[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/qSXKgkY.png[/img]
[sub][@Nanaya][@Estylwen][/sub][/center]
[b]“When?”[/b]

That was all that Otis had to say in response to Davil’s praise. There had been no time, after all, where the excitable wannabe-hero had actually asked him what his capabilities were, and thus, he had not seen any reason to explain what exactly his own capabilities were. Power words, impressive as they appeared, were the least preferrable method of problem solving in Otis’s arsenal. It was a blanket solution for specific problems, like using a grenade to open up a present box. Even with intents focused, the effects were still often area-of-effect, expanding outwards at the speed of sound. And, most importantly, it required a specific personal essence that one radiated outwards; such power words were far too inconsistent in terms of performance when the situation was actually stressful.

It was fair to say then, that despite the success, Otis wore a scowl.

Without any further hesitation, the Strigidae wheeled off once more, following in the wake of the returning Mannekins. There was no sense of urgency in his movements now, however, with his speed just enough to urge a light jog out of his companions. Their opponent sounded like a student as well, but it seemed entirely incomprehensible that they were able to reach the auditorium before anyone else even got to the starting point. The attitude, however? That was a hero he could understand, so full of ego that they would throw away their heroism in order to become the singularity. A meaningful obsession. A proper arrogance.

[b]“Remember the conditions,”[/b] he spoke, as they neared the final stage of their journey. “We need to be seated inside the auditorium at 10AM. Nothing more, nothing less.” Actually vanquishing this final boss wasn’t something that would give them extra marks. It could even be detrimental, if collateral [i]destroyed[/i] the seats in the auditorium, if they were caught up in the mad melee that would soon ensue when all the other students finally caught up. [b]“Our opponent is arrogant and desires a true confrontation, but we don’t need to give him that.”[/b]

Empty shells clitter-clattered in his wake, new bullets slotted in to the freed up space. He lingered upon one, inscribing upon it a simple spell to generate a brilliant light.

[b]“Davil, you go first, on my gunshot. Close your eyes to account for the flash, then rush in as fast as you can towards our friend in the auditorium.”[/b] Otis’s lips twisted. [b]“If he’s going to be the true hero of Vaal Nero, you’ll have to overcome him. Do it now.”[/b]

[b]“And…”[/b] A slight pause, his gaze turning towards the shadow-weaver just long enough that she knew he was speaking to her. [b]“I’m Otis Tan Arillo. I’ll need you to secure three seats or one bench after Davil gets in. A door will open up beside you. Toss the seat in and if you don’t wish to fight, enter that door.”[/b]

That was the safer option, after all. They could just [i]hide[/i] until it was almost time, then return their seat to the auditorium and sit down from there.

[b]“I don’t mind whether we fight or hide, but all things considered? It’s a waste to show everything we can do during the entrance exam, so that option’s open to you as well, Davil. But I’ll still need you to give that ‘hero’ a scare beforehand.”[/b]