B ) Work out her problem and give her advice.
Katachi patted the red-haired girl's head.
K : "..."
R : "... Don't touch me..."
The warning hinted with anger and grief didn't make him flinch.
The hunter girl smacked his hand away from her head, ran toward the fixated wind blade, and gripped it tight.
R : "... Don't touch me! If you are going to kill me, do it quickly! I accept only a warrior's death; Not a prostitute's!!"
The winds howled and enveloped the sword and her body, lifting her up ever so slightly. A bolt of wind, writhing and tunneling through the air like a serpent, shot out towards Katachi.
Yet, the 定 on his body rendered the attack ineffective.
Roberia gripped the handle even tighter than before, and the currents engulfed her, flowing outward from her center, through her arms and feet. The energy focused onto the limbs and the muscle's streamlined alignment.
She shot out, jabbing her fist against Katachi's cheek.
Surprisingly, his face didn't absorb the full blow of the punch, and he was knocked backwards and over, falling onto his butt. Roberia's body kept going, and she rolled along the ground, properly catching her own weight while landing safely.
R : "!?" (My punch... connected?)
Her knuckle throbbed. The veins on the back of her hand stretched to a maximum, Roberia felt the pain on her knuckle, which had reddened from hitting an object hard. She then looked at the black-haired boy, sprawled out over the ground. His cheek, too, exuded the same redness.
R : (He... He felt that, too, then. Ah, right. If he had magic that powered him up when things weren't in his favor, then it must also be a curse to be weakened when he had the upper hand. I hit him bare-handed, while he had... Nothing?... It doesn't add up that well...)
*Cozy's Notes : Feminists are gonna rush in here, saying I'm sexist for making that 'advantage' Katachi had based off the fact that he's a 'superior' male while Roberia is an 'inferior' female. Dem butthurt feminists. That isn't even true to begin with. And this is just Roberia thinking that he had a power like that. (Besides, if I ranked them accordingly, Roberia's 1st Tier with Ian Bloodcrust and Aozu Makoto, while Katachi is 3rd Tier with Cillian and Jullan.)
See, she doesn't know Chinese wo- I mean, Anikan words, so she doesn't really know what Katachi's Word of Power is capable of. It's natural to assume an advantage like that because Katachi's dagger is wooden, which already puts him in a great disadvantage against people to begin with. The unconscious mind games be strong with this one.*
R : (... No... His Word of Power faded right as I punched him... I think. It's not there anymore...)
K : "..."
R : "..."
The silence between them had become awkward.
*** ***
K : "... So, uh..."
R : "What?"
K : "... Are you, uh..."
R : "What is it? Speak your mind."
K : "... Are you okay with me not killing you? I can't kill you - Segus forbids killing, so..."
R : "You've said that already. Are you trying to reinforce that my defeat is a humiliating one by grinding the fact against my face?"
K : "No, no, I don't mean to-"
R : "Then speak not, unless it is important."
K : "But... It is important. I want to help you in any way I can."
R : "? What do you mean?"
K : "... Well, I've caused this grievance of yours, so I feel responsible to put an end to it."
R : (... It's unpleasant, but at least he's doing it earnestly. I ought to respond to him properly.) "Sympathy from my foe... Hmph. How exactly do you propose that? I won't agree to cowardly, insidious means like pretending to be weak, or attacking you when there is a handicap."
K : "... I don't know. I was about to propose that I lose to you on purpose."
R : (This guy... Seriously? He's not being serious, is he?) "Do you really enjoy mocking me so? I've already told you that me getting stronger is what's important. If I can't even beat you, then how would I face the countless soldiers and warriors of other countries?"
K : (Right, she's doing it for her family...) "... I... I didn't mean to mock you so. Sorry about that."
R : "This is so humiliating. This is the absolute worst. My opponent isn't even serious when he's fighting me."
K : "But I'm serious when I fight! It's not humi-!... Ah, what if, just what if, uhm... your loss isn't humiliating?"
R : "? What do you mean?"
K : "Oh, er, I meant it as in, well, if you could, you know, be defeated without losing face."
R : "What kind of fighting or dueling would possibly not be disgraceful for the losing end? What are you proposing here?"
K : "... A sort of skirmish, a... A sort of... Sparring, I guess..."
R : (... Sparring?... That... Could actually work. I could potentially spar for a countless number of times, and even if I lose, it is merely to gauge and hone my combat ability, so it works really well.) "That is an interesting idea. I could lose to you for countless of times without fear of any penalty."
K : "Ye- yeah."
R : "So, in practice, that means we have to keep sparring. Continually sparring... Until the day I beat you in fair combat."
K : "... I suppose, if you'd... Put it that way..."
Roberia stood up, and walked towards her fixated wind blade.
R : "Kotsuba Katachi."
K : "Uh... Yes?"
R : "Undo this seal on my sword. I wish not to waste it."
K : "... Okay."
Katachi undid the 定 on the sword...
R : "Wha-?!"
K : "!!!"
... And the sword fell apart. The bladed portion broke apart completely.
R : "... What..."
K : "... It broke?..."
*** ***
*Cozy's Notes : Science time! Okay. An object, when fixated in place, has nowhere to redirect the incoming forces toward it. This applies to every physical object in existence. Every object about us vibrates, to release and radiate the potential energy encased within from those forces. This is true for all matter above absolute zero.
When a fixated object, e.g. Roberia's wind sword, is not given the ability to vibrate, all the incoming forces from all angles will press against the raw blade itself. The blade takes in all the incoming forces, from air pressure, heat, even basic compressions of air known as sound, without vibrating to disperse the energy outward. As such, a 'fixated object' is actually very fragile.
Fixating position is simply to set an object in that position - It is still allowed to vibrate in physics terms, and if it's a switchblade or a weapon, it can still be swung around. Fixating the object itself, however, causes its durability to be significantly reduced, while removing the ability to move it about. Imagine if you're in a room, and the ceiling comes down and the floor is solid. Obviously, you will be squashed - You're unable to redirect the elastic potential energy away as kinetic energy, which, if possible, you would be flying a few hundred meters like an arrow.*
*** ***
R : (It broke? It breaks the weapon when you unseal it?)
K : (How did that break?! That... How?!)
Roberia was shocked that it broke, and baffled further by Katachi's stunned expression. It seemed as though Katachi himself had not predicted that it would shatter, too.
R : "... Ahh, forget it. I've lost enough as it is- ? What are you doing?"
Katachi took out the small pouch on him, and emptied the little gold he had onto his palm.
K : (I ought to compensate for it.) "... Here. It's not much, but I hope you can use this."
R : (Why is he giving me gold? Me, the princess of Rugnud and prominent heir to the throne, wouldn't need these pea-sized grains!) "Wha- What's with you?"
K : "That weapon was probably really expensive! I don't have much, but please accept this."
R : (What's with this guy? I don't need that gold at all. I can easily get that replaced for a far superior weapon if I go back to Rugnud... Going back to Rugnud after just a... Month's journey...)
Roberia just remembered why she set off on this journey in the first place.
R : "... Okay then. Thank you."
With a soured expression, Roberia accepted the few scraps of gold from Katachi reluctantly.
R : (As much as I don't want to take this meagre amount of gold, I'd probably need as much as I can get. If I go back right now, it would truly be disgraceful on my part.)
K : (... I'm worried for her family. She's here, and the gold I gave is with her, not her family. Will they hold out, I wonder?) "I don't think it would help your family much, but I hope for their safety and peace."
R : (Offerings to the king? From an Ohdean like him? Father would be pleased to hear of this... If only he deserved such praise.) "I'll relay your blessings to them."
K : (... She's acting like it's nothing big. Doesn't she care about her family at all?..) "... I've been meaning to ask... Well..."
R : (What is it this time?) "What?"
K : (... This might be a really bad idea. For all I know, maybe her family's already dead, and she's the sole survivor, but if she's not admitting it then perhaps they are alive?...) "... How's your family's farm holding out?"
R : (Farm?... Farm? What farm?) "... ?"
K : (... I'm not going to hold back if she's not saying anything...) "I- uh, I mean, well... This may be awful of me to ask, but I hope that your family is safe. There were a lot of stories about these Rugnud bandits whom, well, often hunt the weak in groups to grow in influence and strength and gradually become king, and they start out harassing many innocent families and pillaging their crops, and the like... So I hope your family stays safe. Segus bless them."
R : "..." (Is... Is he a fool or something? Pillage my family? Who does he think I am, a farmer's daughter or something?! Sure, there are indeed such crimes being committed in Rugnud, and that is not something to be proud of, but still- !?!...)
That was when Roberia came to a startling realization.
R : (... Does he... Not know who I am?...)
K : (What's with her blank face? She looks like she's... Reminiscing, or thinking about something important...)
It started connecting.
R : (Come to think of it, he's never called me by my name. But, if he really doesn't know who I am, then... It makes sense! He gave me gold, believing that my family is poor and run-down, with a farm to get by. He doesn't know I am a princess from Rugnud, which is quite expected, seeing how I am in Findel and all. And, he is unfamiliar with Rugnud's laws and code of conduct, which is why he avoided confrontation from me, not because he is cowardly or in a rush for time. I wouldn't know what a person stronger than me would do, but one not of a noble, pure heart would surely, surely... Take advantage... Of me...)
Roberia's eyes widened.
K : (?... Oh dear. Did... Did I bring up something I ought not to? It was a bad idea after all?) "What's... What's wrong?"
R : (... But... He didn't take advantage of me, did he?...) "... Do you know..."
K : (Know? Know what? Know... Know something about her family or... ?) "... ?"
R : "... Kotsuba Katachi."
K : (Am I in big trouble? Did I... Did I flip a switch I ought not to have?...) "Y-yes?..."
R : "Answer me truthfully. Do you know who I am?"
K : (? Know who she is? That's a weird question...) "... Not really, I guess. I know you as a really strong, slender-looking red-haired hunter whom can swing a gigantic broadsword without wasting strength, whom has a really... Dynamic way of fighting, I guess? Other than that... No. I wouldn't know you personally. I... I think." (... Unless... Could she have been someone from Sage Raufid Magus Academy? That would be so embarrassing on my part to not recognize her...)
R : (His expressions... Pure! Unclouded! He's not lying! He really doesn't know who I am. He really, really doesn't know. Somehow... This makes me happy inside.) "..."
Roberia flashed a wee smile on her face.
K : (No, that wouldn't make sense. I haven't seen a student from Sage Raufid Magus Academy being this... powerful. This strong in raw, brute strength. But it can't hurt to ask, can it? I mean, she could have infused her muscles or her swords with magic, to make them stronger, or more maneuverable. That's a possibility, isn't it? Even though I've never actually read tales about people doing it...) "... By chance, are you from Sage Raufid Magus Academy?... Or... Something...?"
R : (Asking a question like that... He's actually doubting my identity. That seals the deal. This boy... He doesn't know who I am. He really doesn't know.) "No. I am not a magus."
K : (She's... Looking at me funny... Really, really funny... It's kind-of uncomfortable... It's making me embarrassed.) "... What? Is... Is the linen on my shirt coming apart?"
R : (For the first time in my entire life... I'm talking with somebody who doesn't recognize me as Matalpalhallafaelladrapahamo Roberia... This... This light, fleeting feeling...) "Kotsuba Katachi."
K : "... Yeah?"
R : (... I'm probably never going to get a chance like this. Ever again. He doesn't know who I am. He knows absolutely nothing about me. A clean slate, where I am seen not as the princess of Rugnud, but the daughter of a simple farmer.) "I have a request."
K : (I don't like where this is going... Somehow...) "... What is it?"
R : (I will never let this go. This exhilarating, uplifting sensation, throbbing through my entire body...) "As Ilpoh says, life is short. Therefore..."
Taking a deep breath, Roberia walked towards Katachi, bent down and buried herself in his arms.
R : "... I would like you to be my consort."
A moment of silence formed between the two.
K : (Consort...!? CONSORT!? THEN, THAT MEANS... !!!) "!!!"
R : (Father, Brother, Jullan... Forgive me. I believe that I too, must follow my ideals, just as Ilpoh has.)
K : "I WHAT!?"
Friday 26 July 2013
Sunday 21 July 2013
After 8 long months...
I have reached this part of my story, finally. The next chapters onward, will be named differently - Messiah 1, Herald 1, Endus Reignum 1, and Bad End 1.
Oh, did I mention that Endus Reignum is locked until I've done Messiah and Herald?
MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA- Ok I'm horrible. To be honest, this story is horribly written. XD
You know how there's a first draft, a few more drafts, a final draft, before a perfect publish?
This story, has barely been checked over. I have so many missing details here and there, the entire story is second-draft class. When I finish the plot and whatever... I gotta brush up and fill in all the big gaping holes in the story. The only good chapters I've written thus far are those that have gone through INTENSIVE editing. XD
It's kind-of like how you'd paint a wall roughly first, then slowly fill out the bubbles and beautify it. But no, Tiat Wee isn't doing jack. He should be god-damned ashamed to call himself my Editor.
*TW's Notes : Yeah i am*
At least he listens to my plot. And roughly, just roughly makes out how good it would be. Sadly, that's not going to be enough - He's not me, so he can't fill in every crack and hole if he doesn't know where they show.
I can only make one official announcement thus far - The routes are not going to be of the same length. That means it will take longer for a route to be perfected, and shorter for another.
Still, I can safely say this - I've managed to establish the entire plot for Messiah and Herald. Also, I've already consolidated the ending I want Endus Reignum to end in. So, in a sense, I already have a goal to work towards. It's not all in vain, I guess.
Also, a little trivia for those who aren't accustomed with the term Indictor - In the past, actual scholars of China were able to wriggle and squirm themselves out of any trouble with their knowledge of both the fields, the lands and the hearts of others. An indictor, usually in the format of a well-formulated, co-ordinated strategy to plot the scholar's downfall, is often imployed by the 'bad guys' in those stereotypical dramas from Hong Kong.
In a similar context, these Scholars whom wield Words of Power can get away easily with altering nature their way, but these Indictors are weapons and tools that work around and against their knowledge of their Words of Power. I THINK MY SHIT THROUGH BEFORE WRITING, OK, THANK YOU VERY MUCH...
... RICHARD... (I've got my eye on you.)
Please look forward to the progression of the story and plot for the routes! I can assure you, that it will be... Different :3 If anyone's read my works and inner mind, they know I love one thing the most - Abnormal elements. Plots, ideas, powers, flow of story, reactions of different characters, I love the abnormal the most. Because they fall outside my scope of expectations, and when I read them, a grin appears on my face.
The first option, A ) leads to Herald.
The second option, B ) leads to Messiah.
The third option, C ) leads to Bad End.
The fourth option is sealed. Until I finish & perfect my writing style, the third route remains sealed.
Please do remember that Katachi being so seemingly overpowered is how a villager would view Katachi. What you experience and feel when you observe him, is a reflection of how the commoners view these Scholars. When I get to the actual battles between two proper Scholars... Hohoho. That's when the action peaks like mad.
Until then, I hope you have enjoyed the story thus far.
Oh, did I mention that Endus Reignum is locked until I've done Messiah and Herald?
MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA- Ok I'm horrible. To be honest, this story is horribly written. XD
You know how there's a first draft, a few more drafts, a final draft, before a perfect publish?
This story, has barely been checked over. I have so many missing details here and there, the entire story is second-draft class. When I finish the plot and whatever... I gotta brush up and fill in all the big gaping holes in the story. The only good chapters I've written thus far are those that have gone through INTENSIVE editing. XD
It's kind-of like how you'd paint a wall roughly first, then slowly fill out the bubbles and beautify it. But no, Tiat Wee isn't doing jack. He should be god-damned ashamed to call himself my Editor.
*TW's Notes : Yeah i am*
At least he listens to my plot. And roughly, just roughly makes out how good it would be. Sadly, that's not going to be enough - He's not me, so he can't fill in every crack and hole if he doesn't know where they show.
I can only make one official announcement thus far - The routes are not going to be of the same length. That means it will take longer for a route to be perfected, and shorter for another.
Still, I can safely say this - I've managed to establish the entire plot for Messiah and Herald. Also, I've already consolidated the ending I want Endus Reignum to end in. So, in a sense, I already have a goal to work towards. It's not all in vain, I guess.
Also, a little trivia for those who aren't accustomed with the term Indictor - In the past, actual scholars of China were able to wriggle and squirm themselves out of any trouble with their knowledge of both the fields, the lands and the hearts of others. An indictor, usually in the format of a well-formulated, co-ordinated strategy to plot the scholar's downfall, is often imployed by the 'bad guys' in those stereotypical dramas from Hong Kong.
In a similar context, these Scholars whom wield Words of Power can get away easily with altering nature their way, but these Indictors are weapons and tools that work around and against their knowledge of their Words of Power. I THINK MY SHIT THROUGH BEFORE WRITING, OK, THANK YOU VERY MUCH...
... RICHARD... (I've got my eye on you.)
Please look forward to the progression of the story and plot for the routes! I can assure you, that it will be... Different :3 If anyone's read my works and inner mind, they know I love one thing the most - Abnormal elements. Plots, ideas, powers, flow of story, reactions of different characters, I love the abnormal the most. Because they fall outside my scope of expectations, and when I read them, a grin appears on my face.
The first option, A ) leads to Herald.
The second option, B ) leads to Messiah.
The third option, C ) leads to Bad End.
The fourth option is sealed. Until I finish & perfect my writing style, the third route remains sealed.
Please do remember that Katachi being so seemingly overpowered is how a villager would view Katachi. What you experience and feel when you observe him, is a reflection of how the commoners view these Scholars. When I get to the actual battles between two proper Scholars... Hohoho. That's when the action peaks like mad.
Until then, I hope you have enjoyed the story thus far.
Signing off,
Cozy
Chapter 32 : Decision
As Katachi trudged onward through the forest area, a familiar scent in the air prompted him, luring him slowly toward a reminiscent ground.
He slowly walked across the dirt path and arrived at a flight of smooth stones laid out in a stair-like fashion.
K : (... I remember this...)
He took off his bag and placed it on the ground gently. Katachi planted his foot on the lowest stone, and slowly stepped upward, bit by bit. The smooth stone didn't seem as slippery as it appeared to be, and after a while, Katachi reached the very top.
He leaned his arm against a familiar tree.
He glanced down, at the small, haven-like meadow from this wonderful vantage point - The beautiful meadow where he would watch the Plaincoat Sheep graze. The lookout where he would longingly stare at the children of Mielfeud play with each other and the sheep happily.
And...
He saw the nostalgic root ladder to his left.
K : (... I used to climb that a lot...)
Katachi had often climbed the root ladder repeatedly when he was very young but had stopped at the age of 8 when Mother Rinnesfeld claimed that it was too dangerous. Now, however, a strong, reminiscent urge overcame him - And he climbed down the roots once more.
Katachi slowly made his way down, solidly jamming the soles of his sabots onto the roots, and landed on the soft, fragrant grass.
The place where he was found by Mother Rin.
The herb ledge – His oldest and fondest memory of Mielfeud.
Katachi took off his sabots and felt the warmth of the earth beneath his feet.
K : (... Welcome back.)
Katachi sat on the rock he frequented back when he hadn't gone to Bellpot. Usually, Katachi would reach the ledge via a small, sandy path, but having taken the root trail his old habits kicked in and sat on the rock instead of the stump.
The neglect on the rock had caused moss to grow over it thinly while the stump now had a pansy sprouting from it.
K : (It has only been two months, but I didn't think I would miss this place so. Two months is enough for me to start missing this place... I miss Mother Rin too.)
A red Grovelark chirped merrily, and flew onto a vine, pecking at the little Barkshell aphids.
K : (... That red-haired lady... Does her family miss her? She is fighting to become stronger. I guess she is trying to protect her family and farm, which is pretty admirable. Even if she didn't want to, she has to.)
Katachi stared at the little bird for a while.
K : (... I kind of like that noble personality. Just, sort-of. It deserves praise, most definitely. She's beautiful, noble, strong, and devoted. She is a great fortune for any man whom would wed her...)
*Cozy's Notes : A great fortune, indeed. You become king, get all the wealth of Rugnud, a great, faithful wife if you manage to have her fall for you seriously, a load of servants, respect from everyone in the country, she sure is a god-damn jackpot. Katachi didn't mean it that way, but that's because he doesn't know that she's a princess. If only you knew, Katachi. If only you knew.*
The little Grovelark took off towards the sky.
K : (... I should go back while the sun hasn't reached its peak. I wouldn't want to bake under the scorching heat.)
*** ***
Katachi finally arrived at the little town he grew up in. And, just as he had guessed, the familiar figure was waiting for him at the entrance.
K : (It's her.)
Roberia unfolded her crossed arms and pushed herself forward, out from a standby, wall-leaning posture to a battle stance, withdrawing the sword with curved blades. Katachi greeted her by putting down his bag to a side and faced her with a sorrowful, yet headstrong determination.
R : (If I lose here... I may as well die. Losing to someone like him, a commoner like him nobody recognizes... It is the ultimate humiliation, especially with a weapon like this. It doesn't matter if he has a Word of Power.) "... I will make this painless. Brace yourself, Kotsuba Katachi."
K : "... I'm not even surprised that you're here now. It's been 3 days since the last time we fought, and I see you've gotten yourself another weapon."
R : "This one will be the last one you will see, I assure you." (... Because everything I have is now on the line. This battle will make me... Or break me.)
K : (Please, stop fighting me.) "Well, it looks like a legitimate weapon."
R : "Enough talk! I will end you right here!"
Roberia primed her new weapon towards Katachi's body.
K : (Do you not see...)
And, with a glow and a howl, a powerful gush of air lashed forth from the sword.
K : (... How much your family misses you? 恒定. Constant status - Self.)
A golden word formed on Katachi's chest, this time in plain view, without being hidden underneath his ragged shirt.
The wind roared past him, and he withstood it without even a flinch.
R : (What!? He... He didn't get hurt by that?!)
Katachi slowly walked forward towards Roberia.
K : (... Your attacks are all useless...)
R : (He's... Going to do it again...) "No... Don't... Don't come any closer!"
She feared his approach. The routine was about to happen all over again - He would close the gap, force the weapon into a rough position, and fixate it.
Even before the actual battle had begun, Roberia foresaw what was to come. She wildly swung blasts of air and continuous, streaming gales towards Katachi, to little effect.
The house behind him had started wearing down and was quickly crumbling off from the powerful winds. The erosion prowess of the blade proved dangerous for those unprepared to face that strength, but what overwhelming strength it showcased meant nothing in the face of absolution.
As powerful as the enchanted wind blade was, it proved ineffective against Katachi's 定.
R : (This is... Far less useful than the piece of crap Pybuit gave me... !!)
*Cozy's Notes : Thanks for the heads-up, Captain Obvious, but that's the point. An Indictor's purpose is to fight against Scholars with ease, duh.*
Roberia tried leaping backward and moving away from Katachi using the winds by the blade. She threw herself about everywhere, but she didn't have time to condition herself to the unconventional means of movement. As such, Katachi quickly caught up after a few attempts.
K : (... So, for your family that misses you, for the friends in your village...)
Katachi was now less than a meter away from Roberia. Instinctively, Roberia diagonally slashed at Katachi's body, only for the sword to be stuck on his shoulder.
R : "Wha-..."
K : "... Please... Give up."
A 定 formed on the wind blade.
R : "No! NO!!..."
Roberia's face twisted into one of pain, and anguish. She knelt on her knees and clutched her stomach and chest tightly.
R : (I'm sorry, Father, brother, everyone... I have failed. I can't even beat a mere beggar.) "... I can't go home like this. I'm a failure."
K : (She's worrying for her family... Perhaps her family is under some sort of threat? Maybe she hasn't reached a point of strength that can repel the threats to her family and farm?) "..."
R : (Living on is useless now. I lost. It's a complete, utter failure. I got in over my head, and thought that I would be strong, but this... This dirtbag defeated me...) "Kill me..."
K : "!? Wha- What are you saying!? I can't kill you! Segus forbids killing!"
R : (Segus, he says?... This... This is the ultimate smack of disgrace. The worst. I lost to a peace-loving Segus follower. A peace-loving, passive, weak Segus follower younger than me, who doesn't even train himself as strictly as I do.) "...You... You are a follower of Segus?"
K : "Yes... I am... ?"
R : (... My life is over. Utterly, utterly over.) "I lost to a Segus follower... That itself is the most horrific manifestation of all my nightmares."
K : (... She seems pretty down... What... What do I do? Should I...)
*** ***
*Cozy's Notes : Choice time. Make your choice, reader. And from there... The story unfolds differently.*
A ) Persuade her to go back to her family?
B ) Work out her problem and give her advice?
C ) Grant her wish and kill her? (lol obvious bad end)
D ) Put an end to her nightmare?
He slowly walked across the dirt path and arrived at a flight of smooth stones laid out in a stair-like fashion.
K : (... I remember this...)
He took off his bag and placed it on the ground gently. Katachi planted his foot on the lowest stone, and slowly stepped upward, bit by bit. The smooth stone didn't seem as slippery as it appeared to be, and after a while, Katachi reached the very top.
He leaned his arm against a familiar tree.
He glanced down, at the small, haven-like meadow from this wonderful vantage point - The beautiful meadow where he would watch the Plaincoat Sheep graze. The lookout where he would longingly stare at the children of Mielfeud play with each other and the sheep happily.
And...
He saw the nostalgic root ladder to his left.
K : (... I used to climb that a lot...)
Katachi had often climbed the root ladder repeatedly when he was very young but had stopped at the age of 8 when Mother Rinnesfeld claimed that it was too dangerous. Now, however, a strong, reminiscent urge overcame him - And he climbed down the roots once more.
Katachi slowly made his way down, solidly jamming the soles of his sabots onto the roots, and landed on the soft, fragrant grass.
The place where he was found by Mother Rin.
The herb ledge – His oldest and fondest memory of Mielfeud.
Katachi took off his sabots and felt the warmth of the earth beneath his feet.
K : (... Welcome back.)
Katachi sat on the rock he frequented back when he hadn't gone to Bellpot. Usually, Katachi would reach the ledge via a small, sandy path, but having taken the root trail his old habits kicked in and sat on the rock instead of the stump.
The neglect on the rock had caused moss to grow over it thinly while the stump now had a pansy sprouting from it.
K : (It has only been two months, but I didn't think I would miss this place so. Two months is enough for me to start missing this place... I miss Mother Rin too.)
A red Grovelark chirped merrily, and flew onto a vine, pecking at the little Barkshell aphids.
K : (... That red-haired lady... Does her family miss her? She is fighting to become stronger. I guess she is trying to protect her family and farm, which is pretty admirable. Even if she didn't want to, she has to.)
Katachi stared at the little bird for a while.
K : (... I kind of like that noble personality. Just, sort-of. It deserves praise, most definitely. She's beautiful, noble, strong, and devoted. She is a great fortune for any man whom would wed her...)
*Cozy's Notes : A great fortune, indeed. You become king, get all the wealth of Rugnud, a great, faithful wife if you manage to have her fall for you seriously, a load of servants, respect from everyone in the country, she sure is a god-damn jackpot. Katachi didn't mean it that way, but that's because he doesn't know that she's a princess. If only you knew, Katachi. If only you knew.*
The little Grovelark took off towards the sky.
K : (... I should go back while the sun hasn't reached its peak. I wouldn't want to bake under the scorching heat.)
*** ***
Katachi finally arrived at the little town he grew up in. And, just as he had guessed, the familiar figure was waiting for him at the entrance.
K : (It's her.)
Roberia unfolded her crossed arms and pushed herself forward, out from a standby, wall-leaning posture to a battle stance, withdrawing the sword with curved blades. Katachi greeted her by putting down his bag to a side and faced her with a sorrowful, yet headstrong determination.
R : (If I lose here... I may as well die. Losing to someone like him, a commoner like him nobody recognizes... It is the ultimate humiliation, especially with a weapon like this. It doesn't matter if he has a Word of Power.) "... I will make this painless. Brace yourself, Kotsuba Katachi."
K : "... I'm not even surprised that you're here now. It's been 3 days since the last time we fought, and I see you've gotten yourself another weapon."
R : "This one will be the last one you will see, I assure you." (... Because everything I have is now on the line. This battle will make me... Or break me.)
K : (Please, stop fighting me.) "Well, it looks like a legitimate weapon."
R : "Enough talk! I will end you right here!"
Roberia primed her new weapon towards Katachi's body.
K : (Do you not see...)
And, with a glow and a howl, a powerful gush of air lashed forth from the sword.
K : (... How much your family misses you? 恒定. Constant status - Self.)
A golden word formed on Katachi's chest, this time in plain view, without being hidden underneath his ragged shirt.
The wind roared past him, and he withstood it without even a flinch.
R : (What!? He... He didn't get hurt by that?!)
Katachi slowly walked forward towards Roberia.
K : (... Your attacks are all useless...)
R : (He's... Going to do it again...) "No... Don't... Don't come any closer!"
She feared his approach. The routine was about to happen all over again - He would close the gap, force the weapon into a rough position, and fixate it.
Even before the actual battle had begun, Roberia foresaw what was to come. She wildly swung blasts of air and continuous, streaming gales towards Katachi, to little effect.
The house behind him had started wearing down and was quickly crumbling off from the powerful winds. The erosion prowess of the blade proved dangerous for those unprepared to face that strength, but what overwhelming strength it showcased meant nothing in the face of absolution.
As powerful as the enchanted wind blade was, it proved ineffective against Katachi's 定.
R : (This is... Far less useful than the piece of crap Pybuit gave me... !!)
*Cozy's Notes : Thanks for the heads-up, Captain Obvious, but that's the point. An Indictor's purpose is to fight against Scholars with ease, duh.*
Roberia tried leaping backward and moving away from Katachi using the winds by the blade. She threw herself about everywhere, but she didn't have time to condition herself to the unconventional means of movement. As such, Katachi quickly caught up after a few attempts.
K : (... So, for your family that misses you, for the friends in your village...)
Katachi was now less than a meter away from Roberia. Instinctively, Roberia diagonally slashed at Katachi's body, only for the sword to be stuck on his shoulder.
R : "Wha-..."
K : "... Please... Give up."
A 定 formed on the wind blade.
R : "No! NO!!..."
Roberia's face twisted into one of pain, and anguish. She knelt on her knees and clutched her stomach and chest tightly.
R : (I'm sorry, Father, brother, everyone... I have failed. I can't even beat a mere beggar.) "... I can't go home like this. I'm a failure."
K : (She's worrying for her family... Perhaps her family is under some sort of threat? Maybe she hasn't reached a point of strength that can repel the threats to her family and farm?) "..."
R : (Living on is useless now. I lost. It's a complete, utter failure. I got in over my head, and thought that I would be strong, but this... This dirtbag defeated me...) "Kill me..."
K : "!? Wha- What are you saying!? I can't kill you! Segus forbids killing!"
R : (Segus, he says?... This... This is the ultimate smack of disgrace. The worst. I lost to a peace-loving Segus follower. A peace-loving, passive, weak Segus follower younger than me, who doesn't even train himself as strictly as I do.) "...You... You are a follower of Segus?"
K : "Yes... I am... ?"
R : (... My life is over. Utterly, utterly over.) "I lost to a Segus follower... That itself is the most horrific manifestation of all my nightmares."
K : (... She seems pretty down... What... What do I do? Should I...)
*** ***
*Cozy's Notes : Choice time. Make your choice, reader. And from there... The story unfolds differently.*
A ) Persuade her to go back to her family?
B ) Work out her problem and give her advice?
C ) Grant her wish and kill her? (lol obvious bad end)
D ) Put an end to her nightmare?
Sunday 14 July 2013
Chapter 31 : I_Will_Be_Back
R : "Come... On...!"
Roberia tugged, yanked, pulled and struggled with all her might, at the pillar sword stuck in mid-air. But, all her strength couldn't even so much as make the huge weapon budge, not even a bit.
K : (... Maybe now's a good time to dissuade her from attacking me any further.) "Please, stop attacking me any further."
Roberia tugged, yanked, pulled and struggled with all her might, at the pillar sword stuck in mid-air. But, all her strength couldn't even so much as make the huge weapon budge, not even a bit.
K : (... Maybe now's a good time to dissuade her from attacking me any further.) "Please, stop attacking me any further."
The look on Katachi's eyes had indicated that he had grown weary at these battles he had faced against the hunter of Rugnud.
R : "I can't stop! I must! I must defeat you, and bring glory for my family and country!!"
K : "That's absurd! Surely there is some other way of bringing said glory to your-"
R : "YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!!!!!"
The roar was accompanied with a silence of the forest.
R : "... I have to beat you."
K : "... Why?"
The lack of cultural knowledge coupled with the opponent's disapproval for combat made Roberia relax herself unconsciously - Something she wouldn't have done, had Katachi attacked her in the previous skirmishes.
R : "Now that I have started fighting you, I must defeat you. It has to happen. To be defeated does not mean the end if I still live."
Roberia leaned against the pommel of the now immobile sword a bit, to rest up and catch her breath.
R : "... Seeing how you're a strange Findeli with an Ohdean descent, I suppose it's natural you don't know of our traditions."
K : "... What kind of tradition requires you to kill others like that?"
R : "It's not necessary to kill your opponents. I simply have to defeat you, to show that I have improved."
K : "Improved from what?"
R : "Improve from before, from when I have lost to you."
K : (That's easy, isn't it? Just beat someone that is stronger than me, someone that has defeated me before.) "Then... Go beat someone else that has defeated me!"
R : (What is he thinking!? That obviously wouldn't work!) "It doesn't work like that! It's the growth factor from defeating you that is important! The point is to work around your tricks and defeat you, not rely on someone else's convenient strength! I have to be strong, not manipulative!"
K : (She's troublesome... Isn't it sort of bad that she's out like this, with her life on the line like that? Won't her family worry for her safety? It would be better if she returned home, and worked as a farmer instead of joining the military force in Rugnud, or something.) "... Then... Why not just give up being a warrior?"
*Cozy's Notes : Hey dickhead, you're walking on really thin ice right now. But hey, I can't tell him that, can I? There's no Deus Ex Machina in this story.*
R : "... Is that supposed to be an insult?"
K : "... No, I-"
R : "You want me, to give up on being a warrior?"
K : "Well, uh, no, uh... Yeah."
R : (... What a way to say it in my face. I thought he would have been more tactful at least, but I hate people like him, who don't think about others, the most.) "... Keep that neck clean, Kotsuba Katachi. It may not be necessary to kill, but I will definitely decapitate you for that."
With a swift, brief warning, Roberia picked up her light bag and hurried off.
K : (... Decapitate? Was it... Was it something I said?)
*Cozy's Notes : Damn it, Katachi's age is too young to understand the concept of pride.*
*** ***
"Halt! State your business!"
Roberia had cut through the forest toward the neighboring town Fereport, because it was the shortest route to a large town with much commerce. Now that she had arrived at the town's entrance, the sentries held her back.
R : (Tight security... Is there a big event or an important official present?) "I came to purchase goods."
"Search her thoro- !"
A predacious, intimidating stare from Roberia made the sentry reconsider his standard procedural checks.
"... Pardon my unruliness. Never mind that! Let her pass!"
*** ***
Katachi was still searching high and low for medicinal herbs, and by a stroke of fate, encountered a small, little hut out in nowhere.
K : (... A hut... Maybe I can find someone that knows where I can get some Mestiel?)
The hut is of a small, rather shabby structure. The log walls with stones attached seemed to be in a sub-par standard. There is no door, and the windows are simply holes in the wall. The roof of the hut is covered with stones and hay, which reflects on the oversights of the carpenter.
As he walked into it, a boy older than Katachi tending to an adult woman laying on the gaudy, slipshod bed turned around at the sudden appearance of the stranger.
The two guys blankly exchanged glances with each other.
"... Who are you?"
K : (Oh my. This was someone's house after all. I invaded their privacy...) "I am sorry for plainly walking in like that. My name is Katachi."
"I don't really mind that you walked in. But, could you do me a favor, and help look for some water, or herbs for me?"
K : (! He mentioned herbs? Then, surely he's knowledgeable in herbs too. I suppose I should help him.) "Okay, what do you need?"
R : "I can't stop! I must! I must defeat you, and bring glory for my family and country!!"
K : "That's absurd! Surely there is some other way of bringing said glory to your-"
R : "YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!!!!!"
The roar was accompanied with a silence of the forest.
R : "... I have to beat you."
K : "... Why?"
The lack of cultural knowledge coupled with the opponent's disapproval for combat made Roberia relax herself unconsciously - Something she wouldn't have done, had Katachi attacked her in the previous skirmishes.
R : "Now that I have started fighting you, I must defeat you. It has to happen. To be defeated does not mean the end if I still live."
Roberia leaned against the pommel of the now immobile sword a bit, to rest up and catch her breath.
R : "... Seeing how you're a strange Findeli with an Ohdean descent, I suppose it's natural you don't know of our traditions."
K : "... What kind of tradition requires you to kill others like that?"
R : "It's not necessary to kill your opponents. I simply have to defeat you, to show that I have improved."
K : "Improved from what?"
R : "Improve from before, from when I have lost to you."
K : (That's easy, isn't it? Just beat someone that is stronger than me, someone that has defeated me before.) "Then... Go beat someone else that has defeated me!"
R : (What is he thinking!? That obviously wouldn't work!) "It doesn't work like that! It's the growth factor from defeating you that is important! The point is to work around your tricks and defeat you, not rely on someone else's convenient strength! I have to be strong, not manipulative!"
K : (She's troublesome... Isn't it sort of bad that she's out like this, with her life on the line like that? Won't her family worry for her safety? It would be better if she returned home, and worked as a farmer instead of joining the military force in Rugnud, or something.) "... Then... Why not just give up being a warrior?"
*Cozy's Notes : Hey dickhead, you're walking on really thin ice right now. But hey, I can't tell him that, can I? There's no Deus Ex Machina in this story.*
R : "... Is that supposed to be an insult?"
K : "... No, I-"
R : "You want me, to give up on being a warrior?"
K : "Well, uh, no, uh... Yeah."
R : (... What a way to say it in my face. I thought he would have been more tactful at least, but I hate people like him, who don't think about others, the most.) "... Keep that neck clean, Kotsuba Katachi. It may not be necessary to kill, but I will definitely decapitate you for that."
With a swift, brief warning, Roberia picked up her light bag and hurried off.
K : (... Decapitate? Was it... Was it something I said?)
*Cozy's Notes : Damn it, Katachi's age is too young to understand the concept of pride.*
*** ***
"Halt! State your business!"
Roberia had cut through the forest toward the neighboring town Fereport, because it was the shortest route to a large town with much commerce. Now that she had arrived at the town's entrance, the sentries held her back.
R : (Tight security... Is there a big event or an important official present?) "I came to purchase goods."
"Search her thoro- !"
A predacious, intimidating stare from Roberia made the sentry reconsider his standard procedural checks.
"... Pardon my unruliness. Never mind that! Let her pass!"
*** ***
Katachi was still searching high and low for medicinal herbs, and by a stroke of fate, encountered a small, little hut out in nowhere.
K : (... A hut... Maybe I can find someone that knows where I can get some Mestiel?)
The hut is of a small, rather shabby structure. The log walls with stones attached seemed to be in a sub-par standard. There is no door, and the windows are simply holes in the wall. The roof of the hut is covered with stones and hay, which reflects on the oversights of the carpenter.
As he walked into it, a boy older than Katachi tending to an adult woman laying on the gaudy, slipshod bed turned around at the sudden appearance of the stranger.
The two guys blankly exchanged glances with each other.
"... Who are you?"
K : (Oh my. This was someone's house after all. I invaded their privacy...) "I am sorry for plainly walking in like that. My name is Katachi."
"I don't really mind that you walked in. But, could you do me a favor, and help look for some water, or herbs for me?"
K : (! He mentioned herbs? Then, surely he's knowledgeable in herbs too. I suppose I should help him.) "Okay, what do you need?"
*Cozy's Notes : The world doesn't work like that, you gullible buffoon. Ah, whatever. He'd come to understand that eventually.*
"Well, my sister's suffering from a rather harsh fever, so something like water to cool her would be good. Also, maybe something that can soothe her throat, like Intundia would be good too."
K : (!!! Intundia!? That's a high-grade herb! How am I supposed to find a high-grade herb around here, unless they grow it? Did they grow any?) "... Have you seen any Intundia about? Or, better yet, have you planted any Intundia of your own?"
"No... Not really, but I heard from some adults that Intundia can soothe a person's throat, stomach and intestines."
K : (... *sigh* He learnt it from hearsay... It makes sense, since I can't possibly find something as valuable as wild Intundia about this region anyway. I'll still have to help him though, because he knows this area more than I do - Maybe I can find Mestiel around here, and his advice, however tiny, will definitely hasten the search.) "Well, we can't use Intundia, that's for sure. But I'll see what I can do."
"Please do."
K : (Okay, soothing a person's throat, and a cooling effect... Molwed nectar and Pixle tea should do nicely.) "Wait here. I'll be back soon."
*** ***
"Well, my sister's suffering from a rather harsh fever, so something like water to cool her would be good. Also, maybe something that can soothe her throat, like Intundia would be good too."
K : (!!! Intundia!? That's a high-grade herb! How am I supposed to find a high-grade herb around here, unless they grow it? Did they grow any?) "... Have you seen any Intundia about? Or, better yet, have you planted any Intundia of your own?"
"No... Not really, but I heard from some adults that Intundia can soothe a person's throat, stomach and intestines."
K : (... *sigh* He learnt it from hearsay... It makes sense, since I can't possibly find something as valuable as wild Intundia about this region anyway. I'll still have to help him though, because he knows this area more than I do - Maybe I can find Mestiel around here, and his advice, however tiny, will definitely hasten the search.) "Well, we can't use Intundia, that's for sure. But I'll see what I can do."
"Please do."
K : (Okay, soothing a person's throat, and a cooling effect... Molwed nectar and Pixle tea should do nicely.) "Wait here. I'll be back soon."
*** ***
Roberia had a deadly, frightening look on her face, as she withdrew the pouch of Regal coins from her satchel.
R : (This pouch... These 16 Regal Coins I had with me... It represents both my nobility, and status. I'll keep one for a desperate fool to escort me back, and the remaining 10 for killing that cocky swine.)
The atmosphere of the armory turned ominous when Roberia punted the door open. A merciless walk toward the blacksmith, hinting at her anxiety and lack of tolerance against those who stood in her way made the two other customers give way to her stride.
Roberia pinched one coin between the coarse pouch and her fingers, and emptied the contents onto the table. The noisy clinking of the coins on the wooden countertop suggested a haste the shopkeeper should pace himself with that wouldn't have his ears bleed from her ranting.
R : "Get me your most powerful weapon. Magical, heavy or thorned, I don't care how crazy, obscure or weird it is. Just get me your most powerful weapon."
The shopkeeper could only nod timidly and oblige to her requests.
*** ***
Katachi nipped a bit of salt, and sprinkled it gently over the roots and stem of the Molwed.
It seemed to screech just a little, but the defense mechanism died fairly quickly.
K : (That should be enough salt... I think?)
Reaching for an empty vial, Katachi placed it beneath the spongy portion, and gently squeezed the Molwed flower. The lucrative juices seeped from its pores and gradually filled up the vial at the bottom.
K : (... That should be enough.)
He capped the glass vial and secured the cork well.
K : (I sure am glad wild Molweds have this much nectar. Most people don't deal with this stuff, but it's actually quite easy to work around the screeches, if you can exhaust the Molwed of its water content.)
Heading back to the hut, Katachi grabbed whatever he needed.
First, he opened a vial containing a crushed, pink herb, and left it out onto the windowsill- Or rather, the hole in the wall's rim. A mild, bitter odor gradually filled the room.
Next, he took out another vial of Pixle leaves, and placed a few in a ceramic pot of simmering over a small fire. While the tea was being heated, Katachi opened the vial of Molwed nectar, and sniffed at it a bit.
Then, Katachi slowly shifted the lady's posture to an upright position, before having her down the vial of Molwed nectar. The slippery fluid ran down her throat, and with a cleared throat, the irritation that acted up in her throat could finally be relieved. The lady coughed violently twice, before laying back on the uncomfortable hay pillow.
After that, he poured the tea into a cup carefully, preventing the Pixle leaves from leaving the pot. The lady, now awake, rested upright by herself, and slowly drank the tea.
A soothing, lukewarm burst of heat dispersed from her gullet through her whole body, and the lady finally relaxed. The itch on her throat was removed, her body feels lighter, and her face slept with a peaceful smile.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!"
K : "You don't need to mention it, but if you want to thank me, I'd like to know something."
"Sure! Anything!"
K : (Let's hope this boy really knows what Mestiel is...) "Have you seen any Mestiel about? I'm in need of some to carry with me."
"Mestiel? I... I don't know what Mestiel is..."
K : (... What a pity. I thought he'd know, seeing how he's older than me and all...) "It's fine. Thank you for your honesty."
Katachi exited the hut, with a small crack in his heart.
K : (What a big shame. I thought I'd have a shot at that herb- Herb?! Wait, my Jaanthro! I forgot to take it back!)
Katachi hurried to the windowsill and corked the vial of powdered, pink herb before placing it into his bag.
*** ***
R : (... I've betted everything on this. I won't hold back this time. With this... I will have his head, or I will go back a shamed princess who can't even beat an Ohdean beggar. There is nothing but my pride to lose now.)
K : (Mestiel, Mestiel... Gotta look for some Mestiel. I'm low on it, so I have to find some fast. I'd also need a mortar and pestle, which, if I can find before reaching Mielfeud, I can just use the one at home.)
The two gradually approach an encounter neither can afford to back away from.
*** ***
*Cozy's Notes : Ohohohoho. I feel so bad. It ended off without much hot-blood. Some comedy going on between Town Guard A and Roberia, but she trumps him like he's the carpet she wipes her feet on every night she returns to sleep for 2 hours.
This feels like a filler chapter, if anything. Still, it connects the story well, since the next chapter will be the final battle. Why a final battle, you ask?
Because after this fight the two of them have, comes the choice Katachi has to make.
The choice he makes then will affect which route he will take.
I AM SO EXCITED BUT I STILL ACT SO CALM HYUK-HYUK-HYUK-HYUK
BLUB-BLUB LOL #ONEPUNCHMAN #REFERENCE
Geh. my head.*
*TW's Notes : Chill, Cozy. Chill. Sheesh.*
*Cozy's Notes : In any case, the next chapter after this chapter... will end the Chapter names.
Chapter 32 is the last chapter. For the story routes that converge.
From then on, it's Messish 1, Herald 527/81, or Endus Reignum (insert number here). Depends on which route you're reading (or planning to read, of course). If I ever plan on making this into a proper visual novel... Well, I'll put my own Bad Ends into the story then.
Until then... I'mma enjoy this a lot. I hope you readers do, too!
Just a little breakdown for people that don't read the side-notes :
Messiah is the good route. Generally romantic comedy, and with a fair bit of twist. The route I pride myself the least in.
Herald is the bad route. Psychological, a bit of horror if you can imagine the scenes yourself, but also my second proudest. Because it's philosophical. It's how I view the world.
Endus Reignum is the true route. It's the route I love the most. But I'd only start writing this after Messiah and Herald - I fear that I may need the experience from writing the other two routes to perfect the final ending.
That's all, guys! :D Thank you all for your patience thus far!
Signing out,
Cozy *
*TW's Notes : So it's come to this. I will be honest here, I have no fucking idea what Cozy has in mind for the fucking true route. I mean, sure, he shares a lot about his ideas for Messiah and Herald, and it's surprisingly deep and fucking awesome enough to earn my praise for their respective genres. But I just can't get him to crack and spoil for me the plot in Endus Reignum. I'm his fucking editor, he should at least confide in me or something. Maybe it's his own delusional fantasy come true and he doesn't want to 'pollute' it with any stray ideas, maybe it's a rip-off of some already-existent plot like the main hero or heroine dies early on in the series and it's about vengeance and revenge, or some hot-blooded shit and blah. Shit, that kind-of reminded me about that one series he told me to watch - Gurren Lagaan, is it? Fuck Cozy and his fucking antics to get me to watch anime. I don't think he'd do that, though. He says he hates shounen anime, whatever that is, and the typical plots that are used to increase a person's adrenaline level - Or, he could be a big fucking liar and actually pull that shit kinda stunt, even on my ass. Still... He's definitely put a lot of effort into the good and bad routes though, so I expect nothing short of a great piece from him in regard to the third, true route. Even I look forward to it myself - You should.
Signing off,
Tiat Wee*
Katachi nipped a bit of salt, and sprinkled it gently over the roots and stem of the Molwed.
It seemed to screech just a little, but the defense mechanism died fairly quickly.
K : (That should be enough salt... I think?)
Reaching for an empty vial, Katachi placed it beneath the spongy portion, and gently squeezed the Molwed flower. The lucrative juices seeped from its pores and gradually filled up the vial at the bottom.
K : (... That should be enough.)
He capped the glass vial and secured the cork well.
K : (I sure am glad wild Molweds have this much nectar. Most people don't deal with this stuff, but it's actually quite easy to work around the screeches, if you can exhaust the Molwed of its water content.)
Heading back to the hut, Katachi grabbed whatever he needed.
First, he opened a vial containing a crushed, pink herb, and left it out onto the windowsill- Or rather, the hole in the wall's rim. A mild, bitter odor gradually filled the room.
Next, he took out another vial of Pixle leaves, and placed a few in a ceramic pot of simmering over a small fire. While the tea was being heated, Katachi opened the vial of Molwed nectar, and sniffed at it a bit.
Then, Katachi slowly shifted the lady's posture to an upright position, before having her down the vial of Molwed nectar. The slippery fluid ran down her throat, and with a cleared throat, the irritation that acted up in her throat could finally be relieved. The lady coughed violently twice, before laying back on the uncomfortable hay pillow.
After that, he poured the tea into a cup carefully, preventing the Pixle leaves from leaving the pot. The lady, now awake, rested upright by herself, and slowly drank the tea.
A soothing, lukewarm burst of heat dispersed from her gullet through her whole body, and the lady finally relaxed. The itch on her throat was removed, her body feels lighter, and her face slept with a peaceful smile.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!"
K : "You don't need to mention it, but if you want to thank me, I'd like to know something."
"Sure! Anything!"
K : (Let's hope this boy really knows what Mestiel is...) "Have you seen any Mestiel about? I'm in need of some to carry with me."
"Mestiel? I... I don't know what Mestiel is..."
K : (... What a pity. I thought he'd know, seeing how he's older than me and all...) "It's fine. Thank you for your honesty."
Katachi exited the hut, with a small crack in his heart.
K : (What a big shame. I thought I'd have a shot at that herb- Herb?! Wait, my Jaanthro! I forgot to take it back!)
Katachi hurried to the windowsill and corked the vial of powdered, pink herb before placing it into his bag.
*** ***
R : (... I've betted everything on this. I won't hold back this time. With this... I will have his head, or I will go back a shamed princess who can't even beat an Ohdean beggar. There is nothing but my pride to lose now.)
K : (Mestiel, Mestiel... Gotta look for some Mestiel. I'm low on it, so I have to find some fast. I'd also need a mortar and pestle, which, if I can find before reaching Mielfeud, I can just use the one at home.)
The two gradually approach an encounter neither can afford to back away from.
*** ***
*Cozy's Notes : Ohohohoho. I feel so bad. It ended off without much hot-blood. Some comedy going on between Town Guard A and Roberia, but she trumps him like he's the carpet she wipes her feet on every night she returns to sleep for 2 hours.
This feels like a filler chapter, if anything. Still, it connects the story well, since the next chapter will be the final battle. Why a final battle, you ask?
Because after this fight the two of them have, comes the choice Katachi has to make.
The choice he makes then will affect which route he will take.
I AM SO EXCITED BUT I STILL ACT SO CALM HYUK-HYUK-HYUK-HYUK
BLUB-BLUB LOL #ONEPUNCHMAN #REFERENCE
Geh. my head.*
*TW's Notes : Chill, Cozy. Chill. Sheesh.*
*Cozy's Notes : In any case, the next chapter after this chapter... will end the Chapter names.
Chapter 32 is the last chapter. For the story routes that converge.
From then on, it's Messish 1, Herald 527/81, or Endus Reignum (insert number here). Depends on which route you're reading (or planning to read, of course). If I ever plan on making this into a proper visual novel... Well, I'll put my own Bad Ends into the story then.
Until then... I'mma enjoy this a lot. I hope you readers do, too!
Just a little breakdown for people that don't read the side-notes :
Messiah is the good route. Generally romantic comedy, and with a fair bit of twist. The route I pride myself the least in.
Herald is the bad route. Psychological, a bit of horror if you can imagine the scenes yourself, but also my second proudest. Because it's philosophical. It's how I view the world.
Endus Reignum is the true route. It's the route I love the most. But I'd only start writing this after Messiah and Herald - I fear that I may need the experience from writing the other two routes to perfect the final ending.
That's all, guys! :D Thank you all for your patience thus far!
Signing out,
Cozy *
*TW's Notes : So it's come to this. I will be honest here, I have no fucking idea what Cozy has in mind for the fucking true route. I mean, sure, he shares a lot about his ideas for Messiah and Herald, and it's surprisingly deep and fucking awesome enough to earn my praise for their respective genres. But I just can't get him to crack and spoil for me the plot in Endus Reignum. I'm his fucking editor, he should at least confide in me or something. Maybe it's his own delusional fantasy come true and he doesn't want to 'pollute' it with any stray ideas, maybe it's a rip-off of some already-existent plot like the main hero or heroine dies early on in the series and it's about vengeance and revenge, or some hot-blooded shit and blah. Shit, that kind-of reminded me about that one series he told me to watch - Gurren Lagaan, is it? Fuck Cozy and his fucking antics to get me to watch anime. I don't think he'd do that, though. He says he hates shounen anime, whatever that is, and the typical plots that are used to increase a person's adrenaline level - Or, he could be a big fucking liar and actually pull that shit kinda stunt, even on my ass. Still... He's definitely put a lot of effort into the good and bad routes though, so I expect nothing short of a great piece from him in regard to the third, true route. Even I look forward to it myself - You should.
Signing off,
Tiat Wee*
Sunday 7 July 2013
OMG. You're missing the POINT!
I've gotten a load of complaints on Katachi being too overpowered. 'He shouldn't be that powerful! It makes the story boring!'
The thing is, that's the level of ridicule the Words of Power are. Katachi's 定 is simply 1 of the 292 Words of Power. And it's not even a powerful Word of Power, when I get to the point where he actually battles what would be the toughest enemy in the story - The Scholar that wields the ultimate Word of Power, the one with the highest precedence level.
I really feel like using a spoiler as an example, but I don't want to. Imagine what the world would become if other people, like Katachi, set out on their own journeys to collect these Words of Power.
Imagine if their precedence levels, and knowledge of their own words, are even higher than Katachi's. And, Katachi has only set out about 2 months ago, in the story's chronological order - There have been Words of Power Hunters 30 years BEFORE HE WAS EVEN BORN.
Also, take note of how Katachi could proficiently use 定, but cannot use 解, 安 and 信 that well. Just having more doesn't necessarily make you more powerful, if you don't have the knowledge to use it.
It's like giving a farmer tools he doesn't know how to use, like the collectivization in the Soviet Union during the recovery period between WW1 and WW2. In that period, farmers were given tractors to reduce the manpower needed on farms, so more farmers could go work in the mines. However, the farmers didn't know how to use the tractors, so they often broke down, turned into a huge metal pile, and instead of performing the work of many with a few, it put a bigger burden onto the country's food supplies.
It's the same theory here! If Katachi can't properly use the Words of Power he has, they could end up hurting him instead, very much like how he injured his shoulder when he was thrown back into the rock!
What I mean here is, that Katachi is not that experienced with his Words of Power yet. He may seem to have a staggering advantage over his opponents for now, but remember that it is only because it's not at the part of his journey where he would encounter other Scholars who are prepared to kill him for his Word of Power. Rekter lost because he had been caught off-guard.
If Katachi hadn't made him gullible, there is no chance in Hell Katachi would have won. He lucked out when their precedence levels were equal because he had read the Chinese- I mean, Anikan books at Mother Rinnesfeld's church to pass time, which passively increased his precedence level. But had he not set the trap beforehand, it would most definitely have been his loss, and his life at that.
I am sorry if I didn't plate out and elaborate on the mind games in the story that well. In a part, these negative comments are my fault for not bringing out the real essence of the story properly. I am still a novice, budding writer, but I've been trying my darndest to present a good fantasy story - It isn't as easy to picture out what I'm thinking with text, as it is with my own voice.
So I try. So I attempt. So, even if I never become a writer, I do my best at it.
I thank you all for your patience with me. I am grateful to you guys for reading my story thus far. I'll do my best at it. Thank you guys. I would also like to thank Tiat Wee for bearing with me, even though he hasn't raised a complaint like that. I guess that having an editor you can talk to is bad, because he knows my plan but doesn't think of it happening in the textual format. It's not really his fault, he's not that experienced of an editor anyway. But still, thank you all.
Signing off,
Cozy.
The thing is, that's the level of ridicule the Words of Power are. Katachi's 定 is simply 1 of the 292 Words of Power. And it's not even a powerful Word of Power, when I get to the point where he actually battles what would be the toughest enemy in the story - The Scholar that wields the ultimate Word of Power, the one with the highest precedence level.
I really feel like using a spoiler as an example, but I don't want to. Imagine what the world would become if other people, like Katachi, set out on their own journeys to collect these Words of Power.
Imagine if their precedence levels, and knowledge of their own words, are even higher than Katachi's. And, Katachi has only set out about 2 months ago, in the story's chronological order - There have been Words of Power Hunters 30 years BEFORE HE WAS EVEN BORN.
Also, take note of how Katachi could proficiently use 定, but cannot use 解, 安 and 信 that well. Just having more doesn't necessarily make you more powerful, if you don't have the knowledge to use it.
It's like giving a farmer tools he doesn't know how to use, like the collectivization in the Soviet Union during the recovery period between WW1 and WW2. In that period, farmers were given tractors to reduce the manpower needed on farms, so more farmers could go work in the mines. However, the farmers didn't know how to use the tractors, so they often broke down, turned into a huge metal pile, and instead of performing the work of many with a few, it put a bigger burden onto the country's food supplies.
It's the same theory here! If Katachi can't properly use the Words of Power he has, they could end up hurting him instead, very much like how he injured his shoulder when he was thrown back into the rock!
What I mean here is, that Katachi is not that experienced with his Words of Power yet. He may seem to have a staggering advantage over his opponents for now, but remember that it is only because it's not at the part of his journey where he would encounter other Scholars who are prepared to kill him for his Word of Power. Rekter lost because he had been caught off-guard.
If Katachi hadn't made him gullible, there is no chance in Hell Katachi would have won. He lucked out when their precedence levels were equal because he had read the Chinese- I mean, Anikan books at Mother Rinnesfeld's church to pass time, which passively increased his precedence level. But had he not set the trap beforehand, it would most definitely have been his loss, and his life at that.
I am sorry if I didn't plate out and elaborate on the mind games in the story that well. In a part, these negative comments are my fault for not bringing out the real essence of the story properly. I am still a novice, budding writer, but I've been trying my darndest to present a good fantasy story - It isn't as easy to picture out what I'm thinking with text, as it is with my own voice.
So I try. So I attempt. So, even if I never become a writer, I do my best at it.
I thank you all for your patience with me. I am grateful to you guys for reading my story thus far. I'll do my best at it. Thank you guys. I would also like to thank Tiat Wee for bearing with me, even though he hasn't raised a complaint like that. I guess that having an editor you can talk to is bad, because he knows my plan but doesn't think of it happening in the textual format. It's not really his fault, he's not that experienced of an editor anyway. But still, thank you all.
Signing off,
Cozy.
Thursday 4 July 2013
Chapter 30 : Punishing_Rod
P : "Here you go, little missy."
Pybuit presented the 'object' covered in a sheet to the girl.
R : "What... What is this?"
It was a surprisingly large object, which was about 1.9m long. It was shaped in a fashion similar to a long keg barrel with a hollow shaft that can fill multiple beer mugs at once.
Or, rather, it was a weapon with a very broad and cylindral blade, and a thick grip.
P : 'How'd you like this mighty stick, miss?"
*Cozy's Notes : lol mighty stick*
R : "... What is that?"
The blacksmith pulled the draped cloth backwards, and revealed a baffling marvel - A huge sword. Or, from its appearance of a crumbling pillar solidly bound together, and its flimsy-looking appearance...
R : "... Are you serious? This, is a weapon?"
... It looks like a stone pillar with a stick for a handle.
P : "Don't be shy now, try it out!"
It had been three days since Roberia had been injured by a branch stabbing through her side. She had slept on her enemy's groundsheet not once, not twice, but thrice, and even had a warm, comfortable blanket to go with for the most recent nap. The humiliation was too much for her to bear, so she quietly slipped away while Katachi was asleep.
While Katachi was 'asleep'.
She had not realized that Katachi was awake the whole night, in pure trepidation over her presence in the room. He had not had so much as a wink of sleep. The only reason she had believed he was asleep was because he noticed her coming to, so he closed his eyes, and prayed that she did not notice him. And when she had left completely, he packed the groundsheet and blanket, and headed off on his journey.
R : "This... How is this thing supposed to help me fight against the magus? It looks ridiculous! It looks like it's in shambles! This..." (... Is this... Really the work of Rugnud's Pride?)
P : "Little missy, don't underestimate this weapon. It's been tailored just to your needs. Go ahead, and try it out. You'd be delighted at what it's capable of."
Pybuit turned his back to Roberia, and continued tending to the whetstone and shovel.
R : (... Ahh, whatever. I trust Pybuit enough to know that this... Thing, must be good in its own way.)
P : "Oh, a word of warning, little missy."
Pybuit grinded the edge of the shovel against the whetstone.
Pybuit grinded the edge of the shovel against the whetstone.
R : "? What is it?"
P : "Care not to take any iron on you."
R : (Iron? Why iron... ! Magnetism?) "... I see."
That small hint had given Roberia everything she needed to know about the weapon.
*** ***
The lack of apothecaries in Rulid has delayed Katachi's journey in more ways than one. He had spent unnecessary time on looking for a herbalist. He had spent unnecessary time on tending to a beautiful, wounded girl that for some as-yet-known reason, wants to kill him. And because he couldn't restock his healing salve supply in Rulid, he had to look for herbs while heading towards Mielfeud.
Katachi closely observed his surroundings for any useful medicine to grind into pulp. He took detours of all sorts - Climbing up a ledge by the side, walking full circles around countless trees and rocks, all to look for the coincidental miracle.
No such luck befell him.
And so Katachi continued his journey, searching high and low. What he didn't expect to find, however, was Jaanthro growing behind a mossy rock. Though the medicinal herb has increased in frequency around the south side of Findel, it's not a common sight in the West of Findel, growing at a path between Rulid and Mielfeud.
K : (... It's just Jaanthro. That won't help a lot, I still have plenty with me. Gotta look for Mestiel...)
R : "There you are!!"
Something in Katachi choked up his throat and soured up the moment he heard the nostalgic voice of the red-haired girl.
K : (... I recognize that voice. I don't want to turn around, but I'm guessing she's going to attack my bag again, so I might as well be prepared to fight her so she won't attack the bag.)
Katachi simply leaned his bag onto a rock, and turned around to see the familiar, slender figure of the hunter, with something new in her hands once again.
K : (... What... What is that? Is that... Is that a broken marble column tied to a rod with a handle? Really? Where does she even get these weapons? Where does she even get the money for this? Did she make these herself or something? And why is she still following me?) "..."
R : (That's a positive change from him. He just puts his stuff down and faces me head on now- Then again, I did figure out that his bag is important to him, so he's probably pacifying me by facing me properly. I should make sure that he's fighting me seriously.) "I won't hold back, so if you so much as loosen up on me I will kill you!"
K : (... Is she... Trying to scare me or something? What purpose does that serve? She wants me to fight her, but she also wants me to be afraid and run from her?...) "..."
Katachi wasn't old enough to understand the purpose of intimidation. He had understood the pain of being bullied, but such treatment only places him in an 'inferior' role. To have him understand a psychological tactic like intimidation, which raises the opponent's guard only when he is in an 'equal' role, is not possible as of yet.
R : (... No response from him... His eyes aren't looking at me, but at this, this... Stupid-looking weapon. He doesn't even have his dagger out.)
Roberia swung the large, heavy weapon about, and Katachi's eyes followed suit, just as she had predicted.
K : (...What is she going to do with that, smack me? That looks like it'd hurt a lot... Maybe I should prepare myself? 恒定! Constant status - Self! Constant status - Dagger!)
R : (... He's like a dumb animal. Just looking at him staring at my weapon and not the opponent makes this whole thing feel awkward...)
Roberia readied the blunt object on her right shoulder, and prepared to swing it in a diagonal. She pressed the front of her foot against the ground, and shot forward at Katachi.
*** ***
K : (! Fast!)
Katachi quickly grabbed at the dagger's handle, and swung it to the front, intercepting the pillar's attack. A powerful, loud slam struck Katachi from above, and tiny pieces of rocks attached to the weapon came off and showered him. He felt the huge strength behind the swing from both the sword's weight and the girl's arms, pressing down on him.
K : (... So it's a type of weapon that deliberately chunks off to bypass the opponent's guard? That's pretty troublesome. I'll have to stop it in place.)
Katachi pushed the pillar sword away, and a golden word formed on the huge weapon.
... It's useless.
Roberia forcefully pulled her weapon backwards, and a stone the 定 was attached to was left suspended in the air.
K : "!!" (The stone piece has 定 on it instead?... In a sense, I guess that is a way to counter the fixation, since that rock is considered a detachable part of the weapon. If the weapon breaks apart like this, even I can't lock it and just walk away from her. I need to attack the core.)
R : (He must have noticed that his magic is useless against me. So, how will he react now?)
Roberia ran forward and spun her body about, swinging the pillar in a wide arc and forcing Katachi to dodge towards her left. Sliding her feet on the grass, Roberia adjusted her positioning and slid to an advantageous position, her back remaining unexposed to Katachi.
Katachi ran toward the rock and grabbed at it, chest pushing it as a support to rush at Roberia quickly.
K : (A battle of strength won't work in my favor. I've seen how strong she is. I need to end this with speed... !!)
Roberia, whom was already guarded and prepared, swung the pillar sword at him hard.
Katachi, trying to block the impact, held his hands up and was sent flying backwards - Into the rock fixated in midair.
K : (!! My shoulder!) "Guhkgh!"
He had collided his left shoulder onto the fixated piece of rock.
R : "!!" (His face changed! It definitely changed!!)
K : (This... This pain... I'm pretty sure I was sent flying towards that rock I fixated. That can't be right, can it? I remember taking attacks far more severe than this, like the time I fell from the scaffolding- !! Wait... It can't be...)
Katachi shuddered in fear over the realization.
K : (... Two objects with the same precedence level, like the fixated rock and the constant me, function as normal... She's using that against me, isn't she? I was wondering how I managed to feel the rock when I pressed against it to lunge at her, but this...)
Spot-on.
Two objects with Words of Power placed onto them usually conflict with each other. Naturally, the most obvious result would be the Word of Power with a higher precedence level overcoming the one with a lower precedence level, but there are cases where the Words of Power fight against each other with an equal precedence level. There are two possible cases - One, where the two Words of Power have inept users with the little amount of knowledge they know about them.
R : (It's a window! Here's my chance!) "Rrraaaarrgh!!"
And the other, where the Word of Power is used against itself.
When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object...
K : "!!"
... Both behave as objects normally would.
Katachi held up the dagger into the trajectory of her attack, and received the earthshaking full blow of the diagonal swing. Once again, the realization painfully paralyzed his arm.
The dagger he wielded had, too, been grinding against his body the whole time.
He had simply not realized the fact that he could 'feel' the dagger in his hand because it had been natural to hold an object and feel its presence in his own hands.
R : "Kh!" (He's still strong enough to block, and his mobility is higher than mine. I should retreat.)
K : (... This dagger... It had been redundant!?... No, maybe I can use the dagger somehow - Just not in this situation. She's the careful type - I should confuse her first so she would cautiously back off, and then I'll use that window to think.)
As Roberia leapt backwards to distance herself from him, Katachi quickly sheathed his dagger, and readied his bare hands.
R : (!? He sheathed his dagger? And he wants to fight me bare-handed? What is he thinking? I won't go easy on him just because he is unarmed!!)
Roberia held up the pillar sword, and swung it down. Hard.
The vertical clobber smashed against Katachi's fist, but this time, the result was different.
The stones on the sword cracked and a loud, deafening sound of the stone smashing against something tougher was heard.
R : "!!! The sword!-" (He broke the sword with his fist!? Does he have some sort of magic that exponentially increases his power when the odds are against him?!)
K : (I didn't even feel my fist punching that - The dagger had indeed been hindering my ability to attack...)
Katachi skidded on the mossy earth backwards, and once again, knocked his body against the floating rock.
K : (Ah, what- Oh, this is still here. Guess I better undo this.)
The 定 on the rock faded off, and it fell to the ground.
But, while Katachi returned to look at Roberia's direction, the rock suddenly attacked him back!
It flew and knocked the back of his knee, causing Katachi to stumble slightly. It then 'flew' back to the pillar sword, and simply attached itself to the pillar sword. It didn't go back to the hole it made, but the rock simply stuck to the pillar sword from the direction it came from.
It is a magnet, after all.
*** ***
K : (... That rock can fly?! It flew, didn't it!? It definitely hit my leg there! Then, all these rocks are alive!?)
Katachi panicked.
It's the first time Katachi had seen a mysterious, flying rock like that. The rocks on the pillar sword all looked alike, so it wasn't an understatement to assume that all the rocks can magically glide like that.
R : (If he has magic that makes him stronger the more unfavorable the battle is, then I have to beat him at an equal level? But... That attack just now... That's the first time I've seen his face show pain. This ... Thing, is actually effective against him?)
K : (... Those rocks look pretty menacing... What spell is she using on those rocks? I've never seen a spell like this before. I need to find a way to disarm her or something! I won't have the luck of attacking her like the first two times - Her reach is much longer than mine and she should have predicted that by now.)
R : (... No, no. Think! What he's trying to do is to force me to his level, to make me throw this weapon away. That's his goal - His reach is shorter than mine, so he must be trying to make me remove this weapon, which is actually effective against him. If his magic gives him power when he is at a disadvantage, I must give him his advantages back. He's not powerful enough to beat me, but I'm not powerful enough to break that defense of his neither. I must make him re-equip his dagger instead!)
*Cozy's Notes : In Ancient China, two people of excellent martial arts often fight like this. There is a limit to how fast and powerful one's blows can be, so instead of increasing their own prowess, they reduce their opponent's strength to decide the victor. An act like this is often shamed because it is dishonorable, though. The protagonists in those old-age martial art films often train the hard way, and achieve a power that is true, not one achieved from weakening the opponent.*
K : (She's staring this way at me. Is she trying to predict my next move? That tree to her left seems like a good place to take cover behind. If she smashes that, maybe I can get to her back? Then... Get her to crawl into the branches of the tree, and then fixate the whole tree, maybe?)
R : (He's looking at the surroundings... Is he trying to use the surroundings to his advantage? No! I can't give him time to think about that! I need him to draw his weapon now! I'll taunt him if I have to!) "What, are you so confident that you can take me bare-handed!? Don't underestimate me!"
Roberia lunged forward, and thrust her pillar sword at Katachi. He dodged it just barely, scraping his arm in the process and forcing him to ram against a tree.
R : (I can't give him time to think!) "Dodging?! What, is that the ONLY THING you're capable of!?"
K : (! Only thing... Capable of? Wait a minute, I have 3 other Words of Power with me! Why am I not using them?! I have 解, 安 and 信 with me. I only know 安心 for 安, and I know 信任 for 信. But I know ample about 解! 解释, 解决, 解脱, 解开... !!)
Katachi didn't have the time to think. Roberia heaved her whole body weight towards her right, and Katachi was sandwiched between the tree and pillar sword.
K : (I feel... Strangely moved... It doesn't hurt like my hands or my back, just... Strangely moved. This inability to feel anything... I feel like I'm not me. Not... Human...)
She continued to clamp Katachi, and slammed her full strength against the tree. The tree creaked and groaned at the pressure from the attack.
R : (I can't crush him like that! What's he doing? Isn't he going to take his dagger out to cut his way out or something? Come on, take your dagger out already!)
K : (... 解散! Disband rocks on pillar sword!)
The rocks on the pillar sword explosively bolted out in directions away from the rod within.
R : "!!" (What the- !!)
And with a swift, light tap, Katachi placed a 定 on the black, dull rod within.
*** ***
*Cozy's Notes : Katachi is a retarded young boy. Real retarded.
I made him that way, though, so it's k.
Also, Tiat Wee says hi. So yeah. Look forward to next week, where the exciting conclusion to their third battle awaits! I made this week's chapter super-good to compensate for a lack of last week's chapter!!!
I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!!! love you all!*
The lack of apothecaries in Rulid has delayed Katachi's journey in more ways than one. He had spent unnecessary time on looking for a herbalist. He had spent unnecessary time on tending to a beautiful, wounded girl that for some as-yet-known reason, wants to kill him. And because he couldn't restock his healing salve supply in Rulid, he had to look for herbs while heading towards Mielfeud.
Katachi closely observed his surroundings for any useful medicine to grind into pulp. He took detours of all sorts - Climbing up a ledge by the side, walking full circles around countless trees and rocks, all to look for the coincidental miracle.
No such luck befell him.
And so Katachi continued his journey, searching high and low. What he didn't expect to find, however, was Jaanthro growing behind a mossy rock. Though the medicinal herb has increased in frequency around the south side of Findel, it's not a common sight in the West of Findel, growing at a path between Rulid and Mielfeud.
K : (... It's just Jaanthro. That won't help a lot, I still have plenty with me. Gotta look for Mestiel...)
R : "There you are!!"
Something in Katachi choked up his throat and soured up the moment he heard the nostalgic voice of the red-haired girl.
K : (... I recognize that voice. I don't want to turn around, but I'm guessing she's going to attack my bag again, so I might as well be prepared to fight her so she won't attack the bag.)
Katachi simply leaned his bag onto a rock, and turned around to see the familiar, slender figure of the hunter, with something new in her hands once again.
K : (... What... What is that? Is that... Is that a broken marble column tied to a rod with a handle? Really? Where does she even get these weapons? Where does she even get the money for this? Did she make these herself or something? And why is she still following me?) "..."
R : (That's a positive change from him. He just puts his stuff down and faces me head on now- Then again, I did figure out that his bag is important to him, so he's probably pacifying me by facing me properly. I should make sure that he's fighting me seriously.) "I won't hold back, so if you so much as loosen up on me I will kill you!"
K : (... Is she... Trying to scare me or something? What purpose does that serve? She wants me to fight her, but she also wants me to be afraid and run from her?...) "..."
Katachi wasn't old enough to understand the purpose of intimidation. He had understood the pain of being bullied, but such treatment only places him in an 'inferior' role. To have him understand a psychological tactic like intimidation, which raises the opponent's guard only when he is in an 'equal' role, is not possible as of yet.
R : (... No response from him... His eyes aren't looking at me, but at this, this... Stupid-looking weapon. He doesn't even have his dagger out.)
Roberia swung the large, heavy weapon about, and Katachi's eyes followed suit, just as she had predicted.
K : (...What is she going to do with that, smack me? That looks like it'd hurt a lot... Maybe I should prepare myself? 恒定! Constant status - Self! Constant status - Dagger!)
R : (... He's like a dumb animal. Just looking at him staring at my weapon and not the opponent makes this whole thing feel awkward...)
Roberia readied the blunt object on her right shoulder, and prepared to swing it in a diagonal. She pressed the front of her foot against the ground, and shot forward at Katachi.
*** ***
K : (! Fast!)
Katachi quickly grabbed at the dagger's handle, and swung it to the front, intercepting the pillar's attack. A powerful, loud slam struck Katachi from above, and tiny pieces of rocks attached to the weapon came off and showered him. He felt the huge strength behind the swing from both the sword's weight and the girl's arms, pressing down on him.
K : (... So it's a type of weapon that deliberately chunks off to bypass the opponent's guard? That's pretty troublesome. I'll have to stop it in place.)
Katachi pushed the pillar sword away, and a golden word formed on the huge weapon.
... It's useless.
Roberia forcefully pulled her weapon backwards, and a stone the 定 was attached to was left suspended in the air.
K : "!!" (The stone piece has 定 on it instead?... In a sense, I guess that is a way to counter the fixation, since that rock is considered a detachable part of the weapon. If the weapon breaks apart like this, even I can't lock it and just walk away from her. I need to attack the core.)
R : (He must have noticed that his magic is useless against me. So, how will he react now?)
Roberia ran forward and spun her body about, swinging the pillar in a wide arc and forcing Katachi to dodge towards her left. Sliding her feet on the grass, Roberia adjusted her positioning and slid to an advantageous position, her back remaining unexposed to Katachi.
Katachi ran toward the rock and grabbed at it, chest pushing it as a support to rush at Roberia quickly.
K : (A battle of strength won't work in my favor. I've seen how strong she is. I need to end this with speed... !!)
Roberia, whom was already guarded and prepared, swung the pillar sword at him hard.
Katachi, trying to block the impact, held his hands up and was sent flying backwards - Into the rock fixated in midair.
K : (!! My shoulder!) "Guhkgh!"
He had collided his left shoulder onto the fixated piece of rock.
R : "!!" (His face changed! It definitely changed!!)
K : (This... This pain... I'm pretty sure I was sent flying towards that rock I fixated. That can't be right, can it? I remember taking attacks far more severe than this, like the time I fell from the scaffolding- !! Wait... It can't be...)
Katachi shuddered in fear over the realization.
K : (... Two objects with the same precedence level, like the fixated rock and the constant me, function as normal... She's using that against me, isn't she? I was wondering how I managed to feel the rock when I pressed against it to lunge at her, but this...)
Spot-on.
Two objects with Words of Power placed onto them usually conflict with each other. Naturally, the most obvious result would be the Word of Power with a higher precedence level overcoming the one with a lower precedence level, but there are cases where the Words of Power fight against each other with an equal precedence level. There are two possible cases - One, where the two Words of Power have inept users with the little amount of knowledge they know about them.
R : (It's a window! Here's my chance!) "Rrraaaarrgh!!"
And the other, where the Word of Power is used against itself.
When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object...
K : "!!"
... Both behave as objects normally would.
Katachi held up the dagger into the trajectory of her attack, and received the earthshaking full blow of the diagonal swing. Once again, the realization painfully paralyzed his arm.
The dagger he wielded had, too, been grinding against his body the whole time.
He had simply not realized the fact that he could 'feel' the dagger in his hand because it had been natural to hold an object and feel its presence in his own hands.
R : "Kh!" (He's still strong enough to block, and his mobility is higher than mine. I should retreat.)
K : (... This dagger... It had been redundant!?... No, maybe I can use the dagger somehow - Just not in this situation. She's the careful type - I should confuse her first so she would cautiously back off, and then I'll use that window to think.)
As Roberia leapt backwards to distance herself from him, Katachi quickly sheathed his dagger, and readied his bare hands.
R : (!? He sheathed his dagger? And he wants to fight me bare-handed? What is he thinking? I won't go easy on him just because he is unarmed!!)
Roberia held up the pillar sword, and swung it down. Hard.
The vertical clobber smashed against Katachi's fist, but this time, the result was different.
The stones on the sword cracked and a loud, deafening sound of the stone smashing against something tougher was heard.
R : "!!! The sword!-" (He broke the sword with his fist!? Does he have some sort of magic that exponentially increases his power when the odds are against him?!)
K : (I didn't even feel my fist punching that - The dagger had indeed been hindering my ability to attack...)
Katachi skidded on the mossy earth backwards, and once again, knocked his body against the floating rock.
K : (Ah, what- Oh, this is still here. Guess I better undo this.)
The 定 on the rock faded off, and it fell to the ground.
But, while Katachi returned to look at Roberia's direction, the rock suddenly attacked him back!
It flew and knocked the back of his knee, causing Katachi to stumble slightly. It then 'flew' back to the pillar sword, and simply attached itself to the pillar sword. It didn't go back to the hole it made, but the rock simply stuck to the pillar sword from the direction it came from.
It is a magnet, after all.
*** ***
K : (... That rock can fly?! It flew, didn't it!? It definitely hit my leg there! Then, all these rocks are alive!?)
Katachi panicked.
It's the first time Katachi had seen a mysterious, flying rock like that. The rocks on the pillar sword all looked alike, so it wasn't an understatement to assume that all the rocks can magically glide like that.
R : (If he has magic that makes him stronger the more unfavorable the battle is, then I have to beat him at an equal level? But... That attack just now... That's the first time I've seen his face show pain. This ... Thing, is actually effective against him?)
K : (... Those rocks look pretty menacing... What spell is she using on those rocks? I've never seen a spell like this before. I need to find a way to disarm her or something! I won't have the luck of attacking her like the first two times - Her reach is much longer than mine and she should have predicted that by now.)
R : (... No, no. Think! What he's trying to do is to force me to his level, to make me throw this weapon away. That's his goal - His reach is shorter than mine, so he must be trying to make me remove this weapon, which is actually effective against him. If his magic gives him power when he is at a disadvantage, I must give him his advantages back. He's not powerful enough to beat me, but I'm not powerful enough to break that defense of his neither. I must make him re-equip his dagger instead!)
*Cozy's Notes : In Ancient China, two people of excellent martial arts often fight like this. There is a limit to how fast and powerful one's blows can be, so instead of increasing their own prowess, they reduce their opponent's strength to decide the victor. An act like this is often shamed because it is dishonorable, though. The protagonists in those old-age martial art films often train the hard way, and achieve a power that is true, not one achieved from weakening the opponent.*
K : (She's staring this way at me. Is she trying to predict my next move? That tree to her left seems like a good place to take cover behind. If she smashes that, maybe I can get to her back? Then... Get her to crawl into the branches of the tree, and then fixate the whole tree, maybe?)
R : (He's looking at the surroundings... Is he trying to use the surroundings to his advantage? No! I can't give him time to think about that! I need him to draw his weapon now! I'll taunt him if I have to!) "What, are you so confident that you can take me bare-handed!? Don't underestimate me!"
Roberia lunged forward, and thrust her pillar sword at Katachi. He dodged it just barely, scraping his arm in the process and forcing him to ram against a tree.
R : (I can't give him time to think!) "Dodging?! What, is that the ONLY THING you're capable of!?"
K : (! Only thing... Capable of? Wait a minute, I have 3 other Words of Power with me! Why am I not using them?! I have 解, 安 and 信 with me. I only know 安心 for 安, and I know 信任 for 信. But I know ample about 解! 解释, 解决, 解脱, 解开... !!)
Katachi didn't have the time to think. Roberia heaved her whole body weight towards her right, and Katachi was sandwiched between the tree and pillar sword.
K : (I feel... Strangely moved... It doesn't hurt like my hands or my back, just... Strangely moved. This inability to feel anything... I feel like I'm not me. Not... Human...)
She continued to clamp Katachi, and slammed her full strength against the tree. The tree creaked and groaned at the pressure from the attack.
R : (I can't crush him like that! What's he doing? Isn't he going to take his dagger out to cut his way out or something? Come on, take your dagger out already!)
K : (... 解散! Disband rocks on pillar sword!)
The rocks on the pillar sword explosively bolted out in directions away from the rod within.
R : "!!" (What the- !!)
And with a swift, light tap, Katachi placed a 定 on the black, dull rod within.
*** ***
*Cozy's Notes : Katachi is a retarded young boy. Real retarded.
I made him that way, though, so it's k.
Also, Tiat Wee says hi. So yeah. Look forward to next week, where the exciting conclusion to their third battle awaits! I made this week's chapter super-good to compensate for a lack of last week's chapter!!!
I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!!! love you all!*
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