[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Qvm9ihS.png[/img][/center]

[color=FFE4E1]“Two Imperials coming on the right!”

“Arte, deal with the archer please!”

“Oops, there’s a big wall coming up!”

“To the left! To the left!”

“Locke, update please~”[/color]

Cecilia rattled off instructions at the speed of a repeating crossbow as she continued her trip through the dense alleyways of the eastern ruins, her journey now assisted by two of her adventuring peers. Settling comfortably into her position as scout and vanguard, the Spellblade softened up any incoming problems, adapting quickly to the quirks of this particular group. She was primarily a solo adventurer, of course, one beholden only to the qualifications of her quest and her personal whims, but that just meant she was accustomed to working with other adventurers out of the blue. Just a matter of being thoughtful, really.

Thoughtful, while she forklifted all the annoying problems onto Locke and Arte’s laps.

With Locke’s eyes in the sky and Cecilia’s trailblazing, it was easy enough for the trio to keep away from any major battles. Zephyrus Aria proved to be a clincher of a spell in this situation; there was no need for them to murder any marauders or imperials when Cecilia simply knocked them off their feet and let Locke and Arte to fully incapacitate them afterwards. With such drive-by tactics, they continued through the back alleys and side streets, thankfully never encountering a particularly powerful enemy. Those confident in their strength, after all, largely congregated on more open roads in order to crush through opposition with sheer might and magic…which was quite convenient for the well-dressed trio.

After all, by the time they broke out of the eastern labyrinth and into the center of the ruins, they looked to be the first ones there.

Skidding to a stop, Cecilia twisted open her waterskin and glugged down half its contents, sweat glistening off her skin and exertion causing her complexion to flush warmly. Her runner’s high was still kicking in, and her movement-enhancing magic thrummed through her body like ripples of sound as she looked around, taking in the forsaken majesty of the ruinous palace. Glowing crystals dotted the landscape, congregating upon the tower. Was that the dim light she saw southwards, every night she travelled here? The lilac-haired lady took in a deep breath, her smile renewed. This far away, even the sounds of battle were diminished, dulled. Just a little more effort then.

She turned to the others, hands on her hips. [color=FFE4E1]“Alright, I’ll go check out the tower. Got any magic ya wanna toss at me before I figure this climb out?”[/color]