts – Self-taught] – “Hoh, even if it’s dangerous to use, it feels good to prove to myself that the body is still as willing as the mind! Even if I can’t call it aura, something is inside me now!”
[Verisimilitude] – “Stop giving weird names to what I do! But if my imaginative truths are more believable now, I’m not gonna complain.”
[A WONDERFUL CURSE] – “If that old corpse wasn’t already dead, I’d definitely kill him!”
Disposition: Resilient / Adaptable / Sinner
Alignment: Chaotic
Eyes: Black
Hair: Black, with strands of White
Skin: Tanned
Statistics:
Rantil Value – “Even after all of that, Master is still an idiot!”
Stats
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – E
Vitality – E
Dexterity – D
Agility – C
Intelligence – D
Mentality – C
Luck – F
Charisma – D
“If you want more, stop being mean to Rantil!”
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “Much the same as before, but isn’t the way you look at others a bit more dashing, now? Forced to open yourself to the world, perhaps the gentleman may grow? That is likely impossible, isn’t it, Adris?”
“This sort of man is the one you’ve always longed to be, yes? While others would prefer outright power, it doesn’t do for you unless you live on the edge of destruction, correct?”
“Do you think a man that hides all his pain is seductive? Isn’t it the opposite? Shouldn’t you lay it out on them?”
Description:
“A boy who is a bit out of place as far as features, he descended from the top of the Castillo to the bottom by pluck, luck, and outrageous lying. Reborn into the world of Zennia, what can be said other than ‘he’s still exactly the same, but different’?”
“Taking advantage of his notoriety, he throws himself into his new role. Already plotting their heaven or hell, Adris thinks he can take on every last slayer in Petripolis.”
“Forces himself to take on the task of solving all problems, but is he really up to the task?”
Commentary:
“Everyone has a tipping point. You can’t just keep throwing on more emotional problems.”
Name: “Kol” fehl Dain, “Pink”
Titles: Idiot, “Tyrant Knight”
Race: Kobold
Sex: Female
Age: ???
Occupation: Delver, Frontliner
Discipline: Tyrant Squire
Powers:
[Invisible Edge] – “Axe goes through everything?”
[Full Contact] – “Wanna go!? Kol, let fists talk!”
[“Ride on Dread“] – “THE WORLD, BELONG KOL! KAKAKA!”
[“Tyranny”] – “EVERYONE, SEE KOL’S AUTHORITY!”
Disposition: Straightforward / Confrontational / Respectful
Alignment: Neutral
Eyes: Pink
Hair: White
Skin: Tanned
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – C-?!?
Vitality – C-?!?
Dexterity – E
Agility – F
Intelligence – F
Mentality – C
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “Are you attracted to rampaging metal? Though in your case, you appreciate the voice, don’t you? Do you long to see more? If she reminds you of a certain someone, then…?”
“Being sought by others is quite cruel, isn’t it?”
“How does it feel? Seeing her have more impact than you thought it possible for you to have?”
“Justice is beauty, but only if it’s your justice, right?”
Description:
“Brash and forthright, a warrior wielding an axe with two hands forsakes protection to deliver only harm. Contrary to this impression, she also seems interested in a straight up fight. If her words are any indication, she offers little thought to her actions.”
“Knows how to deal with difficult people.”
“Is also a difficult person. The former barmaid of Slayer’s Call, she also has a definite reputation that all slayers are aware of. Since only one chose to face her, it can be assumed her credibility is real.”
“Is used to being the one who is found wanting by her party, though she obviously rails against it every time.”
Commentary:
“Smarter doesn’t mean smart?”
Name: Still
Titles: Puddle
Race: Human?
Sex: Female
Age: Young Lady
Occupation: Delver, Trickster/Outfighter
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[“Reprisal Strike”] – {You had it coming, deciding you could oppose me and walk away from it.}
[“Surprising Agility”] – {Is it honestly surprising by now? Walls are just another surface~!}
[Nectar] – {How does my suffering taste, spawn of “cursed blood”!?}
[Delusional Movement] – {How did you forget that shadows are also a doorway, Adris?}
Disposition: Playful / Sadistic / Skulking
Alignment: Chaotic
Eyes: ???
Hair: ???
Skin: ???
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – E
Vitality – E
Dexterity – C
Agility – C
Intelligence – C
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “Do you really think it’s not obvious? What she possesses is what you’ve missed all your life, yes? Breasts and curves… are these not a new fruit for you to taste?”
“Do you appreciate what she does or merely rely upon it? Which is more dangerous? Adris, do you not understand women?”
“You seem to have ended up on her good side, for once?”
“Renewed in vigor and purpose, isn’t she more beautiful as she grows more dangerous?”
“Finally challenging you head on, isn’t this what you’ve longed for the whole time? A chance to decide who is the best?”
Description:
“A mute girl who says much with gestures, she also has more going on than she seems to. Though not outwardly aggressive, there’s an atmosphere of danger about her. Opposite of Kol, hers is subtle… Yet, she also can protect others. Given to acrobatics, it matches with her dark, but flamboyant, colors.”
“Appears to repay debts, if begrudgingly at times.”
“Shows that she doesn’t stay with them, but the question then is where does the girl call home?”
“Upon returning, she has grown to a new height of skullduggery.”
“Though useful, that’s not the same as saying she’s completely reliable. What goes through her mind as she leads Adris on? This is the important question.”
Commentary:
“I know it’s easy to hate characters who don’t give in easily, but please give Still a chance.”
Name: Neesiette vera Luna
Titles: “Moon”
Race: Lunamata
Sex: Female
Age: ???
Occupation: Delver, Mystic
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[Rod of Force] – “In what way would it be changed? As designed, so shall it function, correct?”
[Rod of Respelling] – “A lady be every ready to instruct regarding what be in error.”
[“Brings An End” – Ponderous] – “[Ponderous was the end, for the unfair passage of time finally brought even earth to its conclusion]…”
Disposition: Impassive / Calculating / Curious
Alignment: Ordered
Eyes: Pale Violet
Hair: Amber
Skin: Pale White
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Strength – F
Vitality – F
Dexterity – D
Agility – E
Intelligence – B
Mentality – C
Luck – F
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “First imps, and now short girls? This is certainly becoming a pattern, isn’t it? Though you might not fare badly with a girl as beautiful as this, yes? Though she’s a little perfect, doesn’t she seem oddly demure?”
“Is Petripolis the place to find other charming ladies like this one?”
“Do you not feel she regards herself as royalty in many ways?”
“If she believes in you, isn’t this a sign that you’ve increased your standing with her?”
“Though not as tyrannical as Kol, doesn’t she appear to be almost as recalcitrant?”
Description:
“An otherworldly existence, she wears clothing that doesn’t fit with the Castillo. With mannerisms quite distinct from all others, even the girls she travels with seem incomparable to her uniqueness. Yet, she definitely seems to be in charge…?”
“Though not the leader of the party, she seems most eager to be at the side of…?”
“Within a room owned by two girls mostly, she claims only one spot, a throne made for her.”
“Quickly abandons responsibilities that force her to make decisions.”
“Even when she approves of your methods, she will grade your means.”
Commentary:
“Will never let things go.”
Name: Avenalliah Aurmaris
Titles: Lustful Lizard, Elf
Race: Elf
Sex: Female
Age: Young
Occupation: Delver, Scared Girl
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[“Sylvan Calling”] – “The spirits play when they want to! … They really do! Why are you looking at me like that!?”
[Preternatural Strikes] – “Um, I’ve always been pretty good with a whip? Elves use a lot of weapons! I just like… my whip…?”
[Monstrous Strength] – “EH!? Why is it monstrous!? Elves aren’t monsters!”
[“Unknown Angel”] – “Ave doesn’t feel especially blessed…”
Disposition: Joyful / Impressionable / Cowardly
Alignment: Neutral
Eyes: Crystal Green
Hair: Moss Green
Skin: White
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Strength – C
Vitality – D
Dexterity – C
Intelligence – C
Mentality – F
Luck – A
Charisma – C
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “While not possessing your newly favorite curves, isn’t a girl with a naive charm also fine? Because she covers so little, you are also left without having to imagine what you could possess, yes?”
“How do you feel about her eccentricities, now that you are freed from your libido?”
“Why didn’t you join her?”
“Are you going to keep running from the inevitable?”
“Though you throw yourself on top of her, you back away at the last moment?”
Description:
“As cheerful as she is skittish, Avenalliah fits an unknown position within the four delvers’ group. Though she carries a large sack, that would hardly count as a position… right?”
“Though she’s kind, she doesn’t let others try and take what she’s claimed.”
“An elf in all ways, she is also their biggest fangirl.”
“Finding her home again, she has regained some of her bravado and adventurousness.”
“Having faced what gave her deep scars, it’s wise not to resurface those memories.”
Commentary:
“She’s trying to change herself, honest.”
Characters:
Name: Adris fehl Dain, “Boss”, “Starr”
Titles: Lycia’s Little Brother, True False God, Slayer
Race: Xin’El, Emperor’s Child (Human)
Sex: Male
Age: ?? – Young
Occupation: Crossbearer; “Star of Ruin, Cast Down from the Sky Upon a Dying World”, Slayer of Petripolis
Discipline: [Rule in Dark]
Powers:
[Tool Savant] – “Adris is a tool-collecting-and-utilizing fanatic. Most men would consider him disgusting for loving tools more than his own partner. Has so many tools that it can be said to be his true power. What does he do when he has no tools left? He seeks to acquire more, obviously!”[Rule in Dark – Wave of Darkness] – “Making victory possible? No, no, no. That thing isn’t that kind! There’s more than that!”
[Brainfry] – “You’re still with me, right buddy? Yeah, you’re still there.”
[Refuse to Kneel] – “Ah, even the Alchemaster can’t make me submit! This is the one that’s saved me all those times!?”
[Tongue of Air and Darkness] – “What’s the difference between this and the old one? Why ‘air’?”
[Conceptual Refusal] – “How the fuck does dominating people’s minds turn into a weird statement like this!?”
[Obscuring Sonjil] – “Man, this thing has gotten pretty strong on Zennia. At first only creating an area of fog, it can now cover a direction? Is something wrong…?”
[Marital Arts – Self-taught] – “Hoh, even if it’s dangerous to use, it feels good to prove to myself that the body is still as willing as the mind! Even if I can’t call it aura, something is inside me now!”
[Verisimilitude] – “Stop giving weird names to what I do! But if my imaginative truths are more believable now, I’m not gonna complain.”
[A WONDERFUL CURSE] – “If that old corpse wasn’t already dead, I’d definitely kill him!”
Disposition: Resilient / Adaptable / Sinner
Alignment: Chaotic
Eyes: Black
Hair: Black, with strands of White
Skin: Tanned
Statistics:
Rantil Value – “Even after all of that, Master is still an idiot!”
Stats
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – E
Vitality – E
Dexterity – D
Agility – C
Intelligence – D
Mentality – C
Luck – F
Charisma – D
“If you want more, stop being mean to Rantil!”
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – E
Vitality – E
Dexterity – D
Agility – C
Intelligence – D
Mentality – C
Luck – F
Charisma – D
“If you want more, stop being mean to Rantil!”
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “Much the same as before, but isn’t the way you look at others a bit more dashing, now? Forced to open yourself to the world, perhaps the gentleman may grow? That is likely impossible, isn’t it, Adris?”
“This sort of man is the one you’ve always longed to be, yes? While others would prefer outright power, it doesn’t do for you unless you live on the edge of destruction, correct?”
“Do you think a man that hides all his pain is seductive? Isn’t it the opposite? Shouldn’t you lay it out on them?”
Description:
“A boy who is a bit out of place as far as features, he descended from the top of the Castillo to the bottom by pluck, luck, and outrageous lying. Reborn into the world of Zennia, what can be said other than ‘he’s still exactly the same, but different’?”
“Taking advantage of his notoriety, he throws himself into his new role. Already plotting their heaven or hell, Adris thinks he can take on every last slayer in Petripolis.”
“Forces himself to take on the task of solving all problems, but is he really up to the task?”
Commentary:
“Everyone has a tipping point. You can’t just keep throwing on more emotional problems.”
Name: “Kol” fehl Dain, “Pink”
Titles: Idiot, “Tyrant Knight”
Race: Kobold
Sex: Female
Age: ???
Occupation: Delver, Frontliner
Discipline: Tyrant Squire
Powers:
[Invisible Edge] – “Axe goes through everything?”
[Full Contact] – “Wanna go!? Kol, let fists talk!”
[“Ride on Dread“] – “THE WORLD, BELONG KOL! KAKAKA!”
[“Tyranny”] – “EVERYONE, SEE KOL’S AUTHORITY!”
Disposition: Straightforward / Confrontational / Respectful
Alignment: Neutral
Eyes: Pink
Hair: White
Skin: Tanned
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – C-?!?
Vitality – C-?!?
Dexterity – E
Agility – F
Intelligence – F
Mentality – C
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “Are you attracted to rampaging metal? Though in your case, you appreciate the voice, don’t you? Do you long to see more? If she reminds you of a certain someone, then…?”
“Being sought by others is quite cruel, isn’t it?”
“How does it feel? Seeing her have more impact than you thought it possible for you to have?”
“Justice is beauty, but only if it’s your justice, right?”
Description:
“Brash and forthright, a warrior wielding an axe with two hands forsakes protection to deliver only harm. Contrary to this impression, she also seems interested in a straight up fight. If her words are any indication, she offers little thought to her actions.”
“Knows how to deal with difficult people.”
“Is also a difficult person. The former barmaid of Slayer’s Call, she also has a definite reputation that all slayers are aware of. Since only one chose to face her, it can be assumed her credibility is real.”
“Is used to being the one who is found wanting by her party, though she obviously rails against it every time.”
Commentary:
“Smarter doesn’t mean smart?”
Name: Still
Titles: Puddle
Race: Human?
Sex: Female
Age: Young Lady
Occupation: Delver, Trickster/Outfighter
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[“Reprisal Strike”] – {You had it coming, deciding you could oppose me and walk away from it.}
[“Surprising Agility”] – {Is it honestly surprising by now? Walls are just another surface~!}
[Nectar] – {How does my suffering taste, spawn of “cursed blood”!?}
[Delusional Movement] – {How did you forget that shadows are also a doorway, Adris?}
Disposition: Playful / Sadistic / Skulking
Alignment: Chaotic
Eyes: ???
Hair: ???
Skin: ???
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – E
Vitality – E
Dexterity – C
Agility – C
Intelligence – C
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “Do you really think it’s not obvious? What she possesses is what you’ve missed all your life, yes? Breasts and curves… are these not a new fruit for you to taste?”
“Do you appreciate what she does or merely rely upon it? Which is more dangerous? Adris, do you not understand women?”
“You seem to have ended up on her good side, for once?”
“Renewed in vigor and purpose, isn’t she more beautiful as she grows more dangerous?”
“Finally challenging you head on, isn’t this what you’ve longed for the whole time? A chance to decide who is the best?”
Description:
“A mute girl who says much with gestures, she also has more going on than she seems to. Though not outwardly aggressive, there’s an atmosphere of danger about her. Opposite of Kol, hers is subtle… Yet, she also can protect others. Given to acrobatics, it matches with her dark, but flamboyant, colors.”
“Appears to repay debts, if begrudgingly at times.”
“Shows that she doesn’t stay with them, but the question then is where does the girl call home?”
“Upon returning, she has grown to a new height of skullduggery.”
“Though useful, that’s not the same as saying she’s completely reliable. What goes through her mind as she leads Adris on? This is the important question.”
Commentary:
“I know it’s easy to hate characters who don’t give in easily, but please give Still a chance.”
Name: Neesiette vera Luna
Titles: “Moon”
Race: Lunamata
Sex: Female
Age: ???
Occupation: Delver, Mystic
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[Rod of Force] – “In what way would it be changed? As designed, so shall it function, correct?”
[Rod of Respelling] – “A lady be every ready to instruct regarding what be in error.”
[“Brings An End” – Ponderous] – “[Ponderous was the end, for the unfair passage of time finally brought even earth to its conclusion]…”
Disposition: Impassive / Calculating / Curious
Alignment: Ordered
Eyes: Pale Violet
Hair: Amber
Skin: Pale White
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Strength – F
Vitality – F
Dexterity – D
Agility – E
Intelligence – B
Mentality – C
Luck – F
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “First imps, and now short girls? This is certainly becoming a pattern, isn’t it? Though you might not fare badly with a girl as beautiful as this, yes? Though she’s a little perfect, doesn’t she seem oddly demure?”
“Is Petripolis the place to find other charming ladies like this one?”
“Do you not feel she regards herself as royalty in many ways?”
“If she believes in you, isn’t this a sign that you’ve increased your standing with her?”
“Though not as tyrannical as Kol, doesn’t she appear to be almost as recalcitrant?”
Description:
“An otherworldly existence, she wears clothing that doesn’t fit with the Castillo. With mannerisms quite distinct from all others, even the girls she travels with seem incomparable to her uniqueness. Yet, she definitely seems to be in charge…?”
“Though not the leader of the party, she seems most eager to be at the side of…?”
“Within a room owned by two girls mostly, she claims only one spot, a throne made for her.”
“Quickly abandons responsibilities that force her to make decisions.”
“Even when she approves of your methods, she will grade your means.”
Commentary:
“Will never let things go.”
Name: Avenalliah Aurmaris
Titles: Lustful Lizard, Elf
Race: Elf
Sex: Female
Age: Young
Occupation: Delver, Scared Girl
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[“Sylvan Calling”] – “The spirits play when they want to! … They really do! Why are you looking at me like that!?”
[Preternatural Strikes] – “Um, I’ve always been pretty good with a whip? Elves use a lot of weapons! I just like… my whip…?”
[Monstrous Strength] – “EH!? Why is it monstrous!? Elves aren’t monsters!”
[“Unknown Angel”] – “Ave doesn’t feel especially blessed…”
Disposition: Joyful / Impressionable / Cowardly
Alignment: Neutral
Eyes: Crystal Green
Hair: Moss Green
Skin: White
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Strength – C
Vitality – D
Dexterity – C
Intelligence – C
Mentality – F
Luck – A
Charisma – C
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “While not possessing your newly favorite curves, isn’t a girl with a naive charm also fine? Because she covers so little, you are also left without having to imagine what you could possess, yes?”
“How do you feel about her eccentricities, now that you are freed from your libido?”
“Why didn’t you join her?”
“Are you going to keep running from the inevitable?”
“Though you throw yourself on top of her, you back away at the last moment?”
Description:
“As cheerful as she is skittish, Avenalliah fits an unknown position within the four delvers’ group. Though she carries a large sack, that would hardly count as a position… right?”
“Though she’s kind, she doesn’t let others try and take what she’s claimed.”
“An elf in all ways, she is also their biggest fangirl.”
“Finding her home again, she has regained some of her bravado and adventurousness.”
“Having faced what gave her deep scars, it’s wise not to resurface those memories.”
Commentary:
“She’s trying to change herself, honest.”
Glossary: