Warlord and a Skill Seeker [hr] [@Crimson Paladin][@VitaVitaAR] [hr] The trek back would be simple and easy, the forest not impeding their steps as they’d travel. The hunters would obediently follow their captors, not wanting to risk their lives any more than they’d have too. If nothing else, they did indeed seem entirely pacified. That just left what to do with them, and if Akando was right…that meant exile. The only interruption they’d hear, is the sound of some commotion and the bright flash of some light descending somewhere to their south west towards the obelisk where the majority of them had found themselves first in this world at. [hr] [@PKMNB0Y] [hr] “Heheh, if there’s something I’m good at, its doing things under pressure. Probably. Never actually been under any sorta time constraint before.” Lazhira responded with a grin. “So, what are we doing?” Lazhira would ask Misaki, before quickly grabbing the fox girls hand and dragging her out of the tent seemingly forgetting that her life had just been likely in danger not too long ago. At least she was in eternal high spirits it seemed. Soon they had come back to Lazhiras cabin. The loss of the water was, well, annoying but could easily be gotten again. Many of the plant had been rendered unusable, but there was maybe enough for at least, a single sheet left to show off. “I think…you were boiling water?” Lazhira would question, though Misaki wouldn’t get many seconds to answer before a familiar fawn would nearly tackle her when it came out of hiding from the other side of the house. She could sense a faint hint of worry and relief with it, and also a bit of perhaps regret at not being able to help her itself. Of course, this might have been briefly halted by the light show clearly going on at the Obelisk. Understandably, Lazhira’s eyes seemed fixed on it, and Misaki could clearly see the girl had an obvious desire to see what was going on over there. Her Majesty [hr] [@Click This] “No problem, at all.” Mie would grin. “Its my job to make sure my customer is taken care of.” Which would leave Narkissa with the tools to do work with. So she’d get to work getting the rest of the tools together. A large cloth bag was easy enough to find, one that could hold a large quantity of blackpowder. There was also a mortar and pestle among the tools that could likely be used to grind everything up. Wood was similarly likely easy enough to find again, either back at the lumberjacks place or cutting it down herself. Anything else, though, seemed like she was going to need a few custom tools, though she could likely find some applicable at the craftsmans place. There was also some sort of odd lightshow going on at the Obelisk. Wasn’t that where Leannah was heading? A Traveler [@PaulHaynek] [hr] The knife would sink into the skeletal hounds head, cracking bone as the knife was driven into it…though, what exactly the knife was meant to do to a skeletal being, remained to be seen. It would at least, however, give a whine of mild annoyance and release his leg long enough for Nicholas to scramble for his next action. A makeshift flamethrower. A sip of oil…and a stream of fire would launch itself from the torch. Firebreathing in such a way was fairly easy to do by trained professionals back on earth…but Nicholas was neither trained or a professional. As the stream of fire sailed through the air, landing right on the hound that had bit him it would give a hiss of pain before clearly backing off. The second that had missed the lunge from earlier would turn, only to be met with another jet of flame from Nicholas. They were certainly burned, and it seemed their canine instincts had taken over a bit, cautiously now looking at Nicholas like he might not be worth it…and thankfully for him, it seemed like they wouldn’t be pursuing further for the moment. Raising their heads towards the village and towards the snow field, they’d quickly lose interest in their current quarry before barking and heading off. It was now that Nicholas might realize it felt like the edges of his mouth and cheeks had been burned slightly - the gout of fire backfiring a little, quite literally. It really was lucky he didn’t get hurt more than that. It would be easy enough to follow the red hooded figure. They had left a rather obvious trail leading into the forest. [hr] Back to Roots [@Guy0fV4lor][@Crusader Lord] [hr] [hider=Back to Beginnings] Donovan grunted as he rose to his feet, stretching his arm and back as he turned to welcome Akando, [Color=lightgreen]"Ah, there yah are Akando, an' with good news tah boot!"[/color] the large man chuckled merrily. However, before he could question the hunter further on what he'd learned from the questioning, a familiar voice caught Don's attention. [Color=lightgreen]"Honestleh aye'm more of ah dog person meself, but that ain't important right now. Th' lass is ah friend ah mine, an' she's someone weh can trust tah help what we're doin."[/color] he'd respond to Eirhild before waving back to approaching feline. [Color=lightgreen]"Leannah! Didn't know yah were in Dawn! Aye'd ah found yah sooner if aye did!"[/color] The female feline raised an eyebrow at Eirhild, but as she approached Don she gave a small laugh as she looked the man over. Intact and alive. Far more than she’d had hope for a few days ago. Even so, she gave the man a simple hug before stepping back. Was enough to show how happy she was, if her swishing Bastelian tail was not already any indication. [color=gold]”Donovan! I would have done the same if I had known you were around! Even Malphas if I ran into him at this point. Feel like I was a tad harsh back there, as new as it all was. Just glad to see you alive to be honest. Even walked along with Narkissa and ran into a scholar and gracious host in Dawn who has been...more than kind to be frank. Giving us housing and space, food, and even magic practice. It’s...ahem.”[/color] Her words trailed off a little as she thought of Lazhira, spacing out slightly before shaking her head and trying to get to the point. [color=gold]“Basically it's been a hell of a lot busier since, well, we were all in ‘that’ place. Might have tried to fight that Guardian there before running. Learned a bit of the history about it in the last few days even.”[/color] Leannah gestured toward the obelisk with her head, a sigh escaping her lips. [color=gold]“Seems I am a member of a not-so-well-loved race when it comes to locals too...maybe more, with how your other companion seems to look at me. Also played a game with the mad God of Knowledge and got half burned trying to not die to get information. To even try to summarize any more of what I’ve seen and heard any more would take a lot longer than it seems you might have the time for though. You probably have your own stories to boot, and frankly you seem to have something going on right now at that.”[/color] “Eh, sorry lass didn’t mean anything by it.” Eirhild said with a sheepish smile. “We don’t really know much about Bastelians. Us dwarves, that is. We keep to ourselves mostly. We occasionally trade harpy feathers with them - make pretty good pillows - but otherwise we give ya’ll a wide berth. Don’t wanna end up in some raiding party…” Leannah glanced over at the sheepish dwarf, before the Bastelian rubbed the back of her own head. The Sage’s warnings, if she remembered correctly, came most definitely to mind. Do not just go about blabbing the full truth to everyone...could be a very bad thing indeed. Could put her on the hit list of some beings in this world. Still... [color=gold]“Truth is, I’ve never known my own people. Not that one or two things I’ve done have disproven what people seem to think about Bastelians. But whatever the case, I’ve only ever been about humans so far in my life. From the sounds of it, it seems the rest of my kin are something of raiders and pillagers and not very hospitable to be around...or on the wrong end of their ire to be sure. Want to head over and see what they’re like with my own two eyes one day, but before then I have some things I need to get done.”[/color] “More help is always welcome.” Akando would respond in turn. “Er, Leannah was it. Akando. I’m helping Donovan…” He’d turn his head to the older man. “The other two are heading back to the village with the others. They said something about a seal and that they were just doing what they thought was best…” He’d relay to the other man. “But what are we doing here? Mostly no one but Lazhira comes here. That thing…spooks people sometimes.” The Bastelian raised an eyebrow for a moment, but swiftly chased off the look of curiosity as she nodded toward the Hunter. The fact it was two hunters, the same amount who had come to try to nab Lazhira, that had returned to the village left a slightly sour taste in the feminine feline’s mouth. It confirmed Akando had been kept out of the loop by Soyala and the rest of the Hunters, that was for sure. However, now was perhaps not the time to break the news to him about- Donovan listened carefully to what Leannah said, tapping his fingers rhythmically against his chin as his eyes took on an almost gentle luster. He’d need to ask Leannah a bit more about this host of hers after he’d secured what they came here for-- as it was highly likely that any further magically skilled individuals in Dawn had connections to the seal’s sabotage. [Color=lightgreen]"While aye’d love tah swap stories bout’ what weh been through since leavin’ ‘that’ place, yeh seem tah alreadeh know why weh don’t got tha’ time tah do et. Th’ seal’s on tha’ verge ah bustin’ wide open, an’ there ain't much time tah stop et… Based on what Akando’s said, seems mah gut feelin’ were right after all. Someone’s playin’ tha hunters an’ Kyrnith against each other, tryna buy time fer th’ seal tah break before they can be found out. Ain’t sure if et’s th’ Illuminator er not, but one thing’s fer certain… That seal’s gonnah break, an’ ain’t none of us can stop et… They’ve alreadeh won."[/color] Donovan paused for a moment, raising a single finger as a wry grin crept across his face, [Color=lightgreen]"But what if aye told yah we got a new seal readeh tah throw down on top ah th’ failin’ one? Aye, et’ll take a bit ah work fer th’ final preparations an’ activation… But weh’d snatch victoreh from right under th’ enemy’s nose. Now, aye dunno bout you-- but if aye been spendin’ years on ah scheme, got victoreh in mah grasp, onleh tah find out some bastard were about tah turn th’ tables at th’ last moment on meh, aye’d come runnin’ tah stop et… Now, that there obelisk es connected tah ah ruin what’s got [b]exactleh[/b] what weh need. Ah replacement fer th’ seal ripe fer th’ takin’. Weh make ah show ah headin’ over tah use it... Well, aye think our culprit’ll beh forced intah th’ open--”[/color] Donovan explained, his smile giving way to a far more serious expression as he went on to explains the risks, [Color=lightgreen]"But th’ ruin we’re headin’ intah is FAR from safe. Last aye saw there were ah big ol’ demon plant fightin’ ah pissed off pile ah livin’ rocks in there, an’ aye didn’t stick around tah see who won. Best case, tha both of em’ are dead. Worst case, weh gotta cut our way through ah fuckton ah nightmarish plant things that can cause yah a fate worse n’ death… Now, aye got means ah puttin’ tha damn things down an’ clearin’ they taint from folk-- but aye need tah know that tha lot ah yah understand what we’re headed intah, an’ won’t regret followin’ meh in here… So then, Akando, Eirhild, an’ ah course you included Leannah since yer here-- will yah follah meh intah what might damn well be hell tah save this village?"[/color] Leannah froze in place, a cold chill running down her back at Donovan’s first revelations. In her mind, the fact that the seal was going to collapse anyway was far from good news. The Goddess had secured enough chaos in the village already, though the catgirl nearly would’ve hugged Donovan again at hearing his plan. She had been behind in a lot of areas, but it seemed the man had enough of an idea to help with the problem...and by driving out the root of the issue it would make punching it in the face far easier. [color=gold]“Well, it’ll be the second time for me so I’ll join along. Just...if the big guy is still roaming around, let me buy you all time.”[/color] That thing was not going to play nice, but neither was she if it was still around. If it was. For all she knew the place had time passing differently within and was already rotted away. All she knew was the Illuminator’s divine realm was something strange, those monstrous things were potentially wandering around as well, and if there was a chance she could get a spear or her old one back that would be nice. On the note of the Illuminator and things, though... [color=gold]“...And, ah, Donovan. I will need to talk to you and Akando on the way back after this little adventure. Very seriously. But if we wait any longer right now and that seal breaks, there won’t be a moment to talk in the first place.”[/color] “Well, Donovan.” Eirhild would say. “I already agreed to help. Might be able to find some rare materials here…but I don’t see any sorta ruin or nightmare plant? You sure we’re in the right place?” “I’m already here. I see no reason to refuse.” Akando would say with a determined nod. [Color=lightgreen]"Right then,"[/color] Donovan would respond with a nod of his own, pulling off his necklace with his right hand as he approached the black obelisk at the cliffside, [Color=lightgreen]"Get them torches readeh. Anythin’ that looks like tar– burn et. Once weh get in, call out any an’ all movement yah see, even if yah think it were just ah trick o’ tha light. If yah get wounded by somethin’, tell meh immediately… Else yah might end up as ah demon thrall if aye don’t cleanse tha’ taint quick enuff… That’s all aye got left tah warn yah bout’, aye’m gonna open th’ path.”[/color] Holding his emblem to the face of the obelisk, Donovan closed his eyes and began his prayer; his magic surging through every syllable that passed his lips. [Color=lightgreen]"Oh Suthainn, aye call upon yer power– may th’ path long forgotten lay open once more. Show us th’ way to th’ land ah twin moons… Guide us tah where this journey began. Take us home again; tah our place ah beginnings. Amen."[/color] Donovan’s gathered group would nod in, at least, some understanding even if they weren’t a hundred percent sure what he was speaking about. So Donovan would start to entreat his divine patron. A simple prayer, really…but sometimes the simplest things were the most difficult things to achieve. A few seconds after he’d finish, he would have his answer. Suddenly, that little bit of stored divine mana he had would vanish near instantly. A small prick of light would appear at the bottom of the obelisk in the center. The emblem would start becoming hot in his hand, as more of this prayer would drain more and more of the magical energy Donovan had, and as more was drained, the small prick of light on the obelisk would slowly travel upwards, forming a line heading for the top of it. The only concern…was that he wasn’t going to have enough energy by himself to do this. He had already completely spent nearly half, and it was barely a third ‘open’. It seemed like the obelisk was completely eating his stored reserves now. As she noticed the light stop moving upward on the obelisk, Leannah felt an inkling that something was wrong. Not with the obelisk perchance, though she needed to ask who ‘Suthainn’ was eventually, but with what little she knew of ‘magic’ here she had a suspicion this was taking something out of Donovan as well. Like some magic ritual….in that case, he wasn’t going to be alone! The Bastelian hurried over to Donovan, placing her hands on his back and closing her own eyes. Focus. Concentrate. Channel her own magical energy into the other man, like the flow of a river. It wasn’t a spell that should go crazy, it was related to light or the sun at least, but just moving that magical energy into him nice and evenly and smoothly was the focus. In. Out. Like focusing on her martial arts training. Leannah would focus on transferring her own magic into Donovan. Her own breathing. The beating of her heart. The sounds of the ocean below…the feeling of her own magic, moving within her. It would take a bit of focus but she could eventually feel that of Donovans - and she was right to be concerned. It was attempting to suck out nearly every ounce of magical energy from him. Like filling a bucket with a hole, she’d start pouring her own into Donovan - though it was draining faster than she could fill it. Would it work? The line of light traveling up the obelisk was moving faster, now about halfway. Donovan would feel his entire body grow hot, and the emblem in his hand even hotter. Flesh searing and burning into his right hand. Sweat would form. His legs would feel weak, not wanting to support his weight. His stomach wanted to throw up whatever it was he had eaten recently. He could barely keep his own arm held out, as though his entire body was simply rejecting this action. Ever so slowly, the light would continue moving up - and for a brief moment…it would look like to the both they weren’t going to have enough, even combined. The light had peaked just under the apex of the obelisk. Akando and Eirhild were shouting something, likely out of concern, but he couldn’t exactly make out what. His hearing had temporarily left, ears ringing with the sound of gears grinding, the pendulum of a clock swaying. There was definitely something keeping him standing…something tightly coiling around his legs, keeping him upright. And then, with a final lurch the light would finally ascend to the apex of the obelisk. All at once Donovan would lose his footing, unable to stand anymore, whatever it was holding him up releasing him. The ordeal of opening the path felt as if it took a small eternity to Don. Any thought he’d had was replaced with the sound of mechanisms and clockwork combined with the absolute agony that had become his reality. Even as the flesh of his own palm bubbled, blistered and burned, the man couldn’t even muster a scream; his breath violently ripped from his very lungs. He wanted to fall, to collapse, to faint– [i]anything[/i] to put an end to what he was feeling. No matter how much he may have wanted to fall to his knees, to cry out, to lurch away… He couldn’t. Only when the ritual had reached completion did the man’s knees finally give way, Donovan’s body collapsing onto the snow-covered ground like a child’s discarded toy as the world faded from his vision. However, Donovan would not get too long to rest. The moment the light reached the top of the obelisk, it would grow in size to that of a small baseball, a sphere of light that would suddenly shoot a thin laser of light at the base of the structure. “W-what did you do?” Eirhild would shout in question. Akando said nothing, merely quickly dashed over to help Leannah support Donovan so he didn't crumple on the ground like a rock. The laser would quickly travel across the ground in a straight line, until it would shoot towards the horizon, far out at sea. A blink of light from far off. The image of a large, black tower would flash in the distance. The laser would travel upwards more, until it was completely vertical and shooting towards the distant sky. “Sages blood…what on earth…” Eirhild could only watch the proceeding event as a pillar of light would descend upon the Obelisk. A flash of monochrome. The base of the Obelisk would slowly start to move. The smooth stone slowly splitting, moving apart at the middle of it, the sound of stone clacking against each other as they would magically be pulled apart, until they would rearrange themselves into what was ostensibly, a doorway. Through the door, one could see not the interior or other side of the obelisk…but a monochrome colored world. Perhaps, though it [i]was[/i] the other side of the obelisk. If one happened to take a moment to look, it was easy to see - the way this cliff connected to the otherside of the door was far too contiguous to be coincidence. Regardless, Donovan seemed to have completed that which he set out to do. The door was large enough to get the carts through comfortably - but at the same time, it did not seem like the door would be open for long. The Bastelian appreciated the help from Akando to support Donovan, though as soon as the gate was open the feminine feline grimly gritted her teeth and gestured with her head toward the cart with her head. She did her best to try to put one of Donovan’s arms around the back of her neck, mostly so she could support one side of the man and Akando the other. It was go time. [color=gold]“Donovan, you absolute idiot! Akando, help me get Donovan into the cart for the moment. Then please stay with him to keep an eye on our rear in case anyone approaches. And Eirhild, can you steer the cart through the portal? If that was a sign to anyone that we’re up to something here, then that was one. So we have to get moving fast if we want to get this seal and get back out in time. I can explain what this place is later, but safe to say I and Donovan have been there before. So take these warnings to heart.”[/color] If things went as Leannah tried to help organize it, she would help load up Donovan before moving back toward the front of the cart and motioning for the other two to follow in it. She would stop at the front of the Gateway for only a few seconds to speak in turn before she would head through with the cart and company right behind her (optimally). [color=gold]“I’ll head through with you, but will be in front and the first to pass through. Just in case anything lies ahead of us right as we go in. If you see anything that looks like demons or something that was once human, aim to kill. They won’t give you the time of day. If you see a giant stone golem walking around, you leave it to me and take a different path in a hurry and don’t look back. If you see ancient weapons lying on the ground, feel free to pick them up for your own use or something but don’t get stopped by it. This path doesn’t seem like it will last too long. If anyone tries to come up behind us or after us into this place, assume they are a threat that wants to stop us. No matter who or what they are, familiar or friend or unknown alike. For all we know the one causing the trouble in Dawn is going to approach us if they get here in time…or will try to keep us from getting out in time if they can get here in time.”[/color] Leannah didn’t have to tell Akando twice. He’d grab Donovan by the shoulder, lifting him to his feet and with the help of the Bastelian and dwarf he’d soon be slumped over on the cart next to Eirhild. “Gotcha lass, moving in.” The dwarf would respond. While she had many questions, she also knew better than to ask anything now it seemed as she’d give the reigns a little pull, and the Kin pulling them would give a complainative huff before starting to move towards the gate behind Leannah. “Stone giant, dangerous. Plants also bad. Sounds like a bad night after drinkin’ too much in Gloomhaven.” She’d chuckle. “Free weapons though, that sounds fun.” “The village definitely noticed whatever…this was, but if we hurry no one should be able to come to us.” Akando would say, grabbing the reins on the second cart and urging the beast to move forwards. As the carts began to move, Donovan found himself unceremoniously jettisoned from the void of unconsciousness and back in the waking world. The man stirred with a groan as his bleary eyes hazily scanned his surroundings. [Color=lightgreen]"[i]Eugh[/i], aye know that weren't gonna beh pleasant, but aye didn't think et'd be that bad… Guess weh know why them scholar don't let nobodeh near th' one in yer hall ah records eh Eirhild?"[/color] Donovan managed to force a weak chuckle before it devolved into a small coughing fit. [Color=lightgreen]"Aye… Aye think aye'm gonna take ah wee bit yah get meself sorted… Just get us in there fore' that damned thing closes."[/color] The large man lifted his palm to his mouth, and pried the emblem from his palm; melted skin sticking to the metal like overcooked cheese. Don slumped back in his seat and closed his eyes; the emblem held tightly between his teeth. He felt drained of life. Completely damned empty. A walking husk. But… Around him he could feel that familiar buzzing energy, slowly working it's way inside him with every breath. Only-- it didn't seem to be helping much… Compared to what even a fleck of what the small bit of divine magic he'd managed to stockpile earlier, what he was taking in now was like drinking day-old water to rehydrate during a sweltering day in the sun. It was a damned shame it took so much effort to get it to co-exist with the regular stuff… But what if there wasn't any regular magic to butt heads with? An idea surfaced in Donovan's mind… One that had the potential to make the backlash from that hellish ritual work to his benefit instead. He couldn't help but smile. Passing through would cause their skin to feel as though they were moving through some sort of thin film, a shortness of brief breath as they’d ultimately pass through the gate. Leannah and Don, returning to where they had been a few days prior. As he was pulled along the cart, barely conscious, Donovan would turn his Focus on the emblem, he would attempt to channel whatever energy he could through it, and return it to himself. In. Out. Steady breathing. It was a rather dangerous thing to attempt. He could feel his strength start slipping further the moment he began. Converting it outside of his body seemed to be more tiring than when it was inside, like trying to breathe in a vacuum, but the moment he contained it within himself he’d notice the effects - that is to say, it was working, at least somewhat. It would return to the miniscule amount that it had been earlier, and soon, it would be more. Nearly doubling in the amount contained - and then it would abruptly stop becoming less like sucking and more like attempting to breathe despite one's lungs already full. Regardless though, it seemed the brief focus was able to completely return his mana to him plus a little extra. [hider=Goddess Note] Ability Gained: Divine Meditation (lesser) A simple enough skill. By focusing ones meditative attempts through faith and divine imagery, one may both increase the speed at which ones energy regenerates and perhaps, house just a bit more. Be warned, however - such power is not without risk to ones humanity. [/hider] In total, it would take about five minutes fully to get his energy back. Not something useful in the midst of full combat, but overall something useful indeed. “What…on earth is this place…” Akando’s voice would break his concentration as they’d arrive back in the field where they had fled for their lives earlier. At least, what remained of it. It was now a massive sinkhole, leading right down to where that demonic plant had been earlier. The stone golem lay there, dead, lifeless, with vines and plants having restrained it. The joints in its body though, still glowed a faint blue occasionally. Oddly, there didn’t seem to be any thralls left…none alive at least. It was hard to make out from at the top of the sinkhole, but there seemed to be numerous corpses of what were once thralls. The plant itself had wilted completely, the flowers petals all having rotted and withered away, leaving nothing but a lifeless husk. “...oi, are these dwarvish?!” Eirhild would ask, hopping from the cart in her excitement and heading over to where a few weapons had been scattered. “I think they are! These look like the old weapons those dumb scholars keep under lock and key in their vaults!” She wasn’t seeming to refer to any one in particular, but rather, the entirety of the weapons left here. Unbeknownst to the group however, a little fox had followed them in, quickly darting to the old guardhouse while they were focused on the area in front of them. [/hider] [hr] [@Pyromania99] “Well, since I already have a decent grasp of what you can do,” Rullphana would say with a nod. “We’ll start by pushing those talents of yours to the limits - creatively, at least. Magic, if used creatively, can overcome any obstacle. Don’t worry, you won’t be in danger.” Leuca was currently concentrating hard on her own task, frowning. Augusta could tell she was channeling magic towards the pile of earth, but it was weak. She definitely wasn’t used to using it, but still…a few seconds later a small sprout would rise from the earthen mound. “Ah…I did it!” “Indeed…now do it again. Faster this time.” Rullphana would say to Leuca. “I want a different plant in each of those pots by the time I return. The seeds I have are highly reactive to magic, and will change depending on what sort of mana they're exposed to. Get to it.” “E-eh!? O-okay I think…I can do that…” “Augusta, if you’ll follow me…” Rullphana would lead Augusta to the back wall of the tower, where a door would quite literally, just open in front as the wall of the giant mushroom would pull back, leading to a set of stairs that headed upwards. “You’ve managed to successfully, somehow, blend both healing magic and fire magic. Some would consider this contradictory, but those who understand the nature of both of these elements will see that they are not quite as incompatible. While I don’t think you showed me what you are fully capable of…you clearly have both the basics and control down, and at least understand the fundamental ability that magic can shift depending on the will of the one casting it.” She would fix Augusta with a quizzical, expectant gaze. “But before I go on, what do you expect to get out of learning magic? And is there anything specifically you wish to learn? I will offer guidance where I am able, but ultimately if you’re at this point discovery will rely on your own intuition or sharing what I know.” [hr] Send Feet Pics [@Cu Chulainn] [hr] And fish he did. He’d sit there, edge of the water, contemplating his situation. Whatever went on in there? Well, only he knew in the end, and perhaps, even the divine beings of this realm since they seemed the curious and invasive sort. The gentle breeze would chill his skin with a wintry, sea air as he’d think of these things. What really did it mean to be human? Love life? Indulge in ones pleasures, as they saw fit? Simply believing in oneself above all else? If so, then, what of his previous cult. He made people believe in [i]him[/i] above all else. Would he let their faith go to waste so easily? Or was this him furthering such things, believing that he was indeed, a human of peak perfection? Only time would tell, in the end. Suddenly something would snag on his fishing rod. Something strong enough to cause him to temporarily struggle as the line was pulled. But soon, he would indeed, pull it up, landing his catch. A fish. An absolutely massive fish, from the look of it. It was about as long as his arm-span and about a foot from its belly to the top of its spines. Heavy too. Perhaps it was a sign of success…but that would mean he’d even think such things exist. No, this gargantuan fish would be all thanks to his expertise and human ability, of course. “Gods…that’s one of the rarest fish in these parts!” A nearby fisherman would shout. “Normally they’re only found on the long days…” Before Malphas had a chance to consider his victory though, an Oni would make his way over. “Fishing, huh…respectable pastime.” It’d comment. “Nomura, Lady Mie wishes to see you.”