The Day of White Flames, The Conversion of Magnostadt.

In the land of wizards and goi, the political and social situation was not too unlike the rest of the world at the moment, driven by divisions and rising ideologies that had caused friction between their peoples. However, where the other nations have been rocked by powerful events serving as catalysts for change that was the major difference within Magnostadt. As they had before when the magicians had taken over resentment had built up within the hearts of people and was starting to change how they felt about the status quo.

The magicians have been taking strong losses and showing they weren't as strong as a monolith as they once were, and this has only been exacerbated by two recent events within the city. The fact a young student has risen to the position of assistant professor hasn't gone lost on the goi, and even some magicians. Then there had been the return of one of the five kings who had attacked the city, and although it had failed it had caused chaos. To add further to their confusion people claimed to have seen the pale lady, Gilles fighting alongside the king despite her charitable efforts within the city. There was division amongst all the people, trying to figure out what was going on in their city and who was going to do the best for them.

However, within this chaos the clerics, nuns, and priests of The Flame's Reach of Magnostadt have been hard at work providing relief to those, whispering lies, truths, and propaganda anything thing they could do to bring people towards them. Despite this, the fact they were one of the few offering equal treatment to all people has made them the congregation for those who wish to see true equality in the city. Now between the three political factions of Magician dominance, Goi dominance, and equality, the third is the only one with unified leadership as they've begun gathering under the banner of their holy mother.

Everything in this world is built upon thousands of tiny moments and details that gather like a snowball, but, the only moment we ascribe any importance to is when that snowball comes to crash. That is to say, the credit is given to a specific moment rather than everything that would lead up to it. For the Flames Reach of Magnostadt and those mesmerized by their promises today would be the day given credit over all. Like any great fire, it would begin with a small spark and for her own delight Gilles would not be the one to light it, but the one to bask in its warmth.

Inside and outside the city members of the Flames Reach had gathered together, with crowds of people who supported them mixed in so it would be hard to tell who was directly with the cult or simply aligned with them. It was a protest, on both sides of the gate, in front of the academy, and at all major checkpoints in the city they had gathered. With torches in their hands, burning incense and waving signs they were about to begin the protest. They were still hidden, waiting for the fuse to be lit as they got closer and closer, although they had no idea what was about to happen to their fair city, nor did they even know the plans of everyone else within the faction.

With their factions spread out and ready all that mattered was the desires of their great leader, of course, Gilles would've been informed of the protest as well as some of the plans her underlings were having. With her final say, this plan would go as she wished and only she knew where she needed to be and what she needed to do.


Details: Gilles has agents throughout the city all ready to enact her plans as she wishes, although the protest was their idea Gilles may start where she wishes, and the tension will be held until the moment an action is taken. Whether or not it is peaceful or violent the moment the protest the conversion will start, the thread is death-enabled and invasion-enabled.

However, Gilles may bring three NPC's into this thread and may bring her armies. However, if the armies become spotted the situation will immediately turn highest level hostility.

If invaded the thread will become 48 hour strict timer, no extensions beyond excruciating circumstances. This goes for DM, Invader, and Invadee.

This was it. The moment had finally come when all of Gilles work over the past couple of years come to fruition. This may have been a path that the mother of flames was sent down by the one master of the background but she had made it her own in a way only she could. The Baptism of flames is upon us.

Throughout the country of Magnostadt the hidden flames were waiting. Waiting for the words from their High Priestess. This was the day that they would live up to their namesake of the Hidden Flames. Indiscernible from the masses of the nation they reside, unknown to those even closest to them. While many were known believers and worshipers, just as many were unknown. Mother, brother, daughter, nearby neighbor or even the vendor at the fishmarket. All of these could very well be a member of the hidden flame, a worshiper of the Sacred Order of the Flames Reach.

Their reach has taken deep roots into the entirety of the city. Guards, merchants, children, students, even professors, all have members with ties to SOFR. For the past couple of years The dutiful Holy Mother has been building the reputation of the Order but more importantly, her own. She was the one who listened to the whispers of the flames. She was the one true voice of god. She was the great stoker of flames. Her very words start fires of a grand scale. The masses were now waiting for these words.

---

While the masses gathered, footsteps would shake the earth of the plains as twin armies marched carrying banners of the Flames Reach. While the Magno branch was secret and hidden with plain people the Baroque branch was out in the open for all to see. These were two armies that had formed while the SOFR was participating in the strife of Helio. The High Priestess knew that her nation would be fine without these armies since most members are capable of killing. A cultist needs not to be experienced in combat to kill. So with that in mind she sent her armies to the land of magno.

The Maimed and the Marauders would come to a halt and wait outside of normal viewing range for Magnostadt. They would know when to march and now was not the time. Too soon and their Mother of Flames would be unable to give her speech.

---

Spread throughout the city were the members of the inner circle as well as other higher ranking members that had the trust of Gilles. Dawn II was in the markets of magno, the former Kou Soldier wearing his tengu mast. Dusk III was near the gate with the masses there. Husk II, Who is a professor of the academy gilles brainwashed, was with the group there. The Hound and Blitz were also spread out to give orders.

The High Priestess would be standing on a raised podium build next to the central of the 5 churches they built in Magno. She would look at her fellow followers of the flame and smile before raising her arms to speak. “Hello, my fellow children of the Flames.” When she spoke, so two would all of the other members close to gilles, including the leaders of the Dragon’s Horde Merchant Alliance. This was not due to magic or hypnosis or anything. They have spent weeks preparing for this speech alone, memorizing it so and preparing their speech patterns all so that they can say this at the same time in unison.

“My extreme gratitude to all of you that have gathered all over this great city of magic. I am the High Priestess of the Sacred Order of the Flames Reach. I am Gilles De Maru. Like you, I am one who was drawn to the light and warmth of our great lord o’ flames. I too have found purpose and meaning in the nonsensical world thanks to our fiery father. I am blessed to see so many of us here who are happier now because of his embrace.” With this the posture and face of the High priestess and the speakers would become less jovial and more stiff, stern, cold. All except for gilles eyes which gleamed with excitement and pleasure.

“However, this country is resistant to the love of our lord, to our love. This nation is held in the dark by the aspects of our Devil. Water soaks this land and it’s people in sin and we must purge it. Today we will commence the great baptism that most of us in his embrace has endured.” They would begin to remove pieces of their clothing to show their scars from being burned. Gilles body was mostly burn tissue except for her face.

“I know that this can be scary and seem harsh but this is the only way one can become pure. We all are proof of that as we have burned away our hatred, our strife, our hardships. Our burns unify us greater than any bond! Greater than nations, greater than friends, greater than blood! We do no judge each other or ridicule our brothers and sisters because they are a magician or they are a goi! Because the lord has burned that free from our hearts as he branded us as his chosen disciples! Our chains are gone only through him. So to must be free this nation from its burdens, its hatred, its sin. We must burn the traces of this country until it is born anew, stronger and grander than it ever was. We must be like the fire that burns a forest just to have it grow back larger and greener.”

“So go my family, go my children, my sisters my brothers, GO my mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles. Go and baptize this sinful land with your own hands! Let the flames choose who is worthy to worship our god and may those who perish fuel the Great Flame as firewood. SO that they have a better purpose than the one they serve in this life.”

Gilles would focus strongly on the desire for her people to burn this nation, their nation so that it may be born anew. She was the catalyst but they would be the spark for the flames. They would be the ones to start the fires themselves, they would feel what she has felt since she first burned her parents alive. She would grab a small shard of crystal as she speaks once more.

“Go my children! Burn everything and everyone who has not already been baptized. Bring forth the body of the great lord as you bathe this land in fire. Be not afraid of his embrace or the screams of those you love. Instead let them become a chorus that spurs your to burn bright as you add to his flames. Burn this nation and rid it of the devil that resides here. Set fire to Magnostadt!”

With these feelings she would crush the shard that was in her hand. He wishes not to aid herself but to aid her people. To give them resolve and courage to start the baptism. To enjoy this great ritual that they have been taught about since day one. This was a wish for her children to set fire with great gusto!

notes:

Combat NPCs:

armies:

NPCs:

gear:

The air was palpable with tension as people gathered around the outside of the city, and around the churches they had built within these lands. To say that throughout these borders every follower of the flame was listening intently to every single word that was being spoken was not an understatement. There were those hidden throughout with magic speakers to share the message with each member of their order. As to be expected the words of their pale lady were like the ember that lit their dry kindling, and at the moment she stopped speaking they would begin roaring with cheers and excitement.

Her shard cracked and shattered as it filled the air and the dark rukh that was building began to overflow around them, the fluttering of dark wings would begin to beat in concert with their chanting as they began to let out their cries of praise towards their pale lady. It seemed that the adrenaline was taking them over as even those who were there for more peaceful reasons seemed to be getting red-faced as their fervor began to match those around them.

"Yeah they're gatekeeping the non-magic and favoring the talented!" One magician follower cried out as they raised their staff in the air and magoi began to gather around them.

"Our Great lady is right, we gotta be the ones to liberate our city!" Another one cried out as his words began to get drowned out by the sounds of other cultists and worshippers that were among them at the moment.

The heat from the people began to mix and rise getting hotter and hotter, almost too hot in fact as her fervor from her intentions would be carried through the rest of them. The magicians in the crowd had begun to chant a spell, and all together they began to weave some powerful magic. In a mere moment, all the heat in the air began to visualize, and then it began to materialize as suddenly bright white flames began to pour over the crowd. Their cries were not of anguish, but pure excitement as they found their flames beginning to burn hot as their fervor

"OUR LADY'S GIFTS HAVE BEEN BLESSED UPON US!" Another one of them cried out, and the fireball they fired off into the air was suddenly double the size of what it would normally be as it flew off into the sky before bursting into sparks

Post details: For this thread only this trait applies not only to your army but all of your followers, a special bonus plot reward for this moment.

Shard Reward for your army:

The High Priestess of the lord of flames would smile at the blessing their lord has given her followers. "now go! Use this blessing to burn and purify this land of sin and hypocrisy!"

At the Academy, Husk II who was a professor there by the name of Adonjiah would cast the first spell of the night, the flame that would start it all. Inferum Lupine, 8 canids of fire, wolves specifically, would form around him before rushing to the halls of the Academy to set it on fire.

The other leaders would repeat the words of the Pale Lady but they would refrain for action since non of them were really tasked for starting fires physically. THey were more accustomed to stirring the flames of one's heart and desires. So for now they would watch and wait, ready to protect the arsonistic legion.

---

With the white flames appearing and the fiery attack from Husk would be what the armies were waiting for. They would begin to charge, sprinting to the walls, ready to get in on the combat. Once within 100m the Maimed would goodness gracious,  throwing Molotov at the walls of the country to announce their arrival. Both exterior and interior fires were being started.

---

Gilles had climbed to the steeple of the central church and was sitting on the ledge of the window sill kicking her feet out giggling. She loved the site of fire being first ignited. And soon she would see the color of flames of a burning city. Something she was deprived of in Kou.

This was like a birthday party for the Scarlet terror. All these candles being lit in honor of her and her god. Soon she will be snuffing out the lives of this city as she makes a birthday wish.

"happy birthday to me..." she would begin to sing to herself as she watched from her perch.

Notes:

Husk II:

Militia of the Maimed x5000:

Screams, crackling fire, and cracking buildings the sound of an inferno raging bloomed into a concerto that would begin to overtake the entire city. Low to high, and shallow to deep the resonating sound of destruction could be heard from inside the city first of all as the first civilians unprepared were to feel the blessings of the flame, to be tested if they are worthy of their cults' love. This could only fuel their intensity as they began to rush for the gate where the guards started to get overwhelmed as they were surprised when then the people they thought were simply making their daily transit to and from the city.

"We'll burn this oppressive regime down!" A magician called out as he charged forward behind the roaring army, excited to see the joy that was overflowing from those around him, although it seemed he didn't truly understand this situation.

"MAGIC SCHOOLING SHOULD BE EQUAL!" Another magician cried out as he tried to cast some magic but threw a fireball that turned into it a weak little flame that sputtered out before it went anywhere. "Dammit...This is why."

"LET'S FUCKIN' CREMATE THEM!" A person screamed out as he jumped behind from one of the guards he pulled out a wand and casted a spell that turned his wand into a red hot knife that he stabbed into the neck of the guard, no blood even came out as it seared into a bubbled scar. "Come 'on there's more pigs to fry!"

The vastly different warcries of each of the members within the crowd truly affirmed the reality of the situation, the fact that this was a minority of fanatics whose zealousness was so powerful it had swept up the others in the promise of a more equal world. In some ways their wish might come true, however, only after the world has been burned. It had caught the entire city by surprise to see this happen as inside people began to signal alarms to try and get the guard to head towards the fires and areas of conflict. However, Gilles had the advantage of surprise and although it wouldn't last for much longer she was able to cause chaos around the gates interrupting the flow of traffic to help.

Terror, panic, all of it could only be considered a joy to the cult at this moment as the fire began to burn like a blooming flower that wrapped around buildings and people alike. Only minutes have passed since the Pale Lady's prayer gripped the crowd and the mages of Magno would only just begin to react as horns began to call out over the city only to be drowned out by sounds that must've already been sickening to the ears. It had begun and it could only end in flames, either upon the city or the cult itself.

The armies would continue to assault the gates and the wall itself. They were intent on breaking this great divide that gave the people of Magno this false sense of safety. Walls never succeed on keeping evil out. Walls were only good for keeping the cattle in line.

The twin armies would begin to use their flames to berate and burn at the walls. Their hopes were to wear the walls down and create weak points while they slowly forces their ways through the gates. Their targets were the guards and magicians at these gates as they were the exterior defenders and if left uncheck could close in around the SOFR like a net. They will be the first to fall.

In the battering of the walls, the Marauders would ransack, placing bombs on the exterior of the walls before backing away after igniting them to explode.

---

Husk II would continue to lead the assault as the magno branch leader more or less. Once his lupines has made their marks he would cast his Seraphim Canidae creating a large dog's head of fire. He would send his out to continue burning the academy from the inside out.

While the leaders were all urging the masses to burn and baptize, Husk or Adon, was definitely the center of attention as he was currently the only one using true magic or other abilities instead of using his words to lead. It was as if he was the second coming of the Pale lady herself.

---

Once done with her song, The bright mother would begin to make herself known.

Wings of internal Flame would burst forth from her shoulder blades, taking her up into the air. These wings would not only propel her through the air but they would serve as a signal to all living enemies of where she was. The more that would focus on her the better. If she could distract them then there was a better chance of her seeing a magnificent flame as it devours the city.

She would leave her perch and start flying to the academy and specifically the central of the government of this nation. She had always wondered what color those in positions of power would burn. Red like a normal man or perhaps something gold to symbolize their regal nature and self proclaimed greatness.

Slowly the true nature of the Pale Lady was beginning to emerge. Not some Pious Priestess or charitable and loveable leader. No, what was being awoken from its slumber was a being who only cared to burn those around her and listen to the harmony of their screams and the crackling of the flames.

magoi 300/310

notes:

Wings of Internal Flame:

Baroque's Marauders:

Husk II:

It has been quite some time since the recent event in Magnostad but it was still chaotic. There was a lot of faction aiming for the empty position, there were also some people who tried to use the situation to gain benefit for themselves… But not only that, there was a more urgent matter, and Noir couldn’t unhear it anymore. She heard a lot of rumors about this cult that seemed to be spreading fast in the city, but everything about it felt strange to her. Some people seemed to be very fanatical of this cult, but some were indifferent or even tried to avoid it at any cost. Oh well, Noir wasn’t the type of person who usually cared about things like that. For her, there was something much more important to be handled at the moment.

But she was so wrong… wrong for not acknowledging how strong the cult had become. Mistaken for being too focused on fixing things up and overlooked a bad seed that had been growing within the country. And then there was fire… everywhere, spreading throughout the city…

The magician was lucky that Shousui and Baba were right beside her, they had originally intended to visit Noir at her dorm to see how she was doing. Unfortunately, their plan to go out and have a cup of tea together had to be canceled due to an uprising occurrence. But perhaps once again defending the country would be something that they need to do at the moment. Noir just hoped that everyone else would do the same as well, at least for the sake of surviving…

The magician was quick to go out from her dorm and gather fellow magicians, even those who were still in the 3rd Kodor. She was able to notice the fear in their eyes, which was understandable judging from the recent event that caused a pretty big problem within the entire country. “We’ll be okay as long as we work together! Putting out the fire would be our first priority. We have to minimize the casualties.” Noir would say, using her authority as assistant professor to command them. “The rest go into groups of 3 and go to different locations to put out the fire and prevent it from spreading even more, by using magic or anything that might help.” The magician would look at all the students, “Those who can use clairvoyance magic, half of you inform everyone in the academy to help put out the fire, and the other half, please help to reach out to anyone you think to warn them about the fire spreading outside the academy.”

The students looked inspired now and perhaps the fear within them had already been soothed by Noir’s quick grasp of the situation. But it might not only be that, in their eyes, Noir was someone respectable. She was the youngest assistant professor who had the privilege of entering the mysterious Ephraim’s Labyrinth. Not only that, she was the sole Djinn holder in the country and she also fought for the country numerous times from formidable enemies such as the Lapis King and warded off the Bo Clan from forcefully taking the villages in The Plains. Those achievements that she had would be enough to show the students that they too, were made for something great, and saving the city would be one of the many ways to achieve it.

Noir made sure everyone knew their role, but before letting them go to help handle the situation, she would say to them, “We are all in this together… No matter what happened previously, we have to save everyone from the fire. Most importantly, don’t be shy to ask for some help but not before you give it your best. I wish you all the best of luck…”

Even though she just gave a motivating speech to the students, she felt wary about the situation as well. But she had to trust them all, all; of them were proficient enough to help. But now, she too had to head out. The first thing she would do was to go to the middle area of the academy, at least to make it easy for her to find other students who might need some direction to lend their hands. The moment she got there, she noticed the fire around the area too and would cast “Neve Silenziosa.”, to summon a snowfall that would quickly cover the fire.

“Judging from how it happened so fast, it must be something that was planned… I’d suggest to be careful…” Shousui would say to Noir and the others, at least so they would be prepared if there was an ambush.

Magoi: 560/570
Stamina: 260

Skill:

Equipment:

NPCs, Beast:

The elderly steward bowed in response to Zion's words, "I wish you good fortune, young master. This old man will hold down the fort!" He had resolute faith in his employer and was now filled with a vigor he'd not shown since Zion went missing. When the armies had been on the move it was Jericho who spotted them first. Soon word arrived through clairvoyance from students who frequented the estate that fires and riots had broken out within the city. The Koval Estate which had closed its doors ever since Ezekiel's attack was quietly mobilizing its forces in order to respond.

Zion had wished to remain more subtle and not reveal himself to his enemies just yet. But the situation was dire and now was not the time to be worried about Klien's machinations. If nothing else, this was a great opportunity to establish Lunar Tempest's name. But first, the crisis had to be overcome. After getting a brief overview of the cult from Jericho, Zion still knew little. But the fact that they worshiped flames was grasped by the doll. As such, he had an idea of how they might be able to infiltrate the ranks of the extremists.

Zafar had worked up quite the debt in rent and meals of rare minerals, it was time to put the former assassin to good work. The Lava Beast was guilted from his molten pool and forced to endure cloth wrapped around him so it could ignite and give him to appearance of a man who was alight with flames. With Zafar at the lead, Zion and Cornelia flanked him walking a few paces behind as they began a procession. Meanwhile, Casvallion Piloted Sodei and together with his children golems, flew high into the air where they would disappear into the clouds.

Casvallion would make his high altitude approach to try and stay out of sight. Meanwhile, Zion and Cornelia shouted once they would approach the rear of the armies who were attacking the gates. "Make way! Make way for the Holy Son of Flame! Make way so that he may join our mother and the bring fire to the heathens!" Cornelia boomed as they attempted to walk right through the middle of the enemy forces with Zafar blazing aflame to lead the way.

---

Magoi: 420/420
Stamina: 280/280

Notes:

Gear:

NPCs:

Screaming, that deep guttural response that sits deep inside most people could be the only thing heard over the fires of the city whether they be of anguish, terror, or whatever effort was being made to save people from the fires that began to spread. For the Magicians who made up the fire department of magno they would quickly learn that not all these fires were simply set as they found themselves in battle with the fire. Whether they be constructs or the active malice of mages around them even without clairvoyance magic it was quickly becoming clear to all that this was something coming from within as much as it was an outside attack. Then, only as the terror began to set over the city realizing this would not be as simple as putting out a fire the tension would be broken in an instant. A siren, or more accurately a trumpet blared from the top of the academy, the air shuddering over the force of the sound as it permeated the bones of everyone who could even set eyes upon Magnostadt. It was deafening, and would've knocked anything that wasn't propelled by magic out of the air. Even Adonjinah would find himself in surprise, as no one not even the professors themselves were aware of this moment. The desires of the most selfish Magno would come to save them

Four Magicians would bolt from the top of the academy and straight into the air like missles aimed for a target, only one target. The burning woman in the sky that had challenged them so brazenly, and they would all take this opportunity for the same reason. One in the lead held a trumpet like staff, the one who rang the alarm, then another with an absurdly ripped physique who stood atop his staff as he flew through the air. The other two trailing behind were harder to see but it appeared as though one had two staves while the fourth was harder to see as they trailed behind the rest flying at a much slower speed. Nevertheless the four of them sped through with their eyes all set upon her.

---

Inside the academy were the fires were being spread by the canines on one end with cultists following each other, and then on the other the professor junior on her way led those that were desired to save those around them. It would be clear to both of them though that the academy was already split further than they could have ever imagined . There was a sudden thunderous boom from what both of the professors would know as the auditorium, and each of their subsequent tides would begin to rush towards the beacon that was made for them.  The sight they would find would likely be a shock to them, only two Magicians stood at the center with one of them on their knees and the other a blade made of glass to their throat as they were caught in a stalemate.

"I SHOULD DISINTEGRATE YOU WHERE YOU STAND, YOU DEGENERATE." The one standing with a blade against their throat as they began to charge a powerful spell at the tip of their throat.

The one on the ground chanted and his glass staff grew more pushing the pointed tip into their soft flesh ever so lightly. He spit blood from between his teeth and let out a guttural scream. "I JUST WANT TO BE FREE!"

They were clearly on opposing sides, or at least opposing feelings as they sat there together in this moment ready to end one another's lives. But whose to say who they support within this greater struggle? As neither of the professors would recognize the students beyond one thing, they were brothers.

---

As the people outside of Magnostadt rioted and worked to equate the pressure between them and the inner city by breaking down the walls and burn anything they could between them. They were only stopped for the brief moment when the air around them shook under the weight of the sound. They could not see the Magicians heading for Gilles but for them other things would become their top priority soon enough. As they began fighting with those who tried to stop them, and then they heard something coming from the deep back of the crowds.

As Zion rushed forward with his own contingents he would find that the civilian cultists and rioters would move apart for him as they either believed him from their conviction, didn't know enough of their religion, or were simply afraid of being crushed by them as they powered through. This plan would carry them forward to an extent before they would suddenly find themselves in an open area between the people rushing forward from the protests and those militant who had pushed themselves to the forefront. In this space between there was only one obstacle keeping him from getting closer to fight as he wished. Caught in a deadlock were three people, two mages and one human who were all staring at each other with their weapons drawn.

"I'm just here on business what the hell is going on?!" The dark skinned human said as he held up two large boxes, each with a handle on them as he pointed one at each mage.

"These damn insane peasants are trying to burn the city down in the name of equality" He said as he held his staff up ready to cast a magic spell at them both as the wind picked up.

The other mage scoffed at them and began to pull his own staff higher into the air as it began to glow brightly at the tip as though it were a small star. He spit at the ground as he responded to the man. "Me, the cultists? Oh please we all know this is just an effort for you snobs to push your anti-goi agenda. My mother was human, just because they can't cast magic doesn't mean they wanna burn us all."

Then all of their eyes were suddenly set upon the man, who carried the flaming holy son, and stared at him as the tension became ever more tighter.

The High Priestess of the flames would grin as her beacon and challenge was answered. The more people that she could have focus on her the less chances their was of stopping the great fire and her cultists. She had heard the trumpet but managed to retain her composure as they so boldly charged at her. Keeping her wings activated she would move towards them meeting them halfway, once she was within 20 meters of them she would pull an albatross wingspan, sending her two wings of flames at the trumpeter as well as the one in the back, sort of creating a wall of flames around the other 2 for a brief moment. While attacking she would begin to fall but they were high enough in the air that she would have time to regain her composure after her wings had burned the two magicians, or attempted to at the least.

---

In the Academy Adonjiah heard the horn and found himself a bit shook for a moment but would continue with his mission. He would find himself watching what would appear to be two brothers fighting to the death. This would interest the professor but which side would he choose? This would remind him of his own brother who tossed aside the chance to be part of something so beautiful as the Flames Reach.

His eyes would darken as he walks up to the brothers, "If you truly want to be free than you must be willing to take the life of those that impede that freedom, even if it is your own family!" With this he would bring his staff down on the head of the standing boy, to slam his throat down onto the blade of glass.

If this worked he would offer his hand to the brother of glass, smiling "Join us young one and you shall know true freedom."

In the background the Seraphim Canidae would be busy targeting any structures that were not currently on fire all around them.

---

Outside the walls the militias would more or less ignore the being of lava and the wooden boy. It did not matter to the majority of them about the non SOFR members near them as long as they were not being attacked by them. The Marauders would continue to target the wall with their bombs, targeting the weak spots that they have already made with the first wave.

The Maimed would begin to focus more heavily on the guards and any sort of reinforcements that would come their way, no one really focused on the 3 squabbling people in the midst of it all.

magoi 295/310
stamina 330/370

notes:

ability:

items and NPCs used:

In the sky above the clouds, Casvallion swiftly moved towards the northern side of the city. He could see down below, through the display within Sodei, the blazing wings of the one behind the madness. Casvallion recognized Gilles as the one who had joined Ezekiel in attacking before. His fists strained in fury but his expression remained ice cold. The city his soldiers had given their lives for was burning because of her but he couldn't let himself be taken up in the moment. He had a job to do. Sodei's hulking frame would land with a crashing boom not far from the protestors outside the northern gate. Thousand One and Thousand Clouds would land on either side and move to guard Sodei from and harassment from the crowd. Casvallion would then emerge from Sodei wearing his signature mask and red commander's uniform he had worn during the undead kings attack.

The uniform had been neither washed, nor tailored since then. The stains and frays of the battle could still be seen including the cracked stains of blood that had come from his fallen comrades after their sacrifice so that he could live. The heroic commander from that day stepped out  from the golem to great the norther gate guards with an aura containing all the authority and gravitas his former station had given him. Whether those on duty would recognize this or not was another matter.

"Casvallion Deikraft, reporting to aid in the defense of Magnostadt! I wish to speak with the commander of the northern guard!"

---

The quarreling trio would be met with the strange sight of the wrapped up Zafar and his two "followers" approaching. The glowing ember-like eyes of the lava beast were red as they gleamed back at the staring men through the burning cloths that wrapped him. Cornelia was about to boom at them to move aside, but Zion made a subtle gesture with his hand. Picking up the gesture with her feelers, the woman stayed her voice and let the silver haired youth step forward.

"Brothers! Do not fight, today should be a day of unity. The Holy Son has come here in order to right all of these wrongs. As his right hand, it's this humble servant's honor to assist you."

The time Zion spent in Reim had given him many experiences. One was dealing with unruly mobs and thanks to Breaker he had learned you couldn't just tell people to change their minds. He knew that his first job was convincing these people, cultists and unrelated bystanders alike, that he agreed with them and was on their side to begin with.

"You mentioned business, brother? Come tell me what wares you've come to trade. It is an auspicious day to make deals and alliances."

Zion gestured for the foreign man to come over to his side and away from the two ideologically opposed magicians who were arguing. It would not be easy to get them both onto the same page, but he would do his best to appeal to the things they seemed most concerned with. Their  own dignity and value.

"As for you brothers, don't you see that you are both correct? Just as all rectangles are not squares, there are some among all peoples who are malicious and some benevolent. Praise be that we find ourselves in company of benevolent brothers, no? Yes, it is we who are noble and just! You sir, and you as well. I see the flames of justice burning within your breasts! I see it in you all!"

As Zion spoke he gradually came to address not just the two arguing magicians, but all of those people behind him who his procession had passed through to get to this point. He turned sideways so he could better project his voice to them all as he went on.

"Brothers! Sisters! Ours is not a burning flame! Do not be misguided by flames of destruction! The fire I speak of is the fire of our spirits! Each of you are the noble few who can save this city! Lift up your hearts, can you not hear the songs of praise they will sing about the lives we might save today? Follow the holy son, we march to burn out the corruption, but with a flame of the spirit! Put out the misguided flames and embrace those who've gone astray! Qalb Shuja!"

Zion rose his wand as he spoke and spread his magoi across the crowd to inspire them. Zafar and Cornelia also felt the effects and even Zion himself was filled with positive emotions and confidence towards their goals. But he did not lose himself to madness and would turn his attention back to the man with business ready to listen while Cornelia would step forward to meet any concerns the other two men had.

Meanwhile, the "holy son" Zafar stood there cutting a menacing figure with his burning body and glowing red eyes. But deep down the lava beast simply felt awkward. He was just standing around! Feeling suppressed by the situation, Zafar just couldn't help himself and grumbled so quietly only Cornelia and her feelers would hear.

"Holy Son my ass, what kind of bullshit holy son is this? You're taking all the spotlight, damn brat."

---

Magoi: 380/420
Stamina: 280/280

Notes:

Spells:

Traits:

It was a dark day here in Magnostadt. Lestacia couldn't remember when everything changed. It was like a switch flipped and suddenly everything was on fire. She felt, hot, a sharp pain across her forehead, and the suffocating taste of smoke that filled her nostrils. Her grandfathers visage appeared in front of her.

Edmund Tor Chesterfield:

"It's time for you to get up sweetheart! You've got to get out of here."

"Mr. Chesterfield, Sir, we NEED to get you out of here. As the Previous head Teacher of the academy and one of our strongest magicians, these zealots could target you."

"NOT WITHOUT MY GRANDDAUGHTER!" Edmund would howl cradling the Blonde girl in his arms. "It's time for you to get up now. You can rest when we're safe."

As she finally came to her senses she remembered now what happened. Her shop had collapsed under the flames and she had been caught in it. The sounds of pure and utter chaos around her as magician's fought each other surrounded the girl as her sense of self returned. She was getting ready to send out some Magic items she made before the City erupted into flames. The two of them would start to stand as the magicians fought behind them.

"Are you ok? They didn't hurt you did they?"

"I'm fine just caught off guard." Lest would reply trying to ease her grandfathers worries. "You need to get to safety though!"

"I know, but I couldn't ju-" Before Edmund could finish his sentence a long blade protruded from his chest. Lestacia looked in horror as the blade retracted from her caregiver revealing a cultist with a wicked grin upon his face. Edmund would clutch to Lestacia's cloak as tears would begin streaming down the girls face. She'd catch the now dying man in her arms, as one of the guard Magician's dispatched the man swiftly. Her hands were shaking as their roles had now been quickly reversed, except, there was no Magic that could heal a wound such as this. His heart had been punctured and he had a few moments At most.

"Looks like my time's run out. There was so much that I wanted to see you do, so Much i wanted to watch you become. I guess this way I can watch you grow all the time." His voice was hoarse as it became a labor to even breathe. "Promise me one thing Lestacia! Be a good girl and stay out of trouble okay!" At this exact Moment Lestacia was unconsolable. The man that had raised her, was now dying in her arms, she felt powerless, she knew all this Life Magic but knew nothing to stop death itself. The woman would nod in agreement unable to form words so she could agree to the promise. Edmund smiled and with hiss final breath the Light had finally left his eye's and his flow of Magoi had ceased. He was dead.

Upon this realization Lest clutched unto the man as the fight moved away from them. Her building a former relic of what it used to be. A small photo of him and her clutched in his wallet. One that he always kept, for his favorite granddaughter. Lestacia would take the Photo and tuck it in her pocket. She was a mixture of emotions, but one stood out among the others. Unyielding Rage. It burned deep within her. Whoever started this, was going to die by her hands. Grabbing all of her Magic Tools, Her Staff, and what little bit of Sanity she had left, she would Rest Edmund in the middle of the demolished store with his eye's closed and arms crossed, holding what flowers were left from a shattered vase on the floor. She would return to bury him proper.

The picture:

The Livid girl walked among the streets with her hood now covering her face. Looking up to the smoke filled sky she could see a pair of flaming wings. She heard a siren and saw four magicians speed out from the tower. She knew who they were. Those guys were only ever deployed when a worthwhile threat reared its head. That was her target. She almost had a gut feeling. A cultist would then try to surprise her, however Lestacia Quickly dispatched the man laying him flat on his arse. He would plead for his life however after looking under the hood of the woman he attacked, he saw no light, only a deadpan look of utter hatred, and disgust. Lestacia however would let him live, wasting Magoi on someone like this would only prove to waste her time. She had bigger fish to fry. (literally)

Magoi
(320/320)
Stamina
(80/80)

Items Brought:

Putting a lot of caution to her surroundings, Noir and the others found two students quarreling with each other. It felt a bit ironic since both are siblings, both of them attended the class where Noir assisted as well… “Don’t fight with each other!” Baba would carefully approach both of the boys, wanting to separate them. However, they were not the only people who got to witness the fight. A professor whom Noir recognized, would be quick to approach the siblings as well and would start saying something sinister. Not only that, there was a fire canine lurking around the area, attempting to burn everything. “We have to help the siblings!”

Shousui and Baba were quick to react, already finding the presence of the professor to be unsettling, and decided to make a move before he finished his word. Both of them had the experience of figuring out an ill intention behind someone’s word, as a former assassin and as a prisoner, and that was what drove them to react quickly. Shousui leaped towards the siblings while casting Illusion of the lost to Adonjiah. Baba who was already close to the siblings, would use her hair whip to break the shard while the other students helped to restrain both siblings right after.

At the same time Baba and Shousui were moving, Noir whispered as she pointed her staff towards the fire dog and summoned a scaled water dragon to drown the construct, “Draco Saltatio. Extinguish the dog”. As it only took half the damage from fire, the Noir controlled the living water dragon and aimed it toward Adonijah. “Drown him, Draco”.

Magoi: 520/570
Stamina: 260

Skills:

Explosions filled the air, crackles resonating afterwards as if enormous fire were being erected. Then after the smokestacks left evidence of the destruction, an alarm horn filled the air. When Magnostadt or the plains were in danger, there was one person, Shishi would think of; Noir. He would get his Kazeharu Origami Caller and dial her. However, there was no response on the other hand. Perhaps she was already attending to the crises.

Shishi was returning to the city and would witness an army attacking the outer walls of Magnostadt, but it seemed as if there was smoking coming from  inside the academy as well. He wishes he were already on the inside, but fate was not on his side. He'd have to deal with the army first.

Thankfully, he was alongside some of his most loyal subjects, that were more than capable in assisting him in this endeavor, between the guards at the wall, he might be able to provide some distraction as well as some protection.

The first person to get into range was 89, who would use a Mist spell, dampening the flames in a 50 Meter diameter, reaching perpendicular to the front of the attacking army at the wall. Leona follows close behind 89 to protect him, her dual shields at the ready.

Meanwhile Naruto works on the rear end of the army together. Naruto leaps into the air ten meters and unleashes Storm Cleanse, unleashing a flurry of explosions, and descending into the clearing made by the bombs. Naruto descenda into the clearing left by his explosives and escapes with his exceptional speed to avoid getting surrounded.

While his subjects were making progress, Shishi would use his latest armor. Activating the armor of the last martyr, directing the pomegranate in his palm towards the troops nearest 89 and Leona, and shooting four seeds, using and sustaining Fruit of the Underworld, as the seeds shoot out being empowered by Shishi's rukh, the brooch on the edge of his cowl suddenly expands surrounds him in a seedy, seraphim countenance.

As the A-tier seeds shoot into the enemies, Shishi would use call of the Blessed to call forth four angels from the seeds that just found their way into the army. A-tier Angel constructs would each attack more of the army.

---

[470/550 Magoi]

-10 Magoi
Instant Communication- Pouring their magoi into the paper a call is sent out to its partner paired caller, but if you know another person with a caller a call can also be sent if both parties accept and the call must be made while heavily thinking of them. If the call is accepted they can talk from anywhere in the world, but it is meant to be used out of combat and if done within the chaos of so would leave you with static on each side. 10 to activate | 5 magoi to sustain

Mist - 89 makes a downward slash with his wand, creating a cloudy mist from the vapor in the sky, with a 50m diameter. Can't see through it,

Storm Cleanse-  With their mix of explosives the user jumps 10m in the air throwing an air of bombs creating an explosion 30m in width and 5m in height which does A-tier damage to those caught within it.

Activated and Sustained 3 times. -50 Magoi
Fruit of the Underworld- For 20 magoi to activate | 10 magoi to sustain the user activats the brooch filling it with great power causing one to take the terrifying shape of an Angelic Warrior. In their hand is a Pomegranate which can fire out seeds .5m thick in diameter which can fire up to 100m away dealing A-tier damage to those deemed enemies and for allies it wraps around them cushioning impact. This lasts for 4 posts.

-20 Magoi
Call of the Blessed- For 20 magoi to activate | 10 magoi to sustain the user sends out a pulse of holy magic out to the all the seeds within a 100m diameter causing their seeds to radiate with energy. Friendly seeds heal the users for B-tier damage and give them B-tier wings for flight becoming Cherubim for the user. For enemies their seeds grow into A-tier construct angels that will try to attack or sabotage the opponent.

---

Voice of Reason:

Skin of the Serpent Demigod:

Iessai-no-Sutemu:

Armor of the Last Martyr:

The Diving Bell:

Kazeharu Clan Origami Caller:

Grizzly Lord's Mantle:

89:

Leona:

Naruto Uchiha:

As Gilles soared through the airs on her burning wings riding the warm winds she had made as the city below her burned, all of it was a beautiful terror for her to behold. It was her own trumpet of war as they flew to meet up with her, then the one with the trumpet prepared to blow it before suddenly the more muscular one would reach out his hand as though he was letting them know that he had this handled.

"Hahah, don't worry my fellow sages I've got this handled, or my name isn't Esau!"He said as he flew forward with his staff in his hand and it looked like he prepared to cast a spell as lightning began to charge up around the tip before suddenly he took the brunt of her attack and fell to the ground as the hair on his body was singed. He fell the entire distance, the earth cracking open as he cratered but he did not die.

Throwing their trumpet the second magician cast a spell turning it into a wall of molten metal that would block the wing attack that was coming for him. He took a deep sigh as pulled out a staff from behind his coat now that he had thrown away his backup that he only really needed for the first spell.  "You're an idiot, you can't cast that type of magic worth shit, stick to what you can do."

"Sorry, my brother's a moron give him a moment and he'll join us again." He would say as he pulled his cane out, a staff of epic proportion though only another magician would truly be able to appreciate its craftsmanship. "My name is Yakob, I thought you and your people were here to help rebuild, I won't make that mistake again."

Yakob seemed as though he was preparing to cast a spell but he didn't start gathering the magoi just yet, no, he had one hand slipping behind his back leaving it there as he would raise the cane staff into the air. As he began to speak iron sand began to gather around his hand as he stared into her eyes with a cold and placid visage as he let it begin to trail around the staff in a vortex. All the while behind him however the other two magicians would fly backwards. The did not turn away, no they seemed to be preparing something else as Yakob prepared to deal with Gilles.

---

Inside the academy, Adon would find himself soon given an audience by someone he would've most definitely known, the young assistant professor. However, her efforts to help the young lads that were in front of them would come in vain as he had just been a bit quicker on the draw. While he would have time to react to her magic coming toward her he had been just barely successful in one of his actions.

Although not complete the boys had been separated but not before Adon's attack would have helped push the glass spear deep into the shoulder of his brother as he was starting to be pulled away. At the same time their own actions were going on, the sound of thunder could be heard above them. The same one that had brought them here in the first place, it had not been those boys, and it was coming again

---

In the second ring where the average mages made their daily business, the chaos had been nearly instant, with the religion having spread to multiple families who were affected by the recent damages to the city. Even if all of them weren't radicals it hd been enough for them to find at least one in each larger family and now its fruits were being reaped. Fire and death were being brought upon at a reckless scale as either blood or ash was extracted in tribute.

There was too much Chaos and Lest had her own problems to deal with, but as fires raged over the entire place with no sign of stopping soon and cultists making their rounds it was clear she would have to make a choice of action on what she would choose to address first and foremost to try and help.

---

To say that the walls were taking a beating was an understatement, sure the magical barrier was handling its share as magic from cultists rained upon it from both inside and outside. However, this was not their only plan as their sappers got in close and whenever they could their bombs inside the small holes would blow them wider. The walls were not coming down yet but they had started to explode gashes in them.

Though now they found that there were enemies finally making a charge towards them the armies would have to react to this sudden person who was charging into them.

However, Shishi would feel a sudden tingle in the back of his neck as he was charging forward to attack, it was as though someone had sent a signal directly towards him and the closer he got to Gilles armies the harder it would tingle. It would not hurt him, but it seemed to be calling him in a different direction, a feeling of a shadow watching intently

Then in another direction in the area of the first ring over the wall, there was a dark smoke from where one of the factories would be, and then suddenly it would explode again as a deep red smoke began to fill the air in that part of the ring.  It seemed as though there were multiple things that would occupy his mind in this time of reaction when the one he cared about had no chance to inform him of their own situation and peril.

---

For Zion to be the most successful at the moment would've been an understatement, however, to be the only one treading water in an oil spill wasn't necessarily the place one wanted to find oneself in. Although his situation might've been better if he found himself in the former instead. He had been successful at calming down and stopping the fighting through the use of his magic, the pacification working greatly as opposed to those who had been too far away and found themselves still in conflict over one another.

The two of them dropped their staves and began to hug it one another while the Meridian stared at them in a bit of shock and confusion before running over to the one who had cast the spell that made him feel more composed. He looked up at the burning man and looked as though he wanted to be upset about it but couldn't find the energy nor the reason for him to do so at this very moment.

"I feel like there's something deeply wrong about this situation, but, that's not important right now I just need to figure out what's going on." He said as he put the two boxes on his side, holstering them before he let out a long and deep breath. The level of calmness he carried at the moment even unnerving him a bit as she seemed to hold himself for a second before continuing. "You're trying to bring peace here? Do you now what's going on? Like I said I'm a merchant, my name is Chandra and I just came her to buy and sell."

---

At the walls, Casvallion would find a magician who might've seemed out of place not only in this city but in this situation in general. There was a mage of young age with tattoos all over his arms with a placid, and resigned mask worn upon his face as he let out a deep sigh. However, despite all parts of his body language saying he was relaxed or didn't find worry he seemed to be pointing to mages directing them all the while keeping an eye on everything around him.

With another figure approaching him his head would turn, and he would see a face he would know. He had heard of Casvallion and a slight eyebrow seemed to raise from him. "I'm the commander, my name's Asher, I'm sorry I can't be of much use at the moment my staff got lost when we were bombed by surprise. For now I'm trying to keep ahold of the situation until I can get down there and get it, or at least steal one to use."

He would suddenly turn to point towards another magician who he sent towards the other side of the city before turning his attention back. "Now from one magician of war to another, what the hell do you know about what's going on?"


Post details: Gilles pick which of the enemies you are engaging with, Yakob and Esau are seperated atm and the other two are pulling away. The template for whom you engage will be posted next round.

More is happening around the city, you may continue your own agendas but if plot points aren't pursued they will resolve on their own. The new converts will reveal themselves next round, and one of many possible victory routes for Gilles shall be revealed. There are people to save, kill, or convert depending on your agendas, choose wisely  the city and your's plot will ride on it

Esau:

Yakob:

Chandra:

Commander Asher:

The High Priestess was not in the least surprised to see that these two seemed to be fine. This was a country were they thrived on those with talent. She was not sure how they were going to fight but was certain of the fact that they had her outnumbered and perhaps overpowered as well. This was what she wanted. The bigger spotlight she put on herself the more enemies she would gather and they would attract attention as well. Soon all the moths will gather to her flame which was what she wanted. But there were a few that were not there yet.

"Kyahahahahha. Yes my children, gather around me and scream! call for your father so that he can come out and protect them! Where is your daddy Yakob? Where is your god??? All of those little Flames down there know who there god is and even where they are! We may have a god of Flames but it is I that they worship! I have become Fire itself! Also, you speak about rebuilding! you are supposed to be educated yet you do not know that to rebuild something first you must destroy! The forest only thrives when it is burned first! Kyahahahahahha"

Activating the tears of Inferno she would cover the skin on her body in a crimson fire. keeping her wings activated she would fly down to the muscular magician that fell before going to attack while he was down. With woodpecker's charge her tongue darts out at where he landed once she was in three meters. Since the tongue was an extension of her body it should in theory have the same flames from the tears, so she was hoping to strike him down with as much damage as she could quickly. Crusades were not meant to be fought fairly.

---

Adon would find himself face to face with the prodigal magician. The young assistant that was riling up the status quo. It was clear she was not in a mood to talk as she went on the offensive. Seraphim would come to his side which He would use Conflagrate on extending the flames to fend off the butterflies while the beast itself took the hair head on.

Adon would then cast Lupine, having the beasts take the blunt of the water dragon while his borg took the remainer. "Bravo assistant Professor! Bravo indeed. I see the Academies puppet has arrived. I was like you once but my eyes! My eyes Assistant Professor noir! My eyes have been cut open and i can see so clearly now! My eyes! The world is so much more beautiful than we expected it to be! After today your eyes too will be gouged and you can see truly. Your attachments and need to protect is adorable but blinds you. How are you going to protect your students? Will you protect the ones that are misguided as you so believe or will you abandon them like the headmaster would? Will you follow in Daddy's footsteps?"

WIth this the students that were with Adon would take knives that cultists carry and hold them to their throats, ready to plunge them down the moment noir takes action. WHile this was happening Cherbium would activate creating wings of flames that Adon would use to fly through the burning ceiling.

---

the 2 armies would find themselves being faced by enemies now and would turn to face them, The maimed using goodness gracious while the marauders would ransack, both armies throwing balls of flames and bombs at the charging enemies.

280/310 magoi
290/370 stamina

notes:

Items armies abilites and NPCs used:

The fires raged on as Lestacia quickly approached the Academy. Anyone that would get in the girls way would be either dead or broken against her resolve. She had so much pent up frustration so much rage, her tears wouldn't flow. It was difficult to process. Had she just grown tired of crying? Was the war in Kou really that bad that nothing could compare? Was she simply too exasperated. Was the constant loss getting to her? It was probably  combination of everything. Throwing open the gates, the Woman strutted through the halls past students and cultists fighting one another. It was an odd sight. As if the spectre of death waltzed amongst the battlefield nonchalantly. She knew where she was heading straight to the headmasters office.

Upon making her way through the halls, the girl would spot 2 people fighting through her hood. The flow of Magoi was intense. She recognized this woman as a professor at the academy she studied at. Not her specific one but one of them nonetheless. She knew her name to be Noir... yes, Noir. However the more Lestacia watched this fight and cross referenced it with the other cultists, the more off it seemed. The way they were fighting. It was as if they were, empowered, by something... someone! Of course, that's how they ambushed her grandfather. No ordinary person could just take out the Scion of Strength with just any old tactic. Her grandfather seemed to always be on guard, Except when it came to her. She had to think about the entire situation later however. If these cultists were indeed empowered, Noir was going to have a rough go with this guy. "Fine! Someone wants to challenge me to an empowerment battle, Then I am ecstatic to rise to the challenge and oblige."

With that said Lestacia would approach from behind Noir and attempt to rest her wand upon her shoulder. "Trust in me and your faith will be rewarded I assure you! Impulse art: Raikoben!" Electricity would flow into Lestacia's Staff and if she allowed it, into Noir empowering the woman's attacks. "Forgive me for surprising you like this ma'am but the opposition isn't playing fair. I'm here to support you!"

WC:392

Magoi
290/320
Stamina
80/80

Spells used:

89 was fortunate in the diversity of his spells. The mist seemed to reduce the intensity of the fireballs coming their way, from it's usefulness, 89 would
sustain the mist spell.. 89 would cast Group Gravity lift on himself and Leona to escape from the explosions being lobbed their way. In the gravity lift Leona would use her shields to form an Iron Maiden around them to further protect them from any incoming blasts.

Meanwhile Naruto would clash with a [b]second volley of explosives from a Storm cleanse then using his exceptional speed to create more distance again.

Shishi was satisfied with what was going on, the walls of Magnostadt seem to have been bought some time as well. The Angel constructs would take heavy damage from the explosions, but each on the cusp of falling from another attack. Using the last of the strengths to cleave into the armies. However as he saw the events unfold, he would sense something on the back of his neck. He could only think of the Black Spiders, but he was unsure of exactly what was happening.

---

Mist - 89 makes a downward slash with his wand, creating a cloudy mist from the vapor in the sky, with a 50m diameter. Can't see through it, clashes with heat, heat magic and heat-based magic up to B tier.

Group Gravity Lift - 89 holds his wand in the center with his fist, and can lift anyone in a 5M radius of himself at A tier speeds, controlling direction and speed with his fist position.

Iron maiden. Cover herself in both tower shields, enough space for 4 people total, able to take up to A-tier damage.

Storm Cleanse- With their mix of explosives the user jumps 10m in the air throwing an air of bombs creating an explosion 30m in width and 5m in height which does A-tier damage to those caught within it.

Spirits swelled but the silver haired fox kept his mind grounded despite his desire to charge forth. The armies up ahead had come under attack suddenly however and this let him feel a bit less urgency as their assault on the walls was interrupted. For now, he had to take responsibility for the crowd he had riled up. Though he was not the only one able to keep their calm. While two of the quarreling men were overtaken with positive emotions and embraced, the third approached and spoke with a surprising amount of clarity given the chaos of the situation. Zion looked the stranger in the eyes intensely for but a flash before deciding that the facade of Holy Son's attendant would be meaningless with him. The magician dropped his mask and lowered his voice as he stepped in closely so the man could hear him.

"I'll be honest, I know little about what is happening. We were contacted by people inside saying that the leader of a popular religion instigated their followers to start burning down the city. I'd like to bring peace, but there is only so much I can do."

Zion answered honestly and then glanced at the strange boxes the man had with him. Judging by the way he handled them they were likely some sort of weapon. The thought of asking him to join them arose, but he also knew that this foreigner had not come here to fight. "I must at least try, for this is my home and the home of my father. But this is not your fight, if you need a safe and quiet place, head to that outpost to the east and tell them Zion Koval sent you. A newly founded company, Lunar Tempest, might just be able to do the business you came for." After making this offer of shelter, he would step forward past the man. There was no more time to waste on convincing him to take Zion's offer. If his conscience told him to follow them, Zion would not refuse the help.

"When an opening appears, we're going in. Zafar, you take the side they're being attacked from. Cornelia, you take the other. I'll cut us open a path right down the middle. Try not to take lives if you can."

The young doll spoke with confidence and slowly unfurled his nine tails. Each one emerged from the trickster fox spirit's clothing to transform into katana-like blades. Only the edges were on the wrong side revealing Zion's lack of ill will. He was only waiting for a break in the bombardment on the Marauders and the Maimed to make a move. In contrast, Zafar seemed to be burning with bloodlust as his temperature increased. The cloth wrapped around him quickly turned black and then white as it became ash that was blown away by the kick of storm winds Zion used to propel himself towards the armies the moment he saw his chance.

"Kyaaakakaka! I'll try, but no promises, I'm not exactly good at being subtle you know!"

Zafar shouted as his white hot lava body splashed forwards violently leaving Cornelia behind shaking her head. "Those two have totally forgotten about the Holy Son disguise, huh?" The woman shrugged before taking out her sling to perform Tempest Volley into her targeted side of the enemy armies being careful not to hit her allies. But before her ammunition could even arrive, the young Koval Swordking would reach their ranks. Zion did not slow down at all and flew full speed zigzagging back and forth down the middle of the two armies. In front of him taking the brunt of any impact were 5 of his blunted tail blades forcefully cutting open a path. Meanwhile, his four remaining tails performed Sweeping Swipes and Swiping Strikes on either side stretching up to 3m away if need by to strike an enemy combatant.

Following Zion's attack would be the arrival of Cornelia's four shots at the same time Zafar arrived cackling in his unnatural voice. It sounded like hard stones grinding together as he leapt into the air and laughed, "Come out, my babies!~" as he willed the hundreds of Volcanic Scarabs living inside him to take flight. The lavaborn insects fluttered their many wings like a humming nightmare of heat. They spread out across a 20m area over this side of the armies and performed a Scarab Raid raining lava down onto the men below.

---

The Masked Commander kept his stoic expression as he shook his head in response to Asher's question. "Not all the details, but I got reports that the city was under attack from within and that the mastermind announced herself. Didn't you hear the broadcast? The explosions coming form inside the city? The eastern gates are under assault from outside as well, but reliable forces on our side are making a move to take care of it." Casvallion felt something was strange with this northern commander. Why was he sending his men here and there, but claimed to not understand the situation. The suggestion that he lost his wand and not one among his forces had a spare, nor an equipment room where he could get a back up was also strange. But Casvallion knew that every second wasted was one in which the fires inside might further spread.

"If you need someone to watch the gate, Thousand One can remain here. In the meantime, I'll help you get your wand back, but first I have a request."

Casvallion pointed over his shoulder with a thumb at Sodei as he explained. "This golem is somewhat special. It has eight cores and each one can store a spell. If you or your men have any water magic or other spells useful against fires, please cast them into the cores. It will greatly increase our ability to put out the fires. I'll be inside it leading point and Thousand Clouds will take up the rear once we're ready to go. You just point us in the direction of where you lost your wand. Casvallion would then turn around and once more the Ace Pilot would enter his artifact golem.

Sodei's 8 cores would be presented for any spells Asher and his men could provide as the time spent would be well worth it if the fires inside had been allowed to spread unchecked thus far. Regardless if there were any spells to spare or not, he would then wait for Asher to tell them where to go. Sodei taking the lead with Casvallion inside and Thousand Clouds bringing up the rear. Hopefully Asher would stay safe between them until he could retrieve a wand.

---

Magoi: 380/420
Stamina: 200/280

Notes:

Abilities:

Traits:

NPCs:

It was a little bit fortunate that Baba was able to separate the siblings, although one of the brothers got severely injured. Not only that, even though Noir managed to crack Adonijah’s borg, it still wasn’t enough to break it. Another thunderous sound could be heard as well.

The professor would start talking nonsense, however, during the middle of his speech, Baba would sustain her hair whip and aim it at the professor to break his borg and land a direct hit on him. While Shousui would use snaking stab towards Seraphim simultaneously. At the same time, Noir would cast 3x scaled Dia to heal the injured sibling, at least enough to stop the bleeding. They had no time to listen to his words, they needed to act fast.

However, things get messier when some of the converted students show up and start to threaten to stab their throat if Noir does any more actions. During the chaos, a girl came from behind her and she could feel a surge of electricity spreading throughout her body, but surprisingly, it didn’t hurt her instead, it empowered her. However, at that point, Noir felt like there was nothing she could do for now… in fear that the students would stab themselves. “Thank you for your good intention, Miss. But if I try to do anything now, they would hurt themselves. Until we can figure out what is a good solution for this, I can’t do anything.”

If at this point the professor still had the power and will to fly and leave, then Noir would let him be. The students were her top priority at the moment.


Magoi: 480/570
Stamina: 260/260

Battle notes:

Skills:

Esau sat there in the ground for a moment, his body hurting although his magic had been there to protect him, and now it was his turn to protect everyone else. As Gilles charged down at him he held his staff in the air and began to chant to himself as Goliath's Gift was activated and suddenly he grew to fifteen meters tall with a rising fist to try and land two solid punches on the woman if he could

It seemed as though he was trying to land two hits at the same time regardless if the fire might burn his skin upon contact, he carried a fervor as the now enlarged magician jumped up with his staff on his back, with both fists rising he let out a loud yell, carried forward by his size. All the while up in the air above them all the other mages stared at both of them in disbelief, first that the fact Esau had decided to do any of this or that Gilles was meeting him to challenge instead of them to the point where they just watched before they started to gather in the air above.

"EAT MY FISTS OF JUSTICE." Esau cried out, the gigantic voice boomed as he stared up at her getting ready to land both fists, and even preparing to get out his staff again as he waited to see how she would react to his charge back.

---

The inside of the academy quickly faced destruction as the fire raced around the building, only exacerbated by their fire, although the splashing aftermath of the dragon bursting through the hounds and smashing against Adon's borg caused a smattering of shower to rain down and sizzle against the flames doing their best to aid in the effort against the raging inferno. The weakened structure of the room they were in, however, would not be given time to recover as the charged air began to crackle around them. It would begin with their hair standing on the back of their head until lightning ripped from the earth up into the sky.

Then came the thunder, not only literally but figuratively as the pure force of the shattering shockwaves would begin to blow more holes into the ceiling before suddenly a figure came riding down the bolt. A magician coated with static energy, and staff with a hammer's head she appears to have been melted on, or rather his metal staff had been heated to the point where it could stab through the head. With the lightning in his eyes, he would turn to look around as though he was trying to find something, and soon enough his face soured.

"Where is she, where is the prophet who promised equality to us all." He waved his hammer around as he spoke, pointing at Adon, Noir, and then finally at Lestacia. "I must find her, and offer my might to her cause, tell me anything you know."

However, despite being stared at Lestacia, the others would find more to occupy their attention, although she would be the first to notice. The area she had left had continued to burn in the chaos and especially now with the holes that had been opened the sound of intense fire could be heard, roaring in the most literal sense. A beast made of living fire could be seen as it bit through the apartment of a mage, taking him and his roommate along with the infrastructure. At the center flew a recently elder aged man whom was covered in scars and bandages, a staff made of petrified wood in his hand as he commanded the beast.

"AS THOU EMERGES FROM THE VALLEY OF FLAMES, EMBRACE THE LASTING LOVE THAT IS SINGED UPON THEY SKIN!" He screamed out as he flew outside the academy, away from the other group, not noticing them and simply intent on carrier out his sermon in the name of his saint of flames.

---

For Shishi his efforts at self-preservation and trying to gain himself a moment to gather more information were not in vain, as he focused for a moment the feeling would suddenly get incredibly stronger. The soft and thrumming tingle slowly turned into a constant throbbing that was accompanied by a ticklish feeling. It was a feeling he might've known before, the feeling of a spider walking on the back of his neck and into his ear.

Of course, there wasn't an actual spider in his ear but almost as if there was he would soon enough find the call being made whether or not he had even realized it. At this point, he had already accepted the call, and soon enough he would hear a constant thrum in the back of his mind that was letting him know that the line had been open. The next thing to happen might've sent a chill down the spine of most people, but who to say he was however, to say the moment that began to unfold could be considered unexpected would be the least of the situation.

"Now now, what are you doing here?" The contractor would suddenly whisper into his mind, the subtle pressure of his conscience would make it feel as though he was upon his back speaking directly into his ear. "Well, we can address that in a second, but first I have someone who wants to speak to you."

The next voice to come out was not one he would recognize, but that was to be expected as the voice of a spider disguised by magic would fill his mind. "To say we expected to find you here at this moment isn't entirely accurate, but that isn't to say that we can't find some sort of arrangement that benefits everyone here."

"This moment is big for all of us, the Contractor would like to increase those who fall to depravity here and we'd like to take the opportunity to gather as many magical assets as possible, the kind that you and I specialize in if you catch my drift." The voice said with a rolling chuckle afterards before they would make their point. "I myself see three possible paths for you, you may ignore us and act to save yourself and the one you've been with inside but only in the matter necessary for yourself to survive."

"The second path, you're a sneaky man and you've proven that so how hard would it be for you to aid in the chaos here without getting caught, if you help them with keeping this going then we shall reward you with many slaves as well as a proper meeting with all the spiders." The voice continued before finishing with their third offer. "However, there is a third opportunity here that we believe only you can pull off, you'd have to help keep the chaos going and more. If you wish to do this and more I will reveal where we are and we will give you a dagger so that you may curse the one individual you wish."

"Now, for the reason I am here." The Contractor said as he took over the conversation to add his final sentiment before he would allow Shishi to make his decisions. "This is very important to us, and I understand you may have your reasons to go inside this city and I won't blame you for protecting yourself. However, this fire must burn and these people must fall from Flame's Reach's conversion. If you are to oppose this we will have to have a lengthy discussion on what you are doing with the gifts I have given you and if you are intent on using them for the things I have given them to you for or not."

---

Chandra was a bit surprised at what he was hearing, to say that he was knowledgeable on this side of the world would be a lie and had been a major reason for him coming to start business in this little corner. With himself now overwhelmed with all the knew information he hadn't much time to react. Within a split second, he turned and began to follow after the puppet boy, after all he had been able to calm down the situation around them immediately.

"Shit, if I stay behind here what's to stop those two from turning on me again." He said turning around to see the brothers who were hugging it out had dropped knives that they had each been holding behind the back. "W-what the fuck?"

He was confused at the prospect that both of them had been traitors and were just willing to blindly kill, but as he turned around he saw something coming from the distance and let out a large gulp as he suddenly dashed forward to try and grab zion by his shoulder so he could get his attention. "Uh, look over there."

Chandra would point his hand over to a female magician who had begun to rise up and out of the crowd, she was rising up upon a tree. On close inspection it was clear that it was dried, and dead and within a matter of seconds another dessicated branch would sprout from the ground and into a person the dry ends dipping into fire so they would catch fire and spread like a bonfire to the person it had impaled

"Do not cry sweet children, for this funeral pyre shall be your last great prayer for your poor damned souls!" The magician cried as she rose up even higher and higher into the sky.

As Asher found himself suddenly questioned by Casvallion he would take a moment, scratch the back of his head and let out a heavy and deep sigh. He would look down over the wall and at some of his men who were trying to stop the fires that had broken out around the wall, or where the flaming oil had coated all over its crevices. "The attack was sudden, we were watching these people gathered before molotovs and bombs came upon us. I've spent most of my time trying to stop these fires and get my men organized while my courier tries to find a new clairvoyance or sound specialist to share intelligence."

He would reach over the wall, getting ready to climb, jump, or find a way down with the other mages before he would turn to look at Cas once again. "I've not heard much over the blaring explosions and horns, all I know about the trumpet is that it means that soon enough all of the people vying for the top dog are gonna appear."

"My men with water magic are down there taking on the fires at the source, however, I can also cast water magic so either we can get one of them up here, or we can quickly get there and I'll get my staff and give you more water that a Balbadd deluge." His tired demeanor breaking for a moment as a cocky smile would shift into place before falling back down.

Esau, Prodigy of Strength:

Gilles NPC 1:

Gilles NPC 2:

Gilles NPC 3:

The High Priestess would grin as she feels her tongue hit his fist. She could see the glow of flames on his fist now. She knew it did not really manage to deal any damage to the giant but this was all that she needed. Shrikes Thorn would be created using more hair than usual. A wall of spikes would form from her hair in-between the fist and herself. Sounds of snapping would be clear as a bone fractures in her left arm from the force of the punch.

Gilles would go on the offensive, activating Frostmore, swinging the ice sword at the right side of his body. At this moment she would use a powered up Speed of the Ashura creating a jet of flame on the fist of the giant in order to propel him in a manner that he could not successfully block Frostmore if this goes well.

---

Adon would sense his seraphim perish and would use Lupine wall of 8 flaming wolves that would intersect the attack directed at himself. He was about to retreat when someone he did not particularly recognize appeared. Adon would smile taking advantage of this.

"Good sir, I am one that is close to the High Priestess you speak of. If she is sticking to the plan she should be right near the academy facing enemies of the great lord. I can show you the way if you help me escape from these non believers" he would say knowing that two experienced magicians would be a handful for these enemies, or at least that was what he hoped.

---

Using the power of the flames, two armies would swing fists, blades and other various weapons they had that were coated with their flames to attempt to block the first attacks. then the maimed would march while the marauders ransacked specifically the three people that were currently attacking them, the woman the fox and the being of lava. It was no surprised to the armies that it was just a small handful of enemies fighting them. The embers spoke of champions of the Demon being stronger than thousands of the flames but they must persevere.

260/310 magoi
210/370 stamina

Notes:

items, NPCs, Abilities:

Trait Name: The Pale Lady's Blessing
Trait Tier: Omega
Trait Requirement: Be the Army of Maimed or Baroque's marauders
Trait Description: A magical spell cast by the Magno branch of the Flame's Reach that has mutated them to give them supernatural abilities with flames that come from their heat, also allowing them to increase the effectiveness of their heat based abilities.
Trait Effect: All fire, or heat based abilities used by or within 50 meters of either army is increased in tier by effectiveness. Along with this, all the members carry a living flame with them meaning that they all constantly can create a fire that works like a weapon dealing A-tier damage. For 10 magoi Gilles can cause them all to ignite instantly filling the area with living flame that they can control up to 50 meters as though it were a remote control weapon and deal A-tier damage.

The situation had gotten even worse the moment another person appeared and stated he was looking for the prophet who promised equality. Noir was sure he didn’t mean her, she never shared her goals to fight for equality in Magnostadt in public anyway nor she was a prophet. Adon, the cultist professor, seemed delighted by the aid and tried to make it clear that he too was working for the priestess of fire.

As they were exchanging words, Noir made a subtle movement using her nimble finger trait, drawing a circle with her staff to cast Fatamorgana towards the turned student. She was hoping she could subdue them all by letting them dream in the mirage, a better scene compared to watching them stab themselves.

Now back to the believers of the cult… Noir observed the newcomer, wanting to study him. But suddenly, Shousui chuckled and decided to talk to the “I heard the followers of the cult's greatest dream is to die in a holy fire. I’d definitely love seeing that happen to you.” It seemed her days as a former assassin helped her to gain information about the cult. But if someone asked her how she got the information, the older lady would answer vaguely like, “Now, a lady has a secret. You can just say it’s just an old hobby of mine.”.

Continuing Shousui’s words, Noir would also share some of her curiosity. “I am curious… but what kind of equality that she promise to both of you and the rest of her followers? Judging from the way she acted, it doesn’t feel like she originally came from Magnostadt… So I wonder why she is kind enough to fight for equality…”

Meanwhile, in the background, some of the students who helped to tend to the injured brother would take care of him and his sibling.

Magoi: 450/570
Stamina: 260/260

Skill:

Lestacia cursed under her breath. Their hands were tied and she had completely forgotten about the kids. The woman was a teacher after all so her priority had to be the academy students. "So be it. I am here to back you up. You seem to be quite capable from what I saw." The girl was about to prepare to take out the students when a literal Lightning Bolt crashed through the building. Within it lied a person wielding A staff with the head of a hammer. Lightning crackled from off his body as he demanded information about this prophet so he could lend her his aid. Lestacia's eyes grew wide. Was this Prophet the cause of all this? Was it her fault her grandfather, who tried fighting for their equality in his own way, had to die? Was it her fault she was in all this torment deep inside.

Tears had begun to stream down her face as she let out a tiny whimper from behind Noir. "Haven't I suffered enough! My mother wants to kill me, I lost the love of my life during the war in Kou, and to top it off you people killed my Grandfather." She grit her teeth seething with pure rage pointing her staff toward The man and the professor. "YOU PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN EVERYTHING I HAD LEFT!" The girl had finally snapped, there was only but so much torment someone like her could take under these circumstances. She kept her cool in the war, she kept her cool during her fights, however her grandfather was the last thing she had. Without him all that pent up rage and aggression would release in one fell swoop. Magoi would Quickly begin Swirling around her as she activated her Deeps Edge wand. The sharp watery blade was then plunged into the ground beneath Lestacia. "I've only used this spell once in the war, but do try to keep pace!" With that said she'd shoot the man an extremely dirty look before Grabbing onto Noir keeping the woman close by. Inky black mist would seep out of the ground where her staff was stabbed in and surround everything within 20 meters in every direction with an Inky Black Mist before Black Tree's sprouted everywhere blocking out the light. Once the trees had sprouted everywhere within 20 Meters Lestacia would Grab her staff. In a hushed voice she would relay to Noir. "Now this spell is going to make you feel a bit Lethargic, the trees are extremely fragile so if you attack them you'll feel even worse." With that word Of advice Lestacia would let the woman go. "I've bought you a bit of time. They'll all be slowed severely by this so now is your time to act, Run, save the students, Hide, do whatever you must. I will make their Prophet Suffer." With that said she would kneel low within the inky black mist to obscure herself and move toward a wall. Inching closer to their last Known position.

Spells and Magoi:

Items Brought:

Everyone was in accordance to stall the attackers in order to protect Magnostadt without fully risking the complications of a full on battle., they were using some hit and run tactics. 89's gravity lift and Naruto's speed had taken them to safety, but it has seemed that the army was focused on a few other people who were also doing their best to stop the army.

Despite the goal was to distract and buy time for the rest of Magnostadt to get their magicians to deal with the fire, but now there was a connection between himself and the contractor. There was something that was distasteful about the situation. He was not totally in control here. He owed the contractor as well as the black spiders. Those ties would have to be severed at some point or better yet, taken over.

However, the last words spoken would keep him onboard for now. The ability to curse a certain someone would be more than ideal for the slaver. He would speak through the established connection. "I have a use for the dagger, reveal yourself to me. I'll do my best to make it through."