[@PaulHaynek][@AzureKnight]


[color=ed145b][b]Skarsneek of the Red Hill[/b][/color]

Hearing Sorae words before they left, Skarsneek turned slightly before waving his hands to acknowledge her.

[color=ed145b]"Terauchi Temple, remember, report to your lord so he knows you're still alive. Might even come and help you."[/color] He said in between steps before reminding Sorae of one important fact. "Don't go rushing in and dying now, you owe me after all."

[color=ed145b]"Well, let's go back. If you want to proceed with another mission, go ahead. I'm beat for today."[/color] Skarsneek rubbed the back of his head in annoyance. This mission was a success but it felt bitter.

Still, that's one person of importance recruited. 

Walking all the way back, Skarsneek realized it would be night soon as the sun set down on the horizon. Idly, he wondered just how the rest are doing.

As he entered, he noted that there was some new damage. That got him sharpened up as he hastened his footsteps. There was no other defenses nor additional patrols so it meant there wasn't a raid or attack, was it a scuffle?

[color=ed145b][i]Well, that's terrific.[/i][/color] Skarsneek rubbed the back of his head in annoyance as he felt a headache forming. Wondering just who started it. 


Arriving at the temple and pushing the door wide open, he flamboyantly announced his return.

[color=ed145b]"It's me, Skarsneek! You may rise."[/color] He proudly entered before looking at the numerous refugee and checking up with them. Picking any of them at random and asked in perfect Zipang. [color=ed145b]"So what happened today? Someone got into a fight? It was that orc, ain't it?"[/color]

[color=ed145b]"And you all, need anything? Water or food? I'll fetch some for ya." [/color]

And on, Skarsneek looked and interacted with the locals. Helping them as best as he can before finishing up as he takes his leave to find Takeshi. 

Asking a priest or two, he finally found Takeshi alongside Lunatea. The latter having a conversation with the other. After a quick moment of thinking, he decided it was definitely time to mess with the two of them. Definitely.

[@Hammerman]

[color=ed145b]"Yo!"[/color] So with all the subtleties of a bull, he came and interrupted their conversation. Especially with Lunatea. "Snatched one already? Man, you sure work fast!"

[color=ed145b]"And Takeshi! My man! Getting over your prejudice, can't be more proud of ya!"[/color] Intentionally, he put a hand over Takeshi's shoulders. Hand smacking a bit harder than intended as he got close to the heir of Shizuyama and fake whispered loudly enough to be heard. [color=ed145b]"But be careful, rabbits are well-known for their large families and heat cycle. Your hips may give out before hitting number twelve."[/color]

Whatever they would say, Skarsneek will let go of Takeshi before he cleared his throat. [color=ed145b]"I got Sorae, but as for her clan...well, let's just say we have a problem."[/color]

Taking a look around to ensure that there aren't any eavesdroppers, Skarsneek face and tone changed as he report his finding. [color=ed145b]"They're all dead. Only Sorae's left. All of them were murdered by Shizuyamans."[/color]

[color=ed145b]"One of the leads we found, at least before Sorae offed her, seems to say that the world's changing and men of vision got to face it or something. Usual shit."[/color]

[color=ed145b]"But if I got to speculate, they're probably working with the Varjans."[/color] Skarsneek proposed and deduced as he stroke his chin. "Fits their M.O too."

He kept quiet on the front that it might be the angle that Takeshi clan wasn't extreme enough when it came to monsters and so joined forces with the one and only most radical forces on the earth intent on breaking up monster relationships violently.

[color=ed145b]"Sorae said she'll come and join you later. Hopefully, she does and not go on her own."[/color] Skarsneek finished his report before leaning forward to Takeshi. [color=ed145b]"Personally, I think we need to watch over her. She might go and do something stupid."[/color]



---

[color=f7941d][b]Gringor of the Ironhide tribe[/b][/color]

Gringor strike took one out shaman out and turned to the rest.

Seeing this, they levitated and float themselves above before hiding behind their line of men. 

Hissing and nose flared, this only surmised why he hated fighting shamans, sorcerers, and mages. No sport to fight at all.

A stream of blue fire came, and he ducked to the sides. Rolled and got onto his feet before dashing off to the sides. Drawing their attention as he read that it won't be long before he was hit with the fire.

Which was why he quickly dash to the sides as another wave came before he charged forward to the line of brigands. Intent tear through them before getting into the mages.

Like an experience wood cutter, a single swing of his axe fell the first line of the brigands before he held his axe forward. 

Then he proceed to slam into the second line like a bull, the sheer momentum of his charge catching a few of the brigands upwards into his embrace. 

Yet Gringor wasn't done, as with another roar, muscles tensed like iron, and feet dug into the ground before it tore chunks. He [i]lifted[/i] the bandits caught by him and continued forward like a living battering ram. Intent on using the brigands as a meat shield. 

If they didn't fire, they'll scatter. If they fired, then Gringor will continue his path forward regardless by tossing the brigands forward, slammed the head of his axe down and pole jump himself higher to avoid the blistering flames.

He already caught sight of the mage that stood at the very back end disappearing. So at the very least, there were three mages left.