[h3][color=thistle]Io[/color] at the Battle at Terauchi Temple[/h3]

Io was certain that Kazenosuke wasn't lying, though the potential double meaning of what he said amused Io. Of course, this was no time to explore wordplay. She simply gave him another wink as she moved on.

The two forces met, the difference in numbers being clear within the first exchange of blows. Io tried her best to focus in on specific areas - leaders, skilled warriors, those who would rally troops. Destroying them was important to reduce the effects of the numerical advantage. Before long one such Varjan made an appearance - some kind of brute that charged without a second thought.

'[color=thistle]She is strong, no doubt. But compared to Gringor...[/color]' Io had confidence it was something the high orc could handle. What was important was keeping the rest of the Varjans from following in her wake and overwhelming the Shizuyaman defenses. Her reckless charge was something Io could exploit.

Io weaved a spell to cut off the warrior from the main force. It would give Gringor a fair arena to fight in and create a chokepoint for the Varjan forces behind them. The spell conjured a crude wall of blight magic, one that would harm living but not undead - a commonplace spell for necromancers. Any Varjans that would try to cross it would likely die trying. Io hoped that plenty would learn the hard way before they regrouped and dealt with the change in the lay of the battlefield.

"[b][color=thistle]I've cut her off! Now is your chance![/color][/b]" Io shouted to the Task Force members on her side.

Io narrowed her eyes as she noticed the corpse the warrior carried. It was clearly meant to be some kind of intimidating message, but she kept that detail in her mind should she need to help Gringor. It was not common for the dead to be a factor in a battle, but any battle with a lich was uncommon to begin with. Io would wait for the right time - both with this particular warrior, and the growing number of dead within the battle as a whole.