[center][h2] - Kubo, Cafeteria - [/h2][/center]
[center][@IceSolstice][@Ryougu][/center]

Despite Sirius' objections, it seemed like a solid plan to Kubo. Certainly two or three would be enough to take on most any manabeasts they were likely to find. If they were to move in a group of five the noise they made was more likely to scare off smaller, easier prey, and they would be able to cover far less ground. He could also see conflict arising over the distribution of reagents. If there were five people, and they only found 3 manabeasts, then two people would end up getting the short end of the stick. This reasoning was why, when he was roughly dragged off by Shor, he didn't object. Although the pressure exerted by her fingers made him glad that she had grabbed his vambrace arm, as otherwise she might well have left bruises. Even as he stumbled backwards as he was dragged off he waved back at Lysette, before turning to prevent being dragged across the floor. Certainly this all would go a lot better without that weirdo Riss on the team, and he was glad he'd be gone by the time Sirius returned.

Outside, it seemed Shor was looking to act as a team, which would certainly make matters easier. It also appeared she was no more competent at human interaction than he was, which was perhaps one of the driving factors behind her generally violent attitude. But, away from the larger group and knowing he was on his way to obtaining more artifacts, Kubo found himself significantly more confident. Especially as she had asked to see his artifacts, which he was rather proud of. "The name's Kubo. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Shor." Reaching into his pocket he pulled forth the Sparkle Stick, a branch he'd found and then sharpened, before attaching the reagent (a piece of quartz) to the top with string and glue. Holding it out he could feel the mana within it, and the mana within himself echoing in kind. It was both medium and energy source. 

"Behold! This is my first artifact." As Kubo extended his thoughts and his spirit into the stick the mana within it glowed up, causing the very air to shimmer. Grasping hold of this immense power he drew forth the stick, gathering the energy at it's tip, before slashing it through the air like a sword. The concentrated mana was released, bursting forth into the air, even as it transmuted the very laws of physics to bring about his will in the natural world.

A blast of bring purple glitter popped into existence, covering Shor. She'd be finding glitter in her hair for days, and currently bore an odd resemblance to a Christmas decoration.

"I call it the Sparkle Stick, for obvious reasons. It's power is to generate and manipulate crystals in the air. Lots of them, and quite quickly, too. With some time I can also use it to shape and create larger crystal formations." Proudly, Kubo leaned back, his slight smile betraying his confidence. Certainly he had impressed her, with such a creative and useful artifact. Although she might be reliant on brute force and superhuman strength, this was the tool of an artist, an elegant pen with which he could rewrite the laws of nature as he saw fit. And make some damn fine art, if he said so himself.

Of course, nothing could top this demonstration, so he would simply have to show her his stone arm later when fighting a manabeast. There was no need for it to bask in the long shadow cast by the Sparkle Stick. Each of his artifacts deserved it's own spotlight, after all, and where else would he spotlight a combat artifact than in the very scenario it had been built for. "As you said, let's be off. I'm sure we'll be able to find plenty to do in the mines. Hopefully you'll be able to keep up, although based on what I've seen of your capabilities, I'm sure you'll be able to help." With this compliment he cheerfully set off towards the train station, from where it would be easy to make their way to the mines. Normally he would not be able to afford the train, or at least wouldn't be willing to expend the necessary money, but the wards were given free reign when it came to such and thus there was no reason to go by foot. In fact he was rather looking forward to it, as he rarely got to spend time in trains or carriages.