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>>6306210
You stare at Butch, doing your best to hide your surprise upon the bandit’s revelation that he’d been assisted by the mastermind behind the Cult of the Serpent. Marek had boasted that he’d had a man on the inside in this competition. One who would champion his cause, ensuring that Tartarus was opened on behalf of the Cult. You’d expected whoever it was to have been deep undercover, biding his time until the opportune moment. You never expected that he would just up and reveal himself in exchange for some suspect yogurt, the likes of which you’d assumed poisoned.

“Heh, you stunned or something, man?” Butch asks you. “Don’t worry. I may be a hero, but I always remember those who do right by me. When I’m ruling this joint, I’ll be sure to pay you back ten times over. You’ll have enough yogurt for a lifetime.”

>“That’s good to know. You really are a hero, Butch.”

You saw no point in explaining to Butch who Marek really was. He might not be the brightest amongst the bunch here, but you’d seen enough of him earlier to know he definitely ranked amongst the strongest. Better to have him on your side for now. The last thing you needed was this hulking freak of a man coming at you with his Hero’s Relic when you least needed it. There would be time to deal with Butch later, and that would be in the Top 8. Assuming he made it that far, anyway. You didn’t think he answered a single question on the written exam.

“Attention class!” Stelios announces at the top of his lungs. The Yasha stands up, carrying a stack of exams in his hands. “Grading has now finished! That means no more talking! I’ll be passing these back to you so that you may review. If you have any complaints about your score, too bad! You should have studied harder, fools! But don’t despair. Those of you with a poor grade may yet have a chance to improve your standing.”

Stelios begins patrolling up and down the aisles of the “classroom” as he hands back each exam to their competitor. You wait with bated breath as he draws closer towards you. Tests were never your thing. Frankly, they made you more uneasy than being on the battlefield did. Still, thanks to the endless blathering of your friends such as Cassius and Nadia, you knew there was no way you didn’t at least get some questions right. Stelios places your paper facedown on your desk, and you eagerly snatch it up and turn it over. Elation surges through your body as you find at the very top, the number 9 has been written in red ink, accompanied by a cruelly drawn smiley face, and some scrawling that reads “Nice Job!”

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>>6306211
Nine out of ten! Yes! You knew you could do it! But what was the question you’d gotten wrong? Examining your test closely, you see a red “X” crossing out question number 3. That was that ridiculous question about the two mothers arguing over the parental rights of a child. You’d answered that you’d banish both women, claiming the baby for yourself, but evidently, the correct answer had been to award custody to the mother that happened to be a mage. What a preposterous notion! You knew this country placed emphasis on those with the ability to use magic, but that they were able to just freely claim children seemed absurd, even for them.

Butch is the final competitor to receive his exam. Rather than checking his score, he instead folds the paper into some sort of crude bird shape, and throws it across the classroom. The paper bird flies rather impressively, straight into Thomas’ head, causing the man to nearly jump out of his desk in shock. Stelios looks on disapprovingly, before heading towards the front of the classroom and beginning to scrawl something on the black chalkboard. You quickly conclude that he was announcing everyone’s test scores.

>10: Gyles, Leonora, Elric, Arios

>9: Tristain, Crowley, Adalbert, Hansel, Rainer, Norbert, Timmy

>8: Uriyan, Thomas, Homer, Simon, Isaac, Lucien, Rudolf, Bernhard

>7: Adam, Nathaniel, Herman, Carl

>6: Oleg, Trent

>5: Conrad

>4: Shea

>2: Saoirse

>0: Butch

“These are your current scores.” Stelios says, tossing the chalk over his shoulder. “You can consider these your ‘starting points’ for the next stage.”

“Starting points?” Leonora asks, raising a hand as though she were an actual student.

“That’s right.” Stelios replies. “Your next goal is to ascend the Tower of Illusions. All 40 of its floors. And those of you who actually bothered to learn something about our country will be enjoying a nice headstart. Along with some other ‘fringe’ benefits. Take a good look at this chalkboard. You’ll get an idea of who will be starting on the same floor as you. I’m SURE you’ll work together with your peers here to make it to the top.”

The Yasha snickers. After the disaster of the first stage, there was slim chance of that happening. What you were looking at were the rivals you’d likely come into conflict with on your floor. Most of the heavy hitters of this competition seemed to either get a perfect score or a completely shitty one. You, meanwhile, were near the top, sharing the same score as a bunch of nobodies you’d never heard of. Not a bad place to be. You recognized none of the names that scored a 9. The only one you’d have to look out for was Crowley. He was one of the three Dagdans that had avoided the massacre in the first stage, carving out their own path to the finish line. You had no doubt he would be a dangerous fighter to come up against.

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>>6306213
“Another Yasha will be down here momentarily to explain the intricacies of the third stage.” Stelios says. “But before we conclude here, how about we have a bit more fun?” He smiles mischievously. “This stage was a test of the intellect and wisdom you would call upon as king. With millions of lives at your disposal, you must always act with clear logic and rationale. That is the duty and responsibility of a true monarch. However, there will of course be times where such things are impossible. You may encounter disasters or issues you have no control over. An unknown disease ravaging the country. A sudden influx of Terrors. Natural disasters that displace thousands of your citizens. In such cases, you may have to act with nothing but your instinct. However, instinct is just as important for a king. Perhaps even more so! The doctrine of our country is to pursue the unknown, no matter the cost. So, I present you with such a conundrum!”

Stelios raises a finger, more so for dramatic effect than anything. “I have one more question. This is strictly optional. If you’d rather not participate, then by all means, sit there. You’ll progress to the third stage with your current score and starting floor. If you can answer this optional question correctly, then you will receive one extra point. If you fail however…”

The Yasha mimics the motion of a slit throat.

“Then it’s down to zero for you. You’ll be keeping our good friend Butch company on the climb up. Assuming he doesn’t eat you first.”

“Ridiculous” A competitor mutters. He was a white-haired, older man that had the stylings of a mage. “Who would risk their entire score for such meager gain?”

…Who indeed? All you needed was one extra point to be on the same floor as Gyles and Elric. Two people you needed to deal with as soon as possible. But failing Stelios’ question carried monumental risks.

>A): Agree to Stelios’ bonus question.
>B): Decline. You’ll catch those two on the way up.

>>6306214
>A): Agree to Stelios’ bonus question.
G-g-gggambling

>>6306214
>>A): Agree to Stelios’ bonus question.
WE BALL

>>6306214
>>A): Agree to Stelios’ bonus question.

>>6306214
>B): Decline. You’ll catch those two on the way up.
Nah, these mages are some of the scummiest scum. This is probably a trick.

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>>6306214
>A): Agree to Stelios’ bonus question.
We have the spirit of Cassius by our side. His yabbering (rank S) will get us through this trust.

...and if it doesn't then us and our new buddy butch will tear through the levels so it doesn't really matter either way. And we might be able to get a look at what his crest does.

>>6306214
>A): Agree to Stelios’ bonus question
By Fortuna's tits we WILL be GAMBLING

>>6306353
I desire this man carnally and I'm not even gay. I really wonder what our journey would have been like if we'd told Alvin to fuck off and instead followed his lead... Do you know who the artist is?

>>6306353
Fuck thats a great Cassius. Damn cute. Would. Ya know I think theres a lost opportunity here. If his mage hood split into two ends to match the way his hair has those two bits, and could rest those on his chest or shoulders. Maybe a bit jester-like, but he does make me smile.

>A): Agree to Stelios’ bonus question.
I wonder if I will regret this, but Tristain gambles on these. Great opportunity to get Elric or Gyles.

>>6306353
Nice!! Incredible art. I would think Cassius' portrait is a hard one to make look good because the hood obscures some features but this is an amazing job. Awesome work by the artist here.

>>6306214
>B): Decline. You’ll catch those two on the way up.

>>6306353
This man is going to be so damn popular when Tristain becomes king. We send him off to Fodlan as ambassador and we might not get him back kek

>A): Agree to Stelios’ bonus question
From the way he's wording it I feel that the willingness to chase after the unknown when the time comes IS the correct answer to the question. Him bringing up Butch is his way of trying to trip people up into being too safe.

Wonder if Crowley actually got a question wrong or if he deliberately flubbed things so he can fly incognito in the middle of the pack.

>>6306214
>>B): Decline. You’ll catch those two on the way up.
No please god, we have a good score
>>6306353
Incredible, I love his pointy hood.

>>6306214
>214▶>>6306222 >>6306228 >>6306249 >>6306262 >>6306353 >>6306512 >>6306645 >>6306664
>>6306524

>B): Decline. You’ll catch those two on the way up.
Ya know what I'm gonna change my vote from A to B. I think we can catch up pretty easy without risking it a drop all the way down. Its only a one floor difference, and its quite possible Arios might stop Elric or vice versa. Then we can team up to take care of this damn sword.

>>6306666
wtf thats weird I swear I had only tagged myself and the vote

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>>6306214
>B): Decline. You’ll catch those two on the way up.
refer to:

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>Give Cassius a bajillon different layers
>Anons immediately wants to rip them all off
kek but I also agree with you, if male S ranks were a thing he'd be my number one pick.

>>6306512
Artist is DaMy over on vgen! Definitely recommend because the price/content ratio is fantastic and they also went the extra mile on this like with the books!

>>6306557
Glad you like it! Yeah the cape made me scratch my head a bit of what to do with him until I realized a fanatic would definitely be running about in his best estimate of what people on the dark continent wear instead of the traditional morfis mage robes.

>>6306664
Thanks for a bit I thought it might be too much until I remembered Cassius wouldn't let something like that stop him.

All the pointy bits were stolen from Shadows of Valentia's Guru class because that's the closest I could find a canon version his class I could find.

>>6306778
Thanks again for the commission! I'm sure Cassius is enjoying his time harassing the Knights of Seiros while Tristain takes his college entrance exam.

A's win. Questionable gambling inbound.

>>6306790
I think we're actually in a tie between A and B since one A voted changed to B.

>>6306791
(Nope, I'm talking nonsense from double counting. As still win, my bad).

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>>6306214
You had no idea what climbing this tower entailed. Given the circumstances though, you doubted it was as simple as taking a few flights of stairs. Having a way to ensure that you started next to Gyles and Elric was too good to pass up, and in your mind, well worth the risk of losing your entire score. You’d managed to answer nine out of ten questions correctly. That meant the odds of answering this last one were in your favor. None of the other contestants seem to be eager to take Stelios’ offer of a bonus question. Cowards, the whole lot of them. Hadn’t they been listening to the Yasha? A king must be ready to act on his instinct! And yours were telling you to take this offer. You stand up from your desk, the attention of the entire class suddenly falling on you.

>“I’m in. Give me your question.”

“Haha! Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Stelios cheers, balling his fists up and raising them above his head. “Tristain d’Rusalka! I’d expect nothing less from the man who dealt with Psycho Sid. Clearly a near flawless score was not good enough for you. You’re someone who strives for perfection. A fitting attribute for a monarch. But to risk it all when you already have so much…I hope this pays off for you, my friend.” Stelios scans the rest of the class. “Any other takers?”

When no one else seems inclined to take the Yasha’s offer, he beckons you to the front of the class. As you make your way up, you can feel the eyes of every other contestant upon you. If you didn’t stick out before, you sure as hell did now. You now stand before Stelios, towering over him. The Yasha examines you closely over the black lenses of those strange glasses he wore.

“No one else? You’re in a category of your own, d’Rusalka. Very well then. As I said, I will offer you one final question. Unlike the others, this will not be multiple choice. I expect you to verbally give me your answer. Succeed, and I will grant you an extra point, pushing you to Floor 10. Fail, and you already know the consequences. Are you ready?”

>“I am. Get on with it.” You say, every nerve in your body tensing up. You were ready for anything Stelios threw your way.

“Very well.” Stelios takes a deep breath. “Morfisian rubripes is a poisonous puffer fish found just off the coast of Solis. When prepared correctly, it is a tasteful delicacy, described as both savoury and refreshing. However, if handled improperly, its poison can lead to side effects that most commonly include nausea, loss of vision, and of course, death. Please describe to me the proper procedures required to correctly prepare this dish.”

You blink.

The classroom has fallen into complete silence, broken only by the muffled laughter of Mystletainn, who is in danger of falling out of his seat.

“Well?” Stelios follows up.

>“I sort of thought that just volunteering to answer the question was the real test.”

“What?” Stelios furrows his brow. “Why?”

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>>6306861
Shit. This wasn’t good. There was literally no way you could answer a question like that. Hell, there was a good chance none of the other contestants here could either. Did this bastard trick you? You didn’t know how to prepare anything more complex than grilled meat. Adeline and May had been handling the majority of the cooking during this journey. In fact, you don’t think you’d ever even seen a pufferfish before. Try as you might to scan your brain for some sort of reference to the creature in question, you unfortunately come up short. There was only one that you saw out of this, and unfortunately, it was to simply guess the answer and hope you were correct.

“I’m waiting.” Stelios says impatiently.

>“Shut up. I’m thinking. What does this even have to do with being a king anyway?"

“King?” Stelios asks. “We’re talking about fish right now.”

>A): Take a guess. (LCK Roll: 28% Success Chance)
>B): Use Fortuna’s Blessing. (100% Success.)

>>6306863
>A): Take a guess. (LCK Roll: 28% Success Chance)
We take those odds. I'm saving the Blessing for a real mfing problem

>>6306863
>B): Use Fortuna’s Blessing. (100% Success.)
Hear me out: We can do that important shit we need to do and get an opportunity for our Hero's Relic if we pop it here. We might not get another chance. And it will be funny.

>>6306881
You hear me out for just one word...GAMBLING

>>6306863
>A): Take a guess. (LCK Roll: 28% Success Chance)
GAMBLING FOREVER

>>6306863
>>A): Take a guess. (LCK Roll: 28% Success Chance)
Fortuna's blessing is for when we want to save someone's life later, y'know? Also, LET'S GO GAMBLING!

>>6306863
>A): Take a guess. (LCK Roll: 28% Success Chance)
Fuck yeah all in

>>6306863
>>A): Take a guess. (LCK Roll: 28% Success Chance)

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>>6306863
>>B): Use Fortuna’s Blessing. (100% Success.)
Noooooo

>>6306863
>B): Use Fortuna’s Blessing. (100% Success.)
We fuck up we either lose the bow or Elric. Don't wanna risk it

>>6306863
>>A): Take a guess. (LCK Roll: 28% Success Chance)

>>6306863
>B): Use Fortuna’s Blessing. (100% Success.)
Aw, what the shit? Why! It's gotta be a trap by the damn Sages, knowing of our personality that'll rise to any challenge...
Well, I suppose this is where we'll part ways with the fortune lady, and hopefully she'll get back to us...

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>>6306863
>B): Use Fortuna’s Blessing. (100% Success.)
Know it's not going to win so summoning another Morfis babe for good luck too

>>6307128
holy shit anons have been feeding us really well. she's so pretty!!!
future queen of morfis btw

>>6307128
Banger. Going full OC payed off for Tree, characters in this quest are a memorable bunch.
>>6307129
Like she'd care for being an administrator.

>>6307128
You really are spoiling us, anon! Thank you so much for this piece and everything else, she looks absolutely stunning. I see it's the same artist that drew Leopold. I love the addition of the golden charms, especially that cute little snake back piece. She's a total babe.

>>6307128
Man we are getting spoiled. I don't remember the first quest getting this many commissioned art.

>>6307128
Dang that is one fine Nadia, and this is a close vote. Tempting...

>>6307147
>>6307128
I wonder, is wearing snake jewelry the Morfisian equivalent of wearing pentagrams, given the Cult of the Serpent's existence? Does this make her the equivalent of a goth to Morfis?

Rolled 87 (1d100)

A wins. Rolling, 1-28 means success.

>>6307173
No way how could this happen

>>6307173
>>6307177
Sasuga...

>>6307160
That's actually a very good point. Maybe there is a goth subculture in Morfis...

>>6307173
Fortuna's left us.... And now we're FUCKED
Captcha: MOGGG

>>6307173
Ah well at least we get team up with Butch meathead and smarter meathead what a good team

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>>6306863
>“I guess you just…you uhh…you want to make sure it cooks really hot, right?”

“That would work.” Stelios concedes. “If you wish to give you and your dinner guests feverish hallucinations and induce madness, that is. Sorry Red, but it appears as though your bargain did not pay out as planned. Should you still somehow manage to become king after this blunder, I hope for the country’s sake that you can contain your ravenous greed.” Stelios returns to the chalkboard, erasing your name, only to rewrite it next to Butch’s under the zero column.

“Tristain…what were you thinking…?” Saoirse groans.

“Tsk, tsk. Such hubris…” Leonora chides you.

“Hahahahaha!” Mysteltainn bursts into laughter. “Did you want to get away from me that badly, Tristain!?”

As you sullenly return to your desk, you think to yourself that perhaps this was a miscalculation. Butch slaps you on the back, his strength still greatly enhanced by the magic lassi that he’d drank. He pushes your entire desk forward, slamming it into the back of Mystletainn’s and causing the evil spirit possessing Elric’s body to cease its incessant laughter.

“Hey, looks like it’ll be you and me!”

Before you can respond, the door to the classroom opens, and the third examiner that Stelios had referenced earlier makes his appearance.

“Ahh, you’re here, good.” Stelios says. “Class, meet my esteemed colleague, Kosmas. He’ll be explaining the rules of the third stage, as well as serving as examiner.”

Kosmas! That milk-drinking bastard! How dare he show his face in front of you after having taken down Andreas. By all rights that should have been your kill! The Yasha takes his place at the front of the classroom next to Stelios. Making eye contact with you, he offers a friendly smile and a head nod. Only when he turns around to examine the chalkboard and the exam’s results does his smile slowly melt off his face.

“Oh no, what happened here?” Kosmas mutters, pointing towards your name.

“What happened is I’m about to lose a ton of gold.” Stelios seethes. “You told me this guy was going to win. Were you just messing with me?”

“I did say he would win. However, I did not advise you to wager a month’s earnings on his victory.”

“Tsk, that Shangri-La mission was wasted on you. You just don’t know how to have fun.” Stelios heads for the door, making his exit. “Good luck to you all. Be sure to keep things interesting.”

With Stelios gone, Kosmas now controls the attention of all 29 competitors that were left. The Yasha clears his throat before addressing those present. “It is good to finally meet you all. My name is Kosmas, and as stated earlier, I am here to observe the third round of the Competition. As you may have surmised by now, the scores that you have earned on this second stage of the exam will serve as your starting positions for the next stage. Your goal is to reach the top of this tower.”

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>>6307277
“Another race?” A contender with a huge, bulbous nose speaks, interrupting Kosmas. “How long will we have this time?

“Three days.” Kosmas replies.

The class bursts into confused chatter at Kosmas’ answer. Three days just didn’t make any sense. You’d seen the tower from the outside. Sure it was huge, but there was no way it would take that long to ascend. You wagered you could walk up all 40 of its floors in half an hour if you really needed to.

“Surely you’ve given some thought as to why this place is known as the Tower of Illusions?” Kosmas continues. “I assure you, it is not just a name. In ancient times, the Sorcerer King used this very tower as a testing ground. Each floor is layered with powerful illusory magic, the origins of which are lost to even the great mages of our time. If you think three days is too long a deadline to reach the tower’s summit, I assure you, it is likely not enough.”

“So what, you want us to just kill each other off again?” One of Oswald's companions, the stern-looking priest, asks. “Is that how you wish to decide things?”

“If you see fit.” Kosmas replies. “Above you are 40 floors, each of which is home to its own special biome. Though each environment has been crafted through the use of illusion magic, I assure you that the danger you will encounter is very much real. You will not ascend through each floor via a staircase, but rather, via what the Royal College has named ‘Warp Panels.’ Your goal is to find these panels located on each floor, and use them to ascend to the next one. Each panel may vary on where exactly it teleports you, but you’ll know them when you see them.” Kosmas smiles.

Shit! You now had to ascend 40 floors instead of 31! And what was that part about danger that Kosmas had mentioned? Just what were these illusions?

“Three days. What are we supposed to eat?” Uriyan asks, raising a hand. The Almyran leaned back in his desk, seemingly not too perturbed by Kosmas’ revelation. How did that guy manage to score an 8, anyway? He was smarter than he looked.

“You’ll have to forage for your own food I’m afraid.” Kosmas answers. “Some of the illusions you encounter may in fact be edible. Surely you’ve tried mage food by now, no?”

Ugh, that crap. You remember your encounter with it back in Solis. The concept still weirded you out.

“Beyond finding the warp panels, there are other ways to ascend the tower.” Kosmas says. “Starting from the 5th floor, and then each 5th floor after that, you may encounter what we call ‘Floor Guardians.’ These are powerful creatures that rule over their respective biomes. Fighting them is optional, but if you do manage to participate in slaying one, you’ll receive a commendation badge, not too dissimilar from the ones you currently wear. Step on a warp panel with said badge, and you will advance 5 floors.”

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>>6307278
That piece of information might just be your ticket to the top. The only contestants ahead of you were Saoirse, that girl from Brigid, and some weirdo you’d never heard of. If you could beat them to the 5th floor, you could take out that guardian and ensure you were able to advance to the 10th floor directly. Then it would just be a matter of taking out each Floor Guardian from there until you reached the top.

“Speaking of badges.” Kosmas says. “The numbered badges that you all wear also possess the same effect. Using the badge of one of your fellow competitors will also allow you to skip ahead five floors. How you obtain these badges is, of course, up to your discretion.”

So, killing your fellow competitors wasn’t just a way to eliminate them. It was also a way to ensure you remained ahead of the pack. That would add some difficulty when it came to forming any alliances. Already, you could see your fellow competitors eyeing each other warily. You imagine they were thinking the exact same thing.

“Heh, nothing we gotta worry about though, eh?” Butch leans over to whisper in your ear. “They’re counting us out already cause they think we’re stupid. I say, let these pansies start off on their higher floors. They can have as big of a head start as they want. There’ll be no escaping us.”

>A): Agree to an alliance with Butch.
>B): Decline

>>6307279
>>A): Agree to an alliance with Butch.
y'know what buddy, you are cool

>>6307279
>>A): Agree to an alliance with Butch.
Truly, a kindred spirit.

>>6307279
>A): Agree to an alliance with Butch.
Sure my guy

>>6307279
>>A): Agree to an alliance with Butch.

>>6307279
>A): Agree to an alliance with Butch.

>Missletainn getting interrupted by Butch yet again
kek

>>6307279
>A): Agree to an alliance with Butch.
If only Bronte could have seen us throw away our starting position. It was totally worth it though.
Butch is a fun murderhobo, and we've probably done enough to get on his good side to at least avoid having him immediately attack us.

>>6307279
>A): Agree to an alliance with Butch
Considering he's also got 7+ strength thanks to us this seems optimal. If we manage to catch Saorise we can probably convince her to join too.

Can't wait to see the looks on the others faces when they realise that they'd better keep climbing or else kek

>>6307279
>A): Agree to an alliance with Butch.

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>>6307279
You were no stranger to making allies out of rather suspect individuals, and Butch was by far the strangest of them all. He was a dimwit with a gift for violence, as well as a Crest and Hero’s Relic to top it all off. Not to mention the backing of a dark mage. You’d seen for yourself how he’d ripped apart a man with his bare hands, stopping only to loot his victim once he was finished. Playing friends with such a man was a dangerous prospect. But he was right about one thing. The others were already writing the two of you off, so sure were they of their head start. Fighting Butch on Floor 1 would only serve to give them time to take both each other and the Floor Guardians out, depriving you of the resources you needed to climb the tower. Only in working together would you have an advantage. Besides, there was something you could appreciate in this brute’s earnestness.

>“Damn right.” You tell Butch. “We’ll hunt them down and reach the top. We’ll show them who the true fools are.”

“Hahahaha!” Butch laughs, slamming one hand on his desk. The two of you bump your fists together, signifying your newfound friendship.

>Butch joined the party! (Temporarily…)

>Butch
>Level 40 Berserker
HP: 81/81
STR: 38 + 10
SPD: 25 + 5
DEF: 28
RES: 10 + 15
Weapon: Blutgang (+13 ATK, Targets RES)
Skill: Wrath (Critical Chance: 50% when HP is below 25%)
Crest of the Beast
>Butch is holding back, hiding skills for the later stage of the contest.

“May I ask you to please be quiet?” Kosmas says, chiding you and Butch. Many of the other contestants are put on edge at the formation of your newfound alliance. When you and Butch turn your heads to face Kosmas, several turn their own heads away, doing their best to avoid making eye contact. Good. They should be afraid! They’ll regret laughing at your misfortune when you’re standing over them, ripping their badges off.

“Now then, a few other things to note.” Kosmas continues. “I understand some of you may not be in the best of shape following the first stage. In addition to warp panels, you’ll also find panels that serve to restore your health and vitality. They will even restore your magic charges, and for some of you I’d imagine, the ability to use your Crests. You’ll still need to eat, of course, but be sure not to neglect these panels. Finally, periodically throughout each day, we shall announce the current floor position of each contestant.”

“Is there any merit in making it to the top first?” Leonora asks, raising her hand once more.

“There are no prizes for making it first.” Kosmas says. “The goal is to make it to the top within three days to advance to the next round. Those who have not reached the top will be eliminated.”

Kosmas remains silent to give way for any additional questions, however there appear to be no other takers. By now, everyone knew what to expect, and they were eager to just get things over with.

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>>6307727
“Very well, then.” Kosmas says. “The third stage will begin in 10 minutes. Use this time to prepare yourselves for the trials ahead. Not just physically, but also mentally. You will see things beyond your comprehension on the floors to come. Things that beggar the imagination, and that may leave you questioning your very sanity. I advise you to steel both body and mind, for that is what is required of a true king.”

You push your desk aside. The noise it makes as it scrapes against the floor causes some of the other contestants to bristle, getting out of their own seats and putting some distance between you. Heh, they were scared alright! You had some time to kill before the start of the third round. Best to make use of it.

>A): Speak with Saoirse and Uriyan
>B): Speak with Leonra
>C): Speak with Kosmas
>D): Speak with Thomas
>E): Speak with Butch
>F): Convince one of the healers present to heal you. (Current HP: 56/72)

>>6307728
>>A): Speak with Saoirse and Uriyan

>>6307728
>>B): Speak with Leonra

>>6307728
>B): Speak with Leonra
Yeah she's also one of Elric's targets and is stuck in the same floor as him, at the very least we have to warn her. She smart - the fact that Tristain pissed away his head start for a chance to get at Elric and seeing him take Arios to a draw earlier might be enough to convince her.

>>6307160
....okay I admit, I totally forgot about the snake cult when I was designing her. The snakes were mainly just to make up for the many times I called her a snake woman (derogatory) earlier in the quest before she grew on me.

>>6307728
>A): Speak with Saoirse and Uriyan

>>6307728
>B): Speak with Leonra
Yeah the last thing we want is to reach the top only to find Misty has gone and gotten tits.

>>6307396 (I'm this anon on mobile)

>>6307728
>>B): Speak with Leonra

>>6307728
>B): Speak with Leonra
Fuck you sword you bitch made come 1v1 you scrub

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>>6307728
You decide to use the small break given to you to warn Leonora of Mystletainn. Being one of the few Crest users here who also possessed a Hero’s Relic, she would be a prime target for the spirit. The last thing you needed was to arrive at the top of the tower only to find that Mysltetainn had grown a pair of tits. You head straight for the Gloucester Princess. As you draw closer though, she looks up, regarding you with an expression that borders on extreme apathy.

“Oh, hello.” Leonora says flatly. “Did you need something?”

You furrow your brow as you stand before her, immediately able to tell that something was off with her demeanor. This was a far cry from how she’d acted back at the Emporium. Back then she’d been cordial, quick to honey you up and offer the prospect of joining forces. Now though, she looked at you as though you were an insect, buzzing annoyingly in her presence.

>“I wanted to give you some advice is all. Watch out for Elric. It’s a long story, but the boy is possessed by the sword that he wields. And if you kill him, chances are good you’ll be next to be taken. If you come into conflict with him the best thing to do is-”

Leonora yawns.

>“Huh? Hey! Are you listening?”

“What, you’re still here?” She asks sharply. “Why are you wasting my time again?”

>“What’s your problem, lady? It was only a few days ago you were asking my opinion on some stupid dress. Now you’re acting like you’re too good for me or something?”

“Hmm, did I do that?” Leonora asks. “A few days ago you were a favorite to win. I had high hopes for you after I’d heard you defeated Klement. But upon seeing this…poor performance, I suppose I’ve been forced to reevaluate my initial impression of you. There is simply no need for us to team up. Or, frankly, even remain cordial. With your starting position and…questionable choice of friends.” Leonora wrinkles her nose as she spares a snide glance towards Butch, who was busy picking through his beard in the back. “I suspect you shall not make it to the top of the tower. How unfortunate…for you.”

This was the real Leonora Gloucester you were seeing. The one you’d heard the rumours about. The vicious ladder climber who would never be satisfied with her station in life. The cordiality she’d shown you earlier had merely been a front, brought on by the idea that she could stand to gain something from you. Now that you’d been dropped down 9 floors, she couldn’t even bother to keep up the facade.

>“Look, just destroy the damn sword and spare the boy’s life. You’re free to count me out as much as you like, but know that if I find you possessed, I’ll be sure to not show any courtesy.”

“Whatever.” Leonora scoffs. She exits her seat and heads for another corner of the classroom, eager to put distance between the two of you. The Hero’s Relic, Thyrsus, sat at her hip, its red orb glowing ominously.

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>>6308176
“The break is now over.” Kosmas announces. “Please follow me into the next room so that we may begin preparations for the third stage.”

One by one, each of the competitors rises from their seat to follow the Yasha into the next room of the Tower. You and Butch fall in line with the rest of them as you are led to the so-called ‘warp panels’ that Kosmas had spoken of. Embedded on the floor were a variety of strange patterns. Staring into them elicited an odd sensation. It was almost as if you were staring into a deep pool, of which there was no bottom. Off each panel, you were able to sense a slight pulse of magic. Kosmas walks over to one of the tiles and peers down, before looking back towards the group.

“Would those with a perfect score please step forward?”

Gyles, Leonora, Arios and Mystletainn do as instructed. The four of them crowd around the panel where Kosmas hovers, their eyes darting from it and back to their fellow rivals.

“Would any volunteer like to go first?” Kosmas asks.

Without hesitation, Arios charges in. The paladin places one foot on the strangely patterned floor, only to disappear in an instant, spirited away to who knows where. His sudden vanishing prompts startled murmurs from the rest of the competitors.

“See, it’s simple, no?” Kosmas says, smiling. He turns towards the rest of the perfect scorers. “Now, the rest of you.

Leonora steps in next, followed by Gyles. It is then Mystletainn’s turn. He turns back at the last second to give you a smug look and a wink, before stepping in and vanishing after the others.

“And now, would those who scored a 9 please step forward?” Kosmas asks, moving over to the panel next to the one he was just at.

The process continues as such, and you watch as one by one, every single competitor vanishes in the same flash of light, until there are none left standing in the room but yourself, Butch and Kosmas.

“This tower does not contain a Floor Zero.” Kosmas informs you. “As such…you’ll be starting at Floor 1. Isn’t that great?.”

>“Yeah, I’m really feeling lucky right now.” You scoff at the Yasha as you and Butch stare down at the final panel in the room. Up close, this thing really was freaky. What if this was a trick by the Sages, and stepping on this thing actually vaporized you? Maybe all the other contestants were already dead.

“What do you think’s on the other side?” Butch asks you.

>“Hell if I know.” You mutter. “Let’s just get this over with. I’m pissed, and I only know one way to relieve that. Let’s get this hunt started.”

You step on the warp panel. Instantly, your vision is blinded by a sudden flash, and your body becomes weightless. As you travel through space, you feel:

A): Intense heat
B): Intense cold
C): A disgusting stench
D): Dark and gloomy

>>6308177
>D): Dark and gloomy
THE TORCH SPELL!

>>6308177
>D): Dark and gloomy
So is she retarded or fodlan getting dumber except Tristan that boy pretty smart, and Cyril to that dude becoming shitty man Byleth really need upping fodlan intelligence

>>6308177
>D): Dark and gloomy
Peanut guy, now's your time to shine

>>6306353
Yo my boy Cassius! He's looking good dude! Oh man he's got that shit on with the gold/yellow accented cloak and all.

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>>6308177
>D): Dark and gloomy
Love the darkness, also... Now that we are out of the classroom, that means Bronte can finally see us again through her magic orb... And she see's Tritain entering the tower last, she must have a high opinion on him rn.

Also while we're in the mood of posting fanart I'll repost the one I commissioned, one day you'll be back brosef...

>>6308177
>B): Intense cold

>>6308177
D): Dark and gloomy

>>6308207
From what we've seen, Fodlanders have gotten complacent during peacetime. It is funny how Tristain has more actual feats as a manipulator and schemer because of the Cult.

>>6308177
>>D): Dark and gloomy
Fuck Arios can have Glyes. Just let us keep Elric pls anons what else are we even saving Fortuna's blessing for?

>>6308177
>D): Dark and gloomy
Should turn out well.
>>6308308
See, now I wonder if we'll get all of the friends we've made along the way to back us up at a crucial moment... Of course, he definitely should be included, right...?

>>6308177
>D): Dark and gloomy

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>>6308177
You hadn’t been sure what to expect upon stepping on the warp panel. Kosmas had warned you that you’d see things in this tower that would play with your mind, leaving you questioning your own sanity. And while you hadn’t exactly been sure what he meant by that, it was now beginning to make sense. You weren’t just transported to another room, but seemingly to another land entirely. You stood in the middle of a dark, expansive forest, surrounded by overgrown trees that stretched on as far as you could see. A thick fog hung in the air, limiting your vision. There was no mistaking it. This was the outside world. Were you really still in the Tower?

“Huh, how did we end up here?” Butch asks, stepping next to you. The man seemed just as perplexed as you were, taking in the scenery closely. “This almost looks like Edmund Woods. Can’t imagine there’s a place like this in Morfis though.”

>“I guess this is what Kosmas had been talking about. It may look like we’re in the outside world, but it must be an illusion created by the tower.”

“That so? Huh. Can’t say I like all this fog. Can barely see my hand in front of me. If I’d known we’d have to deal with this crap I’d have brought a torch.”

A torch? You’re suddenly reminded of a spell you were taught during your stay in Ithaca. You thought it was a useless little cantrip, but now you were grateful you bothered to pay attention to that mage.

>“Don’t worry. I can use some magic. I’ll light the way.” You smirk, eager to show off. You snap your fingers, producing a small flicker of light. It shines brightly, before expanding and illuminating the surrounding area you and Butch stood in. As your visibility increases, you notice movement from the corner of your eyes. The spell lights the immediate area, allowing you to discover that you were being watched. Several humanoid creatures lie in wait in the trees above you. As the light reveals their form, they begin screeching angrily. They beat on their chests in a show of dominance, before jumping down from their perch to attack you and Butch.

“The fuck are tho-” Butch is interrupted as one of the snarling creatures jumps off the tree and aims for his head. He screams as he attempts to throw the beast off him. Before you can help, you’re forced to deal with several of the monsters yourself.

You leap back just as the one of them lands on the ground, missing you by only a few inches with its sharp claw. Your Bolt Axe already in your hand, you retaliate by messily cleaving the creature in two. Undeterred, several more of them come your way, running at you on all fours. Up close, you’re able to make them out more clearly. They were covered in heavy black fur, with razor sharp fangs and a perpetual snarl on their faces. You found their strange, almost humanlike appearance to be unsettling.

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>>6308859
The creatures barrel into you with no regard for their safety. A few manage to scratch you, but despite their aggressiveness, they are unable to pierce through your armor. You continue swiping away at the creatures with your axe. Severed limbs and other body parts go flying left and right as the monsters are hacked apart. One of them leaps towards you, landing on your shoulder, however you quickly pluck the creature off with one hand and throw it into an oncoming group, knocking them down. You summon bolts of lightning from the axe to crash upon them. It was that powerful display of magic that finally puts some fear into their hearts. Any of the monsters that had managed to survive your attacks go scurrying off into the forest with a whimper.

-5 HP from combat. Tristain: 51/72 HP

You turn towards Butch to find him surrounded by several corpses of his own. You’d hoped to get a glimpse of what his Crest did, but he doesn’t need to call upon its power to dispatch these foes. His sword glows brightly as it slays the final creature, a look of hatred twisted on its face even as its head flies through the forest.

>“I think that’s all of them.”

“The hell are these things supposed to be?” Butch asks, picking up one of the furry corpses and examining it closely. He gives it a curious sniff. “You ever see anything like this?”

>“Never. I can’t believe you’re touching it with your hands though. They’re disgusting.”

“Think they’re edible?”

>You blanch in horror. “Are you joking?”

“That guy said we need to hunt our own food. And all that fighting has got me starving. Some milk wasn’t going to be enough to fill me up.”

>“Uhh…I think I’d rather wait to see what the food on the other floors looks like first. Eating this feels…weird.”

“What, you think you might get sick or something?” Butch asks. “Suit yourself then. I’ve never gotten sick from eating meat. I hear it’s an effect of my Crest. Say, that was some interesting magic you used. Think you can light me a fire? I want to cook this.” He says, dangling the monster in front of you.

You produce a cooking fire, and watch dispassionately as Butch gets to work. There was no way you were eating that crap…

>During his climb of the tower, Tristain will need to periodically eat or suffer a stat penalty. Eat the monkey?
>A): I’ll try anything once. (RES x LCK Roll: 53% to avoid sickness.)
>B): Absolutely not. (Peckish Hunger: -1 to all stats temporarily.)

>>6308860
>>B): Absolutely not. (Peckish Hunger: -1 to all stats temporarily.)
ffffffuck that

>>6308860
>B): Absolutely not. (Peckish Hunger: -1 to all stats temporarily.)
I don't think monkeys can or should be eaten.

>>6308860
>>A): I’ll try anything once. (RES x LCK Roll: 53% to avoid sickness.)

>>6308860
>A): I’ll try anything once. (RES x LCK Roll: 53% to avoid sickness.)

>Willing to take a 28% roll
>Shying away from 53%
If we gamble we have to commit

>>6308860
>>A): I’ll try anything once. (RES x LCK Roll: 53% to avoid sickness.)
WE. BALL.

>>6308860
>A): I’ll try anything once. (RES x LCK Roll: 53% to avoid sickness.)
Don't be coward now let's eat exotic food around this land

>>6308860
>A): I’ll try anything once. (RES x LCK Roll: 53% to avoid sickness.)

>>6308860
>A): I’ll try anything once. (RES x LCK Roll: 53% to avoid sickness.)
If only there was soup.

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>He's actually gonna do it
1-53 to succeed.

>>6309098
ew

>>6309098
Hell yeah gambling never lose, so does Tristan gaining monke strength or something

>>6309098
Never stop gambling

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>>6308860
>Floor 1:
>Turn 2/40

Your stomach growls. You hadn’t eaten anything since this morning. Had you known your future options, you’d have likely had another piece of toast. Well, you were an adventurous sort. And adventurers often ate strange things. It came with the territory. Never one to back down from a challenge, you call out to Butch just as he gets the creature roasting.

>“Hey, save me some.”

“Hahaha, that’s the spirit! I’ll have you know I’m not just all brawn. My culinary skills are second to none. If I wasn’t so damn good in a brawl, I’d probably be a butcher, serving nobles the fanciest cuts of meat around.”

>“What a waste…”

Butch’s cooking takes about half an hour, the smell of roasting monster tingling your nostrils invitingly. You stand watch in case any more of those creatures come back, keeping the Torch spell shining brightly. While you can make out some eyes in the fog, none of them dare to attack the two of you. Evidently they’d learned their lesson, and watching you and Butch eat one of their own was enough to communicate to their primal brains that you were the hunters and they were prey. Eventually, Butch finishes his ‘dish’, and offers you what you believe to be a leg.

“Go on. Let me know what you think.” Butch says needily. You got the impression he was really looking for praise. Strange guy.

You sniff the meat suspiciously, before taking the tiniest of nibbles. It was rather tasteless, though it wasn’t as if the berserker had access to spices. Something about the texture reminded you of chicken, though it was far gamier. In any case, you did not suspect that the meat was going to kill you. Weren’t these just illusions, anyway? The hell was the Sorcerer King thinking making these…

>Hunger Sated for 5 Turns. +3 STR for 5 Turns.

“So, what do you think? Good right?” Butch asks, taking a large bite from the creature’s torso.

>“I think this isn’t for me.”

“Oh, alright then.” The berserker brushes the comment aside, though you can tell your comment hurts whatever passes for his feelings. “Picky eater, I see. Maybe if we’re lucky we’ll get our hands on a pig. Roasted pig is my speciality.”

>“If they’re anything like these things they’ll be trying to kill us. Let’s get out of here.”

You and Butch finish up before continuing to explore the ‘room’ you were in. You venture down the forest, your torch spell lighting the way the entire time. The creatures that were previously staring at you with a look of hatred have now had their expressions replaced with one of fear. They no longer give you any cause for concern. As you continue walking down the path laid out before you, you come across a familiar sight. A warp panel pattern, the same as earlier.

“That was easy.” Butch says.

“This place may looks vast, but I suppose there’s a limit to this illusion magic. Lucky for us. Let’s hope the next room is a little less gloomy.”

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>>6309228
>Floor 2
>Turn 2/40

You step on the warp panel first, feeling that same sensation of weightlessness as your body is transported to the 2nd floor of the tower.

You can feel your surroundings before you even see them. A biting cold chills you to the bone, and you find yourself up to the knees in snow. You immediately grab yourself in a vain attempt to keep the warmth from leaving your body. You were standing atop a snowy hill, overlooking a clearing down below. More snow was falling, yet you could make out one patch of grass that was curiously free from any dusting. That was unmistakably the warp panel that would lead you to the third floor. The only problem was…

“Goddess’ tits! What’s with this blasted cold?” Butch complains, taking a step near you as he trudges through the snow. “How do these Morfiains even know what snow is? Is that the panel down there? Let’s hurry up and get out of here!”

>“Wait, this hill is covered in frost, and we can hardly make out the terrain. Climbing down might be too dangerous. We should try and find another way down. Or at least take our time.”

“F-fuck that!” Butch complains. “I’m not cut out for this weather. It’s just a bit of snow, we’ll be fine!”

Scanning the surroundings, you see no sign of Saoirse. She was supposed to have started on this floor, but it looks like by now she’s already made it out. The Sreng woman would have had no issue with this cold, the temperature being similar enough to her homeland. It would be helpful to link up with her again before she got too far ahead.

Your teeth chatter as you consider your next move.

>A): Climb down the hill. (SPD X LCK: 56% Success. Failure results in 20 DMG.) (51/72 HP)
>B): Slow and steady wins the race… (Lose a turn.)

>>6309229
>>A): Climb down the hill. (SPD X LCK: 56% Success. Failure results in 20 DMG.) (51/72 HP)
well, since we are in the gambling mood...

>>6309229
>B): Slow and steady wins the race… (Lose a turn.)
20 damage with no way to heal is ROUGH

>>6309229
>A): Climb down the hill. (SPD X LCK: 56% Success. Failure results in 20 DMG.) (51/72 HP)
GAMBLE.

Also we have two concoctions, burning one so we can link up with Saoirse is worth it.

>>6309241
>“Oh, alright then.” The berserker brushes the comment aside, though you can tell your comment hurts whatever passes for his feelings.

My murderhobo berserker can't be this cute kek

>>6309229
>>A): Climb down the hill. (SPD X LCK: 56% Success. Failure results in 20 DMG.) (51/72 HP)
We bring out the worst in each other, lmao.

>>6309229
>A): Climb down the hill. (SPD X LCK: 56% Success. Failure results in 20 DMG.) (51/72 HP)
Aw yeah let's test our luck

>>6309229
>>A): Climb down the hill. (SPD X LCK: 56% Success. Failure results in 20 DMG.) (51/72 HP)

True villian of this quest is Tristain's crippling gambling addiction

>>6309229
>A): Climb down the hill. (SPD X LCK: 56% Success. Failure results in 20 DMG.) (51/72 HP)

Rolled 25 (1d100)

Rolling. 1-56 means success!

Never stop gambling

Fortuna loves us so bad it's crazy

>>6309567
She loves you so much she dropped you to the first floor so you could experience even more of her love.

>>6309593
Queen of Morfis Fortuna incoming??? Surely this will turn out great. Bonus if it's just Tristain going full schizo with his spirit gf only he can see.

>>6309598
Hold on, Anon's cooking. The Princess can't cast magic? Just have Fortuna possess her so that she can!

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>>6309229
It occurs to you that somewhere within these last two floors, you’d become to this man what Alvin had been to you. You were never one to shy away from the path that many would consider dangerous. But when confronted with someone who was perhaps even more reckless than yourself, you found that you’d somehow become the voice of reason. You frown. That was hardly a suitable role. You’d gotten this far by following your instinct. Perhaps you were just overthinking things. It wasn’t like you to shy away from some meat, nor to be intimidated by some silly slope, no matter how steep or treacherous it might have appeared.

“W-well?” Butch stammers, his teeth chattering as snow continues to fall.

>“Yeah, this is probably fine. Let’s jump down.”

You leap off the side of the hill, sliding down towards the warp panel you’d seen earlier. You descend faster and faster, somehow avoiding any and all obstacles in your path, which include several large boulders that had been hidden by fallen snow. The whole experience actually proves to be rather enjoyable., further cementing your theory that it was not worth fretting over the small things. You’d leave that to May. One final boulder lies between you and flat ground. Unable to avoid it, you instead smash it apart with your Bolt Axe. The magically charged cleaver destroys it completely, scattering debris everywhere.

>20xp gained! (20/100)

>“Damn! That was fun!” You exclaim, ignoring the rather sharp, pointed stone that, had you messed up your landing, might have very well impaled you upon impact.

“S-see! Told you!” Butch says, sliding down to join you. The two of you bump fists in a show of solidarity, before running off to the warp panel you’d spotted earlier. “Not too bad, but let’s hope this next floor’s a bit warmer, eh?!”

Once more, you step on the warp panel. At this point, you were beginning to get used to the dizzying sensation of the magic used to teleport you between floors. That familiar sensation of weightlessness grasps you once more, and you are suddenly no longer standing in a snowy tundra, but rather…

>Floor 3
>Turn 3/40

“The fuck is this?!” Butch screams.

>“Well, it’s warmer at least…”

Floor 3 wound up being the exact opposite of Floor 2, in perhaps the worst way possible. The two of you find yourselves standing in what must closely resemble Hell. You were surrounded on all sides by a lake of fire. The heat was so intense that even breathing hurt, and occasionally waves of lava would explode around you, landing on the ground and sizzling menacingly.

“Fuck me, but if this Sorcerer King ins’t the biggest asshole I’ve never met. That Mark guy was right about him.”

>“Marek.”

“Whatever. How are we getting out of this one?”

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>>6309745
At first glance, this floor seemed utterly impassable. But as you look closer, you notice there were large clearings in the midst of the fire lake. They were spread close enough to each other that, in theory, you might be able to jump from one platform to the next. You suspected that this was how you were meant to proceed. You visually follow the path, finding that the final platform contains your goal. As you study your next move though, you notice that the fire occasionally rises up, engulfing some platforms and making travel impossible. You explain this to Butch, who follows along intently.

“What does all this have to do with being a king, anyway?”

>“Nothing. I'm pretty sure they’re just trying to kill us.”

“Ahh, right. And what about that?” Butch points in the distance.

You follow his finger, and realize that you completely overlooked something. The path towards the warp panel forks in the middle. One path leads to the object that will take you to Floor 4. The other, though, leads to what appears to be a treasure chest. The fire rises to engulf the chest, but once it sinks back down, you find that it is still standing, completely unharmed. That was one sturdy box!

>“My guess is that someone put that there to mess with us. Knowing these guys, I’m sure this is supposed to be a lesson about greed or some other such nonsense.”

“The finest tits in all of Morfis could be in that chest, I ain’t gonna be opening it and finding out though.”

>“Hah, does that mean if I get to it, it’s all mine?”

“You’re mad, man.” Butch shakes his head. “It’s probably just an illusion anyway. Now let’s get out of here. This heat’s burning my lungs.”

>A): Follow the path to the warp panel. (SPD X LCK X RES: 81% Success. Failure results in 15 DMG.
>B): Attempt to claim the treasure for yourself first. (SPD X LCK: 56% Success. Failure results in 35 DMG.

Current HP: (51/72 HP)

>>6309752
>>B): Attempt to claim the treasure for yourself first. (SPD X LCK: 56% Success. Failure results in 35 DMG.
l-l-letssss goooooo

>>6309752
>>A): Follow the path to the warp panel. (SPD X LCK X RES: 81% Success. Failure results in 15 DMG.
i got the feeling we're rolling 90+ this time, might as well gamba smart. best thing that chest could hold is food, anyway

>>6309752
>>B): Attempt to claim the treasure for yourself first. (SPD X LCK: 56% Success. Failure results in 35 DMG.
"The meat was just an illusion and it filled our bellies, didn't it?"

>>6309752
>>A): Follow the path to the warp panel. (SPD X LCK X RES: 81% Success. Failure results in 15 DMG.

>>6309752
>A): Follow the path to the warp panel. (SPD X LCK X RES: 81% Success. Failure results in 15 DMG.

Please
Lads
Please stop gambling

This isn’t even about progress anymore!

>>6309752
>A): Follow the path to the warp panel. (SPD X LCK X RES: 81% Success. Failure results in 15 DMG.

>>6309752
>A): Follow the path to the warp panel. (SPD X LCK X RES: 81% Success. Failure results in 15 DMG.

>>6309752
>>B): Attempt to claim the treasure for yourself first. (SPD X LCK: 56% Success. Failure results in 35 DMG.

>>6309752
>A): Follow the path to the warp panel. (SPD X LCK X RES: 81% Success. Failure results in 15 DMG.
Please

>>6309752
>A): Follow the path to the warp panel. (SPD X LCK X RES: 81% Success. Failure results in 15 DMG.
Gambling stops (for now)

>>6309752
>B): Attempt to claim the treasure for yourself first. (SPD X LCK: 56% Success. Failure results in 35 DMG.
Never turn down a gamble slightly in your favour!

We're back!
Floor 10 is probably going to have been a bloodbath, maybe it's for the best Tristain got sent to the bottom of the tower. We might join up with Saoirse as well. (Although, she might decide to go for our warp sticker as she's so far behind).

Curious that Arios got 10/10, I guess he'd give up the baby to the magic user.

>>6309752
>A): Follow the path to the warp panel. (SPD X LCK X RES: 81% Success. Failure results in 15 DMG.
Think the risk of damage on the other one is too high.

>>6309752
>B): Attempt to claim the treasure for yourself first. (SPD X LCK: 56% Success. Failure results in 35 DMG.

Rolled 87 (1d100)

A wins. Rolling, 1-81 means success.

Owari da

Look on the bright side, it could have been so much worse.

>>6310131
Fortuna fucking hates us bros it's never been more over

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>>6309752
Risking your life for a treasure box that was in all likelihood completely empty seemed like just the sort of thing the Yasha would find hilarious. You didn’t see the point in making a detour. In a few days you’d be crowned King of Morfis, and you’d have all the riches you wished for. You nod towards Butch and get ready to leap along the stone pathway that will take you to the next floor. The two of you carefully study the pattern in which the lava rises to engulf the path, taking care to understand the timing so you do not suffer any burns. When you finally feel as though you have it memorized, you step forward, intending to go first.

>“Just watch what I do and be ready to follow along right after.”

You jump on the first platform, a bit shaky on the landing, but without much incident. Knowing that it would not be long before the fire started to rise on this side, you show no hesitation. You leap over to the second, and then get a running jump on the third, which was a little ways further ahead. Ignoring the path that would take you to the treasure chest, you then jump over to the fourth platform. You can hear the sound of lava exploding behind you, and realize that you must pick up the pace. You jump over towards the fifth, and then the sixth with no issue. But once you are merely one platform away, something catches you off guard.

Your timing was off, and a wall of fire has arisen in front of the last platform where the warp panel to Floor 4 lies. Worst of all, the lava was steadily rising, and it would not be long before it sufficiently engulfed where you were standing. You grit your teeth, knowing that what was going to come next would hurt. In a choice between the wall before you and the lava, the answer seems straightforward enough. You jump through the fire, tucking yourself so that you would roll onto the final platform. In doing so, you narrowly avoid the lava that would have led to a much worse fate.

>Tristain: 36/72 HP

Caught on fire, you frantically roll on the ground, inadvertently touching the warp panel which takes you to the fourth floor. Mercifully enough, you’ve been sent somewhere that just so happens to be half submerged in water. The fire instantly goes out with a sizzle before it can do any further damage. Flailing about as you try and get your bearings, you rise out of the water and frantically try to grab onto something for stability. The first thing you find for purchase is a stone wall. As your senses adjust, you realize you are in complete darkness, and that a foul stench permeates the room you were in.

>Floor 4
>Turn 4/40

Catching your breath, you once more use your Torch spell to light your surroundings, this time fully prepared to be thrust into a battle just like before. Nothing attacks you, but you find that you are standing in a strange room. It was a narrow corridor, each side lined with dark stone walls.

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>>6310246
The waist deep water you were presently standing in was murky, and was the source of what you’d smelled earlier. Your first instinct is to cover your nose, but you quickly realize that you’d been completely drenched in this foul ooze. In your mind, this was the worst room yet. You hear a noise behind you and quickly turn to strike, only to find that it was Butch. The man didn’t seem the slightest bit scorched, signifying that he’d been able to pass with no damage.

“Hey, you’re alright! Thanks for going first. I realize that could have been me getting burned back there.” He sniffs the air as his surroundings settle in. “Ugh, it smells like shit in here.”

Wasting no time, you and Butch begin wading through the disgusting water you’d found yourselves in. Eventually, you find that the path you walk on splits into two, each way leading down a dark tunnel.

“Huh. Which way are we going?” Butch asks.

As you ponder your answer, you are interrupted by a loud booming voice that seems to come from somewhere above you. It was Kosmas.

“Contestant Number 35. Conrad. Eliminated by Floor Guardian.”

“Woah! That was weird!” Butch exclaims with shock. “Which one was that?”

You vaguely recall the name. Conrad was the heavily scarred man who’d wound up on Floor 5, the floor right above your own. It seemed as though Kosmas planned on announcing when other competitors were eliminated, and in what method. That was incredible intel. It meant that the Floor Guardian you needed to defeat was still active. You knew that there were at least two others between you and the fifth floor. Saoirse, and the girl from Brigid, Shea. Given that you hadn’t seen them yet, and with news of the tower’s first demise, could it be safe to assume they were stuck on Floor 5? If so, that meant that both of them had come through here, and both had made the right decision.

“For what it’s worth, my intuition says left.” Butch says.

>“Oh, and why’s that?”

He shrugs. “My Crest always itches when there’s danger nearby. And right now it’s itching when I look down that right way.”

>“Itches? I thought it prevented you from having food poisoning.”

“It does a lot of things.”

The hell was this guy talking about. You’d never heard of Crests having such strange effects before. Hell, you had TWO of them, and neither did anything special other than allowing you to kill fools more efficiently.

>A): Take Butch’s advice. Go left.
>B): Go right.
>C): Suggest you both split up. You going right, him going left.

Drink a Concoction? (Restores 20 HP, 5 Remaining)
>Yes
>No

>>6310247
>A): Take Butch’s advice. Go left.

Drink a Concoction? (Restores 20 HP, 5 Remaining)
>Yes

>>6310262
+1

>>6310247
>>6310262
Yeah supporting this.

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>>6310219

>>6310247
>>6310262
Supporting, if worse comes to worse we can provide ranged support while we use Butch as a meat shield.

Interesting that the girls haven't challenged the floor guardian. I can see Saoirse hanging back for Tristain considering how well it worked out for her getting to the tower. Would the fact that Tristain didn't go murderhobo on his allies right after be enough to convince Shea to throw her lot in too, or is she hiding in the shadows waiting to snipe whoever beats the thing and snatch their badge?

You know, maybe Tristain shouldn't be king, he'll gamble the kingdom to debt

>>6310431
May will find ways to steal money on a kingdom wide scale and that will be our gambling allowance

>>6310431
>>6310433
May will be our Minister of Economy. Theocracy? Kingdom? No, we'll be a proper Kleptocracy. Then we'll gamble all of the people's cash with Dagda and go to war when they win.

>>6310431
It's fine it's fine we'll get Alvin/Nadia/Cassius to cook up a spell to cure the addiction then

>>6310439
No wait hold on, instead of finding magic to cure addiction, what if we just find magic to make more gold? Then we have infinite source of currency to gamble! WE'LL BE A GOLDEN GOD!!!

>>6310262
+1

>>6310431
He will be gambling the Kingdom's money in the Kingdom, thus stimulating the economy.
>>6310262
Sounds good.

Rolled 56 (1d100)

Hmm...

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>>6310680
Lmao unreal. This was a background SPD + LCK roll where 1-56 meant success. He can't keep getting away with this.

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>>6310247
>Tristain: 56/72 HP

>“Fine, we’ll go left then.” You say, uncorking one of the concoctions that had been sitting on your belt for goddess knows how long. You hadn’t had a chance to heal, and the way things were looking, it felt as though you’d be unable to rely on any sort of restoration that did not come from yourself. Downing the bottle in one swig, you use your torch spell to illuminate the left path, and take the charge in leading the way. Nothing out of the ordinary jumps at you. Just more waist deep water that you are forced to wade through. You begin to wonder if you’d done the correct thing in listening to Butch, when suddenly a noise that seems to be coming through the walls alerts you.

>“What was that?”

You and Butch stop in your tracks, the sound of rippling water fading. You both glance towards your right, where the noise was coming from. Through the stone wall before you, you could faintly make out the sound of something skittering across the water on the opposite path. Something that sounded as though it had many legs. Butch looks at you with a grin.

“See? Told you.”

>“Yeah, fuck that. Let’s pick up the pace.”

You and Butch continue hurrying down the left path, until eventually, you’re able to make out this floor’s warp panel, completely submerged under the water. Thankful to no longer have to wander through the darkness in this disgusting ooze, you happily step onto it, eager to see the next hell this tower throws you into.

>Floor 5
>Turn 5/40

You are once again thrust into a hot climate, though one that was not nearly as hellish as the volcano from earlier. You open your eyes to find a lush green jungle. Massive trees and abundant greenery covered the landscape, and the air was thick with humidity. You begin to sweat uncomfortably in the heat.

“Least it doesn’t stink.” Butch says. “This is where that Conrad guy got taken out, right? Wonder where that Floor Guardian that got him is?”

You begin to wonder that yourself, when from the corner of your eye, you see someone familiar. It was Saoirse. She was hiding behind a large tree, and staring at you with wide eyes. She points you towards another nearby tree, seemingly beckoning you to take cover. Suddenly, your combat intuition grabs you. Hastily dropping to the jungle ground, an arrow sails over your head, embedding itself in a nearby branch.

>SPD x LCK Roll Success

>“Shit! There’s an archer trained on us, watch out!”

You shimmy over to the tree Saoirse had pointed out, while Butch goes the opposite direction. Another arrow just barely misses you as you throw yourself behind cover.”

“Wow, good stuff…” Saoirse calls out.

Getting a good look at her, you notice a wound on her right shoulder. Though she’d drenched it in Concoction, you could tell from the way she was wincing that it hurt something bad. Like you, she was covered in soot and filth from the prior floors.

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>>6310702
>“You alright?” You call out to her.

“I’ll live. But we have a problem. That Sniper from Brigid we saw back during the first stage is here. And on possibly the worst floor we could face her on. This jungle…” Saoirse glances all around her. “It’s exactly how I’ve heard Brigid described. A sprawling wilderness full of trees and brush. This may just be a random floor on the tower, but for her, she’s fighting us on home territory.”

>“What about the Floor Guardian? I heard the earlier announcement.”

“I watched that fool try to fight it by himself earlier. It ripped him to shreds.” Saoirse replies. “I planned to sneak on by, but she attacked me, and I was forced to take cover.”

You peak an eye out behind your tree, only to yank your head back when another arrow comes flying. This wasn’t good at all. You had no clue where she was, but you had a good idea of what she was thinking. Rather than advancing normally, Shea had found a floor where she could enjoy a great advantage, and planned to hunt those who came crawling up from the lower levels. And knowing that Conrad had been the first elimination, there were at least 3 other badges she knew she could collect between you, Butch and Saoirse. She could enjoy a 20 floor advance if she just bided her time and sniped you behind cover.

“The Floor Guardian…” Saoirse continues. “Ever seen a tiger before?”

>“I’ve seen them in a picture book. Does that count?”

“Think 10 times bigger.” Saoirse says. “After it killed Conrad, it started patrolling the floor here. Kosmas said they were optional…but I think once someone attacks it, it's pissed off for good.”

>“Think it’ll get our girl for us?”

Saoirse shakes her head. “The people of Brigid are renowned as some of the world’s finest hunters. And she knows how to mask her presence well. She’ll avoid it with no issue.”

Another announcement from Kosmas rips through the sky. Its sheer volume and suddenness cause the creatures of the jungle to stir uneasily. Amongst them, you hear an incredibly loud roar that causes your hair to stand on end.

“Floor Guardian 10 has been defeated. Merit badges have been awarded to Arios and Leonora.” He announces.

Fuck. You seethe in frustration. If those two were working together, they’d have no problem pulling ahead. Meanwhile, you were stuck hiding behind a tree after dropping 9 floors, all the while they were pulling the ladder up behind them. You couldn’t afford to waste time here.

>“We’ll defeat both the Floor Guardian and Shea. Two of us will take out the tiger while one stays behind cover. Shea will likely try to eliminate the ones left fighting the Guardian. It’ll be up to the third person to see where her shots are coming from, and deal with her. Up close, I suspect any one of us could defeat her.”

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>>6310703
Loud footsteps echo through the jungle, and they are getting closer. You brave a peek to find that Saoirse’s estimate did not do this beast justice. It was a massive, white furred monster. It strode with confidence, not even bothering to hide its presence. Rightfully so, as it knew it was the king of this domain. You notice that it was slightly wounded, an axe head was embedded in the creature’s side. Likely the final blow that Conrad had dealt to it.

“Sounds crazy enough to work.” Saoirse grins. “But how do you want to do this? Your friend over there looks like he would be better off fighting this beast. That means either you or I should try to find Shea.”

Saoirse was faster than you, but far less durable. One perfectly timed arrow from Shea might spell her doom. You had more faith that you could take at least a few of her arrows before going down. You’d have to decide fast. The Floor Guardian had heard your yapping, and was now approaching quicker.


>Floor Guardian
>Level 40 Illusion
HP: 150/200 HP
STR: 41
SPD: 35
DEF: 15
RES: 2


>Who will go after Shea?

>A): You
>B): Saoirse

>>6310704
>>A): You
i'd like to spare her life if possible

>>6310704
>A): You
Let's French our axe in blood

>6310704
>You
We also have ranged options, we're the more flexible fighter.

>>6310704
>A): You
We could potentially one-turn Byakko, but that'd require using our remaining Indech charge or hoping that Butch is willing to use his Crest and be capable of dealing 100 damage in a single hit.

>>6310704
>A): You
Considering it's only Butch wailing at the thing hopefully they won't take it down before we get to Shea. Butch can't double it naturally but can get a good chunk of it's HP down.

Also thank god we are that damn monkey.

>>6310704
>>A): You

>>6310704
>A): You
Sure, why not?

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>>6310704
Saoirse was strong, of that you had no doubt. You saw her abilities for yourself, and were confident she could defeat Shea under normal circumstances. These were anything but though, and you at least had your own ranged techniques you could count on, not to mention a far greater durability than the girl from Sreng. Besides, if you beat Shea, you could lay claim to not just her badge, but also Conrad’s, giving you a juicy 10 floor advantage.

>“I’ll go after Shea.” You save bravely. “You two take care of that thing. I’ll come back and help as soon as I’m done with her.” You turn towards your newfound companion. He’d been out of earshot of you and Saoirse’s conversation, but he at least had the sense to stay behind cover and avoid Shea’s missiles.

>“Hey! You see that giant monster?!” You yell at Butch. “I need you to keep it busy!”

“Sure!” Butch replies back. With nary a second thought, he leaves cover and charges straight ahead. The tiger immediately locks eyes on him, letting a bloodcurling roar that echoes through the jungle. Butch, however, follows up with his own terrifying roar. In an instant, the two are hacking away at each other. The tiger is fast, able to clear the distance between its prey in a mere moment. However, for all its might, it wouldn’t be able to defeat a Relic wielder in short order. Let alone one that would be accompanied by a Swordmaster like Saoirse, who jumps into the battle with a slash on the creature’s side. It lets out a pained cry, and swipes at her with a paw, but for all its speed, Saoirse is still faster.

Shea might be an expert marksman, but you doubted even she could hit a target in the midst of all this chaos. Sure enough, an arrow narrowly misses Butch, who crosses his blade with the tiger’s claw, holding his ground. The arrow comes from the northwest side of the jungle, and in an instant, you already have an idea of where your own prey is waiting. You dash out from behind the cover of your own tree, and begin your pursuit. You make it a few steps before an arrow embeds itself within your chestpiece. Followed by another that scratches your ear.

-12 HP (44/72 HP)

Ignoring the pain, you continue running forward, now very aware of where Shea is hiding. You hear a feminine laugh echoing through the trees, but are still unable to pinpoint the source.

“That is the most elderly trick in a book!” Shea taunts you. You’d never met anyone from Brigid before, but her accent was thick, and her command of the common language was shaky at best. “Using your comrades as bait will only bring you great shame! Now, drop your badge on the ground, and I shall allow you to poof away with your life!”

>“As if you could kill me with these pathetic little bee stings of yours.” You taunt her right back, ripping out the arrow that was embedded in your chest and dropping it to the ground.

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>>6311376
Shea was hiding up above in the trees, of that you were sure. But it was as Saoirse said. The girl was a master at hiding her presence. Even when taunting you, it was as if her voice was coming from all around. You didn’t think she was standing still, but rather maneuvering around the trees and constantly changing her position.

“Bee sting?” Shea says, her voice cracking with insult. “These arrows are made from the most sacred groves in Brigid! Insulting them is to insult all my ancestors! Foul ogre! If you are so sure of yourself, then why don’t you stand still and eat this next one!?”

Somehow, you had a sinking suspicion that being hit by this next arrow would hurt, and quite badly at that. But you had to find a way to catch Shea so that you could fight back, and getting hit might be the only way to uncover her location. Your mind starts racing through your options.

You had one charge left of the Crest of Indech. You could allow yourself to be struck by Shea’s arrow, and then counter using the Crest. You still had your trusty Iron Bow. Shea might be a better shot, but even she wouldn’t be about to do much if you resorted to using your Crest.

The second alternative you think of is to simply burn down the entire jungle. This entire place looked like it would go up in smoke with just one charge of your Crest of Macuil, and a few Elfires to feed the blaze. Shea would have no more trees to hide in if they all went up in flames. Doing so might have unforeseen consequences though. After all, it may be hard to find this floor’s warp panel if you had to do so in the midst of an inferno, and while your friends were still dealing with the Floor Guardian. Either way, time was ticking until Shea fired at you, and you needed to act quick.

>A): Allow yourself to be hit by Shea’s arrow, and counter with a Crest-empowered attack. (Indech: 1 / 4)
>B): Burn the surrounding jungle and smoke Shea out. (Macuil: 3 / 4, consumes all Elfire uses)
>C): Attempt to fight Shea without the use of any of your Crests.

>Turn 6/40
>Floor: 5/40

>>6311377
>A): Allow yourself to be hit by Shea’s arrow, and counter with a Crest-empowered attack. (Indech: 1 / 4)
As much as I want to pull an aerosmith VS little feet and literally smoke her out, burning the whole jungle will just burn us in the end. Plus we only have one charge left anyway, and keeping some Elfires in the bag might be helpful for later. Going in crestless is a bit too risky especially since we're racing against the clock to beat team nerd to the next floor guardian.

Also she's set us up perfectly with that eating the next one line kek

>>6311377
>A): Allow yourself to be hit by Shea’s arrow, and counter with a Crest-empowered attack. (Indech: 1 / 4)

>>6311377
>>B): Burn the surrounding jungle and smoke Shea out. (Macuil: 3 / 4, consumes all Elfire uses)
she just challenged us to take the next arrow and i'd rather not find out what it does

>>6311377
>A): Allow yourself to be hit by Shea’s arrow, and counter with a Crest-empowered attack. (Indech: 1 / 4)
Burning the jungle might also impact the other guys fighting the tiger, I don't know if it's better for them to have cover or what (or if the Tiger is going to use it)

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>>6311377
Burning the jungle to the ground seemed like exactly the type of idea that Bronte would scream at you over were she here. No, that wouldn’t do. You’d been struck by two of those arrows, and ‘sacred grove’ or not, they were nothing special. You’d gotten her riled up, which was a point in your favor. If she were smart, she’d stay in hiding, and hope that the Floor Guardian would get your two companions. But you’d pissed her off, and now she felt as though she had something to prove. You retrieve your Iron Bow, knocking an arrow on the string, and begin to boast.

>“I thought the people of Brigid were supposed to be great hunters! You’ve hit me twice now and I barely feel a thing! I bet it won’t take me nearly as many shots to put an end to you!”

“Is that so?!” Shea retorts. You can hear the trees rustling up above you. Was she jumping from branch to branch? The thought almost reminded you of those weird monsters you saw on the first floor. Maybe they were native to Brigid? “Stay standing where you are! My ancestors will guide my arrow straight through your black tongue!”

Black tongue? Did she mean heart? What language did they speak over there anyw-

Your combat instincts take over, and you spot the flash of an arrowhead directly to your right. She was aiming for your head! You try to move out of the way as you did last time, but this time she is far too close to make dodging possible. The arrow rips through your right cheek, filling your mouth with blood as it pokes out through the left side. An explosion of pain rocks your brain as you stumble back, the arrow firmly lodged within your muscle.

>Critical Hit! 18 DMG
>Tristain: 26/72 HP

“Haha! You are not of the talking type now are yo-”

You bite down, snapping the arrow into pieces, and raising your own bow up into the treeline. Admittedly, that did hurt more than you expected it to. And you were certainly a lot angrier than you had been a mere moment ago when you’d been taunting Shea. But all’s well that ends well. Shea had failed to make her final shot count. And now you knew exactly where she was standing, and could finally retaliate in kind. You activate your Crest of Indech, already worn down by the day’s fighting, and take aim right at Shea, who was standing atop a branch with virtually no cover to hide behind.

As soon as the first arrow leaves your bow, the second one is already following right after it, empowered by Indech’s blinding speed. Shea doesn’t even have time to cry out as both missiles impact her directly in the chest. The girl is sent tumbling out of the large tree she’d been hiding in, crashing down on the hard forest floor.

>Crest of Indech: (0/4)

>Level Up
>Tristain d’Rusalka
>Level 39 Wyvern Lord (EXP: 20/100)
HP: 72/72 (130%) + 1 = 73
Strength: 38 (75%) + 1 = 39
Magic: 32 (50%)
Speed: 28 (40%) + 1 = 29
Defense: 31 (70%)
Resistance: 25 (50%)
Luck: 28 (65%)

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>>6311916
You walk over to where Shea had landed. She was still alive, but there was no way she’d be getting up and moving any time soon. She looks up at you with a look of shock and horror painted on her face, raising one hand up as if to try and keep you away.

“M-monster!” She cries out. “H-how did you make that shot…?”

You were about to brag about how it took you less shots fired to beat her. Perhaps something about how you were the better archer after all. But when you open your mouth to do so, blood pours out from the arrow wound she’d given you. The sight evidently makes for a terrifying one, as Shea’s face turns white, and she begins to trash and scream, hoping to get away from you.

“N-no! Don’t kill me! Take my badge! I have the other one as well from that man! I-in my pocket!”

You rub your jaw. You’d have to get a Concoction on this before you met with the others. You wouldn’t be able to communicate with them until you did. As for Shea, the other badge she mentioned must have been Conrad’s. How fortunate. You thought you might have to dig it out of the stomach of that monster, but it looks like he must have dropped it upon his death. That would be convenient.

As you mull over what to do with this woman, Kosmas’s voice once again echoes through the forest.

“Contestant Number 23, Crowley, has defeated Contest Number 9, Rainer, on Floor 9. Contestant Number 41, Uriyan, has defeated Contestant Number 22, Rudolf, on Floor 8. Contestant Number 25, Nathaniel has defeated both Contestants Number 11, Herman, and Number 21, Carl.”

>A): Kill Shea and take her badges
>B): Spare Shea, while taking her badges.

Loot Shea’s weapon and items?
>Yes
>No

Drink a Concoction? (Restores 20 HP, 4 Remaining)
>Yes
>No

>>6311919
>>B): Spare Shea, while taking her badges.
>Yes
>Yes
lets hope that doesn't leave a scar!

>>6311919
>>B): Spare Shea, while taking her badges.
>Yes
>No
Snark about "Come back and take this if you want" later while forgetting that we can't talk and intimidating her. We're at full health from the level up so this is basically just cosmetic damage.

>>6311924
we've been through this before, level-ups don't heal us

>>6311924
>>6311926
Correct, level ups won't heal you back to full health. Doubly so right now. You're in full on resource management in this phase.

>>6311919
>B): Spare Shea, while taking her badges.
>Yes
>Yes

>>6311919
>B): Spare Shea, while taking her badges.
>Yes
>Yes

If we yank her badge off she teleports back to the mansion, right?

>Shea finally shuts Tristain up
Kek don't tell Bronte or she'll start getting ideas.

>Speed level up
Everything we've done is worth it.

Interesting that not many people from floor 9 have moved to 10. Looks like 9 would have been a bloodbath from the get go with people tussling for badges. I do wonder what the heck Elric and Gyles are doing though, considering they didn't defeat the floor guardian. Maybe the think they're enough to go through the tower manually?

>>6311919
>B): Spare Shea, while taking her badges.
I don't really see any reason not to

>Yes
>Yes
I guess her bow will be sacred or blessed (not mechanically, just in terms of her religion) or something so she'll probably be pissed, maybe she can have it back when we're done with it.

>>6311919
>B): Spare Shea, while taking her badges.
Well, she wasn't especially mean, so there's no need to kill her.
>Yes
>Yes
Don't want Butch or Saiorse to turn on us if we're easy prey.
How are we gonna use the badges, then? End our cooperation with the others and use them both? Or give one to either one and leave the other person behind?

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>>6312025
Advocating for not using them straight away - I want to keep up this partnership with Butch or Saiorse as long as possible because bet that the floor guardians will get stronger as we progress and without Indech we'll need all the help we can get. So long as those two haven't taken out the tiger yet we could chuck an Elfire its way and grab a participation badge so we can all go up to floor ten together.

We can potentially use them as an emergency panic button in case we need to put some distance between us and someone else (AKA if Butch decides to turn on us), or if we're running out of turns near the end and need to get to the top fast. That way we can potentially burn some turns gunning for a different target.

Also in honor of Tristain's crippling gambling addiction, here's a memory of the time we bet the entirety of our girl's happiness on a DC 40. Part of me kinda wish we had Tristain's luck for that roll so Leopold could have picked up the pieces of her broken heart later. Blonde Bronte would have been cute.

>>6312028
IS THAT ANOTHER NEW ART

>>6312028
This quest really does have a hold over people, considering how much art we're getting. It's so awesome!!!
I, personally, love stories with heartbreak, and I also love Leopold, so that would have been my golden road... Alas! Maybe if we harass Tree enough he'll write an AU where Leopold won. Hint hint, QM, April first is coming "soon" ;D

>>6312025
butch and saoirse are getting both badges for the tiger. i say we all go to the next floor then warp, keeping one in our pocket. if uriyan does warp too we might be able to catch up to him and then we'll be good to go against pretty much anyone

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>>6312028
The OC gods bless us with more fantastic content. I love that Blair and friends are still getting pieces done even after their quest has ended. And of course, our gambling habit is a time-honored family tradition going back decades.

This is lovely, thank you as always anon. That was many many threads ago, which is sorta crazy to think about, but I still remember writing it and knowing we were all in on the Ashe train from there.

>>6311924
>>6311933
In that case change that to a
>B
>Yes
>Yes
please

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>>6312028
That art is amazing.
>>6312041
Ashe and Blair were so cute together in the school arc, I think the only other candidate I was fine with was Corrine due to liking these two opposites becoming best friends.

Also here's my shitpost art I drew like, a year ago for the /qst/ waifu contest.

>>6311919
>>>A): Kill Shea and take her badges
Talked too much shit
>Yes
>Yes

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>>6311919
Turn 7/40
Floor 5/40

You do your best to drink the Concoction with a splitting hole in your face. It stings a bit, and much of the brew winds up messily spilling onto your chest, but somehow you make it work. Your wounds begin to close just a bit, the hole mending as if it had never been there. That perhaps ranked amongst your least favorite injuries you’ve ever received, but at least it was over quickly enough.

>Tristain: 46/72 HP
>3x Concoctions Remain

You stand over the broken form of Shea, who was still regarding you with a mixture of horror. She was expecting the bite of your axe any second now, and the horribly violent death that would follow. In reality, you didn’t really care about killing her. She gave you a good enough fight, and despite the wound, you had no personal animosity with her. That being said, you did plan to torture her just a little bit before sending her back to the estate. When Shea had fallen, she’d dropped several of her belongings, including her bow as well as her satchel, which you begin to plunder.

>“Ohh, what’s in here?” You say mischievously. “I wonder if I’ll find anything dirty…”

“N-noooooo…!” Shea can only whine in protest as the contents of her bag come crashing out.

>“Tch, only one Concoction?” You grumble, annoyed as you hold the item up. “You were really full of yourself, weren’t you?” Shea’s belongings also included some sort of pouched herb, as well as a tiny bag that you estimated held around 500 gold or so. You figured you’d help yourself.

>Obtained Concoction x1
>Obtained Brigid Herbal Pouch
>Obtained 500g (Current: 2300)

>“I’m taking this bow too. Looks pretty nice.” You hold Shea’s bow up to the room’s ‘sun’, examining it closely. The wood was fine quality, and the string was nice and taut. It was clearly a higher grade than the Iron Bow you’d been carrying around. You guessed her people weren’t shabby archers after all.

>Obtained Brigid Bow! (+12 ATK, +15% Crit Chance)

“Y-you’re a monster…” Shea cries, tears in her eyes. “Hurry up and kill me!”

>“Shut up.” You reply. Her ridiculous straw hat had fallen onto the ground, and you drop the item back onto her face. She could keep that one. You weren’t really into hats. “I’m only borrowing this. I’ll be getting a much stronger bow soon. You can have this back when I’m done.”

Going through her pockets, you find exactly what you were looking for. Conrad’s Number 35 badge is blood splatted, but still in working order. With this, you could teleport an additional 5 floors. And that wasn’t the only prize waiting for you. Shea’s own Number 50 Badge lies right on her chest. You rip the item off with much satisfaction.

“I-I’ll never…forget you!” Shea vows, before vanishing in a blink. Did she mean to say she’d never forget this? Oh well, time to put her out of mind and head back to the others.

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>>6312104
Just as you begin running towards where you’d left Butch and Saoirse, Kosmas’ voice crackles through the forest once more. You expected him to announce your defeat of Shea, but are shocked to find that isn’t the only piece of news.

“Contestant Number 59, Tristain, has defeated Contestant Number 50, Shea, on Floor 5. Floor Guardian 5 has been defeated. Merit badges have been awarded to Saoirse and Butch.” The voice announces.

Wait, what?! They didn’t wait for you?! You pick up the pace, returning to the part of the jungle where you’d left them. Sure enough, that giant, monstrous tiger was lying on the ground, defeated. Butch and Saoirse, while looking a little worse for wear, were otherwise fine. What surprised you the most though was the state that the tiger was in. Somehow, the creature had wound up cleaved in two neat pieces, right down the middle. You knew how Saoirse fought, and while she was incredibly fast, her attacks did not carry much weight to them. She would never have the massive strength needed to cut a monster in half like that. That meant the culprit here was obvious.

“Sorry.” Saoirse apologizes upon reading the look on your face. She was applying medicine to a wound she’d received in her leg. “We were doing fine keeping it busy but…Butch activated his Crest.”

“Yeah, my bad.” Butch replies. He was flipping his merit badge up and down. “I didn’t realize we were supposed to keep it alive until you got back. Still, I can’t believe it died so easily. I just hit it with a bit of a love tap. Thought it’d be a lot tougher than that…”

“Shea’s gone?” Saoirse asks you.

>“I sent her packing back to the estate.” You reply, holding up your two badges.

“Good.” Saoirse says. “I already know where the next panel is. We can head straight there.”

With both Shea and Conrad’s badge, you could warp 10 floors ahead. That would put you on Floor 15, where you knew at least Arios and Leonra either were or had been through. You’d be right back at the head of the pack. You’d heard no news of Elric or Gyles, but you knew they’d be close as well. Teleporting 10 floors carried significant risk though. You were injured, and lacking in the Crest of Indech. A fight with either Elric or Gyles could be dangerous in this state. Butch and Saoirse only had one badge each. They’d only be able to travel as far as Floor 10. You’d be completely on your own.

>A): Teleport to Floor 15, using two badges.
>B): Teleport to Floor 10, using one badge.

>>6312105
>B): Teleport to Floor 10, using one badge.
Let's save up the other badge until we really need to use it for some reason, like catching up to someone or to just avoid a really tedious battle.

>>6312105
>B): Teleport to Floor 10, using one badge.

With the state we're in going ahead of them is absolutely stupid, especially since both of them seem willing to work with us and we don't know if we'll even manage to beat the floor guardian once we're there or if we'll have to go up against Arios and Leonora first for the honor. Plus going ahead will piss all the goodwill we've built up with them down the drain.

Better to keep Conrad's badge as an ace in the hole for later. That gives us potentially five turns to bully Gyles/Elric/however.

>>6312105
>B): Teleport to Floor 10, using one badge.
Easy enough.
Captcha: TROPH

>>6312105
>B): Teleport to Floor 10, using one badge.

>>6312105
>Teleport to floor ELEVEN.
saoirse knows where's the panel, go to floor six before warping!

>>6312147
You need to step on a warp panel with a badge to activate it. To go to floor 11, we'd had to finish floor 6 and then use it on the teleport to floor 7

>>6312105
>B): Teleport to Floor 10, using one badge.

>>6312160
ah, i missed that part. makes sense, that prevents using them to get out of a fight

>>6312105
>>B): Teleport to Floor 10, using one badge.

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>>6312105
“Contestant Number 23, Crowley, has defeated Contestants Number 12, Number 17, and Number 26, Adalbert, Hansel and Norbert, on Floor 9. Contestant Number 30, Timmy, has self-eliminated, by removing his badge on Floor 9.” The voice of Kosmas announces, echoing through the jungle,

“What?” Saoirse remarks, completely taken aback by the update. “How is that even possible? One man alone has already defeated 5 other competitors? Who is he?”

Good question. You recall the announcement previously stating that he’d already collected one badge. Now another three had somehow fallen into his lap. Four if he had picked up Timmy’s, who evidently could not handle the rigors of the tournament following the death of Oswald. At a five badge advantage, Crowley could teleport from Floor 9 all the way to Floor 34. How irritating. Had you done nothing back in the classroom, you could have started at Floor 9, and those five or possibly even six badges could be yours. Now you were stuck having to climb this inane tower, forced to wade through shit water.

>“Let’s get moving. We’ll go straight to Floor 10.” You’d hold onto Conrad’s badge for now, only using Shea’s to progress. In your current state, you weren’t sure a confrontation with Arios or Leonora would be a wise decision. Particularly when you had Gyles and Elric as well to worry about. Better to progress up the tower naturally and with comrades you could trust rather than go at it alone.

Saoirse leads you and Butch a short distance through the jungle. Thanks to knowing where the warp panel already was, you’re able to cut down on the time it would have taken to find it. That was good luck, as you felt you’d already wasted enough daylight dealing with Shea and the Floor Guardian. Doing as Kosmas advised, all three of you step onto the panel, each holding onto a badge. The jungle fades behind you, and you are pulled a nice five stages ahead, just as Kosmas promised. When you regain your senses, you find yourself on Floor 10. Every other floor had carried with it a theme, however, you have a hard time discerning what this one was supposed to be.

>Turn 8/40
>Floor 10/40

“Woah. What happened here?” Butch remarks dryly.

If this floor had carried a theme like the others, you weren’t sure what it was supposed to be, for all that was left here were ruins, and a massive crater that ran deep into the ground. At the center of it, you could make out bits and pieces of…something. It was too charred to tell, but you had a feeling it was supposed to be this floor’s guardian.

>“I can make a pretty good guess.” Leonora, Arios, Gyles and Mystletainn. A massive battle had taken place here. The crater was undoubtedly the work of a mage. Likely Gyles or Leonora. Given that you’d heard no news of any of them being eliminated, the brawl must have ended in a stalemate.

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>>6312731
Perhaps Arios and Leonora had agreed to an impromptu alliance, and the other two were forced to flee. The Floor Guardian must have been taken out right after.

“A great battle occurred here.” Saoirse says as she looks down upon the crater. “A shame…I would have loved to have been a part of it.”

>“You’re telling me.” You groan. “Why’d that Yasha have to ask me such a stupid question? Starting out here would have been great. At least that way I wouldn’t have had to pass through that piece of shit Floor 4.”

“Hey, it all works out for the best.” Butch says, wrapping an arm around you and Saoirse. The man looked unperturbed given the circumstances. “Now we’ve got ourselves a good team. We just gotta keep going and we’ll catch up with the others eventually.”

Saoirse throws the man’s arm off her. “Yes, agreed. Just don’t get too comfortable, we’ll be crossing blades with each other soon enough.”

“Heh, of course.” Butch grins. “You’re a pretty feisty lady, you know? My type. Maybe we could get to know each other better after this is all over.”

“N-no! Absolutely not!” An uncharacteristic blush creeps upon Saoirse’s face. “Don’t look at me as if I’m some common hussy! I’m the First Sword of Sreng! My heart belongs only to one that can prove he is stronger than me. And that is most certainly not you!”

“I wouldn’t be so su-”

>“Enough.” You cut through the chatter. “Look, I can see the warp panel from here. A positive to this floor being torn apart I suppose. Let’s hurry and leave.”

The three of you begin walking towards your goal when a sudden sound from behind triggers your combat instincts. You all turn quickly to face the source. A newcomer has arrived on Floor 10, right on the warp panel you’d just come through.

“Woahhhh…this place is messed up.” Crowley remarks, scanning the horizon upon arrival. Upon spotting your group, his eyebrows raise in surprise, before calling out in a friendly manner. “Hey! How’s it going guys?”

“Fuck me.” Butch breathes in awe. “Six fucking badges just showed up.” He unsheathes Blutgang and takes a step forward.”

“Woah! Wait up!” The Dagdan yells, holding his hands out in alarm. “I don’t want to fight! I was actually hoping I’d run into you guys! Honest! Let’s talk!”

“How fortunate.” Saoirse grins, unsheathing Mercurius.

Something was wrong. By all accounts, Crowley had already defeated five other competitors. You’d expect the man that did something like that to be bearing some sort of injury or wound. At least some sort of sign of battle. And yet, the Dagdan looked absolutely pristine. As if he’d defeated all of them without taking a single hit.

>A): Join the others in attacking Crowley.
>B): He said he was hoping to run into us. Hear him out.

>>6312733
>>B): He said he was hoping to run into us. Hear him out.
spill the beans clay

>>6312733
>B): He said he was hoping to run into us. Hear him out.
Sure weirdo

>>6312733
>B): He said he was hoping to run into us. Hear him out

Thank god with the way we were going I was worried we'd go the entire quest without interacting with him. He probably knows Tristain has Blair's protection so I doubt he's up to anything too weird...hopefully....

>>6312733
>B): He said he was hoping to run into us. Hear him out.
Picking B not just because out of character we know who he is, but also because one guy beating five others without a scratch? that's suspicious so we should act a bit smart here.

>>6312733
>B): He said he was hoping to run into us. Hear him out.

Hello Clayley

>>6312733
Based Butch immediately making moves on the murder gremlin.
>>B): He said he was hoping to run into us. Hear him out.
Is it OOC meta gaming? Yeah. Do I wanna hear what the immortal hero has to say? Also yeah.

>>6312733
>>B): He said he was hoping to run into us. Hear him out

>>6312828
I mean technically it's not THAT ooc, Tristain is just once again in the twilight zone of having to be the responsible one, stopping those two from jumping a guy who cleared 6 other guys without breaking a sweat and in record time to boot, who deliberately chose to met with them instead of warping right up to 34.

Alvin/Bronte must be sensing so many disturbances in the force right now kek

>>6312836
You know, it's actually kinda funny that this death tower thing is like, actually making Tristain a better leader due to being surrounded by trigger happy people, he's learning to be responsible n shit.

>>6312733
>A): Join the others in attacking Crowley.
Maybe it's a trap to get our guard down, and attack us like he beat those 5 guys!

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>>6312733
It was rare that you found yourself forced to be the voice of reason. Even rarer was the idea that you’d back down from a fight. But something about this situation seemed weird. Perhaps Crowley was simply a powerful warrior, able to defeat five of Fodlan’s finest singlehandedly. But to do so without receiving any damage in turn was another matter entirely. Was there something more to this man? Some sort of ace up his sleeve that allowed him to take those badges? All you knew is that you needed more information here, and fast.

>“Hold on.” You call out to your allies. “He said he was hoping to run into us. Let’s hear him out first.”

“Are you kidding me?” Butch looks at you incredulously. “Six badges show up right in front of you and you want to play friendly with the guy? Who made you leader, anyway?”

“I’m afraid this oaf might be right.” Saoirse mutters. “What are you thinking?”

>“Just give me a damn minute.” You snap. Wrangling these two was starting to make you miss your allies. At least they knew better than to doubt you. You turn towards the Dagdan and take a step forward, unarmed. “You, you’re Crowley, correct?”

“That’s me.” He grins from ear to ear. Despite being held at blade’s length by three Crest wielders, he seemed to not be as worried as you’d have thought. “And you’re…Tristain d’Rusalka, right? From the land of Rusalka, I presume? Beautiful place. Very nice mountains and beaches, I hear.”

>“You’ve heard of Rusalka?”

“Of course! I’m pretty well-travelled. I would love to visit one day.” Crowley says. “Perhaps I may yet have the opportunity. Provided you lend me your aid, of course. I wasn’t lying when I said I was looking for you. In fact, I’d even been anticipating it! These badges?” Crowley sticks a hand into a pocket on his chest, and flashes in your face five badges, which he holds together like a playing card hand. “I thought I’d go ahead and collect them for you. As payment.”

>“Payment?” You grimace. “What the hell are you talking about you fool? Start making sense, and fast.”

“Woah, you’ve got a temper.” Crowley says, seemingly surprised. “But yes, payment. In a way, you could say I’m looking to hire you. I need a favor, and I need someone strong enough to carry it out. Do you recall the two Dagdans you’d seen me with earlier?”

>“Those giant hulking freaks? How could I forget?” You recall the two brown-haired men that had been alongside Crowley before and during the first stage. Massive brutes strapped in formidable armor and oversized weapons. Next to them, it would be a stretch to say that Clay was a Dagdan.

“Adam and Nathaniel.” Crowley says. “You’d heard the announcement earlier, no? They’d defeated two foes on Floor 7, and would have a badge each. In all likelihood, they’re on Floor 12 right now, and progressing further ahead. I’d like for you to defeat both of them.”

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>>6313097
“What?” Saoirse remarks with confusion as she lowers her sword. “I don’t understand. Are they not your comrades?”

“I could see how you might think that, my lady, as I am a rather affable sort..” Crowley says “But alas, they are something more akin to pursuers. They’ve followed me all the way from Dagda here with the intention of taking my head and bringing it back to the lord they serve.”

“What did you do?” Butch asks flatly.

“I did nothing at all!” Crowley says, offended at the mere suggestion. “A fundamental misunderstanding in regards to a certain piece of property and its ownership is what this is all about. Unfortunately, Adam and Nathaniel are what are known as ‘Gallowglass.’ A Dagdan term for the country’s most elite warriors. In short they are very powerful men, who in turn are very difficult to reason with.”

>“So, you stole from their lord. What did you take?”

“It’s not stealing if it was never his to begin with.” Crowley says, explaining this as one would explain an undeniable fact of the world to a child. “As for what the item was…well, that’s a bit private…”

>“You just beat five warriors single-handedly. Why can’t you do the same to these two?”

“I told you, they’re Gallowglass.” Crowley says. “Five of those pampered Fodlan nobles couldn’t hold a candle to one of these guys. And despite how heroic and powerful I may be, my particular fighting style is, loathe though I am to admit it, ineffective against that pair.”

>“What does that mean?”

“It’s a long story. In any case, I’d like you to defeat them. They can’t be too far ahead of us. I’ll provide you with one badge each. And naturally, you’ll be able to pilfer each of their badges. That’s a total of five!”

“Or, and hear me out, I could take six from you right now.” Butch holding Blutgang out towards the Dagdan, who takes a step back in worry.

“Wait, wait, wait.” Crowley says, he turns towards you hoping that you might intercede. “I overheard your conversation with the Gloucester woman earlier. That Elric kid, you said he’s possessed right? You need to break his sword? I can help with that. I know a technique that can shatter a blade with ease! I’d happily teach it to you as part of the bargain!”

In the silence that follows Crowley’s request, Kosmas’ voice makes another announcement.

“Contestant Number 12, Oleg, has defeated Contestant Number 14, Trent, on Floor 7. Contestant Number 41, Uriyan, has defeated Contestant Number 8, Bernhard, on Floor 8.”

>A): Agree to defeat Adam and Nathaniel for Crowley
>B): Decline
>C): Decline, and attack Crowley.

>>6313099
>>A): Agree to defeat Adam and Nathaniel for Crowley
Uriyan is STILL fighting? Ok, hopefully we'll meet in floor 18 then...

>>6313099
>A): Agree to defeat Adam and Nathaniel for Crowley
Tristan the blade breaker

>>6313099
>A): Agree to defeat Adam and Nathaniel for Crowley
Okay, we're doing this for Elric, because we'll need all the help we can get for Misty.

But why the hell can't Clay deal with these goons? Either they've got something to lock down crests so no healing for him or they're Res monsters.

>And despite how heroic and powerful I may be, my particular fighting style is, loathe though I am to admit it, ineffective against that pair.”
Huh. Do they nullify vampirism or something? Also if they want him dead so much, why did they join the competition with him?

>>6313099
>>A): Agree to defeat Adam and Nathaniel for Crowley

>>6313099
>A): Agree to defeat Adam and Nathaniel for Crowley

>“And you’re…Tristain d’Rusalka, right? From the land of Rusalka, I presume? Beautiful place. Very nice mountains and beaches, I hear.”
KEK very conveniently leaving out he helped aunty Blair fight a gundam on said mountains and beaches twenty years ago.

So Crowley stole the precious thing (it better not be some lass' maidenhead or I'm voting to use every single crest blast to obliterate him once we free Elric)
If we'd gone with the dagdan's during the race to the tower would we have been wrapped up in this plot then?

>>6313214
Immortal wandering heroes of justice can be very tricky to pin down. Maybe they gambled on him falling for the call of the competition and have much better luck than our boy.

>>6313099
>A): Agree to defeat Adam and Nathaniel for Crowley
Out of character I do think Tristain would be very interested in learning this 'Sword breaker' technique, and he does gain badges from it as well.

Also these Gallowglass guys must be tough as hell if they managed to reach all the way to the capital, enter the contest, survive the first stage, get 7 questions right on the quiz and are rather far in the toweralready, just to pursue one guy and not actually try to become kings, crazy shit.

>>6313269
>conveniently leaving out he helped aunty Blair fight a gundam on said mountains and beaches twenty years ago.
Said mecha fight was witnessed by dosens of people and is well documented in a book, but nobody still believes it happened.

Anyway, Clay is sketchy as shit here. As the other guy said, two killers really floowed him all the way so well but never killed him? There was a whole round to do that before. Doesn't say what he stole either.

>>6313099
>A): Agree to defeat Adam and Nathaniel for Crowley
I'm willing to bet the two big guys are like, his sons or something. Adam and Nathaniel don't sound very Dagdan, do they?

>>6313426
Anon you've cracked it...being vague about why they're pissed off at him...them not taking him out before now even though they've had ample opportunity to do so....him hyping them when he's a badass himself...

...this guy is just some deadbeat dad who's outsourcing dealing with a family feud isn't he?! Well whatever we can judge him in private but go along with this schemes for Elric's sake.

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>>6313099
It was clear to you that Crowley was hiding something. You didn’t think he was outright lying about anything, but there was certainly a rather large omission somewhere in his story. Something that didn’t add up. In any case, you’d play along for now if it meant you’d have access to something that could help you save Elric. A technique to break a weapon? You had just planned to hit Mystletainn (the sword) as hard as you possibly could. If there was an easier way to do that though, then you were all ears. You hold your hand out, offering it to Crowley.

>“You have a deal.”

“Great!” Crowley beams with happiness, and accepts your handshake. “Thank you so much, Tristain! I really am fortunate to be able to meet you!”

“Un-fucking-believable.” Butch scoffs. “You’re a nice guy and all, Tristain, but you can’t just go about making friends with everyone you meet. We’re all here to kill each other. Remember?:

“I’m afraid I have to agree with Butch.” Saoirse sighs, sheathing her sword. “This man is clearly not to be trusted. His deceitful nature is plain as day.”

“Hey!” Crowley says, taken aback by her comment. “It’s uncouth for a pretty little thing like you to go around saying such hurtful and false things! Just who do you think you are?”

“I am Saoirse, daughter of Cormac. First Sword of Sreng. Wielder of Mercurius! Call me ‘pretty little thing’ again and you may come to regret knowing me.”

The Dagdan is about to say something, but seems to catch himself at the last second as he stares at Saoirse through narrowed eyes. You believe at first that Saoirse’s threat has worked, and he was simply holding back whatever stupid comment he was about to make. But looking close enough, you’re able to make out the faintest upturn of a grin. He turns to regard you with a strange look, before clearing his throat.

“Forgive me, my friends. I appear to be having quite the strange day. In any case, I mean no harm, and I am more than grateful for your assistance in this matter. Allow me to join you. Come! Let’s deal with these fiends who have hounded me for so long!”

>Crowley has joined the party! (Tempoarily…)

>Crowley
>Level 46 Hero
HP: 60/60
STR: 42
SPD: 33
DEF: 36
RES: 20
Weapon: Windsword (+8 DMG, Ranged, targets RES when used for ranged attacks)
Skill: Bravery (Always attacks twice)

As Crowley takes lead of the group and begins marching towards the warp panel, Butch and Saoirse close in around you.

“You sure about this?” Butch whispers. “This bloke’s fucking strange.”

>“Let’s see where this goes. Strange or not, he somehow collected five badges. And I’m interested in seeing the type of warriors that could make someone like that nervous. And that technique he mentioned…I’ll have need of it.”

“Up close, he doesn’t look so tough.” Saoirse whispers back “If he tries anything strange, I’ll gut him.”

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>>6313518
>Turn 9/40
>Floor 11/40

>“This is…surprisingly nice.” The field before you is flush with life. You seem to have stumbled into some sort of dream world depiction of a farm, filled with all sorts of livestock and greenery. There are no monsters or enemies in sight, and you feel a calm soothing sensation just being here. Was this one of those reprieves Kosmas had mentioned you might encounter?

“I can’t believe we’re still in the tower…” Saoirse says in awe as she walks up to an apple tree and runs her hand against its bark.

“I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve noticed you all smell terrible, and are covered in soot and twigs.” Crowley says, shaking his head. “What exactly were the floors you went through like?”

>“Thanks for the appraisal. And yes, they were quite shitty. What was Floor 9 like?”

“It was a dingy castle.” Crowley says. “A little scary, but nothing like this.” He says with awe as his head moves on a swivel. “This is only the third floor I’ve been on, but I can hardly believe what I’m seeing. It’s incredible.”

“Alright, I’m hungry again.” Butch announces. “If we’re about to go fight some badasses, I’d prefer to do so on a full stomach.”

>“Hungry? You just ate!”

“That was 9 floors ago!” Butch argues. “If I wanna keep my strength up, I’ve gotta eat way more than that! I’ll be right back.”

As you watch Butch walk off to wrestle away some livestock, you strike up further conversation with your team’s latest acquisition.

>“Say, why haven’t these Gallowglass guys moved in on you yet? You’ve all been in Morfis for a while, no? And then there was the first stage of the contest where they could have killed you. What’s the deal there?”

“Believe me, they’d love nothing more than to do so. The Yasha have been keeping them in check for the most part. I’d kept my distance from them on the way here, and the Yasha have imposed a strict policy against violence in Morfis. They knew better than to attack me out in the open.” Crowley says. “But killing me isn’t their only goal. They’re also looking to retrieve Vaj-.”

Crowley cuts himself off with a click of the tongue, and you get the impression he might have revealed more than he would have liked.

“Sorry, it’s a foreign name that would mean nothing to you.” He chuckles. “But, in short, they wish to retrieve the treasure I’d reclaimed. You see, it is of great significance to my lineage. They won’t kill me until they can be certain they know its whereabouts. The two of them expected I’d bring it with me to compete. But seeing as how I’m twice as cunning as those fools, I did no such thing! I’ve hidden my treasure in Morfis, and plan to collect it once we leave this tower and those two are taken care of.”

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>>6313520

“You guys like pork?” Butch has returned, this time with a hog in tow. The creature may be illusory, but its squeals and writhing sure seem real enough.

“I do!” Crowley exclaims.

>“Wait, are we really going to do this?” Perhaps it was the sudden drop in adrenaline following everything else you’d just been through, but this floor seemed almost too peaceful to you. You couldn’t imagine the Yasha being nice enough to include something like this.

“Why not?” Butch asks. “I’m starved. And I can whip this boy up in no time. Look at em’ squeal! He’s gonna make for good eating.”

Saoirse returns, yawning as she lazily bites an apple in her hand. “I’m sure a small break is of no consequence.”

You let out a great big yawn yourself. It must have been contagious. You were certainly a bit hungry yourself. And it would be nice to eat something that wasn’t a monster for a change.

>A): Enjoy a meal. (MAG+LCK: 60% Success.)
>B): Insist the group moves on to the next floor.

>>6313521
>B): Insist the group moves on to the next floor.
its messing with our heads

>>6313521
>A): Enjoy a meal. (MAG+LCK: 60% Success.)
Picnic with our group why not

>>6313521
>B): Insist the group moves on to the next floor.
Nah that's the trap, it's making us tried. We gotta go and fine something on the next floors. Bet that MAG/LUCK roll is to not fall asleep entirely.

>>6313521
>B): Insist the group moves on to the next floor.
'Bring the Pig with us. We can eat it once we're out of the soporiphic trap'.

>>6313521
>>A): Enjoy a meal. (MAG+LCK: 60% Success.)

>>6313521
>B): Insist the group moves on to the next floor

Very obvious trap is obvious, please.

>>6313521
The pigs are made of people! Wake up sheeple!

>>6313521
>B): Insist the group moves on to the next floor
Fully support >>6313598 in trying to bring the pig because I want to see if we can take stuff between floors.

If they whine remind them that we gotta beat Leonora and Arios to the floor guardians at some point otherwise we'll have to climb this entire damn tower floor by floor.

>He turns to regard you with a strange look, before clearing his throat.
Cute. Fate works in strange ways, tossing him into another adventure with the child of his Crest mentee and the nephew of his most memorable (and dare I say favourite?) commander. I really really hope he manages to meet Bronte.

>>6313521
>B): Insist the group moves on to the next floor.
Yeah, feels like one of those "we eat and suddenly we've lost five turns because we decided to chill out" types of places

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>>6313521
>“No. Bring the pig with us and we’ll cook it later. We’ve been at this for hours and are only on Floor 11. We’re not just risking the Gallowglass getting away, but also Arios and Leonora. If we leave them unchecked for too long, they’ll eliminate every Floor Guardian, and we’ll be stuck having to climb every damn level of this tower.”

“Ughhhh. I’m liking this partnership less and less.” Butch lets off a great sigh of annoyance. The pig struggles to get out of the man’s considerably burly arms, but to no avail. “Where do you think you’re going? I’m not letting go of you unless it's to roast you over an open fire.”

Saoirse shrugs, not willing to press the matter any further. “I already found the panel to the next floor.” She says, letting out another yawn. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to climb a bit more. It feels as though we may be nearing the end of the first day.”

“Bravo, Tristain.” As your two allies leave to head for the panel, Crowley slaps you on the back reassuringly. “Those two are used to giving orders, not taking them. But the way you’ve got them wrangled to follow your command is proof you’re a natural born leader!”

>“Listen you little weirdo, I know you’re lying about something. I expect you to hold up to your end of the bargain when this is over.”

“Of course! I always keep my word! Of that you can be sure!”

The two of you follow Saoirse through the meadow. Even if the others wouldn’t admit it, there was definitely something wrong with this floor. Its peacefulness was a facade. You could sleep your life away in a place like this, waking up only to find that the entire competition had passed you by. You’d feel more comfortable sleeping in that jungle than you would here. Eventually, you locate the warp panel, and leave for the next floor.

>Turn 10/40
>Floor 12/40

“Ahhh, the damn pig’s gone!” Butch rages, looking left and right for his prize.

You and the others have been transported to what appears to be a coliseum. Fodlan had banned the practice of holding arena fights centuries ago, but you could still recognize such a structure when you saw it. You and your allies were sitting in a large amphitheater, where a crowd would gather to watch the fighting unfold. The stands were empty, and yet somehow the roar of the audience was still present, cheering loudly at the two fighters who were standing in the middle of the arena down below. One was one of the Dagdans you’d seen earlier, though which you were unsure of. The other was Oleg Albany, the man who you’d seen previously bickering with Uriyan.

“That’s Nathaniel!” Crowley exclaims, pointing down towards the ring. “But where’s Adam…? Oh!! Over there!”

Sure enough, the other Gallowglass was sitting in the stands opposite from where you and your party were. His eyes gaze a hole through Crowley, seemingly ignoring you.

File: Oleg Albany.png (47 KB, 200x167)

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>>6314326
Examining the arena, you find that the two fighters were not entirely alone. Scattered throughout the floor were a variety of corpses. Some were animals such as lions or hyenas, but many of them were human. Yet none were familiar to you as other contenders, giving you the impression that they were actually illusions. If the tower was able to create perfect simulacrums of animals, you were sure humans were within its capability as well. Suddenly, a bell sounds, and a voice from seemingly nowhere booms throughout the coliseum.

“Begin!”

“Ahhhhhhhhh!” Oleg roars loudly, jumping towards Nathaniel with his short sword outstretched. The Gallowglass wields a massive labrys axe over one shoulder, and is clad in his ornate bronze armor, cutting an incredibly imposing figure. He does not move, even as Oleg begins closing the distance with him. For all his bluster, Oleg moves with notable skill, and finds a gap within Nathaniel’s armor. He pushes his sword through the man’s clavicle and twists.

“Don’t look down on me, Dagdan bastard!” Oleg screams with fury. “Your kind can’t hold a candle to the greatest warriors of Fod-”

Nathaniel uses his free hand to grasp the top of Oleg’s skull. Despite having a sword lodged neatly through him, his face registers no sign of pain. Oleg twists the blade left and right, yet Nathaniel continues to grasp his head steadfast. Oleg lets go of his sword and diverts his attention to trying to pry the Gallowglass’ hand off him, but to no avail. He begins screaming, first in rage, then in total agony, until something finally pops loud enough for the entire arena to hear. The invisible crowd roars with delight as Oleg goes limp, dropping to the ground in a heap before Nathaniel.

“Contestant Number 25, Nathaniel, has defeated Contestant Number 12, Oleg, on Floor 12.” Kosmas announces.

You watch as the Gallowglass reaches down to collect Oleg’s badge from his chest. What’s left of the swordsman’s face is frozen in terror, his skull completely shattered by Nathaniel’s incredible strength. You note that the Dagdan has ceased bleeding, despite the wound given to him from Oleg’s stab.

“Alright!” Crowley says with a clap. “Now that that’s over, time for you guys to take a shot at him!”

Oleg’s body disappears once Nathaniel removes his badge, and in its place appears the floor’s warp panel. That was curious. You’d never had to do anything to unlock the panels before. Did this floor have a special condition for getting it to appear? At that moment, Adam jumps down into the arena, walking to join his companion, who has only now deigned to look up at you with his beady eyes.

“Deireadh an rathaid.” Adam says, folding his arms as he looks upon the man with displeasure. You’d never heard that language before. Was that Dagdan? It was certainly rough on the ears. “Càit a bheil an Vajra-Mushti?”

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>>6314327
“Sorry.” Crowley shrugs his shoulders and scratches his head. “I think it’s rude to speak in a language others present do not speak. Could you repeat that question in a more common tongue?”

You watch as Adam’s jaw shifts, eyes narrowing. The man was not amused by Crowley’s antics. He turns towards you, and much to your surprise, begins speaking in a language you can actually understand.

“This floor…” He says shakily. The man’s thick accent gave away that this was not a tongue he was overly familiar with. “You cannot traverse it without the spilling of blood. The warp panel will disappear soon. Go. Leave that man to his fate, and we shall not be forced to come to blows.”

>“To be honest, I wouldn’t mind coming to blows.” You grin, unsheathing your axe and aiming it towards the two Dagdans. “You guys look pretty strong. And I see you’re carrying three badges. Leaving now would be missing out on all the fun.”

The Gallowglass do not look the slightest bit intimidated by your threat.

“Go. The vampire is deceiving you. You throw away your lives.”

>“Vampire?” You’d never heard that term before. Must have been a regional insult. You shrug, turning your head towards your comrades. “Ready?”

Saoirse and Butch nod, and the three of you jump into the arena. Only, as soon as your boots touch the ground, you find that you are teleported back into the stands from which you came from.

“Party limit exceeded.” The same voice that had commenced Oleg and Nathaniel’s match earlier once more rings out. “Please adjust accordingly.”

“The hell just happened?” Butch asks.

>“I think the floor wants us to…fight fairly.”

“No…” Butch mouths in horror.

The floor’s warp panel disappears, even as Adam removes a massive two-handed sword from his back.

“You are stuck here now. Do not say you were not given due warning. If you plan to stand in our way, then hurry and meet your fate.”

“Pick me.” Saoirse says. “With those oversized weapons, those oafs will be unable to lay a finger upon me. Let us show them the power of the Crest of Indech.”

“No, pick me.” Butch says. “I want to fight, and the way I see it you owe me for the pig.”

“Well, don’t pick me.” Crowley says. “My stomach hurts.”

>Choose an ally to tag team with.

>A): Saoirse
>B): Butch
>C): Crowley

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>6314328
They play rock paper scissors for it!

>>6314328
>B): Butch
ok clay says these guys counter him so he's out of the question. i think they might have some form of regen? they probably have high def and blutgang targets res so i pick butch

>>6314328
>B): Butch
The two musclehead

>>6314342
I think it's more like they don't have any life energy for Clay to absorb, considering they show no pain. Could be some sort of Lich thing. Makes me also think they've got decent RES considering Clay doesn't seem to think chipping at them from range with his wind sword until they drop is an option.

Saoirse's stats:
HP: 50/50
STR: 25
SPD: 42
DEF: 29
RES: 25
Weapon: Mercurius (+15 ATK, Restores 15 HP per turn)
Skill: Defiant Speed (SPD% chance to avoid an attack)

Butch stats because fuck scrolling
>Butch
>Level 40 Berserker
HP: 81/81
STR: 38 + 10
SPD: 25 + 5
DEF: 28
RES: 10 + 15
Weapon: Blutgang (+13 ATK, Targets RES)
Skill: Wrath (Critical Chance: 50% when HP is below 25%)

Butch hits harder yes, but Saoirse has pretty much the same defensive stats as him.

Plus Mercurius gives regen while Blutgang doesn't, and she's nearly got a 50% chance of avoiding damage all together.

But I'm still gonna go with:
>>6314328
>B): Butch

Because I don't want to piss him off after the pig and that keeps Saoirse fresh incase we have to peel him off the floor and carry him to the nearest healing station.

Saoirse is decent though because she has a flat damage avoid, and healing so I don't mind if she wins.

>>6314328
>B): Butch